I believe that God has built more meaningful, long lasting, impactful relationships in my life with certain individuals because I am open and transparent about my struggles and do not pretend like I have it all together, and that is something few people can relate to. Through all of the challenges, brokenness, and pain that wears and tears at my heart, mind, body, and spirit, the love of God keeps me from living in that wreckage. I have been asked, “Why do I write what I write?” “Why do I talk about Jesus like I do?” There is a verse in an old hymn that answers those questions. “I need no other argument, I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.” With all that I have been through I believe that the only reason I am alive today is because of Jesus. I was a drug addict when He saved me. He reached into the darkest depths of my addiction and pulled me into a light I never thought I deserved. My recovery wasn’t just a physical healing, but a total restoration of a soul that had been shattered by my own poor choices. I have realized since that day that my brokenness wasn’t a death sentence, but the very place where His strength became perfect. Every breath I have taken has been a testament to the mercy that found me when I was at my absolute lowest. It is this radical transformation that fuels my desire to point others toward the same hope I found. I am living proof for what is written in *Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.* The intrinsic truth that I live with is, Jesus died for me, so I have surrendered my life as a living sacrifice to Him. It has to be all about Him and nothing about me. My life verses are found in *2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.* For those of you who are active in my life and I am active in yours, I am thankful for you all and consider myself blessed beyond measure that God brought us together for such a time as this. My prayer is that if you remember anything about me after I leave this world, that you remember that I loved you even when it may have been foolish, that I cared even when it was uninvited, when my body is gone, I pray that you remember my heart was set to serve God, love Jesus, care for others, encourage the brethren, disciple those who were willing, and share the Gospel to the lost and broken in a world that is rebellious and hostile. I have been blessed to be able to show people a love they had never experienced, the love of Christ, and for some, they showed me something about themselves, why they never had that love. I have reached an awareness over time that in some circumstances I need to show my scars so that others can know that they can recover from anything by the grace of God. Every scar I carry serves as a jagged reminder that His blood is more powerful than my deepest shame. I do not just speak of Him, I scream of His mercy because I should not be standing here, yet by His grace, I am. I believe that being a Christian doesn’t change what we deal with in life, but it does change how we deal with life. My Friends, may your love for the Lord Jesus overflow your heart’s and mind’s and affect all those in your world for the kingdom, in Jesus’ precious and powerful name, 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, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.