Tag Archives: tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit

When You Grow Restive and Break Loose

Posted on June 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Restive is one of those words which you rarely hear anymore. Restive refers to a person who is unable to keep still or silent, becoming increasingly difficult to control. Moses is suggesting in the passage below that impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom is what Esau will have to overcome. Esau’s mindset is similar to Cain in Genesis 4:5-7, with the Devil planting evil thoughts into his brain.

Then Isaac his father answered, Your [blessing and] dwelling shall all come from the fruitfulness of the earth and from the dew of the heavens above; 40 By your sword you shall live and serve your brother. But [the time shall come] when you will grow restive and break loose, and you shall tear his yoke from off your neck, Genesis 27:39-40.

Over the years of television programming, each new concept was inspired by a previous one. The ID Channel has spawned shows on other networks like Snapped featured by Oxygen. Perhaps, this is the image Moses is trying to communicate in the passage above as when anger brews like a fresh pot of coffee, it might spill over onto other appliances or people.

That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [[c]with those of the elders at your ordination]. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:6-7.

The apostle is a realist in Romans 7, detailing his own losing battle with a sinful nature bubbling up within his soul. Yet, Paul is also a man of solutions, seeking a higher power to overcome crippling addictions. Subsequently, Paul writes a young pastor with an answer to overcoming doubt, fear and a negative outlook on life. The cure for any restive soul is tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit, providing everything you need in and for life, 2 Peter 1:3-4. If you’re about to break loose, call upon the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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Becoming One of God’s MVP’s

Posted on June 17, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The phrase Most Valuable Player dates back to 1931. This award was established by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The criteria for this award attempted to recognize the most outstanding player each season. Major League Baseball changed the name of this award in 1944 after their first commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis died. Meanwhile, the National Football League’s first MVP award was named the Joe F. Carr Trophy beginning in 1938. Lefty Grove was the first professional athlete in the United States to be named the Most Valuable Player.

David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of this Philistine; your servant will go out and fight with him. 33 And Saul said to David, You are not able to go to fight against this Philistine. You are only an adolescent, and he has been a warrior from his youth, 1 Samuel 17:32-33.

God’s standards for MVP contain a few crucial characteristics. First, faith separates average looking individuals from the pillars of the past recognized in Hebrews 11. This Hall of Faith lists those filled with assurance despite the odds each faced. Second, believing and trusting in the power of God elevates visionaries from mere dreamers. As Israeli soldier’s looked at Goliath’s height, 9 feet 6 inches, David saw an uncircumcised Philistine who could be defeated. The final attribute which gets God’s attention is fanning into flame your spiritual gift and talents.

Your servant killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God! 37 David said, The Lord Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Go, and the Lord be with you! – 1 Samuel 17:36-37

Most Valuable Players don’t listen to their skeptics who dwell on what can’t be accomplished, done or fulfilled. Rather, MVP’s use negativity to fuel, inspire and ignite motivation to do what others said was impossible. Some of the greatest athlete’s of all team were driven to reach new heights to become faster, stronger and mentally tougher than ever imagined. One way that modern day Christians can maximize their God given abilities is by tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. While God’s MVP’s usually don’t get recognized on earth, eternal treasures are awaiting in heaven for those filled with a spiritual resolve.

by Jay Mankus

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A Revolutionary Notion

Posted on December 12, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Although high school is long gone, in my rear view mirror, cliques still exist, especially in the work place.  Human nature draws you toward others you share a common interest with, enjoy being around or simply connect.  Within these groups, you find comfort or like the show Cheers,  a place where everyone knows your name, with whom you freely socialize.  Yet, you have to be cautious that the people you hang with don’t create an us verses them mentality.  This leads to divisiveness and tends to persuade you to develop opinions of others you don’t even know.

During his life, Jesus always had a way with words, a keen ability to talk to people all on levels of life, unlike certain college professors and theologians.  In Matthew 5:43-47, Jesus introduces a revolutionary notion.  Stating the obvious, we tend to love those that love us, especially those who annually give you great Christmas presents.  However, Jesus warns the crowd he is speaking to, urging them to avoid the clique mentality.  By giving into peer pressure, you are no better than a pagan.  According to Jesus, true love occurs when a person begins to love and pray for their enemies.

Unfortunately, most things are easier said than done.  All of us have a person who gets under our skin, irritates us or annoys us like no one else.  Praying for them and others you dislike is extremely difficult, unnatural and the last thing on our minds.  In this weakness, the Holy Spirit has given us everything we need for life, 2 Peter 1:3-4.  Therefore, as you learn to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit, this notion can result in a revolutionary love.

by Jay Mankus

Check out the lyrics of the David Crowder Band’s song called Revolutionary Love or download it from itunes.

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More Power

Posted on December 2, 2012 by expressyourself4him

As I was watching a rerun of Crimson Tide today, I am reminded of the impact Star Trek has had on Generation X.  Denzel Washington uses a famous line from this series to inspire Vossler, an electronic specialist, to regain radio transmission of their sub as soon as possible to avert a nuclear war.  Whenever Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner in Star Trek, felt the U.S.S. Enterprise was in danger, he would contact Scottie, asking for more power to engage warp speed to dodge trouble.

Since I have spent the last 6 days working the night shift, I have been in warp speed mode.  During this fast paced week, I have been  lethargic, lacking the spiritual power I need to remain rock solid in my faith.  While the Bible was only a few steps away, my body seemed paralyzed, unable to reach out, open the Word up and begin reading.  Meanwhile, prayer was just a breath away, but my transmission between God and I failed.  Thus, I am in desperate need of an infusion, like the Jeff Deyo song More Love, More Power.

The former lead singer of Sonic Flood, Jeff Deyo reveals that more power is available through worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ.  According to Psalm 149, praise has a generating effect on our body, sparking dancing, rejoicing and singing.  When you initiate a relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-10, the power of the Holy Spirit produces a life altering result, Romans 8:1-4.  Therefore, if you are experiencing a power outage or spiritual shortage like me this week, don’t be discouraged.  Claim the promise of Philippians 4:13 like Bethany Hamilton in Soul Surfer and God will provide a wave to guide you safely to shore!

by Jay Mankus

an honest servant of Christ

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