One More: A 5-Day Devotional Journey

Zacchaeus climbed a tree not just to see Jesus, but because something in his heart was desperately seeking more than wealth could provide. Jesus didn't wait for Zacchaeus to become worthy; He invited Himself into the tax collector's messy life. This is the scandalous grace of God—He pursues us in our brokenness, not after we've cleaned ourselves up. Like Zacchaeus, true transformation begins when we encounter Jesus personally. His presence doesn't condemn; it catalyzes repentance and radical generosity. Who in your life is climbing trees, desperately seeking hope? Are you willing to be the one who points them to Jesus, regardless of their past or reputation?

Children don't overthink invitation; they simply invite. They don't calculate risk or fear rejection—they act with pure-hearted trust. Jesus elevates this quality as essential for entering God's kingdom. As we mature, we often complicate evangelism with strategy, fear, and self-consciousness. We lose the simple obedience of saying, "Come to church with me." The fifth-grader who invites four neighborhood friends isn't more gifted—he's simply more willing. God doesn't need our sophistication; He needs our availability. That awkward invitation you're afraid to extend might be the very moment the Holy Spirit has been preparing. Stop waiting for the perfect words or timing. Pray, then invite with childlike boldness.
Reflection: What would change if you approached evangelism with the simplicity of a child?

The Samaritan woman had five failed marriages and was living with a man who wasn't her husband. Society had labeled her. Shame drove her to the well at noon, avoiding the judgment of other women. Yet one conversation with Jesus transformed her into the town evangelist. She didn't have seminary training or a spotless past—she simply had an encounter with Truth. Her testimony was raw: "He told me everything I ever did." That authenticity brought an entire village to Jesus. Your story doesn't need polish; it needs honesty. The person you once were validates the power of who Jesus is. Don't let shame silence your testimony. Someone in your circle needs to hear how Jesus met you in your mess.
Reflection: Who needs to hear your unfiltered story of encountering Jesus?

Philip's evangelism model was Spirit-led and relationally intentional. He didn't force a conversation; he asked a question and listened. He met the Ethiopian where he was—reading Scripture but lacking understanding. Effective evangelism isn't about winning arguments; it's about walking alongside people in their seeking. The biblical strategy is simple: pray for divine appointments, engage in genuine conversation, invite people into the Jesus story, and persist when they say no. The Holy Spirit orchestrates; we participate. Those two Nigerian women who prayed and fasted saw 200 people flood a dying church—not through programs, but through intercession. Your prayers are more powerful than your persuasion. Ask God to prepare hearts before you open your mouth.
Reflection: Who is God asking you to pray for consistently before you speak?

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news." You are never off-duty as Christ's ambassador. Vacation, work, grocery store—every space is mission territory. The greatest tragedy isn't people rejecting Jesus; it's Christians remaining silent. Three billion people have zero access to the gospel. One million Iranian believers risk martyrdom to share Christ, while we fear awkward conversations. Your "one more" might be your coworker, neighbor, or the parent at your child's school. You don't need to save everyone—just find one more. Then another. And another. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and He's invited you into that mission. This isn't optional Christianity; it's the heartbeat of following Christ. Who is your one more?

Reflection: Name one person you will intentionally pursue with the gospel this week. Commit to pray, converse, and invite.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us Your heart for the lost. Remove our fear, our comfort, and our excuses. Help us see people as You see them—desperately needing rescue. Make us bold messengers, faithful prayers, and persistent inviters. Let our lives be so transformed by Your love that others can't help but ask what makes us different. We commit to finding our "one more." In Your powerful name, Amen.