Tag Archives: enlighten

When You Begin to Lose God’s Favor

Posted on December 3, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When the outcome to a day, week or year does not end as you expect, hoped for and seek, there are various explanations to consider.  Perhaps, its not your time to receive what you desire.  Maybe others are more qualified or simply worked harder than you.  However, at some point you might have to consider that you are losing God’s favor.

He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything, Luke 15:16.

A first century doctor recounts a parable shared by Jesus.  This story illustrates how its possible to lose God’s favor.  Instead of waiting for his father’s inheritance, the prodigal son forced the issue.  This thirst for earthly riches led to a chain of events resulting in one bad decision after the other.  Before this young man knew it, the prodigal was broke, homeless and longed to eat the sloop fed to unclean pigs.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD‘s purpose that prevails, Proverbs 19:21.

Whenever you hit rock bottom, the first step to recovery is coming to your senses.  Once former thoughts of rationalizing sin disappear, individuals can begin to acknowledge their wayward steps.  Thus, the best way to repair your relationship with God starts with confession, humility and public apologies.  If you’re struggling to grasp why things are going your way in life, may the Holy Spirit enlighten you so that you can regain God’s favor.

by Jay Mankus

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Back to the Way Things Were

Posted on December 26, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The Wizard of Oz is an American classic, airing annually on several networks.  While the characters on screen became bigger than life, the symbolism behind this film still exists.  The Wizard of Oz is compared to the United States government, promising the world, but rarely upholding their end of the bargain.  Thus, whether its health care, jobs or social security, many individuals are being let down, disappointed by politician after politician.

But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers, Acts 14:2.

Today, the media is trying to protect the great wizard of Oz, poisoning the minds of Americans who dare to question those in power.  Like the character on film hiding behind the veiled curtain, cameras are trying to convey a different picture than reality.  Assaulting the character of individuals, demonizing their beliefs and portraying an exaggerated point of view is all part of the daily charade known of liberal talking points.  However, America is still waiting for the next Dorothy to expose those hiding behind this facade.

Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them, Acts 14:15.

During the first century, Paul and Barnabas tried to enlighten the Jews about God.  Fearful of these men, religious leaders began to spread lies, hoping to keep members of their synagogues from converting to Christianity.  Unfortunately, these practices still exist as jealousy is causing modern leaders to confuse those on the verge of conversion.  Perhaps, this is why Paul encouraged his followers to test everything, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 so that minds don’t become poisoned by false and inaccurate teaching.  Now that Christmas is over don’t go back to way things were.  Rather, embrace the promise of Emmanuel, God with us, so that the circumstances of life doesn’t bring you down.

by Jay Mankus

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