I was born 22,540 days ago. It seems as though I was just a child, then my children were born yesterday, and now I am a grandfather of eleven, as well as a great-grandfather of one. The older I get the more I realize that I am probably three quarters of the way through my life by now if God is merciful to me. I am definitely not getting any younger. There are many people that are making New Year’s resolutions and wanting next year to be better, different, more exciting, have new relationships, more physically fit, more money, some form of accomplishment, etc. etc. As I contemplate all that I have been through and survived I often reflect on what is written in *James 4:14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air].* Every year people make such a big deal about the new year and all I can think about is that I am another day older and another day closer to heaven. Many of my days have been wasted doing things with no eternal value. I have been a Christian for 9,327 days and I can honestly say that not all of those days have been used for God’s glory. My resolution has nothing to do with the New Year, it has to do with my heart before my God today, at this very moment, and from this point forward. I want to be in God’s will whether with blessings or tribulations. I want to be able to boldly say what is written in *James 4:15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and we will do this or that.”* I am not sure about anyone one else, but I want to hear the words that I know I don’t deserve to hear written in *Matthew 25:23 His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.* There are many thoughts that race through my mind when I read that scripture knowing that in all honesty I am another day closer to death, but what do I really have to show for it? As we all walk into the new year, may we do it with all boldness for the Lord Jesus and remember that each and every day may be our last for tomorrow is not promised. My desire is to be obedient to the calling that God has given me and to walk in confident faith even when the darkness seems to be overtaking me. Charles Spurgeon spoke of the same struggle that I face every day, and for him it was more than 48,912 days ago, “Do I live as carelessly and worldly as unbelievers while professing to be a follower of Jesus? If so, I am exposing Christianity to ridicule and leading people to speak evil of the holy name by which I am called.” When the end of my life comes, I pray that I have not kept anything back for myself that could have been used to further the kingdom or draw others toward salvation, and that nothing that I do will bring shame to the mighty name by which I am called, “Christian”. I pray fervently to be able to fulfill the purpose that God has given me, and I pray that for all who read these words as well. I am ready to go to heaven now, but I also want to take as many people with me as I can, so please pray for me to endure and be faithful as I pray for all those willing to endure till the end with me. 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.