Relationships are difficult, challenging, but something that most people desire to have anyways. Worldly relationships and godly relationships look completely different, or at least they should. The worldly relationship is usually about self, what can “I” get from it, how can “my” needs be fulfilled. The godly relationship is about “others”, what can I do to help “them” become a better person and bring “them” closer to the Lord Jesus? There are many people that are caught up in overcoming the pain of their past that is affecting their present, and if not dealt with, it will influence their future as well. Many times people try to go at life alone because of the damage that has already been done and the trauma that they have experienced. I know that I have been guilty of this very thing. We tend to forget the true value of a friend. It is written in *Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.* When it comes to the threefold cord in a friendship, it is having God in the middle of it and making every part of your life involve Him. Those that are bound together in Christ will have a companionship that even the enemy cannot break no matter how hard he tries. I like what Charles Spurgeon said, “Get a friend to tell you your faults, or better still, welcome an enemy who will watch you keenly and sting you savagely. What a blessing such an irritating critic will be to a wise man, what an intolerable nuisance to a fool!” I have come to see that God will use a variety of ways and people to help transform His children into the image of His Son. The process may not be the most pleasurable but the results were to die for. Lately, for myself, I have found the “blessing in an adversary”,  meaning that even in difficult situations involving opposition or enemies, there can be positive outcomes or lessons learned, leading to personal growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of God’s plans, of who I truly am before Him, and how others genuinely feel about me. God has used difficult people and uncomfortable situations to test, refine, and/or teach me because there have been times when I wouldn’t learn any other way.  In essence, finding a blessing in an adversary involves recognizing that even difficult relationships can be opportunities for growth, learning, and positive change. 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

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to give either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis in support of the different ministries God has entrusted to me. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.* 

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.