Luke 11:21-28 21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder. 23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 24 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” 28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
I read this scripture tonight with my boys. Kind of one of those times when scripture just jumps out at you and catches you. I would say convicting (and maybe it is that too), but it was more of a "this is really deep but simple" kind of feeling.
I mean take the first section: “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder. "
A lot of times we walk around like we have it all together. We build our friendships by telling them the good stuff (to make us appear "good"). We live our lives in such a way to always look "good".
We hide the bad stuff, we put up a front, we live these plastic surgeon lives that from the outside look great. But it's what is on the inside that really matters.
Some place, some day in the future, that outside shell you have built to protect you will fail.
You heard it said, "it is what's on the inside that counts or matters". It is. Nothing more, nothing less. If Christ is for you, it doesn't matter what is against you. You win! because He already fought the battle.
So my challenge would be, quit being fake.
Get some accountability and get right with God. This life didn't promise you happiness (nor do we deserve it) but there is One that promised us that (happiness) in the next one. So live with the Eternal perspective now.
Choose life, eternal life, now.
Tear down the walls.
Seek forgiveness.
Give forgiveness.
Love.
Be loved.
Be bold.
Be different.
Have bite.
Be salt.
Be different.
Mirror Christ.
Reflect the Son!
Peace
B
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The 19th Hole...
Well off to the 19th hole (as it is sometimes referred to)…
The 19th hole (the clubhouse)… where people go after their round to cool off, get a drink, have a bite to eat, talk about how awesome they played (lie), and talk about the putts they barely missed (by 8 feet).
So we invite our “friend” Sam to join us for a bite as he totals our score…
Due to the strong finish and expert guidance I ended up shooting a 70 or 2 under Par.
Sam shot a 98…
…which he informs us is good for him.
I told him for just really picking up the sport he played pretty well, but went on to say I had figured by his reactions and words out on the course he had played the sport much longer. I figured by his attitude he normally played a lot better.
Sam is just 54 years old and has just played for just over a year. He let us know his actions and words were due to his competitiveness. He picked up golf recently because he no longer played basketball or baseball due to his age.
He picked up golf because that is what people do.
…when they get older THEN they take up golf.
He dabbled in it but recently started playing once a week.
Golf and Christianity… lots of parallels.
Isn’t Sam’s story similar to the young person of today in respect to the Christian faith? Put it off till they’re older…because that’s what people do.
…“Oh I believe in God but I’m not ready to”:
- “live by those rules”
- “give up partying with my friends”
…”That’s a huge commitment”
…”I want to get all my fun out before that”
…”I’ll do it when I’m older”
…”no need to spoil my fun early”
…”I want to ‘experience’ life first”
The misconception about Christians is they:
- Have no fun
- Live by strict rules
- Are old
- are boring
Christianity by definition is: religion based on the life, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ.
Not sure, but the bible I read is anything but boring.
The commitment is for a lifetime.
A lifetime that will be filled with many challenges, lots of trials, and tons of excitement.
…Jesus died so we might live.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
…only when you accept Jesus can you truly live
…when you know Jesus, His sacrifice, His love then your life will reflect it. Not a set of legalistic rules you keep, but a faith, an example that grows stronger on a day by day basis.
…you accept the call to GO
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
…the focus shifts away from “me” and we focus instead on others
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
In golf you’re not an excellent player when you first pick up the clubs.
In the Christian faith you’re not perfect just because you accepted Christ and became a Christian.
…you WILL stumble
…you WILL mess up
BUT you are forgiven! You ARE being made “perfect” in Christ.
You have to start by starting. Don’t put it off and wait.
4 hours once a week (playing golf) will not make you significantly better. Time practicing every day will improve your game.
1 hour once a week (in Church) will not grow your relationship with Christ significantly. Time every day will develop the relationship and keep it intimate.
Don’t put off the best decision you will ever make till you’re older.
God has a plan for your life…
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Life is short…
James 4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
We never know how long we get on Earth…
Matthew 24:40-45 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Start His plan for your life…by starting
The 19th hole (the clubhouse)… where people go after their round to cool off, get a drink, have a bite to eat, talk about how awesome they played (lie), and talk about the putts they barely missed (by 8 feet).
So we invite our “friend” Sam to join us for a bite as he totals our score…
Due to the strong finish and expert guidance I ended up shooting a 70 or 2 under Par.
Sam shot a 98…
…which he informs us is good for him.
I told him for just really picking up the sport he played pretty well, but went on to say I had figured by his reactions and words out on the course he had played the sport much longer. I figured by his attitude he normally played a lot better.
Sam is just 54 years old and has just played for just over a year. He let us know his actions and words were due to his competitiveness. He picked up golf recently because he no longer played basketball or baseball due to his age.
He picked up golf because that is what people do.
…when they get older THEN they take up golf.
He dabbled in it but recently started playing once a week.
Golf and Christianity… lots of parallels.
Isn’t Sam’s story similar to the young person of today in respect to the Christian faith? Put it off till they’re older…because that’s what people do.
…“Oh I believe in God but I’m not ready to”:
- “live by those rules”
- “give up partying with my friends”
…”That’s a huge commitment”
…”I want to get all my fun out before that”
…”I’ll do it when I’m older”
…”no need to spoil my fun early”
…”I want to ‘experience’ life first”
The misconception about Christians is they:
- Have no fun
- Live by strict rules
- Are old
- are boring
Christianity by definition is: religion based on the life, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ.
Not sure, but the bible I read is anything but boring.
The commitment is for a lifetime.
A lifetime that will be filled with many challenges, lots of trials, and tons of excitement.
…Jesus died so we might live.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
…only when you accept Jesus can you truly live
…when you know Jesus, His sacrifice, His love then your life will reflect it. Not a set of legalistic rules you keep, but a faith, an example that grows stronger on a day by day basis.
…you accept the call to GO
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
…the focus shifts away from “me” and we focus instead on others
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
In golf you’re not an excellent player when you first pick up the clubs.
In the Christian faith you’re not perfect just because you accepted Christ and became a Christian.
…you WILL stumble
…you WILL mess up
BUT you are forgiven! You ARE being made “perfect” in Christ.
You have to start by starting. Don’t put it off and wait.
4 hours once a week (playing golf) will not make you significantly better. Time practicing every day will improve your game.
1 hour once a week (in Church) will not grow your relationship with Christ significantly. Time every day will develop the relationship and keep it intimate.
Don’t put off the best decision you will ever make till you’re older.
God has a plan for your life…
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Life is short…
James 4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
We never know how long we get on Earth…
Matthew 24:40-45 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Start His plan for your life…by starting
Let’s finish this round (of life) strong for eternity’s (19th hole) sake. Focusing on what impact we can have now on the course of life for Christ. We can then spend eternity (19th) doing what we were created to do…PRAISING GOD.
G.O.L.F
God
Offers
Life
Forever
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A Round of golf… …a lesson for life …for eternity
FINISH STRONG!
Prayer: Lord, please help us to number our days. Help us consider our choices have an eternal effect on us and others. Guide us to mirror You in all that we do and live every day with reckless abandon to your will and plan. We love and honor you! In Jesus name AMEN.
If you want to know more about becoming a Christian, the life that God has called you to or if you need additional resources ask your local Pastor or drop me a line.
Peace,
B
Soli Deo gloria
G.O.L.F
God
Offers
Life
Forever
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A Round of golf… …a lesson for life …for eternity
FINISH STRONG!
Prayer: Lord, please help us to number our days. Help us consider our choices have an eternal effect on us and others. Guide us to mirror You in all that we do and live every day with reckless abandon to your will and plan. We love and honor you! In Jesus name AMEN.
If you want to know more about becoming a Christian, the life that God has called you to or if you need additional resources ask your local Pastor or drop me a line.
Peace,
B
Soli Deo gloria
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Year's Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions…
Goals...
Aspirations...
Decrees…
Hopes…
Wishes…
RESOLUTION’s!
…call them what you want, but WRITE them down.
There is something about writing them down that give us a sense of ACCOUNTABILITY.
When you set your resolutions, do so with others in mind. Let’s do something this year that will make our world a little better by affecting someone else’s world for the good.
No Resolutions on here about dropping weight (we should stay healthy because our bodies are God's temple).
But here they are:
#1 Live each day as if it were my last with regard to my relationship with God.
#2 Live each day as if it were my last with regard to my relationship with my wife.
#3 Live each day as if it were my last with regard to my relationship with my boys.
#4 Live each day as if it were my last with regard to my relationship with my friends.
#5 Devour the Word (the Bible). Read it for fun, wisdom, and because i have the freedom to do so, to garner God's wisdom for my life.
#6 Pray more with my wife.
#7 Hold hands with my wife...Everyday.
#8 Hug and kiss my kids everyday.
#9 Go on a date with my wife at least once a month.
and
#10 Finish the “A round of golf…a lesson for life” blog.
Those are them.
I hope that you are moving towards the prize. My prayer is that everyone that reads (the Blog) this year will be challenged to BE what and where God needs, focused on mirroring Him to a lost and dying world.
LORD, help me to put away regrets of not becoming the person I thought I would be. This new year, help me take hold of a new attitude and a new way of thinking to become the person You intended me to be. Thank You that I can begin becoming that today! In
Jesus' name, Amen.
Let's have the resolve to move in Christ.
Today, Tomorrow and Forever!
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(Eph 4:22-24 NIV)
Peace and Love
B
Goals...
Aspirations...
Decrees…
Hopes…
Wishes…
RESOLUTION’s!
…call them what you want, but WRITE them down.
There is something about writing them down that give us a sense of ACCOUNTABILITY.
When you set your resolutions, do so with others in mind. Let’s do something this year that will make our world a little better by affecting someone else’s world for the good.
No Resolutions on here about dropping weight (we should stay healthy because our bodies are God's temple).
But here they are:
#1 Live each day as if it were my last with regard to my relationship with God.
#2 Live each day as if it were my last with regard to my relationship with my wife.
#3 Live each day as if it were my last with regard to my relationship with my boys.
#4 Live each day as if it were my last with regard to my relationship with my friends.
#5 Devour the Word (the Bible). Read it for fun, wisdom, and because i have the freedom to do so, to garner God's wisdom for my life.
#6 Pray more with my wife.
#7 Hold hands with my wife...Everyday.
#8 Hug and kiss my kids everyday.
#9 Go on a date with my wife at least once a month.
and
#10 Finish the “A round of golf…a lesson for life” blog.
Those are them.
I hope that you are moving towards the prize. My prayer is that everyone that reads (the Blog) this year will be challenged to BE what and where God needs, focused on mirroring Him to a lost and dying world.
LORD, help me to put away regrets of not becoming the person I thought I would be. This new year, help me take hold of a new attitude and a new way of thinking to become the person You intended me to be. Thank You that I can begin becoming that today! In
Jesus' name, Amen.
Let's have the resolve to move in Christ.
Today, Tomorrow and Forever!
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(Eph 4:22-24 NIV)
Peace and Love
B
Friday, December 10, 2010
Hole 18, Par 5, 525 yards...
Hole #18
Finally! Hole 18.
This has been a tremendous day with great people. Being on a golf course for 18 holes and over 4 hours definitely gives you time to become more acquainted and familiar with people. You just can't beat a good day out on the course with friends.
You get time to focus on relationships and think about what is important in life (and no I am not talking about golf).
Hole number 18 is an up and down hole. The Tee elevation is about the same as the green elevation, but the fairway....
...The elevated Tee gives way to a downward sloping fairway, only to climb back up to the green.
If I was to give you a visual description, it would be "bowl" shaped. It is a Par 5, 525 yard hole. This hole plays "short" if the Tee shot is hit correctly. If you can keep your drive in the fairway after 200 yards you will get an additional roll of 20-50 yards based on the slope of the fairway.
Well it was a good drive.
Smack dab in the middle of the fairway with a GREAT roll. That drive will leave me about a 215 yard shot into the green. Our often distempered "friend" Sam that we picked up in our group a few holes back hits a good Tee shot as well.
The second shot actually landed on the green...and stayed on!
This might be a great ending to a great day...if I can hit my putt close and follow with a birdie that would be awesome.
Sam took a couple of shots but he is "dancing" (putting) now as well.
This green is kind of tricky with its varying slopes. Turns out I have about a 10 foot putt. Sam's is about 15 feet and right behind mine. He is putting for birdie....and rolls it just past the cup (less than a foot) which leaves him a tap in for Par. The best part is he showed me the line (the way the ball will break).
My putt is in! At which cheers are heard around the course (only to realize I am the only one shouting). What a hole! That was AMAZING! My first Eagle!
Sometimes in life we receive those blessings as well.
…Admiration from a friend.
…The privilege of scoring the winning points for the team.
…The ability to make money and bless others with it.
…Good life skills that afford us the ability to “fix” things (cars, plumbing, etc) for others at no charge.
But let us not become arrogant in those things or do them for the praise. Help us to walk humbly (Micah 6:8) sharing God’s love in our own way. Help us to walk in confidence knowing God is the One who gives…
Ending a day this way sure does build some confidence in me for the next time I am out there. There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence being that I now know I am capable of playing well (improving my score). It would be easy to take the arrogant way and be prideful in the last hole...walking and talking as if I am some amazing golfer.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
I know it is easy to get off course…
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
…I could have just as easily triple bogeyed that hole if my focus had been off.
…Once again the reminder of being focused on what is important. Focus on the little things (fundamentals) and do them diligently and all things will turn out for the best.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Well we shake hands after the round and invite our new friend back to the clubhouse for something to eat.
On to the 19th hole (as it is sometimes referred).
Finally! Hole 18.
This has been a tremendous day with great people. Being on a golf course for 18 holes and over 4 hours definitely gives you time to become more acquainted and familiar with people. You just can't beat a good day out on the course with friends.
You get time to focus on relationships and think about what is important in life (and no I am not talking about golf).
Hole number 18 is an up and down hole. The Tee elevation is about the same as the green elevation, but the fairway....
...The elevated Tee gives way to a downward sloping fairway, only to climb back up to the green.
If I was to give you a visual description, it would be "bowl" shaped. It is a Par 5, 525 yard hole. This hole plays "short" if the Tee shot is hit correctly. If you can keep your drive in the fairway after 200 yards you will get an additional roll of 20-50 yards based on the slope of the fairway.
Well it was a good drive.
Smack dab in the middle of the fairway with a GREAT roll. That drive will leave me about a 215 yard shot into the green. Our often distempered "friend" Sam that we picked up in our group a few holes back hits a good Tee shot as well.
The second shot actually landed on the green...and stayed on!
This might be a great ending to a great day...if I can hit my putt close and follow with a birdie that would be awesome.
Sam took a couple of shots but he is "dancing" (putting) now as well.
This green is kind of tricky with its varying slopes. Turns out I have about a 10 foot putt. Sam's is about 15 feet and right behind mine. He is putting for birdie....and rolls it just past the cup (less than a foot) which leaves him a tap in for Par. The best part is he showed me the line (the way the ball will break).
My putt is in! At which cheers are heard around the course (only to realize I am the only one shouting). What a hole! That was AMAZING! My first Eagle!
Sometimes in life we receive those blessings as well.
…Admiration from a friend.
…The privilege of scoring the winning points for the team.
…The ability to make money and bless others with it.
…Good life skills that afford us the ability to “fix” things (cars, plumbing, etc) for others at no charge.
But let us not become arrogant in those things or do them for the praise. Help us to walk humbly (Micah 6:8) sharing God’s love in our own way. Help us to walk in confidence knowing God is the One who gives…
Ending a day this way sure does build some confidence in me for the next time I am out there. There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence being that I now know I am capable of playing well (improving my score). It would be easy to take the arrogant way and be prideful in the last hole...walking and talking as if I am some amazing golfer.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
I know it is easy to get off course…
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
…I could have just as easily triple bogeyed that hole if my focus had been off.
…Once again the reminder of being focused on what is important. Focus on the little things (fundamentals) and do them diligently and all things will turn out for the best.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Well we shake hands after the round and invite our new friend back to the clubhouse for something to eat.
On to the 19th hole (as it is sometimes referred).
Monday, September 27, 2010
Hole 17, Par 3, 201 yards...
Hole #17
Well we talked about the need to focus on the last two holes that we have in front of us, and that was never truer than right now. Sam the previously mentioned “disgruntled golfer” that was in front of us, has decided to join us for the final two holes.
Ever felt pressure to perform?
Like everyone was watching you and seeing if this “Christian” thing was any different than what they thought?
Well maybe it’s because I am tired, but I am feeling that right now.
Well on to 17…
Number 17 should be a relatively easy par 3 hole before the final Par 5 of the day. This Par 3 is uphill to the green.
I am starting to feel the 4 hours we have already spent on the course. At the end of the round the sun and exercise can start to be felt so I am a little tired at this point. Losing a little of the strength and mental sharpness I started with.
Well Sam’s Tee shot was great (he must have worked through his anger issue); mine on the other hand was less than spectacular. In fact it was about 180 yards and just long enough to miss the green (short) and roll back down the hill about 40 yards.
Well it could have been better but rather than lose my wits and thus lose my witness I shrug it off and let Sam know “I’m over it”.
…time to move up to the green and see if I can rescue par.
Well it is not just me that is tired…the battery light lit up on our way up the hill to the green…
In life we get worn down.
…we get tired
…we get frustrated
…we get upset
So what do we do at those moments? How do we handle them? How do we persevere?
If we lose our wits in those moments, it is possible to lose our witness with whoever is present.
“Preach the Gospel at all times, use words when necessary” St Francis of Assisi
They may look at us and say “Well there a Christian but there is no difference between them and me: they yell, they swear, they give into peer pressure, they conform to the same things I do”
So how do we stand out?
How can we remain the “salt” and have bite?
How can we set the positive example?
Scripture teaches a thing or two:
Are we perfect?
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Do we have help?
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Persevere?
James 1:11-12 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Training, is it needed?
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
It is just like the athlete who trains for their sport. They push themselves in practice. They push their muscles to fatigue to make them stronger. They practice till they get it right. Till they know the plays backwards and forwards, so when the pressure situation comes it will be second nature. They can then react with what they know will succeed…
…what they have practiced.
Well funny hole. I was able to keep my composure and chip it up within 6 inches of the hole and make the par putt. Sam miss-putted and had to settle for par as well. He was not as happy, all goes back to perspective.
Now on to the tricky and long Par 5 number 18!
Well we talked about the need to focus on the last two holes that we have in front of us, and that was never truer than right now. Sam the previously mentioned “disgruntled golfer” that was in front of us, has decided to join us for the final two holes.
Ever felt pressure to perform?
Like everyone was watching you and seeing if this “Christian” thing was any different than what they thought?
Well maybe it’s because I am tired, but I am feeling that right now.
Well on to 17…
Number 17 should be a relatively easy par 3 hole before the final Par 5 of the day. This Par 3 is uphill to the green.
I am starting to feel the 4 hours we have already spent on the course. At the end of the round the sun and exercise can start to be felt so I am a little tired at this point. Losing a little of the strength and mental sharpness I started with.
Well Sam’s Tee shot was great (he must have worked through his anger issue); mine on the other hand was less than spectacular. In fact it was about 180 yards and just long enough to miss the green (short) and roll back down the hill about 40 yards.
Well it could have been better but rather than lose my wits and thus lose my witness I shrug it off and let Sam know “I’m over it”.
…time to move up to the green and see if I can rescue par.
Well it is not just me that is tired…the battery light lit up on our way up the hill to the green…
In life we get worn down.
…we get tired
…we get frustrated
…we get upset
So what do we do at those moments? How do we handle them? How do we persevere?
If we lose our wits in those moments, it is possible to lose our witness with whoever is present.
“Preach the Gospel at all times, use words when necessary” St Francis of Assisi
They may look at us and say “Well there a Christian but there is no difference between them and me: they yell, they swear, they give into peer pressure, they conform to the same things I do”
So how do we stand out?
How can we remain the “salt” and have bite?
How can we set the positive example?
Scripture teaches a thing or two:
Are we perfect?
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Do we have help?
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Persevere?
James 1:11-12 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Training, is it needed?
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
It is just like the athlete who trains for their sport. They push themselves in practice. They push their muscles to fatigue to make them stronger. They practice till they get it right. Till they know the plays backwards and forwards, so when the pressure situation comes it will be second nature. They can then react with what they know will succeed…
…what they have practiced.
Well funny hole. I was able to keep my composure and chip it up within 6 inches of the hole and make the par putt. Sam miss-putted and had to settle for par as well. He was not as happy, all goes back to perspective.
Now on to the tricky and long Par 5 number 18!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Hole 16, Par 4, 398 yards...
Hole #16
Well this has been an absolutely beautiful day for golf!!
Hole 16 is a par 4, 398 yard hole and it appears we have once again caught up to the person in front of us again. Apparently after we let him ‘play through’ on #13 his game took a turn for the worse.
From the language we can hear making its way back to the tee box, and the fact he is throwing his club farther than he is hitting the ball, it appears he has lost his focus and his composure.
Focus is a pretty important part of golf… from the mental aspects down to the club itself… focus matters.
Take the driver for example. It, by design, is made to take all of the energy of the swing and direct or “focus” it on the ball. If everything is focused correctly and on line, the ball will sail straight out into the middle of the fairway. But if not… you can hit it off the “toe” or “heel” and who knows where it goes after that.
There are many things to distract you and cause you to lose focus on the course (bad shots, self confidence, people celebrating good shots, people cursing bad ones (like the golfer in front of us)).
Focus is important for the Christian as well.
What do we focus on day to day?
Do we live our lives with focus?
If we do, what is that focus on?
Our minds are the ultimate “idol” makers.
We NEED that…
I HAVE to watch this…
I HAVE to buy that…
I HAVE to be…
When really if we received the gift of eternal life, our focus should change. We should move from a ‘worldly’ focus to and ‘eternal’ one. Knowing that everything we are and everything we have comes from the Father above. We should ‘focus’ on Him.
Christ asks us to take up our cross…
Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
The cross symbolizes death, execution, punishment. When we take it up, we should know it won’t be easy but we can persevere with the right focus.
When we focus daily on serving the risen King, we have to know from His example that it will be difficult. We will mess up from time to time. But our ‘focus’ is Christ.
Who…
made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name, (Philippians 2:7-9)
We have to focus on Him… …minute by minute.
Don’t get caught up with this world and what it tells you that you need…
…when you retire.
…when you are successful.
…when you have arrived.
Focus on Christ because this life is a vapor.
James 4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
This life will pass away, but what you have done will last…eternally. Leave your mark.
Take up your cross.
FOCUS on Christ.
MIRROR Him.
Let others SEE Christ through your life.
Don’t forget that you are not your own…you were bought at a price. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Great hole! That was fun. Tricky second shot out of the sand, but salvaged par.
…on to 17…better FOCUS on the last two holes and finish strong.
Well this has been an absolutely beautiful day for golf!!
Hole 16 is a par 4, 398 yard hole and it appears we have once again caught up to the person in front of us again. Apparently after we let him ‘play through’ on #13 his game took a turn for the worse.
From the language we can hear making its way back to the tee box, and the fact he is throwing his club farther than he is hitting the ball, it appears he has lost his focus and his composure.
Focus is a pretty important part of golf… from the mental aspects down to the club itself… focus matters.
Take the driver for example. It, by design, is made to take all of the energy of the swing and direct or “focus” it on the ball. If everything is focused correctly and on line, the ball will sail straight out into the middle of the fairway. But if not… you can hit it off the “toe” or “heel” and who knows where it goes after that.
There are many things to distract you and cause you to lose focus on the course (bad shots, self confidence, people celebrating good shots, people cursing bad ones (like the golfer in front of us)).
Focus is important for the Christian as well.
What do we focus on day to day?
Do we live our lives with focus?
If we do, what is that focus on?
Our minds are the ultimate “idol” makers.
We NEED that…
I HAVE to watch this…
I HAVE to buy that…
I HAVE to be…
When really if we received the gift of eternal life, our focus should change. We should move from a ‘worldly’ focus to and ‘eternal’ one. Knowing that everything we are and everything we have comes from the Father above. We should ‘focus’ on Him.
Christ asks us to take up our cross…
Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
The cross symbolizes death, execution, punishment. When we take it up, we should know it won’t be easy but we can persevere with the right focus.
When we focus daily on serving the risen King, we have to know from His example that it will be difficult. We will mess up from time to time. But our ‘focus’ is Christ.
Who…
made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name, (Philippians 2:7-9)
We have to focus on Him… …minute by minute.
Don’t get caught up with this world and what it tells you that you need…
…when you retire.
…when you are successful.
…when you have arrived.
Focus on Christ because this life is a vapor.
James 4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
This life will pass away, but what you have done will last…eternally. Leave your mark.
Take up your cross.
FOCUS on Christ.
MIRROR Him.
Let others SEE Christ through your life.
Don’t forget that you are not your own…you were bought at a price. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Great hole! That was fun. Tricky second shot out of the sand, but salvaged par.
…on to 17…better FOCUS on the last two holes and finish strong.
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