Tag Archives: being set free

Blame it on the Jet Stream

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd1hOlMLJpk

In 1989, the song Blame it on the Rain reached number one for two weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.  This was Milli Vanilli’s third number one single.  However, Milli Vanilli’s fame and fortune was short lived, running off the stage during the middle of a concert.  What the world eventually found out, these two stars were lip syncing each song, not the actual singers of their music.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless, James 1:26.

In this age of environmentalism, today’s weather patterns are used by some scientists to claim this is proof of global warming.  However, if meteorologists can’t accurately predict tomorrow’s forecast with all their fancy technology, there must be some other force at work in the earth’s atmosphere,  If you want a scapegoat, blame it on the Jet Stream.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us, 1 John 1:8-10.

History has a way of exposing imposters, liars and those covering up the truth.  Whether its a group like Milli Vanilli, global warming or secrets from the past, time will bring what was once in darkness into the light.  Therefore, don’t get caught up in arguments that occur weekly on cable television and talk radio.  Rather, live your life as an open book, confess your short comings and may the truth about Christ set you free.

by Jay Mankus

Ride Forth in Victory

Like the classic Queen song, We are the Champions, the thrill of victory is much sweeter than dealing with loss.  During my first season of coaching high school golf, I started 4-0 and finished 0-6.  Eight years later I saw an 8-1 team on the verge of making states, collapse down the stretch, going 1-5-1 missing states by a few percentage points.  While achieving victory on earth varies from person to person, you can ride forth in victory with confidence spiritually, 1 John 5:13.

According to the sons of Korah, 3 things as essential to secure victory, Psalm 45:4.

1. Truth

When Jesus spoke to a group of Jews during his last year on earth, he claimed that holding to his teaching leads to spiritual insight, John 8:31.  Jesus boldly proclaimed, “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” John 8:32.

2. Humility

The wisest man beside Jesus to walk the face of the earth is Solomon based upon rulings like 1 Kings 3:16-28.  After being blessed with fame, riches and power, Solomon learned the dangers of pride, Proverbs 11:2.  His advice to cope with this inclination is to fear the Lord, humbling yourself until honor is bestowed, Proverbs 15:33.

3. Righteousness

One of the most famous church hymns was inspired by Jesus’ sermon on the mount, Seek Ye First.  In the segment of his message on proper and improper motives, Jesus introduces the secret to eliminating worry.  When you come to the point in your life where you seek first God’s kingdom and righteous, the Lord promises to provide for all of your emotional, physical and spiritual needs.

May this teaching give you a blue print to ride forth in victory.  Let us know how your journey toward victory is going.

by Jay Mankus

Escaping the Dungeon of Doubt

Although their initial origin is disputed, the word dungeon is likely derived from the Frankish term dungjo, referring to a vault, a concealed and hidden space.  By the 14th century, the English developed underground prisons within their castles also known as oubliettes due to their typical shape and design.  According to Genesis 41:14, prisoners went without bathing or shaving, stuck in a living hell hole on earth.  In Joseph’s case, he was waiting on God for more than 2 years to set him free.

Today, these man made structures have been replaced by an invisible pit, deep inside the human soul.  Formed by doubt, this dungeon is like a haunted house, creepy, dark and void of hope.  When an individual appears to be reaching the top of this hole, disbelief and skepticism often hinder progress as the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2, maintains his grip, holding a saint in bondage for yet another day, Ephesians 6:12.  While self conceit and doubt wrestle for control, a life filled with disappointment serves as dark clouds, blocking any rays of optimism, paralyzing a believer from fully escaping.

Like a patient receiving medical attention, nightmares, scars and seeds of doubt linger after your release.  The human mind serves as a sponge, absorbing the trauma you have endured, playing tricks on you once freed from the devil’s talons.  Thus, one needs a spiritual reboot, cleansing all the viruses you have been infected by through the word of God, Colossians 2:6-8.  The Bible presents people with truth serum, replacing doubt with faith, Romans 10:17.  While not fully healed until heaven, Psalm 119:105 introduces curious onlookers to the only full proof escape route from the dungeon of doubt.

by Jay Mankus