Recently I watched a video entitled “The 7 Levels of Being a Christian” that outlined a journey of spiritual maturity. This details the Christian faith-growth in context to describe a progression from nominal belief to total surrender. The levels are: (1) Believer, (2) Attender, (3) Consumer, (4) Disciplined, (5) Servant, (6) Witness, and (7) Surrendered, moving from passive attendance to radical, selfless faith. As I have been diligently evaluating my own relationship with the Lord, I have a question for all who read what I share, “Are you a fan who only knows a little about the Lord Jesus, maybe an enthusiastic admirer, or do you know Him intimately, and willing to give up your dreams, future, and if need be even your life in order to fulfill His purpose for you? I am going to admit something that I very rarely hear from the pulpit, some days, Jesus is my King, my Lord, my Savior, and other days, He is just Jesus. I often reflect on the crowd praising the Lord when He made His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and then a few days later the crowd was asking for Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. It is written in *Matthew 27:17 So when they had assembled [for this purpose], Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 21…And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied, “Let Him be crucified!”* The people answered to release Barabbas – i.e., son of Abba or of a father, crucify Jesus (The true Son of the Father). It amazes me how fickle some people are, and more so myself at times. How devoted I can be to the Lord one minute, praying about everything and being obedient even in the things that I don’t want to do, and am dishonoring to Him the next by ignoring His directions and willfully rejecting all that the Holy Spirit calls me to do. Jesus was betrayed, deserted, beaten, whipped, and then crucified. Sometimes it seems as if the world today has forgotten Who Jesus really is and all that He did for mankind. Even Pontius Pilate knew Jesus was someone special as seen written in *Luke 23:38 Now there was also an inscription above Him: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”* He was a King and yet His servants weren’t helping Him. Angels stood still and so did time. Jesus suffered for each of us, for everyone in the world, past, present (in His day) and future (beyond our generation). I know that I will never be able to repay Jesus for what He did for me upon the cross that day because I have a fallen nature, selfish and prideful, but I do declare that I will make my stand to serve my King, my Lord, my Savior, my Jesus as much as I can with all that I am for the rest of my life how ever long or short that may be. And I pray, not only sometimes, but consistently, that God helps me to endure to the end. There are moments when I feel the weight of conviction pressing on my heart, reminding me that following Him is not meant to be comfortable but costly. I cannot ignore the quiet voice that calls me higher, even when my flesh resists and my will to please Him fades into oblivion. The cross was not symbolic suffering—it was real, and so we must surrender our lives because He surrendered His. If He gave everything without hesitation, how can I offer anything less than my whole life in return? I am challenged daily to move beyond words and into active obedience that reflects true love and reverence for Him. I have been in a season where I have become complacent in my attitude and behavior before the Lord and pray that God helps me move past my borderline lukewarmness and divided attitude in my devotion to Him. I choose to stand firm, even when it is difficult, even when it costs me everything. My life belongs to Him, and I pray that I will follow Him wherever He leads, without turning back. My friends, I ask you humbly, who else will stand with me in the battle? Please pray for me as I pray for all who can relate to my struggle. 

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.