“Christian” was never a title given to good upstanding people of a long past generation, it was a name that was given to the early church in Acts 11, after the death of Stephen in chapter 7 of the Book of Acts. Many people believe that the term “Christian” was a derogatory name, meant as an insult. This word “Christian” has come to explain who the genuine followers of the Lord Jesus strive to be like and represent, the Christ. For myself, when I had my, “come to Jesus moment” everything changed. I remember a statement that my father said to me, “You went overboard on the drinking and the drugs, now you are going overboard on this Jesus stuff too”. My response was simple, “This is what I was meant to do”. Over my 25 years as a Christian, I have seen many people come to church, get baptized, wave their hands in the air like they just don’t care, and then walk out the door and go right back into the world where they were before, sometimes ending up worse than when they entered or even dead in their sins. Everyone knows the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, the ways of God and the ways of the world, and yet many can’t discern between what’s right and almost right. They just can’t leave the temptations and lust of the world to completely follow after the Lord Jesus. I have found it difficult at times, especially when I was new to the faith to do what is written in *2 Corinthians 6:17 “So come out from among unbelievers and be separate,” says the Lord, “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor]* There are many things that must change in the life of a Chritian in order to bring glory to God, the things that we watch, read, say, and do, all have a direct correlation to our conviction and commitment to the Lord Jesus. When we invite Him into our lives, it is a Commitment for a LifeTime and not just a time of our life. Christ followers need to remember what is written in *Deuteronomy 23:23 You shall be careful to perform that [vow] which passes your lips, just as you have made a voluntary vow to the Lord your God, just as you have promised with your own words (mouth).* If you have professed Jesus as Lord and Savior, live like it! Charles Spurgeon said, “If your life is unholy, then your heart is unchanged, and you are an unsaved person. The Savior will sanctify His people, renew them, give them a hatred of sin, and a love of holiness. The grace that does not make a man better than others is a worthless counterfeit. Christ saves His people, not IN their sins, but FROM their sins. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” The modern day church must take this to heart and repent of anything that draws them away from the Lord. 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.