Being rebuked happens to me a little more than I would like to admit but every time I learn something about others and a lot more about myself. A little while back I was rebuked by my daughter and she was spot on. It had been a very rough day where I did not get done what I felt that I needed to because of being “distracted” by an onslaught of other people’s trials and tribulations. With the uncertainty of the weather, impending storms, and an overabundance of projects, I was done—just done with it all. I was overwhelmed and wanted to quit everything. In those moments it is easy to mistake busyness for faithfulness and productivity for purpose. She sat there quietly, pondering her words, then asked a simple question, “What did you do for the kingdom today?” I felt that it was very little, and then she proceeded to list all those I had talked to or texted, the ones I had served, and those I had encouraged. Then pressing the issue even further she asked, “Whose lives were directly impacted for the Lord Jesus by you today?” My response was that if I didn’t get the projects taken care of, we would be in big trouble and suffer great loss. I took a moment and went away by myself to pray, and the Lord gently reminded me that deadlines come and go, but eternal opportunities often arrive disguised as interruptions and distractions. After praying intentionally about what she said, I realized she was right. Her response reminded me that people are the calling God has given me. What I do to provide is simply the means that enables me to minister the way that I do, but where God guides, He provides. So no matter the financial loss, it will be okay, because my life’s work is about souls, not stuff. When I begin measuring my day by earthly accomplishments instead of obedience to the Lord, I have already lost sight of what truly matters. God has never asked me to carry tomorrow’s burdens; He has simply called me to be faithful with today’s opportunities. I regularly pray about what is written in *Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. 10 So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).* I am not sure who actually said this but I have been encouraged by these words as well: “If you plant honesty, you will reap trust. If you plant goodness, you will reap friends. If you plant humility, you will reap greatness. If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment. If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective. If you plant hard work, you will reap success. If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation. So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.” As I contemplate my purpose I also identify my life’s goal with the words of C.T. Studd: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” I have come to understand that there is no greater purpose than to focus on the work of the Kingdom—not just today, but every day—and my prayer is that God will be glorified in all that I do, whether great or small, whether from the pulpit or the pit. With all that is going on in Christiandom lately, my prayer is that my servant’s towel will always be bigger than my ego, and that I will continually emphasize humility and service over pride and self-importance. True and genuine ministry is always for the benefit of others to the glory of God, never self. Regardless of position, title, or executive parking space, washing people’s feet with a servant’s towel is what ministry is really all about. I believe that one of the biggest problems in the modern church is that many men behind the pulpit have forgotten that the path to greatness in leadership is one of self-sacrificial service that Jesus modeled throughout His ministry, and my goal is to become more like Jesus every single day. May I never become so consumed with building my own kingdom that I neglect the One I have been called to serve in. For me, it is not preaching from the largest platform that has the greatest significance, but serving quietly behind the scenes or simply encouraging one hurting soul at a time. My faithful obedience matters far more to God than any sphere of influence, worldly recognition, or earthly success. My prayer for each of us is not that God would make us famous, but that He would find us faithful. The world applauds success, but heaven celebrates faithfulness. May we never trade eternal rewards for temporary accomplishments or souls for stuff. Church, let us not grow weary in doing good, nor allow the pressures of this world to distract us from our eternal calling. May we remain steadfast in the ordinary moments of life, knowing that our faithful obedience is never overlooked by the One we serve. One day every project will be finished enough, every possession will be left behind, and every earthly title will fade away. What will remain is whether we were faithful to the Lord Jesus with the life He entrusted to us. My friends, let us encourage one another to keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus, our hands ready to serve, and our hearts fully surrendered, because in the end it is not the size of our accomplishments that will matter, but our faithfulness and obedience to Christ when no one else is watching. May we determine today that regardless of the cost, the opposition, or the sacrifice, we will be found faithful when we stand before our King. And all of God’s people say, Amen!

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.