One of my favorite spiritual quotes from some old dead guy is by C.T. Studd, “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell: I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” The challenge that comes along with that way of thinking is dealing with the consequences, and there are always consequences when battling in spiritual warfare. There are many days when I need strength and it seems as if I am given nothing but difficulties to make me stronger. More often than not, the very burdens I wish would be removed become the tools God uses to shape my character and deepen my dependence on Him. I have asked for wisdom and then have been given intense problems to solve. When I need courage, there are an abundant amount of stresses and discouragements that I need to overcome. At times the path forward seems unclear, yet I have learned that faith is often strengthened most when certainty is absent. And when I feel the need for Love, I have been given people with some form of trouble to help and their need for me to point them to the Love of the Savior. In serving others through their pain, I am continually reminded that God often answers our own needs by allowing us to become a blessing to someone else. The part of ministry that hurts the most is when I have been obedient to do all that I believe the Lord has called me to do, and feel greatly persecuted as promised, but the sad part is, it is by those within the walls of the church. Those wounds tend to cut the deepest because they come from people who share the same faith, the same Scriptures, and the same Savior. It is interesting when God removes the scales from your eyes how clearly you see what you were blind to before. I really have received everything that I needed and only a very few things that I thought I wanted. I am encouraged by what is written in *Isaiah 43:1…Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…* I know God Loves me, and the storms of my life are in His hands, so I am confident that whatever is going to happen is going to be Good. My prayer is simple, “Lord, use me however You see fit to bring glory to You, either at the pulpit or in the pit. I surrender to Your will in thought, purpose, and action, in Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen.” The more I read about C.T. Studd the more of a bond I feel with him, and that is why his motto has become mine, “If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” At the same time though, I pray that the body of Christ would be marked by greater compassion, understanding, and grace toward one another. May we remember that every person carries burdens we cannot see and wounds we may never fully understand. May God help us to love each other as He has loved us, extending mercy where there is hurt, encouragement where there is weariness, and kindness where there is struggle. We all must realize that time is short, and the harvest is still plentiful. May we not spend our days nursing offenses, chasing comfort, or arguing over lesser things, but pouring ourselves out as an offering for the glory of Christ and the rescue of souls while there is still time. For soon faith will become sight, opportunities will be gone, and only what has been done for Jesus Christ will endure for eternity. 

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.