Over the years I have written on a variety of topics, struggles, and failures that I have had to work through. When I first started writing and sharing what I believed God had laid on my heart to share, it was more therapy for me than it was to be encouragement to others. As I have read through the scriptures, I have seen how many of those who did great things for God went through great trials. I am not trying to imply that I am in the category of being a great warrior as Nimrod, a man after God’s heart like David, a faithful servant like Joshua, or a man of valor like Gideon, or a host of others. I know who I am and what kind of person I am before God in my moments of weakness and relate more to the words written in *Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone and ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips…* In what I write, I never want those who read it to hear ”Oh is me” or “Poor pitiful me.” My prayer is that when others read what I write to the end of each devotional they will be able to hear that when I am in the midst of my trials, that the end of the matter is “But God” and to be able to see that I try to glorify Him in everything that I go through. I have come to understand that it is not our words, our phrasing, or even the way we pray that matters most. What truly matters is His presence, His grace, and His ability to read the deepest longings of our hearts. Stillness doesn’t come naturally to many of us, and for those that truly know me understand how much I need to be able to do this more now than ever before. Sitting quietly without distraction can feel almost impossible. I’m learning though, to simply sit with Him—letting Him search me, shape me, and change me. Certain individuals say that they relate deeply to what I write and say that because of what I share I am more “Approachable” than other Pastors, leaders, and spiritually minded individuals and that is why they endure what they go through. For some though, I realize they will never receive what I share either because they don’t want to, or can’t relate because they just don’t understand what it is like to live in the midst of the trials, tribulations, and spiritual warfare. My life goal has been to help as many people as I can, to help them draw closer to the Lord Jesus, to help remove the scales from their eyes, and live out what is written in *Galatians 6:2 Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].* There is a quote by Charles Spurgeon that I have come to contemplate deeply. He said, “You may fear that the Lord has passed you by, but it is not so: He who counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made, or the only saint He ever loved. Approach Him and be at peace.” In closing, my prayer for you my Friends is written in *2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all.* Amen. 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.