In the midst of all that I go through there are times in my life that I need to read the words of the Lord Jesus, those letters in RED, as much as I need the air that I breathe, because I know that my life, my very existence depends upon it. When I read certain verses everything becomes clear. My priorities, my goals, my hopes and dreams come into focus. The words written in Matthew 7, those words really make me think about how genuine my relationship with the Lord truly is. I am deeply convicted that I may not be who I think I am in Christ. It is written in *Matthew 7:22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’* These words cause me to pause and examine the condition of my own heart, not merely the appearance of my life before others. There are different lists in the Bible that clarify what “practicing lawlessness” is all about. They are clearly described in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Ephesians 5:4-5, and there are many so-called “Christians” who live in that manner. According to Matthew, there are many that are doing work for someone that they do not know. For me, I am actively evaluating my life on a regular basis as to why I do what I do. I think about the words spoken by Paul written in *Philippians 2:12…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.* It is possible to be busy doing things that appear spiritual and yet fail to surrender the deepest parts of ourselves to the Lord. God is not simply looking for activity, religious language, or outward service; He desires a heart that knows Him, loves Him, obeys Him, and walks humbly before Him. That realization brings me to my knees because I know that I can fool other people, and at times I can even fool myself, but I cannot hide anything from the One who searches my heart. I want my life to be more than a profession of faith—I want it to be a living testimony that Jesus Christ truly reigns within me. I realize that every day gives me another opportunity to lay down my own will and ask the Lord to lead me in His ways, but I need the courage and strength to do it. I believe that God is at work in my life to make me more like my Lord Jesus every day and yet I still doubt my motives. Beloved brethren, we all need to make a conscious decision who Jesus is to each one of us. One of the things I think about is, even the world has heard that there is a stairway to heaven and a highway to hell, so what does that say about anticipated traffic numbers. There are many verses that give me comfort in my times of doubt, then there are some that give me boldness in it as well. I pray that this verse encourages you as much as it does me. It is written in *Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.* Yet confession cannot become merely words that pass through our lips while our hearts remain unchanged. If we truly believe that Jesus is Lord, then that truth must eventually reach into our choices, our relationships, our priorities, our private lives, and the things we are willing to surrender. We cannot claim Christ as Lord while deliberately keeping certain rooms of our lives locked and telling Him that He is not welcome there. His grace calls us not only to forgiveness but also to repentance, obedience, and a life that increasingly reflects the One we claim to follow. This is not about earning salvation by our works, but about allowing the salvation God gives us to produce evidence of His transforming work within us. The question that all believers must ask themselves, “Is Jesus the Lord of your life or do you just think He is?” I am asking you, beloved, do not simply answer that question with what you have always believed or what you have always said; search your heart before God and answer it honestly. If Jesus truly is Lord, then let us surrender every part of our lives to Him while there is still time, refusing to be satisfied with a faith that exists only in words. Do not wait for another day, another season, or another warning before turning completely toward Christ, because none of us is promised tomorrow. Please, I plead with you, examine your heart, repent where repentance is required, believe the Gospel, and make certain that your hope is in Jesus Christ alone. I confess and believe that Jesus is Lord of All, who else is with me?

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.