Tag Archives: transformation

Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door

Posted on December 29, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Certain topics are often swept under the rug.  Whether its abandonment, bizarre crimes or suicide, uncovering the reason for these acts is worth an attempt.  On the surface, it appears some of these unfortunate events can be explained by demons dragging their victims behind the Devil’s door.

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.-James 1:14

According to the earthly brother of Jesus, God does not tempt individuals, but allows human beings to be influenced sinful desires, James 1:13-15.  On the other hand, one person on earth to know Jesus better than anyone else, adds a new dimension.  John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, refers to forces in the world which adds fuel to temptations fire.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. – 1 John 2:16

Finally, according to Jesus, impure spirits can become attached, influence or possess weakened souls.  Although healing is possible, those freed are not out of the woods.  This stipulation is similar to those battling addiction, bad habits or poor choices as a genuine transformation requires daily discipline.  Subsequently, there is always a chance for any who regress to end up worse than their original state.

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.  Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.   Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” – Matthew 12:43-45

This is how a demon can drag someone behind the Devil’s door.  Voices may lead the unhappy to abruptly leave to start a new life.  Meanwhile, bizarre crimes are usually conceived in a mind, planned over time and acted out upon.  As for suicide, whispers of loneliness can prompt troubled and weary souls to pull the trigger.  In view of this, take heed by defending yourself with the armor, Ephesians 6:10-12.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Astroturf

Posted on December 8, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Prior to 2009, astroturf was merely an all purpose athletic surface, created for professional sports franchises in cities with baseball and football teams in 1965.  However, as soon as the Tea Party spread to the local level, poising a threat to democrats, liberals and republicans in power, this term was given a new meaning.  Fueled by political talking points, this phrase was repeated countless times by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed, attempting to de-emphasize the genuine nature of this grassroots movement.

Fast foward 6 years and the shoe now is on the other foot.  The recent protests across this country following the verdict in the Ferguson, Missouri Grand Jury of officer Darren Wilson are being organized by Occupy Wall Street.  Although the media is portraying these marches in metropolitan cities as a natural out crying of support, Moveon.org is active behind the scenes pulling the strings.  If the mainstream media possessed a conservative agenda, perhaps astroturf would make a comeback.  Yet, for now, viewers of the news must be careful of symbolism over substance.

If you are searching for leadership, results over time will reveal truth from fiction.  While force is the choice for many protestors, history conveys a different message.  Transformation is possible, but not with violence.  Rather, trend setters like Jesus, Martin Luther King and Ghandi displayed love to touch a generation.  Therefore, don’t let what others say influence the crowds you join.  When you see the genuine thing in person, you can distinguish astroturf from men of action.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Spiritual Break Dance

Posted on November 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Back in the 1970’s, a new movement was born in the inner cities across America.  While theories exist as to whom, where and how this form of expression began, one thing is known.  Rap music was the inspiration behind break dancing.  Although this style has faded in popularity, don’t be surprised if you see intricate footwork, spinning headstands, tumbling and elaborate improvised movements.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8a9yj7IOOo

Over the weekend, I was listening to music for several hours, trying to find something to fall asleep to.  Before I collapsed into a peaceful state of bliss, the lyrics to one song struck me, Love Break Me by Ocean’s Above.  This song may not lead you to dance, but it will urge curious souls to contemplate a spiritual transformation.  When the love of Jesus enters a human heart, a spiritual break dance commences.

Ravi Zacharias grew up in India.  After unsuccessfully attempting suicide, a Christin hospital worker reached out to him and gave his mother a Bible to read to Ravi out loud before being released.  These words touched his heart, Romans 10:19, leading to a life of service to God.   Now a successful author, motivational speaker and ministry founder, Ravi is performing a spiritual break dance on his way to heaven.  Don’t sit on the sideline.  Rather, get up, go to the dance floor and a bust a new move today!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Is Jesus Missing?

Posted on August 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

I was watching a chick flick with my wife earlier in the day when I came across a catchy punch line.  Viewing “A New Town” on the Hallmark Channel, an ambitious woman seeking to become a CEO, volunteers to oversee her companies new acquisition in New Alm, Minnesota.  Beside the culture shock of leaving the city of Miami for a small northern town, her liberal beliefs clash with the religion of rural America.  When asked if she had found Jesus, her response, “I didn’t know he was missing,” didn’t go over so well.

In professional sports, a similar line is often used to explain athletes who have turned their lives around following battles with alcohol, drugs and the law.  Finding God, Jesus or religion is a common theme of the source behind these transformations.  However, the success rate is not 100% as many are unable to completely break free from bad habits of their past.  While victims of sin tend to blame God for their travails, Jesus isn’t the one missing, we are.

A relationship with Jesus is no different than any other thing that you want in life, you get what you put into it.  Matthew 16:24-26 illustrates this concept like a blue print for how to find Jesus.  Unfortunately, most people follow the path of the actress in A New Town, forfeiting their soul on the way to the top of materialism.  The next time you feel abandoned by God, don’t be deceived by the father of lies, John 8:44.  Rather, reflect upon Jesus’ words in the sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:33 so that the blessings of God will convince the world that Jesus is alive.

by Jay Mankus

 

1 Comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Payne

Posted on June 11, 2014 by expressyourself4him

NBC in affiliation with the Golf Channel debuted their 1 hour special Payne Sunday June 8th, 2014 and reaired this on Monday to commemorate Payne Stewart’s last major golf championship, the 1999 United States Open Championship at Pine Hurst #2.  With Phil Mickelson seeking to win the career grand slam this year at the place where Payne outdeuled him by 1 shot, the timing makes perfect sense.  However, on October 25th, 1999, the world had a different kind of chase, watching cable news networks all day to locate a Leer jet which lost cable pressure shortly after take off, drifting way off course as fighter jets began to follow it.  Winning the P.G.A. Championship on my birthday while in college, I remember this fateful day like it was yesterday as sports lost one of its greatest characters.

Clips  from Payne’s funeral was aired and replayed by the Golf Channel, with many of golf’s greatest players in the attendance, most notably a young Tiger Woods.  Speeches by Paul Azinger and Tracy Stewart his wife, inspired a 2 hour special in 1999, moving most who saw it to tears.  Like a classic movie, I think I watched this original tribute to Payne a half dozen times, eventually leading me to name my second son, Daniel Payne.  In my humble opinion, this second attempt to portray the real Payne Stewart cut and edited out whom became in his final years on earth.

Sure, to captivate an audience, its important to share Payne’s initial years as a brash individual who was immature and at times a jerk.  Clearly explaining Payne’s father influence on his attire, knickers and flare for the game was also beneficial.  Nonetheless, the editors purged Payne’s faith from this film, replacing in with religion.  This sort of revisionist history is disingenuous to those whose closely followed Payne’s transformation from a sinner to a saint.  The NEA may be able to get away with changing history to coincide with its own worldview in modern text books, but the spiritual legacy Payne Stewart has left behind is inspiring me to seek out and attain the abundant life Payne found, John 10:10.  May all who search, find, peace, joy and love before breathing their last breathe, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Restrained From Giving

Posted on March 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Recent history suggests that immediately following the next devastating earthquake, massive hurricane or destructive tornado, a request for immediate aid will be communicated using the media.  Commercials, hotlines and organizations will use death tolls, images of desolation and pictures of orphans left behind to stir the hearts of Americans to give.  While the money collected does help some, corruption, mishandling of these funds and scam artists prevent these needs from becoming 100 % satisfied.  Thus, a lack of trust has restrained many from giving to these noble causes.

In the Old Testament, Israel appears selfish after enduring 400 years of slavery in Egypt.  Despite receiving manna from heaven and quail, their hearts lacked gratitude, always wanting more.  Subsequently, their faith wavered, eventually creating a golden calf to worship once a rumor that Moses had died spread throughout their camp.  Perhaps, God’s punishment and the deaths of 3,000 countrymen finally got their attention.  Between Exodus 33 and 35, a transformed took place within the hearts of God’s chosen people, from restraint to generosity.

When Moses expressed God’s plan for the Tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, Courtyard and all the resources necessary for construction of each sacred item, entire families were moved by the Spirit of the Lord.  According to Exodus 36:3, a free will offering was received every morning during the building process.  Instead of giving once, the spirit of giving flowed day after day, inspired by the big picture, seeing God’s plans completed.  The workers received so many supplies that Moses had to announce an order to stop giving, Exodus 36:5-6.  If only this Spirit could be recaptured today, the poor, needy and helpless would be eliminated, restraining giving until the next crisis.

by Jay Mankus

2 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
←
Newer Posts →