Tag Archives: magic

Lurking in Darkness

Posted on January 13, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The term lurking means to remain hidden, waiting for the perfect time to ambush someone or something.  Whether an animal is preying on a lesser member of the food chain or a bully picks on a weaker individual, each attack if often unexpected, catching the victim off guard.  As a result, predators remain active today, searching for those alone, separated from society, lurking in darkness waiting to pounce on an innocent soul, 1 Peter 5:8.

Unlike Hollywood, the devil doesn’t have horns, a pitch fork or has steam coming out of his ears.  Rather, this spiritual creature is as sly as a serpent, slithering up on someone without any hints or warnings.    Like a chameleon, Satan is able to duplicate angelic acts, 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, similar to the magicians during the days of Pharaoh, Exodus 7:11.  Thus, when you hear in the news of another saint giving into temptation, committing the unthinkable act, the great deceiver was likely the root cause, convincing minds that wrong is right or okay.

You and I aren’t immune as any misstep can lead to a decision that will ruin your reputation.  While David beat Goliath once, devilish Goliath’s are nearly undefeated, dragging their victims into sin, one compromise at a time.  Its no wonder the apostle Paul includes 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 as a precursor to prevent anyone from becoming overconfident.   As the mysteries of the future will be played out tomorrow, make sure that you are ready for enemies who continue to lurk in darkness, Ephesians 6:11.  Remember great is He who is in you than he who is in the world, Romans 8:38-39.

by Jay Mankus

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Abracadabra

Posted on December 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In a world where self gratification is in a tug of war with reality, a growing trend is emerging which is disappointing, but not unexpected.  Like the old Steven Miller Band song, Christians are waiting for God to snap his fingers, to magically make all of life’s problems vanish from thin air.  Instead of pulling a rabbit of a His hat, God has taken a back seat, allowing Satan to temporarily be the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2.

Today’s white magic was foretold by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 as the devil himself masquerades as an angel of light.  I am not sure if the Hollywood rumors are true, yet some insiders claim that a few desperate for fame, power and success have sold their soul to the devil in return for what he offered Jesus in Matthew 4:8-9.   Jesus went far out of his way to convince people in his day to avoid falling for this trick, Matthew 16:26.  Unfortunately, the impatient seek alternative measures that include the dark side of life.

Rather than say Abracadabra, God’s ways are different from man’s plans or vision of life, Proverbs 19:21.  Open from the beginning, the Lord seeks to move individuals, little by little, Exodus 23:30.  Perhaps this may explain Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the desert prior to entering the Promised Land, as there weren’t mature or ready enough to handle success.  Persuaded by humility, the Lord slowly brought his children along until the time was right, Ecclesiastes 3:11.  May we all learn this difficult lesson as we seek to fulfill John 10:10 and Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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Just Once Lord

Posted on August 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him
Thumbnail of Quincy Jones 

In 1981, James Ingram provided the vocals for the song Just Once on Quincy Jones’ album entitled The Dude.  This song appeared in many movies during the 1980’s, often portraying heart break to close out a scene.  The context of these lyrics reveal just how fragile earthly relationships are, falling apart over the course of time.  However, indirectly, this song also touches on several biblical truths about mankind’s severed connection with God.

“Just Once” lyrics in BOLD print.

I did my best
But I guess my best wasn’t good enough

According to the Bible, there is nobody good enough, not even one, Romans 3:9-12.  Thus, no matter how hard I or you try to be good, it’s impossible not to sin.   Whatever good intentions you might have as you get up each and every day will fade when anger, disappointment or frustration comes your direction.

Cause here we are
Back where we were before
Seems nothin’ ever changes
We’re back to being strangers

The conception of sin has alienated individuals from God, banished from God’s presence just like Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:23-24.  This separation is what the Bible refers to as spiritual darkness, like Nicodemus in John 3:1-9, blind to the spiritual reality Jesus was trying to communicate.
Wondering if we ought to stay
Or head on out the door

For 10 years as a Bible teacher, I heard students ask, “why has God abandoned me?”  While I wasn’t exactly sure how to answer each person with gentleness and respect, most leave God, not vice versa.  The devil uses bitterness to shift the blame toward God, not themselves.

Just once…

Can’t we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong                                                                                                                                                   Why we never last for very long
What are we doin’ wrong
Just once…

The apostle Paul illustrates a similar struggle in Romans 7:15-17.  Until he added Jesus into this equation, Paul kept committing the same mistakes, over and over again.

Can’t we find a way to finally make it right
To make the magic last for more than just one night

Humanly speaking, effort is not what most people lack.  The wages of sin result in the payment of death, Romans 6:23.  Although some call it magic, what Jesus did on the cross is a miracle, Colossians 2:13-15.

If we could just get to it
I know we could break through it
(Hmm hmmmm)

The only way to break through is by becoming born again, Galatians 2:20.  Any other attempts to enter God’s gates through another route will fail, John 10:7-10.

I gave my all
But I think my all may have been too much
Cause Lord knows we’re not gettin’ anywhere
Seems we’re always blowin’
Whatever we’ve got goin’
And it seems at times with all we’ve got
We haven’t got a prayer

Whenever you pull a Hagar, by forcing a relationship without God’s assistance, Genesis 16:2, negatives consequences follow.  Just ask the Israelites, as Ishmael became the father of the Arab nation, which ultimately wants to destroy the Jews today.  However, with God, everything is possible, Matthew 19:26.  Therefore, Lord, just once, on this day, make your presence real to those searching for true meaning and a higher purpose in life.

by Jay Mankus

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Discovering God in America

Posted on October 8, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Children across America will either have today off or learn about Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America.  Meanwhile, I will be celebrating a 27 year anniversary.  On this day in 1985, I discovered the power of God in America.

I was a junior in high school running in a cross country race I felt destined to win.  Although I was competing against 4 high school all-American runners, I was 4th place at the mile mark, a few strides behind the 3 leaders.  While running down a path like the caption above, I fell into a hole covered by fallen leaves, twisting my ankle.  After falling to the ground for a moment, I shook off the pieces of gravel from my hands, got back up and hobbled to the finish several minutes behind the lead pack.

After the race, I was taken to a local medical center and a few days later to the A.I. Dupont Children’s Hospital, one of the best medical facilities on the east Coast.  Initially thinking I had a high ankle sprain, I was hoping to return for the post-season since our team was ranked second in the state.  When I received a second opinion, my world was turned upside down upon hearing the doctor’s prognosis.  “You will never run again!  You may be able to walk, yet you will likely have a slight limp for the rest of your life.”

The day before my surgery, I came back to school, seeking prayer from my Christian friends involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  In between classes, as the word spread about my operation, I was greeted by hugs, prayers and the love of Christ.  I honestly don’t remember what these people said as they prayed before each class, yet I do recall being filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding, Philippians 4:6-7.

Before my surgery, the chief surgeon at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, explained exactly what he was going to do during the 3 hour procedure.  I was a 1 in every 10 year injury, tearing all of my ligaments, causing the bone attached to the ankle to shift 90 degrees.  At least I was famous, well not really, but the doctor instilled a hope within me as he put me under anesthesia.  As the lights turned black, I was unconscious for several hours.

Once the drugs wore off, I met face to face with an ecstatic surgeon.  To his amazement, as soon as he reattachment the bone to the ligaments, it magically went back into place, not requiring a screw as he first intended.  I had to wear a protective boot for a few years, yet I was able to run my senior of year of high school.  In fact, before I could walk, I began swimming on the swim team, having our 200 I.M. Relay place 3rd in the state meet.

As I reflect upon another Columbus Day, I know that the prayers my friends prayed miraculously healed my ankle, not magic.  When I began to train in the summer of 1986 for my final season, God revealed to me a powerful promise related to running.  As David, a shepherd walking up and down hills and along side the edge of mountain, he prayed this prayer, ” You broaden my path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”  Since this discovery, every time I have quoted this prayer before running, I haven’t twisted my ankle.  If you look around you today, you too can discover God is alive in America!

by Jay Mankus

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