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Tag Archives: disenfranchised

Bitterness or Sweet?

Posted on June 5, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon how well your are connected in your community or at work, it doesn’t take much to notice the content from the disenfranchised.  Some people feed off of bitterness, often poisoning positive individuals.  Meanwhile, the encouraging need to work extra hard to ward off negativity.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Hebrews 12:15.

When my children  were younger, I enjoyed watching Veggie Tales.  My favorite was the Rumor Weed illustrating an important lesson for anyone.  If you allow evil to take root in your life, bitterness usually follows.  For this reason, the author Hebrews warns readers about how bitterness can become an obstacle to obtaining God’s grace.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20

Sweetness is received when sinners are forgiven, pardoned by God through the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Yet, there are forces of darkness that continue to steal joy from this life.  As demonic influences manipulate unknowing accomplices, some are deceived calling evil good.  If you listen and watch carefully to voices in the media, Isaiah’s prophecy is being fulfilled.  In view of this growing bitterness, may the power of the Holy Spirit protect you and lead you to the sweet promises of hope found in the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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What Am I Suppose to Do Now?

Posted on June 26, 2015 by expressyourself4him

After his suffering, Jesus presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God, Acts 1:3.

Without the resurrection, followers of Jesus would have disbanded, fearful of the same fate Jesus endured.  However, common sense, logic and eyewitness accounts of a risen Jesus weeks after his death suggest the disciples were emboldened.  When the Holy Spirit fell upon these individuals on the Day of Pentecost, this guiding light and mighty counselor laid the foundation for the modern Christian church to build upon.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them, Acts 2:4.

Unfortunately, revisionist historians, time and persecution have caused many churches to disown parts of the Bible like Peter who denied his association with Jesus.  As atheistic and liberal groups turn up the heat, believers are abandoning their convictions, trying to please mankind rather than God.  Afraid of having their tax exempt status revoked, recent trials are producing a generation of wimpy Christians.  Although some are fighting on the front line, many are disenfranchised, floating from one house of worship to another.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ, Galatians 1:10.

Struggling to find my place in this world, one question is staring me in the face, “what I am suppose to do now?”  Although writing this blog is a good start, its independent of any church.  Thus, the church is not failing; its servants like me who are sitting on the sidelines playing Monday Morning Quarterback.  In view of this, I need to get off the bench, exercise my spiritual gifts and get back in the game.  Join me in flaming into flame the gifts and talents God has blessed you with.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When Your Cries Reach Heaven’s Ears

Posted on February 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes the Lord saves the best for last.  In the longest chapter of the Bible, God unveils a secret about prayer in the final stanza of Psalm 119.  According to this passage, whenever human beings experience disappointment without any logical explanation, people tend to stray from God and His commands.  Before giving up all hope, many pour out their hearts to God, praying that their cries for answers will reach heaven’s ears.

May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. – Psalm 119:169

One of the reasons I pray is to seek understanding for the trials I have endured.  Although James 1:2-4 warns individuals to expect difficulty in life, the Bible also promises to hear our cries, Psalm 4:1.  Thus, whenever anyone spreads out their hands toward heaven and does not receive any tangible signs of improvement, resentment is a typical reply.  If these days of darkness persist, the disenfranchised will continue to grow, often going beyond the church doors to find answers to life.

May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. – Psalm 119:170

However, for those who follow in the footsteps of the persistent widow, Luke 18:1-8, one day you will see the hand of God at work.  Upon receiving a response from heaven, a sensation of praise will overwhelm your lips.  Perhaps this feeling led David to develop a heart of prayer while tending sheep in the fields, 1 Samuel 16:7.  Although days of answered prayers may be few and far between, promises to bless, heal and protect keep me going, thirsting for more.  May you resolve to keep on praying until your cries reach heaven’s ears, Psalm 119:169-176.

by Jay Mankus

 

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You Can’t Have Favor Without the But

Posted on February 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The idea of taking a short cut is enticing, saving time and effort.  However, if this risk doesn’t pay off, unfortunate souls are left to swim in a pool of disappointment.  When success becomes a distant memory, blame is often shifted to the big Guy upstairs.  Nonetheless, you can’t experience the favor of God until you display the but.

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8

For those of you have who been disenfranchised by faith, you need to draw your attention toward a teenager from Israel.  Despite living through the fall of Judah to Babylon, Daniel remained faithful to the values instilled in him by his parents.  When encouraged to abandon the practices of his youth, Daniel resolved not to defile himself.  God did not bless this young man until the but prompted Daniel to take a stand.

Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel – Daniel 1:9.

Years prior to this event, one of the forefathers of faith helped connect the dots to the hand of God.  According to Moses, obedience is the first step to obtaining the Lord’s favor, Deuteronomy 28:1.   Yet, unless the commands of the Bible are carefully followed, favor will be unattainable.  In modern times, developing a Matthew 6:33 mindset is a great starting point, opening the door for one to receive God’s daily bread.  May this blog help you see the but comes first before God’s favor.

by Jay Mankus

 

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