Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. (Acts 2:43, NASB)
Christian author Ken Gire once remarked, “We all live in a Divine art gallery, but most of us are content to walk around and just stare at the carpet.” God’s art gallery is filled with majestic natural beauty, but also miraculous events that happen right before our eyes. Yet we barely notice. We tend to say, “Oh that was nice. I enjoyed that,” and then quickly move on to what is next and forget the miraculous moment that just happened.
I just experienced such an event. I was invited to attend a dinner at Eagles Bluff Country Club with the Links Fellowship there outside of Tyler, Texas. All the men brought their wives for a dinner and fellowship together. One of the men in the group supplied freshly killed pheasant. The dinner consisted of the pheasant, steak, potatoes, and vegetables that the club prepared. It was a good way to celebrate with each other. I heard so many comments of affirmation that evening. I smiled a lot and was very grateful to be part of a golf ministry.
Two retired pastors have now found a new calling with these families as they lead this Fellowship. Literally, a new calling. Both are great leaders and so very knowledgeable. They keep the conversation God-centered. These learners and disciples give credit to these leaders for the impact they are having. And it is not just the two leaders. All of these men have found a calling with each other as well. I witnessed transparency and vulnerability. I saw a lot of men who love Jesus who were pulling in the same direction. The wives were so grateful as well. It was an evening of fellowship and joy. One goes with the other.
I wasn’t the only one who got emotional. I was thrilled to just be in the room with these men and women.At the end, everyone stood together and held hands. There were about 40 in the main dining room. Our host then called upon us to join him in singing “God Bless America.” I wasn’t the only one who got emotional. I was thrilled to just be in the room with these men and women.
Now, here is my point in telling this story. This could have been viewed as just another nice meal with some good conversation and fellowship. But I recognized this miraculous time together as a Divine art gallery filled with the Spirit of God. I got to experience this with men and women with whom I will spend eternity. I want to remember what the Master Artist painted that night. He did this beautifully to change us and affirm His promise that He would always be with us. There are few times, if any, that I have cried at the end of a dinner following the singing of God Bless America. I admire these folks so much. I pray our tribe will increase, and that I will notice more moments like this in God’s Divine art gallery.
This continued the next morning as we discussed the Links Players Bible study. I witnessed both leaders tear up as they shared their heart with the group. Imagine getting emotional when answering the question as to how you started playing golf! They realize now that this game of a lifetime was preparing them all for their new calling. Another moment in the Divine art gallery. Way to go, God!
—
Randy Wolff
March 3, 2020
Copyright 2020 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
Photo by Stacey Gabrielle Koenitz Rozells from Pexels