I question myself quite often as to whether what I am doing in ministry is in the flesh or the spirit. I really want to do God’s will, but I am experiencing despair that at times is beyond measure, as well as physical, emotional, and spiritual turmoil in my life. As I search the scriptures and compare my life to those of the first century church, I have it easy and shouldn’t really complain about anything. But still, it seems to be intense spiritual warfare at times, probably because I am trying to further the work of the kingdom and making a little difference in the world around me. I do not ask this question from a prideful or arrogant heart but from a sincere desire to make sure I am being led by the Holy Spirit to do what I do. Recently it has felt as if my body is being buffeted from the inside and out. Leonard Ravenhill made a statement about himself that at times I embrace and at other times I shun away from, “My main ambition in life is to be on the devil’s most wanted list.” This seems to be a rare ambition in the world that we live in today. Many of us “Christians” slide through life with the attitude, “I don’t want any trouble especially from the devil.” One of the main reasons I believe that some saints feel the intense effects of spiritual warfare is that the devil can see a posed and great threat in the future to the kingdom of darkness. I pray often over what is written in *1 Peter 5:8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.* My question to all who read these words is difficult: What kind of force are you when it comes to spiritual warfare? What kind of enemy of hell are you in all reality? If your name is mentioned in hell, do the demons tremble because they know that you are a weapon of destruction in the hand of God against them? Does hell even know you exist? My encouragement to you my brethren is from Charles Spurgeon, “Aspire to be something more than the mass of church members. Lift up your cry to God and beseech him to fire you with a nobler ambition than that which possesses the common Christian—that you may be found faithful unto God at the last, and may win many crowns for your Lord and Master, Christ.” My friends, if you are not experiencing intense spiritual warfare, you really need to question if you are even in the battle and not just an absolutist conscientious objector. 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.