One day I was with a friend when we saw a man laying on the ground unconscious because of a drug overdose. As we did what we could to help in the moment, a question came to mind, “What is a soul worth?” and after he made it to the hospital, we prayed and the answer came to both of us at about the same time, “Whatever it takes to save it.” As I discussed what happened with a few others, their response was, “It is too late to help a person like that.” I responded in love but also a little confrontationally when I told them, “I was a person like that.” That moment reminded me that no life is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and no one should ever be written off while there is still breath in their lungs. Throughout my life there have been many plans that I make every morning that for the most part never get accomplished. Things that I feel are important and need to be taken care of but don’t get around to for one reason or another. At times it is frustrating, but at the end of the day I realize that there were people who came in and out of my world that needed to be strengthened, given an encouraging word, a prayer, something to help them remain firm in their faith or help them to develop it. Looking back, I have found that the interruptions I once resisted and resented were often the very appointments God had ordained. With all that I go through I pray fervently over what is written in *Proverbs 16:9 A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.* There are many instances that seem like nuisances in the moment but hindsight shows 20/20 vision of divine interaction. The phone rings and there is someone who needs help because of some trauma in their family. Then a prayer is needed for a friend who is struggling with life. A family member needs a ride. Someone comes over and has questions about Jesus and how to “cherry pick” parts of Scripture so that they can satisfy the flesh and needs correction. My grandkids need some shelves put up. Preparing for Bible studies. Visiting the sick. Praying how to support someone who is emotionally distant at times. A new mailman drives by who is an agnostic and allows me to pray with him. The opportunities to serve rarely arrive on our schedule, but they always arrive with eternal significance. I understand the cost of encouraging others for the kingdom can be expensive. Giving away something I can never get back can be overwhelming when it’s moments of my life. Yet I have never regretted spending time on what will matter forever, even when it required laying aside my own desires. I reflect quite often on the words of the Lord Jesus written in *Mark 8:34 And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]. 35  For whoever wants to save his [higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the lower, natural, temporal life which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it [his higher, spiritual life in the eternal kingdom of God].* I like what Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in The Cost of Discipleship, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Brethren, we must set aside our own goals and agendas, and cleave to God’s plan for our lives whether we like it or not. We cannot be so consumed with this world that we lose focus on what God has called each of us to do. Every person we encounter bears the image of God and is worthy of our love, our time, and our willingness to point them toward Christ. The question that we each must ask ourselves is, “What kingdom am I investing in with ‘all’ that God has given me—my earthly kingdom or His heavenly one?” May our hearts never become selective in who we are willing to love, serve, or welcome, for Christ was not selective with us. Let us pursue His kingdom with a passion that embraces the broken, the forgotten, the struggling, and the searching, believing that every soul is worth whatever it takes to save it. If we truly live with eternity in view, we will find joy in pouring ourselves out so that others might come to know the immeasurable love and saving grace of the Lord Jesus.

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.