Recently there have been a couple of events where I noticed something simple yet powerful. One was when my family went to visit some friends and as we were there everyone was outside except me. I was sitting on the couch resting. I had been told that I could watch what I wanted but all I really wanted was a little silence. The television was on so that the clock was the only thing showing, so I was sitting there watching it bouncing around the screen as the seconds ticked by. I sat there and prayed, while realizing that every second on the screen was a second of my life that I would never get back while also realizing that I had not felt God’s presence so deeply in a little while. I was thankful that I could experience what is written in *Psalms 46:10 Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.* In that quiet moment, I could feel the Lord reminding me not to take even the smallest moments for granted. It made me think about how often I rush through life without truly considering whether I am living with purpose or simply passing time. The other thing that has impacted me is that there is a group that I belong to on FaceBook from the high school I went to. One of the things that gets updated on that page is a list of names of classmates that have passed away. I sat one day and looked over the list. There were some who I remembered and others I didn’t. I was very excited to see that my name was not on that list, lol. As I looked through those names, it hit me that every person on that list once had plans, dreams, families, struggles, and opportunities just like I do now. As I reflected on those names, I was reminded of how precious and temporary life really is. The more I read my Bible, the more I see how God has made it clear that our time on earth is limited and that every day is a gift from Him. I often pray over what is written in *Psalms 90:12, Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.* Watching those seconds pass away on the screen made me realize how easy it is to let time slip away without purpose. Looking at the list of classmates who had passed away reminded me that none of us knows how much time we have left. These moments also caused me to think about eternity and what truly matters. The words of the Lord Jesus affect me deeply that are written in *Matthew 6:19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.* Every day we are given another opportunity to grow closer to God, serve others, and invest in things that have eternal value, but I feel that I need to evaluate my own life with a microscope to see whether I am being genuinely active or simply complacent for the kingdom. Through all of this I also realized how important our relationships are. That is why certain verses are so convicting to me, like what is written in *Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.* Life is too short to hold on to bitterness, pride, or unforgiveness. Since none of us knows how much time we have left, we should make every effort to love people well and encourage those around us while we still can. These reflections have challenged me to consider whether I am using the time, talents, and opportunities God has given me wisely. Another verse I have been praying over recently is found in *Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.* In conclusion I have come to see that instead of wasting the moments God gives me, I need to seek to live faithfully, love others well, and make each day count for His kingdom. None of us knows what tomorrow holds, but all of us have today, and that alone is a gift, that is why it is called the “present” which is from God. My prayer is that we would not become distracted, spiritually asleep, or consumed with things that will not last, but that we would live each day with eternity in mind. May we encourage one another, walk closely with the Lord, and remain faithful until the very end. I want to close with a stanza from a poem written by C.T. Studd. “Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” 

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.