Since having my “Come to Jesus moment” I understand that most people live with two trains of thought, for the devout and dedicated Christian it is “God’s will not mine be done” and for the nominal half-hearted believer and/or pagan non-believers it is, “my will not Yours be done.” For the first, those who live in obedience according to scripture, God will be with them no matter what comes their way. For the second, who live in incessant rebellion, I have seen His response be, “Ok, have it your way.” and the end result is never pretty. Recently I have been questioning my own devotion to the Lord as to whether or not it is wholehearted or only half, if even that at times. In my devotional time I realize through reading the scriptures about what it means to be humble before God. I am convicted by what is written in *James 4:8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. 9 [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. 10 Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].* I’ve offered up prayers asking God for His will to be done in my trials and tribulations, to only a short time later take them back. The Father’s will and agenda were Jesus’ priority and yet, there are times when it is really that last thing I want for my life. On more than one occasion I have struggled with praying for God’s will to be done, but there has never been a time when His will was done that I have been disappointed. How different would our world be if, when we came to God with our list of requests, we opened not only our hands but our hearts and prayed like Jesus did: “Not my will, but Yours be done” …? The essence of being humble before God is recognizing our own need to have an absolute dependence on Him, shifting the focus from self-exaltation to divine reliance, and surrendering personal will. It involves acknowledging our own limitations compared to God’s greatness, strengthening an attitude of gratitude, obedience, and openness to His guidance rather than relying on self-sufficiency. Humility before God is not a sign of weakness, but a spiritual strength that leads to deeper communion with Him. It involves submitting every aspect of our lives, which opens the way to receive His grace and ultimately being lifted up by God for His glory and not our own. I have learned the hard way that if a person continues to tell God to “leave me alone” He, in essence, will do just that, leaving you to yourself and the merciless power of Satan. Consider yourself warned and I pray that all who read these words humbles themselves to the will of the Father who knows what is best for His children. 

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.