In Jesus’ day, He wasn’t really that hard to find. He was with the hungry and thirsty, the sick and the poor, and could be found among the oppressed, the marginalized, the neglected and the forgotten. Today, for some reason, Jesus can still be easily found, but it is in places that many in the “church” don’t really want to go—where there is a need. He is often waiting for us in the lives of those who have been overlooked, quietly inviting us to see people through His compassionate eyes and not the eyes of pride and arrogance. Sometimes the greatest act of worship is not found within the walls of a sanctuary but in the simple willingness to sit beside someone carrying a heavy burden who feels overwhelmed. Every opportunity to love another person is an opportunity to reflect the heart of Christ to a world longing for hope. I believe that there are many churches in the United States that if Jesus wanted to enter their building, He would be stopped at the door and refused entry. Jesus spoke clearly as to who was truly a follower and not just a fan. It is written in *Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].* A community is created when people gather together, share their lives with one another, learn and grow to become friends. A community welcomes strangers for dinner, invites neighbors to sit with them, and sincerely asks another about the story of their life and why they are who they are. It is in these ordinary moments of kindness that extraordinary glimpses of God’s love are revealed. Through the words of the Lord Jesus, we learn the very essence of how we are to care for others, welcome relationships, and share in companionship with friendliness and warmth. We are called to care for a stranger, provide a sense of belonging for the lost, and allow for opportunities of rest and renewal for the broken. We are called to engage in life-changing conversations and welcome individuals into our busy lives by slowing down enough for them to know without a doubt that they are cared for and loved. I am convicted by what is written in *Mark 12:31 …You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself…* because even though I try, I don’t think I try enough. Brethren, it may be necessary for us to scrape up the courage, make the time, and dig down deep to go where Jesus wants us to be because most of us don’t really want to be inconvenienced or step out of our comfort zone. There is value that comes from being courageous, inviting a stranger into our lives, taking a chance, and investing a part of ourselves into someone we don’t know for the kingdom. Perhaps the person we have been avoiding is the very person God has appointed for us to encourage. May we not allow fear, busyness, or comfort to keep us from the divine appointments the Lord has already prepared for us. When we choose obedience over convenience, we often discover that Christ has been waiting for us there all along. My prayer is that God would give all of His true children the vision to see what He wants us to see and the ability and boldness to do what He has called us to do without hesitation, for delayed obedience is disobedience. May He soften our hearts so that we do not merely admire His compassion but faithfully live it out each day for His glory. May our lives become a testimony that the love of Jesus is not only proclaimed with our lips but demonstrated through our actions being His hands and feet. Closing thoughts: Jesus spent His life engaging the people that most of the modern day church spends their whole lives intentionally trying to avoid. The reason I am so compassionate about drunks, drug addicts, the mentally broken is that I have struggled in those situations for more of my life that I care to admit. I was one of “those people” that was avoided, but thanks be to God, His mercy reaches places that many people never will, and His grace still transforms lives that others have given up on. Never underestimate what Jesus can do through one person who is willing to love without prejudice, serve without recognition, and see others through the eyes of Christ. For all those who read these words and avoid people that are uncomfortable to minister to, remember there is hope for every wandering soul because the Savior who found us is still seeking, still saving, and still changing lives today. The cross forever settled the question of how valuable every soul is to God. We never know whose eternity may be changed by one act of obedience, one conversation, or one expression of Christlike love. I urge you, Go where Jesus would go, Love who Jesus would love, and Trust God with the harvest, for we were all Separated from this world for a Purpose.

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.