storiesofvalue

Reflect For The Sake Of Your “One”

Are you aware we just had an election? If not, welcome to the planet Earth.  You must have just arrived.

I have a request. Would you join me in a season of reflection following our Presidential election?  Let me be a little more specific.

Let’s reflect on what the events of the past few days mean for Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost. How has the recent election changed our culture, and what do we need to know when it comes to sharing our faith.  Not the reflection you had in mind?  Stick with me.

Obviously, we have a fundamental perspective as believers. God is still in control, no matter what is happening in our country.  We pray for peace and brotherly love and live out the grace found in Jesus.  He truly is the hope of the world.  These truths sound a bit like clichés, but they are true nonetheless.

But in addition, my appeal for reflection requires some extra-biblical research, with our mission in view. How have we been changed as a nation in a matter of a few days?  We know a new government administration will change how things are done, but what are people thinking and feeling?

Who are the villains and the heroes? What do people fear?  What are the pros and cons of the outcome of the election and how are different people groups responding?

I am aware, depending on our political leanings, we will not agree on which perspectives are right or wrong. It is also important to remember, even though God is still in control, He has asked us to care about our government.  In a country “of the people” this means there is no way we can just let “Jesus take the wheel” (although I like the song), and hope for the best.  The scenes playing out before us matter.  Government matters.  The future of our society matters.  Our engagement in the process matters.

Which is exactly my point.

While I don’t have the data I need to know what is going on in everyone’s mind, this is a time when followers of Jesus should be doing their best to piece together everything they hear and see to gain understanding. What has happened has not changed the message of Jesus, but it has changed the filters through which that message will be received.

It will be some time before the key questions are asked and answered. Perhaps in six months or so some books will be published with brand new catch-phrases to help us understand how we have been changed.  But we have been changed.

While analyzing the election and the future government are important, finding a way to share Jesus is also important. If I read my Bible correctly, making sure people know Jesus before they slip into eternity is more important than anything.

I issue this appeal: care about the future of our country, but don’t get so wrapped up in the latest news report you forget to care about people who need Jesus. During Jesus’ ministry, He met people on every side of the political fence.  There were Zealots, Pharisees, Sadducees, blue bloods and governors.  He met enemies of the Roman Empire, entrenched politicians, insiders and outsiders.  And He loved them all.  He didn’t agree with them all, but He loved them and died for them on the cross of Calvary.

The next time you are in a conversation with someone about the direction of our country toss out this question: “What do you think the role of Christians should be moving forward?” Be inquisitive.  Be sincere.  Be mindful of the mission.  And tuck away the response as a reference point.

Whatever you do, don’t forget the mission. I am pretty sure it is more important than ever.

What do I do when the election is over?

I am writing this devotion in the midst of the Presidential election. I realize what we do next will be influenced by which candidate wins, literally at the “end of the day”.  However, I share these thoughts as an encouragement to all to remain engaged in building a better country, regardless of the outcome of today’s vote.

Invest in people. A Presidential campaign focuses our attention on people’s needs, real and perceived. These needs don’t go away the day after the election.  It is true, sometimes politicians fail to care for the people they reached out to during their campaigns.  But this shouldn’t discourage us from doing what we can to help.  Candidates have spent millions of dollars in an attempt to understand their voter base.  What would happen if followers of Jesus used this information to design ministries that help others overcome life’s obstacles?

Pray for those in power. People change. Ok, so some people never change.  Yet, history is full of amazing stories involving world leaders whose hearts were touched by God’s love.  If God is in control, then He can speak truth into any situation.  Power corrupts, but God interrupts.  More than one world leader has been changed by His grace.

Address the fundamental issues. Government has a role to play in the moral integrity of our country, at home and abroad. The decisions we make on the world stage say something about our character, and when we lose the high moral ground, we lose influence. However, it isn’t the President’s job alone to look out for the soul of our country.  Actually, we should be looking out for the President’s soul.  We should also be busy fulfilling Christ’s mission of seeking and saving the lost.  If we are disheartened by the moral perspectives we have heard from citizens during this election season, our experience might be a “wake-up” call.  We can’t put our walk with the Lord, our devotion to His truth, and our commitment to His church and mission on the back burner for four years and assume our country will be the same when the next election rolls around.  There is no “Jesus Fairy” who sprinkles our family with the dust of the spirit if we have failed to put first things first.  We have the means to change our country, our communities and our families if we choose.

Seek discernment. Our country has been changed. The election season we have just experienced is not like a ball game where people cheer, argue calls, celebrate a victory and go home unchanged until next time.  Something has been rattled in our collective soul and it may take years to figure out how the things the emerging generation has seen and heard will impact its view of reality.  Recent events will change how we see politicians, political processes, civility, morality and truth.  If we hope to win others for Jesus, we need to talk and listen more than ever in an attempt to understand how Satan has exploited our present circumstances.

Perhaps the first thing you will do after the election is over is take a much-needed break from the news. Or patch up a relationship with someone you have offended over a political issue.

Just don’t say it’s over so there is nothing left to do. Our flaws have been exposed and the hard work has really just begun.

Pray for One – Election Survival Guide

By the time I post my next devotion, our next President will have likely been chosen. I have heard people say, “I’ll just be glad when it’s over.”  I don’t share this sentiment because I want to be a part of the process to the very end, taking advantage of the incredible trove of information at hand.

As an American I am passionate about my views toward the constitution, and public policy. Yes, I know God is in control, and our Savior Jesus is the undisputed King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  But what happens in politics matters.  I want good government, and I want to support the direction I believe will “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”

With these priorities in mind, I would like to make some suggestions to help us show our love for our country while respecting others and demonstrating good Christian character in the days ahead.  I humbly present these items for your consideration:

Respect the ability of others to make up their minds.  While we might be able to enlighten others with new perspectives, we must realize we are not the only ones capable of sifting through issues and arriving at the truth.  Ironically, when we insult the intelligence of others in an effort to influence their votes, we are probably more likely to turn them against our candidate.  Talk about the issues and reflect on the latest news stories, but be kind.  “An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel” (Proverbs 18:19)

Honor the right of every American to vote without harassment. A couple of weeks ago a Christian acquaintance asked me if I was going to vote for the candidate she opposed.  I have always exercised my right for confidentiality when it comes to voting for a political candidate.  When I refused to publicly discuss my candidate, I was presumed to be on the opposite side of the political aisle and was berated.  Some people choose to publicly endorse a candidate, and that is fine, but respect the position of those who don’t.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

Pray for wisdom. The hard truth is difficult to come by at this stage of the political process. However, every day we hear new information that could prove valuable as we prepare to cast our vote.  Many people have told me they are so frustrated with this election season all they can do is pray.  I am all for prayer, but I believe we should pray specifically for the strength to remain engaged in the political process and the wisdom to discern what everything means.  “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:6-7)

Pray for the collective witness of the Lord’s people. The selection of a President is huge, but the challenges facing our country are greater than a single political office.  Every day we make decisions that determine who or what sits on the throne of our hearts.  We teach our children what is important by the choices we make, and with every entry on our calendar and checkbook ledger we decide whether we are going to be driven by God’s purposes or worldly ambition.  Truthfully, the choices voters make in our country are merely a reflection of the people we have become.  If, as the Lord’s people, we aren’t putting Him first, and drawing people to Him, we can’t expect the government to do our job for us.  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13)

Vote.  Proverbs 29:2 reads, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)  If we are displeased with our country’s political choices, we might indeed groan; especially if the policies politicians pursue violate our moral conscience.  But if we have the opportunity to vote and don’t, we have no right to complain.

I encourage you to pray fervently that God will work through His people to bring about His will in this political season. Whatever the outcome of the election, I believe God continues to call us to a higher level of commitment and a deeper devotion to His truth.  A lot hinges on the upcoming election, but even more depends on our decision to put God first in our lives.  Don’t forget that the “one” we have been praying for could be watching.  While a vote for a candidate might be a secret, our witness is not.

When you vote in next week’s election, you will be standing in line with a crowd of people preparing to make a decision that will impact the next four years of all of our lives.  Look for your “one”.  God might have placed him or her in your precinct for such a time as this.

Praying for One and the Law of Probabilities

“Probability” is the word we use to determine the likelihood an event will occur. Most of us engage in probabilities at least once a day when we hear our local weather forecast.  A 20% chance of rain is a statement of probability.

I have met believers who prefer the words “probability” and “opportunity” over the word “chance.” They argue there is no such thing as chance since nothing happens unless God wills it to happen or chooses to let it happen.  For this reason many churches prefer the term “pitch-in” over “pot-luck” when they advertise fellowship meals.

Whatever we call it, there is no doubt we can calculate the probability of an outcome. Naturally, we recognize God could intervene at any time and render our projections irrelevant.

However, there is one probability that comes with a biblical validation. If the Lord’s people don’t share the message of salvation, no one will be saved.  I feel certain there are some who will disagree with this statement.  After all, God can deliver salvation to anyone at any time, without our help.  I agree He can.  What I am suggesting is He has chosen to do the work through us instead.  Even in the case of Jesus’ supernatural intervention in the life of Saul, a disciple named Ananias was called upon to finish the conversation process (Acts 22:12-16).

Are you still waiting for the biblical validation? I present for your consideration Romans 10:13-15: ‘“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”’

A fisherman can’t catch fish with a rod and reel unless his line is in the water. A farmer can’t raise a grain crop unless he plants a seed.  The probability of a fish being attracted to bait that isn’t in the water is 0%.  The probability of waves of grain springing out of the ground without a seed is the same.

This means if we pray for God to show us our “one”, we need to make an effort to connect with our “one.” When we put ourselves in new places with new people we increase the probability of finding our “one”.  If we intentionally engage more people in conversation we increase the probability God will show us our “one”.

I can’t guarantee the outcome for everyone who prays for “one”. God works in various ways at different times in divinely appointed places.  But I can guarantee the outcome for those who pray but do nothing.  Without a line in the water or a seed in the ground the probability of finding their one is 0%.  “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard.”

I recognize there are different ways of hearing and I don’t doubt souls have been won through a message delivered through television, radio, Internet or the printed page. Yet, even in these cases, someone had to make the personal investment to make sure others knew about Jesus.

If you are praying for your “one”, be encouraged. God will show you your “one” if you pay attention to the places He puts you and the people He puts you with.  If you stay alert there is a good chance you will see God work.

Um. I mean a good “probability” you will see God work.  Either way, the percentages go up and the Kingdom grows.

“Pray for One” Politics

Politics are important. I realize we grow tired of the constant bantering between candidates and certainly the current presidential campaigns have presented us with several embarrassing moments.  Yet, the outcome of any election, and our ability to decipher the truth, is critical to our future.  Politics matter.

However, regardless of the passion we feel for a candidate or a cause, we need to be wise. Actually, “because” of the passion we feel, we need to be wise.  It is easy to forget who is listening and watching, and if we aren’t careful, we can do irreparable harm to our Christian witness and God’s “one” in our lives.

Do we want a president who has backroom conversations about grabbing women’s genitals? Probably not.  Do we want a president who uses a non-profit foundation to launder money given for political favors?  Not likely.  Will a candidate guilty of one of these sins be in the White House?  I am certain of it.

Until the dust settles I would like to suggest some things we might want to keep in mind as followers of Jesus:

Show care in the way you evoke the name of Jesus. We should be aware of where candidates stand on important moral issues, and the power our next president will have in selecting Supreme Court appointees makes this election a matter of great concern for believers. However, Jesus doesn’t have a candidate. Remember, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Act on your spiritual convictions, but don’t exploit Jesus for political purposes.

Don’t violate biblical principles in your attempt to support a candidate. I have seen words on Facebook from my brothers and sisters in Christ that would have led to certain and swift punishment in my home as a kid. We have lost our filters, and our children are watching. They are reading our Facebook posts.  I have heard obvious misrepresentations of the truth, and outright lies from supporters of both candidates.  I understand hyperbole is one way we get our ideas across in our society.  There is also a temptation to counter lies with bigger lies.  But we must recognize what we are doing to our character and our ability to lead others to Jesus when we behave badly.  The generation that is emerging in our country is already detached from the church.  When we spew hate we don’t make ourselves very attractive, and honestly, we probably don’t help our candidate.

Remember, the soul of a culture is sustained by faith, not politics. This doesn’t mean a president can’t represent our collective soul and inspire us to honor God. However, the best candidates and laws upholding morality are very transient unless a critical mass supports them.  Our best hope is and has always been the kingdom work of bringing people to know Jesus.  He is the one who changes our neighborhoods, workplaces and homes.  Jesus heals the broken-hearted and sets the captive free.

Demonstrate an ability to articulate your views without malice. Are you a conservative? Carefully craft your Facebook posts and find a way to share your convictions in a concise, logical manner. Do you believe in more social programs and regulation?  State your reasons and make some comparisons and contrasts.  Does your past have a lot to do with why you feel the way you feel?  Share specifics.  Talk about the consequences of government overreach or the failure of our government to intervene in your situation.  Don’t just pass along what you hear, and don’t repost hateful opinions on Facebook on issues you haven’t researched for yourself.

And do all of this without malice. We turn to hateful words when we have nothing left to say, and people notice.

There is nothing wrong with having strong opinions and sharing them in the public square. I disagree strongly with those who think Christians should “stay in their lane”, as if faith has no place in politics.  There is a time to shout.  There is even a time for civil disobedience.  But there is never a time when we should forget we represent Jesus.

People who don’t know Jesus won’t forget how we have acted. The dust usually settles, but it always leaves a film.

Restoring Power to our “Ones”

The lights in our neighborhoods are coming on.

We live in a region of the country brushed by Hurricane Matthew. Things were much better than they could have been, but not quite as good as predicted.  As a result, some homes still don’t have power, and a few people don’t’ have homes.

Two of my neighbors have their homes wired for generators. When our power went off of a few days ago I walked out the front door and their houses were lit up like Christmas trees.  They had the power!

We didn’t.

Yet, electricity isn’t the only power that matters.

Consider the contrast between our situation and that of those in Haiti whose communities were ravaged by the storm. We were worried our frozen chicken might spoil.  Our friends in Haiti were burying their dead.  We were cranking up generators to drive our sound system for worship.  They were worshipping outside because their church buildings had been blown away.

Last Sunday, our church family reflected on how minor our inconveniences were compared to the devastation our brothers and sisters in Haiti were experiencing. But we had one thing in common.

We had power.

The power of our resurrected Lord Jesus flowed freely through our souls.  It gave believers in Haiti the confidence to continue.  It stirred our heart to do something to help them.  The power of Jesus generates different things in different people.

But no hurricane can blow it away.

No flood can wash it away.

We have power.

However, some don’t. Some have every gadget imaginable and every appliance available.  But inside they are drained.  Their batteries are dead.  They have no hope.

They need power.

Soon our local power companies will have everyone’s electricity working again. But just because the lights are on doesn’t mean a home has power.

As you pray for “one” person who needs Jesus, I encourage you to look for power outages in the lives of others. They’re not always easy to spot.  Keep your eyes open for people who need help with daily tasks and your ears open for those who need someone to listen.

There is a good chance someone you know is living on a generator and running low on gas. They’re not sure what they are going to do next.

Share the power.

Not our power, but His power.

Jesus’ power never runs out, and when our world around us crumbles it not only keeps us full, but it also provides a light for those around us. Power companies restore our electricity until next time.  Jesus restores our hope until we see Him face to face.

We have power to spare.  Let’s share it!

Why “One” Matters

My summers spent on the family farm as a kid taught me something about the value of “one.” My grandparents started out as sharecroppers, and along the way they learned to treasure everything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

One day my grandfather and I were fishing in a friend’s lake by the Interstate when my grandfather’s lure snagged something under the water. In fisherman’s terms, he got “hung-up”.  I was some distance away and can’t say for sure, but I think he was saying something about a guy named “Sam” and a “hill”.  I continued to fish and when I glanced back in my grandfather’s direction he was descending into the lake…naked.  That’s right.  My grandfather, a dignified politician, has disrobed in clear view of highway traffic in order to retrieve his lure.

The lure was a “rooster-tail” worth about three or four dollars at time. If you don’t fish you might wonder why a man with a decent income would do such a thing.  But if you are “one of us” you understand a lure with a good track record of catching fish is a terrible thing to lose.  And if you want to keep fishing on a given day you will do almost anything to retrieve it.

I have concluded our passion for lost souls is closely tied to how much people matter, or perhaps more accurately “why” they matter. We might say the generations of slaves that worked plantations in America mattered to their owners, but for the wrong reasons.  Had their intrinsic value been placed above their economic value, they would have been set free immediately.

While it would be a mistake to compare slavery to voluntary interpersonal dynamics, it is worth noting any human relationship can miss the “why”. Is a customer merely a source of income, or someone whose life we sincerely hope to improve with our product?  Does our spouse exist to meet our needs or to partner with us in creating a home that brings light to a dark and broken world?  How do we treat people in the service industry when they make a mistake, and what is our general demeanor when we are called on to show patience to others?

I think everything depends on these answers to the “why”:

People matter because they are made in the image of God.  Some think our basic humanity will motivate us to care about what happens to our neighbor.  This would be true if it were not for our fallen nature, and our tendency to put our needs above the needs of others.  If people are made in the image of God, then we are either honoring or destroying that image by our behavior.

People matter because they are put here for a purpose. I once attended a funeral for a woman whose brother was delivering the eulogy.  The woman had begun her life with great potential, but an abusive husband had slowly robbed her of the gifts God put in her.  At the end of his message her brother walked over to her casket, patted it a couple of times with his hand and said, “What could have been…what could have been.”  At the time this struck me as insensitive and uncaring, but now I understand: the woman was merely a means to her husband’s selfish means and as a result she never fulfilled her potential.  Her brother was rather direct in his comment, but he was accurate.  His brother-in-law had ignored his sister’s purpose.

People matter because they matter to God.  Jesus told us, “God so loved the world he sent his one and only Son”.  During His earthly ministry Jesus met many people who had been used, abused and maligned by the spiritual leaders who were supposed to be guiding them.  Jesus reached out to the same people with hope and grace.  If the world had been perfect Jesus wouldn’t have come.  His presence and His passion proved He cared about the lost.

People matter because we matter.  I know this statement might sound a little narcissistic, but stick with me here.  The “golden rule” (Matthew 7:12) presumes we have a healthy self-image and an expectation when it comes to how others should treat us.  It is a good thing to be able to recognize when we are being devalued.  For this reason, we know how others feel when they are devalued, and we understand how much it means to them when we affirm them.  Perhaps this is why Jesus was able to say this to His disciples: “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

As we pray for our “ones” in life who need Jesus it is hard to predict how God will move. We don’t know when or where a “one” might cross our paths.  We don’t know how many “ones” God might want to send into our lives, or the order in which they might come.  Yet, if we remember why every “one” matters, we will be more inclined to respond when the opportunity presents itself.

One way to narrow down the “why” is to stay focused on the cross. It is hard to comprehend why Jesus died there.  The only possible explanation is because we matter.  The cross demands the question “why” and we provide the answer.

People like me.  People like us.  (And yes, that is a thinly veiled “shout out” to Mamas and Papas fans out there – they mattered to God too)  

Excitement Over “One”!

For the past several weeks, as our church family has entered its “Pray for One” emphasis, people have been sharing stories about their “one”.  By way of definition, a “one” can be an acquaintance, a stranger, a family member, friend or neighbor.  It is anyone God brings into our lives who needs Jesus.

A few hours ago someone showed me his Facebook interaction with a friend who has turned his back on God. His replies to his friend were loving and hopeful.  With a gleam in his eyes he said,  “This could be my one”!

Can a Facebook interaction lead someone to God? Sure.  And it was great to see someone so excited about his “one”.  Sooner or later someone who shares the love of Jesus enthusiastically is going to see some fruit.  And if I read 1 Corinthians 3:6 correctly, God has a way of honoring our efforts, whether we are planting the gospel message or watering what someone else has already  planted.

You may be aware of three parables Jesus told about people who were excited over “one”. The parables are found in Luke 15.  The first is about a shepherd who left 99 sheep to find one lost sheep.  When he found him, he carried him home on his shoulders and told all of his neighbors he was found.  Jesus ends this first parable by telling us heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.

The second parable is about a woman who loses a valuable coin. She tears her house apart until she finds it, and when she does, she lets all of her neighbors know.

The final parable is probably the most famous. It is a parable about a wayward son who wastes his life in a far country, but comes home to a gracious and loving father.  When he arrives, his father welcomes him home and invites his neighbors to come and celebrate.

All of these parables are about one thing that was lost. When what was lost was found, people were excited.  We should be excited too about finding our “one”.

I will forewarn you: Praying for your “one” takes great patience. Since none of us know with certainty how God is working in our lives, we don’t always know the impact of our conversations with others.  However, if we don’t make the effort, we can pretty must guarantee nothing will happen.

When we “Pray for One” we want to nurture a sense of “expectancy” in our hearts. “Expectancy” is really a form of trust.  Remember, “God makes it grow.”  This is why I am excited about my “one”.  I believe God is going to bless anything I do, whether I plant or water.  When we share a collective “expectancy” God uses our combined efforts to create a place where many “ones” can see Jesus.

I am excited about your “one”! When you discover who it is, let me know.  We will celebrate together!

Surrendering Control for the Sake of “One”

I have a problem.

So you want me to tell you something you didn’t know?

Maybe you aren’t aware of this particular problem. I like to reconcile things in my life.  Here are some things that drive me nuts!

• Open-ended conversations where people forget the original question or issue
• Things people say they are going to do that are never done
• Things that aren’t put back where they belong
• Items that have been misplaced
• Facts I can’t remember

My wife knows I have this problem, which is why she never mentions she can’t find something before we sit down to eat dinner. She knows I will forgo dinner to tear into every box in the garage until I find the missing item.

Yup. I have a problem.

For this reason, I have been working hard to put down my obsessive ways as I “Pray for One”. My inclination is to “Pray for One”, and over think whether or not my “one” came into my life on any particular day.  I can also try to categorize my “ones” into 1 Corinthians 3:6 buckets.  I might ask, “Is this somewhere God wants me to plant, or should I water a seed someone else has planted?”

Worse yet, I have to stop beating myself over the head for my apparent failure to move people closer to Jesus. I am not suggesting it is wrong to evaluate my approach, or to deepen my knowledge of God’s Word for the purpose of sharing more grace.  I should also celebrate when someone comes to Jesus and experience joy when I have been a part of the process.  It’s just that I can be paralyzed by over analyzing God’s answer to my prayer for “one.”

If my obsession with how God is using my prayer for “one” is nothing more than a desire to see people come to Jesus, I am not too concerned. But if I want everything to “fit” an expectation, I have missed the point and my problem has become an obstruction.

The point is, I am not in control, though I do have a role to play.  Once I stop trying to figure everything out, I am free to do what I was put here to do: plant and water in the name of Jesus.

Will the seeds I plant grow?

Hard to tell.

Will I always know when I am watering a seed someone else has planted?

Doubtful.

When someone comes to Jesus, will it be because of just one person who prayed for “one?”

Possibly. But not necessarily.

Here is my message to myself: ‘Stop trying to control the economy of your prayer for “one” and just keep planting and watering until Jesus comes.’

Here is my message back to myself: “Hey! What about the certificate I want to hang on my wall proving to my Christian friends God answered my prayer? Something like that would make all the pieces fit.”

Maybe it’s time to stop talking to myself and get about the task of planting and watering. God will make things grow if I trust Him.

“One” – Not Such a Lonely Number

Yes, my title is a “shout out” to any Three Dog Night fans who read my blog. But, trust me.  I have a point to make.

A portion of the classic song “One” says, “It’s just no good anymore since you went away Now I spend my time just making rhymes of yesterday.” Obviously, the artist is lamenting a lost love and the feeling of loneliness that comes over us when a relationship has been broken.

But “one” isn’t necessarily a lonely word. Perhaps you have heard of “one in a million”, which suggests supremacy or “one of many” which makes an association between one person and others who are alike.

When it comes to our prayer for “one”, what matters most is that the person we are praying for matters to God. In Jesus’ famous Parable of the Lost Sheep, a shepherd left ninety-nine sheep at home to search for one sheep who was lost. Thankfully, the sheep was found and the shepherd was able to bring him home. He couldn’t wait to tell his neighbors and invite them to celebrate with him.

After Jesus told this parable He said, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7) This is the “one” who matters to God: the “one sinner” who repents.

There is a sense in which “one sinner” is alone. Like a crafty predator, Satan looks for ways to separate us from God’s love.  He lures us into sin and promises us the world, but we soon find ourselves in a dark wilderness, torn and tattered and crying out for someone to help us.

Don’t expect Satan to answer our cries, unless he sees an opportunity to further exploit our pain for his purposes. We don’t matter to him.

Therefore, the loneliest feeling might be when we have been deserted by Satan who promised us everything, even though the God who loves us more than anything is holding us in the hollow of His hand.

If you are the lonely “one”, take heart. Yes, feelings of loneliness are real, but the notion of loneliness is a sham.  God is always with us, and no matter how far we have wondered He loves us.  I know these words can seem empty when it appears all heaven and earth has turned its back on us.  But remember, this is a part of the deception.  From the very beginning, Satan’s biggest ploy has been to try to convince us God doesn’t care about us.

Don’t believe him for a minute.

Don’t believe him for a second.

You are God’s “one”. We are all God’s “ones”.  And the “ones” Jesus said His Father and the angels rejoice over are sinners who repent.

In the same way, we all have “one” in our lives who is “one of many”. We may not have the ability to reach out to everyone in the name of Jesus, but we can walk alongside the “one” God shows us.

You are God’s “one” called to “Pray for One”.

“One” really isn’t a lonely number when we let God do the math.