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/

Devotionals for the Heart: Legacy

Living for Legacy
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 

But who am I, and who are my people, 

that we could give anything to you? 

Everything we have has come from you, 

and we give you only what you first gave us!”

–1 Chronicles 28:13-14 (NLT)

August is my birthday month!

I have been thinking about legacy and the importance of passing on lessons and leaving a life of daily impact.

I am not sure if it’s a 50’s mindset but when I read the words of King David, I become very thoughtful and reflective. David knew his days were coming to a close. He understood that leaving a legacy was more for the sake of ensuring God’s name and God’s interests were carried into the future.

In reading 1 Chronicles 28, we learn of David’s outlining to Solomon the floor plans for building the temple with specifications on its measurements, materials and mandate build to honor the name of the Lord. If you questioned David’s love for God, you don’t have to after reading chapter 29. He celebrates God’s faithfulness. He testifies of all God has done and how He has blessed his life and that of Israel. David acknowledges God in helping him all his life. He is not arrogant thinking he achieved wealth and position alone.

When we think about legacy, we usually equate it to money and property being left for loved ones and institutions. In the transition of power from father to son, King David gave instructions along with the passing of the dynasty. He exhorted Solomon to be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord “so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.” (1 Chronicles 28:8). David prayed that the people and his son would always want to obey God and that their love for God will never change. A heart after God, a desire to love and serve God was more important than land or riches. David wanted his son and his people to experience the intimacy that he had experienced with God and he emphasized that obedience was key. These were important messages he wanted Solomon to learn. As he prayed with the people, he reminds them that everything they have belongs to God.

When I turned 50, I made a decision to give more, and serve more. My time belongs to God. My possessions are His and I want to live each day in gratitude. I have many goals and dreams I want to see reached. But I want to impart this most important life lesson that I’ve learned, to you: If you choose to honor and love God with all your heart, soul and mind, you will never live a life of regret. Teach someone something you have learned. Speak a word of encouragement to someone every day. Extend a hand of comfort to someone in need and never withhold kindness when it is in your power to show it. There are people waiting on your word of encouragement. You may be the one voice and word that someone needs to push them forward. Remember, “legacy” is what you leave behind. Don’t hold tightly to what you’ve been given.

I’d like to share something I learned from my high school track and field days. Four by Four relay was my passion and I was the fourth runner. The key to winning this sport was not only speed. There were very important components to us winning as a team. If you did not pass the baton properly to the next runner, you could jeopardize your chance of winning.

We practiced the hand off of the baton over and over. You have to get the right amount of distance between your partner and securely lock that baton in your partner’s hand. Life is very similar. As we live a life with legacy in mind keep in mind the lessons we learn during the process. Don’t drop the baton. Don’t be sloppy in the way you pass on life lessons to others. They are watching you they are listening.

Stay alert as you run toward the finish line but also, be aware of the people running behind and beside you. Remember, the race is never won alone! When the fourth runner crosses the line, it is never because of their solo effort. It’s a team effort.

Life lived fully is done with others. Are you living with legacy in mind? It’s time.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for this day that I am alive. I know that it is only because of your mercy and grace why I am here. Help me to always remember that everything I have and achieve is because it is a gift from your hand. Teach me to love people unconditionally and live life today in a way that honors you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter. 

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com