Tag Archives: Castle

When God Goes Under Cover

Posted on July 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The concept of going undercover is a common element found in popular drama series. Whether it’s shows like Bones or Castle, the goal for going under cover is trying to obtain crucial information in order to solve a crime or murder. As Jacob prepares to meet his brother for the first time since Esau threatened to kill his brother, God goes undercover in the form of an angel.

So the present went on before him, and he himself lodged that night in the camp. 22 But he rose up that [same] night and took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons and passed over the ford [of the] Jabbok. 23 And he took them and sent them across the brook; also he sent over all that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak, Genesis 32:21-24.

Just as the apostle Paul writes about spiritual forces of evil in Ephesians 6:12, God has an army of angels directed by archangels Gabriel and Michael, Daniel 10:13. The author of Hebrews refers to angels as being able to appear as a human being, Hebrews 13:2, causing Christians to interact with them without even knowing it. This is another example of how God may go under cover.

And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! 28 And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed, Genesis 32:25-28.

One of my favorite moments of teaching is sharing personal encounters with angels in a small group setting. I tend to recount a few stories from the Pax Television series It’s a Miracle which give me goosebumps of how amazing it is when God goes under cover. Although you may not sense or see this personally, somewhere behind the scenes prayers are being lifted up to guide you toward safety.

by Jay Mankus

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Longing for Something Made to Last

Posted on April 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you’re impatient like me, I get bored easily when I watch television. The last television series I regularly watched was 24, more than a decade ago. Although I may get lost from time to time when marathons of Bones, Castle or Joan of Arcadia come on, I prefer thinking rather than watching. While Joan of Arcadia is one of the few series that satisfied my spiritual hunger, I still long for something made to last.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship, Romans 12:1.

The apostle Paul touches on this topic in today’s featured passage. If you’re searching for something made to last, pursuing a spiritual act of worship is a great place to start. Paul uses a similar analogy in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, adding freewill to make Christians examine their degree of dedication to the Lord. Whenever you chose to follow God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25, you’re well on the way to pleasing the Lord.

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:2.

However, if you want to leave a spiritual legacy on earth, discovering God’s will for your life is the place to start. In a letter to a teenage pastor, Paul urges believers to put their spiritual gift and talents into action, 2 Timothy 1:6. A list can be found of these gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:1-13. If you want to be all you can be in life, reaching your full potential, long for something made to last by pursuing God’s will for your life on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Guilt by Association

Posted on June 6, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Television is filled with shows based upon the concept guilt by association.  Whether you prefer dramas like Bones, Castle, CSI or NCIS, each follow a similar format.  A death, murder or victim is found in the opening scene.  Crime scene investigators collect evidence, put together a list of suspects and use modern technology to solve each case.  Initially, the obvious culprits are interviewed leading the audience in one direction before a twist or turn take authorities to a previously unknown person of interest.  Although some episodes are based upon true stories, viewers of these programs should be weary of their own friends with troubled pasts.

Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers), Psalm 1:1.

The first chapter of the longest book in the Bible addresses guilt by association.  The passage above provides a short list of what to do and what not to do.  The author uses walking to illustrate how you can begin hanging out the wrong people.  Though walking is an innocent act, its like an open door into another world.  The further you walk with someone, the more you begin to accept, embrace and stand for ungodly beliefs.  However, the moment you sit down with this crowd, joining and participating in similar acts commences.  This passage serves as a warning, encouraging souls to avoid guilt by association through seeking God’s blessings.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.  And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity], Psalm 1:2-3.

The passage above provides a blueprint for those who desire to please God.  Meditating on God’s Word, the Bible helps prevent individuals from walking, standing and joining inappropriate acts, behavior and deeds.  Meanwhile, spiritual disciplines like Bible Study, prayer and worship rejuvenate souls daily as if drinking from the living water mentioned in John 4:14.  If you clearly want to avoid guilt by association in the future, live out the apostle Paul’s advice in Colossians 2:6-7 to become deeply rooted in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

 

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