The Power of One

To many times in all aspects of life we feel as just one there is nothing we can do to help, or to contribute to a need. We are not all evangelists, singers, preachers, Sunday school teachers, or the so many other things that we see people doing. We don't all attend church regularly, some not at all. We are however, every moment of our lives, an impact on each and every person we meet. We each have the choice of our personal relationship with God and we each have a choice as to how we express and share that relationship. Most of us are simply people of deep and loving faith. So you ask how do you contribute. I came to the Lord through two Kentucky farm boys, twin brothers, that I worked with and became very good friends with out in California. They never preached, asked me if I knew Jesus, or any of the other things we think of as "contributing". They just were themselves, however, unknown to me with the light of the Lord shining out for all to see. I knew they had something I didn't and I knew I wanted it, I just didn't know what it was. They asked us to church one week, and we went. We enjoyed it so much that we kept going back and the Lord through the Holy Spirit spoke to us and as they say the rest is history. My wonderful neighbor is the same way. Every part of his life is a beacon and light that just glows with the Lord.

You don't have to do anything but be yourself. Give everyone a smile, a thank you very much, an genuine "I'm glad I met you", a short conversation. A helping hand, or a case of canned food to the food bank once a month. I could go on but you get the idea. It's your choice how others see you and the Lord through you. They can see a person that no matter what finds strength and purpose, a reason to smile, a concern of others, a contentment and joy. Or they can see a person that never seems happy, always complaining, talking about others, etc..

Let the Lord show in you and from you in everything you do because each moment of your life is important. Life isn't always easy. We all know that, but we all know that with the Lord all things are truly possible and through Him and His right hand we have the strength, peace, and joy of His presence to carry on and live a life rich with the good and wonderful things that constantly surround us and more than cancel out the bad.

I've included an article from Dick Innes Daily Encounters below. Dick has a wonderful ministry reaching around the world to share, to uplift, and spread the word of God with tens of thousands of people. I recommend his daily and weekend subscriptions as part of your daily inspirational moments. Thanks Dick for letting me use your articles and for your work and ministry.

From the Daily Encounter by Dick Innes

"Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus." (John 1:40-42, niv).

Did you ever stop to think how very important you are in God's economy and his plans? Pretty much throughout the entire Bible when God had a work to be done, he chose and called an individual to lead. True, he chose the nation of Israel to be his special people, but he chose individuals to lead this nation to do his work. God has a place for you and me, too, in his plan. It may not be a gigantic role, but it is an important one.

Think of the twelve disciples, for example, who were all a vital part of God's mission. Half of them never said anything that is recorded in the New Testament. And if I remember correctly, three of them said only a word or two that was recorded. And Andrew, who didn't have much to say, in his own quiet way brought Peter, who became the early church leader and evangelist, to Jesus. Andrew was also the one who brought the boy with the two loaves and fishes to Jesus whom Jesus used to feed the multitude. It was only Peter, James, and John whom we heard much from.

So, be your task great or small, God wants to use you to be a part of his plans and what he is doing in your world today. All we need is to be available. As the anonymous poet wrote:

     One song can spark a moment,
     One flower can wake the dream.
     One tree can start a forest,
     One bird can herald spring.
     One smile begins a friendship,
     One handclasp lifts a soul.
     One star can guide a ship at sea,
     One word can frame the goal.
     One vote can change a nation,
     One sunbeam lights a room.
     One candle wipes out darkness,
     One laugh will conquer gloom.
     One step must start each journey,
     One word must start each prayer.
     One hope will raise our spirits,
     One touch can show you care.
     One voice can speak with wisdom,
     One heart can know what's true.
     One life can make the difference,
     You see it's up to you!

In the words of Edward Everett Hale: "I am only one. But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

Don't ever forget how very important you are, not only to your loved ones, your work, but also to God. Remember, too, if it's going to be, it's up to you and me!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I'm available, please use me to be a part of your plans and what you are doing in the world in which I live. Use me to be as Jesus in some way to make a difference in someone's life today. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU!
Click HERE 4steps to know God!

"Daily Encounter," a week-day inspirational from ACTS International is now going to 32,000+ subscribers. Scores of letters from around the world have come from readers saying how much they are being helped by this brief, practical devotional.

You can see more samples and subscribe from: http://www.actsweb.org/encounter

Weekend Encounter

To subscribe to the email edition of Weekend Encounter click on: http://www.actsweb.org/subscribe.php