There are different battles that I face every day, and today has been a troublesome battle against the enemy since hours before my alarm ever went off, starting with a physical battle in my comfort and health. I battled to have peaceful morning devotional time but my prayers have been distracted, I feel that I am battling emotionally, spiritually, and socially, practically every way imaginable. With all that and more, I feel like a failure more times than not. I know that I am not alone in the types of struggles I face and for those that I know who are battling along with me, I want you to know that I am praying for you. Over the years I have been informed of different people that I have ministered to that have either been incarcerated, gone through severe trauma, and for a few that have died and for some it has been very recent. All of these things are difficult to work through. It seems the older I get, the more people I know, the more I am impacted on a deeper level. The enemy tries to trip me up, beat me down, he whispers lies into my ears, and tries to make me believe that I will never be what God says in His word that I can be, Victorious. I believe that the enemy can’t stop the calling God has put on my life so he’s trying to drain my confidence and cause doubt and confusion to overpower me. I am confident that God didn’t choose me because I felt ready and equipped, He chose me because He is ready and equipped to help me through whatever He has for me that is before me. There have been many times that I feel like I just want to quit, but instead I have learned to pause, and when I pause, I pray. The feelings I face come and go but God is consistent. I often reflect on what is written in *1 Samuel 17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”* I read something that said, “The army of Israel looked at Goliath through the eyes of man and said he’s too big to beat. David looked at him through God’s eyes and said he is too big to miss”. My brethren, whatever battle you are facing, realize that the same God that helped David defeat his giant is with you and able to help you defeat whatever giant you are facing. I pray that as God’s children we are encouraged and always remember what is written in *Philippians 4:13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]* My friends, if you are battle weary and are feeling overcome in the warfare, pause if you must but never quit, call on me and we will fight the enemy together, locking shields. I will stand with you. Please pray for me as I pray for all those who read these words. 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.