Tag Archives: a fresh start

Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

There’s an expression that has been used by various Hollywood productions in the last half century.  “Fake it until you make it” derives from cognitive behavior therapy.  This saying is meant to coerce someone into believing they can do something prior to possessing the confidence, knowledge and or training.  The idiom “act is if you are” is similar to Aristotle’s idea to be virtuous you must act as a virtuous individual.

Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!” – Mark 9:23

The opposite of this mentality is confessing your weaknesses.  This goes against modern beliefs that cause many to go through life living a lie.  Unfortunately, those who follow in these footsteps are not trusting God.  According to the passage above, all things are possible in life, but first you must believe and trust in Jesus.  If you come to your senses, you may be inspired like one father to profess, “help me overcome my unbelief.”

 Immediately the father of the boy cried out [with a desperate, piercing cry], saying, “I do believe; help [me overcome] my unbelief,” Mark 9:24.

The earthly brother of Jesus reflects upon his own struggle in life.  Jealous of his perfect brother, resentment filled his heart, not believing the outlandish statements of Jesus.  Like many unbelieving souls, the resurrection transformed James.  This led him to write James 5:16, noting that a public confession is the first step toward healing.  Therefore, if you want a fresh start in life, cry out to the Lord to help overcome any remaining unbelief.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

To Be Somebody

American sitcoms feed on a hidden desire within the human soul, everyone wants to be somebody.  This sense of desperation often causes young people to force the issue, pretending to be someone on television rather than come to grips with reality.  As a result, immaturity extends into the twenty somethings, seeking approval instead of developing the person inside.

The group Thousand Foot Krutch sings about this topic in their song Be Somebody, appearing on their 2012 album The End is Where We Begin  These lyrics indirectly mention the  apostle Paul’s image of a boy looking into a mirror, hoping to grow out of childish ways, 1 Corinthians 13:11-12.  Like anything in life, change takes time, especially if ignorance, peer pressure or rebellion lead you down a path you didn’t want to follow.

The Bible provides an alternative road for those who seek a greater meaning and higher purpose in life.  Psalm 1:1-3 paints a picture of an evergreen tree, staying green year long, not changing colors like a chameleon to blend into their environment.  Jesus offers a fresh start, John 8:10-11, as long as you are willing to leave your life of sin.  If you truly want a legacy, to be somebody beyond your wildest imagination, your first step is to become born again, John 3:3-5.  The choice is yours.

by Jay Mankus

The Second Chance

For a decade, Extreme Makeover Home Edition set out across the United States, searching for families desperately in need of a second chance in life.  More recently, John Taffer and the Bar Rescue crew has scanned bars, clubs and restaurants across the country in danger of closing, breathing in each establishment new life.  Unfortunately, many families, homes and local businesses die before they receive a second chance.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah was one of the first to recount God’s ability to give individual souls a second chance.  Lamentations 3:21-25 records this good news, the idea that God gives people a fresh start every morning.  Unfathomable to the average sinner, God’s compassion, faithfulness and mercy is far as the east is from the west according to Psalm 103:12, infinite.

Like a squeaky clean white board which has eliminated traces of previous blemishes made by expo markers, the Lord wants to give everyone a second chance, Isaiah 1:18.  The apostle Paul concurs, describing a love that keeps no record of wrongs, 1 Corinthians 13:5.  Often, the only thing standing in the way of forgiveness is yourself, beating yourself up instead of letting go of the past.  Therefore, say and believe the words of David in Psalm 51:10-12 so that you will experience a second chance today!

by Jay Mankus