One

All through history God has used "one" to accomplish His purposes. Jesus Christ His own son was the epic example of this. In Romans 5, Paul details how by one man, Adam, sin came into the world but then the gift of grace came by one man, Christ Jesus. 

I think of Noah and how God used one man, who was righteous in His generation, to save the human race and build an ark. I think of Abraham and his choice to follow God to a new country, not having any idea what would transpire. I think of Joseph, the one man in Egypt who trusted the God of his fathers and was used to save his people. I think of Daniel, the one man who prayed when others bowed, and how his faith led a king and an entire country to choose repentance. I think of Joseph and how God used this one man to protect Mary the mother of Jesus as well as to father the Christ child through childhood. I think of Paul the Apostle, the one man God used to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. I think of Stephen, the one man who was the first martyr because he was willing to speak the truth. 

Mary was that one woman that God knew He could trust to say yes to carrying the Christ child. Elizabeth was that one woman chosen to have a child in her old age; the child who became that one man who was the forerunner of Christ. Rebecca was that one woman for Isaac, and Sarah was that one woman who deserved mention in Hebrews 11 because she trusted God and Abraham in faith. Deborah was that one woman who inspired Barak to go to battle. 

Then I sit back and think of the price. Every single one of these people had to pay an enormous price. Jesus paid with His life as well as His reputation and comfort. Noah was mocked and scorned for building an ark in the middle of dry weather. Abraham left all that was near and dear to him and took the risk of moving his family into unknown territory. Joseph was stuck in a prison far from family and friends for years on end. Daniel risked his life to pray and was ridiculed and attacked by opposition. Joseph jeopardized his clean reputation by marrying Mary. Paul's life was constantly in danger, and he left all that was comfortable and familiar to him. Stephen lost his physical life because he spoke the truth.

Then we get to Mary, a woman ostracized and accused falsely by society. She was nearly divorced by her fiancee, but saved by God's intervention. Her life was one of deep pain as she watched her Son live out his ministry and die a terrible death. Elizabeth was willing to walk by faith and carry a child in her old age. Rebecca left behind all that she knew and travelled with a strange servant to a strange land to marry a man she had never met. Talk about faith! Sarah's life was anything but easy as she travelled with Abraham across the land. She was taken into a King's palace and nearly given in marriage to him. She was barren for years but then finally gave birth to a miracle child in her 90s. Deborah was willing to go to war. 

I look at their examples and I ask myself the question: Am I willing to pay the price and walk in faith, or would I rather settle for a half-in sort of commitment? Truth is, Jesus never negotiates that way. Scripture asks us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. Oh that there would be more men and women willing to be that one person that God uses. 

As stated by John Knox, "A man with God is always in the majority."

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"What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use – men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men – men of prayer.”

— E.M. Bounds

To the Men (and those becoming men),

    I write this post fully aware that I come at it from the standpoint of a single woman. However, as a teacher, daughter, sister, and friend, to various men and boys in my life, I have become quite passionate about your role and what you bring to the kingdom of God. 

    One short survey of North American society reveals a major breakdown in the godly roles God has entrusted to both men and women. Many women are no longer in their feminine roles and as a result men are no longer heralded for their God-given abilities. 

    As stated by Derek Mack, "The most critical need of the church at this moment is men. Bold, free men. The church must seek in prayer and humility the coming again of men made of the stuff of which prophets and martyrs are made." Specifically as a teacher, I have a vision for the boys under my care to become strong, godly men, with the kind of burning heart and passion for the kingdom of God that the early disciples had.

    And so, I write this to tell you how much you matter and how much you are needed. In a world that is losing morals, family structures, and truth, your God-given strength is needed. In her book titled The Mark of a Man, Elisabeth Elliot articulated the female heart well. "Stand true to your calling to be a man. Real women will always be relieved and grateful when men are willing to be men.” We want to be protected, we want to be led, we want you to be strong. 

    Women were created with beauty and a need for protection, a melodious complement to man's brazen courage and rugged strength. So, we thank you.

    Thank-you to those of you who show up behind the pulpit every Sunday and spend time in the prayer closet each week. Thank-you to those of you who lead your families well and protect the weak in society. Thank-you for standing on truth and having a vision for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Thank-you for working hard at your jobs every day and for being men of integrity. Thank-you for all the things you do behind the scenes that nobody ever notices. Thank-you to those of you who are still becoming men and are seeking God for what He has for you. Thank-you for leading so others can follow.           

A Soldier of Purpose

He stands and peers across wasteland.     

The breathing country he used to inhabit 

Has become desert with ne'er an oasis in sight.        

His breath stills and his eyes follow the valley,      

Etched with lost battles and arguments against creation and all the realities it expresses.     

He sighs as he readies his horse to ride,

Then charts his gaze                        

To a Place that calls his attention.       

He mounts, then rides.     

Rides with heaven in view.                       

Rides through storm and hail.                   

Rides through blazing sun, driving rain, and blinding snow.           

He knows where he is going.

His mind is made up.

He rides with eternity in view.

The good of his people in view.

The Name of his Creator in view.

He rides with his heart on the line and a beat in his chest. 

He is willing to die should heaven require it.

Ready to offer each ounce of his strength. 

Ready to suffer if duty demands it.

Ready to bow for the sake of His King.

And so he rides.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.  Ephesians 6:10-18

    "The world cries for men who are strong; strong in conviction, strong to lead, to stand, to suffer." (Elizabeth Elliot - The Mark of a Man)  

    For the sake of the Gospel that is entrusted to you, the homes you've been asked to lead, the churches before you, the weak beside you, and the innocent around you, "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong."  1 Corinthians 16:13