There are many terms and phrases in “Christianese” that have taken me a while to totally comprehend. “Propitiation” is a Biblical term, it is described as a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended deity and being reconciled to him, thus incurring divine favor or avoiding divine retribution. We see this laid out as we read what is written in *1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.* This propitiation makes it consistent with God’s holy character and government to extend forgiveness, love, and reconciliation to sinners. Without propitiation, God’s just wrath against sin would prevent blessings from being justly given. Because God’s wrath has been appeased through Christ, He can now justly bestow blessings, and favor can flow freely from Him to believers. There is a Hebrew benediction spoken by Aaron and his sons, this blessing was to be a way to put God’s name upon the Israelites and to bless them. This blessing is used by many Christian pastors today to encourage believers of what God is doing in our lives and as a reminder of God’s unchanging faithfulness to his people. It is written in *Numbers 6:24 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”* In Hebrew, YHWH is the Tetragrammaton, consisting of the letters Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh (יהוה). Since ancient Hebrew was written without vowels, the pronunciation of YHWH has been lost over time. However, some have observed that the sound of the consonants, when pronounced without vowels, resembles breathing. YH: The sound of the first two letters is said to correspond with the inhalation of breath. WH: The sound of the last two letters is said to correspond with the exhalation of breath. I have come to focus on the word “Lord” when that prayer is being said and intentionally breathe in and out using YHWH the best I can. A little while back I heard R.C. Sproul share “The Supreme Malediction”, the opposite of the benediction and it caused me to really contemplate what Jesus went through for me, for you, and for all of the world. “May the Lord curse you and abandon you. May the Lord keep you in darkness and give you only judgment without grace. May the Lord turn his back upon you and remove his peace from you forever.” My heart is heavy because I know that I am not doing everything that God has called me to do to glorify Him with the time He has given me and for that I am ashamed. There are times that I do not fully comprehend and truly appreciate what Jesus did for me upon the cross, but in all honesty, I believe that I just take it for granted. I pray often about what is written in *Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)* Jesus has loved me a lot more than I have ever loved Him. My prayer is simple, Dear Lord, please help me to love You more today than I ever have before. Amen. Closing thought: There is a theory that a baby’s first cry and breath is the speaking of God’s name upon entering the world, and that a person’s last breath is the final utterance of God’s name as they depart it. This idea gives me a sense of God’s constant presence in my life and that God provides me with a continuous spiritual connection that does not depend on any conscious thought or deliberate prayer by me. It is by His grace, mercy, and Love that I still exist at all for I have given Him many reasons to deny me. My Brethren, invest your time wisely, you may run out of it before you know it. 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 pastor.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.