As I look back over my life I can see that there has been so much time that I wasted on things with no eternal value. In my B.C. days, Before Christ, I lived for the world and all of its pleasure, the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. I chased after temporary satisfaction thinking it would bring lasting peace, yet it only left my soul empty and restless. Since becoming a Christian I have tried my best to live my life more according to scripture than to the ways of the world, but in all honesty not completely forsaking all that I should. There have been moments where I allowed distractions, complacency, and selfish ambition to pull my eyes away from the narrow path the Lord has called me to walk. I have read and re-read Ecclesiastes many times, and prayed over what is written in *Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “Vanity of vanities! All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity [futile, meaningless—a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes, merely chasing the wind].”* The older I become, the more clearly I see how quickly this life passes and how little the things of this world truly matter in light of eternity. I often pray over the words spoken by C.T. Studd, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Over the past couple of years I have tried to be more intentional with the time God has given me, with what I do with it, who I invest into, all done focusing on God’s guidance and direction the best I can. I desire for every conversation, every relationship, and every opportunity to point others toward Christ and not toward myself. Even still, I know there is more surrender required of me and more refining the Lord desires to do within my heart. After all that has been said and done, my heart is broken to say the words that “don’t” sum up my walk with the Lord which are written in *Ecclesiastes 12:13 All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.* These verses have weighed heavily upon my spirit because they remind me that one day I will stand before a holy and righteous God and give an account for how I lived. With that in mind I reflect on the words of Jonathan Edwards, “Resolved: Never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.” for every step forward is a step closer to death and ultimately a step closer to heaven for the believer. My Friends, I want to encourage you all to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which God has called you and ask that you pray for me in the same manner, being chosen by the Most High whose daily living corresponds to our blessed position as a child of God, a warrior for the kingdom, and fellow heir with the Lord Jesus. Let us not grow weary in doing good, but continue pressing forward together in faith, humility, obedience, and love for our King. May our practical living match our spiritual position. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit and strengthen you to endure to the end. May we also encourage one another daily to remain steadfast and uncompromising in our devotion to Christ while there is still breath in our lungs. Brothers and sisters, none of us are beyond the need for repentance, growth, and deeper surrender before the Lord, and His mercy is sufficient for all who truly seek Him. I pray that together we would be found faithful at His coming, standing firm in truth, filled with love, and wholly devoted to bringing glory to the name of Jesus Christ in all that we do.Grace be with you all, 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.