If you followed the Scottish open, you witnessed the commitment and determination it takes to win. Wiesberger did finally gain the title against Hebert after a third sudden death play at the 18th hole. You could just feel the tension and desire as each would hit the drive and finish out a putt.

I was reminded in a devotion I read this week that we can direct conscious thoughts. We can reject negative or sinful thoughts. When we do this we can then stop those thoughts from controlling our minds and will be able to find ourselves instead truly aware of the presence of God. I agree with this as I sometimes say to folks that it is truly a mind game...telling our mind that we are not going to go there. Instead we choose to turn our mind to God.

People will gather in so many places around our country to recognize July 4th with celebration, good food and fireworks. In Scripture we are clearly reminded that it is important for us to have times of celebration and thankfulness. July 4th is specifically a celebration of thankfulness for USA yesterday, today and tomorrow.

This last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost which is the birthday of the church. We are reminded each year of the Scriptures in the Book of Acts that describe flames of fire that rested upon the heads of those present as the Holy Spirit descended to dwell within each of them. As thousands were baptized that day, the church was birthed.