I believe that one of the reasons Christians are so ineffective in evangelism is that so many live just like the people of the world around us. We all have to admit that whatever commands our time, energy, and resources usually commands our lives in the moment. For the believer, if we are honest, many of us will admit that our lives really aren’t that different from those of our secular counterparts. I know that for me at times, I don’t always have the awareness of God’s presence as much as I should and definitely not as much as I want. Some may go to church Sunday morning out of ritual or to check a box, something to do between breakfast and lunch but nothing more. Some hang around church buildings and abstain from a few more things, but they simply aren’t that different. There are specific areas mentioned in scripture where the followers of the Lord Jesus must fight the battle against our sinful cravings. I am convicted and conflicted by what is written in *1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world.* John used the word, “world” to refer to the evil, organized system under Satan, which operates through unbelieving people who are God’s enemies. Worldliness is at its core, a matter of the heart and primarily an attitude that is motivated by wrong desires and the wrongful promotion of self. There are different perspectives that we need to look at. A poor man who does not have many possessions may be very worldly because he desires those things as the key to happiness. But, a wealthy man may not be worldly in that he uses his possessions as a steward of God and as a means of promoting God’s purpose and glory. Neither of these are the norm because whether rich or poor, most people that I have met would rather have earthly pleasure rather than heavenly rewards. If you are reading this and are a Christian, you need to make a choice: Will you love the Father and live every moment with a heavenly mindset, or will you love the world and all that it has to offer? Most of us have made that choice half heartedly and find it difficult to maintain it one way or the other. I want to encourage all who hear these words, do not yield to the temptations and lust of the world, but to the will of God for you. Let us not be content with a divided heart that claims devotion to God while clinging to the fading treasures of this world. We must recognize that every small compromise dulls our sensitivity to the Spirit and weakens our witness before others of our devotion to the Lord. A life surrendered fully to Christ is not merely about avoidance of sin, but about a deep, abiding love that reorders our desires and priorities. When our hearts are truly captivated by Him, the pull of the world begins to lose its grip, and obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden. I am tired of feeling like an 80/20 Christ follower, I want to live a life that screams to the world around me that I am all in. This is the kind of faith that transforms not only our own lives but also compels others to desire a relationship with the God we serve. Therefore, let us pursue Him with undivided devotion, choosing daily to walk in His truth and to reflect His glory in all that we say and do. My prayer for all of us, “Heavenly Father, help us to desire what You desire for us and to turn away from anything that draws us farther from Your presence. Strengthen us daily to walk in obedience of mind, body, and spirit, that our lives may reflect Your truth and bring honor to Your name. Please open our eyes and help us to see our hearts and what they are truly set upon and change them if need be to be focused on the things of Christendom for Your glory, by the Holy Spirit’s power, in Jesus’ precious and powerful name. And all of God’s children said, 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.