It amazes me how fickle some people are, even more so myself at times. How devoted I can be to Christ one minute and am dishonoring Him the next. There are days when Jesus is my King, my Lord, my Savior. Then there are moments when He is just Jesus. I often reflect on when Jesus made His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and there was a crowd praising Him. A few days later many of the same people were asking for Barabbas to be released from custody of the Romans instead of Jesus. I am heart broken when I read what is written in *Matthew 27:17 So when they had assembled [for this purpose], Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 21…And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied, “Let Him be crucified!”* The people asked for Barabbas (i.e. – son of a father) to be released and to crucify Jesus (The true Son of the Father). Jesus was betrayed, deserted, beaten, whipped, and then crucified. Sometimes it seems as if the world around me has forgotten Who Jesus really is, all that He endured for each and every one of us. Even Pontius Pilate knew He was something special, as written in *Luke 23:38 Now there was also an inscription above Him: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”* Jesus was a King and yet His servants weren’t helping Him. Angels and time stood still. He suffered for each of us, for everyone in the world, past, present (in His day) and future (beyond our generation). As a child of God I desire to have more than a circumstantial devotion to the Lord.  Loving Jesus when life is good (like the crowds on Palm Sunday) but turning away or staying silent when things get difficult. When we go through the emotional highs and lows we cannot let temporary feelings dictate our spiritual health. When we feel “close to God” one day and “distant” the next we cannot become  inconsistent with time in the Word, prayer and worship. For some of you, you are seeking miracles over the Messiah. You appreciate what Jesus can do for you (healing, provision) without being devoted to who He is as Lord and Savior. Religious rhetoric has become commonplace in the church, knowing the “Christian lingo” and spiritual slogans but lacking a deep, relational commitment that survives trials. The Disciples during Jesus’ arrest, they all scattered despite their previous promises of loyalty which is not so different in today’s culture. Peter famously denied Him three times out of fear and yet how many today won’t acknowledge Him for the same reasons. To overcome fickleness, we must build on Truth, not feelings because feelings are “fickle” and “change like the wind.” Stability comes from rooting ourselves in the unchanging Word of God. Focusing on God’s character, shifting our gaze from our own wavering performance to God’s immutability (the fact that He never changes). As we live life we must practice spiritual disciplines with consistency in prayer and scripture reading even when you don’t “feel” like it. As we acknowledge our need and be honest about our own tendency to wander, this allows us to rely more on His grace than our own strength. I know that I will never be able to repay Jesus for what He did for me upon the cross that day. I do declare that I will make my stand to serve my King, my Lord, my Savior as much as I can with all that I am for the rest of my life. My Brethren, who else will stand with me to the glory of God? Please pray for me as I pray for all who read this.

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, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.