As you know, I post here everyday. Sometimes it is difficult finding something to write about, but by and large, I manage to post every day. My posts are a mixture of humourous articles, some music every now and then, and Christian based serious articles.
I study the statistics to see which posts attract most visitors, and I noticed that about 80% of visitors are first time visitors. This are people who may visit my Blog once and possibly not return again; or return a while later and be marked as first visitors once more. I think 80% turnover is good, because it shows I am spreading the net further all the time. Most people visit to read the humourous articles, and then, hopefully, read the Christian articles too.
We never know who visits our Blogs and not leave a comment.
And that's when the thought struck me.
How many people who read my Christian articles do so with a closed heart?
How many think, "Oh ... not that again! He is on about religion once more! I'll come back another day ... or perhaps never!"
But then ... who am I to complain?
Better people than me have preached, and written and Blogged far better than me.
For thousands of years God has been speaking to this world through the prophets, through Jesus and through the Holy Spirit.
And there are still plenty of closed hearts intent on not listening and on doing their own thing.
I feel there's a hardening of hearts throughout the world. People opposing each other. Lack of compassion and forgiveness.
But these are only the symptoms. They are not the root cause of the matter.
I fear many have ceased to believe in the existence of God. It is just us now. There is no One else.
The ultimate struggle; man wants to be in control of his own destiny.
And God let's him be.
It is very early morning here, Victor. I usually see your posts when I am just starting the day. So true what you say here. It seems the story has been told and some remember it and some don't. I say remember because it seems to call to us. Some know His voice. However...
ReplyDelete"I feel there's a hardening of hearts throughout the world. People opposing each other. Lack of compassion and forgiveness."
There's also an opening of hearts I have not seen before. People you may not expect suddenly open to God. It is like anyone with eyes to see in these dark days will see the light. I have people I am praying for and I remember my own blindness (too much) and I remember when He came to me. My heart hurts now. I don't know what to say to people or if anyone can hear my whispering blog. I don't even believe in women preaching, but here I am screaming, screaming. Bless you, Victor.
I am so glad to hear that you've witnessed opening of hearts, Sandi. This is good. Every single person who dares to believe, perhaps for the first time, is a step in the right direction, towards God.
DeleteDo not let your heart be troubled. You can be an example to others by just living as God would wish you to.
Even your slightest whisper is heard and noticed, if not by other people then surely by God Himself. You carry on whispering His message as best you can, He will take care as to who receives His Word through you.
God bless you always, dear friend.
Thank you, Victor.
DeleteGod bless, Sandi.
Delete...closes hearts and minds are a serious problem.
ReplyDelete... and that's why the world is in a sad place right now.
DeleteGod bless, Tom.
I'm an atheist myself, but you seemed so dispirited I decided to wave at you.
ReplyDeletePS. I honestly don't feel like the world is a sad place exceptionally now. 100 years ago in almost every family children were dying because of the common cold and the next war was starting when the old one had finished. This is a good time. Take care of yourself.
It is good to see you visiting here, Monika, and for taking the time to comment. Not so much dispirited; more likely concerned at the number who visit here and perhaps moving away without saying a word. That is why, it is so refreshing to hear from you.
DeleteEach generation has had its bad times, and these are perceived differently by future generations comparing their state with the previous ones. You are perhaps right in your assessment compared to 100 years ago; however, I sense that perhaps today we are less caring for our fellow man.
I hope you visit again. God bless you, Monika.
As an atheist, Monika, you will never be able to say "I told you so!"
DeleteAs one who has not visited church in some time, I find your religious post to not be preachy, they are thought provoking. You don't "Tell" what to believe or think, you give food for thought. No one wants to be force fed, you provide a buffet.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments, JoeH. I do try my best not to preach or use clichés and platitudes. It's good to see your visits here.
DeleteGod bless.
joeh hit the nail on the head!
DeleteThanx Kathy.
DeleteGod bless.
Amen to Joeh above. We enjoy the variety you give when we drop by for a visit. We enjoy and appreciate them all. Times are very tough now in this world. The news this AM screamed out about the kidnapping of Missionaries in Haiti. Ourr thoughts and prayers are with them.
ReplyDeleteLove from here, thinking of you
Sherry & jack
Many thanx Jack and Sherry.
DeleteIt grieves me how cruel the world has become and how much anger there is. Lack of sympathy and caring.
It's a joy to see you visit me often. Thanx.
God bless always.
The way in which we see people treating one another is definitely the symptom of whether God is first in one's life, or whether that person puts him or herself first. The world would be a far better place if God was first in the hearts of men.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Victor!
I agree, Martha. For too many people, it seems, God does not exist and as such it's a question of man against man. Nothing else seems to matter. Humanity seems to have distanced itself from its maker and creator.
DeleteGod bless you.
You are planting seeds every day and God is for sure using you. Sometimes people have to hear the truth many times before they believe. At least you are sending them in the right direction. God Bless You.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words, Happyone. Hopefully, some may well listen.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
We’ll I’m a fairly new follower and I’m so happy to have found your blog. Everything you write is beautiful- you definitely have a gift. I enjoy your religious posts - not at all preachy. Just good spiritual food! God Bless.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debby for visiting here again. It's so wonderful to see return visitors. You are very kind in your comments.
DeleteGod bless you and your family always.
How powerful, your last line.
ReplyDeleteClosed hearts, yes. Your topic reminds me of a phrase from Garth Brooks' "Standing Outside the Fire": "Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you're standing outside the fire."
Happy Sunday!
Thank you, Mevely. I just feel the world is telling God to keep out of its business. And God is stepping away!
DeleteGreat line from Garth Brooks. His most poignant song is "If tomorrow never comes!" I shall have to play it sometime.
God bless you, dear friend.
"... closed hearts and minds ..." "And so God has given those people over to do the filthy things their hearts desire,... " Rom 1.24
ReplyDeleteYes Ladka; many people are unwilling to listen.
DeleteGod bless.
No closed mind here. You offer us a different perspective when you tell a story, funny or serious. No one has the definite answers to all of our questions that we probably had forever but at least for me, reading your writings gives me a new way to understand things that I don't understand. Every little bit helps. Thanks, Victor.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your generous and kind comment, Bill. I try to do my best. And I am grateful for all the support of my loyal readers.
DeleteGod bless you and yours my friend.
Like toddlers who fight parental control that they need, adults fight to not let G-d control them when they need to let Him. As with toddlers who win and grow up to be spoiled and not well adjusted adults, the adults who fight G-d will live to regret it.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very wise thing to say, Mimi. I agree, we often behave like spoiled children.
DeleteGod bless you and your family.
"And God lets him be"
ReplyDeleteThere's that free will thing again, those who choose not to believe are not going against God's wishes, simply deciding for themselves that heaven is just a big empty blue sky.
That is true, River. We are totally free to choose what to believe and how to behave.
DeleteAs a loving parent, would you allow or let your children behave the wrong way, leading to harm, or would you try to correct them before it is too late?
God bless you.
I raised them to respect others no matter who they are and to not steal, to behave with propriety and they have all turned out well. One son did get in with the wrong crowd after leaving home, had a bad streak of years and spent time in and out of prison, then did a couple of anger management courses and has been straight and true for ten years now.
DeleteI am sure God loves you and yours.
DeleteGod bless.
Dearest Victor,
ReplyDeleteYes, in this selfish world about me-me-me it is sad to notice that God is pushed aside.
That indeed is the culprit of all evil going on in this world.
We need to humble ourselves and admit that we're only here so temporarily, we better do our very best for leaving a mark!
Hugs,
Mariette
I think people these days see humility as a weakness. That's why there are not many humble people.
DeleteGod bless, Mariette.
💞
DeletePeople need to open their eyes, ears and heart.
ReplyDeleteSome are, but we could do with more.
Keep on, keeping on.
All the best Jan
Amen, Jan. Thank you.
DeleteGod bless always.