There are many character defects and moral shortcomings that I am ashamed of, but probably the one that is on the top of my list is that I want to live a life that is Holy but I struggle just about every day. I pray often about what is written in *1 Peter 1:14 [Live] as obedient children [of God]; do not be conformed to the evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation]. 15 But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.”* To surrender oneself to God whole heartily is not easy, well at least for me it’s not, and to let go of the cares and desires of this world is very difficult as well. One of my biggest failures is comparing myself, my life to others, realizing that I don’t know anyone else’s heart before God but only my own, knowing that mine is deceitfully wicked. The apostle Paul did not have a perfect life according to what he shared, I would think that he had battles that only he and God knew about, but one thing that I can see through the scriptures is that he knew what kind of life he was to lead, and that was one as an example to everyone that saw him. He wrote in, *Philippians 3:17 Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.* As well as what is written in *1 Corinthians 4:16 So I urge you, be imitators of me [just as a child imitates his father].* and *1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.* Beloved, as we learn more every day of how God loves us, we must show that love to our world and to the people that we encounter throughout our daily living. We must stop believing the lies of the enemy and stop telling ourselves that we are worthless, alone, and unloved, because those are the words I use as I look at the man in the mirror that cause me to feel defeated. We are children of the Living God and He loves us. May our God help us live by Jesus’ example, by the Holy Spirit’s power, a life that is pleasing and glorifies God the Father. May all His children be able to say boldly, Follow me as I follow Jesus! Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Nearness to God brings likeness to God. The more you see God, the more of God will be seen in you”. Everyone needs to see God’s example and reflection, and may it be seen in and through all of His children. My prayer is that it is evident in me more and more every day and I pray that same thing for all who read these words as well. 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.