Over the past few years having fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals, a “koinonia” has become very important to me. Life can be hard and messy at times. Without a support system, it is easy to get overwhelmed and buried in all of the chaos that goes on around us day in and day out. The early church was devoted to gathering together. They recognized if they were going to survive, they needed community, they needed each other. Their community was developed and strengthened by sharing the good and the bad, the blessings and the burdens, leaning in to help one another with the complexities of life. They were able to help one another because they were invested in each other’s lives and knew each other by name. It was never “do for me and then I will do for you,” it was “tell me your needs and I will see what I can do to help” without obligation or expectation. It was about being invested into one another’s lives intentionally and genuinely. I often reflect on what is written in *Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.* As followers of the Lord Jesus we can’t be those who have a Sunday experience and don’t take it into our Monday world. If we are followers of the Lord Jesus then we will be identified as Christians to the world by showing the Love we have for one another as written about in *John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”* We were blessed to be able to experience this type of Love played out before our eyes on our way home from our trip. We were six hours away from home when I heard a loud squealing noise, then I saw smoke billowing out from the back of the van. I pulled over thinking I lost a tire and then smelt in the air the scent of burnt transmission fluid. I proceeded to pull the codes and they indicated transmission failure. Throughout our time trying to figure where to go for the night my daughter reached out to a friend and asked for prayer. A short time later, her friend’s husband called and said he was getting his trailer, a second vehicle to put on the trailer for the family to drive, and then we would trailer the van home. He was in Tucson. He was also able to have another friend of ours come with him to rescue us. I did not ask, he just helped. That is what community is all about. I have come to understand that as Christians we are not meant to just exist in the world. I have determined to not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time to know God, make Him known, and pray that because of what Jesus did for me, the world around me will see the Love of the Holy Spirit poured out through me. Please pray for us to have wisdom on how to move forward with our van as to whether or not to fix it or find another vehicle within our price range that seats eight people so we will be able to all go places together.  

Closing thought, how we use our time will reveal whether we are living for God or merely existing for the world. 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.