I have been writing devotionals for more than ten years and I have come to see that Not Everybody likes what I write and some don’t try to understand why I share what I do. In 2012 I shared on FaceBook, “Matt 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [this is a personal invitation to go to Jesus Christ believing that He will give you the rest you need]” Simple and to the point. I find it a little funny that more people “Liked” what I wrote back then more than what I write today. I have gone through different stages in my writing and have been frequently misunderstood due to different mental, emotional, physical, character, and more important spiritual defects that I have to deal with. I realize that not everyone who has the opportunity to read what I write does, for one reason or another. There are many different reasons that I write, it started out as personal therapy, like writing in a journal due to some deep mental trauma that I have dealt with from childhood, and now it has continued even to the present day. Then I wanted to help broken people feel a little less broken and give them hope knowing that they are not alone. I notice many walking by sight and realize if they do not walk by Faith they will never see God’s purpose at all. In the course of time, I believe that I have been directed by the Holy Spirit to share what I do to convict those that are walking and living in sin, to share the Gospel, the good news of the Lord Jesus, so that those who are willing, will repent. Most of the time I feel the need to preach the word to myself. Leonard Ravenhill said something long ago that is more true today probably than the day he said it originally, “We live in a day when we are more afraid of holiness, than we are of sinfulness.” My friends, any and all that read what I write with the intent to learn, grow, and mature in the faith, it is time to surrender our earthly goals and desires and study the scriptures. It is time to prepare for the return of the Lord Jesus. The prophecies are being fulfilled! The signs are all around us! Jesus is coming soon and against popular belief, Not Everybody is going to heaven to be with Him. It is written in *Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”* One day, I pray that my life and all that I write about it, leaves a legacy of personal faith, deep sacrifice, and a profound expression of my love for others and more importantly the Lord Jesus for His glory and not my own. My heart is to remind Christians that we cannot live as bystanders in this world, but we are called to help those that are broken, because even the deepest and most painful kinds of struggle can be helped by sharing the Love of the Lord Jesus in the midst of whatever pain someone is going through and also walking with them in their journey. We need to live out what is written in *Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.* This is my goal, my purpose, my life. In Christ Love, douglas.

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me in financial support of the ministry activities that God has entrusted to me at pastord.blog@gmail.com