One day I was with a friend when we saw a man laying on the ground unconscious because of a drug overdose. As we did what we could to help in the moment, a question came to mind, “What is a soul worth?” and as we prayed the answer came to both of us at about the same time, “Whatever it takes to save it.” As I discussed what happened with a few others, their response was, “It is too late to help a person like that.” I responded in love but also a little confrontationally when I told them “I was a person like that.” There are many plans that I make every morning that for the most part never get accomplished. Things that I feel are important and need to be taken care of but don’t get around to for one reason or another. At times it is frustrating, but at the end of the day I realize that there were people who came in and out of my world that needed to be strengthened, given an encouraging word, a prayer, something to help them remain firm in their faith or help them to develop it. I pray fervently over what is written in *Proverbs 16:9 A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.* The phone rings and there is someone who needs help because of some trauma in their family. Then a prayer is needed for a friend who is struggling with life. A family member needs a ride. Someone comes over and has questions about Jesus and how to “cherry pick” parts of scripture so that they can satisfy the flesh and needs correction. My grandkids need some shelves put up. Preparing for Bible Studies. Visiting the sick. Praying how to support someone who is emotionally distant at times. etc. etc. I understand the cost of encouraging others for the kingdom can be expensive. Giving away something you can never get back can be overwhelming when it’s your moments of life. I reflect quite often on the words of the Lord Jesus written in *Mark 8:34…He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.* I like what Deitrich Bonhoeffer wrote in The Cost of Discipleship, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Brethren, we must set aside our own goals and agendas, and cleave to God’s plan for our lives whether we like it or not. We cannot be so consumed with this world that we lose focus on what God has called each of us to do. The question that we each must ask ourselves is, “What kingdom am I investing in with “all” that God has given me, my earthly kingdom or His heavenly one?” My Beloved, may the grace of the Lord Jesus, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

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 with financial support for the ministry activities that God has entrusted to me at  pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.