There is an acronym for the word F.R.I.E.N.D. that I really like, “Fully Reliable In Each New Difficulty.” In all reality “Friend” is a term that I believe is used too loosely in today’s society. The term better suited for relationships that the majority of the world encounters is acquaintance. I think about the sayings that people use to express friendship and then contemplate how accurate they truly are. “Friendship is not about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who walked into your life when everyone else walked out, and said ‘I’m here for you’ and proved it.” “The ones who notice the storms in your eyes, the silence in your voice, and the heaviness in your heart, are the ones you need to let in.” “Remember, anyone can love when the sun is shining, it’s during the storms that you learn who truly cares for you.” I have prayed over my friendships and held them up to Biblical standards to see how they bear examination. As I look to the scriptures, I am envious of the relationship that David and Jonathan had as written about in *1 Samuel 18:1 When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bonded to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself… 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the outer robe that he was wearing and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword, his bow, and his belt.* I have learned over time that it is better to have one spiritual friend who leads me closer to God than to have thousands of acquaintances who are focused on themselves and what they can get from me, whose prime motives seem to be to draw me closer to the world. I know that I have not always been a good friend to all those in need, but I have tried. To those that I have failed, I am truly sorry and I ask for you to please forgive me. To those who have failed me, I forgive you, but that does not mean that we are going to be reconciled. In all reality it has always been the false “friendships” that have hurt me the most, but I have come to understand that they have also taught me the greatest lessons of life. I have been blessed to have different groups of men that I meet with on a weekly basis where we can be open and transparent with one another. A few of these men who have invested into our relationship hold me accountable and me them. Charles Spurgeon said something a long time ago that I try to implement into every friendship, “We are one in Christ; let us be friends with one another; but let us never be friends with one another’s error. If I be wrong, rebuke me sternly; I can bear it, and bear it cheerfully; and if ye be wrong, expect the like measure from me, and neither peace nor parley with your mistakes.” True friendship is a sacred covenant to me, a bond that prioritizes truth over comfort and God’s glory over worldly gain. I am grateful for the ‘Jonathans’ in my life and pray that I might always be a source of strength, accountability, and grace to them in return. Moving forward, I choose to cherish the few who sharpen my spirit rather than the many who simply fill my time. May we all strive to be the kind of friend who reflects Christ’s loyalty, standing firm when the storms of life reveal who truly belongs at our side. My prayer, my petition; Dear Lord, please watch over my friends who are really my genuine friends. Show them Your love, grace, and mercy without end. Bring contentment to their lives, Comfort them in times of strife, Keep them safe and secure in You. Let their path to You be sure and steady. And for those who are only false friends or acquaintances, help them to understand their accountability to You more so than to me in their behavior. Lord, I pray this 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.