There is a saying, show me who you hang out with and I will show you what kind of person you are. I have seen first hand the destruction of people that got caught up doing things with “friends”, that led them down a road of drug addiction, robbery, sexual misconduct, and so many other sins. To be truly blessed by God we must be careful who we spend our time with. It is written in *Psalms 1:1 Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).* Many look like a steady Christian then fall into sin, when in all reality it was a slow fade, more of a slide into sin. First, we walk with the wicked, then stand around with sinners, in the end, we sit with the scoffers, and become more and more of what God is trying to keep us from, being like the world. The question that we need to ask ourselves is, “Are our friends lifting us up towards heaven or pulling us down toward hell? A good illustration, if a godly person is sitting on a stool, and a sinful person is on the floor, who has more leverage? I pray often about what is written in *1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”* and realize how true it is. The words of Charles Spurgeon state clearly, “O Christian, the world is not your friend. If it is, then you are not God’s friend.“ I remember praying and asking God to remove the worldly and ungodly people from my life, shortly after I noticed that I was losing the very people that I used to spend time with and look up to, some of my dearest friends. They were actually the very enemies that God warned me about in His word. I also prayed for God to fill my life with people who genuinely care for me and my family. God showed me who to spend time with, other like minded individuals, and because of that I am drawn closer to God, the Lord Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Last Friday night for example, we had our Friday of the Month Potluck where we experienced not only koinonia but the intimate presence of God. I saw clearly that God answered my prayer by correcting my vision of who I thought I wanted in my life and gave me who He knew I needed. I am praying that God gives all who read these words wisdom to make not only good choices but godly ones in who you associate with, for it may change your destiny and the destiny of your family, and most importantly where you will spend your eternity. 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.