Tag Archives: distractions

When Distractions Hinder Your Prayers

Posted on May 2, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In a letter to the church of Corinth, the apostle Paul foresaw how marriage complicates life.  Instead of getting up and doing what you want, there is someone else and if you have children, multiple voices are fighting for your attention.  Subsequently, Paul chose to live his life as a single man, limiting common distractions that can hinder your prayer life.

I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.  Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do, 1 Corinthians 7:7-8.

However, in a letter to a disciple who was married, Peter provides advice for those who are struggling to find time with God.  While some may consider this a check list, there are certain qualities necessary to roll back life’s distractions.  If you are considerate, over time this will smooth over the rough edges, leading to grace and respect.  Yet, you still have to make time, setting aside a portion of your God to spent with the Lord.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers, 1 Peter 3:7.

Sometimes, the context of a passage of the Bible loses its meaning over time.  Woman’s Right’s Groups consider this chapter to be chauvinist, not considering the modern woman.  While this topic is something I may consider in the future, each day brings with it new challenges, some expected and others a surprise.  Yet, through it all, my goal is to reach a point in my life when nothing hinders my prayers.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Struggling to Find Momentum

Posted on July 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Scientifically, momentum measures the mass and velocity of a moving body.  Meanwhile, in sports this term is like a changing of the tides, an invisible wave that can alter the outcome of a game.  When “Old Mo” is on your side, everything seems easy, falling into place with ease.  Yet, as momentum slips through your fingers, a sense of hopelessness sets in.  If you don’t believe me, just ask the Houston Oilers, who squandered a 32 point lead in the second half, losing to the Buffalo Bills in overtime on January 3rd, 1993.

And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand, Matthew 7:26.

Those who don’t follow or play sports likely have a different understanding of momentum.  Perhaps you’ve tried to diet, exercise or workout on a regular basis.  This first couple of days or week may run smoothly.  Then, busyness, distractions and exhaustion weaken your initial commitment.  Before you develop a solid routine, any roll that you may have experienced is broken and gone, causing you to start all over again.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33.

As I struggle to find my own spiritually momentum, I have reflected on past victories as well as what lead me to find this rhythm.  These days seem so long ago as I’ve forgotten the taste of success.  Thus, its back to the drawing board, trying to sort out where I’ve gone wrong so the future can be bright once again.  In these days of disappointment, life lessons can provide a foundation to build upon, starting with prayer, Bible Study and worship.  Yet, a splash and go pit stop just won’t cut it.  Therefore, if you’re struggling to find your momentum, set first the kingdom of God and He will make your paths straight.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Forget Me Not

Posted on March 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toAxT9kpXak

Myosotis sylvatica, a member of the borage family, consists of a light blue flower regarded as a symbol of friendship.  As Spring showers bring May flowers, Forget Me Not arrangements are a popular gift.  Despite their beauty, time will cause the most gorgeous flowers to fade.  Likewise, absence can cause anyone to forget an important anniversary, birthday or relationship.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you,” Isaiah 49:15.

Distance, distractions and neglect are primary factors which lead to forget.  Work hours may cause a father to not spend enough time with family.  Misguided priorities can steer someone off course, resulting in poor choices and wasted opportunities.  Finally, a state of busyness can lead faithful followers to fall away from God, gradually slipping away by missing church, godly fellowship and quiet times praying and reading the Bible.

If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. – Psalm 137:5

Psalm 137:5 acknowledges that even God’s chosen people were vulnerable to a short term memory.  Thus, to avoid this from going any further, this servant of God asks to lose their gifts and talents rather than abandon the Lord.  Today, one careless decision, lazy day or rut can break God’s heart.  While Valentine’s Day is full of Forget Me Not cards, one prayer from heaven rains down to earth daily, hoping God’s children will not forget their heavenly Father.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Walking in Freedom

Posted on January 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you prefer the day or at night, taking a walk with a friend or friends often yields fond memories.  Beside the exercise, special bonds can develop as one opens their heart to another soul.  Looking back in time, some of the best conversations I have ever had on earth occurred while taking a walk.

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. – Psalm 119:45

One of the most famous walks in the Bible occurred over a 7 mile stretch, from Jerusalem to Emmaus, Luke 24:13-35.  Following the crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples were trying to make sense of the events that had just taken place.  This hour long conversation involved a mystery guest, listening to the voices of these men.  Distracted by an eagerness to speak, Jesus’ presence was overlooked.  Playing coy, Jesus pretends to know nothing, asking question after question along the way.  Based upon the topic in Luke 24:25-30, unbelief was keeping these individuals from walking in freedom.

As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. – Luke 24:14

Psalm 119:43-48 provides instructions on how to reach this spiritual state.

1) Preserve your lips with God’s truth, verse 43.

2) Resolve to obey God’s laws, verse 44.

3) Seek God’s precepts on a daily basis, verse 45.

4) Boldly proclaim God’s ways to the leaders on earth, verse 46.

5) Delight in and embrace God’s commands, verse 47.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeKv4C5eDOQ

As soon as believers pray for and mediate on God’s Word, little by little, you will begin to walk in freedom.

by Jay Mankus

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An Extreme Spiritual Make-over

Posted on December 25, 2014 by expressyourself4him

 And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn. – Luke 2:7

If I had to give an honest assessment, I too would have responded like the Inn Keepers in Bethlehem.  Similar to a vacation destination during Spring Break Week, the Roman Census quickly filled up all available accommodations.  Thus, the poor, unprepared and those stuck in traffic scrambled around like a male shopping for presents on Christmas Eve.  Only 1 person, a good Samaritan type, made room for Mary and Joseph.

In this day and age, distractions abound, pulling individuals in all sorts of directions.  Subsequently, scheduling time for God is usually the first to get cut or limited to a brief glance of a verse or two and a lame prayer.  Despite the lulls that may occur in a car, at home or during work, exhaustion keeps many from developing and or maintaining a healthy relationship with Jesus.  As I evaluate my 2014 calendar, I’m afraid I fit into Jesus’ harsh criticism of those follow the Lord with their lips, but not with their actions.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers! – Matthew 7:21-23

If you too find yourself in this predicament, perhaps its time for an extreme spiritual make-over.  Philippians 2:12 suggests to begin working out your salvation with fear and trembling.  Solomon agrees, as fearing God in the beginning of knowledge, Proverbs 1:7.  When you allow the Holy Spirit to “Pump You Up,” missed opportunities of the past can lead to pivot points along your faith journey, Colossians 4:5.  In the end, make room for Jesus, whatever the cost, Matthew 16:24-27 so that one day you will hear from the King himself, “well done my good and faithful servant!”- Matthew 25:23

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Fast Food Faith

Posted on October 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

When households began to outlive their annual income, moms decided to pursue a new career.  With both parents working, the thought of cooking dinner didn’t sit too well.  Thus, the fast food revolution exploded during the 1980’s as tv dinners were replaced by restaurants and meals to go.  Subsequently, faith has followed a similar path.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AezgOPsgdG4

There are 2 different types of fast food faiths.  One view is faith on the run.  Whether its over sleeping, struggling to find time for God or merely forgetting the Lord, individuals slow down for a quick spiritual meal.  This often involves a little devotional like Our Daily Bread, a short prayer and perhaps even a time of reflection before time ushers you off to your next appointment of the day.  Although, this is a good starting place, a life style like this will result in a lukewarm faith, Revelation 3:15-16.

The second type of fast food faiths involves accepting the reality of our culture and maximizing what restaurants have to offer.  Bill Hybels, founder of Willow Creek Church in Chicago, takes some time each summer to vacation in Michigan.  One of his favorite spiritual refuges is a Burger King.  Using free refills to his advantage, Bill finds a quiet booth in the back, opens up his Bible as God revitalizes him with a supernatural fast food faith.

Today, hearts, minds and souls are in desperate need of real food.  Yet, no one is forcing you to leave the confines of your own home.  With distractions only a computer, phone call or television away, perhaps you need to find a place like Mark 1:35.  You may choose a fast faith chow down and go on your merry way?  Or, for the hungry, you may prefer a spiritual buffet of biblical truth?  May the Holy Spirit fill you with a Matthew 5:6 mentality so that your fast food faith fulfills your appetite.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Too Precious to be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted on December 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

I guess you can say there is something within me that tries to figure out why people behave in a specific manner.  A shy personality early on in life gave me time to people watch, pondering and narrowing in on traits others often overlook.  Although this thought never crossed my mind, deep down I believed all of God’s creatures are too precious to be flushed down the toilet.

As a teacher, I learned to notice subtle behavior changes in my students.  Death, divorce and unemployment were common denominators.  While no one responds to trials exactly the same way, mood swings typically give away the emotions young people endure.  Distractions, temptations and wanting to grow up too fast can devastate delicate souls.  One untimely comment, put down or word can push a distraught mind over the edge, staring suicide in the face.

Looking back as an adult, warts become more obvious, sticking out like a sore thumb.  Pessimism has contributed to society’s demise, creating a tsunami of anger, hatred and negativity.  This venom is expressed verbally each day through trash talking.  The byproduct of the tongue’s wrath is carnage, lies and tarnished reputations.  One of the few glimmers of hope is songs like Gold by Britt Nicole.  May the lyrics of this song touch your heart and remind you, life is too precious to be flushed down the toilet.

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Where it All Began

Posted on October 22, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Initially, the Bible was a gift I received after partaking in my first Holy Communion as a 2nd grader.  This white leather covered book was filled with pictures, perfect for someone that age.  As I grew older, busyness, distractions and other interests caused me to leave these pages on my shelf, collecting dust for years.  By the time junior high rolled around, the Roman Catholic Church informed me that it was time for confirmation, usually a year long process filled with a detailed checklist.  Despite receiving an adult black leather King James Bible for my hard work, I treated this book like a hotel visit, inside my nightstand.

 

As I entered high school, the priests at my parent’s church claimed that only they could properly interpret the Bible.  Sarcasm inside of me thought; “why did you give me 2 Bible’s if you knew I wouldn’t understand it?”  Turned off by men of the cloth, God placed me into an unique setting.  Although superficial at first, I began running cross country to get my name in the news paper, like our paperboy who always finished in the top 3 of each race.  The Lord used this artificial motivation to bring me into something special, like a small family of strangers who seemingly hit it off from the beginning.  Cross Country was no longer just running, it was eating meals together, spending time dreaming about life and sharing burdens to help each other to get through the day.

 

The Bible became more than just a book before each cross country race.  It all began during chapels, pre-race huddles when a senior would share an inspirational story, our coach would read a verse from the Bible about running and a captain usually closed in a short prayer.  Hearing passages like Hebrews 12:1, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Galatians 5:7 transformed my perspective of the Bible.  Prior to high school cross country, the Bible was a book, too holy for me to comprehend.  Yet, when my own peers began to recount the words of the apostle Paul, an avid sports enthusiast, there was an instant connection, Romans 10:17.  By the end of my sophomore running season, I was ready to take the plunge, Romans 10:9-10, a leap of faith.  For me, this is where it all began.

by Jay Mankus

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Why People Don’t Listen

Posted on October 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Eyes

As a former teacher, there were many days I talked to blank stares, bowed heads and confused faces.  Maybe the topic I spoke on was boring, students stayed up too late the previous night or I was tuned out by their minds, not as entertaining as their favorite television stars.  However, one of the main reasons people don’t listen is because deep down inside, they probably don’t believe what you saying applies, will change or impact their lives.

 

Moses encounters a similar experience within Exodus 6:9-12, confused by Israel’s response to the message God gave him.  Based upon verse 9, the distress of slavery and the wear and tear of beat downs by Egyptian officials took a toll on their hearts.  After approaching a 4th generation of bondage, it appears no one could foresee the miracle God was waiting to perform.

This mentality is alive and well today, made stronger by an I know it all attitude.  If you include opinions, political views and well defined worldviews, breaking down the walls to clear communication is extremely challenging.  This likely explains why Jesus used the phrase “you have ears but don’t hear and eyes but do not hear,” addressing the Pharisees for their stubbornness.  May the Holy Spirit help you conquer this worldwide dilemma, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, to influence those whom you come in contact with daily.

by Jay Mankus

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