Giving Others Loving Fellowship (G.O.L.F.) requires a real commitment!
If we're not ready to become transparent and available to truly love someone, then G.O.L.F. may not be for you.
Our last post was about engaging with this new friend of mine from our Sunday School class, neighbor (a driver's distance away - measured it - 329 yards - close) and a golfer. So, let's implement the Challenge Golf Association's (CGA) caddie program and mentor/disciple Mike (forgot to mention his name).
Our original meeting was at the driving range a few days before and, importantly, Mike agreed to meet with me to become better acquainted with each other and delve into the Bible a bit. I followed up by sending him a link through www.BibleGateway.com asking him to read it and be ready to discuss it's contents.
Honestly, as I was driving over, I thought, well, he won't be there, or ready, "what am I doing"? But, I broke through that with a quick prayer and knocked on his door. After being tackled by his dog (no, really, both feet on my crotch in full gallup - nice ice breaker) we sauntered through his lovely home on the 4th green at Indian Hills and sat down under an overcast sky, but, clear and comfortable temperature.
"So, how's it going, Mike."
"Well, as good as it get's under the circumstances."
The normal response would be, "Oh, ok, well, let's get into this Bible thing." But, no, this is a relationship building experience so the right response was, "What do you mean?"
If we're not ready to become transparent and available to truly love someone, then G.O.L.F. may not be for you.
Our last post was about engaging with this new friend of mine from our Sunday School class, neighbor (a driver's distance away - measured it - 329 yards - close) and a golfer. So, let's implement the Challenge Golf Association's (CGA) caddie program and mentor/disciple Mike (forgot to mention his name).
Our original meeting was at the driving range a few days before and, importantly, Mike agreed to meet with me to become better acquainted with each other and delve into the Bible a bit. I followed up by sending him a link through www.BibleGateway.com asking him to read it and be ready to discuss it's contents.
Honestly, as I was driving over, I thought, well, he won't be there, or ready, "what am I doing"? But, I broke through that with a quick prayer and knocked on his door. After being tackled by his dog (no, really, both feet on my crotch in full gallup - nice ice breaker) we sauntered through his lovely home on the 4th green at Indian Hills and sat down under an overcast sky, but, clear and comfortable temperature.
"So, how's it going, Mike."
"Well, as good as it get's under the circumstances."
The normal response would be, "Oh, ok, well, let's get into this Bible thing." But, no, this is a relationship building experience so the right response was, "What do you mean?"
This is critical!! We had a thirty minute discussion about his son, his daughter, his wife, what's been happening over the past several years, the transition from his 32-year job as a sales manager for a large container company with whom he "has not had to have a personal vehicle for the past 30 years" due to his status in the company. Contrary to my "Bull in a China Shop demeanor", I listened and listened, contributed a little, but, listened, listened and listened some more. I'm 63. He's 65, but, with a 24 year old son and older daughter. I have 5 children, 23 - 37 so the majority of our conversation related to the kids and lessons learned as well as challenges upcoming. It was awesome!! We even prayed a couple of times during this.
Finally, we got to reading Mark 1 and in my own inimitable style expanded on many of the items we came across. Isaiah, John the Baptist, The Baptism of Jesus, The Good News, Calling the Disciples, Driving out Impure Spirits and Healing, Healing, Healing.... Wow, there's so much in there.
What was the reason Jesus came?? He tells us right near the bottom of this chapter....
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Mark 1:38.
Jesus came to preach the Good News of the Kingdom.... that He IS the Kingdom. He is the Messiah. He is the one the Jews had been waiting for to reconcile the relationship between God and man.
That's pretty good news.
Mike and i finished our time together and prayed together that the Lord would continue to allow us to meet, grow our relationship and invigorate us by His Holy Spirit to be His Ambassadors in His Kingdom.
Next Monday, next meeting.
Blessings all.
In Him
Bill
Finally, we got to reading Mark 1 and in my own inimitable style expanded on many of the items we came across. Isaiah, John the Baptist, The Baptism of Jesus, The Good News, Calling the Disciples, Driving out Impure Spirits and Healing, Healing, Healing.... Wow, there's so much in there.
What was the reason Jesus came?? He tells us right near the bottom of this chapter....
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Mark 1:38.
Jesus came to preach the Good News of the Kingdom.... that He IS the Kingdom. He is the Messiah. He is the one the Jews had been waiting for to reconcile the relationship between God and man.
That's pretty good news.
Mike and i finished our time together and prayed together that the Lord would continue to allow us to meet, grow our relationship and invigorate us by His Holy Spirit to be His Ambassadors in His Kingdom.
Next Monday, next meeting.
Blessings all.
In Him
Bill
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