"So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all." (I Corinthians 12:31)

My family of 6 was out to dinner tonight with a fellow "DBN" golfer, Rich M. My four kids were behaving themselves unusually well, which gave my wife the freedom to engage in conversation more than normal. About halfway through dinner, I laughed as I realized what had happened - in just 20 minute my wife had learned more about what was going on in Rich's life than I had learned in 2 years! It made me realize several important things:

1. I'm a self-absorbed idiot
2. I have a lot to learn about life, and my wife can teach me most of it
3. There is hope for me

I Corinthians 12:31 comes at the end of a discourse concerning spiritual "gifts". And it comes before one of the most famous chapters in the Bible - the "love chapter".  If my wife and I had a Bible Trivia contest, I would win hands down. But that's NOT the greater gift. The greatest gift that we can have as Christians is LOVE.  As men, we struggle with showing love sometimes to others. But "love" is what marks us as Christians. Do you know the Bible? Good for you. But if you don't act out the love of Jesus, you're missing it. Seek the greater gift, and learn from those who live it out naturally (for more, read I Corinthians 13).

Author: Mark Dwyer

I have found that life can have its up and it downs.  Its peaks and valleys.  Joy and pain is part of living life upon this earth.  So how do you keep a cross-centered life amidst the drizzle?  How do you keep the passion for Christ alive in your heart no matter what you face in life?  C.J. Mahoney gave me some good insight in his book today I will pass along to you.  It's all concerning the Gospel, which means "good news."  For those who don't know, the good news is that Jesus Christ saves! That's the Gospel.  What are C.J.'s five keys to keeping the fire alive?  Memorize the Gospel.  Pray the Gospel.  Sing the Gospel.  Review how the Gospel has changed you.  Lastly, study the Gospel.  I needed to hear that today.  Maybe you, too. See you on the tee box!

Author: Ben De Boef