Tag Archives: the supernatural

Kindred Spirits

Posted on April 21, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Amy Bruni and Adam Berry visit people who believe their homes are haunted as part of a Travel Channel reality show. This team attempts to contact spirits and obtain evidence of a paranormal presence. The encounters form the series Kindred Spirits which will start it’s fifth season in 2021. While Kindred Spirits focuses on the supernatural, the Bible refers to a different kind of kindred spirit.

When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own life. 2 Saul took David that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own life, 1 Samuel 18:1-3.

Kindred refers to allied, connected, parallel, and related. The context of kindred often refers to a family or friend who share a close or intimate relationship. In the passage above, the prophet Samuel writes about the common bond between David and Jonathon. Like twins separated from birth, these two men appear to have been in one accord, developing strong ties.

For I have no one like him [no one of so kindred a spirit] who will be so genuinely interested in your welfare and devoted to your interests, Philippians 2:20.

In the passage above, kindred spirit is used by the apostle Paul to describe a valuable missionary partner. This individual named Timothy is a teenage pastor who demonstrated numerous godly qualities. Based upon his previous service, Timothy was a spiritual rock who was genuinely interested in the welfare of others. As co-workers, family, and neighbors watch you from afar, may the fruits of the Holy Spirit be present in you so that kindred spirits will impact the lives of others today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Presence of An Extraordinary God

Posted on September 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The expression “timing is everything” applies to many aspects of life.  Whether its buying a house, finding the right job or waiting to marry the right person, the environment has to be ideal for you to receive the desires of your heart.  Beyond the natural, sometimes the presence of the supernatural can lead you to heights never reached before.

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus, Acts 4:13.

The fear of public speaking is a common struggle for the ineloquent, uneducated and those who are insecure.  Something about talking in front of large crowds can make the confident feel uneasy.  Yet, for Peter and John, fishermen without a high school diploma, these men possessed an uncanny ability to convince their audience about Jesus.  Invisible to the religious leaders, the presence of an extraordinary God spoke through these disciples.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.

If you are like me, you have endured periods of failure,  Despite your dedication, efforts and hard work, success is no where to be found.  This is where Jesus’ words to his disciple come into play, man’s attempts will come up short.  Therefore, when things aren’t going your way, reach out for help.  Then, on the wings of angels and prayer, the presence of an extraordinary God may visit you soon.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Beautiful Place to Beg

Posted on September 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGlTzH9xkXQ

According to an April 2015 study, 1.75 million Americans are homeless.  This stat doesn’t include the unemployed, hungry or those on the verge of losing their permanent shelter.  While its not ideal, some are forced to beg, creating card board signs, standing at busy intersections hoping for enough generosity and or pity to get through the day.

Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts, Acts 3:2.

Prior to intersections, the poor would sit or stand at gates, where travelers walk in and out of large cities.  The disciples had their own encounters with beggars and leave it to Peter to provide an unusual yet powerful message.  Beginning with a bit of sarcasm, likely in response to his wardrobe, “do you see what I’m wearing?”  Unable to offer money, Peter offers this crippled beggar a slice of the supernatural.

So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk,” Acts 3:5-6.

Reaching out to or relating to the poor is not one of my strengths.  Yet, when I’ve tasted poverty, I was able to see the other side, walking in the steps of the helpless.  If or when you arrive, don’t be ashamed for in your weakness Christ is strong.  In fact, Jesus told his followers on a few occasions, “you don’t have because you haven’t asked.”  Therefore, the next tell you call out to the Lord in prayer, remember, this is a beautiful place to beg.

by Jay Mankus

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Angel #9

Posted on August 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever seen something that defies logic, you might rationalize this occurrence due to chance, coincidence or dumb luck.  However, when similar events begin to multiple, echoes of the supernatural must be brought into your discussion.  Such is the case of my experiences in youth ministry, with one particular encounter, early on a Monday morning in the fall of 1993.

As a result of the mini-revival taking place in Columbus, Indiana, during the summer of my first year there, students requested several ministry opportunities to grow their faith.  A leadership team and weekly training began, an accountability group started in the fall as did a Life Application Bible Study at the local McDonald’s near school.  One student leader mentioned the importance of starting off each week on the right foot with God’s Word.  Like anything, the crowds were higher in the beginning, squeezing 20 students in the back corner of this restaurant.  However, time whittled the group down to 6-12 regular attenders.  This core had the honor to encounter the woman I call angel number 9.

At this point of the year, student’s had begun to fall back into bad habits, struggling to find time for God.  Thus, like a reality show with weekly eliminations, only the true believers stuck it out til the end.  Roughly halfway through my lesson, a woman in her late 40’s politely asked if she could interrupt me for a moment.  With a heavenly voice, full of joy, she commended each student for their commitment to studying the Bible.  Although her message lasted only a minute, the encouraging words she shared lifted up those in attendance.

After the study, a few students students stayed behind for a few minutes taking about this woman.  No one had ever seen her, strange for a small town of 25,000 people.  Before I left a year later, no one that I know had scene her since.  This dilemma led several to question, was she real or a messenger from God?  Out of no where, 9 minutes past of the hour, these teenagers were blessed to receive a divine message.  Who else could this stranger be except for Angel #9.

by Jay Mankus

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