“In a world where following Christ is decreed to be a subversive and illegal activity, you have been arrested and dragged before a court. You have been under surveillance, the prosecution has been able to build up a case against you. The judge is shown dozens of photographs that show you attending church meetings, speaking at religious events, and participating in various prayer and worship services. There are items that have been confiscated from your home: religious books, worship CDs, and other Christian artifacts. They display your poems and journal entries that you had written concerning your faith. Finally, in closing, the prosecution offers your Bible to the judge. A well-worn book with scribbles, notes, and underlinings throughout, evidence that you had read and reread this sacred text many times.”

The verdict: “Of the charges that have been brought forward I find the accused NOT guilty.”

Reason: “The court is indifferent toward your Bible reading and church attendance; it has no concern for worship with words and a pen. Continue to develop your theology, and use it to paint pictures of love. We have no interest in such armchair artists who spend their time creating images of a better world. We exist only for those who would lay down that brush, and their life, in a Christ-like endeavor to create it. So, until you live as Christ and his followers, until you challenge this system and become a thorn in our side, until you die to yourself and offer your body to the flames, until then my friend, you are no enemy of ours.”

These words pierce my heart because they force me to ask whether my faith is merely professed without conviction or genuinely practiced. Have I become a participant in religious tribalism along with so many others in the “church” or am I truly a genuine follower of the Lord Jesus? The Gospel has never called us to comfortable spectatorship but to sacrificial discipleship that bears witness through both word and deed. This kind of discipleship is forged in the ordinary moments of everyday life—in choosing forgiveness over bitterness, humility over pride, generosity over selfishness, and obedience over convenience. It compels us to examine not only what we believe but also how we love, serve, speak, and respond when our faith is tested. Every decision becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to conform us more fully into His image until our lives proclaim the Gospel as clearly as our lips. Our family, friends, and neighbors need to encounter the compassion of Christ in our hands, the mercy of Christ in our words, and the hope of Christ in the way we endure life with unwavering joy. May we never mistake familiarity with Scripture passages for faithful obedience to Scripture, but instead allow God’s Word to transform every corner of our lives until Christ is seen in us in every aspect. The Church shines brightest not when it seeks the approval of the world, but when it faithfully reflects the love, holiness, humility, and courage of her Savior, regardless of the cost. As I contemplate my own heart before God I ask that all who read these words check your own heart before Him as well. I pray that I am able to stand, even if I have to stand alone and understand fully the words written in *Matthew 16:25: For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].* My fellow sojourners, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus strengthen all those who are willing to lock shields with me in these challenging times. May we encourage one another daily, carrying each other’s burdens, praying without ceasing, and walking together in steadfast faith until the day we see our King face to face. Let us be known to the lost and sinful world around us not merely by the Bibles we carry or the words we speak, but by lives so surrendered to Christ that His love, truth, and holiness cannot be denied. And may all who long to follow Jesus with sincere hearts find a place beside us, united in His grace, steadfast in His truth, and faithful to His calling until He comes. Remember what is written in *Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for 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.