Tag Archives: experience the abundant life

Cleaning Out the Closet of Your Past

Posted on February 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As my wife and I prepare to move this summer, I find myself going through my closet once a week to figure out what else I need to get rid of. Over the past 25 years, I’ve accumulated a vast collection of golf attire and jackets. While I don’t wear every shirt, some of these remain on hangers as they hold great sentimental value. Yet, at some point I have to let go by cleaning out the closet of my past.

So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). 6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), Colossians 3:5-6.

The Bible refers to a different kind of closet. Rather than doing a load of laundry, the apostle Paul refers to actions, behaviors and lifestyles you engaged in prior to becoming a Christian. These selfish desires need to be removed permanently, but many new believers find it hard to let go of their past. Just like the clothes still hanging in my closet, you need to rid your life of any former impulses and sensual desires.

That each one of you should know how to [c]possess (control, manage) his own [d]body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, 5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, 6 That no man transgress and overreach his brother and defraud him in this matter or defraud his brother in business. For the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we have already warned you solemnly and [e]told you plainly. 7 For God has not called us to impurity but to consecration [to dedicate ourselves to the most thorough purity], 1 Thessalonians 4:4-7.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul provides a pep talk for anyone struggling to change for the better. Too many people make a public profession of faith, but live most of their lives like a chameleon, blending in depending upon their environment. Perhaps this explains the command in Matthew 16:24-27 to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus. As you take steps toward cleaning out the closet of your past, you’ll begin to experience glimpses of the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10. May the start of a new month kick start the remainder of 2022.

by Jay Mankus

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Reaching a Point Where You Can Come and Go Freely

Posted on October 22, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Anytime a child leaves home for college or a new job, a true sense of independence is realized. Unless you have a roommate, for the first time in life aspiring students don’t have anyone to tell them when to come or go. This freedom can be liberating with the whole world ready for you to explore. While the mature will be able to handle this, there are many college students and young adults who experience their own version of the prodigal son or daughter.

Jesus used this parable (illustration) with them, but they did not understand what He was talking about.7 So Jesus said again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that I Myself am the Door [a]for the sheep, John 10:6-7.

While the passage above isn’t the parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus provides the Bible’s version of the Motel 6 slogan. Instead of saying, “we’ll leave the light on for you,” Jesus introduces his open door policy for his followers. Referring to Himself as the Door, Jesus is the way to heaven. Unfortunately, countless individuals look for an alternate route, trying to find a back or side entrance. This invitation isn’t forced, but Jesus encourages his sheep to come and go as they please.

All others who came [as such] before Me are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not listen to and obey them. 9 I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture, John 10:8-9.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee in life. Jesus uses a hypothetical scenario of thieves and robbers who will disrupt your life. During these exchanges, you may have valuable possessions stolen from your car, house or place of work. This is what happens when sheep venture outside of God’s pen. Freewill allows any Christian to come and go as they wish. No one is forcing you to go to church, pray or read the Bible. Yet, if you want to experience the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10, listen to and obey the Shepherd. Then you will reach a point where you can come and go about life freely.

by Jay Mankus

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Fighting an Invisible Enemy

Posted on August 13, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Like many teenage boys, I was drawn toward horror flicks in high school. I’m not sure why I developed this unhealthy attraction, but the adrenaline of being scared out of my mind brought me back to the movies time after time. When I dreamed that I was being chased around my neighborhood by a beast or killer, I just assumed this was a harmless nightmare, Little did I realize that I was actually fighting an invisible enemy.

For such men are false apostles [spurious, counterfeits], deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ (the Messiah). 14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; 15 So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond with their deeds, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

As another Friday 13th approaches, it’s fitting that I was born on Saturday the 14th. I won’t read too much into this irony, but the apostle Paul warns Christians of what believers in God are up against. Following in the footsteps of his heavenly identity Lucifer, this fallen angel is a spiritual magician who is the master of deception. Just as this cunning serpent deceived Adam and Eve, human beings are fooled every day by this invisible enemy.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:9-10.

In the passage above, Jesus suggests that Satan tries to convince people that there is more than one way to enter heaven. As the gullible begin to search for this back door, character is stolen, dreams are killed and lives are destroyed. Jesus didn’t come to earth to condemn those who wonder off, but to seek and to save the lost, Luke 19:10. Therefore, as your eyes are opened to this invisible enemy, come to Jesus so you can begin to experience the abundant life.

by Jay Mankus

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Finding A Shack to Meet with God

Posted on April 29, 2018 by expressyourself4him

There isn’t anything that God asks individuals to do that his son Jesus didn’t already model on earth.  Apparently, spending time alone with God was so important that Jesus got up earning in the morning to meet with his heavenly father.  While this location is not mentioned by name it involves a secluded place, probably in the mountains outside of town.  If you want to emulate Christ in all ways the first step should be finding a shack, an isolated location to meet with God.

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there, Mark 1:35.

In the 2017 film based upon the 2007 book written by William P. Young, the Shack contains a scene where the main character receives a invitation to meet God in a shack.  The only problem is that this is the place where Mack’s daughter was murdered.  Confiding in a friend, Mack is not sure if this mysterious card in the mail is a trap sent by the his daughter’s killer, a sick prank or God?  Afraid and curious, Mack ends up spending a weekend with God that transforms his life.

Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, 37 and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!”Mark 1:36-37

The passage above details the hindrance that awaits anyone hoping to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.  If you don’t wake up early enough or find a setting without distractions, your time with God will be interrupted.  Pastor Tommy Nelson of Denton Bible Church has a saying for any believer who rushes through their morning devotion.  Nelson refers to this as a spiritual spit bath, void of the living water.  In view of this analogy, if you want to celebrate and experience the abundant life of John 10:10, make your preparations today to find your shack to meet with God.

by Jay Mankus

 

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