Joseph, the son of Jacob, lives out a similar nightmare beginning in Genesis 37:12, continuing until Genesis 40:23. His brother’s faked his death, he was sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape and forgotten by the king’s cupbearer while in prison. Despite these unfortunate and untimely events, Joseph demonstrates a perseverance mentioned in James 1:2-4. Lost in time, Joseph displays an unswerving faith until God rescues him from the chains of prison, Genesis 41:14.
by Jay Mankus
Tom Petty’s 1989 song Free Fallin’ refers to a boy who broke up with a decent girl, breaking her heart. As a result, a sense of guilt leads Petty toward a downward spiral, free falling into a state of depression. On the surface, many are great at hiding their pain, trying to stay cool or avoid unwanted attention. Yet, deep inside the average soul, hurt is accumulating day by day, searching for someone or something to elevate this weight.
In Acts 11:1-3, a similar burden was lifted from the church, opening the heavens for a spiritual free fall. Up until this point, Jewish law prohibited anyone in this faith to associate with Gentiles, especially partaking in unclean food according to Leviticus 11. However, angelic intervention, 2 visions and a message from God redefined a Jews perspective of impurity, Acts 11:8-10. Everything changed in Acts 11:15 as the Holy Spirit, fell upon the Gentiles in Caesarea.
According to the apostle Paul, God allows this to happen periodically, as He determines, 1 Corinthians 12:11. This spiritual free fall is for the common good of the church, 1 Corinthians 12:6, occurring throughout the book of Acts 2:4, 4:31, 10:44-46 and so on. Unfortunately, seminary’s, the school which trains future pastor’s, disagree with the book of Acts, claiming this was a momentary, supernatural out pouring of the Spirit, no longer active, ceasing to exist. This notion has caused many in the church to free fall, questioning the existence of God.
While I don’t have the answer or power to end this thousand year old debate, I do want to prevent future believers from free falling from the faith. If God can part a sea in the Old Testament and cause a dead man to rise from the grave after 3 days in the New Testament, why can’t the Holy Spirit free fall today to commence another spiritual awakening? Although, prayers shouldn’t treat God like someone going to a check out counter, Matthew 21:21-22 promises great things to those who believe. If you follow in the footsteps of George Whitfield, you might just experience another spiritual free fall.
by Jay Mankus
Steven Curtis Chapman once jokingly sang about being in love or having the flu bug during his Great Adventure Concert Tour. Likewise, Psalm 85:10 describes 4 attributes, which when joined together develop chemistry. When love and faithfulness connect, its as if righteousness and peace kiss.
Daily emotions rise and fall, leaving behind periods of ecstasy and agony. While God’s love never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8, human love is similar to Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus by a kiss. Matthew 26:48-49. The side effects of Genesis 3:17-19 has turned the love of many ice cold like Demas in 2 Timothy 4:10. On the outside there are signs of warmth, but internally the heart has been corrupted, Jeremiah 17:9.
Beside the fallen nature of mankind, Romans 3:23, there are traces of this spiritual element. Honest and truthful words are like a kiss on the lips, Proverbs 24:26. Fellowship with other believers brings out a kindred spirit, Acts 4:32-35. The theological virtues of charity, faith and hope, 1 Corinthians 13:13, make love possible. Finally, the cherry on the top is Colossians 3:13-14, making spiritual kisses a reality through the power of the Holy Spirit! On this Mother’s Day, be a vehicle of adoration, passing on the love of Jesus to all you encounter!
by Jay Mankus
As far as I can remember, I grew up in a strict Roman Catholic Church: taking my first communion there, going to C.C.D. and finally completing the confirmation process. In my early years, nuns would strike you with a yard stick if you couldn’t quote the Our Father or Hail Mary when put on the spot. When I got older, it bothered me that the priest had the final say, only his interpretation of scripture was valid. Thus, in high school, I began a quest to find out more about the Bible, looking beyond just the Catholic faith for answers.
This journey has lead me to passages like Acts 7:51. Whether you are a Catholic, Protestant , Jew or some other religion, sometimes its hard to break the traditions that have been engraved within your mind. When your priest, pastor or rabbi says something, most assume, this must be true. However, religious practices often enable leaders to usurp power over their flock, holding them captive to traditions. Similar patterns exist today, as seminary teaches future shepherds to follow theological practices, often overlooking the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says live by faith, not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:7. The apostle Paul furthers this concept in Galatians 5:25, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, day by day, not just when we feel like or want to follow. I am afraid that many Christians are so busy following orders and pursuing practices, they have been oblivious to the fact they are actually resisting the Holy Spirit. Wherever you are in life, make room for the Counselor, John 14:16-17. Resist the urge to follow human traditions, test everything you hear with the Bible and when God’s whisper appears, follow!
by Jay Mankus
As many heard yesterday, Jason Collins has become the first openly gay athlete in one of the 4 major sports while still playing, a center for the Washington Wizards. Revealed in the cover story of Sports Illustrated, Collins talks about the relief of being forthright. This confession has resulted in a media feeding frenzy, with leading figures, including the president, adding their two cents on this historical day.
While one closet has been opened, another closet remains shut, locked for similar reasons. For many growing up in the 1980’s, faith was communicated as something private, saved for your home and family. Thus, many secret believers kept their mouths shut, fearful that they might be exposed or labeled as a Jesus freak. According to Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh, many Christian’s in Hollywood continue this tradition today. In their minds, coming out could either ruin their career or lead to less opportunities.
I wish there was common ground, a meeting place to resolve conflicting beliefs, yet religion has a history of dividing families, states and nations. Freewill is a powerful option, a choice to obey or disobey, accept or refuse and express yourself or hold feelings in. In the end, God allows you to make your own decision, Romans 1:18-20, letting your own desires take over. However, my prayer is that as individuals come out of the other closet, the media will have the same admiration and respect as they do for Jason. May love, keep the great American melting pot together.
by Jay Mankus
If you have to be honest, I think every soul goes through phases of doubt. These periods are highlighted by an absence of God, with moments of agony, distress and frustration. Many have come to this edge, on the brink of throwing in the towel, walking away from blind hope.
Like the words of the Asaph in Psalm 77:2, lifting up your hands in faith can become tiring. When prayers come back unanswered and the wicked prosper, one may sound like an Old Testament prophet, crying out for answers. Whenever these ruts continue, voices like, “what’s the use” or “God doesn’t care anymore” creep into your mind.
So what do you do, when your strength to tarry on abandons you? Why repeat the same pattern with similar unsatisfying results? As for my faint soul, I cling to the promises of Psalm 77:7-11, restoring confidence and a sense of peace back into my exhausted body. The path of God, Psalm 77:19 takes my tired hands, breathing life via the Holy Spirit which keeps me holding on.
by Jay Mankus
Loneliness is common place today, as social media has substituted face to face encounters with nothing more than a type writer and a screen. Meanwhile, the art of conversation has been highjacked by A.D.D., A.D.H.D. and poor people skills. If someone has a hard time relating to people, grasping the presence of an unseen God is unfathomable.
This is not what God had designed when He created man and woman, Genesis 1:27. Unfortunately, the days of God walking with Adam and Eve are long gone, a distant memory of a relational God, seeking to hold our hand, Psalm 73:23. In this dark and selfish age, few clear examples of humans who are experiencing the touch of God remain, Galatians 5:25. Reading pages of the Bible is one thing, but seeing a genuine individual of faith has become rare, a relic of a once Christian nation.
The only way to turn this fantasy into reality is through faith. Although, King David had his problems during his life, inside his heart was a man who sought to follow after God, 1 Samuel 16:7. When you add the obedience Moses exhorted Israelites to pursue in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, blessings reveal God’s presence. Faith is the bridge to God, nourished by prayer which claims the promises of Scripture. Then and only then, can the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:10 come alive, taking one day at a time by holding God’s hand!
by Jay Mankus
Upon hearing the word ghost, movie buffs immediate think of the 1990 classic starring Whoopi Goldberg, Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Modern enthusiasts might also recall The Pacifier starring Vin Diesel, searching for a secret program called the Ghost. Yet, few people consider the words in Scripture which suggest Jesus’ own disciples believed in ghosts.
When Jesus walked on the water in Matthew 14:22-26, the disciples assumed the figure they saw was a ghost. Later on, following his resurrection, the 11 remaining disciples once again mistook Jesus for a ghost, Luke 24:36-37. In his conversation with Peter in John 21:15-19, Jesus indirectly mentions the Holy Ghost. Based upon the red letters in verse 18, someone else will lead Peter, later on in life. This Ghost is described by the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:25, a presence Christian’s should strive to follow.
Unless you have faith, seeking out an invisible force seems crazy. However, if you possess the trust Jesus details in John 20:29, your mind will be open to the Holy Ghost. Directions have been enclosed within Romans 12:1-2 to start you on your way. Although many will not understand your decision, 1 Corinthians 2:14, God will reward you for your faithfulness, Matthew 25:23.
by Jay Mankus
The 2013 Masters Golf Tournament got under way yesterday, the first major of this season. Story lines abound with a 14 year old from China shooting 73, 1 over par, Fred Couples, a member of the senior tour carding a 4 under par 68 and a leader board filled with stars like Tiger, Rory and Phil. However, the most intriguing note from Day 1 at Augusta National is a conversation which took place early Thursday morning.
Former champion Gary Player had a brief chat with David Lynn, a 39 year old from England. Before walking off the range to begin his pre-round routine, David Lynn received great advice from Gary Player. “You have to believe you can win this tournament before you tee off! If you believe you can win, you can do this.” In other words, if you believe in yourself, success will likely follow.
From a biblical perspective, the same principle applies, Luke 1:37. If the words of Ephesians 2:10 are true, believing in the One above will motivate you to expect good things to happen. As your faith increases, the power of God often raises your hope for the future. Therefore, whether you are participating in a special event or facing a challenging task, place your trust in God, Proverbs 3:5-6, who will increase your internal confidence.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 