Last week I ended the devotion with the comment that I hope your resolutions for this year include representing Christ well. That is a noble cause but also one that requires some effort. It is not as simple as just saying that we want to be different, we have to be transformed! (Remember we are on a whole new team with a new way to play when we trust Christ.)
I often bring up the fact that the Scriptures call us to a renewing of the mind. Look at Romans 12:1-2 and Psalm 119 – over and over we are told to be in the Word. Transformation involves different thinking. It involves being strengthened in the inner man (Ephesians 3) by understanding the incredible expanse of God’s love.
In this relationship it is not enough to just study the Scriptures to know the facts, you must be studying to get to know and see God’s heart. It is not just about what “plays” He has diagrammed for you but about trusting Him.
Also needed is time for you to talk to Him. Prayer is a huge part of our relationship. I am not just talking about the planned time of prayer down on our knees, but also the fact that we can through the day be in relational conversation with our God!
In sports there are scheduled practices to hear from and learn from the coach; yet there are unscheduled timeouts that are needed in the games for instruction, rest, etc.
In your life, if you want to be successful in your resolution to represent Christ well, you need to have some “timeouts” during your days for some “huddles of the heart.” Periodically just stop and read or quote some verses to hear from God. Periodically stop and acknowledge God’s goodness and your need. It can simply be 30 to 60 seconds of your time.
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