How often have you seen someone and knew that they needed a word of encouragement and just walked on by? It has happened to me far too often, but I have also been guilty of doing this very thing more times than I care to admit. There are people that come in and out of our lives on a daily basis that need to be strengthened, get an encouraging word, a prayer, something to help them remain firm in their faith or help them to develop it. I pray quite often about what is written in *Acts 14:21 They preached the good news to that city and made many disciples, then they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,22 strengthening and establishing the hearts of the disciples; encouraging them to remain firm in the faith, saying, “It is through many tribulations and hardships that we must enter the kingdom of God.”* I think about the words in that verse, “It is through many tribulations and hardships that we must enter the kingdom of God” and contemplate is it really worth it? Who really takes joy in knowing and experiencing tribulations and hardships? Death of a loved one, sickness (cancer), divorce, adultery, alcoholism, drug addiction, loneliness, job loss, are just a few of the hardships people all around us are dealing with everyday. I am encouraged by the words of Charles Spurgeon, “Growth can be painful, change can be painful but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong. Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow it only empties today of it strengths.” To simply take a few moments out of your day to talk to someone, may be just what they need to give them hope to survive and realize that Jesus really does love them and you love them too. As I have witnessed the pain and misery in the eyes of many different individuals over the years, one question keeps coming to mind, “What is a soul worth?” The answer is simple, “Whatever it takes to save it.” There are two things that most people hold onto tightly, time and money, and we all need to decide what is most important to be investing in with what God has given us, our earthly kingdom or our heavenly one? Brethren, may we preach the good news in love with boldness and see who’s life will be changed for eternity. During this season of uncertainty, may we be prepared to share the love of our Savior to our world and may others be able to see Jesus’ reflection in all of God’s children by the power of the Holy Spirit, Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i.

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