Yesterday was a day where I felt disheartened from the beginning to end. It was one of those days where it seemed like no good news came and I was unproductive for most of it. At the end of my night, after I got home from a Bible discussion group, Thieodore, my eight-year-old grandson came into my room, sat in my only chair and asked with authority, “How was your day Pa?” To which my response was , “I am not sure, didn’t seem to get much done.” He responded simply and to the point, “You did the most important thing didn’t you, you told others about Jesus?” I said, “Yes I did that, thank you for the reminder.” Sometimes the Lord uses the smallest voices and the simplest moments to remind me of what truly matters. What may look like an unproductive day in our own eyes can be a day that heaven counts as fruitful. When our hearts are discouraged, God has a way of gently turning our eyes away from what we think we failed to accomplish and back toward the work He has called us to do. Thieodore reminded me that faithfulness is not always measured by how much we accomplish, but by whether we were willing to be obedient to God in what He has called us to do. There is a saying, show me who you hang out with and I will show you what kind of person you are. I have seen first hand the destruction of people that got caught up doing things with “friends”, that led them down a road of drug addiction, robbery, sexual misconduct, and so many other sins. The company we keep is not a small matter, because the people closest to us can either strengthen the seeds of righteousness God is planting in us or help nurture the weeds that are trying to choke them out. We are all influenced by the voices we repeatedly hear, the examples we repeatedly see, and the paths we repeatedly walk. To be truly blessed by God we must be careful who we spend our time with. It is written in *Psalms 1:1 Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).* Many look like a steady Christian then fall into sin, when in all reality it was a slow fade, more of a slide into sin. First, we walk with the wicked, then stand around with sinners, in the end, we sit with the scoffers, and become more and more of what God is trying to keep us from, being like the world. The question that we need to ask ourselves is, “Are our friends lifting us up towards heaven or pulling us down toward hell? A good illustration, if a godly person is sitting on a stool, and a sinful person is on the floor, who has more leverage? I pray often about what is written in *1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”* and realize how true it is. The danger is that compromise rarely announces itself at the door; it often enters quietly, one conversation, one decision, and one relationship at a time. That is why we must remain awake spiritually and continually ask the Lord to examine our hearts and our relationships. We cannot expect to walk closely with Christ while continually surrounding ourselves with influences that pull our hearts in the opposite direction. You can’t walk with God while holding hands with the devil. The words of Charles Spurgeon state clearly, “O Christian, the world is not your friend. If it is, then you are not God’s friend.“ I remember praying and asking God to remove the worldly and ungodly people from my life. Shortly after, I noticed that I was losing the very people that I used to spend time with and looked up to, some of my dearest “friends.” I began to realize that these relationships carried the very influences God had warned me about in His Word. I also prayed for God to fill my life with people who genuinely care for me and my family. God showed me who to spend time with, other like minded individuals, and because of that I am drawn closer to God, the Lord Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit more and more every day. There were moments when that answer to prayer hurt, because sometimes God removes what we are comfortable with before He reveals what He has prepared for us. Yet looking back, I can see His mercy in it, because He was not taking people away simply to leave an empty space; He was making room for relationships that would encourage my walk with Christ. Godly fellowship is a gift, because brothers and sisters in Christ can remind us of truth when we are tired, pray with us when we are weak, and rejoice with us when God is moving. We have been blessed to attend a home fellowship where we experience not only koinonia but the intimate presence of God. I realized that God answered my prayers from years past, by correcting my vision of who I thought I wanted in my life and gave me who He knew I needed. What a beautiful thing it is when God’s people gather together with open hearts, not merely to share a meal, but to share life, burdens, prayers, laughter, and the love of Christ. There is strength in being surrounded by people who desire the same Lord, because their presence can help us remember that we were never meant to walk this Christian journey alone. So I urge all who read these words to examine your own relationships before you examine anyone else’s, asking God to show you where you are being lifted up and where you may be slowly drifting away. Let us also be intentional about welcoming others into godly fellowship, remembering that we are called not only to find faithful people but to become faithful people who can encourage someone else. And if there is someone who feels alone, discouraged, or far from God, may we be willing to pull up a chair, make room at the table, and remind them that there is a place for them among God’s people. I am praying that God gives all who read these words wisdom to make not only good choices but godly ones in who you associate with, for it may change your destiny and the destiny of your family, and most importantly where you will spend your eternity. Closing thought: Theodore’s simple question gave me a piece of a wonderful thread to carry with me: sometimes what we think was an insignificant day may have been significant in God’s eyes. That is a powerful truth, given to me through the innocence, wisdom, and pure love of a child—one of my dearest friends. 

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.