| Over the years, countless songs have expressed the ideal manner in which to regift Jesus to a lost and dying world, Luke 19:10. Camp fire songs like “Pass It On” convey how a little spark from the love of God can produce a spiritual fire within another human being. Hymns such as “Be Not Afraid” supplies a message of hope for those who follow Jesus, promising rest for weary souls. Modern lyrics from hits like “If We Are the Body” by Casting Crowns questions why acts of believers in Christ aren’t consistent with the words of Scripture, Romans 12:4-5. | ||
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJL7Eis0Rb0 | ||
| The concept of regifting refers to giving or handing down something that you don’t need anything or find appealing. Unfortunately, this mentality influences who we love, for how long and the extent to which faith is displayed. Consequently, innocent bystanders are confused by inconsistencies within the church and by those who claim to be Christmas worshipers. Thus, poor examples of regifting Jesus will leave many at home this holiday season. | ||
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeTpISSA5x8 | ||
| If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then the quality of regifting Jesus lies within your heart. Philippians 2:4 suggests that wounded individuals might need to heal before they can begin to successfully impact others for the good. Whatever your current condition is, may you look to the Lord for strength, Philippians 4:13. During these weak moments in life, may the power of the Holy Spirit empower you to regift Jesus in a genuine and loving manner. | ||
Tag Archives: heart
Regifting Jesus
Too Precious to be Flushed Down the Toilet
I guess you can say there is something within me that tries to figure out why people behave in a specific manner. A shy personality early on in life gave me time to people watch, pondering and narrowing in on traits others often overlook. Although this thought never crossed my mind, deep down I believed all of God’s creatures are too precious to be flushed down the toilet.
As a teacher, I learned to notice subtle behavior changes in my students. Death, divorce and unemployment were common denominators. While no one responds to trials exactly the same way, mood swings typically give away the emotions young people endure. Distractions, temptations and wanting to grow up too fast can devastate delicate souls. One untimely comment, put down or word can push a distraught mind over the edge, staring suicide in the face.
Looking back as an adult, warts become more obvious, sticking out like a sore thumb. Pessimism has contributed to society’s demise, creating a tsunami of anger, hatred and negativity. This venom is expressed verbally each day through trash talking. The byproduct of the tongue’s wrath is carnage, lies and tarnished reputations. One of the few glimmers of hope is songs like Gold by Britt Nicole. May the lyrics of this song touch your heart and remind you, life is too precious to be flushed down the toilet.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The origin of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was conceived by author Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886. Inside this novel, London lawyer Gabriel John Utterson investigates bizarre encounters between an old acquaintance and a man named Edward Hyde. His research leads to an unusual discovery of a split personality, also known as multiple personality disorder. Inside of Dr. Henry Jekyll lies paranormal activity, vastly different than his mild manner friend.
The rock group Holy Solider creates a modern version of this story in their song Virtue and Vice. In their edition of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, strange occurrences lie within the human heart, Jeremiah 17:9. Based upon an apostles account to the church in Rome, Paul reveals a defect in his DNA, Romans 7:15-20. The harder Paul tried to do right and follow God, something inside of him, intervened, preventing him from carrying out his good intentions. This phenomena is known as the battle between the Holy Spirit and Sinful Nature, Galatians 5:16-18.
If America is a case study for the world, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are making a come back all over the nation. However, Dr. Jekyll is being phased out as the evil Hyde is taking over as the dominant, alpha spirit. While experts are trying to put a finger on why bullying and violent acts are escalating, the words of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are being fulfilled by media reports daily like the dissension within the Miami Dolphins locker room. The only cure for this disease can be found in Romans 7:24-25. May God’s spirit provide the antidote you need to override Hyde, thereby rescuing Jekyll from the chains of sin.
by Jay Mankus
It’s Never Too Late for a Failure
A failure reaches this status when one does not attain success, failing to meet their goal or objective. Once expectations go unfilled, disappointment consumes individuals, often leaving souls in a state of depression. Effort is good, but sooner or later a team has to win, proving they have what it takes. If not achieved, coaches and individuals will begin to doubt their God given abilities. Like a lowly carp, bottom dwellers are left to feed on the scraps, the leftovers other fish don’t find appealing.
In Luke 23:32-43, Jesus finds himself stuck between 2 failures. Placed in the middle of 2 criminals, subject to a cross due to evil deeds such as being a murderer or robber, Jesus couldn’t leave, nailed to a cross listening to their insults, Matthew 27:38-40. However, one of these wicked man had a change of heart after Jesus’ words of forgiveness, Luke 23:34. While one failure continued to hurl hurtful comments Jesus’ way, the other began to contemplate his life, Luke 23:40. The more this man thinks about his life, God begins to work a miracle in his life, Luke 23:41. With time ticking away on his life, this humble failure throws up one final request to Jesus, Luke 23:42, hoping for the best, with nothing to lose.
The words of Luke 23:43 should give hope to any failure who still has time on their side. “Today you will be with me in paradise” is proof that someone about to die can receive Jesus into their heart, obtaining eternal life despite living a life full of sin. Hebrews 10:26-27 indirectly suggests someone who fears the judgment of God can be swayed from hell to heaven like the criminal mentioned in Luke. Therefore, if you’ve been deceived by the devil to believe that you’re damned, remember the promise of Luke 23:40-43. In Jesus’ eyes, it’s never too late for a failure to receive eternal life, John 3:16-17.
by Jay Mankus
Thirsting for the Wrong Things
I spent the first half of my life trying to gain weight, always shiny and frail. Exercising was a way of life, running 5 miles and swimming 3 miles a day at my physical peak, resulting in only a 4 percent body fat. However, once I stopped running a year after I got married, my weight ballooned for the first time in my life as I began to thirst for the wrong things. Although I survived a near death experience of alcohol poisoning at a friend’s wedding after college, my gut now contains a 12 pack of soda.
Unfortunately, the days of burning off calories for me have subsided as my waist size is running out out belt loops. Forced to a diet during my running and swimming days, the only time I pigged out was the spring, able to walk off any weight gain on the golf course. Today, if I don’t limit my intake of snacks, soda or treats, my scale gives me the bad news at the end of the day. While the message of Luke 12:19 sounds good, “take life easy, eat, drink and be mercy,” the context refers to a rich fool. Thus, I am either looking in the wrong place for answers or I’ve lost my former discipline to abstain from things harmful to my body.
The 4th chapter of John records the longest conversation Jesus encountered in the Bible. Like most modern struggles, a Samaritan woman began to thirst for the wrong things in life. This unhealthy desire led to an unfilled life, chasing after love, never to be found in the 6 relationships she sought, John 4:15-18. Unaware of who she was talking to, Jesus offered a cure to her dilemma, John 4:10-14. Something inside of this woman’s heart spurred her on to tell others, John 4:28-30. This hunger for the truth led this Samaritan and several others to believe, John 4:39-42. Taste and see that the Lord is good, Psalm 34:8.
by Jay Mankus
Learning to Celebrate the Present
The spirit of envy has a way of convincing individuals that their life doesn’t measure up to others. When compared to this co-worker, that neighbor and everyone’s favorite relative, your life disappoints, leaving depression which hovers over the human soul. Instead of finding contentment in the life you are living, jealousy urges people to turn their eyes toward the other side of the fence where the grass always seems greener.
Yesterday, I attended a wedding of a friend I had done some work for in the past year. Since I had to work my current job leading up to the afternoon ceremony, I didn’t have any expectations. Rather, I came with an open mind, free from any preconceived judgments or stereotypes. I was there to simply support my friend and wife to be. As a result, my heart was fertile, ready to receive the message of the pastor.
Before the exchange of vows, a 5 minute sermonette explained why this couple stood at the altar. Entitled A Witness to Christian Marriage, these words were profound, convicting me of the life I had been living. Over the last 3 years, I have glorified my past, bypassed the present and hoped for a brighter future. In the malaise of my unemployment, I neglected to celebrate the present. Thanks to this amazing invocation, God has inspired me to be thankful for my past, embrace the future and learn to celebrate the here and now of life!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 