Action means effort, and as a genuine Christian we should all want to grow in the Lord, especially when we are new in the faith. Oftentimes as we press on, for many, the enthusiasm to grow begins to fade into a contentedness that borders on indifference. We settle into a humdrum routine and grow spiritually complacent. Going to church service to be able to check a box, praying only in times of need, and worshipping ourselves more than the Lord of all. Spiritual stagnation is the result of emotional self-absorption where we become caught up with our own feelings, interests, or situations, and put aside the things of God. The enemy is content when believers become comfortable where they are in their faith because a comfortable faith rarely bears the fruit God intends. Every day the Lord gives us another opportunity to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and intentionally pursue a deeper walk with Him, but for many those are only words that apply to someone else. It becomes burdensome to seek for the Truth readily available in God’s word and accept the unacceptable, and so easy to justify sin and enjoy a little pleasure in our lives instead of waiting upon the Lord to make all things right. The scriptures become dull and we forget the importance of what is written in *2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.* I have thought, self-control might be a good place to start, then think, “Nope”, too tough. I’ll just seek forgiveness when I blow it or I’ll explain to the Lord why I had every right to lose it under the circumstances that I was in. Until we are perfectly like the Lord Jesus, which won’t happen until we see Him face to face, we all have room to grow. Faith in the Lord Jesus is our first objective, and this is to be followed by virtue. We need to be prayerfully seeking to become people of faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love with all diligence. Christians show the world around them who Christ is by how we live our lives, and that is what makes a difference in the lives of unbelievers one way or another. It is not about being dogmatic, it is about being obedient to the word of God whether we like what it says or not. We may Not be of this World but we still have to live in it and if there is anything in our lives that would be looked upon as compromise or the appearance of evil, we MUST stay away from it. Prayerfully consider where you are at and which one of these characteristics you will make every effort to improve upon today? Let us also encourage one another daily to remain faithful, steadfast, and unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because none of us were meant to walk this journey alone. The days are growing darker, but the light of Christ shines brightest through authentic believers who are surrendered, obedient, and filled with His Spirit. May we be known not merely for what we believe, but for how faithfully we live what we believe, bringing glory to our Savior in every thought, word, and deed. Together, with humble hearts and unwavering conviction, let us press on toward the upward call of God, refusing complacency and choosing holiness until the day we stand before our King. Please pray for me as I pray for all who read this to focus on being more holy and not more happy. 

Closing prayer in a personal way: Heavenly Father, I ask in Jesus’ name, bless me to grow closer to You this day. I desire a more intimate relationship with You. I take You at Your Word, that if I will draw closer to You, You will draw closer to me (James 4:8) so help me to do that intentionally. Show me how to draw closer to You in a way that helps me not become stagnant. Bless me daily so I can cast off and forsake my thoughts and ways for my life, and exchange them for Your thoughts and ways for my life. Help me to focus on Your will and desires for the rest of my days for there are less to come than have already passed. God help me to live and walk in Your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness (Isaiah 55:7). I will trust You to take care of me and help me in the good times and bad (Matthew 6:25-34). I will be diligent to not be wise in my own eyes, I will fear You Lord and depart from evil so that my flesh will be healed and my body will be refreshed daily (Proverbs 3:7-8). Thank You Jesus for Your Promises! Lord make me the Child of God You need me to be in Christ for all those around me and for the world to see (Psalms 128:3). Not by my might, nor by my power, but by Your Spirit Lord Jesus (Zechariah 4:6) I believe that everything shall happen according to Your will. I see what is happening now in Your timing, Power, Strength, Might, and Spirit, Lord Jesus and have peace. God all that I have asked of You in this prayer please do the same for all those I love, care about, and every faithful prayer warrior who reads what I write. Thank You Lord Jesus, Lord of lords, and King of kings for answering this prayer in Your timing, for Your glory, 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.