The words “Happy New Year” brings out a mixture of emotions to me now more than ever as I am closer to my death than to my birth. 2025 for me has been filled with trials, tribulations, sickness, financial hardship, and loss, but it has also been sprinkled with joy, love, peace, kindness, faithfulness, blessings from God almighty, and most of all the presence of the Lord Jesus through it all. With the onset of the new year, many are looking for some way to get newfound hope and a promise of a better life. For the believers, we understand that there will be struggles this coming year just like there was this last year and the year before. The words of the Lord Jesus bring me peace in this season of life like it never has before. It is written in *John 16:33 …In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]* Christianity is not a pill that you swallow and everything becomes easy, it is a battle that we fight daily and sometimes moment to moment. We need to remember what is written in *Matthew 24:13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved.* No matter what may come this New Year, the words of Charles Spurgeon comfort my soul. “The Providence of God is the great protector of our life and usefulness, and under the divine care we are perfectly safe from danger.” My personal goal for this year is written in *Psalms 90:12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.* The brevity of life is a stubborn and undeniable fact. An understanding that our days are ordained by God, with no guarantee of tomorrow, should lead us to live life differently today. I desire to invest in things that have eternal value…things that will outlive me. It’s not about leaving an inheritance; it’s all about leaving a legacy for the kingdom. When it all comes down to it, there is one simple truth today, we are all just another day closer to heaven or hell as determined by our own personal choices. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called, “The present”! My friends, I pray that during this New Year we may all live nearer to Christ than we have ever done before knowing that at any moment we may see Him face to face. My brethren, may we be filled with the Joy of the Lord this New Year no matter what is in front of us whether it is good or bad, for it is all good when it is from the hand of God. May we seek to fulfill His plan and purpose for each of us till the end of our days, till He comes for us or until we go to be with Him. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, amen. 

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, 5202720387last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.