Swing Thoughts
Swing thoughts in golf are those last second things that are in your mind as you approach the ball before hitting. They help you clear your head, steady your mind, and focus on the shot. Keep your right arm straight, head down, follow-through, whatever the key parts of the golf swing uniquely are for you needed to be successful.
I worked with a guy that had perfected the use of swing thoughts at work. Before a presentation, we would run through the story, and we would talk through a few key things that we needed to make happen, points that we need to get across, ways we needed to present ourselves. These swing thoughts were key to having a successful meeting or presentation.
The Bible provides daily swing thoughts for life. If one reads the Bible the first thing in the morning, spends time alone with God, key principles will be given, swing thoughts to walk into the day.
One organized, systematic way to read the Bible is the One Year Bible series. The book lays out Bible readings daily, takes about 15 minutes to read, and is broken into an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading, a Psalm, and a Proverb. After reading each of these sections, you have your swing thoughts for the day. This, of course, is not the only way to read Bible, but it is very effective.
Practically, how this works (from today’s reading).
Old Testament reading – Leviticus 22:17 – 23:44
Now, I know what you are thinking……Leviticus. But, as I read through these verses, I was stopped in my tracks by the following verse.
“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 23:22
In the middle of talking about the feasts that the Lord had designated, this verse captures a heart of generosity. In a world that teaches it is all about me, my position, my power, my success, my stuff, this is a great thought for the day. Take care of the poor, those in need. Swing thought for the day: BE GENEROUS.
New Testament reading – Mark 9:30 – 10:12
And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:33-35
The disciples were arguing over who was the greatest. Despite all that was being taught and shown to them by Jesus, they still wanted glory for themselves. We all end up here at some point. Jesus was a radical servant, teaching how to serve others. Swing Thought for the day: SERVE OTHERS.
Psalm reading – Psalm 44:1-8
You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob! Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever. Psalm 44:4-8
The writer gives us a picture of humbly following God. He exclaims that he does not trust his talents or his weapons. His trust is in God as he takes on the battles of the day. Swing Thought: TRUST IN GOD.
Proverbs reading – Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Proverbs 10:19
Control your tongue, watch your words. Use words wisely. Do not break others down, but build them up with words. Swing Thought: BE AN ENCOURAGER
There you have it. 15 minutes in God’s Word one morning, 4 impactful swing thoughts.
Be Generous. Serve Others. Trust in God. Be an Encourager.
The Bible is a gift providing great swing thoughts for the day.
Impact others. Live generously.
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