The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. (Romans 15:4, NLT)
A few years ago, I met Tom Spartz. Tom went to Indiana University on an Evans Scholarship which is awarded by the Western Golf Association to students who grew up caddying. We had a long talk about the loss of caddies in golf. We both enjoyed our introduction to golf through caddying and wished that carts had not replaced so many caddies today.
When we find encouraging Scripture passages, we can ‘pull a Lehman’ ourselves, using God’s words to bless others.Tom later wrote me a letter describing the elimination of caddies as a loss of “touches” at the golf course. He believes a caddie gives multiple touches throughout a round of golf, giving yardages, reading putts, raking bunkers—even an encouraging word. How many touches does your golf cart give you? It’s no wonder that when we go to Scotland and Ireland, the players generally love taking caddies. In today’s golf world, you might move from parking lot to golf cart and straight to the first tee. Not many touches.
We find examples in the Bible where touches are important. Barnabas was known as the Son of Encouragement. Jesus provided for the multitudes and healed the sick. John the Baptist (of course!) baptized.
Here is what Chris Tiegreen writes about your ability to touch others: “You wield extraordinary power. You may not think so; the effect you have on others may not be visible to you. But you can fill others with life, hope, and peace—if you are intentional with your words and speak blessing and encouragement into their lives.”
Many of us remember how Tom Lehman encouraged eventual champion Steve Jones as the two played together in the final round of the 1996 US Open. Where did Lehman get this encouragement? From Joshua 1:9 (NASB): “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” When we find encouraging Scripture passages, we can “pull a Lehman” ourselves, using God’s words to bless others.
Here are a few good ones, each spoken by Jesus:
“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:26, NASB)
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11, NASB)
“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NASB)
Tom Spartz’s letter really helped me understand what we miss about caddies. It was also a great reminder of how our touches can make a difference to everyone we come in contact with.
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Bill Euler
May 23, 2018
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.