Just A Glimpse

Welcome to consecutive post number 642!

Thinking and waiting on the Lord and what He had in store for this morning, I got to thinking of the growth and expanse (albeit slow) of the presence of this sight and it's impact via social media. In light of #missionsFriday, I think I'm getting a glimpse of the struggle of pastors and missionaries.

It's not a huge glimpse mind you, but as an example. The twitter profile for this sight, which you can follow @bringme70, has struggled to break triple-digit followers. A few get added here and there and every few days or weeks, I notice the numbers drops... by one, maybe 3 or 4. And it's a week or two before a couple new people find us. (keep in mind, this all organic promotion, by me...no paid advertising)

As I watch this happen, I have to wonder... does this happen often? People like things, then unlike. Follow, then un-follow. And just what are they reading, that they are unfollowing? Do they not realize the sight is a daily call to prayer? Is my writing bad? Are they reading something in the perspective, such as you are now, that is challenging or upsetting and rather than letting God work it on in their lives, they are choosing instead to excuse themselves?

I couldn't help remember again Brad Stine... "the truth offends... but it's our job as Christians to not be maliciously offensive".

Which I hope you understand, nor do I believe I have been malicious in any of these posts.

Yet, responses can't be controlled. So, how must pastors feel? If people are sparse in their church attendance... if they come and go based on whether the like what they hear; missionaries struggle see salvations for the same reason, as they minister to those who've not yet heard the gospel.

Lives hang in the balance of eternity!! Yet the right to be offended takes precedence of the opportunity of the truth of God to work the miraculous in our hearts and lives. I understand. Many of these have hit and challenged me; even as I've typed them out. But the show must go on.

So, will you join me, this #missionsFriday. Pray the truth would be revealed, regarding the love of God and the act of love through Christ's sacrifice. May the bait of offense not dominate people's response, but that hearts and minds would be prepared to receive the Word of God. Though uncomfortable to hear and receive at times, may the promise of God and His plans and purposes outweigh our current state. May the condition of the human heart be realized and prove all the more, our need for a Savior, whereby we are brought into right relationship with Almighty God.

That we seek the face of God.
As we follow none by Christ.
Made new in Him.
Changed by the washing of His Word.
We are not left to ourselves,
Nor unchanged by His presence.
Thanks be unto God.

- PNC