On ONE

One. Some consider it the loneliest number. I disagree. Those who feel one is a lonely number view it only from a fallen perspective. They have no real concept of the ONE God. They have yet to experience the ONE baptism. They have no clue what its like to have ONE Master. They cannot comprehend ONE faith, or ONE way to eternal life. And it's all because they don't know the ONE savior and are not part of the ONE family of God. But ONE thing is for certain, these are the ONES we need radically give to and serve. That ONE needs you to be the ONE in their life that forever changes the course of their ONE life.

But you maybe asking yourself the same question I am asking, "How can I be the ONE?"

Here is what Paul tells the ONES in Ephesus. I believe it may speak boldly to us as we live out the ONE life and the ONE call Christ given each of us.

In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. Ephesians 4:1-6 (The Message)

The beauty of it all is that we only have ONE message to share. We only have ONE task to complete. And the best part about it is we all go down ONE road together. No ONE has to do this or even be alone. Not only are you the ONE, but you are a part of the ONE.

So, I urge you brothers and sister, be ONE today. -AO

Determination

I have a friend that speaks into my life that I respect very much. He often says that what we are missing in our lives is what he calls "the intensity of desire." Whether it is prayer, serving or being a witness for Christ, we lack the desire or determination to seek hard after God. It takes effort, and most of the time we put EVERYTHING first and God last. Then we're too tired; too worn out to give Him the attention He desires. We shouldn't expect more of God's presence, maybe He should expect more of ours.

After reading today's (2/23) My Utmost for His Highest, I realized that The One is something that isn't an accident. Read the first line of Chambers's journal entry, "Jesus also said, 'Yet I am among you as the One who serves' (Luke 22:27)." Wow! What a word from God to us as we are seeking how God can use us as The One. This is a total confirmation to me that the 25 people who are committed to being The One are right where God wants all of us. And, we can only be used if we become like The One who serves.

Are you serving your sphere of influence today? Are you leaving your fingerprints on everything you touch today? Someone is waiting for you to be The One who serves. Maybe, it's just someone in your family. Often times, we think of our family members least. Familiarity has left us insensitive to those who are closest. What would happen if we stopped and asked our spouse, son or daughter how we could serve them? What could God do in the heart of the person who has a blazing fire of desire to serve another?

Paul said to Timothy, "...fan into flame the gift of God." This speaks of sparking your intensity and working toward using your gifts for others. May your intensity for God's will be hot! May the fire of God be present in your prayers today! May the intensity of desire overtake your spirit today and make you more like Christ who came to serve.

Click here for the February 23 reading of My Utmost for His Highest.