Tag Archives: life experiences

Encountering Evil

Posted on October 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the life experiences that you have encountered over the years, you may or may not understand evil. Unfortunately, when the public education system in America kicked God and prayer out of the classroom in the 1960’s, new levels of evil are unleashed daily upon this country. If you do not possess spiritual lenses for identifying and making sense of evil, you’ll blame the victims of evil and not the spiritual source for these unfortunate events.

For how can I go up to my father if the lad is not with me?—lest I witness the woe and the evil that will come upon my father, Genesis 44:34.

Based upon the words of Moses in Genesis 38:1-30, Judah experienced a series of curses which many individuals would call a string of bad luck. Moses points to Judah’s choice for a wife as the starting point, emphasizing good looks over godly character. Two of Judah’s sons have their lives cut struck due to evil behavior. While modern readers of Genesis 38 may wonder, what’s wrong with this, each failed to follow God’s commands and decrees.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:10-12.

Subsequently, as he realizes the wrongdoing of his past, Judah pleads with the governor of Egypt to consider the promise and vow made to his father. Judah’s emotional plea is rewarded in Genesis 45 as Jospeh reveals his true identity. This Old Testament story reminds me of the words of the apostle Paul in the passage above. Paul touches on the real source of evil. While the Devil wants you to place the blame on other human beings, encountering evil starts with invisible forces in the spiritual realm. May today’s blog open your eyes the next time you encounter evil.

by Jay Mankus

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A Perfect Fellowship Between God and the Worshiper

Posted on November 14, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the quality of relationships that you’ve had on earth, there are some people that you click with instantly. Typically this connection stems from sharing common hobbies, interests or life experiences. Sometimes you may become so comfortable around these new friends that you’ll reveal secrets that you’ve never told anyone before. If this kinship lasts for an extended period of time, you’ll enter into a special kind of fellowship.

Now if perfection (a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper) had been attainable by the Levitical priesthood—for under it the people were given the Law—why was it further necessary that there should arise another and different kind of Priest, one after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed after the order and rank of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is of necessity an alteration of the law [concerning the priesthood] as well, Hebrews 7:11-12.

The author of Hebrews refers to a spiritual fellowship. Not just any kind, but a perfection connection between God and the worshiper. However, to explain this concept, the Old Testament is referenced to provide the history of Levitical priests. Rather than go into specific details, the author points to a former King of Salem. This mysterious figure served as a High Priest whom Abraham tithed 1/10 of his spoils as a token of appreciation for Melchizedek.

What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may [d]realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a [e]distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).4 And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and [f]your joy may be complete], 1 John 1:3-4.

One of Jesus’ disciples illustrates what a perfect fellowship resembles in the passage above. John is likely referring to the special bond formed between first century Christians. Rather than go to a priest at the nearest temple every time you sinned, we now have a mediator in Jesus who will go directly to God on our behalf, 1 Timothy 2:5. This sets the stage for a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper. Therefore, the next time you participate in a worship service, clear your conscience so that you might experience a perfect fellowship with God.

by Jay Mankus

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All or Nothing

Posted on November 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

From my own life experiences, people usually fit into 1 of 3 categories: those that don’t care, people who are somewhat committed and individuals who give everything they have.  If  you change  the subject, topic or give incentives, degrees of seriousness will likely increase.  However, in the end, God has provided human beings with freewill, allowing each to set their own level of commitment.

Exodus 19:5-6 contains a promise for anyone willing to give the Lord 100% of their attention.  Anything less than being all in and the carrot at the end of the stick will be null and void.  The prize for fully obeying God and keeping the covenant of Circumcision and Passover is out of this world.  According to Exodus 19:5, the Lord will make Israel his treasured possession on earth.  Yet, words mean nothing unless action is inspired by faith, James 2:14-26.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoWtY_h4xo

A similar promise is made to those believers exiled from Rome during Nero’s persecution of Christians near the end of the 60’s AD.  One of the disciples from Jesus’ inner circle expresses the following within 1 Peter 2:4-10.  Although Peter mentions predestination, you can’t use this as a cop out or disclaimer.  Rather, just like the days of Israel wandering in the wilderness, the choice is yours: all or nothing, Deuteronomy 30:15.

by Jay Mankus

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