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Key Bible Verse: Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. (Matthew 3:8) Dig Deeper: Matthew 3:1-8

At the early age of 9, I had invited Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior, but my college days and the first years of my coaching career didn't reflect this. The Lord was there as a kind of safety net for salvation but had little impact on my day-to-day living.

So it came about that one Sunday night at church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, I walked down the aisle and made this statement to the Lord: "I know that I have a personal relationship with you, but I must confess that I have not been living for you."

I had wasted many years by failing to seek the Lord's guidance in every part of my life. This was a turning point for me. This commitment to rededicate my life resulted in my walking closer with the Lord. I wonder, as you read this [week's] devotionals, if you find yourself in a similar situation. The decision I made to begin a closer walk with the Lord has been one of the most gratifying decisions of my life, and if you are feeling a distraction in your relationship with the Lord, I encourage you to take that step and rededicate your life.

—Joe Gibbs in Game Plan for Life Chalk Talks

My Response: What areas of my Christian life aren't as spiritually healthy as they should be? What changes do I need to make to strengthen my walk with Christ?

Thought to Apply: Sleep with clean hands, either kept clean all day by integrity or washed clean at night by repentance.—John Donne (British poet, cleric)

Adapted from Game Plan for Life Chalk Talks (Zondervan, 2012) by permission. All rights reserved by the copyright holder and/or the publisher. May not be reproduced.

Copyright © 2013 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Father in heaven, forgive me for those times I don’t trust you and your perfect plan for my life; through this week’s readings show me one step I need to take to strengthen my walk with you.

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