Acceptance

Is it just me or does it seem like every day we get further and further away from truth. Not only that, but we get further away from those who speak truth and even wanting little to nothing to do with them. Indeed, we find ourselves in the life and times of those who have exchanged the truth for a lie. Not one lie, either, but the snowball effect that follows.

All because of a rejection of God.

But not only is there a rejection of God, but also a rejection of the people of God.

This is nothing new either, by the way.

Israel pleaded and begged God for a king to lead them, but then turned and rejected the man God had raised up and placed in that position.

The kings all had the moments of circumstance where they rejected the Word of God as spoken through the prophets; some even thought they could handle the duties of the priests.

Nobody likes to be rejected, nor go unheard; especially when it comes to spiritual matters and discerned by church leadership through the roles of pastors, missionaries and others. But as these times are experienced, the words of Christ provide comfort and encouragement.

"Don't be surprise when this happens; they rejected me. They'll reject you as well."

There will always be those who don't want to hear the truth, let alone have anything to do with the truth or allowing it to influence and direct their lives. All the more reason to continue speaking it and praying that it would land on the hearts and minds of those who would heed it.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for missionaries (as well as pastors) who are finding themselves in positions where they are not being well received, for whatever reason when it comes to declaring the truth of the Gospel of Christ. May God continue to grant them strength and wisdom for today and the days to come. Pray that God would continue to move on hearts and minds; that the Holy Spirit would bring them to a place of revelation and understanding. May the truth go forth and the Word of God return, not as void; but valid and life-changing for those who hear and respond.

For the enemy seeks to deceive and destroy
But Christ brings hope and freedom
To the lost, blind and dying
As we each, once were.
For the glory of God.

- PNC