Lack of encouragement often brings discouragement to people who are hurting, broken, or lost. Whether we acknowledge it or not, the truth of life is that there are a lot of people who are going through the motions, trying their best just to make it through the day without much hope for tomorrow. Everyone has something going on, but still in the busyness of our own lives we need to remember that one kind word, a simple text message, a phone call, may help change someone’s life, maybe not forever, but at least for a moment. Barnabas was an early leader in the church and is a man that I admire because of his character that matches the meaning of his name, Son of Encouragement. I get inspired as I read about him as written in *Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God [that was bestowed on them], he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with an unwavering heart to stay true and devoted to the Lord.* There is a song that encourages me by The Sidewalk Prophets, “Save My Life” it says, “Tell me what I need to hear / Tell me that I’m not forgotten / Show me there’s a God Who can be more than all I’ve ever wanted / ‘Cause right now I need a little hope / I need to know that I’m not alone / Maybe God is calling you tonight / To tell me something That might save my life”. I know from personal experience that sometimes people are hurting so badly that they need more than to have someone preach a message to them, they need someone to be the message to them. The reason I try so hard to encourage others is that I have been on the other side far too often and way too long. There is another part of the song that impacts me deeply, “I’m the pastor at your church / For all these years you’ve listened to my words / You think I know all the answers / But I’ve got doubts and questions too / Behind this smile I’m really just like you / Afraid and tired and insecure”. My Friends, may God give all of His children the desire, but more importantly the willingness to look past the “façades” of others and be able to encourage them to “stay true and devoted to the Lord” and from our heart’s be able to genuinely say to them, Jesus loves you and I love you too! I do want to thank all of you who have reached out to encourage me over the years without knowing all the specifics of what is going on in my life, you are truly valued above measure, and you are a blessing in my life. My prayer: Heavenly Father, I lift up every person who serves as an encourager to others. Lord, You know the hidden burdens, the quiet struggles, and the moments of exhaustion behind their smiles. I pray that You would fill them with Your strength and remind them that they are not alone. As they pour out love, let them be filled to overflowing. Give us all the eyes to see the brokenness in others and the heart to bring Your comfort and hope. May we remind each other to stay true to You, and in doing so, reflect Your unconditional love. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name we pray, 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.