As I begin writing this I feel led to emphasize that this devotional is not written because of any one conversation, but because of cumulative conversations with many people over a prolonged period of time. As you read through I pray that you hear my heart. I believe that you will see that I am pointing my finger more at the man in the mirror than anyone else, and yet I am sure that there may be one or two that take what I am about to say personally. I know my biggest failures in not doing what the Word so clearly teaches, and doing what the Word tells me not to do, and for that I am ashamed. I could say that I don’t know how, but the truth of the matter is that I feel that I can’t, it’s just not in my nature. I long to live out what is written in *Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment.* So often we, “I” start off good in the morning, reading my bible, praying, worshiping, but as the day goes on my desire to spend that intimate time with the Lord tends to fade because I get more wrapped up in my own life that I neglect what I know that I should do, spend time with Him. By the end of some days, I just want to escape the busyness in my mind, reliving the extent of my moral failures, and in all reality I focus more on what I don’t have, the things of the world, rather than what I do, the Lord Jesus. Throughout my lifetime I have used just about whatever I could to distract myself instead of being purposeful in what helps complete me, the Word. The morning after not doing what I should have done the night before, or doing what I shouldn’t have, I tend to develop the mind set that since I failed in my relationship with the Lord Jesus, why would He want to spend time with me now. I am thankful to be reminded by the Holy Spirit of what is written in *Lamentations 3:22 It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.* I am so thankful that the Father is not looking for perfect performance but for surrendered hearts that will continually seek Him in humility and truth. The enemy would have us believe that our failures disqualify us from drawing near to God, but the cross declares that His grace still invites the repentant sinner into His presence. Every moment we neglect fellowship with Christ, we slowly trade the eternal for the temporary, yet every moment we turn back to Him we find that His arms have never been closed to us. May we never become so busy building our lives that we neglect the One who gave us life and desires to walk with us each and every day. My beloved, no amount of work, money, hobbies, ministry, going to church, or even fellowship with other believers should replace our personal time, that one on one time with the Lord Jesus. I am encouraged by what Charles Spurgeon said, “O man, I beseech you do not treat God’s promises as if they were curiosities for a museum; but use them as everyday sources of comfort. Trust the Lord whenever your time of need comes on.” If the Holy Spirit has spoken to your heart through these words, I lovingly plead with you not to put  aside your fellowship with the Lord for another day, but to invest in your relationship with Him today. Spend time intentionally with your first Love, not because of guilt or obligation, but because the Lord Jesus is worthy of your whole heart and longs to fellowship with you. May we encourage one another to pursue Him with our entire being, finding in His presence the grace, strength, and joy that our souls need every moment of every day.

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.