Recently I have been battling many character defects and the one that has been plaquing me the most is Doom Scrolling, and next to that has been insignificant video games on my phone. With that in mind, as I have prayed, I have decided to go on a screen fast after 8 o’clock at night, as well as try to limit what my eyes focus on throughout the day. In a book by David Wells, God and the Whirlwind: How the Holy Love of God Reorients our World, he said that there is an “extraordinary bombardment on our mind that goes on every day from a thousand different sources that leave us distracted, with our minds going simultaneously in multiple directions. How, then, can we receive from Scripture the truth God has for us if we cannot focus long enough, linger long enough, to receive the truth? Every age has its own challenges. This one is ours. It is the affliction of distraction.” Many times the distractions come when we focus on what we feel we need and not totally desiring what God has for us. I am often reminded of what is written in Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us My Friends, we must be able to recognize “every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us” as well as what distracts us from the calling God has for us. Wisdom is knowing which distractions to battle and discernment helps us to focus on Jesus and the race set before us. I am choosing, day by day, to lay down what numbs my spirit and take up what strengthens my walk with God. Even when the pull of distraction feels strong, I will not surrender the clarity and peace that come from abiding in His presence. This is not just about discipline, but about devotion—a heart posture that longs to honor God above every fleeting impulse that many times dishonors the beautiful name by which I am called, “Christian.” I know the battle is real, but so is the victory that comes through Christ, who empowers me to overcome. By His grace, I will press forward with intentionality, fixing my eyes on Jesus and refusing to be entangled again with the “Affliction of Distraction.”  My prayer for all who will receive it: Dear Lord, in a world full of distractions, help us to focus on You, Your word, Your Son, by Your Holy Spirit and not be distracted by the chaos going on in the world around us. Help us to get into Your word so that Your word can get into us without being afflicted by the distractions of the world. Strengthen our hearts to remain steadfast when temptation and noise try to pull us away from Your truth. Give us discernment to recognize what is not of You and the courage to turn from it without hesitation. Fill us with a deep hunger for Your presence so that nothing in this world can satisfy us apart from You, in Jesus’ precious and powerful name, and all of God’s people say, Amen. Closing thoughts, in my life, distractions have been a killer of dreams, visions, and goals. I am actively working on starving my distractions and focusing on feeding my spirit with discipline and purpose according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God. I refuse to let fleeting desires steal what God has placed within me, and I am choosing from this day forward to walk in obedience even when it is difficult. With unwavering faith and intentional action, I am committed to becoming everything I was created to be, for His honor and His name alone. And to those who read these words, may you also find the strength to quiet the noise and pursue what truly matters with courage and conviction. Your journey has purpose, and the same grace that sustains me is available to guide and uphold you no matter what you are going through. Let us press forward together, encouraging one another to live with passion, faith, and unwavering hope in the Lord Jesus.

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.