A friend of mine said to me that the way he measures Love is how long it takes a person to get from the front doors of the church, through the foyer, past the coffee shop, and to their seat. For some, it takes a long time because they say hello to just about everyone and just about everyone wants to say hello to them in an expression of Love. Some people walk in Love without even thinking about it. For the most part though, many are only interested in loving the easy or the ones that can help them in one way or another. There are some in the building that only Love certain people, people like them, their clicks. I have even seen different Pastors who have the gift of teaching and can share a great message but have no Love for those he is sharing it with; it is like a show, or performance, a motivational speaker with only a desire to get attention and not give it. I read a meme that said, “Jesus spent His whole life ENGAGING the people most of us have spent our whole lives trying to avoid”. I think about “those” people being avoided a lot because I was one of “those” people for most of my life and at times still feel that way. I try to reach out to the lost, the broken, the drunks, the drug addicts because I can relate from a personal level. I know what it is like to walk through the doors of a church and have people walk the other direction or steer clear in fear that something on you might rub off on them. I was a Christian and yet I still felt like an outcast as I walked through the doors and have come to understand that it is not the way Jesus would’ve treated me. The words of the Lord Jesus strike me to the core of who I am. It is written in *John 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].* I have tried to encourage many individuals that were in tears because when they entered the “church” no one greeted them or acknowledged their existence in any way. I have been blessed over the past few years to find groups of people who Love me for me, and I Love them for them. Our Sunday night group is entitled Iron Sharpens Iron. It is a spiritual support group of individuals who have a common bond and know that We Are Stronger Together. My prayer is that the people of God learn to live in the Love of the Lord Jesus, not only telling others that they are loved but by showing them by personal actions and sacrifice as He did. 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.