Tag Archives: spiritual momentum

The Place Where Momentum Dies

Acceleration, briskness, expeditiousness and tempo are words associated with momentum. This invisible force is often played out during competitions as individuals or teams excel, clicking on all cylinders. When someone goes on a roll, confidence becomes contagious, spreading to teammates. Unfortunately, as quickly as this energy arrives, one error, mistake or mental lapse will cause momentum to vanish. The place where momentum dies is within the human mind.

This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and being spiritually impassioned, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John; Acts 18:25.

Whenever human beings become tired, artificial means are relied upon to stoke physical momentum. Coffee, caffeine and energy drinks are drank daily to awaken senses so that maximum effort is achieved at work. When one drink starts to wear off, another is consumed to ensure that momentum is maintained. While artificial methods often develop results, drinking too much caffeine can result in unpleasant side affects such as muscle tremors, nervousness or an upset stomach.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. 25 If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit], Galatians 5:24-25.

The Bible refers to a spiritual momentum. At the start of Paul’s third missionary journey, a Jews named Apollos felt spiritually impassioned by the Hebrew Scriptures which he studied daily. In a letter to the church at Galatia where Apollos first learned about Jesus, Paul credits this momentum on the spiritual discipline known as keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. However, Paul suggests that spiritual momentum is broken by appetites and passions from within. This sinful nature causes weakened minds to give into temptation. Thus, until you crucify these spiritual barriers, you won’t be able to become empowered by God’s Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

Serve the Lord Without Distraction

The apostle Paul refers to a time in the future where peril will reign.  An era when the world will be influenced by sinful pleasures.  Whether today is that time, only God knows.  Nonetheless, its essential for Christians to hold fast by serving the Lord without being distracted.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days, 2 Timothy 3:1.

Despite this great dilemma, an Old Testament prophet provides a source of hope.  To prevent the love of Christ from being extinguished, the Holy Spirit will fill people of faith.  While the form in which the Spirit is poured out remains a topic of debate, this invisible force is essential to keep in step with God, Galatians 5:25.  If you try this alone, distractions will lure you away, halting your service for a season or more.

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions, Joel 2:28.

In reason years, the times I felt like I was on the right track, something got in my way.  Usually, pride lures me into a false sense of security.  A day, week or month later, all the spiritual momentum that I built up was gone.  Thus, I learned the hard way about the importance of a consistent witness.  Therefore, don’t allow distractions to linger.  Rather, lean on God’s grace and mercy to begin again to serve the Lord without distraction.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Things That Break Your Momentum

1. Television

Direct Television’s Settler’s commercial uses a play on words, claiming that if you don’t have their package you are settling for second rate customer service.  During my recent fast, television was the first thing that broke my spiritual momentum.  After a long week of work, I thought I’d indulge in a few hours of viewing pleasure.  In return, I was in a funk for the rest of the weekend, sluggish, unmotivated and felt like I wasted valuable time.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:12.

2. Technology

Little Caesar’s recent ad campaign about going off the grid illustrates that you don’t need technology to order a pizza.  All you have to do is show up and its hot and ready.  Having unlimited access to the worldwide web has caused many to binge, soaking up as much as possible.  Unfortunately, people have become hooked, unable to drive, walk or eat without texting, tweeting or view the latest trending video.  Instead of conversing, opening up their hearts or sharing serious issues, individuals are content with staring at a screen.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand, Ephesians 6:13.

3. Attitudes, Annoyances and Mood Swings

The other night at work, I was in the zone, in a good state of mind when I was bombarded by a series of emotions.  I came into contact with bad attitudes and was poked by several annoying situations.  As I mumbled my displeasure, the momentum of the evening was broken by a myriad of mood swings.  Whenever you let your guard down or aren’t prepared for spiritual attacks, your soul can take a beating.  Thus, whether its television, technology or trials, make sure you arm yourself with the armor of God, Ephesians 6:12-20.  If not, don’t be surprised when the things of this world break your momentum.

by Jay Mankus