As I have read through the scriptures I believe that God has selected each of His children for a purpose. Personally, I would never have selected “me” for much of anything. As a child, I usually got picked last and picked on the most. Throughout my life I have made many mistakes and poor choices that caused me to struggle with self worth, self esteem, and self confidence. I started drinking at a very young age, I was a drug addict, I was violent, I have been arrested, and there are many other things that I “was” that I am too ashamed to mention. I have been divorced, I have been hungry, I have slept in my car because I couldn’t go home, I have suffered the loss of a parent, been abandoned by my children, I have sinned against God in a way that made me disqualified for ministry for a period of time. After all that I have done, God has been so good to me. He’s been able to take the mistakes of my life and allowed me to help others who have gone through similar issues or are going through similar types of situations currently. I read certain verses and get encouraged because I feel like they were written just for me. I love what is written in *1 Corinthians 1:27 But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]* By the power of the Holy Spirit, I am able to share what the Lord Jesus has done in my life to the glory of God on a regular basis. He has truly given me what is written in *Isaiah 61:3…To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…* Brethren and friends, whatever you have done, whatever you are going through, know, believe with all that you are, that God has a purpose and will help you through the rest of your life. We can bring glory to God, by letting others know all that He has taken us through and forgiven us for. I often reflect on what is written in *Revelation 12:11  And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.* That is my goal, my purpose in life. Sometimes, only broken people can hear from broken people. I know that the pain I have gone through, go through now, and believe that I will continue to go through in my future has a purpose and that is to help others endure, survive, and thrive. For I am confident in this truth written in *Romans 8:28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.* I believe that I am called according to His plan and purpose, how about you? Closing quote comes from John Newton: “I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am”.

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.