Tag Archives: Cinderella stories

Who Needs a Treaty When There is the Lord

Posted on August 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The more I study the book of Genesis, the more I realize the need for a sense of spiritual direction for Israel. The addictions, bad habits, and unwholesome cravings displayed throughout the first book in the Bible illustrate the disease of sin deep inside the hearts and souls of mankind. When Simeon and Levi sought revenge over peace, Jacob was worried that surrounding nations would unite to completely wipe out Israel.

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have ruined me, making me infamous and embroiling me with the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites! And we are few in number, and they will gather together against me and attack me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my household, Genesis 34:30.

The term treaty describes a variety of instruments, including conventions, agreements, arrangements, protocols, covenants, charters, and acts all done in the name of upholding peace. However, when Israel makes treaties in the Old Testament, they are putting their trust in another nation rather than the God of Abraham. In the passage below, Moses suggests who needs a treaty when the terror of the Lord consumes surrounding nations.

And they journeyed and a terror from God fell on the towns round about them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. 6 So Jacob came to Luz, that is, Bethel, which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people with him. 7 There he built an altar, and called the place El-bethel [God of Bethel], for there God revealed Himself to him when he fled from the presence of his brother, Genesis 35:5-6.

If you tend to be into mathematics, numbers, and statistics, the odds of Israel surviving as a nation in the 21st century isn’t good on paper. Yet, somehow and some way, the God of Abraham continues to watch over Israel today. When you search the internet for miraculous wars survived by Israel, a list of 17 different modern accounts exist. These Cinderella stories should not have happened, but the God of Abraham continues to do the impossible, using terror over treaties.

by Jay Mankus

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He Ain’t All That

Posted on June 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

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

In every success story, there are two primary factors which often impact the final chapter to each Cinderella story.  The first involves an individual with talent, dedicated to mastering his or her trade.  Discipline, hard work and sacrifices can lead to fame and fortune.  While on the rise, friends, family and relatives begin to develop a sense of entitlement, expecting some sort of payment for their involvement in the process.  When this obligation is not met, things can get ugly as those on the outside looking in respond with, “he ain’t all that!”

Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. – Mark 6:3

This tragedy of society is nothing new.  Jesus dealt with a similar situation as he went back to his hometown to teach at the synagogue.  Whether it is envy or jealousy, people can be cruel, taking occasional jabs to lessen your accomplishments.  In the case of Jesus, the negativity of the crowds grew, causing his ability to heal to decline.  As the murmurs of “he ain’t all that” intensified, this lack of faith restricted the power of God from being displayed.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” – Mark 6:4

With the invention of social media, ordinary people get their kicks out of trashing celebrities, professional athletes and those in the media.  Perhaps by tearing others down, insecure souls feel a little better about themselves.  Although misery loves company, lives will not change for the better until an environment for healing is formed.  Therefore, the next time you get the urge to say, “he ain’t all that,” follow the principles of James 5:16 so that the resurrection power of Christ can be unleashed.

by Jay Mankus

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