Sunday, January 23, 2011

Somewhere in Texas

We are back to work, we're in Texas, and we're enjoying the warmer weather. 

We went to chiurch this morning and, among other things, we heard the pastor talk about those who have walked away.  It's sad for them, isn't it?  From my experience, those who have walked away have done so because they took a wrong turn somewhere, opened the door to the powers of darkness, and those powers of darkness have convinced them that they have gone to far and that God has turned His back on them.

So we talk about them.  Some say good ridance.   Some pray for them, and over time, forget about them. 

Is that it?

No!  Jesus said the Good Shephard leaves the 99 and goes after the one that has strayed.  Since Jesus is in heaven, and we are the Body of Christ, it makes me believe that it is we who go.  We go find the ones who have strayed, not with the ministry of condemnation, but with the ministry of reconciliation.  We don't have to tell them the wrong they've done, they already know.  What we do is, with the Word of God, reinforce the truths that God has not left them, God is going to complete the work He began, the Lord is the Author and the Finisher of their faith.  God loves them with an everlasting love.

I recently met a man here who I will call Jay.  He asked Jesus to be his Savior years ago.  He would be the first to admit that he has really gotten off track.  I try to encourage him everyday that God loves him.  You see, for some it is a long road back, and it takes patience on our part to not give up.

Please pray for Jay, that the truths from God's Word concerning him would take root and grow in him.  Jesus said it is the Truth that will set us free.

So let's go out there and find the strays, encourage them, and bring them back.