Love is an interesting thing, it can be difficult to deal with, challenging to work through, painful while you’re in it, agonizing when you’re not, and many times impossible to forget. I remember my first love with as much joy as my most recent, even though neither one of them worked out. I was drawn to them not because of what they did for me but because of who they were when they were around me. In all truth, when it comes to love, my heart has been in turmoil about it in one way or another for most of my life. As I read through the scriptures, I have come to understand that no human relationship can compare to what our relationship with God, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is supposed to be like. I am sorrowed in my heart at my own behavior and attitude at times as I read what is written in *Revelation 2:2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.* The early church had their hearts so captivated with their love for Jesus, that there were no limits to what they would surrender to Him, no boundaries to their obedience. They were willing to sacrifice and leave behind everything else they loved to follow Him. In contrast between then and now is that the early church wanted to know what they needed to do to be saved and the modern church seems more concerned on what they can get away with and still be saved. As I study to understand “Agape Love” my own heart is stirred to repentance. Many that I come across in the modern church fail to reflect on the awe and excitement of being saved by grace, and the deep love for God and others that followed early on in their time with the Lord, especially me. I feel guilty that at times I don’t prioritize relationships over routine, causing a slow drift toward cold religion and complacency, instead of maintaining a vibrant faith characterized by both diligent work and fervent, overflowing love. My beloved, let each of us examine our own heart to see if we have let anything cause us to lose our fervent pursuit of the Lord Jesus and glorifying Him in all that we do. And if we discover that we have left our first love in any way, may we take every step necessary to fan the fire within us until our hearts burn with a desire for Him the way it did when we first came to understand Jesus’ love for us. 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.