Devotionals for the Heart: Being part of God's family is a game changer

Game Changers
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Have you ever been part of a team?

I’ve been a member of quite a few teams in my life. I’ve served on musical theater teams, dance teams and planning teams. I’ve been part of worship teams and Bible study teams. And, as long as I live, I’ll always be an active member of my family: Team Howard!

Most successful team leaders do the following:

● Select team members who have specific gifts, talents, and skills to offer the team.

● Inspire team members to work together in harmony to accomplish their goals.

● Encourage and support each other.

But here’s an important part necessary for every team to succeed: Every team needs a leader who is gifted in a specific area to support the team. Sports teams have coaches who’ve studied the game and know how to lead the team to victory. Music directors understand the nuances of the music and know just the right words to use in communicating with the orchestra in order to blend the instruments to create a pleasing sound.

God can do all of these things and more! He’s in the transformation business and has provided a firm foundation for creating successful teams. He’s the coach, manager, and Chief Executive Officer rolled into one. The best part is He doesn’t charge any fees for these services. Ponder that for a minute.

In my role as the K-12 STEM Specialist for our local school district, I was a team member in the Science Department. Each of us had an assignment, and my job was to work with community leaders and school principals to enrich student learning by combining science, technology, engineering and math as a cohesive, collaborative experience. It was a bit of a rocky start, but I quickly learned that relationships are the glue that holds the team together. Getting to know the principals and teachers was key to helping them achieve their desired outcomes. Seeing their success was the very best part of my job!

However, accomplishing profound change isn’t easy. We have to work hard at our craft and be dedicated to the goal. It takes courage to climb the professional ladder and get that promotion and perseverance to cross the finish line. Romans 12:2 ESV says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

We are members of God’s Family! Therefore, we have the privilege to proclaim His marvelous light and share it with the world. This is a game-changer.

Being a member of God’s family flips our agenda. Our relationship with God changes everything—how we see others, how we view the world, and how we approach the trials in our lives. For me it was coming to the conclusion that relationships unlock the power of team efforts. When we realize we live every moment of our lives in the presence of God, and know how much He loves us, this truly changes everything.

Let’s Pray: Gracious God, we are so thankful for the privilege of being on your team. You send the Holy Spirit to guide our steps and encourage us to work in harmony for your good and glory. You are the conductor of our lives. Blend our talents and gifts to reflect your light to the world. Praise be to God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “People Need People” by CAIN. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/