Harbor Park

This morning we celebrate the Harbor Farm Truck that served a record 128 people this week, which doesn’t include everyone served at their homes. A BIG thank you to Willowdale Farm for their extra Friday donations!

Qualified by Grace, Compelled to Praise

Scripture Reading:

Colossians 1:10-12 ...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Psalm 95:2 — Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.


Thoughts

Imagine a professional disc golfer chasing the USDGC. Years of qualifying tournaments, travel, and hard work end in disappointment—a missed putt, a bad round, a stroke short. They know the course and dream of Winthrop. Still, they can't qualify. Then they get a message: "You've been qualified. Not by your efforts, but because someone secured your spot." The director says, "Your fee is paid. Your name is on the roster. You're in."

The sense of being overwhelmed changes everything. Instead of pressure to perform, gratitude fills each moment. Every throw becomes a celebration of unearned grace. They didn't earn it; they were qualified by someone else.

In the same way, God has acted on behalf of His children. That is the heart of Colossians 1:12—our place in God's kingdom isn't earned. We are qualified by the Father, through Christ, not by our spiritual rating or performance, but entirely by grace.

So, how should we respond to such undeserved favor? Psalm 95:2 provides the answer: thanksgiving and praise. We don't just feel grateful—we express it. We sing, we speak, we celebrate. Extolling is thankfulness turned outward.

This response of thanksgiving isn't just right—it's God's will. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Gratitude isn't a suggestion. It's a spiritual directive—a way to align our hearts with His.


Reflection #1

What are some ways you have tried to "qualify" yourself spiritually—and how does it change your heart realizing Christ has already done it for you through your faith in Him?

Reflection #2

This week, take a specific step from silent gratitude to vocal praise—maybe by sharing a word of thanks with someone, singing aloud, or speaking your gratitude as testimony, so that others see and hear God's goodness through you.

Live the Round: Just as the player steps onto the championship tee pad with joy, live today not to earn your place, but to honor the One who secured it for you.


Prayer

Father, thank you for loving us. Thank you for sending your Son to purchase our pardon and qualify us for your kingdom. Forgive us when we do not lift You. Be with us as we go out to the highways and hedges and compel others to enter your kingdom.

In Your name, we pray,

Amen


Steve Franklin PDGA #194303

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