As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. James 5:10-11

The March 9th edition of the Washington Post said it all: "15% Of Americans Have No Religion."

The article spoke of how the percentage of folks who say they have religion has "dropped dramatically" over the last two decades. It also added the number of people who identify themselves as Christians in the U.S. has dropped to 76 percent.

Yup, that said it all -- or did it?

If a political candidate won an election with 76 percent of the vote, he would consider himself swept into office by a landslide.

If a company, which sold merchandise in a store, had 76 percent of the people buying their product, they would be dancing in the street.

If a baseball player hit the ball 76 percent of the time, if a quarterback passed the football successfully 76 percent of the time, if a basketball player managed to sink the ball 76 percent of the time -- they would all be superstars.

Yes, it is a great and terrible sadness when someone loses his or her faith and walks away from the Lord. It is tragic when the people for whom the Savior gave His life upon the cross feel He is worthless and irrelevant.

Even so, I give thanks! I give thanks so many believers remain steadfast. I give thanks the precious message of the Gospel is still reaching lost souls and providing hope and happiness. I rejoice the Savior who conquered sin, death, and the grave is also able to conquer unbelief.

Most of all I praise God that the Savior who lived 2,000 years ago has not lost His power, His impact, or His importance in the lives of hundreds of millions of souls. And with that praise is a rededication to do all I can in sharing the Savior who still is the only light available to this dark world.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I pray for those who have wandered, who have judged the Savior by the sinful lives of the saved. Send the Holy Spirit upon these lost souls so they may be brought into the family of faith that has been created by our Savior. In His Name I pray it. Amen.

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In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 23-25    Mark 16

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