The word “Martyr” has the sound of antiquity to it and yet the statistics say that more Christians have been killed, “Martyred”, for their faith in this century than in all previous centuries combined. Many today claim the Christian faith, and claim to believe that Jesus is their Savior, and that they obey God, but when they are faced with challenges of life or temptations of the flesh, they give up their so-called faith in a moment. Then there are others who stay faithful to the calling of the Lord Jesus till the end. There were 3 guys in the Book of Daniel that did not waver in their faith when faced with the consequences of going against the rules of their day that contradicted the word of God. It is written in *Daniel 3:15…But if you do not worship, you shall be thrown at once into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can rescue you out of my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you on this point. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up!”* Many in today’s society only claim faith in Christ because of its cultural value. When this faith requires that they sacrifice their goals, dreams, and ambitions, or even their life, then their faith is no longer existent, and they give into the values and morals of the world around them. This faith is not a true, real, saving faith, but a faith that is only superficial. It is a faith that only sees God as a way to get things that they want in the moment and not desiring to be with God for eternity. When certain people do not receive the things that they have requested, many abandon the God of the Bible and go back to the god of this world, the devil. When faith is being tested by fire, it amazes me how many desert God and cling to their old way of life. If you are in Christ, your complacency must come to an end. Genuine faith responds and does not conform, it is rooted in the power of God and remains committed to Him no matter what comes our way. Tertullian, the famous second-century lawyer who was converted by watching Christians sing as they marched to their deaths, gave us this famous statement: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” And I pray that “the Church” reflects on what St. Augustine said, who died in 430 AD, “The martyrs were bound, jailed, scourged, wracked, burned, rent, butchered—and they multiplied.” My beloved, I want to encourage you, True Faith Stays Standing when everyone else is bowing down. As we reflect on what is going on in today’s culture and see those who have given all, may we praise God and pray for their families. May we also pray for people worldwide so that we see genuine repentance and a movement of the Holy Spirit. We must remember the sacrifices of the dead saints and what they went through, for some of us may get the honor and privilege of joining them in their martyrdom. I pray for boldness to be able to Stand firm in my faith even if everyone else around me is bowing down. 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.