For those that truly know me, you know my heart before God and my service unto the Lord Jesus. I pray to be filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit in all that I do, whether in writing what I share or ministering to those I get to. For those who don’t know me, before you judge me, please read this through till the end and then feel free to share how much of a hypocrite you think I am. My heart is grieved for many different reasons. One of the most personal reasons is the lowly road that I have traveled. It is a walk consisting of carrying the burdens of others, ministering in places that many others will not go, and loving the ones that most people walk by without any feelings or any form of empathy. Many times there are people that I have never intended to minister to, and yet there I am. Sometimes I am not sure if it is my own lunacy or God’s direction; I choose to believe it’s God’s direction—for I am not that shrewd. I try my best to live a life that matches my position in Christ as the humble servant I strive to be, and realize that I fail more times than not. I have always ministered for the outcome and not the income. Since coning to Jesus my priority has been the souls of men to the expense of all else, even my own provision. I have been intentional to invest more into others spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially than I have allowed others to invest into me. I try to live my life in a way that reflects what is written in *Ephesians 4:2: with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love.* I have seen many in the world and even in the church who are continually boasting of their achievements, parading themselves, demanding of others to do for them, and exalting themselves above all those around them. Our world, for the most part, is not a world that accepts humility but is a world that exalts pride, selfishness, and self-centeredness. Ultimately, a society that has a whole bunch of showoffs and people being braggadocious. There are many churches today that have leaders who are more about lording over the flock and exalting themselves to be the star of the show, fixing themselves up to attract attention to themselves instead of focusing on the one purpose that we are actually all called to perform: to exalt Christ and not ourselves. Christians are called to simply be an instrument that points the world around us to Jesus, and yet how many actually do? I pray often about what is written in *John 3:30: He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.]* I mourn and lament to the point of tears when I see people standing up and preaching as if it’s the message from God that we need to think we’re great, and we have to parade ourselves and bring a spectacle to all of the things we’ve done and be honored for everything we’ve accomplished, being more of a show pony for the world to see than glorifying Him. Our lives are not to be about “us.” One thing that many in the church have forgotten is that humility is a basic ingredient for all spiritual blessings. Before any heavenly honor comes, there must be genuine humility. None of us are beyond the need for continual repentance and self-examination before the Lord. Every one of us, myself included, must regularly ask God to expose any pride, self-promotion, or selfish ambition that may still remain in our hearts. I believe that all forms of sin start with pride and selfishness. And I really think that sometimes we grapple on the edge of pride and never deal with the root of the issues in ourselves. I don’t care what “you’ve done” “for” the Lord. I don’t care if you established churches, founded missions, had great ministries feeding the poor, gone to church all your life, read your Bible every day, been involved in prayer groups, or taught children’s ministry—if you don’t walk in humility, treat people right, and serve the Lord Jesus faithfully, you don’t know what it is to walk in the footprints of our Savior. You are actively practicing idolatry by doing your “works” as a spectacle for the world to see. Without humility, I believe that we can forfeit the blessings that God has for us as His children. I don’t get it, if you don’t have a servant’s heart, how can you walk humbly before God? I believe that God is reminding the church today of what is written in *Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself [with haughtiness and empty pride] shall be humbled (brought low), and whoever humbles himself [whoever has a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly] shall be raised to honor.* These words are not written as a condemnation of others but as a call for all of us to examine ourselves in the light of God’s truth. If revival is to begin anywhere, it must first begin in our own hearts through surrender, humility, and obedience to the Lord Jesus. My question to all who read these words: “Do you walk in a manner worthy of your calling before God, one of lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing love, and true genuine humility?” You can mask who you really are in front of men, but God sees what is behind your mask. You can play games and convince yourself that you’re something wonderful and never be honest enough with yourself to be self-aware of who you are before a holy God. We need to acknowledge the fact that our lives must reflect the awareness of Christ, and ultimately God’s awareness in our lives, or we will not be used by God the way He intended. I want to hear one day, “Well done, My good and faithful servant,” and not, “He had such potential.” 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.