God Can Use You

  Friday, March 31, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 40 day devotional.

Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
PSALM 77:19–20, CSB 

God Can Use You

God could have led the Israelites across the Red Sea and into the Promised Land without the assistance of any human, but He chose not to rescue them this way. While God’s people were saved through the miraculous parting of The Red Sea, He used Moses and Aaron to do it. This is the pattern we see throughout scripture. God’s plan of redemption for the world is accomplished through His people sharing the gospel. He does not have to use us, but He chooses to use us for His name’s sake. God leads His people through His people. Never underestimate the role you can and will play in the lives of those you are sharing the gospel with and discipling. If God is going to do a work in your One’s life, He will likely use you and other believers to do it. 

We are all flawed. We have sin, family problems, fears, trials, and yet God still uses us. He uses ordinary people who are obedient to Him to accomplish His purpose. Even with all this going on in our lives, we can still meet needs, be instruments of peace, and show God’s love to others. We can still share the gospel. 

Many times what keeps us from sharing the gospel is not feeling qualified. God used lots of people in the Bible that didn’t feel qualified. There are things we can do to make sure that we are ready anytime we might find ourselves in circumstances where we can share the gospel with someone who needs to hear it. We also need to have faith that God will give us the words we need to say in the moment we need to say them. If it is down to stepping out in faith and sharing the gospel, trusting God to give us the words, or not sharing it at all when someone needs to hear it, then share the gospel!  Sharing the gospel is equivalent to saving a life. When you share the gospel is it at least one step closer, another seed planted, to help someone have the gift of salvation and eternal life. 

As you go about your day, look for opportunities the Lord has given you to be His hands, feet and mouthpiece to those you encounter.

 

Who’s Your One Prayer Guide Day 27

When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ACTS 2:37-38, CSB

Father, I long for ___________ to ask this question: What must I do to be saved? Right now he/she is content to live apart from Your love, but I know all of that can change in a moment. Awaken him/her to his/her need for the gospel. Give me the courage to call ___________ to repentance, and grant me the joy of seeing him/her baptized as a public testimony of his/her faith in Jesus Christ. I know You forgive sins and give Your Holy Spirit to all those who are saved. I pray he/she would connect to Your Church and be discipled to maturity following his/her conversion.

Cultivating Good Soil and Planting Seeds

Thursday, March 30, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 40 day devotional.

Then he said to them: “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand all of the parables? The sower sows the word. Some are like the word sown on the path. When they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. And others are like seed sown on rocky ground. When they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. But they have no root; they are short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately fall away. Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those like seed sown on good ground hear the word, welcome it, and produce fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what was sown.” MARK 4:13–20, CSB

Cultivating Good Soil and Planting Seeds

People will inevitably respond to the gospel differently. Some hear the truth, and Satan steals it. Others hear it and joyfully accept it, but the hardship of this world uproot and reveal its shallowness. Others allow the care of this world to choke out the truth, and what fruit they would have produced dies. And some hear the good news, receive it with joy and produce fruit beyond what we could ever ask or imagine. You are not responsible for how your one responds to the message, but you are responsible to share it. God will be with us as we spread gospel seeds and may the good news of the kingdom fall on fertile soil in the hearts of hearers. 

As Christians, we have a tendency to feel like we are unsuccessful if we don’t see the fruit. Even as moms and dads, as we raise our children we tell them about Jesus and read them the Bible and take them to church. We do all the little mundane things as a ministry to our families, but the fruit is a long time coming. We plant the seeds many times a day and it can feel discouraging because the process is so slow to us. But God’s plans are always 100% on time. With our families and friends, and with our One, we plant the seeds and water, but God is in control of the rest. We can feel confident in knowing we have done what God has called us to do even when we don’t see the fruit. I always think of Moses in this situation. He led the Children of Israel for 40 years in the desert when it was only supposed to be 11 days. Because of their disobedience, the first generation did not get to go to the promised land. Moses planted the seed and led them according to God’s direction, and he himself died and did not get to go to the promised land, because of his disobedience. God told him to speak to a rock to bring water out of it, and he struck the rock instead.  He did not get to see the fruits of his labor. Many of us may not live to see the fruits of our labor but the important thing is that we live obedient to God and His plan, nor ours. Sometimes we are only called to plant seeds in fertile soil.

Pray the heart of your One would be like the seed planted on good soil, which produced much fruit.

Who’s Your One Prayer Guide 26

Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions. MARK 10:21-22, CSB

God, there is so much in this world that wars against people coming to faith in You and giving their lives to follow You as a disciple. There is perhaps no greater obstacle than possessions and money. I know You have said it is difficult for the rich to enter Your kingdom. Though ___________ may not consider himself/herself rich in this life, I know it is possible for possessions, or the pursuit of those possessions, to cause a person to reject You. Show ___________ the futility of pursuing things of this world that can be destroyed in a moment and cause him/her to consider the reality of eternity. As he/she does, show him/her You are a greater treasure than anything this life could provide.

 

Are You Willing to Be Inconvenienced?

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 21 day devotional.

The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading? The man replied, “How can I unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.” ACTS 8:29-31, NLT

 

Are You Willing to Be Inconvenienced?

Philip had a surprising shift in ministry when the Holy Spirit led him away from what many would call a successful and sizable ministry and into the desert, where he met an unlikely Ethiopian stranger. Philip discovered God had already prepared the Ethiopian to be his One.

God’s Spirit took Philip away from where he was comfortable but brought him to where he was most needed. Philip shared the gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch, and he was immediately receptive and wanted to be baptized. The Ethiopian took the gospel back home with him, and Philip’s ministry to his One facilitated the gospel’s entrance into an entirely new country.

Philip was willing to be inconvenienced in order to be obedient to God’s call on his life. He sacrificed a lot, leaving a flourishing ministry to go to the desert. Sacrifice may be part of being the light for your One, especially if it means being prepared to shine at a moment’s notice and in places you might not choose for yourself. Would you be willing to leave what seem like fertile mission fields and follow God’s direction to a desert to share the gospel? 

What if your one is someone or somewhere who is completely beyond your comfort zone or your expected place? Are you able to discern the voice of God well enough to recognize Him leading you in a direction you didn’t plan on going?

We’re often afraid to step out on faith and share with someone at the Holy Spirit’s urging, but Philip’s story shows that when we’re obedient to God’s promptings to share the gospel with our one, we’ll often find God is giving us someone who’s heart is already prepared to receive His Son. We’ll also realize that the one with whom we share may become instrumental in bringing Christ to the nations.

God is always ready to give us a heart prepared for the gospel. The question is, will you be ready? Are you willing to step out of YOUR comfort zone to reach the one who God is already working on? Ask God to help you be prepared to share with your One.

Who’s Your One Prayer Guide Day 25

“Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly, since the soil wasn’t deep. When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce fruit. Still other seed fell on good ground, and it grew up, producing fruit that increased thirty, sixty, and a hundred times.” Then he said, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.” 
MARK 4:3-9, CSB

Father, cause the seed being sown in ____________’s life to produce fruit. I know the enemy likes nothing more than to see the sun or thorns destroy the seed of the gospel in his/her life. Do the work of tilling the soil in his/her heart, so the message of the gospel is received. I know You are able to transform even the hardest heart, as You demonstrated in the transformation of the apostle Paul. Nothing is impossible for You. I ask You to show Your power once again and cause ____________ to produce exponential fruit.

 

 

The Blindness of Unbelievers

 Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 40 day devotional

In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4–6 CSB

The Blindness of Unbelievers

The way we live as Christians looks like foolishness to the unbeliever. They are prevented from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, and consequently, the things of Christ appear strange and foreign. They are prevented from seeing and being in an intimate relationship with God Himself. As we share the gospel with our one, we do not share in such a way as to make ourselves look great. We proclaim Christ as servant messengers who are praying God would use us to shine light into the darkness of the lives of unbelievers. May this light give knowledge to those we share the good news with each day. 

In Jude 1:10, Jude tells the believers to be aware that the unbelievers that had infiltrated their group blaspheme what they do not understand. A lot of the people out there today that are questioning the Christian faith are too offended by the Word of God to hear the truth. They believe they are spiritual, but they do not truly understand.  

But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Jude 1:10

They do understand their human instincts to sin and they believe that Christians are wrong if we make people feel bad for wanting to sin and wanting to keep it in their lives. For some of us, this may be a loved one or family member. We can only pray - turning them over to God - knowing that He loves them so much more than we do. We can love them no matter what and continue to ask God to show them the light of the knowledge of God’s glory through us or in any way God uses. Pray for hearts to be softened and open to the real truth.  

Pray God would give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory to your One.

 

Who’s Your One Prayer Guide Day 24

In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. 
EPHESIANS 1:13, CSB

God, I know You give Your promised Holy Spirit to all those whom You have saved. Your Spirit is a defining mark of Your people. I pray ___________ would experience Your salvation and receive the gift of Your Spirit. I know it is Your Spirit who works in the hearts of people like ___________ to convince them of their sin and their need for Jesus. I ask that Your Spirit do this work in ___________’s life and that Your Spirit will fill and seal him/her when he/she hears Your Word and believes the truth of Your gospel.

A Past With A Purpose

Monday, March 27, 2023 

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:12-14

A Past With A Purpose

From the inspirational words of Paul there may be many who would say, “I know Paul learned how to maximize the moment. I see how he labored more often, was more productive, and got better results than the other apostles did. But I have so many problems in my life I don’t know if I can overcome to serve God.” Good news!  So did Paul.  He had what appeared to be rather serious limitations. 

Paul had a history.  He persecuted the church of God publicly.  He arrested believers and testified against them.  His reputation was well known for wreaking havoc in the early church.  Even after his conversion to Christ, he was originally rejected by the other apostles because they were afraid of him due to his history and dark past. His friends were few, his enemies were many and suffering was his lot.  Yet, he was successful in running the Christian race.

His presentation was weak. Paul was not a great speaker and referred to his speech as rude, uncouth, unpolished; not smooth or eloquent.  His appearance was weak, as were his eyes.  He really did not measure up to the other apostles in appearance nor in presentation in the physical sense.  However, Paul had a great message of truth, in spite of a weak delivery!  Peter was more robust, and Apollos was more eloquent; but Paul was very effective. 

In First and Second Corinthians, Paul attempted to justify his being called an apostle. He was not one of the original twelve.  He describes himself as "one born out of due season."  He was not in the company of Jesus during his earthly ministry and did not witness the miracles of Jesus.  Yet, his ministry was more successful than some who accompanied Jesus daily.  Paul expanded the kingdom of God.  Not only did he establish more churches, but also he wrote two-thirds of the New Testament books. 

In 2 Corinthians 11:5, Paul defends his ministry by saying, for I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles.  Paul labored as a debtor to Christ. He was overcome with love and appreciation that Christ had called him and was using him in His service.  

As you look throughout the Bible, you will find it is full of the stories of real people who had flaws and shortcomings.  God knew we could not be perfect because we are human and wanted us to know that we are still valuable to Him and His kingdom.  Even with our past sins and mistakes God can still use us. Our scars have value and sometimes the scars we carry may make another person with a similar past see that God can love them in spite of where they have been.  Not only can He still love us, scars and all, but He can USE us!

How can God use your story to reach your One? 

Who's Your One Prayer Guide Day 23

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever. 1 CHRONICLES 16:34, CSB

Father, I give thanks to You for Your goodness in my life. I know Your faithful love endures forever. You have never abandoned me, and You continue to demonstrate grace in my life, though I’m so prone to forget Your kindness or rebel against Your authority.  ____________ needs to know Your love. He/she needs more than an intellectual understanding of Your existence; rather he/she needs to experience the love You have demonstrated in my life. Break through his/her hard heart, and cause him/her to truly experience Your life-transforming love and to be able to join with me in giving You thanks for all You are and all You have done.

The Most Ridiculous Conversation in the Bible

The Most Ridiculous Conversation in the Bible

Jonah 4:1-4

 

Jonah 4 provides a Mirror that reflect some of our struggles and help us grow to love like Jesus

 

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” Jonah 4:1-4

 

Why did Jonah react this way

1.    Didn’t see people with love

Judgement: forming of an opinion, based on circumstances.

2.    Forgot what God did for him

3.    Let emotions control him

We do the same thing

1.    We don’t see people with love.

2.    We forget what God has done for us.

3.    We get angry just like Jonah.

How do we show Love

1.    Learn what Love is. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Be Kind.

2.    Remember our Pardon. Romans 5:8

God loved us while we were sinners.

3.    Check our Motivation. 1 John 4:19

Move from “In order to” to “Because of.”

4.    Don’t act like the Holy Spirit, Act like Jesus: Matthew 7:3-4

We are called to be Little Christ’s not Little Holy Spirit’s.

So What?

            Are going to be Jonah or Paul: Romans 9:2-3

                         

Hearing From God

Friday, March 24, 2023

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Psalms 19:7-10 NASB

Hearing From God by Van Houser

God has made it extremely easy for us to know Him through His ever-available Word. There is no need to wait for an appointment for His counsel for He never sleeps nor slumbers. Alongside that, His Word is readily available and amazingly effective at guiding our steps if we take time to listen. 

Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator.  Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office that was listed.  When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background. 

A sign on the receptionist's counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office.  The young man filled out his form and sat down with the seven other applicants in the waiting area. 

After a few minutes, the young man stood up, crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in.  Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was going on.  They muttered among themselves that they hadn't heard any summons yet.  The assumed that the young man who went into the office made a mistake and would be disqualified. 

Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, "Gentlemen, thank you for coming, but the job has just been filled." 

The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and one spoke up saying, "Wait a minute, I don't understand.  He was the last to come in, and we never got a chance to be interviewed.  Yet he got the job.  That's not fair!" 

The employer said, "I'm sorry, but the last several minutes while you've been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: 'If you understand this message, then come right in.  The job is yours.'  None of you heard it or understood it.  This young man did.  The job is his.'" 

Do we hear the voice of God in a world that is filled with noise and clatter? Are we listening for the message God wants us to hear? Throughout the scriptures God has always put a premium upon hearing and doing (listening & acting). The writer of Proverbs pointed his son to the source of success in life.

"And now, my sons, listen to me; those who keep my ways are happy. Listen to instruction and be wise; don't ignore it. Anyone who listens to me is happy, watching at my doors every day, waiting by the posts of my doorway. For the one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but the one who misses me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36 HCSB

As a child, I remember being encouraged to “be a wise man” and build my house on the rock of the Word of God. 

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:” Matthew 7:24  

God’s Word is, however, of little use to the one who never intends or chooses not to follow its counsel. It is a fool who fills his mind with wisdom and fails to follow its advice.  Those are the ones who fail to listen with the heart of readiness that can alter their steps and lead them to a wonderfully powerful life. James said it this way:

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 HCSB  

Who’s Your One Prayer Guide Day 20

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory, as the water covers the sea. HABAKKUK 2:14, CSB

God, You have promised there will be a day when Your glory is seen and known throughout the earth. Right now, ____________ does not have knowledge of Your glory. He/she is lost. I know Your glory already fills the earth. It’s seen in amazing sunrises, powerful thunderstorms and the laughter of children. Everywhere I look, I see things that cause me to praise You! _____________ is blind to Your glory. He/she sees beauty and does not attribute it to You. He/she experiences joy and fails to understand You created it. Change his/her heart so he/she can know the Source of all that is great in this life.

God Gives Growth

 Thursday, March 23, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 40 day devotional.

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5–6, CSB

God Gives Growth

If you like fast-action results, you should not take up gardening. It is the slow and steady act of consistent day-in and day-out nurturing and cultivating the plants. Likewise, sharing the gospel where we live, work and play can be slow work. We build relationships and share the love of Christ in word and deed. We pray our friends and family who do not know Christ will turn away from their sins and turn toward Him in humble submission. In this sometimes-slow process, the Lord uses other men and women to call people to Himself. Each person has a role they play in their influence of drawing people into the kingdom. While God uses our labor and the labors of others, true spiritual growth comes from God Himself. As you share the gospel with your one, resist the urge to become frustrated when people become Christians or grow spiritually as a result of another’s influence. You may plant and another may water, but ultimately God causes them to grow. 

We plant the seeds in people’s lives, but we may not see the fruit. Recall the people who played a role in your own story of salvation. Communicate—a thank you note, a phone call, a text message, etc.—your gratitude in their willingness to be used by the Lord to call you to Himself.

Who’s Your One Prayer Guide 19

So the Lord said, “You cared about the plant, which you did not labor over and did not grow. It appeared in a night and perished in a night. But may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many animals?” JONAH 4:10-11, CSB

Father, I know You are a kind God who cares about the lost and those destined for destruction. Like Nineveh of old, our world is filled with people who don’t know their right from their left. People like ____________ live in sinful rebellion to You. You’ve appointed men and women to be your mouthpiece to a dying world, just as Jonah was. Spare _______________ from destruction and use my words as a tool to call him/her to repentance. Allow me to speak clearly and boldly about the realities of hell and Your eternal wrath and call _____________ to repent before it is too late.

No One Is Too Far Gone

 Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 40 day devotional.

So the LORD said, “You cared about the plant, which you did not labor over and did not grow. It appeared in a night and perished in a night. But may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many animals?” JONAH 4:10–11 CSB

No One Is Too Far Gone

Jonah was one of the most successful evangelists in the Old Testament, and he was also the most upset about it. 

To Jonah’s frustration, God extended mercy to the Ninevites when they repented. God cares deeply for those who do not know Him, and He cares immensely for your one and others you are sharing the gospel with. He does not desire a single person to perish and spend eternity away from Himself, including the vilest of humans. Never believe a person is too far gone to be brought back into the loving arms of the Savior. 

This passage brings to light what could be a sticky situation. It is possible that your One that God has laid on your heart is someone who has hurt you in the past, or someone that you have seen their behavior and the way they treat people and you have a hard time tolerating them, let alone praying for them. The most healing thing you can do for yourself is to pray for the person that has hurt you. When we honestly pray for the good of someone who has hurt us, we turn them, and their actions over to God. It is a tricky thing for sure because it goes completely against our human nature to want good things for those that we see as undeserving, or who have hurt us or someone we love. But this is what God calls us to do. And if your One is someone who has hurt you, unresolved issues and forgiveness will be the first step in this whole process. 

Jonah was furious. He lost his temper. He yelled at God, “God! I knew it—when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen! That’s why I ran off to Tarshish! I knew you were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness! Jonah 4:1-2

I love this Message translation because it shows Jonah’s humanity. He was actually angry because God was all these good things, and he knew that God would forgive the Ninevites.  Jonah had not been hurt by the Ninevites, but he sure did not think they deserved the grace of God in their lives. This is a completely human feeling as well. But… not what God calls us to. He calls us to remember the grace that God gives us and how would we feel if God told us that we are too far gone to receive any compassion, grace, mercy, or forgiveness from Him. The amount of grace I have received, and still need on a daily basis from God, is always before me. I know where I would be if it were not for that grace - and that grace is for everyone in the whole wide world - no matter what they have done. No one is too far gone, and no one is ever completely out of the reach of God’s hand. 

Jonah states that he knew God would not punish the evil Ninevites when they changed their ways because Jonah knew that God is sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness! The God of the Ninevites that Jonah was talking about is our God too and when He looks on us, He is sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness! These words about God are a great picture of exactly who He is in the face of our sin. He loves us and is waiting for us to turn to Him, offering us all these things if we only repent and turn to Him. 

Who have you believed is too far gone from receiving Christ? Repent of this mindset and pray this person would come to know the Lord. 

Who’s Your One Prayer Guide Day 18

For when there are many words, they increase futility. What is the advantage for mankind? For who knows what is good for anyone in life, in the few days of his futile life that he spends like a shadow? Who can tell anyone what will happen after him under the sun? ECCLESIASTES 6:11-12, CSB

Lord, the wisdom of Ecclesiastes points out consistently that life in this world is futile apart from You. No wisdom, wealth or pleasure will satisfy. People like ______________ pursue these very things with their lives, only to find that they overpromise and under-deliver. Nothing on this earth provides lasting meaning. Only You can do that. In Your mercy, allow ___________________ to see the futility of life without You. When he/she does, don’t allow him/her to despair, but cause him/her to direct his/her desperation to You. Make the futility of this life cause him/her to see that the only hope is You. Your salvation and the hope that comes from Jesus is the only thing that will never let him/her down.

 

Keep Going

 Tuesday, March 21, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 40 day devotional 

For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up. HEBREWS 12:3, CSB

Keep Going

If we are living intentionally to advance God’s kingdom, we will grow weary. Our souls and bodies grow tired with time and age. Life’s harsh realities put a wet towel on our fiery passion which once burned brightly. But we find hope to endure when we look at the cross. As we think on the person and work of Jesus, we place our hope in the One who endured immense hostility to the point of death on the cross. He did this so we would not give up. He endured to the very end for you and me so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. 

Someone - your one - needs you to persevere and not give up. They need to know the gospel and the story of a God who loves them enough to pay their debt, to endure their punishment - His own shed blood - so they could be reconciled with God and made whole. When we give up before God tells us it is time to quit, we are not being obedient to His call on our lives. 

As the great crowd of witnesses spurs you on, keep running the race set before you with endurance, with your eyes ever fixed on the Savior. While it may take years or decades to see that friend, family member or your one come to Christ, “be steadfast, immoveable, always excelling in Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Pray the Lord would give you endurance as you share the gospel with your one.

Who’s Your One Prayer Guide Day 17

Sing a new song to the Lord; let the whole earth sing to the Lord. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; proclaim his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples. PSALM 96:1-3, CSB

God, the psalmist calls me to sing to the Lord and declare His salvation among all people. Cause my life to overflow with Your joy. Make me sing Your praises day-to-day. Bring to mind consistent evidence of Your grace in my life. As You do, make these realities spill over into the words I speak to __________________. Allow me to testify to the wondrous works You’ve performed in my life. When I experience Your blessings, compel me to testify to the fact that God alone is the source of my joy and the only basis for my hope.

A Compassionate, Gracious, and Merciful God

Monday, March 20, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 40 day devotional

Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7–8, CSB 

A Compassionate, Gracious, and Merciful God

You have heard, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” When we display the love of Christ to others and build relational capital, we begin tilling the soil of their hearts to not only hear the good news but to experience it through our own lives and friendship. Sharing the gospel is not less than a verbal proclamation or announcement, but it is more. We share the good news of Jesus in word while sharing our lives.

Jesus has a love for us that is like no other. He has more patience with us than we could ever imagine, remaining compassionate and gracious beyond comprehension. He is longsuffering, not easily becoming offended or outraged with us. He has love for us – to a thousand generations – that we can never fathom. He forgives our sin and rebellion over and over.  This gospel speaks of God’s compassion, forgiveness, graciousness, and love for the world. Those who hear and believe will know that they are loved and cared for by a Heavenly Father whose love continues from generation to generation.

This week, as you look for opportunities to verbally share Christ, don’t neglect a key aspect of evangelism where you’re sharing yourself as well. Share your joys, your struggles and your life with those you are trying to reach for Christ. Share how God’s compassion and graciousness have changed your life. How will you share your life and the gospel with your one this week? 

Who's Your One Prayer Guide Day 16

The Lord—the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. EXODUS 34:6-7, CSB

God, I know You as One who is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. You have shown these characteristics to me time and time again. My heart breaks for the countless number of men and women who haven’t experienced Your character as I have. In particular, I pray for ______________. I know he/she has some concepts of who You are—many of them probably inadequate or altogether faulty. I want him/her to know You as You truly are. Cause _______________ to see You as the great God You are, and use me to reflect your attributes.

Big Life Lessons From A Wee Little Man

Big Life Lessons From A Wee Little Man 

Luke 19:1-10

As Jesus entered Jericho, His One becomes evident. Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus, but what he did not realize is that Jesus was seeking him. It was an exciting day for Zacchaeus as he became a follower of Jesus.

A Lesson on the Emptiness of Wealth

Zacchaeus is a Hebrew name meaning pure or righteous.

In Palestine, tax collectors were Jews who worked for the Roman government collecting taxes from their own people.

Zacchaeus was a traitor to his people.

How Bad Were Tax Collectors Considered To Be?

According to the Jewish code, a tax collector could not vote, testify in court; or go into the synagogue.

Riches don’t buy the things that produce internal happiness or joy.

True happiness is found in authentic relationships with others, God and ourselves.

A Lesson on Divine Appointments

The word seek in the New Testament always indicates a diligent effort.

Zacchaeus was not the only one seeking; Jesus was also seeking.

A Lesson on Seizing Opportunity

Jesus not only knew his name, He knew his needs, the ache in his heart ... even his potential!

The purpose of Jesus guided His actions in order to be realized.

Jesus has a purpose for mankind that crosses all manmade barriers whether racial, ethnic, political, or even ethical.

A Lesson on Honesty and Repentance

Spiritual curiosity can open the door for truthful revelation about our life and God.

The word repentance is translated from a Greek word that means a change of mind or attitude. A key aspect of repentance is the willingness to make restitution for the past, as far as possible.

Brokenness is always present in real repentance.

A Lesson on Salvation

Not only had Jesus come into Zacchaeus’ house, but He had come into his heart.

That which is lost is that which is out of place, and therefore, useless and worthless.

The Good News Entrusted To You

 Friday, March 17, 2023 Some material taken from NAMB Who’s Your One 40 day devotional.

Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people … I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19, 22B–23, CSB

The Good News Entrusted To You

The scope of Jesus’ atonement goes beyond our personal salvation. It is amazing that Jesus cares about each individual person saved, including you! After all, it is said that He leaves the 99 to save one (Luke 15). But His redemption does not stop with our salvation. He died for the sins of your closest loved ones and your greatest enemy. He came to save your most intimate relationship and mere acquaintances. He gave Himself for those who would trust in His name, and He has entrusted His people to take this message of redemption to the world. As you marvel at your own story of redemption, begin to direct your attention to those around you whom God may be wooing to Himself. He died for you and them. He died for your one. Pray God would give you ways you can share this good news today with your one.

Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should. EPHESIANS 6:19-20, CSB

 

God, I need boldness in order to share the gospel with _______________. I know the message of the gospel is a mystery to those who are lost in their trespasses and sins. At one time, the gospel was a mystery to me as well. Your plan is that people would see and hear of Jesus through the witness of those who have experienced His grace and now see the gospel for the treasure it is. Grant me boldness to speak to __________________of the hope of the gospel. I need unwavering confidence that You will use my frail words to speak of You as I should.

 

JOURNAL YOUR PRAYERS

 

 

The Greatest Treasure Is Yours

Thursday, March 16, 2023 

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. MATTHEW 13:44, CSB

The Greatest Treasure Is Yours

How valuable do you perceive God’s kingdom to be? In the movie National Treasure, main character Ben Gates (played by Nicholas Cage) abandons everything to find a treasure his family spent decades unsuccessfully searching for. With his eyes on the prize in front of him, he stops at nothing to follow the clues hidden throughout the United States to find the treasure. Similarly, the man in Matthew 13:44 joyfully gave up all he had because of the value of what he was getting in return. The kingdom of God held so much weight to him that selling all he had was a small cost compared to his gain. As missionary Jim Elliot put it, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Never stop seeing the kingdom of God as the greatest treasure and set your heart adamantly on inviting our one into this joy. 

On the other hand, in Luke chapter 18 we hear about the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked how he could have eternal life. And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Luke 18:18-23

This rich young ruler was not willing to exchange all his earthly possessions for eternal life. He wanted eternal life but was not willing to surrender his things in order to receive it. Of course selling all your worldly possessions and giving them to the poor will not get you into heaven. This story is about loving something more than Jesus. It is about looking at what is in front of you, in your bank account, in your house, who you are married to or dating, etc..., and wanting all that more than you want to follow Jesus. Jesus wants all of us, surrendered fully to Him. Until we fully surrender all to Him, He cannot work in our lives in the way He wants to. We don’t have to get rid of everything and everyone in our lives, just what is keeping us from following Jesus completely. Nothing should be of more value in our lives than our relationship with Jesus and following Him, fully surrendered. And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers[b] or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:29-30

Pray you would value the kingdom like the man in Matthew 13:44 and that it would propel you to share your findings with your one.

Who's Your One Daily Prayer Guide Day 12

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation. I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Since they are ignorant of the righteousness of God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. ROMANS 10:1-3, CSB 

Lord, I know it is possible for people to pursue meaningful things in this life in the vain hope that their zeal for what is perceived as good will somehow work to their eternal benefit. Far too often, those who are far from You assume things will work out in the end 

because they have been fairly good people in this life and given their time and energy to do what they consider good. Sadly, many are like those Paul prays for in this passage. They have zeal but lack knowledge of God’s righteousness seen in Jesus Christ. Awaken ____________ to Your offer of salvation, and helphim/her see the futility of anything other than You as a hope for eternal salvation.