There’s No Need for Disinformation

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced news of a new Disinformation Governance Board. When an old Tiktok video of the individual selected to oversee this board surfaced, the credibility of this Disinformation Board was immediately put into question. Meanwhile, a tweet by Jeff Bezos called out President Biden for his own disinformation about a false statement on Covid-19 vaccines.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living their lives in the Truth, 3 John 1:4.

According to one of Jesus’ former disciples, the Bible has its own plan for dealing with disinformation. At the beginning of one of his last recorded letters, John’s greatest joy as a Christian is to see people, he spiritually mentored to live their lives in the truth of the Bible. Since the Bible contains supernatural power as a living document, Hebrews 4:12, disinformation is exposed by the light of God’s Word.

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. ³² And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free, John 8:31-32.

Years earlier, John was present when Jesus told his disciples that spiritual truth will set you free. While disinformation, gossip, and rumors continue today, Christians who shine the light and love of Jesus will convict the hearts of those trying to control your speech. Despite the algorithms designed by social media sites that favor progressive ideas, living your life in the Truth will expose disinformation as its espoused.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 134-Eliminating Idleness

Passage of the Day:

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. ² One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, ³ and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” ⁴ Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. ⁵ The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” ⁶ So David sent this word to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent him to David. ⁷ When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. ⁸ Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. ⁹ But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house, 2 Samuel 11:1-9.

Reflection:

When elders clamored and demanded that the prophet Samuel give Israel a king in 1 Samuel 8:4, one of the king’s responsibilities was to lead this nation off to war each spring. Since the higher elevations were either snow covered or too soft to travel in large groups, wars became a seasonal activity each spring. However, according to Samuel, David decided to take an extended vacation. Rather than go off to work to lead Israel’s army, David suddenly had plenty of free time, taking a stroll on the roof of his palace one evening. David’s boredom combined with idle hands gave the Devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:27. David’s lustful decision supports the theory that Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. This is why Christian’s must learn to eliminate idleness.

Prayerful Action:

My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children, Hosea 4:6.

Building Up Believe Believing Behavior:

One of the Bible transitions for Hosea 4:6 replaces knowledge with vision. If this is the intent of Hosea, people without vision open their lives up to self-destruction. Subsequently, if you wake up day after day without knowing where you are going or what you need to do, idleness will lead you astray. If idleness continues to occupy your time, you may experience your own prodigal story until you come to your senses, Luke 15:17. Vision oriented Christians see the big picture like Jesus, replacing idle time by meeting with God everything morning to give you daily directions, Mark 1:38.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Rachel Rachel’s version of Kansas’ classic tune Carry On Wayward Son reminds me how easy idleness can lead you down a lonesome road. If you ever find yourself wasting time on your phone or turning off your mind to binge your favorite show, eliminate idleness by setting daily goals to keep you on track spiritually.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 133-Healing

Passage of the Day:

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ² We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. ³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. ⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water, James 3:1-12.

Reflection:

The title for today’s blog may insinuate that I’m urging readers to seek the gift of healing others. However, by using this passage from Jesus’ earthly brother, the healing I am writing about today is in the form of the words that you use. As a former teenager who was emotionally unstable, I could lift up an entire room with encouraging words before dragging everyone around me down with negativity. This is the power of words, a daily choice to either bless or curse others. The choice is yours.

Prayerful Action:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:16.

Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:

If you have ever said the wrong thing at the wrong time, this mistake will cost you. Mending the fences with this individual or the people that you hurt won’t be easy. Yet, two chapters after warning first century Christians about the dangers of words, James provides a solution in the prayerful action. As you verbally confess your error, pray for this relationship and your own language so that God will heal your speech. Healing may not happen on your timetable, but God will bring about restoration in His time, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

As a child, I was taught “think before you speak.” However, listening and obeying are two different things. If the words you use tend to spew venom and poison, may today’s devotion serve as a turning point to bringing about healing and not pain.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 132-Genuine

Passage of the Day:

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” ¹⁵ The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” ¹⁶ He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” ¹⁷ “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. ¹⁸ The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” ¹⁹ “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. ²⁰ Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” ²¹ “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. ²² You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ²³ Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. ²⁴ God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” ²⁵ The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” ²⁶ Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he,” John 4:13-26.

Reflection:

When I read the conversations that Jesus had with people in the four gospels, He is such an intriguing character. While waiting for someone to talk to at a Samaritan well, Jesus uses a body’s physical need for water to transition into a spiritual conversation. Rather than judge this woman for her casual relationships in life, Jesus points to a time coming in the future when the Holy Spirit will alter the place where followers worship God. When you meet a genuine individual, you what to keep on talking to them as their authenticity and sincere nature make you feel comfortable and important.

Prayerful Action:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15.

Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:

Genuine people have accepted who they are as an individual, embracing their strengths and open about their weaknesses. Since Jesus meets people where they are spiritually, being genuine in your daily conversations will help you earn the right to be heard and trusted in the future. After her initial conversation with Jesus, this Samaritan bought back friends and family to meet Him, John 4:39-42. According to John, many Samaritans came to faith in Jesus due to His genuineness.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Part of being genuine is making sure that you’re not trying to put on a show by seeking to be someone that you’re not. As God has humbled me through the years, I try to be the same person to everyone that I meet. While I may be more excited when I meet someone who triggers a topic that I’m passionate about, just be yourself and seek to give God the glory.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 131-Forthright

Passage of the Day:

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. ¹³ You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴ By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. ¹⁵ Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! ¹⁶ Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”^[b] 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.^{[c] 18} Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. ¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

Reflection:

Since I lived between Baltimore and Philadelphia for over 25 years, it wasn’t uncommon for me to come in contact with or work side by side a forthright individual. While blunt has replaced forthright in most cultures today, these people are direct, straightforward and painfully honest. Unfortunately, this quality has been looked down upon by many companies, often labeling these types of people as malcontent and outspoken. When a church was trying to sweep a major scandal under the proverbial rug, the apostle Paul doesn’t hold back about the spiritual repercussions of this sexual conduct. As a Christian, sometimes we need a forthright friend who holds us accountable when we start to slip away from the Lord and fall back into bad habits of our past.

Prayerful Action:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:

Not many people like to play the bad guy, the cop or the enforcer in their family, neighborhood or place of work. Yet, if you aren’t forthright and tell people the truth, they might not know what they are doing is wrong. One New Testament author suggests that the words of the Bible are living and active, Hebrews 4:12. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul points to the Scriptures as a source of reference to let Christians know when and if they have strayed off the narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14. The one cavoite that you must be aware of in the context of being forthright, you need to get you own life under control before you point out the same flaws in another Christian’s life, Matthew 7:1-5.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The attached song suggests that it’s better to be forthright than to sit around gossiping behind another person’s back. While confrontation is often messy, make sure you strive to be forthright and honest in future conversations this month.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 130-Encouragement

Passage of the Day:

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ² Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. ³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”^[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 15:1-6.

Reflection:

There was a common saying that parents in Delaware taught their children when I was growing up. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it!” The point of this expression was to focus on the positive aspects in the lives of a family member or neighbor. Near the end of his letter to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul brings up circumstances that Christians may find themselves in. Rather than treat new Christians like a Pharisee, magnifying all of their flaws, Paul calls Roman Christians to build up one another in an encouraging manner. Most people don’t respond well to criticism. However, when people are affirmed in an uplifting manner, these spoken words can make their day or start to turn around a bad week.

Prayerful Action:

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:

Encouragement is often conceived within someone’s perspective on life. If you see a glass that is half-empty but look at it as a blessing to be half-full, you are on the right track toward becoming an encouraging person. Unfortunately, the root of bitterness described in Hebrews 12:15 has a way of corrupting your soul. If you surround yourself with negative or sarcastic people, Psalm 1:1-2, you’ll eventually become negative and or sarcastic. While changing bad habits can be extremely difficult, start by asking yourself, “am I building others up or tearing them down?” This subtle thought may stop you from trashing others and trigger ways to start to build others up with encouragement.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The attached song is about a conversation that many people who live in large cities avoid each day, passing buy homeless standing at a busy intersection, begging for money. If Christians develop encouragement, they will begin to look for ways to help people like the child in the lyrics of Two Pennies. May today’s blog serve as a building block for encouragement.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 129-Determination

Passage of the Day:

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ² Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. ⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing, 2 Timothy 4:1-8.

Reflection:

Determination is the process of establishing something exactly by calculation or research. Individuals that possess this behavior display firmness of purpose and a resolute spirit. Depending upon your aspirations and personal interests, determination is often conceived by setting goals. From a spiritual point of view, determination begins by putting on the mind of Christ, Colossians 3:1-4. This is what the apostle refers to while writing a teenage pastor in the passage above. Fighting the good fight of faith requires determination.

Prayerful Action:

Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.

Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:

As a former long-distance runner, I understand the apostle Paul’s analogy to the Olympic fans of Corinth. Perhaps, Paul is referring to the importance of mind over matter. One of the tee shirts I often saw working out in college was “No Pain No Gain.” Developing determination requires a willing to push your body to its limit. Anyone whose life verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” gives Christians a spiritual goal which often breeds determination.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

In Romans 7, the apostle Paul details his failures to control his own body. However, in the final verse, Romans 7:25, Paul gives credit to Jesus for delivering him from sin. Sometimes developing determination is simply grinding a day out to start anew tomorrow. This is how Paul fought the good fight.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 128-Courageous

Passage of the Day:

Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: ² “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ ³ The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said. ⁴ And the Lord will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. ⁵ The Lord will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. ⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁷ Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. ⁸ The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,” Deuteronomy 31:1-8.

Reflection:

Sometimes when you meet an individual for the first time, you get the impression that they are merely following a script. Perhaps, this person is afraid to be who they really are, playing it safe in this initial discussion. As for Joshua, he reminded consistent, despite being outnumbered as one of the twelve spies sent to do reconnaissance of God’s Promised Land. Caleb and Joshua each gave a positive review of Canaan, believing in God’s power and promise to Israel. Joshua possessed the same courage as David, seeing beyond the physical features of Goliath toward an Almighty God.

Prayerful Action:

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go,” Joshua 1:7.

Building Up Bible Believing Behaviors:

When Americans think about courage, images of the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz may pop into your head. Despite his size, this character lacked the courage to face his fears until a trip with Dorothy to see the Wizard. The 2011 film entitled Courageous provides different scenarios where the cast is forced to rise above the trials in their lives. Recognizing that this will be difficult to achieve on their own, an accountability group is formed to help one another with the obstacles in their path to becoming courageous. As Joshua is introduced as Moses’ successor to lead Israel into the Land of Canaan, he calls everyone to be strong and courageous. Joshua realized that this journey isn’t going to be easy to complete, but if you bear down, we’ll make it safely to the other side. This is courage in action.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

As a former stutterer, I never imagined that I would become a teacher and preach from time to time. If I allowed my fears as a child to remain within, my path in life would have been much different and limited. If courage led David to slay a giant, this quality can help you defeat the giants preventing you from being a courageous Christian today. Have faith to stand tall.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 127-Boldness

Passage of the Day:

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. ⁹ God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you ¹⁰ in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. ¹¹ I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— ¹² that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. ¹³ I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,^[d] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. ¹⁴ I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. ¹⁵ That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. ¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. ¹⁷ For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,^[e] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith,” Romans 1:8-16.

Reflection:

We now live in a hypersensitive culture where if you say the wrong thing, there’s a chance your reputation will be forever ruined. A few have been arrested, others cancelled, and some have lost their job due to pressure from social media. As the apostle Paul writes a first century letter to the Church at Rome, Christians were being arrested and beaten with some suffering a martyr’s death like Stephen in Acts 7. Since there was a belief that Jesus’ second coming was going to happen in their lifetime, many Christians were willing to risk their lives for their faith. This was the mindset behind the boldness of first century apostles within the early church.

Prayerful Action:

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness, Acts 4:29.

Building Up Bible Believing Behaviors:

While Peter is forever known as the disciple who publicly denied knowing Jesus in Matthew 26:69-74, he did learn from this mistake. Peter gives this advice to first century Christians struggling with standing up for their faith: Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats^[b]; do not be frightened,” 1 Peter 3:13-14. According to one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter was crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die like Jesus, John 21:15-19. This spiritual transformation was a direct result of a conscience decision to make boldness a spiritual priority.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Following Peter’s advice about boldness, he adds a disclaimer in 1 Peter 3:15-16, “do this with gentleness and respect.” Boldness doesn’t give you the right to condemn people. Rather, boldness simply expresses to others where you stand spiritually.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 126-Avoiding Apathy

Passage of the Day:

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,^[a] and of faith in God, ² instruction about cleansing rites,^[b] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. ³ And God permitting, we will do so. ⁴ It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age ⁶ and who have fallen^[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. ⁷ Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. ⁸ But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned, Hebrews 6:1-8.

Reflection:

The presence of apathy is visible when individuals lack interest, enthusiasm, or concern about their current spiritual condition. In the film A League of Their Own, Tom Hanks and Gina Davis are having an animated conversation when Davis’ character, Dottie Hinson, informs her manager that she is leaving the team. Dottie confesses that baseball got too hard. Manager Jimmy Dugan replies,”It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t, everyone would play.” The same could be said about demonstrating Christian behavior. The apostle Paul lists fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. However, to make this a reality by living out these traits requires discipline, effort and focus. This is how Christians can avoid apathy.

Prayerful Action:

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷ but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God, Hebrews 10:26-27.

Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:

The apostle Paul makes an interesting comment in the letter to the Church at Philippi. “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12.” These words provide a sense of urgency which speaks to Christians who limit their faith to just Sunday. Don’t just worship the Lord at church or in the presence of other believers. Rather, the way you avoid apathy is by continuing to work out your salvation 7 days a week at home, in your neighborhood and at work.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

While today’s song is often used to help women with self-image problems, one of the ways I confront apathy in my own life is taking time to reflect upon a spiritual mirror, the Bible. The more I read the Bible, I am inspired to push through apathetic thoughts by drawing closer to the Lord. May today’s devotion encourage you to break free from apathy.

by Jay Mankus

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 125-No Longer a Victim of Fear

Passage of the Day:

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ³⁷ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. ³⁸ He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” ⁴⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹ And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³ and he took it and ate it in their presence, Luke 24:36-43.

Reflection:

During my final semester of college, I kept on having the same reoccurring nightmare. Initially, I didn’t think anything of it. Perhaps, a byproduct of a lack of sleep and too much studying. However, as I vividly saw this white rat suddenly get bit by a poisonous snake, I immediately woke up pondering, “where is this coming from?” After consulting with a few friends and mentor, I realized that I was the rat and the snake was the Devil. I was a victim of fear, always playing spiritual defense. Rather than always being forced to react, the Holy Spirit showed me how to become proactive in my faith.

Prayerful Action:

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:

Victimology is the possession of an outlook, arising from real or imagined victimization, that seems to glorify and indulge the state of being a victim. Meanwhile, fear is a strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. The best way for Christians to no longer become of victim of fear is by adopting the apostle Paul’s advice in the passage above. Only spiritual weapons can demolish strongholds over your life. Rather than giving the Devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:27, start by taking your thoughts captive so that any previous fear that exists will flee from your mind. Or as one of Jesus’ disciples once penned, perfect love drives out all fear, 1 John 4:18. Memorizing Bible verses like these will build up Bible Believing Behavior over time.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Today’s culture embraces and promotes victimology. However, from a spiritual perspective, you’re only giving the Devil a foothold over your life if you play the victim card. May today’s devotion help you overcome fear by experiencing the freedom Jesus promised in John 10:10. By the end of 2024, may you be able to proclaim, “I’m not longer a victim of fear.”

by Jay Mankus