An important part to winning any battle is understanding the tactics of your opponent and to recognize the subtleties of his strategy. We have a real enemy whose aim is to kill, steal, and destroy. The common ways in which the enemy attacks is deception, division, diversion, and discouragement. The enemy deceives believers by suggesting the pleasures of the world are better than the promises and purpose of God. The enemy divides by separating us from other believers and/or isolating us for our own desires and fear. He seeks to confuse us and conceal the fundamental truth of God’s love for us and our heavenly Father’s desires to bless us. Yet even in the midst of these attacks, God gently calls us back to Himself, reminding us that we are never beyond His reach. His voice brings clarity when the enemy brings confusion, and His love gives us courage when fear would cause us to retreat. We must learn to recognize the difference between what feeds our flesh and what strengthens our spirit. When we remain close to God and connected to one another, we are less vulnerable to the isolation and deception that the enemy uses against us. There is strength in walking together, encouraging one another, praying for one another, and reminding each other of the truth when our hearts become weary. We entertain endless questions that complicate our lives and discourage us by asking, “But what if this? And what about that?” and not trusting the God that knows all and has our best in mind. Our minds get busy and try to find ways of avoiding the truth of His word and make excuses as to why not accept His promises. I like what is written in *Psalms 25:8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore will He instruct sinners in [His] way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and steadfast love, even truth and faithfulness are they for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. Anxieties and fears of the unknown distract believers from all that God has for us. Through these, the devil causes us to fixate on the things of the world and fail to have the proper fear of the consequences that awaits those who are disobedient. Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so my friends, seek God with all that you are. I read, “The devil doesn’t come dressed in a red cape and pointy horns. He comes as everything you’ve ever wished for.” Fellow sojourners, I implore you to make not only good choices, but more importantly godly ones. To everyone seeking God, wherever you may be in your journey, this is the time to draw near to Him and take your place among those who are fervently pursuing His truth. Do not wait for another moment to respond to His call, for each of us has a part to play in standing firm, encouraging others, and living out the faith God has placed within us. Let us participate with willing hearts and purposeful lives, because the battle is real, the need is great, and our obedience today may be the encouragement someone else desperately needs. We all need to keep in mind what is written in Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Remember that everything in this world will try to keep you from the next step of faith. 

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.