Tag Archives: a higher power

The Parable of 3 Umpires

Posted on June 28, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Despite the strike zone box displayed on modern television broadcasts, each Major League Baseball umpire has their own unique interpretation of what is a strike. There are 3 main theories when it comes to calling balls and strikes. Some follow the standard “I call it as I see it.” Others are more precise, waiting a brief moment before making a decision, often irritating players on the field and coaches in the dugout. Younger umps tend to follow a post modernism perspective where the truth of their strike zone is relative.

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future], John 16:13.

Every year coaches and manages of baseball teams around the country argue with umpires about their strike zone. Some of these adults may receive a warning while others will be thrown out after losing control of their emotions. Whether you agree with a particular umpire or not, Jesus refers to a higher power that will help individuals locate the truth. The Holy Spirit was introduced by Jesus as a spiritual counselor that will guide you toward the truth. God’s Spirit was designed to help you overcome the bad breaks and blown calls that go against you in life.

Pilate said to Him, What is Truth? On saying this he went out to the Jews again and told them, I find no fault in Him, John 18:38.

Just before Jesus is handed over to be crucified, a first century governor wants to know what truth is. Following a series of questions. Pilate found no fault in Jesus. Despite his position of power, the religious leaders turned the crowd against Jesus as Barabbas was released and Jesus was put to death in his place. From an umpire’s perspective, Jesus was safe. Yet, God’s will was for Jesus was to seek to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10. This blown call by the Chief Priest and elders was all part of God’s plan, John 3:16-17. Balls and strikes don’t matter as long as you see the big picture, Romans 5:8.

by Jay Mankus

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Two Masters One Choice

Posted on November 9, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The Masters of the Universe franchise debuted in 1982.  This creation by Mattel includes toys, animation, film, comics, books, videogames and spin-offs.  The most popular character in this series was He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.  Like Samson of the Bible, there was no hero who could match the superhuman strength of He-Man.  Yet, in real life, there is someone who will come along that is bigger, faster or stronger than their predecessor.  No matter how gifted you are, at some point you will have to call upon and rely on a higher power.

 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so if your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts]. 23 But if your eye is bad [spiritually blind], your whole body will be full of darkness [devoid of God’s precepts]. So if the [very] light inside you [your inner self, your heart, your conscience] is darkness, how great and terrible is that darkness! – Matthew 6:22-23

There is another Master who is not a person, but many individuals benefit from the services it provides.  The concept of a master credit card was conceived when several California banks joined together to form Interbank Master Charge.  From 1966 to 1979, Mastercard was branded as the credit card to want and use.  Today, Mastercard is merely a name from the past, bought out by Visa which has carried on its legacy in the credit industry.  When I was a child, the only credit card my parents held was work related, for business expenses only.  In modern times, adults have multiple credit cards, charging away until shocking bills arrive in the mail or online.

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord], Matthew 6:24.

Typically, when I hear a sermon about money, pastors quote 1 Timothy 6:10, the love of money is the root of all evil.  However, the words of Jesus above refer to a heart issue.  Do you trust God to provide daily bread for your needs in life?  Or are your self reliant, putting all the onus on yourself to make enough money to live a decent life?  While there are different levels of commitment on both sides, Jesus wants to know who are you going to serve.  The Master of the Universe, (the giver of life) or the Mastercard that provides access to the finer things in life.  Although the second choice is tempting, faith, prayer and the Word of God will lead you in the right direction.  Two masters, but freewill enables you to make up your mind.  Choose wisely.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Captivated or Captured?

Posted on July 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Growing up in the 1980’s, arcades, malls and skating rinks were places teenagers congregated for social interaction.  Subsequently, I developed a soft spot in my heart for video games, longing to master the pattern for Pac-Man, flip Space Invaders from 999,999 back to zero on my Atari and complete every stage of Dragon’s Lair, one of the first games in 3D.  Looking back, I wonder if I was merely captivated by this new form of entertainment or was I captured by the devil, 2 Corinthians 4:4?

Compromise doesn’t happen over night.  Rather, the father of lies places subtle thoughts into your mind, hoping you will bite, James 1:13-15.  For the first 14 years of my life, I was hooked, spending countless hours on my Atari seeking to enter the hall of fame for each game I owned, taking a picture with a polaroid camera of my score or time.  However, with each accomplishment, excitement soon passed, creating a void in my heart that video games did not fulfill.  Breaking this habit was difficult, needing assistance from a higher power.

By the middle of my sophomore year of high school, I was ready, captivated by a man in wheelchair, claiming to be a famous athlete.  After receiving over 1,000 full scholarships in 4 different sports, a water skiing accident left Skip Wilkins paralyzed from the waist down.  Despite his humbling disposition, there was something different about him.  Whatever Skip had inside of him, I wanted.  Thus, when an altar call was offered, I was one of the first to come down, captivated by a godly witness and now captured by a forgiving Savior, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

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Yes…There is a God!

Posted on August 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

There is a tiny portion, possibly within the human soul, that wants to believe there is a higher power beyond the earth, with an Almighty God who maintains control over the universe.  Yet, there is also another inclination inside individuals that seeks to test God.  This is what I call the “if only syndrome,” where people place conditions on their prayers.  God if only you can do this, give me that or provide this type of job, then I will believe and follow you.

Based upon what I read today in Genesis 29:4-12, Jacob becomes overwhelmed, proclaiming, “yes, there is a God.”  After having the talk with his parents, Genesis 28:1-5, he is sent out to find a godly wife among the relatives of Abraham.  Heartbroken by Esau’s choice in a wife, Isaac and Rebekah seek to avoid having another son make the same mistake.  Thus, just as Abraham sent a servant to find a wife for Isaac, Isaac now entrusts his son find to rely on Lord as he follows his father’s advice.  His answered prayer becomes crystal clear in Genesis 29:11.

In a state of shock, Jacob kisses Rachel without permission, then his excitement brings tears of joy to his eyes.  Jacob was blown away by the goodness, power and quickness in which God replied to his prayers.  Like Jacob, there at moments in life where God snaps His fingers and before our own very eyes, prayers are answered.  Sure, the skeptic who will say, “even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every so often, you’re just lucky or maybe it was just a coincidence?”  However, as I turn 44 years old today, living nearly 30 as a follower of Christ, I can say without a doubt, yes, there is a God!

by Jay Mankus

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