Congratulations, Bubba! Keep the Fire Burning!

It’s a beautiful morning in Ohio.  After preaching five services this weekend, my wife, youngest daughter and I are on our way to visit our oldest daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter!  I can hardly wait to see them!

As we began our trip last evening, I was following the Masters, which is one of my favorite golf tournaments.  At the end of the day a former Georgia Bulldog from Florida by the name of Bubba Watson, won the tournament.  He is 33 years old, and a strong believer in Jesus Christ.  If you go to his Twitter home page, his bio reads like this:  Christian.  Husband.  Daddy.  Pro Golfer.  Owner of General Lee 1.  Note the order.  It’s profound. 

I think it is equally worth noting some of his recent tweets.  Saturday night he posted: “Thanks everyone for the support!  3 reasons tomorrow will be #awesome, 1.  Jesus has risen 2.  See my new baby boy & my wife 3.  Masters Sunday.”  Sunday morning, hours before he would play his last round and win the tournament, he posted:  “1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  After he won he posted, “To God Be the Glory!!!”. 

Now I’m sure Bubba’s not perfect, and I’m confident he would quickly acknowledge that.  But I’ve got to tell you I’m impressed with his bold witness for the Lord.  He is living a life unashamed.  It also is fascinating to me that a 33 year old man (about the same age Jesus was when He gave his life for us) won the Masters on Easter Sunday!  1 Samuel 2:30b says ‘I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disgraced.’  Take a cue from a 33 year old young man who is bearing strong witness for our Lord.  I’m not saying if you honor the Lord you will win the Master’s next year.  I’m saying, honor the Lord.  It’s the right thing to do and He will know you did.

There are a few more things you should know about Bubba.  He was taught the game of golf by father, and has not had a lesson since the age of 10.  His Dad died two years ago of throat cancer.  His mother was the first on the green to congratulate him.  Oh, and one other thing – he and his wife just adopted their first child six weeks ago – a boy, named Caleb. 

What a blessing it is this morning to reflect on the fact that we have been adopted into the family of God by the wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  What a privilege to know we have a heavenly Father who guides us, instructs us, and gives us everything needed to live the life He has called us to.  I pray your faith soars, your heart increases in the Lord, and that the joy of the Lord is your strength!

For the sake of souls, and the glory of God,

Bruce

You can learn a lot at a funeral . . .

           Today, I attended a funeral.  The father of one of our staff member’s went to be with the Lord just a few days ago.  Today we honored his life and celebrated the hope we have in Jesus Christ.  It was an honor to sit there with our staff and be a part of the service at a neighboring church where this man was a member and listen to his family, friends, and pastor offer testimonies and teaching from the word of God.

            I recall Rick Warren talking about the fact that you can learn a lot attending a funeral.  It seemed he referenced Ecclesiastes.  I did a little checking and found this verse:  ‘It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals.  For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time.’  Ecclesiastes 7:2

            The first thing that was said about this man by his pastor was that he was a man of contentment.  What a great tribute.  The Bible says, ‘ . . . for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.’  Philippians 4:11b.  This man had lived out a valuable principle of Scripture that he had learned from His Lord. 

            I listen to family, friends, and his pastor share wonderful, heartfelt stories, testimonials, and the message of the word of God.  It reminded me that life was meant to be simpler.  We make it complicated.  At the end of the day, we will all face eternity.  I want to live life to the fullest until the day He calls me home.  I hope you feel the same way.

            Funerals aren’t easy.  I heard sniffles, and sobs throughout the morning.  My heart goes out to all in their grief.  I was reminded today that heaven is a prepared place for prepared people.  During this week as we reflect on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, it is awesome to know that His death brings life forever to all who repent of their sins, and place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  His resurrection brings us hope.  Hallelujah!

            The man was laid out with a NY Yankees jersey.  The family had fully intended to have him in a suit, but decided to go with the jersey.  He had been looking forward to the start of the season, even though at age 81, his eyesight was now gone.  What’s the point?  He knew his team, and was looking forward to a new season.  Well, thankfully, he had made a decision years ago to be on Jesus’ team, and he is now in a new season.  To God be the glory.  I learned a lot today.  I think we all can.