“I Quit” are words that I spoke recently out of frustration because of a slew of the unexpected. Different situations got away from me that were entirely due to my culpability and lack of focus. It wasn’t anything of real importance or major loss as the world would see it, just a little frustration that I blew completely out of proportion and caused me to not represent the Lord Jesus as I should, that is if I truly name myself as a Christian. I have been working diligently to use my days for the glory of God and provide for my family, but sometimes it feels like my productivity can be completely derailed due to a little annoyance that feels like a raging storm in the heat of the moment. As I go through times like these, I have been regularly reminded of the words written in *Matthew 5:45…for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him].* Overall, my days have been filled with blessings, times with friends, fellowship, encouragement, and really good ministry before and after the little things I deal with. Throughout my life as a Christian there have been different types of seasons that I have gone through. Seasons of growth as well as sorrow and brokenness. Shortly after coming to Jesus: my family was shattered by my divorce, then a few years later there was the death of my father. During that time I sinned and was disqualified from ministry for a period of time. My shame was overwhelming. As I look back over my life, my character defects and moral shortcomings have led me to be consumed by what I do in one way or another. I used to work crazy amounts of hours as a mechanic/service manager and neglected my family. I also prioritized ministering to others over the responsibility of helping my children grow in the Lord, serving them in a way that glorified God, and attending to their needs. I look back and realize how I abandoned them at the most crucial times of their lives, their young childhoods. Through it all there has been one word that God gave me, “Endure.” Recently I feel that He has given me a new word, “Preparedness.” I realize that the reason I came to the point of saying “I Quit” was not because of a bad day, it was because of a bad moment where I didn’t go to Him first, instead I let the flesh come out and it was ugly. As I watch the news and the devastation that the world is experiencing, there really is very little for me to complain about and much for me to be praying about, for those in intense turmoil. My Brethren, I know that I am not alone in being ready to just quit at times, but we can’t, we have all come too far to quit. The majority of us have been through too much to not worship God in the storms that we endure through. I want to encourage you as the Lord has encouraged me in saying that in the midst of your bad moments, take refuge in Him and remember the words written in *Psalms 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.* Whether facing an exciting season with joy or reluctantly facing the unknown ahead with fear and doubt, remember that when you do not know what the future holds, you must trust in the One Who holds your future in His hands. It is not always easy but I am preparing now to do it more. My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, 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, 5202720387last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.