In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God… (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)
Sweat poured down my forehead into my eyes. After 144 holes, I’d failed to qualify for the PGA Tour. I was spent.
The following year, along with Tony Jacklin, Orville Moody and about 500 other young pros, I tried again. Tony and Orville gained their cards and went on to win majors. After three rounds, I felt hopeless. I couldn’t keep the ball on the course.
My brother, Babe, who was playing the PGA Tour, called me that night and gave me a lesson, one he’d learned from Tommy Bolt. “You gotta plan those shots, son,” Bolt had told Babe. “Don’t scatter ’em.”
Those were the right words at the right time. I rested well that night and when I signed my card three days later, I’d earned entrance to the PGA Tour.
I’ve had an opportunity to visit the White House and meet a U.S. President there on in two different occasions. But even with heavy security, it’s easier to get entrance into the White House than to gain entrance onto the PGA Tour!
Has it ever occurred to you there’s an entrance requirement at the gate of heaven? We read about it in Psalm 100: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Be thankful unto him…”
Jesus directed his followers to the Father when he taught them to pray, beginning with “Our Father.” He invites us into his presence, today. How many of us enter his gates with thanksgiving?
Is there a better time than the present? In everything give thanks…
—
Jim Hiskey
March 21, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.