Tag Archives: 12 disciples

Spirits that Can Rob Your Speech

Posted on July 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The paranormal was always something left for Hollywood, displayed through horror movies when I grew up.  Maybe  I was naive, but I believed the spiritual realm was simply a fantasy, too bizarre to be true.  However, the older I become, I am beginning to open my mind to the reality of a dark, invisible and sinister power working behind the scene to strip individuals of freedom.

A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech, Mark 9:17.

Jesus’ disciples experienced a similar event which challenged their belief system.  After initial success in healing people in need, an evil spirit halted their ability to heal a boy.  Dumbfounded, the disciples appear to have reached out to the Pharisees to get their thoughts.  Finally, Jesus arrives onto the scene to straighten out their misconception, explaining that certain demons require prayer to be cast out.  This was the missing link for this boy to regain his speech, robbed from an early age.

“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us,” Mark 9:22.

Today, more than 70 million people worldwide suffer with stammering or stuttering.  Every day more than three million Americans wake up not knowing if or when they will stutter.  As someone who struggled to express myself until I was healed in college, I understand what I feels like to be robbed of your speech.  Though I’m not a doctor, I believe conditions vary, based on medical issues, a lack of confidence and spirits of doubt.  I’m not sure why God choose to heal me, yet I pray for those who are currently fighting against spirits trying to rob souls of their speech.

by Jay Mankus

 

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You Just Don’t Get It Do You

Posted on June 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Have you ever been clueless, left in the dark or lost?  Are you a quick learner or does it take you longer than the average person to understand something?  Whatever the situation, you may experience a moment or subject that you just don’t get.  Today’s title sounds like something that I heard numerous times from my parents in my youth.

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? – Mark 8:17

One day Jesus struggled with the lack of discernment that his disciples possessed.  Despite witnessing miracles daily, these godly men were mental midgets, regularly missing the point of Jesus’ actions.  Thus, Jesus appears to be frustrated in the passage above as if to say, “you just don’t get it do you?”

Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? – Mark 8:18

Today, Christians often walk around defeated, void of the power of the Holy Spirit.  Instead of walking by faith, selfish servants of God tend to demand a sign as if the resurrection wasn’t enough.  Unfortunately, out of sight, out of mind also refers to believers who are struggling to make sense of their current situation in life.  When communication with the Lord fades, frustrated souls just want to know if they are on the right track or not.  The sooner you acknowledge that you don’t have a clue, the greater the likelihood that God will shine light on your prayers and concerns.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Insider Trading

Posted on March 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Lee Curtis used satire to give a comical portrayal of insider trading in the 1983 film Trading Places.  Four years later, Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen and Daryl Hannah starred in Wall Street, an Oliver Stone drama depicting the greed of a corporate executive, Gordon Gekko, seeking to gain wealth through insider trading.  Today, rumors of insider trading continue to swell as individuals put aside integrity for the temptation of striking it rich.

Such is the case of a first century man whose position and social status opened the door for compromise.  For Judas Iscariot, his career was promising, chosen to be one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, Matthew 10:4.  While not given the honor of being part of Jesus’ inner circle like Peter, James and John, Mark 9:2-9, Judas did receive special authority to preach and drive out demons, Mark 3:14-15.  John 12:4-6 reveals that Judas was also given the special responsibility of treasurer, overseeing the money given to Jesus’ ministry.  As the keeper of the money bag, Judas’ role likely included taking care of meals, traveling and any other expenses accrued during Jesus’ 3 year ministry on earth.

When you read Mark 14:10-11, there is much more beneath the surface to explain Judas’ betrayal, insider trading and subsequent suicide.  This is where you enter into uncharted territory, as the Bible is silent on this matter.  Thus, the only hope to reach a conclusion is to try to uncover the vast clues left behind by scripture.

Theories about Judas Iscariot’s Betrayal:

1) Jesus was hard on his disciples, verbalizing his disappointment due to their lack of faith, Mark 8:21.

2) Maybe Judas was sensitive, eventually becoming a disgruntled servant after the incident in John 12:4-6, thinking he wasn’t appreciated or paid enough to continue following Jesus.

3) It’s possible that Jesus tirade in Mark 12:17 was the last straw, likely embarrassing people Judas knew.

4) Jesus messages on being rich offended Judas, Matthew 6:19-24, especially Jesus’ words to the rich young man in Matthew 19:16-25.

5) Judas thought Jesus would be an earthly king, raising to power as a ruler over Jerusalem, likely the same reason Peter turns from a fighter in Matthew 26:51 into a wimp moments later, Matthew 26:75.

Although, one of these may not be the exact reason for Judas’ betrayal, there is one thing Judas lacked.  Instead of entering into a personal relationship with Jesus like Nicodemus does at the end of his life, John 20:39-40, Judas remained an outsider spiritually.  In the process of accumulating wealth, Judas forfeited his soul, Matthew 16:26.  As Easter Sunday 2013 quickly approaches, make room in your heart for Jesus, by letting God into your life, Revelation 3:19-20.

by Jay Mankus

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A Not So Hallow Eve

Posted on November 11, 2012 by expressyourself4him

 

 

 

 

As the shelves of major retail stores make a transition from Halloween to Christmas, I was reminded today of the dangers Halloween represents.  While most children and some teenagers dressed up last week to go trick or treating, the naive fail to recognize the spiritual darkness that goes on behind the scenes.  When you examine the reality of demonic activity in scripture, this chocolate covered tradition is actually a not so hallow eve.

The most common Greek nouns used in scripture related to demons are daimon, similar to the main character in The Omen movie series and daimonion.  When translated into English, these 2 terms both refer to a demon or pagan gods as in Deuteronomy 32:17, 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 and Revelation 9:20.  Another Greek noun pneuna refers to a spirit, which is often accompanied with the adjective akatharatos meaning an unclean spirit like Mark 1:26-27 or poneros, an evil spirit which influenced Saul’s behavior in 1 Samuel 16:14-16.

Many churches struggle to communicate a balanced approach in this area, either ignoring demons completely or blaming the devil and his demons for each sin a Christian commits.  The purpose of this blog is not to scare people, but to make them aware of the dangers which exist in the spiritual realm, Ephesians 6:12.  If Jesus’ first command in Matthew 10:1 to his newly gathered disciples was to take authority over and drive out evil spirits from first century citizens, you would think there would be a sense of urgency in today’s church to do likewise.

However, Satan has convinced vast media outlets and many followers of Jesus that demons are few and far between today.  Meanwhile, anyone who speaks of exorcists or encounters with demons are often thrown under the per verbally bus, labeled as crazy, nuts and spiritual wackos.  Only those who reside in third world countries or have been part of missionary trips overseas can attest to the clear and present danger that demons present.  As demons continue to masquerade as drunk drivers, the insane and murderers, test the Bible for yourself so you won’t be caught off guard.  Maybe you too will come to a similar conclusion that October 31st is a not so hallow eve.

by Jay Mankus

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The Other 72 Disciples

Posted on March 14, 2012 by expressyourself4him

While the 12 disciples Jesus hand picked in Luke 9:1-6 get most of the attention, Luke’s gospel reveals a different story.  Sure, Jesus’ inner circle, James, John and Peter witnessed the transfiguration in Matthew 17, watched Jesus raise a dead girl to life in Mark 5:37-43 and were asked to stay with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane to pray with Him before Jesus is arrested in Matthew 26:37-42.  However, there must be a reason for a doctor to invest 24 verses in Luke 10 about these unknown men.  Meanwhile, Luke devotes just 6 verses in chapter 9 to the calling of 12 disciples.

Beginning in chapter 10, Luke uses the term appointed, meaning chosen, selected by Jesus as workers in the field.  Jesus’ goal for these 72 others was to yield a spiritual harvest by spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.  These men were expected to be led by to the Holy Spirit, going ahead of Jesus, to every nearby town and village to prepare people for His coming.  This is very similar to ministry organizations, who send prayer teams ahead of them into cities they will be having crusades, like Billy Graham Rally’s, so that once message of Christ is shared, Romans 10:17, people enter relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Like war, the people on the front line, laying their life on the line daily often get overlooked.  Unfortunately, the generals and strategic planners get most of the glory and headlines, leaving the true heroes in total obscurity.  The apostle Paul echoes a similar sentiment in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, while one spiritual gift may be perceived as greater than another, every person in the body of Christ is important.  Every person plays a vital role and without their gift being fanned into flame, their entire body suffers, not living up to its full potential.  So the next time you are feeling insignificant, remember the other 72 disciples and the part you can play as an under cover agent for the King of kings and Lord of lords.

by Jay Mankus

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