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  OVERCOME DISTRACTIONS
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: To overcome distractions and live a life of devotion, we must
cultivate simplicity, live in the Spirit, and seek inner peace through
prayer and meditation.

Topics: "Inner Peace", "Overcoming Distractions"
Scripture References: Psalm 46:10, Psalm 119:15, Matthew 6:6, John 14:27, Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:16, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 4:8

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the detrimental impact of distractions on our
devotion to God, noting that they shift our focus from the kingdom of
God to worldly concerns. He argues that in our modern, science-driven
society, distractions have multiplied, making it essential to combat
them through prayer, meditation, and nurturing our inner spiritual life.
Tozer encourages believers to cultivate simplicity, desire fewer
material possessions, and immerse themselves in God's Word to maintain
peace amidst chaos. He reminds us that true peace comes from God, as
Jesus promised, and that overcoming distractions is crucial for
spiritual growth.

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CONTENT
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But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your
door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father
who sees in secret will reward you openly. --Matthew 6:6

Among the enemies to devotion none is so harmful as distractions.
Whatever excites the curiosity, scatters the thoughts, disquiets the
heart, absorbs the interests or shifts our life focus from the kingdom
of God within us to the world around us--that is a distraction; and the
world is full of them. Our science-based civilization has given us many
benefits but it has multiplied our distractions and so taken away far
more than it has given....

The remedy for distractions is the same now as it was in earlier and
simpler times, viz., prayer, meditation and the cultivation of the inner
life. The psalmist said "Be still, and know," and Christ told us to
enter into our closet, shut the door and pray unto the Father. It still
works....

Distractions must be conquered or they will conquer us. So let us
cultivate simplicity; let us want fewer things; let us walk in the
Spirit; let us fill our minds with the Word of God and our hearts with
praise. In that way we can live in peace even in such a distraught world
as this. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." The Set of
the Sail, 129-132.

"Lord, it's certainly harder and harder to shut out the distractions of
an increasingly science-based civilization. Help me to cultivate
simplicity, to be satisfied with fewer things, and to find the inner
peace that You can give in a life of prayer and meditation. Amen."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/overcome-distractions/
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