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Arnold Palmer Championship
WEEK 12 - Day 1 – March 21, 2013
Scripture: Psalm 19: 7-9
Scripture Reading: “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.”
Thought: Without time alone with Jesus, it is virtually impossible to live a life centered-on, and compelled by Christ. Solitude begins by daily creating time and space for God and God alone. If we really believe that it is God who fills us, leads us, convicts us, and directs us in all of our daily activities, then why wouldn’t we stop each day to be with Him? As we set time aside to be with Jesus, we enter into our day more sensitive to His voice, leading, and presence in our lives.
Reflection: Where is my time and space for Jesus each day? Am I experiencing God’s presence as I walk throughout the day, or am I relying on my own strength?
Prayer: “Lord, help me make my time with you each day my #1 priority. Give me the desire and discipline to give you my undivided attention. Amen.”
Contributor: Chris Herb
WEEK 12 - Day 2 – March 22, 2013
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12
Scripture Reading: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Thought: God’s Word: Textbook or love letter? How do we approach God’s word? Is it something we “have to do” like exercise, homework, or brushing our teeth? Or, is it something we savor and enjoy like going on a date with someone we love. Do we enter into God’s word looking for information, or transformation? God’s love letter to us is in His Scripture. He desires to comfort us, bring us peace, experience His presence, and live in His joy as we let His living and active love letter pour over us.
Reflection: How do you approach scripture, as a textbook or love letter? What might it look like for you to engage with God’s word with more than your mind?
Prayer: “Jesus, as I engage with your Word today, help me open up my mind, my heart, my curiosity, my emotions, and my will to your incredible love letter written for me. Amen.”
Contributor: Chris Herb
WEEK 12 - Day 3 – March 23, 2013
Scripture: John 1:12-13
Scripture Reading: “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
Thought: Believe and receive, or earn and deserve? How do we approach our relationship with Jesus? I think we all “know” the right answer, but how does it really flesh-out in our day-to-day lives? Whether there is failure or abundant blessing, who gets the burden or credit? When we stumble in sin do we think God is going to withhold His blessing? Or when we do all the right things, do we feel as if God owes us something? God’s economy is not earn and deserve, it is believe and receive. Are we willing to release control and receive His love and plan regardless of what that means for us?
Reflection: Describe a circumstance where you are living in an “earn and deserve” mindset. Now describe a situation where you are you living in a “believe and receive” mindset.
Prayer: “God help me recognize areas in my life where I try to earn and deserve your love or blessing. Give me faith to release control and receive your plan in my life. Amen.”
Contributor: Chris Herb
WEEK 12 - Day 4 – March 24, 2013
Scripture: Psalm 17:7-9
Scripture Reading: “Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings”
Thought: We are the apple of God’s eye. But do we believe it? Do we believe that He looks down on us and smiles? Or do we think he looks at our day, picks out every mistake and scowls. God’s smile became very clear to me when my daughter Payton tried to make me pancakes. It was a train wreck. She missed ingredients, the kitchen was a mess, and the pan was burned. But did I focus on the little mistakes? No! I was delighted in the fact that her desire was to bless me! I was overjoyed. The mistakes were not the focus. But her love for her dad was as clear as day. God looks upon our lives like I looked upon Payton. Our love for Him makes Him smile.
Reflection: Do you believe you are the Apple of God’s eye? Why is this hard to believe?
Prayer: “God help us see ourselves as you see us. Help us believe that you look upon us today and smile. Amen.”
Contributor: Chris Herb
Tampa Bay Classic
WEEK 11 - Day 1 – March 14, 2013
Scripture: Luke 10:41-42
Scripture Reading: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Thought: Only one thing is needed. The one desire of our Lord’s heart is to be WITH us. Isn’t it true that the peace, love and joy that eludes the world, and sadly, us, is due to the fact that we often choose everything else over being with Jesus?
Reflection 1: During the last few weeks, how much of your undivided attention have you given to Jesus?
Reflection 2: What battles against you in choosing the one thing that matters?
Prayer: “Lord Jesus let me, right now, no matter what the circumstance, choose the one thing, YOU, above every competing thought, ambition, worry or distraction.”
Contributor: Rob Crawford
WEEK 11 - Day 2 – March 15, 2013
Scripture: Acts 4:13
Scripture Reading: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
Thought: The most important word in all the English language might be “with.” Read the scripture one more time. The same Peter who denied his Lord is now described as courageous. The same John who was passed over for rabbi school is now rivaling the most intellectual men of his day. The only thing that was different for them was that they had been with Jesus.
Reflection 1: Do you remember what you were like before you were WITH Jesus? What is one way he has transformed you like Peter or John?
Reflection 2: How can you be more aware of His “with-ness” today?
Contributor: Rob Crawford
WEEK 11 - Day 3 – March 16, 2013
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:11
Scripture Reading: “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him.”
Thought: I will never forget the day I realized that Jesus died on the cross for me. I have said the words, “Jesus died for you,” so many times since (and heard it even more) that it, sadly, does not have the same effect on me now that it did when I was 23. Still, when I let myself go there, I realize my place is right next to him on the cross. My life has no meaning apart from my identification with Jesus, particularly in laying my life down for Him.
Reflection 1: What is the image that captures your imagination when you think of Jesus on the cross?
Reflection 2: Is there a place in your life that he is asking you to lay your life down, so that you might find real and abundant life?
Contributor: Rob Crawford
WEEK 11 - Day 4 – March 17, 2013
Scripture: Mark 12:30
Scripture Reading: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Thought: A friend of mine says that Jesus wants what matters most to us – our hearts. I think he wants even more than that! The great news is that our Lord is very patient. In fact, he will wait until you are ready to give him that (whatever that is for you) piece of your life. I guess the question I have to ask myself is, “What am I waiting for?”
Reflection 1: Is there an area of your life that has a hard time loving the Lord? For example: do you find it difficult to love him in your work (your strength), by studying his word in depth (your mind), by being passionate (your soul) with your love for him or by putting him above other desires (your heart)?
Reflection 2: How do you love the Lord best?
Contributor: Rob Crawford
WGC Cadillac Championship & Puerto Rico Open
WEEK 10 - Day 1 – March 7, 2013
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10
Scripture Reading: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Thought: Here God is calling to Jacob and to Israel – “do not fear,” “do not be dismayed,” for I will lift you up and protect you from anything coming your way. What an awesome, loving God! The scriptures repeatedly single out “fear” as a worthless, worldly concern that God simply has NO time for. He doesn’t recommend that we let go of our earthly fears, He commands it!
Reflection 1: What did you wake up worrying about this morning? Ask God to ease your burden.
Reflection 2: How can you catch yourself when fear becomes too much? Turn to the Lord. He promises that he will uphold us with a more powerful hand than any concern on this earth! Take joy and rest in that.
Prayer: “Lord Father, we trust in You and Your plan, not ours. It is so incredible to know that even though I am such a broken sinner, you have my back. I thank you for that and I love you for that. Help me today to trust in You, to let go of my earthly worries and fears, and set my sights on your Eternal Kingdom!”
Contributor: Kevin Streelman
WEEK 10 - Day 2 – March 8, 2013
Scripture: Mark 10:14-15
Scripture Reading: “When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Truth: Entrance into God’s kingdom, by faith, is compared to being a child: helpless, unable to provide for ourselves, and completely dependent on the mercy and grace of God.
Thought: As most of us continue on in our adult lives, we often look at children and remember how good they’ve got it - they find joy in most everything, they haven’t been jaded by this broken world, they are completely honest in their thoughts and actions, and they depend on those that love them to care for them. That is what our Lord wants of us - to depend totally on Him and share completely in His love. So approach your day with a “childlike” joyful and humble outlook, a serving attitude, and a soul dependent on Him..
Reflection: What can I change in myself so that He can see my childlike dependence on Him? How can I serve as an example so that others may notice these changes and also pursue them?
Prayer: “Lord, please help me to recognize the childlike behaviors that I have lost and please help me to especially develop them again in my relationship with You. I know that You are in control of my life and I pray that my dependence on you is unwavering and complete. Amen.”
Contributor: Kevin Streelman
WEEK 10 - Day 3 – March 9, 2013
Scripture: Philippians 1:21-24
Scripture Reading: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
Thought: We all (well, some of us) know the feeling of hitting the sweet spot on a golf club, but who knows the feeling of finding the sweet spot in life? Paul did. Here he is sitting in a Roman jail, having an honest conversation with himself, admitting that it would be SO much better to let go of this world and go spend eternity with the Lord. But he catches himself to say, “No, not yet, I have a job here, a very important job, and for now I am going to trust in God’s plan.” Paul was “All In.” Are we?
Reflection 1: What am I making too important on this earth today?
Reflection 2: What am I not giving enough importance to today?
Prayer: “Lord Father, please help me today to get to a place in my life where status and money hold no significance. You are my significance. I believe in Your Life and Resurrection and the incredible world to come. For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever, Amen.”
Contributor: Kevin Streelman
WEEK 10 - Day 4 – March 10, 2013
Scripture: John 13:34-35
Scripture Reading: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Thought: We find this passage after the washing of the disciples’ feet, the prediction of Judas’ betrayal, and the assurance of Peter’s denial. In the midst of total chaos surrounding the final free night of Jesus’ life, he makes sure to sit down the remaining followers to say, “Listen, this is real important, I command you to go love one another, as I have loved you, unconditionally!” I find it critical that if this is one of the last things that Jesus says to his disciples in teaching, then it is something we need to take very seriously. Love heals, love transcends, love forgives, and love represents our faith in someone who came here to sacrifice everything so that we could have everything.
Reflection 1: Who can I show love to today that I normally would try to avoid?
Reflection 2: What character flaw prohibits me from forgiving and loving others as I am commanded?
Prayer: “Lord Father, please make someone prevalent in my walk today that needs to be shown love. Please give me the opportunity to demonstrate your grace through my love for another person this day. Allow me the honor of representing your Kingdom today through some simple acts of kindness and love. Thank you for first showing that love to me. Amen.”
Contributor: Kevin Streelman
The Honda Classic
WEEK 9 - Day 1 – February 28, 2013
Scripture: Scripture: Genesis 3:21
Scripture Reading: “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”
Thought: The first physical deaths on this earth should have been Adam and Eve; they sinned and earned that punishment. But God chose to kill an animal to cover their nakedness. This is a picture of what was to come - God’s willingness to accept imperfect substitutes in order to cover our individual transgressions, and eventually providing the one true and perfect sacrifice to redeem us all.
Reflection 1: Are you often tempted to “cover” your own sins, to make things right through your own means?
Reflection 2: What are the things that keep you from running to the perfect offering that is Jesus Christ?
Prayer: “Lord, thank you for dying for me! Help me seek your providence in my life instead of taking things into my own hands.”
Contributor: Gary Randle
WEEK 9 - Day 2 – March 1, 2013
Scripture: Acts 16:23-30
Scripture Reading: “He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Thought: God is looking for volunteers. Are you in? The Jailer in Acts 16 watched the way Paul and Silas suffered. This suffering was used by God to show the jailer a picture of tried and true faith. And he wanted in. God is looking for volunteers. There will be many tests, an almost certain guarantee of difficulty and there might even be some suffering. So let me rephrase that - God is looking for volunteers with faith of substance who are ready to be tested. Are you “all in”?
Reflection 1: It was not that Paul and Silas suffered, but that their testimony was highlighted by their suffering. That was their testimony. How is your witness affected by your attitude through suffering?
Reflection 2: If salvation is the goal, how can you use present difficulty as an active part of your testimony?
Prayer: “Lord, I am available to be used by you. Let others see your grace in my life through the way I respond to hardship. May your grace be abundant in my weakness.”
Contributor: Gary Randle
WEEK 9 - Day 3 – March 2, 2013
Scripture: Habakkuk 2:3
Scripture Reading: “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Thought: Friends, today ask yourselves: are you willing to wait on God? He has called us to be steadfast though the revelation (also translated as vision) may tarry. Truly, the only thing more difficult than waiting on God is wishing that you had.
Reflection 1: What pace has God set for your life?
Reflection 2: What has God said yes to? Yes, but later? How do you pray “in the mean time” prayers?
Prayer: “Lord, my eyes are on you. I pray for your will to be done in each season of my life.”
Contributor: Gary Randle
WEEK 9 - Day 4 – March 3, 2013
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1
Scripture Reading: “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over.”
Thought: This passage is a model for godly women, an encouragement for the wives of lost husbands and an incredible testament to the power of the Gospel. Submission combined with the Godly principals of modesty, meekness, and respect are the strongest evangelical tools we have in our uncovered households (literally or in other cases of ungodly authority outside of the home). The way to win them for Christ is not by what we say, but through how we live the most intimate moments of our lives.
Reflection 1: What are your unsaved authorities seeing in your life? Are they seeing purity and grace or someone looking to fit in?
Reflection 2: Are you consciously working on your character?
Prayer: “Lord, lead me to be a living testimony in my most private moments with those who guide me, and I pray that you will soften their hearts to the Gospel working within me.”
Contributor: Gary Randle
WGC - Accenture Match Play
WEEK 8 - Day 1 – February 21, 2013
Scripture: Scripture: Matthew 10:30
Scripture Reading: “God even knows how many hairs are on your head.”
Thought: Do you have any idea how much God loves you? You were created by Him and for Him. He created every part of you. He knit you together in your mother’s womb. All the tiny little details, made by Him. Your smile, personality, sweet golf swing! If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. Whenever you want to talk, he’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and he chose to live in your heart.
Reflection 1: How does it feel to know that God is crazy about you?
Reflection 2: How will God’s love for you affect your day today on the course?
Contributor: Brent Cunningham
WEEK 8 - Day 2 – February 22, 2013
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:10
Scripture Reading: “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Thought: Are you listening? Do you hear God’s voice? John 8:47 says “He who belongs to God hears what God says.” That’s pretty powerful. How do you hear him? His voice is often quiet…a whisper….Are we quiet enough in our life to hear that still, small voice?
God has promised you that He is always with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He lives IN you. One of His greatest desires is for you to talk to Him, listen to Him, and be aware of Him. When you look at His beauty all around you today, be aware of His presence. As you play golf with some great men, are you aware of His presence? As you smell the grass, hear the sounds of birds, feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face, are you aware of His presence? Do you hear His voice? He is with you today!
Reflection 1: When do you hear God the most? When is His voice the loudest?
Reflection 2: What things try to drown out the voice of God in your life?
Contributor: Brent Cunningham
WEEK 8 - Day 3 – February 23, 2013
Scripture: Matthew 22:36-40
Scripture Reading: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Thought: The Purpose of Life? Deep in every heart you’ll find it; a longing for meaning, a quest for purpose. As surely as a child breathes, he will someday wonder, “What is the purpose of my life?” Some search for meaning in a career. “My purpose is to be a dentist.” It is a fine vocation, but hardly a justification for existence. They opt to be a human “doing” rather than a human “being.” Who they are is what they do; consequently they do a lot. They work many hours because if they don’t work, they don’t have an identity. For others, who they are consists of what they have. They find meaning in a new car or a new house or new clothes. These people are great for the economy and rough on the budget because they are always seeking meaning in something they own. Others try finding life in sports, entertainment, sex, you can fill in the blank. Our meaning and fulfillment in life comes from living out the great commandment: “To love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.”
Reflection 1: Do you know people who search for meaning in a career?
Reflection 2: How can God use you on the PGA tour to help others in learning that real LIFE comes from living out Matthew 22:36-40?
Contributor: Brent Cunningham
WEEK 8 - Day 4 – February 24, 2013
Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30
Scripture Reading: “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit and you will be able to get some rest. Yes, the teaching I ask you to accept is easy; the Load I give you to carry is light.”
Thought: Paul had an interesting observation about the way we treat people. He said it about marriage, but the principle applies in any relationship. “The man who loves his wife loves himself,” (Ephesians 5:28). There is a correlation between the way you feel about yourself and the way you feel about others. If you are at peace with yourself – if you like yourself - you will get along with others. The converse is also true. If you don’t like yourself, if you are ashamed, embarrassed, or angry, other people are going to know it. Which takes us to the question, “How does a person get relief?” Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Jesus says He is the solution for weariness of the soul.
Reflection 1: How is your relationship with your wife? Explain
Reflection 2: How do you feel about yourself?
Contributor: Brent Cunningham
Northern Trust Open
WEEK 7 - Day 1 – February 14, 2013
Scripture: Scripture: Mark 6:48-49
Scripture Reading: “...He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out.”
Thought: Here’s the story. Jesus makes his disciples get into a boat and go to the other side. When they get into the boat, a storm comes up. Jesus is watching them the entire time. Jesus sees that they are terrified and he goes to them. However, they become even more terrified because they thought Jesus was a ghost.
How many times in our lives do we have a situation come up that is too frightening to face? In reality, Jesus has allowed us to go through that situation for a reason, and He shows up and we don’t even notice. His challenge to his disciples, and His challenge to us, is that He is always with us. Let us not mistake the Son of God for a ghost!
Reflection 1: When has been the most recent time in your life where you have been scared or terrified of something?
Reflection 2: Looking at that situation, is there evidence that Jesus may have been in the midst of it?
Prayer: “Help us, Jesus, to see that You are with us, You know us, and give us confidence with Your words, ‘It is I, be not afraid.’”
Contributor: Ryan Adams
WEEK 7 - Day 2 – February 15, 2013
Scripture: John 3:12
Scripture Reading: “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things.”
Thought: I am in the middle of working on my MBA. Yesterday, I was studying for a “Corporate Finance” exam and came to a problem that even with all my brainpower, I could not solve. I searched everything on the Internet, looked through textbooks, and exhausted my resources. After asking someone else, I realized the answer to the problem was a formula I learned when I was in 9th grade.
Sometimes taking the next step in our faith is much like how I solved this problem. I had to start at the basics. We need to be grounded in the basics of our faith. Simple things such as Bible study, scripture memory, prayer, fellowship, are all basics for faith. Having a foundation of our faith allows us to understand further the mystery of who God is.
Reflection 1: Do you feel like you practice the basics of understanding your faith? (Bible study, prayer, scripture memory, fellowship).
Reflection 2: What is one “basic” of your faith that can make a foundation for your spiritual life this week?
Prayer: “Jesus, bring me a passion in my heart for your Word, your community, and knowing who You are.”
Contributor: Ryan Adams
WEEK 7 - Day 3 – February 16, 2013
Scripture: Philippians 4:8
Scripture Reading: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”
Thought: Thinking is such a key part to our day. It is said that each human being can have up to 60,000 thoughts per day. How many of those thoughts are thoughts that Paul talks about in this passage. Keeping our minds set on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and so on, may seem difficult, but Jesus gives us the ability through His Spirit. As we put forth an effort to think on these things, we are promised that we will be given a peace from God above that is unlike any other peace.
Reflection 1: What do the majority of your thoughts consist of? Are they from positive things or negative things?
Reflection 2: What is one area of your life in which you can begin to think on the things mentioned in this passage, and start today?
Prayer: “Spirit, please help me to think on positive things, that I might set my mind on the things that you want me to dwell on.”
Contributor: Ryan Adams
WEEK 7 - Day 4 – February 17, 2013
Scripture: Luke 8:39
Scripture Reading: “Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.”
Thought: One of the things that I love is getting to sit with my family at the end of the day at our kitchen table. The kitchen table is a place that is known for great conversations, sometimes over dinner, sometimes over a cup of coffee. The kitchen table is an intimate place, a place to share one’s heart. In this passage, someone’s life had just been changed by Jesus. Jesus encouraged this person to go back to his house and describe what God had done. This is encouragement for us, too. Kitchen tables are not just a place to talk, but a place to share with our families what God has done in our life..
Reflection 1: Write down as many things that come to mind that God has done in your life.
Reflection 2: Take that list to your kitchen table the next time you have dinner with your family and share the list of what God has done in your life.
Prayer: “Father, help me to remember and be thankful for all that You have done and are doing in my life.”
Contributor: Ryan Adams
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
WEEK 6 - Day 1 – February 7, 2013
Scripture: Scripture: Luke 10: 29-37
Scripture Reading: “A man was traveling… attacked by bandits…left half dead… Samaritan came along… saw the man… felt deep compassion…. soothed his wounds… carried him on his own donkey … to an inn… paid innkeeper to care for him.”
Thought: When the “crisis of the moment” takes center stage leaving our “to do list” unfinished, sometimes we become discouraged or annoyed.
The Good Samaritan, following his own “to do” list, saw a man robbed of his wealth, beaten and left for dead. His first response: compassion resulting in action. Changing his own plans, he cared for and transported the suffering man to a nearby inn to recover. I’m pretty sure “taking care of a man left for dead” was not on his “to do list” that day. Yet, his actions pleased God.
Reflection: God’s “to do list” for you today may include interruptions. Ask Him for eyes to see these events as moments that Christ’s compassion can shine through you.
Prayer: “Lord, help me to see others through Your eyes of compassion.”
Contributor: Ruth Moody, wife of Larry Moody, PGA Tour Chaplain
WEEK 6 - Day 2 – February 8, 2013
Scripture: James 1:5
Scripture Reading: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Thought: A little boy was trying to lift a large rock. Underneath was his toy. Pushing with all his might, he couldn’t move it.
Watching nearby his wise parent asked, “Are you using ALL your strength?”
“Oh, yes,” he replied.
His parent replied, “No, I don’t think so. You haven’t asked me to help.”
Together, they moved the rock.
How often has a “rock” (problem of the day) caused you to declare defeat? God desires to give you wisdom so that you can tackle the difficulties. God is not sitting on the rock mocking your efforts. He patiently waits for you to come to Him for help.
Reflection 1: Talking to God is the first step toward wisdom. Tap into his abundant resources so you can have victory over the large and small “rocks” in your life.
Reflection 2: God doesn’t always move the rocks.
Prayer: “Lord, thank you for the rocks in my life. Give me wisdom in handling them. I give you the glory that will come as a result. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Contributor: Ruth Moody, wife of Larry Moody, PGA Tour Chaplain
WEEK 6 - Day 3 – February 9, 2013
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:7
Scripture Reading: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Thought: “Intentional” easily summarizes this verse. In golf, you benefit from those who have gone before you. You have listened, learned and improved your game. You spend hours swinging clubs, getting fit, and playing. You are intentional. Take that diligence and repeat it in the lives of children, whether in your own or in someone else’s. Show and tell of God’s unconditional love. Share what you know. The world shares its ungodly views every day in thousands of ways. You are impacting the next generation now. Choose actions and words that draw people closer to God, not push them away.
Reflection 1: If you want to pass on God’s truths and love, you must spend time getting to know Him and his Word.
Reflection 2: Be intentional about sharing with the next generation.
Prayer: “Lord, help me speak truth with grace to those who are following in my footsteps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Contributor: Ruth Moody, wife of Larry Moody, PGA Tour Chaplain
WEEK 6 - Day 4 – February 10, 2013
Scripture: Philippians 4:6,8
Scripture Reading: “Don’t worry about anything: Pray about everything. “One final thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Think about the things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Thought: In contention to win it all on Sunday, a player was struggling with nervousness and negative thoughts. Asking for a word of wisdom, I reminded him of the verses above. We said a prayer asking God to take away the fears and give the player wisdom and peace for the round. Immediately upon finishing the prayer we were reminded of a song we had heard recently. During the round the player sang “The Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns over and over. He chose not to dwell on the lies and thoughts of failure running through his mind earlier, but instead he gave God his anxiety and focused on the truth that he had the skills and experience to win it all. At the end of the round he had won convincingly.
Reflection 1: Worry drags us down and often is a result of lack of trust. Declare your dependence on God and through prayer turn those fears and negative thoughts over to Him.
Reflection 2: Let your mind rest and reflect on positive thoughts and the promises of God.
Prayer: “Lord, help me to give You my fears and doubts. May the voice of truth chase the lies far from me and may I fill my mind with thoughts excellent and worthy of praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Contributor: Larry Moody, PGA Chaplain
Waste Management Phoenix Open
WEEK 5 - Day 1 – January 31, 2013
Scripture: Galatians 5:1 (J.B. Phillips Translation)
Scripture Reading: “Plant your feet firmly therefore within the freedom that Christ has won for us, and do not let yourselves be caught again in the shackles of slavery.”
Thought: I remember, as a kid, my brother and I would tie each other up with ropes and knots of various sizes just to see if the other could get out. Each time, we’d tie the ropes a little bit tighter and make the knots a little bit stronger…in the end, neither of us could wiggle loose on our own; we always needed the help of the other to get out. The ropes [shackles] that we wear today come in many different sizes: addiction, frustration, fear, anger, abuse, desire, and success to name a few. These shackles keep us from living the life God created; however there is great power, authority, and better yet…FREEDOM in the name of Jesus.
Reflection 1: What has held you captive today, this week, or this past year?
Reflection 2: What does “planting your feet firmly” look like for you today?
Prayer: “In the name of Jesus, I ask for forgiveness for allowing myself to be bound by _______. I receive your forgiveness, and rebuke _________ from controlling me ever again. I replace that shackle of ___________ with (the opposite), and thank you for setting me free.”
Contributor: AJ Pitkin
WEEK 5 - Day 2 – February 1, 2013
Scripture: Romans 8:37 (J.B. Phillips Translation)
Scripture Reading: “No, in all these things we win an overwhelming victory through him who has proved his love for us.”
Thought: In my lifetime, I have experienced many losses. When I was in 8th grade, I was on the wrestling team, and we used to joke that I knew how many tiles were on the ceiling because I got pinned so often! If there were a game plan and scorebook for my life, it would be riddled with losses, not to mention all the loss (immorality, strife, pain and tragedy) we see in the world today! There are days when I feel like no matter how many single wins or steps I take forward, I always take two back. But loss is not in God’s game plan. In fact, another translation puts it this way, “through His power, we are more than conquerors!”
Reflection 1: Do you truly believe that through the Holy Spirit, you have the power to rip off every hindrance and chain in which you’ve been bound? How does that shift your game plan for today?
Reflection 2: The physical realm judges us based on our wins to losses ratio. What are you willing to lose today so you can have victory in the spiritual realm?
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank you for interceding on our behalf, for sending your Son to fight the battles we couldn’t on our own, and for ripping off every hindrance and chain by which we’ve been bound.”
Contributor: AJ Pitkin
WEEK 5 - Day 3 – February 2, 2013
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:9 (J.B. Phillips Translation)
Scripture Reading: “For He has rescued us from all that is really evil and called us to a life of holiness – not because of any of our achievements but for his own purpose.”
Thought: Have you ever watched one of those shows on HGTV where they go in and completely restore a room or a house? Maybe you’ve even taken an old piece of furniture that was otherwise rendered useless and given it new purpose. There’s something special about watching or being a part of physical transformation. Likewise, in Christ, we have received a restorative purpose (our old life is gone, the new has come) and in this passage we see that God has called each of us to a noble and expansive assignment. Through Christ’s power and restoration, we have been given the opportunity to join Him in His story and on His path.
Reflection 1: What is your purpose? How has God uniquely gifted you to love Him and others?
Reflection 2: Find someone today, encourage them in their gifts, and tell them how you’ve seen them “restored.”
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank you for continually doing a new work in me. Please remove any fear or insecurity that keeps me from using my gifts. I ask today for confidence and perseverance to love you and others more than I love myself.”
Contributor: AJ Pitkin
WEEK 5 - Day 4 – February 3, 2013
Scripture: Mark 10:42-45 (J.B. Phillips Translation)
Scripture Reading: “Jesus called them all to him, and said, ‘You know that the so-called rulers in the heathen world lord it over them, and their great men have absolute power. But it must not be so among you. No, whoever among you wants to be great must become the servant of you all, and if he wants to be first among you he must be the slave of all men! For the Son of Man himself has not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life to set many others free.’”
Thought: There’s a Young Life camp, not too far from where I live, that embodies this passage. Thousands of kids come through the camp every summer, and they all experience one of the best weeks of their life. Why? It’s not because of the high ropes course, or the lake, the horses, or the giant swing and rock-wall, the resort style cabins with heated floors, or the all-you-can-eat-meals. It’s not even because they’re with 400 of their friends getting to hear the greatest love story ever told. It’s because of what they’ll never see, or even give credit to – the 100 volunteers and staff it takes working tirelessly every week providing those things, so that kids can see and experience Jesus in excellence! Imagine what our world would look like if we served like that daily!
Reflection 1: Do you want to be great? How then can you serve those around you?
Reflection 2: Find three people you can serve today, “behind the scenes,” without asking them what they need.
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son and for humbling yourself on the cross. I ask that my success and greatness would stem out of adoration for you and that you would be glorified…not me.”
Contributor: AJ Pitkin
