For you who follow my family through these devotionals and all who know a little bit of what is going on in my life, I would like to thank all of you who have not only taken the effort to reach out to me in support, but more importantly, reached up to God in prayer for my family and me, asking for His help and sustaining grace. Your prayers, encouragement, and willingness to stand with us mean more than words can adequately express. In seasons when the weight of life feels heavy, it is a blessing to be reminded that God often uses the prayers and compassion of His people to strengthen those who are weary. We are deeply grateful for each of you who has taken the time to remember us before the Lord.

And now, for a little glimpse behind the curtain! It has definitely been a circus—and, in the interest of full disclosure, I may be the one who sold the tickets, been the lead clown juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, and has now volunteered to be shot out of the cannon. Wondering why I ever thought living the circus life was a good idea in the first place. Apparently, some lessons take a little longer to learn than others! And, if I am being completely honest, I have no one to blame for some of this madness but myself. So onto the show.

My life has been a little overwhelming lately, mostly due to my own fault. I have always had too many irons in the fire, so this season is nothing new. I am thankful that, by the grace of God, I am able to accomplish what I need to do for the day at hand. I am learning, and continually being reminded, that faithfulness is not measured by how much we can carry on our own, but by our willingness to depend upon the Lord in everything.

For my family, we go through many different struggles on a regular basis, most of which only God and we know about. Having four children with specific special needs in our home changes the way life goes from day to day, and at times moment by moment. Besides those in our home there are others that we care for as well who need our assistance on a regular basis. There are responsibilities, unexpected challenges, and moments of exhaustion that are not always visible to those around us. From the outside looking in I have been told that all looks good, but from the inside looking out it is almost impossible to explain. Yet, even in the midst of these things, we continue to have confident assurance that God will sustain us, no matter how we feel about what comes our way. Our confidence is not in the absence of hardship, but in the faithfulness of the One who walks with us through every challenge we face.

As the storms of life have come and gone, there have been some difficult challenges, both emotionally and spiritually, causing some distress, but we press on and endure. We understand that the major battles we face are more on a supernatural level than an earthly one. This does not mean that the struggles are not real or that the burdens are always easy to bear, but that we recognize the importance of looking beyond what we see and trusting in the promises of God. We are reminded that the Christian life is not a promise of ease, but a call to remain faithful, even when the path ahead is difficult to understand.

In all that we do as a family, with all that goes on in our home, of which the trials are many, we continue to share the Word of God as often as possible and minister to all that we can. We believe that the opportunities God places before us are not limited by our circumstances, our weariness, or the challenges we face. Sometimes ministry happens through a conversation, a word of encouragement, a willingness to listen, or simply remaining faithful in the ordinary responsibilities God has entrusted to us. We want our lives, even in the midst of our struggles, to point others toward the hope, mercy, and the saving grace found in Jesus Christ.

I have prayed that God gives me the boldness of Paul and to be able to boldly say what is written in Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

And more than boldness to speak these things, I want to have a similar heart as Paul as reflected in what is written in Romans 9:2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were (anathema) accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh

Paul is expressing a deep, painful love for his own people and a longing for them to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. His words reveal a heart burdened not merely by the lost condition of others, but by a love so great that he was willing to speak of personal sacrifice for their sake. Paul had a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of those that he loved, and I pray that I am given the privilege to be able to do that as well. I pray that the Lord would continually shape my heart to reflect that same compassion, so that my concern for others would be more than words and my love for them would be evident in how I live, serve, and share the truth of the Gospel.

I pray for the ability to preach the way Charles Spurgeon spoke of more than 100 years ago, “Preach not calmly and quietly as though you were asleep, but preach with fire and pathos and passion.”

That kind of preaching requires more than volume or emotion; it requires a heart that is deeply moved by the truth of God’s Word and the eternal condition of those who hear it. I want to speak with conviction while demonstrating the humility, patience, and love of Christ, remembering that it is God who opens hearts and brings forth spiritual fruit. Whether through preaching, personal conversations, or the quiet testimony of our daily lives, I pray that we would never grow indifferent to the privilege and responsibility of making Christ known.

Please continue to pray for my family as we continue to battle the enemy and boldly live by faith and not by sight, and in sharing the Gospel, that we “preach with fire and pathos and passion.” Pray that God would give us strength when we are weary, wisdom when we face difficult decisions, peace when circumstances feel overwhelming, and steadfast faith to continue walking in obedience. Pray also that our home would remain a place where the truth of God’s Word is lived out, where His love is made known, and where we can continue serving others even through our own trials.

We know that each of us carries burdens that others may never fully see, and none of us is called to walk through those burdens alone. May we continue to encourage one another, pray for one another, and faithfully point one another toward the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Whatever season we find ourselves in, may we remember that God’s grace is sufficient, His promises remain true, and His work in and through His people is not finished. And know that We Are Stronger Together.

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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.