Disc Golf Devotionals

05/08/2024

After two and a half years, I find myself reflecting on my journey of faith in the midst of darkness. Regrettably, my passion for disc golf and its related devotionals has waned in recent months. Life's journey often leads us down unexpected paths, and sometimes, passions once fervently pursued dim in the shadows.

Yet, disc golf holds a special place in my heart, intertwined with cherished friendships and countless opportunities it has brought. As time stretches on, priorities shift, and endeavors once central may fade if not nurtured.

In the midst of challenges that overwhelm our own strength, the Lord often beckons us to turn to Him, to lean on His unwavering support. It is my resolve, strengthened by His grace, to rekindle my focus on devotionals in the weeks ahead and fulfill the promises made to many.

11/19/2021

Journey of Faith ... Believing while in Darkness!

A kid of eighteen, or so, came to the disc golf course a few years back. He knew nothing of the sport yet was intrigued enough to join our group for a round. Like most newcomers, his lack of disc golf knowledge also held true with his abilities. Wild drives and floppy putts slowed our group to a snail's pace. The continued exuberance of this novice, even with disastrous play, was enjoyable in itself as we witnessed the addition of disc golf evolve within this newcomer!

Over the coming months this "novice" continued to play and gradually surpassed many, including myself, with his skills. His love of the sport was evident from day one. His belief in himself and the possibilities of his own unrealized abilities never lessened or flinched. He conquered the sport through faith in his ability to learn and strengthen his talents.

The above glimpse of an evolving disc golfer reminds me of verse 29 in John 20 ... words that were spoken to Thomas after questioned the Jesus' resurrection:

"Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Thomas had to "see and touch" before he could believe! For the novice who joined our group, like Thomas, no one believed or "could see" his possibilities. More so, we felt his ability to succeed in the sport was afar reach! In our wildest dreams, we could not imagine he would ever become a professional disc golfer! While our faith in his abilities were small, his confidence in studying the game, learning it, and honing his abilities was just igniting. Through faith in himself he overcame mistakes, grew his skills, and took on the best of disc golf competitors. He had faith all along!

Faith ... it is such a powerful word. It can move mountains when strong. It can turn into disaster when weak.

In the world today, due to COVID, faith throughout the world has been weaken. Congregations have dwindled as member's became disassociated with practicing their faith. A lack of "seeing" on a communal basis has driven many Christians to question their faith, their beliefs, and their God. It is time for a renewed energy to replace the pandemic void and bring a resurgence of faith to believers. We must rekindle our spirits to walk by faith rather than sight.

How to do this is a question we all face on a personal basis. To start, we refer to the written word. It has provided answers and has guided lives for centuries.

As sure as the Sun rises tomorrow, through faith, we know God surrounds and protects us. Even while the world around us may speak otherwise, faith provides a glimmer of hope in life's darkness.

Like a beginning disc golfer who did not focus on his initial play, we must rely on where we want our paths to take us for our future and thank our Lord for each step along our journey.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

03/07/2021

Around the Corner ... Spring!

Just a couple of weeks ago I slipping around taking photos of my dog in the snow. Grocery stores were running out of milk, meat, bread, eggs, and sandwich meats .... all essentials around our household!

Now, just a few days later, the daffodils are sticking out their necks and preparing to unleash their yellow blossoms. Warm, sun-shiny days are happening. Birds are singing and disc golf is calling! It is that time of year to stretch out our arms and unleash some plastic.

Don't forget the blessings of Spring

Go play! Be Thankful! Do another round!

Enjoy!

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come"
Song of Solomon II, 11-12

01/15/2021

DGD has a favor to ask ...

Due to the current situation regarding free speech, it was felt a mirror site over at MeWe might become beneficial in the future as the social media giants works out issues. To be publicly searchable the group needs (5) five likes. Those of you already on MeWe, if you would do us the favor with a like, it would be much appreciated.

Check it here: https://mewe.com/join/discgolfdevotionals

We dwell in troubling times and hope our reflections offers a bit of hope or inspiration in your life. If so, please give us a like!

Thank you ever so much!

Initial set group set up 1-15-21 (more to come soon)

01/15/2021

Hating da' Hate!

Hate! It is such an ugly word. It offers nothing positive or good. I learned early on this was a four-letter word to be used carefully. Should Satan himself have a favorite expression, then the word hate surely is within it.

Hatred stirs up trouble and promotes conflict. Hate is cruel. Hate is mean.

Though I would rather not insert politics into these devotions, much of today's political news is filled with hatred. It is a prime example of how hatred defeats progress, dismantles unity, and breaks down society. This lack of love and unity, contrary to the goals of our founding fathers, must have them rolling over in their graves.

What has happened to "love thy neighbor as thyself"? Where has compassion gone? Are we acting what we believe? What do we believe? Is religion dying before us?

These questions are disturbing as we try and understand the world today. Love, being the opposite of hate, often-times seems distant in our lives. In this jumbled, rocky world we live, love can be obscured by selfish desires of power, money, and control of others. Envy and revenge breed hate and reprisals. Humanity can lose control ever so easily.

Timothy 3:2-5 seems appropriate for these times and states:

"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."

Looking inwardly, people and organizations of today have lost focus of the strength that love, and unity offer. When others bicker and fight without compromise, nothing is accomplished but ill-will and resentment. The other side is always wrong. No progress is achieved, and efforts are are wasted.

Whether Republican or Democrat or liberal or conservative, Black, White, Yellow, or Red, love is what unites all. Love conquers all. Would it not be best to love our neighbor and work together? Imagine the possibilities if there were some "give and take" rather than the shredding each other's opinions and values?

These are truly amazing times we are living. May the future reflect these days of friction as a turning point between good and evil. May society be awakened, else, evil and conflict may be ever-present for our future.

In fruitless times as these we must lean heavily upon our faith. Knowing our Lord is ever-present, and his love surrounds us in our darkest of times, pray that we have the patience and vision to focus on his love. Pray that we may multiply it through our actions, enabling it to brighten and enlighten those lacking its presence. Pray that our leaders have the grace and foresight to enable them to bring unity, peace, and love to the nations of the world.

Most of all, love one another

======

People killin', people dyin', children hurtin', hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach? And would you turn the other cheek?
Father, father, father, help us, send some guidance from above,
'Cause people got me, got me questioning. Where is the love?
- The Black Eyed Peas

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. - 1 John 4:20

But I say to you, love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who do you wrong and persecute you. - Matthew 5:44

For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, - 2 Timothy 3:2

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. - Luke 6:27-28

01/04/2021

It's a New Year!

Happy New Year, y'all!

2020 was like a 425' fairway, three-foot wide and lined with cedars on a levee, don't you think? But, you know, 2020 is now hindsight! Thanks be to God! As challenging as it was, we made it through it, and if we look closely, it was also abundant with blessings.

As we dive into 2021, we have a future ripe with new beginnings. Like footprints in the sand, the challenges and difficulties of the past year will fade and soon be forgotten. Possibilities are before us. It is a time for refocusing on our strengths and goals for the coming year.

May 2021 be like a beautiful, wide open, two-hundred foot hole that provides an abundance of birdies and an ace every now and again. May it be "game on" in life and on the course!

Again, many blessings are offered for the New Year!

---------------

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:18-19

“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” - Philippians 3 -13-14

12/11/2020

Two Horses

As noted in previous devotions, many of the topics of Disc Golf Devotionals originate through surfing the internet. Facebook and other sites have a tendency of displaying the same old stories over and over again, but every once in a while one comes across my feed that shouts "share me"! Maybe, very simple tales, but ever so thought provoking. Others take deeper thought to understand but instill the same "lights on" feeling that gives you that ..ah ha moment! Below is one of the latest to come across my feed:

Two Horses
Author Unknown

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But once you get a closer look you will notice something quite interesting... one of the horses is blind.

His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made him a safe and comfortable barn to live in. This alone is pretty amazing. But if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. It is coming from a smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small, copper-colored bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he will stop occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect. Or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. And at other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.

Good friends are like that. You may not always see them, but you know they are there. If you listen for my bell, I will listen for yours. I have experienced many instances where I thought I was leading, only to ultimately to find I was truly the receiver of very special blessings. That is the nature of our powerful God.

Remember, everyone we meet is fighting some kind of battle, show them care and compassion. Spread kindness and always remember we walk in faith and not by sight.

==================

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. - Galatians 5:25

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor - 1 Corinthians 10:24

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus

12/10/2020

Choices!

Life is the sum of all your choices. - Albert Camus

You take the blue pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and i show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. - Morpheus, The Matrix 1999

Choices. They are part of being human. Each of us make choices every moment of every day. They don't always have the same consequences or significance as Neo's, but all allow a glimpse of our innermost being. Albert Camus defines life simply by taking all our choices and adding them together, thus, we are the culmination of them.

There is no guarantee whether our choices accomplished their best outcomes. Consequences are we either learn a lesson or received some satisfaction from our choices. Our reaction to the consequences is also a choice. How we react to both good or erred decisions reflects our character. Be it anger, happiness, compassion, or resentment, it remains our choice. Choose wisely as the world is watching.

Think of the decisions made on the course: Which disc should be used off the tee? Should I lay up or go for the basket? Is there enough time for another round or does my wife need help with the kids? Should I backhand around the trees? Can I drive over the water?

Disc golf, as in life, offers us constant challenges and many of our decisions don't materialize as per our "hopeful expectations". The repercussions of bad decisions on the course often show up on the scorecard or even in the anger of throwing a tantrum after missing an easy shot. Again, may you choose wisely. Others on your card may watching and certainly did not come to the course to witness your drama.

Next time, maybe, we will use another disc, or even lay up. Errors in our choices help us learn from our mistakes and we become stronger ... its called experience. Life's scorecard is the same. It can be marked up, dirty, and sometimes cruel. As we gain knowledge of life's struggles, we mature, we gain wisdom, and choices are derived from our knowledge.

The Bible is full of stories for our reflection on how others often time made bad decisions. It shows how through the example of Jesus and others we can live a compassionate, helpful, prosperous life with abundant joy for not only ourselves, but others we touch. Through these age old experiences, we can reflect, learn, and choose wisely.

===========

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ... - Proverbs 3:1-35

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. - Proverbs 16:9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. - Proverbs 19:20-22

11/25/2020

This time last year, in your my wildest imagination, would you have thought going to work, the grocery store, or anywhere in public that a mask would be an integral part of your wardrobe?

It was not easy at first. Making the decision masks were truly needed was required, but that wasn't difficult to understand once the number of cases spiraled upwards locally. Stories abounded of little to no knowledge of treatments by the medical community. Tales of gruesome and lonely deaths were rampant and played a frightful role in our decisions. Communities, businesses, and life basically shut down for several weeks. Ultimately, for myself, a Bible verse commonly known as the "Golden Rule" assisted with my decision ...

"Do unto others and you would have
them do unto to you".

From the Book of Matthew (7:12), it is one for the first verses we learn as a child. It is deeply ingrained within us and part of the foundation of Christian belief.

We sure don’t want someone transmitting the disease to us. Likewise, we do whatever we must to avoid transmitting it to them. Wearing a mask is not just thinking of oneself, but of our concern for the feelings and well-being of others around us ... family, friends, and loved ones included!

By wearing a mask, we proclaim our love, respect, and concern for others. It's wear signifies our concern for others safety and protection. But mainly, it relays the characters we live from day to day. Whether a mask's protections is ten or ninety-nine percent, wearing one shows the world we care for them.

Wearing a mask makes no political statement nor has any bearing on one's freedoms. It respectful to others and may just perform it's true task and keep the virus away!

While continuing to don our masks, I believe we all look forward to expressing our love and care to others once again through smiles and hugs. Faith and patience will bring those day back again ... hopefully, soon!

==========

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:37-40

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” - Philippians 2:3-4

11/20/2020

Just Quit!

Have you ever been in a round where your play was so horrid it seemed the round lasted forever? The frustration of bad releases and trees in your way just seemed insurmountable. After a few holes you just want to quit, right?

Many a disc golfer has quit the game due to such rounds. Yes, they usually come back upon the next invite for a round (and once the pain of such a round has faded), but the urge to quit sometimes visits us all!

Rounds such as these aren't much fun. But, they are part of the reason why we all keep going out onto the course. As certain as these bad rounds are to arise, slick rounds filled with birdies and awesome drives come around just as often. We know this as well! This knowledge is a bit like keeping the faith ... as bad as it can get, we know better days are ahead!

Galatians 6:9 backs up this concept as it states: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

We do grow weary of bad rounds, some of us more than others. However, we do enjoy good rounds too. We just have to keep the faith, and keep practicing, and continue our journey.

On a similar note, I believe we all are growing tired and weary of the pandemic of COVID-19. It has us all "off our usual game"! Back in March when the "fright" of the virus had courses locked down and vacant, we all pretty much had to quit in some way or another. The onslaught of the virus had many weary of playing in groups and kept them away from the courses. Now, some nine months later, we are seeing rising cases again and the possibilities of more restrictions placed on our daily lives.

Whether one believes the virus is real or not does not matter. It's presence has influenced how we live, where we go, and how we interact socially. Life is not the same. Everyone wishes it will return to normal. We can't quit the game of life. It plods on virus or no virus. We lean on our faith that God has a plan and better days in store for us soon. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us:

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

The Bible is full of verses of hope, sacrifice, patience. God surrounds us in the darkest of times and promises His light will bring us through the dimly lit portions of our life. Understanding the reasons of horrible rounds, or even viruses, coming our way, is not our concern. Our relationship with God protects us, and guides us to better times. Once again, our faith brings us through.

Keep the faith. The Light does overcome darkness.

==================================

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control - 2 Timothy 1:7

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:29-31

2 Thessalonians 3:13
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good

I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things. - Isaiah 45:7