I would like to start off by saying “thank you” to all those who regularly encourage me in Christ. I realize that what I write is not for everyone. Some will like it and others won’t, and I am okay with that. My purpose is not to offend, but neither is my purpose to avoid offending someone simply because the truth may be uncomfortable. My desire is to be honest and more importantly biblical. I believe the Holy Spirit has led me to write what I do, and my intent is to bring glory to God in the good times of my life as well as through the bad. I also recognize that being led by Him does not make me infallible. I am still a man who needs correction, grace, repentance, and the transforming power of Christ in my life. I desire to share truth, faith, hope, love, and so much more. Over the years that I have been sharing my heart and different parts of my life, I have been told that I am manipulative, controlling, that I do not accept responsibility for my past, as well as displaying many red flags in my character. I have been told that because I am a Pastor that I am a leech, with the person saying this having no idea of how unconventional of a way God provides for my family and me. The majority of what I do in ministry is volunteer, and I hustle in the hours that remain to take care of the many responsibilities God has entrusted to me. A few years back, someone that I had known for a long time texted me asking to unsubscribe from my “Daily Depressional.” I was told that, “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit. You don’t exemplify a new creation in your gifting.” I don’t write because I want people to think I’m amazing because I am far from it. I write because I want people to see how amazing Jesus is! I never want someone to hear the words that I speak, the message that I preach, or the wisdom that I share and think that any of it was by my doing. I pray that all see that it was all God. I never want notoriety, fame, fortune, or praise to become the reason I do what I do for there are many in the pulpits that want those things without making sure that all glory goes to God. I believe that if a pastor presents a message and everyone says what a great pastor and not what a great and awesome God there is a problem. I have prayed over what is written in *1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.* and in *1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.* Some people have encouraged me to put out a book with what I share and maybe someday I might, but right now is not the time, I am still trying to refine my devotionals and that is why I share the ways I do. My purpose is not for earthly compensation even though at times it would help, my hope is that I am investing in others for a heavenly reward. I do believe that being able to write what I do is a gift from God, a calling in a way. I feel blessed to share with others what God has done and is doing in my life and am encouraged when I receive chronicles of hope and how others are affected. My heart is to inspire and encourage the brethren to read God’s Word and discover its power for the days in which we are living are difficult for many. I also want to make it clear that there is room at the foot of the cross for every person who is seeking Jesus, regardless of where you have been, what you have done, or how far you may feel from Him. I write with conviction because I believe the truth of God’s Word is too important to water down, yet I also write with the conviction that truth should lead us toward grace, repentance, restoration, and a deeper relationship with Christ. My prayer is not simply that we read these words and agree with them, but that we allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and then put our faith into action by loving others, encouraging the broken, strengthening the weak, forgiving those who have hurt us, and pursuing what is good. If what I share causes even one of us to take another step toward Jesus and live more fully for His glory, then I will consider every word worth writing. I am confident that one person has drawn closer to the Lord Jesus by what I write, me, and yes it has all been worth it. In the end, I know I’m imperfect, I know I can be criticized, but I refuse to let criticism become the reason I stop doing what I believe God has called me to do—and ultimately, this isn’t about me. It’s all about Jesus. But I pray you heard through what I wrote; Why I continue. Here’s what Scripture tells me. Here’s who I’m trying to reach. Here’s what I want the reader to do. And ultimately, this isn’t about me. In the end, I am not trying to explain why people misunderstand me; I am trying to show why I continue to follow Jesus anyway. I pray that my life reflects this one thought, “Soli Deo Gloria – For the Glory of God Alone.”

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.