Hello ,

In a game where Auburn struggled with its 3-point accuracy, the best long shot of the afternoon by far belonged to a student in the stands.

During a timeout in the second half of the game against No. 3 Alabama on Saturday, sophomore Craig Noyes made a full-court, 94-foot putt to win a new car.

Not bad for someone who said he’s not a golfer.

“Honestly, my main goal was just not to whiff or shank it into the bench,” Noyes told The Associated Press.

“It was so loud when I stepped up to the ball. Once I hit it, I completely zoned out. I couldn’t hear anyone,” he said. “It wasn’t until the announcer put a hand on my shoulder and said I’d won a car that I believed it.”

The sold-out crowd at Neville Arena erupted when he became the first person to win the contest since 2014. Noyes, who writes for the student-run paper The Auburn Plainsman, high-fived fans in celebration.

As wonderful as winning a car would be, there's something that's even more amazing.

"But he who endures to the end shall be saved."  

Matthew 24:13 (NKJV)

Endures what? 

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV)

I used to think that I would never be able to fight the good of faith because I honestly didn't know what the "fight" actually was.  

I believed that "the fight" was trying (in my own strength) to be obedient to  the commands that God has clearly laid out in His Word.

Over the years, I have come to understand that "fighting the good fight of faith" is about staying in a solid relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Keeping a relationship with my wife takes intentionality. I have to be willing to "block out" time for her, take my focus off other things, and "lock on" to our relationship. 

She doesn't force me to do that, and she doesn't manipulate or coerce me. The more time I spend with her, the more time I want to spend with her. 

In the same manner, keeping a relationship with Jesus takes intentionality. I have to be willing to "block out" time with Him, take my focus off other things (as important as they may appear to be), and "lock on" to our relationship. 

He won't make me do it. 

He won't manipulate me into it. 

It has to be offered from a heart of love.

He's already shown me (and continues to show me) how much He cares for me. I need only to ask Him for the grace to respond to His love, by investing in our relationship. 

The prize is much better than a new car. 

 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."  2 Timothy 4:7-8

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word