GOLFER - DISCIPLE-MAKER PART 3

​The Masters!! The Masters for goodness sakes. First time and I don't have a hotel room or a clue as to how things work, where you park, what gate to enter, etc. etc??

Who cared? It was the Masters and I was there. I had a four-day ticket, which is unthinkable, so, of course, I went every day. I, honestly, can't remember exactly what my impressions were as it was so long ago, but, the memories I do have center around the clubhouse as I was dodging back and forth looking for the PGA Tour Chaplain whom I finally found. Our meeting was about 10 - 15 minutes. He encouraged me, but, was non-committal on any relationship we might have in the future. I was a bit disappointed, but, maybe I expected too much. I later found I expected too much most times there was a ministerial opportunity.

The Masters was one of the most incredible events I had ever attended. I'll also admit that I imbibed a bit too much on Saturday while standing behind the 16th Tee Box for almost 6 hours. Nothing crazy happened during that time except the amazing visualization of tee balls exploding off of the Pros' clubfaces and the trajectory of the shots. It was amazing. What an experience!!

I was very interested in following Bobby Clampett as he was an amateur, the top amateur in the world as far as I knew, and, for some reason, I wanted to watch him play while I had the opportunity. This would pan out to be an evidence of God's leading in the future.

Funny, as I was driving away from Augusta National on Saturday, I stopped at a convenience store and passed Scott Simpson as he walked out of the store. He was buying some beer and snacks. Ha, I didn't have the courage to say anything to him.

My time at the Masters was incredible, but, honestly, it had very little impact on what I believed the Lord was calling me to do with Kingdom Corporate Golf.

One of the things I hadn't thought about including in these stories, but, just hit me, was "who was I during that time and what was the Lord doing to and through me?" Here I was seeking God's guidance, His blessing and His providence regarding this ministerial idea, but, didn't recognize until just now that I was not in any way worthy of any of these things.

Why do I say that?

Well for one thing, the Lord had told me I was going to be an agent for Christian golfers and I told God that was ridiculous! I ignored what He told me and walked in a different direction; my direction.

Secondly, what was my private life like? OK, get ready cause I'm gonna get transparent here.....

I was a mess! I was a Believer in Jesus Christ. I was reading the Bible and having regular devotionals or private time with Him. I was attending church and fellowship groups. I was reading the Bible with my children and getting to know our Chaplain at our Base. I was a Christian, y'know!!

I was a fraud!! Again, it's so long ago I can't remember everything, but, what was my private life like? What was my character? I was incredibly selfish. I had a lust problem. I had a drinking problem. Did I say how selfish I was??

​God tests us to see if our character is pure. “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart” (Proverbs 17:3

I look back on that time and now realize why the Lord was hesitant to bless me and my ideas. I wasn't surrendered to Him, really.

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