Reclaiming Attention From Distractions

Pedestrian looking up between modern skyscrapers in London

Pip: Drink of Jesus has been asking a question your phone’s algorithm would really prefer you not think about: what if the thing eating your attention is the distraction?

Mara: That’s the thread running through this episode. The posts cover fixing your eyes on Jesus when life gets loud, how fear and people-pleasing hijack your focus, and what happens when a full schedule quietly crowds God out.

Pip: Let’s start with where your eyes are pointed.

When the World Gets Loud, Look Up

Mara: The core tension here is simple: you cannot control what competes for your attention, but you can choose where you look when the noise peaks.

Pip: “Overcoming Distractions: Look to Jesus” puts it directly — the post opens: “Whatever you constantly look at will eventually influence how you live. When the world gets loud and life gets overwhelming, don’t stare harder at the distraction, look up and fix your eyes on Jesus.”

Mara: And Hebrews 12 is the anchor. The post quotes it in full: “let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

Pip: The key distinction there is weight versus sin. Not everything slowing you down is morally wrong — some of it is just unnecessary cargo.

Mara: Right, and the post makes that practical with a filter question: “Is this helping me keep my eyes on Jesus?” If the answer is no, it may be time to put it down. The post on “The Battle for Your Attention” sharpens that by naming the deeper problem — it’s not the battle to believe in God, it’s the battle to pay attention to God.

Pip: Which is a more uncomfortable diagnosis than most people expect.

Mara: “Who Has Your Attention?” lands the same point from a different angle — your attention shapes your direction. Focus on problems, and problems fill the frame. Focus on God’s promises, and the frame shifts.

Pip: And “Tech Distractions: Reclaim Your Time with God” makes it concrete: Paul’s line from 1 Corinthians — “all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient” — applied to the thirty-minute scroll you didn’t plan on starting.

Mara: The test the post offers is blunt: can you put it down? If not, it may have more control than you realize. That’s not a condemnation of the phone — it’s a question about who’s in charge.

Pip: Fear and people’s opinions are next, and they work the same way.

Fear and the Crowd That Won’t Quiet Down

Mara: This segment is about two specific distractions that feel internal but function like external noise — fear of the future and the pressure of other people’s opinions.

Pip: “The Distraction of Fear” names the mechanism: “Fear has a way of making tomorrow feel more real than today.” Isaiah 41:10 is the anchor — “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.”

Mara: What that verse does not say matters as much as what it does. The post is clear: Isaiah didn’t promise nothing bad would happen. The promise is presence, not protection from difficulty. So the solution to fear isn’t knowing what tomorrow holds — it’s knowing who holds tomorrow.

Pip: Honestly, that reframe does more work than a five-step plan.

Mara: “When Other People’s Opinions Get Loud” runs the same logic through a social-media-shaped problem. Paul’s question from Galatians 1:10 is the spine: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Pip: The post points out that people-pleasing isn’t just a personality quirk — it’s a distraction with a direction. It pulls you away from who God created you to be and toward whoever is loudest in the comment section.

Mara: And identity is the real stake. The post puts it plainly: your value doesn’t come from likes, your worth doesn’t come from whether someone chooses you. God’s truth doesn’t update with the algorithm.

Pip: Which brings us to the quietest version of all these distractions — the one wearing a to-do list.

Too Busy to Be Still

Mara: “Too Busy to Hear God” opens with the sharpest version of this problem: “You can be so busy doing things for God that you never stop long enough to hear from God.”

Pip: Psalm 46:10 is the anchor — “Be still, and know that I am God.” Four words that are genuinely hard to follow when the calendar is full.

Mara: The post uses Mary and Martha to make the point: Martha’s busyness wasn’t sinful, but it cost her the moment. The warning is that God doesn’t want whatever time is left — He wants a relationship, not leftovers.


Pip: Attention, fear, busyness — three different doors into the same room.

Mara: The question underneath all of it is the same one the posts keep returning to: what, or who, is actually getting the best of you?

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8

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Isaiah 45:2

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Tech Distractions: Reclaim Your Time with God

Open Bible at John beside a phone displaying John 1:1–4, coffee, and glasses

You can scroll for an hour and still feel empty, because not everything that captures your attention deserves your heart. If something can control your attention for hours but you can’t give God five minutes, it’s time to ask what really has control.

 Bible Verse:
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

Let’s be honest, we know and understand phones are awesome. They allow and give you the ability to talk with people anywhere. Our phones give us an avenue to learn almost anything we can listen to worship music and even read the Bible.

Do you realize that your phone can also become one of the biggest distractions in your spiritual life. You pick it up to check one thing, wait a second what’s that and thirty minutes later, you’re still scrolling. You had good intentions and weren’t planning on it. It just happened. The problem isn’t necessarily your phone, it is a problem with control.

Paul says that even if something is permissible, it doesn’t mean it is beneficial and he refuses to be mastered by anything. Not every distraction is something bad. Sometimes even good things can become distractions when they begin controlling our attention, time, and hearts. Paul reminds us that just because something is permissible doesn’t mean it is beneficial. Don’t let temporary things control your life when you were created to be controlled by Christ.

A powerful test that you can do is ask yourself: Can I put it down? If you can’t put it down and walk away, it may have more control over you than you realize. With that said, try something today, put your phone away for fifteen minutes.

  • No notifications
  • No scrolling
  • No videos
  • No research
  • No games
  • No Social Media

Just you and God.

At first, it might feel weird, but that’s okay. The silence can feel uncomfortable, weird and overwhelming when we’re used to constant stimulation. But you should try not to run from it. Use the quiet time to reconnect with God.

Thought to Ponder:
Is my technology something I control, or is it something that controls me?

Journaling Prompt:
Write down how much time you think you spend on your phone each day. Then write what you could do with 30 minutes a day if you intentionally gave that time to God.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me use technology without allowing it to control me. Give me self-control when I want to keep scrolling, watching, or checking. Help me remember that my attention is valuable and that You are worthy of it. Teach me to put distractions down so I can pick up what matters. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Psalm 5:8

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. In the verse David is praying…

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Overcoming Distractions: Look to Jesus

Winding sunlit trail through a misty forest toward distant mountains

Whatever you constantly look at will eventually influence how you live. When the world gets loud and life gets overwhelming, don’t stare harder at the distraction, look up and fix your eyes on Jesus.

 Bible Verse:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1–2

Tomorrow you may wake up and face the same distractions you’ve always faced,the phone will still buzz. People’s opinions haven’t changed. Our problems will still exist, temptations will still come. Our overwhelming schedules will still be busy. Even though our final destination is trying to be as stress free as possible. We can’t expect that the final goal is to create a life where nothing distracts us. We know that’s an impossible expectation.

The foremost goal should be to learn where to look when distractions come. Hebrews tells us to lay aside every weight and fix our eyes on Jesus. Imagine trying to run a race while carrying a heavy backpack. You might be able to finish, but why would you carry something you don’t need to? We will see that some things in our life may not be sinful but they may simply be burdens, weights or stupid implications. Things that consume our time, stealing our peace, filling our mind, keeping us from God.

Ever think that maybe it’s time to put some things down. Not because they’re all bad, but because Jesus is more important. Not everything needs your attention. You don’t have to answer every message, email or snap. Not every argument needs to be won, or trend that needs following, carry every problem or worrying about what others think. Get rid of all of the distractions and choose Jesus. Try practicing the saying: “Is this helping me keep my eyes on Jesus?” If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to refocus. Your attention has direction, so choosing your direction carefully makes it easier and easier to Look to Jesus.

Thought to Ponder:
What is one thing I need to lay down so I can focus more completely on Jesus?

Journaling Prompt:
Finish this sentence: “Jesus, I want to give You more of my attention by…” Now write one specific change you will make this week.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me fix my eyes on You. Show me the useless distractions and unnecessary weights I need to lay down. When my life becomes loud, help me hear Your voice. When I start chasing a squirrel and I become distracted, bring my attention back to You. Teach me to live with purpose, faith, and courage. I don’t want to simply exist, I want to follow You. Help me run my race with my eyes fixed on You. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...


The Distraction of Fear

Sunlit Alpine valley with river, villages, forests, and snow-capped mountains

Fear has a way of making tomorrow feel more real than today. But you were never meant to live inside a future that hasn’t happened yet, you were called to trust the God who is already there.

 Bible Verse:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.” Isaiah 41:10

Fear can consume your attention. It can be a never ending process that can devour our entire life and time.

  • What if I fail?
  • What if I don’t get into college?
  • What if I never find the right person?
  • What if people reject me?
  • What if something happens to my family?
  • What if I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with my life?

Those questions that at times can be put on a loop can become a constant soundtrack in your mind.

This can allow you to become so focused on what might happen that you miss what God is doing right now. God doesn’t promise that everything will always go according to your plans. However, He repeatedly promises that He will be with you. Isaiah did not say, “Don’t be afraid because nothing bad will ever happen.” He told us to “Fear not; for I am with thee.”

The solution to fear isn’t always knowing what tomorrow might hold. Sometimes the best answer is understanding and knowing Who holds tomorrow. We do not have to figure out our entire lives today. We don’t have to know every detail of our future. We just need to take the next step God gives us. Trust Him with the steps you are unsure of cannot see.

Thought to Ponder:
How much of my attention is being consumed by something that hasn’t even happened?

Journaling Prompt:
Write down your biggest fear about the future. Underneath it, write:

“God, I don’t know what will happen, but I know You will be with me.”

Then write one step of faith you can take today.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I give You my fears, doubts and apprehensions about tomorrow. Help me stop focusing and living in an imaginary future and start trusting You with what is going on today. Even when I don’t know what is coming, remind me that You already do and have prepared every step. Give me bravery, courage, and holy tenacity to take the next step and the unwavering faith to trust You with the rest. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...


When Other People’s Opinions Get Loud

Three rural paths converge toward a glowing sunrise through misty trees

The loudest voice in your life isn’t always the one speaking the truth. If you spend your life trying to become who everyone else wants you to be, you may eventually lose sight of who God created you to be.

 Bible Verse:
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Distraction isn’t always something bad but it can be a product of  worrying about people’s opinions, the need for approval, or fulfilling expectations that pull our attention away from God. When our greatest goal becomes pleasing people, we can slowly lose sight of the One you were created to please. Paul reminds us that following Christ requires choosing God’s approval over the applause of others. Don’t let the crowd become louder than God’s voice.

One of the biggest distractions of people in this current era of time isn’t entertainment, it’s focusing on other people’s opinions. 

  • What do they think about me?
  • Do they like me?
  • Why didn’t they invite me?
  • Why did they unfollow me?
  • Why did they say that about me?
  • Why did they thumbs down me?
  • Why did they give a sad or crying emoji?
  • Why did they ignore my post?

Social media has made this even harder. It allows us to see everyone else’s highlight reel, snap, thread, or tweet while you’re living through the potential chaos behind-the-scenes.

  • Then you start comparing yourself to unrealistic portrayals because of filters.
  • Their appearance.
  • Hairstyle
  • Weight los
  • Clothes
  • Flawless Completions
  • Their relationships.
  • Their clothes
  • Popularity
  • Accomplishments
  • Online Influence
  • “Perfect” Life

God has never asked you to become someone else, He created you. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” Jeremiah 1:5 Your value doesn’t come from likes , your identity doesn’t come from followers and our worth doesn’t come from whether someone chooses you. 

Your identity comes from Christ, people’s opinions change, God’s truth never does!

So when everyone else gets loud, the overwhelming chaos surrounds you, and you cannot get out of your own head go back to Scripture. Ask yourself: What does God say about me?

The answer to that question matters more than every comment section, reel, streak, tweet or opinion on the internet.

Thought to Ponder:
Whose opinion has been influencing me more, God’s or other people’s?

Journaling Prompt:
Write down three things you believe about yourself because of what other people have said or done. Then write what Scripture says about your identity.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me stop allowing other people’s opinions to define who I am. Remind me that my identity comes from You, show me what You want. Give me the courage to be who You created me to be even when people don’t understand me, accept, or approve of me. Help to hear You through all the noise allowing Your voice to become louder than every other voice that surrounds me. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...


Kamikaze squirrel goes flying in cannon blast for America 250, all he wanted to be was a flying squirrel 😄

Close-up of a grey squirrel with open mouth and wide eyes on a tree branch.

He took escape plans to nutty new heights. An acrobatic squirrel in Brooklyn got so spooked when soldiers fired a ceremonial cannon Thursday morning, it hurled itself off a telephone pole — and lived to tell the tale, according to wild footage and officials. The freaked-out furball threw itself into the air kamikaze-style and plunged dozens of feet after Army members blasted the cannon to welcome a German warship at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn during America 250 celebrations ahead of the Fourth of July, military officials said. ‘“’I didn’t sign up for this,’— This squirrel, probably,” USAG Fort Hamilton hilariously posted, along with the footage, on Facebook Thursday. “Sorry for the early boom, Brooklyn! We promise it’s for a good cause. (The squirrel remains unconvinced.),” it added.

Source: Kamikaze squirrel goes flying in cannon blast for America 250

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

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Baby Squirrel Foster Mom

new born squirrel covered with white linen fabric

Retired California teaching assistant Angel Barba has been a baby squirrel foster mom for the last seven years. 

Source: Squirrel Foster Mom You Tube

To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3