There are thoughts that come into my mind, almost every day lately, that seem to control me more than I am able to control them. It is only moments at a time, but the feelings are intense and disheartening. I try to take “Every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” but there are times when the flesh wins out. Thoughts of my past sins, past relationships, past experiences, and the worldly fun that all kept me at a distance from God, and today, causes me to think back towards the world which I left and found no fulfillment in, only fleshly desires that lead me to feel like a failure. There are moments when I seem to be living more in the past than I am in the present, and not really caring about the future. This is not where I want to “live” ever, but it is where I “visit” more often than I should. I regularly look to God’s word to help me get through these moments of weakness, doubt, loneliness, and despair. To help me refocus, I look to verses like what is written in *Philippians 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]*. In life we all have an unspeakable secret, an irreversible regret, an unreachable dream, or an unforgettable love. There are times when I feel vulnerable about all those things, there are times when I am afraid to move forward, but there are never times when I don’t feel God’s love, grace, and mercy that helps me endure what I am going through. As Christians, we must battle with all our might to stay close to the Lord Jesus in these trying times like our lives depend upon it, because they do. I like what Charles Spurgeon said, “Great thoughts of your sin alone will drive you to despair; but great thoughts of Christ will pilot you into the haven of peace.” For those who are like-minded, those who struggle with the past as well as the present, please pray for me as I pray for you all who stand with me united together in the hope of the coming of the Lord Jesus. May God richly bless you my Brethren, and Maranatha, Come Quickly Lord Jesus! 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 support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. 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 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.