What happened to my friends who started out in love with Christ and have either slowly or suddenly lost interest in that love?  What drew them away, as the Kings of Israel and Judah begun to do the things that pleased God and then suddenly began worshiping idols in high places?  The initial presumption must be that they knew the things that pleased God because they evidenced that through primary action.  What then did they forget, did they rebel against or did they get somehow led astray of those things they knew to be right?  With my friends the original indication that something was wrong was indicated by the extended length between communication or the sudden absence thereof.  They had at some point stopped or slowed to a leak the spigot of their service for the Lord so I became a reminder of that diminished relationship, they didn’t want to hear from me or see me.  It seems personal but it actually is a sign of blessing, that they would so associate me with the Lord that having a relationship with me is a conviction.  Yes, it hurts when friends divorce you but it hurts worse to imagine them back slidden to the point of quenching the Holy Spirit or worse blotted from the Book called Life.

None of us imagines ourselves back sliding.  None of wants to be away from God, but we must first admit that all are in the danger of reclaiming our space in the world and take preparative steps to prevent this drastic and abominable occurrence.  What, it can be prevented?  Of course most disasters can be avoided or at least the damage done minimized.

Are you staying in the Word, not just a casual read but everyday opening it up looking for the answers to our hurts, desires, riddles, puzzles and dreams?  Are you staying in relationship with the Lord through prayer?  Since this is your greatest privilege of salvation, audience with the Creator, don’t you think that ought to be valued and protected as vital for your secure and prosperous living?  Finally are you spending time with other Christians, doing ministry, counseling, learning, encouraging and enjoying the joy of other saints? We were given God’s Glory in one place and that is the unity of the Saints that we might be one in Christ Jesus and press down against each other set beside the Cornerstone (Christ) and fortify our collective mortar.  If you ain’t seeing Christians then you ain’t achieving the Glory available here on Earth.

I have lost so many family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances to the world that I have to try and stop this constant siphoning of Saints.  I miss you and what is more important the Lord is sitting there with open arms awaiting your return and will run to you as he sees you afar.  Let us all rejoice at your return to the Lord and your return to the Body of Christ.  I am missing big toes, a nose, an arm a hand and heart.  Please bring them back so that we might be whole again.  We are not the same without you.  In Jesus’ Name.