Tag Archives: book-review

Passage of the Day:

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. ⁴⁴ Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. ⁴⁵ Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation,” Matthew 12:43-45.

Reflection:

PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray lost a wrestling match with the demons from his past on Saturday, May 25. After winning the Sony Open in early 2024, Grayson opened up about his previous alcohol addiction. In a press conference, Grayson shared that this battle resulted in a newfound faith in Jesus. While social media has exploded over this Christian’s suicide, what likely happened to Grayson in those fateful hours leading up to his decision is detailed by one of Jesus’ disciples. Grayson gave the Devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:27, and the lies of the demon of suicide convinced him to end his life like Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.

Prayerful Action:

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷ but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God, Hebrews 10:26-27.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

James 5:19-20 suggests that some Christians will just get into heaven, like the humble criminal on the cross who died next to Jesus. While the details of Grayson’s suicide haven’t been released, it’s quite probably that on death’s door, common sense filled his mind exclaiming, “what have I done?” As the days and weeks pass, critics of Grayson will question his salvation. Yet, as a former Bible Teacher, seminary student and writer, Grayson was overwhelmed by one or multiple demons. Depressed and hopeless, evil whispers were too strong for Grayson to resist. May the untimely death of Grayson Murray inspire you to take your own mental health serious by coming to the foot of the cross to unload all of your burdens and concerns in life, Matthew 11:28-30. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi, until you get your own life right, you won’t be able to help others the way God desires, Philippians 2:1-5.

Song of the Day:

While Hollywood may pretend that the Devil is just part of classic thrillers, demonic forces have invaded America, seeking to steal, kill and destroy souls, John 10:10. Grayson Murray is simply the most recent victim who lost his battle wrestling with demons. Surround your life and those whom you love with a hedge of protection in the form of prayer so that Abundant Lives rooted in Christ, Colossians 2:6-7, will defeat future demonic attacks.

by Jay Mankus