In everything give thanks… (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)
Like two-sided tape, golf connects people, glues them together. Sometimes for decades.
Years ago I played golf at the Stanford University golf course with the student body president, Scott McBride. During those four hours we laid the cement of friendship that has lasted for more than 40 years.
Golf played a part of Scott’s introduction to Jesus, who became the foundation of his life. He married Ruth, parented a 6’10 son, John, and a gorgeous daughter, Laura, and is now a proud grandfather of five.
Scott has a passion to use his golf for the kingdom of God, reaching men and women who enjoy the game, just as we drew it up so many years ago with the S in each Links Player’s mission: “Share Christ through the great game of golf.” It brings Jesus’ Great Commission right into the middle of our recreation together.
When I think of Scott today, I’m reminded of Paul’s mini-prayer for the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (1:3 KJV). I like to give thanks for Scott when he comes to mind.
Now Scott and two friends have formed an informal fellowship at their golf community in Southern California. They call their fellowship of golfers Beyond the Game. Though their club hosts a small Bible study, their mission has been to reach out to more than 100 ardent golfers in their Men’s Association in hopes that many of these men will “discover real life outside of golf.” They called upon Links Players president Jeffrey Cranford and PGA Tour winner Frank Beard, who both live in the area, to help them launch their first meeting. It was a great day, and the group now averages about 30 in attendance.
I thank God for Scott, his two brothers, the Links Players staff and every Links Player. I thank him for all who use their golf for purposes of the kingdom of God, starting with introducing their golfing friends to Jesus.
Will you pause with me a moment and think of someone (or more) to give thanks for—someone who you care for, someone who cares for you, someone who is faithfully doing kingdom work?
—
Jim Hiskey
August 22, 2014
Copyright 2014 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.