A distraction is defined in the dictionary as a thing that can prevent someone from giving full attention to something else more important. It seems these days that many people are consumed with fame and fortune, personality and popularity, doom and gloom, death and destruction, hostility and violence, lies and politics, the lure of what is lit up on their phone screen. The busyness of surviving the rhetoric is taking away the Joy of the Lord from many and I see it more than I would like in myself. I know that there are times that I get so distracted from what I am supposed to do in the moment, that I don’t have a joyful and willing spirit to serve God and at times even forget about the magnitude of my salvation. In recent times I have cried out to God as I read verses like what is written in *Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.* and want to make it my personal prayer, my life’s goal, my heartfelt purpose. A definition for the joy of the Lord is, “the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God”. I often question myself as to whether or not I have given my  journey of faith my full attention? Does God really have my full attention or has the noise of the world distracted me from the truth of His promises and hearing His voice? I have come to see how Satan uses distractions to pull people away from God’s plan and His promises that He has, often offering short-term pleasure with long-term consequences. To combat this, I encourage believers to immerse themselves in God’s Word, have fellowship with like minded Christians, and beware to guard their hearts against the tactics of the enemy. There are many prayers throughout the scriptures that are simple, and if we focus on what God has said, He will give us what we need, and restore to us the joy of our salvation. Brethren, today, may all who read these words receive this blessing written in *Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.* In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen. May our Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you my beloved. My BeLoved, may the grace of the Lord Jesus, and 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 give either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis in support of the different ministries God has entrusted to me. 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 for the ministry activities that God has entrusted to me 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.