There have been times in my life as a Christian that I have felt the deep separation from God due to my own lack of self control, willful disobedience, and intentional sin. Then, there are other times that I have sinned and not really felt anything at all. The times when it was deep sorrow was because my relationship was deep with God, and the times when it was not so much, was because I was at a distance from God at the moment, Jesus was not genuinely my Lord and Savior at that time, He was just Jesus. When I look at Samson, I see a lot of my character defects in his actions. Samson did not avoid sin, he gave into it and then had to suffer the consequences, and so have I in different seasons over the years. It is written in *Judges 16:20 And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” So he awoke from his sleep, and said, “I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.* For me that is a very scary thought. Lately I have been reflecting on king David’s plea of repentance after his sin and being confronted by Nathan the Prophet. It is written in *Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.* I know and understand that I am a wretched sinner and yet I also know that the scriptures say that I am not the only one. I think about what Paul wrote in *Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!* My friends, be aware and don’t play with fire or you will suffer the consequences of being burned, or at least have the smell of the smoke. Stay away from what you know will harm you, your peace, and your walk with God. May we also remember that after we sin, as it will be something that we all will do at one time or another, what is written in *1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.* Brethren, if you are willfully living in disobedience to God, stop it and repent. If you claim Jesus as Lord and Savior, live like it. I read, “It is easier to avoid temptation than to get out of it” and I know how true that really is. Charles Spurgeon said, “Christians can never sin cheaply; they pay a heavy price for iniquity. Transgression destroys peace of mind, obscures fellowship with Jesus, hinders prayer, brings darkness over the soul; therefore be not the serf and bondman of sin.” Think about this, really pray over it, “Correction is only seen as “Judgment” to those who are still involved in their sin and are not convicted by the Holy Spirit, but in truth it is one of the greatest ways to love someone else. There is Responsibility in Accountability, it is not always easy but the benefit can be eternal.” I would like to close with and encouragement found in *Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?* Thank God for His goodness, grace and mercy, Amen.

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.