Playing and practice

I just finished listening to the FBCLR message online from last week. It slightly disturbs me that I am now a good 30 minutes away from the church that totally revived my walk with the Lord and challenged me in so many ways, and then sent me to foreign soil to serve with World Gospel Outreach for three years. Not to say that I can't just get in the car and visit, because I can, I will. It's hard to let go of something so meaningful in one's life, especially when the only reason is distance.

Mark spoke on Daniel 6 last week at FBCLR. The book of Daniel and Daniel's life are powerful. I've always looked up to Daniel's integrity and conviction as a follower and believer in the Lord. Mark made a simple statement that should hit home with all Christians, myself included. Mark played football, so appropriately, his analogy related to sports (and maybe I'll use this one in class with my football players to get them to study some.) Mark said:

"You play like you practice."

That's so true. Take some time and think about anything for which you have practiced. Usually there is some larger competition and you practice and practice so that you can perform your very best.

How are we practicing with the Lord? Do we take intentional time each day, maybe just 15 minutes, or possibly up to several hours, to meet with Him? How many times a day do we stop and pray for the person/people in our direct path? How often do we repent and tell God that we're wrong and sorry for doing that or acting like this? Do we ask Him to reveal Himself to us thru His word? How will He meet us in His word if we are not in His Word, daily?

How are we going to play our best for the Lord if we don't set aside time to practice and listen to the coach?