Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

Genuine Spiritual Growth

Posted on September 27, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There is a fine line between learning and teaching.  Sometimes a speaker can be entertaining without conveying any true substance.  Others may communicate a wealth of knowledge, yet do so in a dry and boring manner.  Based upon biblical accounts, genuine spiritual growth occurs when the Holy Spirit moves individuals to preach about the resurrection of Jesus.

You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this, Acts 3:15.

Today, church growth is inflated as crowds flock to the most popular worship center until something more flashy, hip or trendy comes along.  Thus, as one congregation takes on the unhappy from another church, the numbers are like a shadow game, staying the same despite the appearance of growth.  Under pressure to perform, the leaders may compromise, lower their standards or water down their message to keep their critics happy.

But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand, Acts 4:4.

Although there are several good books and resources on the subject of church growth, history reveals 3 essential ingredients which inspired individuals to embrace faith.  First, a commitment to prayer church wide sets the stage for spiritual revival, Acts 2:42.  Second, accountability and fellowship produces intimate relationships, encouraging individuals to make Christianity a lifestyle.  Finally, teaching must be consistent, based upon the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  When a body of believers embraces and practices these principles, the next Willow Creek Community Church will be born.

by Jay Mankus

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Terminators of the Faith

Posted on September 26, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The decade of the 1980’s gave birth to an unusual phenomena, the desire to embrace bad boys.  Thus, as The Terminator series was introduced in 1984 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, for many people fantasy turned into reality.  Whether it is a coincidence or not, three years later the Jamaican reggae group Inner Circle first released Bad Boys on their One Way album.  Two years later this song was re-released on Identified which was then adopted as the theme song of the show Cops.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them, 1 John 2:15.

In a chapter dedicated to explaining the concept of spiritual warfare, Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul compares Satan to a skilled warrior who shoots flaming arrows at his enemies.  If the shield of faith is not used to defend yourself, battles will be lost.  Earlier in his teaching, Paul refers to bringing a knife to a gun fight so to speak in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4.  Essentially, if you don’t arm yourself with the right spiritual weapons, you will be unable to overcome the terminators of the faith.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world, 1 John 2:16.

The Christian group Tribe of Dan illustrates this in their song The Beast of Lust.  Everyone has a weakness, vulnerable to specific temptations.  Once hooked, these bad habits turn into addiction, causing wondering eyes to crave for more and more.  When you reach the point of no return, the pride of life takes over, telling you, “everything is alright or I can handle this.”  If intervention does not occur, this downward spiral leads to what C.S. Lewis calls diabolical pride, where you are right and everyone else is wrong.  If you find yourself trapped, held captive by these terminators of the faith, may the Holy Spirit show you the way out of your predicament, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When the Holy Spirit Intercedes

Posted on September 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There are certain events, occurrences or things that can’t be explained by science.  When the best, brightest and wisest cannot make sense of a situation, the Bible provides clues to the supernatural.  Sometimes the answer to these questions is simply the Holy Spirit interceded.

There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work, 1 Corinthians 12:6.

The apostle Paul lived a life like the classic novel A Tale of Two Cities.  The first half of his life was steeped in religious tradition, persecuting early Christians.  Following an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, a brief period of blindness caused Saul to contemplate the meaning of life.  After a transitional period, trying to comprehend what was happening to him, I guess you can say during this trip, the Holy Spirit intervened.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good, 1 Corinthians 12:7.

Modern Christians have testified to experiencing conversations where they have blacked out.  Although these individuals never collapsed, the Holy Spirit spoke through them.  However, in a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul refers to other manifestations of the Holy Spirit.  These include discernment, dreams, faith, intercession, insight, wisdom and visions.  While nobody knows to whom or when this supernatural event will occur again, yet when the Holy Spirit intercedes it is for the common good of the church.

by Jay Mankus

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Cut To The Heart

Posted on September 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

King Solomon referred to the heart as the well spring of life.  His father David developed a reputation of having a heart for God.  The martyr Stephen wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers calling religious leaders rigid, stubborn and possessing uncircumcised hearts.  Over the course of one’s life, individuals may run from the truth for a while.  Yet, conviction, guilt or a simple word will eventually cut to the heart.

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”- Acts 2:37

One of the most famous movie lines in pop culture comes from A Few Good Men.  Jack Nicholson plays Colonel Nathan Jessup called by the defense in a death of a marine under his command.  Tom Cruise is Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee trying to prod the Colonel to admit he ordered a code red while under direct examination.  Fed up by a series of trivial questions, Nicholson pontificates with the classic phrase “you can’t handle the truth!”

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!- Acts 7:51

I think the reason why this scene and line is so often quoted relates to the impact truth has on the human heart.  Despite how hard someone may try to cover up a lie, God gave human beings a conscience to cut to their hearts.  Thus, when you’re misguided or in the wrong, truth has a way of softening up the heart.  Therefore, the next time you are humbled, use this teachable moment to let the Holy Spirit come in to transform your hurting heart.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Prayer-vo-lution

Posted on September 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The older I get, the more I realize that certain areas, places or regions are under some sort of spell.  Whether you’re easily agitated, frustrated or oppressed, demonic strongholds can elicit various emotions like a feeding frenzy.  The hardest part of diagnosing this situation is that its invisible, protected by an animus history.  Like an episode from Paranormal Survivor, these conditions call for a prayer-vo-lution.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia, Acts 16:6.

Christian historians have developed what is known as spiritual mapping.  Based upon previous leaders, residents or significant events, the spiritual atmosphere of territories can be altered.  For example, a church in Chicago once faced a string of bad luck.  These unusual occurrences continued for years until one member discovered their church was built in a neighborhood filled with witchcraft.  After a time of prayer-vo-lution, the curses were reversed, opening the door for blessings in the future.

And do not give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:27.

I’m not an expert in this field, but I have seen how prayer can transform an entire campus.  During my semester as a teacher in West Virginia, I felt a need to start praying in the building where I taught.  This took place for about a month, when a spiritual hunger developed within several students.  By the end of the school year, a prayer-vo-lution began to permeate the hearts and minds of teenagers.  If you appear to be facing a spirit of resistance, perhaps a prayer-vo-lution will remove the barriers currently blocking your way.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Living on Life Support

Posted on September 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Several years ago my Aunt Tonya was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ALS.  Three months later, she was hanging on by a thread, living on life support.  Whenever you experience the frailty of life up close, a helpless feeling consumes one’s soul.  Less than four months after her first doctor’s visit, Tonya passed away.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me, John 15:4.

From a spiritual perspective, meditation, prayer, reading the Bible and worship are four food groups for the human soul.  Unfortunately, like trying to eat healthy, it doesn’t take much to stray off course.  Before you know it, each poor decision can sap bodies of their energy.  Thus, if human beings do not receive a daily dose of spiritual soul food, it won’t be long until these individuals will be clinging to a different kind of life support.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:10.

Anyone who is tuned in to current events, may make an additional connection.  As the Middle East battles for control, refuges are crossing the borders into Europe to escape death, persecution and turmoil.  While segments of society are doing okay, the rest of the world is falling apart.  People are searching for hope, peace and love without much success.  Therefore, if you want to possess the ability to breathe on your own again, ask the Holy Spirit to fill your empty cup with the abundant life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Power of Positivity

Posted on September 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In episode four of Project Afterlife, the power of positivity is credited as one of the main reasons for Dean Braxton being brought back to life.  Afraid that negativity might cause family members or friends to lose faith, Dean’s wife Marilyn surrounds her dead husband with encouraging words and prayer.  This spiritual warrior mentality, never giving up, eventually led the man that she loved to be resurrected.

Jesus said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him, Matthew 9:24.

As a coach of nearly twenty years, I’ve witnesses teams collapse due to a spirit of doubt.  All it takes is one key individual to become consumed with pessimism to turn the tide of a game.  Following a bad inning in the field two seasons ago, I called my baseball team into the dugout.  The body language displayed signaled the game was over, yet it had just begun.  Looking into the eyes of these boys, I asked “do you believe we can win?”  After hearing several no’s, I threatened to forfeit the game.  Negative minds kept this team from tasting victory.

Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live, John 14:10.

Whether you’re in school, working or retired, no one is immune from negativity.  This mindset can be contagious, contracted by oppressive parents, bossy siblings or Debbie downers.  If you’re not careful, you might join their misery or be brought down, sucking the life out of a room.  To avoid going down this road, its essential to clothe yourself in the fruits of the spirit.  Even when environments can be suffocating, the Holy Spirit has the ability to pierce the darkness through the power of positivity.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Constantly in Prayer

Posted on September 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The word constantly refers to a continuous act, repetitive in a persistent manner, over and over again.  Meanwhile, prayer is a solemn attempt for help, requesting God’s assistance, hoping and wishing for a quick response.  When you put the two together, this cry of the heart often touches souls, inspiring others to join.

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers, Acts 1:14.

Whenever you talk to someone for the last time, emotions are stirred, causing some to tear up.  Yet, others may be moved by this last conversation, motivated to act or do what you promised.  Thus, in the hours and days following Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the stage was set for a unified movement.  Known as a concert of prayer, those close to Jesus felt an urge to participate in a prolonged period of prayer.

Is anyone among you in trouble?  Let them pray. Is anyone happy?  Let them sing songs of praise, James 5:13.

I must confess, prayer is something that doesn’t come naturally to me.  In fact, if I don’t write my prayers down into a journal, I find myself distracted, with my mind wandering in circles.  Nonetheless, in those rare occasions in which I have prayed continuously, the results have been amazing.  Prayers were answered, healing occurred and lives were transformed.  Therefore, don’t settle for an average life.  Rather, call out to an extraordinary God, constantly in prayer, waiting for the Holy Spirit to arrive on the scene.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Signs, Symptoms or Somewhere in Between?

Posted on September 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to ascending into heaven, Jesus tried to give his disciples a glimpse of what to expect in the near future.  Based upon one’s belief, signs will appear naturally as an outpouring of one’s faith.  As a spiritual fire grows inside the human heart, random acts of kindness emerge.  Yet, few display or possess the ability to cast out demons or speak in tongues.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues, Mark 16:17.

Perhaps the absence of these unique gifts is a symptom of society.  Faith is not always rationale, especially when the Lord calls you to do strange and unusual things.  Thus, the fear of what others may think about you can cripple genuine faith.  The desire to please mankind has resulted in a church void of signs which accompany faith.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them, 1 Corinthians 12:4.

Somewhere in between, there are individuals disgusted by a lukewarm heart.  Stuck in neutral, souls are thirsting for something more, longing for a life with meaning and purpose.  Therefore. if this blog finds you ready for a change, fan into flame the talents hidden within you.  Then, maybe one day soon the fruits of the Holy Spirit will begin to ooze out of you like signs that accompany faith.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Stubborn Refusal to Believe

Posted on September 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Authors Chester and Becky Kylstras have developed a simplistic approach to understanding how people form their belief systems.  Co-writing Restoring the Foundations, the Kylstyra’s rely on case studies, personal encounters and testimonies to apply biblical principles to real life.  Worldviews are shaped through experiences, which if repeated lead to beliefs.  These beliefs develop expectations such as ” if I do this or that, this should happen.”  Subsequently, behavior is dependent on the outcome of these expectations, either good or bad,

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen, Mark 16:14.

Jesus invested the last 3 years of his life on earth with twelve men.  During this great adventure, the blind received sight, mute were given a new voice and dead raised back to life.  Yet, after Jesus was crucified, the disciples relapsed into a state of doubt.  Although not mentioned in the Bible, I can hear Jesus ask, “don’t you remember all the miracles?”  Disappointed, the words of Mark 16:14 reveal a stubborn refusal to believe.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

If you believe everything happens to a reason, then life is filled with twists and turns.  While the good will lift up your spirits.  The bad and ugly times will either make or break you.  The disciples failed miserably when Jesus was gone for three days.  However, the introduction of the Holy Spirit breathed new life into the souls of these men.  This power is still available for us today.  Therefore, if you want to overcome a stubborn heart, ask the Lord in prayer to receive to receive the power of the Mighty Counselor, John 16:15.

by Jay Mankus

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