Again....Proverbs 3:5-6

Again....Proverbs 3:5-6
Yesterday, my post was around that scripture "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths". I had just pushed the "Post" button, and then checked my emails. Imagine my surprise and disappointment when I read Dr. Jim Denison's email. As I read his words, I knew they were words "in due season" for all of us -- not to judge others, but to judge ourselves. There, but the grace of God, go you or I. Today, I pray for Tiger Woods and his family, and I pray for him to have a MAJOR come-to God AND come-back to golf!

Tiger Woods explains his arrest in Florida
Dr. Jim Denison | May 30, 2017
Tiger Woods was arrested yesterday in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. His mugshot with drooping eyes and frazzled hair soon went viral. He later issued a statement that is making headlines this morning, claiming that "alcohol was not involved" and citing "an unexpected reaction to prescribed medication."

Whatever the cause of his arrest, it is another sad chapter in a story that was once so promising. I remember when Woods seemed destined to pass Jack Nicklaus' eighteen major championships on the way to recognition as the greatest golfer of all time. After winning the US Open in 2008, he had fourteen major titles and was in the prime of his career.

A year later, he drove his Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant and a tree. Media scrutiny led to revelations of marital infidelities. He and his wife divorced the next year. Woods has not won a major tournament since.

The day before Woods's arrest, Bernhard Langer became the first man to win all five senior major golf championships. I watched his victory on television and the interview in which he was asked to comment on his record-breaking success.

Langer complimented the player who came in second, then stated that he had been carrying a piece of paper with him during the round and would like to read what it said. He then read Proverbs 3:5–6 to the national TV audience and testified that his relationship with Christ was more fulfilling for him than golf or any other priority.

Scripture testifies that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), including Tiger Woods and Bernhard Langer. The difference is that the latter admits he needs salvation by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9) while the former does not.

The stories of Tiger Woods and Bernhard Langer teach the same truth: material success cannot quench spiritual thirst. This is what philosophers call a "category mistake," like asking the color of seven or how much friendship weighs. Only the Spirit can fill our spiritual void with "a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14)."

Not Finished Yet

I was getting suggestions from one of my subdivision's builders about some artwork that I’m working on for advertising. We were discussing this awesome 55+ Active Adult Community and taglines that would help describe us. Sarcastically, he said, “Whatever you do, Donna, don’t use words like old folks, retired person, baby-boomer, old-timer, senior!” He meant those would be the practical words to use, but they don’t equate to this lively, energetic, young-at-heart community where we may not be working as hard as we once did, but most of us are still living life large. We’re REFIRED – not the typical sitting-in-a-rocking-chair, just watching TV kind of folks.

Here's how we're making the most of this season of our lives: some still work full-time, others part time. We volunteer for charities and churches. We travel (a lot), some play pickleball, tennis and golf, others are taking piano and voice lessons, others are master gardeners, and others attend seminars and classes to upgrade their skills in various areas. AND others are sharing their wisdom to young people and children as teachers and role models. I love that. Just think how we can save the younger generation a lot of time and effort by the wisdom we can share from the lessons we’ve learned.

So, we’re thinking we should have buttons, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and hats made that read “Not Finished Yet” on them.

Regardless of the number of birthdays we've celebrated, we are still here. And as long as we are here, we are not there, and as long as we are not there, it means God still has a purpose for us here.

When Jesus was on the cross, the last thing He said was “It is finished." After He made that statement, He died. So when is God's purpose for us on this earth finished? It is finished when we die. Until then, we are not finished yet!

Don't let the thought of getting older discourage you or even make you fearful of what tomorrow might hold. Consider these words that God spoke to Isaiah in Psalm 92 "But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock!”