Since becoming a Christian I have come to understand that in our lives there are “three types” of just about everything… of music, movies, actions, language, and more importantly, three types of friends. Those that glorify God, ones that cause the enemy of God to blaspheme Him, and then there are the “Rice Cakes”, there is some substance but no spiritual value. The problem that most people face in today’s society is that they find it easy to draw near to those that tear them down and push away those that lift them up. As I look to the scriptures there are many verses that have helped to guide me in where it comes to “friendship.” I pray often over what is written in *Psalms 1:1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.* A worldly friend will lead us to sin, encourage ungodly traits, and would rather see us fall than serve God in life. It is important that Christians carefully choose their friends by understanding God’s wisdom as we seen written in *1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.* In the past I used to have trouble choosing friends and I can tell you from experience, friends can either lift you up in life or tear you down. I have been blessed with many Christian friends who have strengthened my joy in God, encouraged me to obey Him, led me to God in my weakness, exposed sin in my life that kept me from being close to Him, and loved me deeply by praying for me and with me intentionally. If you have friendships leading you away from the Lord, don’t walk away from them, run, and when running, run toward the Lord Jesus, your most important Friend in this world. God will make us aware of bad influences in our lives and replace them with godly friends if we let Him. I read, “You don’t need a certain number of friends, just a number of friends you can be certain of.” I have been blessed with friends that have walked with me through some of my most painful moments of my life and believe that it is because of their faithfulness, not only to me but to the Lord Jesus, that I am alive today and able to share the things I do. Closing thought, it takes 6-8 pallbearers to lift a person up when they are deceased. Imagine what a person would be able to accomplish in this life if they had 6-8 spirit filled individuals intentionally lifting them up before God everyday in prayer while encouraging them to draw near to Jesus. My Brethren, choose your friends wisely, your eternity may be influenced by them. 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.