Tag Archives: diversion

The Diversion of Anger

Posted on June 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A diversion is an instance of turning something aside from its course. Diversions are usually found in Hollywood films, triggered by an event resulting in a chase scene. While often unrealistic, diversion scenes tend to be the most memorable such as the one in Bourne Identity and National Treasure. In the passage below, Rebekah comes up with a plan to save Jacob’s life, referred to by Moses as a diversion of anger.

So now, my son, do what I tell you; arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran; 44 Linger and dwell with him for a while until your brother’s fury is spent. 45 When your brother’s anger is diverted from you, he will forget [the wrong] that you have done him. Then [b]I will send and bring you back from there. Why should I be deprived of both of you in one day? – Genesis 27:43-45

When Esau realizes that he’s lost his father’s blessing of the first born to his younger brother, he loses it. Like the words of Hebrews 12:15, the root of bitterness took a stranglehold on Esau’s soul. When Rebekah overheard just how angry Esau became and what he was willing to do, she conceived another plan for Jacob. Rebekah thought that going away for an extended period of time would serve as a diversion for Esau’s anger.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:30-31.

Unfortunately, Able never got a warning from Eve, his mother, about Cain’s chilling plan. Perhaps Eve was a pacifist, not wanting to get involved or too consumed about her own life. Whatever the reason, there was no diversion for the hatred in Cain’s heart. The apostle Paul warns Christians in Ephesus to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit. The best modern diversion of anger is to follow the advice in the passage above. Those who put God’s Word into practice will be well on their way to diverting the anger fueled by their sinful nature.

by Jay Mankus

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The Enemy of Our Souls

Posted on February 25, 2018 by expressyourself4him

How you ever noticed the large-scale systematic plan that is occurring worldwide?  This clever marketing scheme distracts individuals from the real problem, the enemy of our souls.  The 2017 version of the film It has recently become the top grossing horror film of all time, amassing over 300 million in sales.  I’m amazed how people can take a diversion to a theater to experience their monthly fright night, yet fail to recognize the personal demons that terrorize individuals daily.  This invisible war is crushing, destroying and wounding human souls who don’t know what to do or how to fight back.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes, Ephesians 6:10-11.

Roman soldier’s were equipped with spikes on the bottom of their sandals.  Similar to techniques used during the Revolutionary War, battalions were taught to hold the line of defense so that the enemy could not come up from behind for a sneak attack.  Prior to any battle, Roman soldiers began to dig in like a baseball player entering the batter’s box.  This practice enabled warriors to secure their footing, entrenched and ready to fight.  Unfortunately, most people are caught off guard, flat footed, unable to stand up against the schemes of the Devil.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand, Ephesians 6:12-13.

As a former teacher, I made plenty of mistakes.  Some from a lack of experience, maturity or wisdom.  As I reflect upon this decade of my life, one common error that haunts me is overlooking specific details.  In the passage above, verse 12 gets most of the attention, unveiling the spiritual realm that exists in another dimension.  Yet, the end of verse 13 is the key, the solution to the enemy of our soul, making sure that you have done everything to stand.  Do you start end day with Bible Study, take time to pray, make the effort to fellowship with believers, seek out godly council and worship the Lord in song?  Depending upon your exposure to Christianity, this check list may be shorter or longer.  Nonetheless, if you truly want to live the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10, you have to prepare like a soldier gearing up for battle.  May this blog arm you with necessary resources to protect your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Suppressing the Majority

Posted on October 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When the facts don’t paint a pretty picture of a beloved figure, an ideology or movement, members of the media may be tempted to hide, suppress or redirect the public’s attention to a matter of less importance, serving as a diversion.  This practice often involves bottling, concealing, snuffing out or withholding essential information.  Subsequently, the majority can be silenced, kept in the dark about what is really happening in the world.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord,” Romans 12:19.

A camera without context can be dangerous in today’s society, unable to magnify the big picture or provide an accurate description of what has occurred.  Back in the mid to late 1990’s, I attended the first Promise Keepers’ event held at Soldier Field.  Bill McCartney packed the house Friday night as close to 65,000 men filled the home of the Chicago Bears.  Unfortunately, the headlines in the Chicago papers and television read, woman protest this sexist group.  New flash: there were 3 protesters Friday night and 1 on Saturday.  This is just another example of how a liberal media have suppressed the majority.

What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted, Proverbs 10:24.

Not much has changed over the past 20 years except cell phones and tablets have turned average citizens into newscasters.  Yet, depending on what you have caught on film can either be used to demonize an unpopular individual or stir up raw emotions within viewers.  As much as some people like being in control, no one can play God.  Whatever motives the medias possesses either bad or good will eventually be exposed.  Therefore, while the majority may be suppressed temporary, God will reward the righteous for staying the course in the end.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Power Nap

Posted on May 29, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzOgA2RV6Hs

While experiencing college, I discovered sleep was overrated.  During my sophomore year, I averaged five hours tops.  However, in the few spare moments that I had, I began to indulge in short naps, laying down for 15 to 30 minutes before resuming homework.  Subsequently, a strange phenomena occurred, waking up with a burst of energy as if I had slept for hours.

All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep, Jonah 1:5.

Although the experts claim individuals are at their best when having 8 hours of sleep per night, naps serve as a good alternative.  On the flip side, sleep can also act as a diversion, especially if someone is struggling with depression or merely attempting to escape reality.  Running away from God on a boat heading toward Tarshish, hurricane force winds caused the ship he was on to fill with water, Jonah 1:3-4.  Napping in the hull, this short rest prepared Jonah for a three day adventure inside a whale.

Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm, Mark 4:39.

Meanwhile, others use naps to test individuals, seeing whether or not pupils can survive on their own.  Thus, Jesus napped during the Bible’s White Squall, waiting to see how his disciples would respond.  Screaming like little girls in a haunted house, the twelve disciples woke up Jesus, assuming they were going to drown.  Unfazed, Jesus’ power nap allowed him to calm this storm with a few words.  Beyond the realm of sleep, an invisible force called the Holy Spirit is waiting for God’s children to get plugged into.  When and if Christians do, perhaps they too can experience the surge from a power nap,

by Jay Mankus

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