I want to be all that God wants me to be and fear that exact thing at the same time. Thoughts that race through my mind are, “What will it cost me?” “What will I have to give up?” “How will I be changed?” Then I timidly pray, “God, do whatever it takes to make me more like Your Son. Remove anything that distracts me out of my life that keeps me from doing all that you have called me to do.” In all honesty I want to reflect Jesus to my world and also feel like a failure so much of the time. I failed in one way or another as a husband, as a father, as a son, as a friend, and sadly to say, as a Man of God. Because of the history that I have, at times I believe that God wouldn’t be able to use me for anything godly. I have been all things unholy, I have secrets, shame, and deep painful scars that only God and I know about. I have done a lot of bad things in my life before Christ, but because of Jesus in my life, I have done a lot of good since having a relationship with Him. I am thankful when I read what is written in *Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship [His own masterpiece, master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [predestined for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].* Understanding that we are God’s workmanship, our desire should be to have Him help us by the Holy Spirit’s activity in our lives with anger, pride, lust, envy, comparing ourselves to others instead of the Lord Jesus. The question that we all need to ask ourselves is that when we look in the mirror who do we see? Do we see our own reflection or the reflection of the Lord Jesus? One of the things that I have learned about God is that He is not into playing games and I realize that I shouldn’t be either. The realization is that God wants to be seen in every aspect of our lives and not just the ones we pick and choose. For many, they would rather be god over certain areas of their lives than to have God be God over every aspect of their lives. In the end we have to make a choice, either we take control of our own lives or let God chisel away all that He knows we need gone that brings dishonor to Him. It is not pleasant, it can be painful, but by being humble and letting go of our lives and taking up our cross to follow Him, we will be blessed beyond measure, maybe not in this life but in the one to come. My beloved, please join me in this prayer if you feel so led. “Dear God, today I am turning everything over to you. Help me not to hold onto anything that You don’t want in my life. Help me to see me as You see me, as a work in progress. Please make me Your masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Do whatever it takes to make me what You want. In Jesus’ mighty name, and all of God’s people said, Amen.” 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.