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DISTRACTION-FREE ZONE

March 13, 2020

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. Mark 1:35

1. GET FOCUSED ON THE MISSION. The devil uses distraction to hinder our walk with God and to diminish our effectiveness in helping people. Real life can be hard, and our responsibilities often aren’t as appealing as hopping from one mind-numbing inconsequential thing to another. But when we remember we’re on a mission as “ambassadors for Christ,” we can look to Jesus to help us focus in on what really matters (2 Corinthians 5:20).

But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly. Matthew 6:6 TPT

2. SLIP AWAY TO SPEND TIME WITH GOD. Give yourself permission to turn off the phone and TV and spend time with God. Talk to Him as a person speaks to a friend. If you have a hard time praying, start by praying for 15 minutes and then add on a few minutes the next time. Prayer isn’t a badge we wear to impress others; it’s a call to connect with our Father.

3. HOW TO GAIN TRACTION. Spending time with God is like throwing sand under your tires and getting traction for the vision and call on your life. The devil antagonizes in any area of uncertainty — that’s why we need to pay particular attention to the Bible and let it help us get our eyes fixed on Jesus. Listen to it or read it on your phone. But also get a paper Bible so that you can’t get distracted by texting or social media or the news. Get God’s Word in you however you can!

Look to Jesus,
Pastor Jeff

Pray this Prayer: Based on Matthew 6:10-13 TPT
My Father in heaven, may the glory of Your name be the center on which my life turns. Manifest Your Kingdom realm, and cause Your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven. I acknowledge You as my Provider of all I need each day. Forgive me for the wrongs I have done as I release forgiveness to those who have wronged me. Rescue me every time I face tribulation, and set me free from evil. For You are the King who rules with power and glory forever. Amen!

Trac•tion, noun
The act of drawing or pulling. Pulling power. Adhesive friction. Advancement, as toward a desired result.

Copyright © 2020 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked TPT are taken from Mark: Miracles and Mercy, The Passion Translation, copyright © 2015. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC, Racine, Wisconsin, USA. All rights reserved. “traction.” American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition. Web. 9 March 2020.