There are many questions that fill the hearts of both Christians and non-Christians alike on a regular basis. “What in life is there to live for?” What is your life going to count for when all is said and done? Every one of us is investing our lives into something whether we realize it or not. What is it for you? More importantly, will it stand the Test by Fire? Did you even know that there is going to be a test? It is written in *1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.* My question to all that are reading these words is what are you building with? On the great day when all people see things the way they truly are, will you be filled with joy that your life was invested for the kingdom and the glory of God or will it become evident to all that you wasted every aspect of your life chasing the wind and the lust of the flesh without anything of significance to show for it? I believe that everyone who is a genuine Christian will have some degree of gold, silver and precious stones, because God guarantees it by having come into our lives, but there can also be a lot of wood, hay, and straw as well, accomplishments with no spiritual value. The choices we make each day are not insignificant, for they are the very materials with which we are building our lives. Every act of obedience, every sacrifice made for Christ, and every moment spent seeking His will carries eternal weight. In contrast, the pursuits that are centered only upon self, comfort, and worldly recognition will not endure the judgment of God. The Lord sees not only what we do, but also the motives of our hearts that drive our actions. Many things that appear impressive before men may be revealed as empty before the throne of Christ. There are individuals in the church today who value performance in front of others above presence with God in private. Therefore, wisdom calls us to live with eternity in view and to labor for that which will never perish. The reality of that coming day should stir our hearts deeply and awaken us from spiritual complacency. How will you feel when you find out that you wasted all your years making an impression on people for selfish ambition and having that investment burned up in the fire? Soon, every one of us will give an account for how we lived. It is written in *2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.* The materials we use to build the church, His church, are of utmost importance, we are not to build upon the philosophies of men but by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. What sorrow it would be to stand before the Lord and realize that so much time, energy, and opportunity had been spent on things that held no eternal value. Yet what unspeakable joy awaits those who have poured out their lives for Christ and to hear His approval when all is said and done. To hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” is what I live for. May each of us examine our lives honestly and surrender every area that has not been built upon the foundation of Christ. The invitation to live for what is eternal remains open to all who will humble themselves before God and follow His ways. Let us therefore move forward with faith, conviction, and unwavering commitment, building with materials that will endure forever to the glory of Jesus Christ. Leonard Ravenhill is someone I admire because he was a bold preacher of eternal truth. He had a convicting call to repentance and revival. There was a fierce burden for God’s holiness as well as an uncompromising message of eternal realities in many things he said. Here are two of the more sobering statements he made that affect me deeply: “Five minutes inside eternity and we will wish we had sacrificed more, prayed more, loved more, and given more.” So with that said we all must consider “Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” I want to follow his example and have a voice of holy urgency, how about you?

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.