Tag Archives: keeping in step with the Holy Spirit

The Black Hole Which Engulfs Souls

Posted on May 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBpLaAXAfwc

At one point in time, black holes were merely something in a Science Fiction film.  However, recent exploration of space have produced amazing videos like that of the Hubble telescope.  Subsequently, the gravitational pull inside these destructive masses will engulf anything that stands in its way.

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want, Galatians 5:17.

In a spiritual sense, a similar process takes place inside physical bodies, unseen by the human eye.  Mankind’s carnal nature produces an appetite which few individuals can control.  Thus, the sinful nature is like a black hole, dragging people away from God like a giant vacuum cleaner.  If you ignore this condition, the perfect storm sets the scene for the black hole which engulfs souls.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:18.

Last week I was trying to figure out what happened to me.  I started off the year so strong and in a matter of weeks my disciplined, focused and productive season was gone.  I feel as if I experienced some sort of time warp, tracing my steps backward to figure how I ever got here in the first place.  Yet, as the apostle Paul writes, this black hole is merely my sinful nature, dragging me away from my Lord.  In view of this painful reality, all I can do is take the advice of Galatians 5:25, to begin again by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

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Soul Control

Posted on August 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In view of the live shooting deaths of a reporter and cameraman at the CBS affiliate WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia, gun control proponents have arrived on the scene, taking advantage of this tragedy.   Following the PC Playbook, members of the media are blaming the gun, not the individual.  Depending upon which article you read or interview you see, its almost if guns are demon possessed, taking control of the soul.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world, 1 John 4:1.

One of Jesus’ disciples provides an intriguing insight about the spirit world.  Though its unclear where or how this information was obtained, John gives unguided souls something to think about.  Whether its a thought that pops into your head, a gut feeling in your heart or a whisper, don’t assume the Holy Spirit is talking to you.  Rather, test everything to discern if these voices are from God, the world or the Devil, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

In a world filled with guns and violence, its essential to control your own life.  Choices, decisions and investments open the door to good and bad.  Unfortunately, the more careless one becomes, evil is lurking right around the corner, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.  Therefore, to avoid future pitfalls in life, control your soul by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

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Who’s the New Guy?

Posted on April 27, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Despite efforts to create equality in all avenues of life, not much has changed.  While there will always be exceptions to the rule, breaking into new circles, finding a job or getting a promotion is still based upon who you know, not what you know.  Trying to advance to new heights takes an incredible talent, luck or supernatural intervention.  However, every so often someone new arrives on the scene causing the masses to ask, “who’s the new guy?”

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law, Mark 1:22.

Early in the first century, Jesus had the odds stacked against him.  His birthplace of Bethlehem and residence in Nazareth was a negative, inspiring doubts from even potential disciples, “what good can come from Nazareth?”  Nonetheless, Jesus continued to follow God’s will, gathering a team of twelve disciples before introducing himself to the world.  This wait ended in Mark 1:21-28.  Without an Ivy League Degree or Seminary training, Jesus taught with an authority never seen before or since.  Following a Sabbath in Capernaum, the legend of Jesus was born.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him,” Mark 1:27.

The religious leaders of the day were baffled by the insight Jesus possessed.  The words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2 highlight the fact that God’s wisdom is a mystery, hidden from the intelligent in this world.  Subsequently, the only training requirement necessary to tap into this spiritual realm is keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.  Regardless of your age, background and knowledge, the Spirit will provide the answers you need in life.  Yet, an invisible force, the sinful nature stands in your way of accessing fruits of the Spirit.  Since with God all things are possible, perhaps people will become attractive to your own relationship with God by wondering, “who’s the new guy or girl?”

by Jay Mankus

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Set Sail

Posted on April 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Before you can legally set sail around the world, three things are essential: a Sailing Certification, Insurance and Passport.  The final ingredient is Clearance Papers from your port of departure.  This is the last obstacle before your voyage can officially begin.

But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him,   Hebrews 10:38.

To get where you want to go in life takes planning, paying attention to details and patience.  Although spontaneity has its time and place, trips involve weeks, months and sometimes years to put together.  Therefore, if you think you can just get up and go unannounced, you’re either retired or dreaming.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

Spiritually speaking, to set sail by faith, one must begin to discern the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Yet, before this occurs, one must rid their lives of any sinful desires which block one’s ability to follow God, Colossians 3:5-10.  Studying the Bible, prayer and worship provide fresh wind and spiritual guidance to set sail.  However, don’t leave shore without the anchor of faith to help you overcome the storms in life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Resisting the Holy Spirit

Posted on May 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

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

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