Choices are made every day that we may not comprehend the consequences of for years to come. Choices to do certain things or not do certain things, not only affect our life but the lives of those around us. It can affect those that we love and care about, but more importantly our relationship with God. Some of those choices at the time seem right and later on, when time passes, we realize how wrong those choices actually were and that they were not what God intended for us. Priorities for some come easy, while others, because of past issues and moral failures, addictive traits or characteristic problems, have hard times processing how to do things in a way that pleases everyone, especially God. Our God is more patient and understanding than anyone on earth. God’s choice, His heart is to spend eternity with us, and because of that, His chooses to wait patiently for all that will come to repentance. I am encouraged by what is written in *2 Peter 3:8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.* Growing up I remember being told to make good choices. As a Pastor I have learned to instruct those that I mentor and disciple to make “Godly Choices,” seems a little more fitting for a Christian. Making godly decisions involves a process of prayer, seeking wisdom from scripture and godly counsel from those you trust who have spiritual maturity and discernment, and more importantly trusting in God’s sovereignty, guidance and timing. Patience is crucial, as is considering all options before making a choice and then trusting God to guide you through the outcome no matter how challenging it may be. I find comfort in what Charles Spurgeon said on the matter, “If you could have chosen your own circumstances and conditions in life, you could not have made so wise a choice as God has made for you.” I understand that the reason I am so often perplexed is that the life I have now is not the life I expected to have, but it is a blessed life that God has given to be able to glorify Him through it all, the blessings as well as the tribulations. My prayer is sincere, “Dear heavenly Father, please help us, Your children, to walk in purity of mind, body, and spirit. We ask for wisdom and clarity in all that we endure. Help us to submit to Your decisions and trust that You will guide our path according to Your will. Remind us by Your Spirit to praise you for being the decision-making-God You are. Give us the ability to stand in the midst of the battle, and when we fall, help us to get up, dust ourselves off and get back to work for Your kingdom. Help us to minister to the lost and the broken in the world around us for Your glory and not our own. May all that you have called come to repentance. And for myself, thank You for giving me a calling and a purpose to share Your truth to those who I encounter. I ask that You would provide me with discernment in the choices I need to make on a daily basis. If there’s a specific path You want me to take, please make it clear to me. Help me to have the courage to take the steps you’re leading me toward no matter how uncomfortable it may be. I ask that You would provide me with peace of mind as I’m navigating life and the little bit of it I have left. There are things on my mind that are causing me to feel distracted and discouraged, so I ask for Your encouragement as I follow Your direction. God, please guide me in Your way, accepting my strengths and weaknesses, and help me to be more compassionate toward others for I know how it is to feel like the least of these. Remind me that I have a purpose as Your child to love You and love others. Please show me specific ways to follow my purpose every day and when need be, every moment. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen. Closing encouragement found in *Psalms 145:8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.* and for that I am thankful. 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.