Tag Archives: worldly desires

Are You Leaving a Trail of Breadcrumbs Behind?

Will Smith played Detective Del Spooner in the 2004 film I Robot.  A hologram chooses Del to investigate the murder of Dr. Alfred Lanning, who saved Spooner’s life years earlier after a car accident nearly ended his own life.  Trapped by his work at United States Robotics to roll out a new line of S5’s, Dr. Lanning turns to Hansel and Gretel to leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind after his death.

The farmer sows the word, Mark 4:14.

Oddly enough, Jesus uses a curious expression in one of his well known parables.  Often overlooked, Jesus compares the sowing process to a farming planting his annual harvest.  However, there is a twist, your actions leave behind an imprint.  Thus, individuals are either leaving a trail of breadcrumbs behind that reflect biblical principles or worldly desires.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap, Galatians 6:7.

If someone was designated to shadow you, following your attitude, behavior and words of the last 24 hours, week or month, what clues would this person uncover?  Are you living a consistent life, clear and easy to recognize?  Or would certain inconsistencies confuse, throw off and make discerning souls question the existence of this life?   The four words of Mark 4:14 struck my heart with conviction, causing me to re-evaluate my own witness.  May Jesus’ teaching inspire you to become a modern day farmer who sows the word of God, prepared to become a fisher of men, women and children.

by Jay Mankus

 

The Unbreakable Theory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8etYwG0uN8

In the realm of Super heroes, there are usual two polar opposites who become arch enemies.  Like characters within Marvel Comics, it takes time for each individuals’ hidden powers to become realized.  Through trial and error, supernatural abilities are developed, harnessed and put into action to either better the world or pursue evil.  Although appearing unbreakable, every hero and villain possess a weakness, invisible until their Kryptonite sucks away their strength.

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. – Galatians 5:17

In the 2000 film Unbreakable, Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis portray a modern day relationship between a villain and superhero.  However, each character appears lost, unaware of their purpose in life.  Inspired by a love for comic books, Samuel L. Jackson resorts to terrorism, searching for someone who is unbreakable.  Meanwhile, Bruce Willis plays a security guard, unaware of his unique gift until he passes Jackson’s test, the lone survivor of a deadly train wreck.

As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. – Romans 7:17

In the spiritual world, a similar force is at work, resulting in an unseen battle between good and evil.  C.S. Lewis tackles this subject in Mere Christianity within chapter 1 of Book 2, entitled the Invasion.  Known as dualism in theology, there are two independent powers in the universe that are in conflict with one another.  These competing forces of good and evil require a third party, a judge to determine who is to blame or at fault.  This war rages on in the human body daily as the sinful nature and worldly desires entice souls through temptation to choose wrong over right.  Although there aren’t superheroes in this life, may the power of the Holy Spirit keep you from becoming forever broken.

by Jay Mankus

Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door

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