Monthly Archives: April 2017

Just Another Part of Life

Posted on April 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Christopher Bullock was one of the first Americans to coin the phrase, “there are 2 certainties in life: death and taxes.”  In a letter written by Benjamin Franklin following the creation of the United States Constitution, Franklin relayed this painful reality in 1789.  Thus, every April Americans scramble to collect paperwork to meet the filing deadline.  Yes, taxes is just another part of life.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it, Ecclesiastes 12:7.

Modern quotes have added one more element: life, death and taxes.  Unfortunately, death is one of those topics most people shy away from talking about.  The idea of never being able to see or talk to someone for the rest of your life is scary.  This fear places future conversations on hold until accidents, illness or old age arrives unexpectedly.  Funerals force the issue as human beings return to the same dust from which God created Adam.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also, John 14:3.

The older you get, it seems like weddings are replaced by funerals, bringing the reality of death to the forefront.  Yet, if you listen to the clergy who perform these ceremonies, there is an assumption that everyone goes to heaven.  I guess celebrating eternal damnation doesn’t draw a large crowd so the other choice is a better option.  While death is a certainty, heaven is not guaranteed.  Therefore, before you leave this earth, make sure your reservation is secured, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Pull

Posted on April 9, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The gravitational force is the weakest of the four fundamental forces of nature.  Newton’s law of gravity refers to the force between two bodies in proportion to its mass and distance.  This pull is invisible to the naked eye unless of course you are doing something like skydiving.  Another pull also exists, a tug of war between the human flesh and the Holy Spirit.

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.

The Christian group Curious Fools sings about the passage above in their song entitled Pull.  This soft rock classic has inspired drama teams to illustrate the message of the lyrics in the attached you tube.  Whether you are disciplined, focused or organized, anyone is susceptible to the pull between the cravings of the flesh and prompting of the Holy Spirit.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit, Romans 8:5.

The apostle Paul examines what goes on within human beings as this pull commences.  The mind is like a trigger, leading you in one way or the other.  Thoughts serve like a steering wheel, guiding you in the direction of your desires.  Perhaps, this may explain Paul’s obsession with the heart and mind in his letters, Colossians 3:1-3.  If you don’t want to be pulled the wrong way any longer, begin by taking your thoughts captive, making them obedient to Christ.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Linger, Lust and Lost

Posted on April 8, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Drifting, hobbling or remaining idle are words which describe linger.  This state can lull people into a false sense of security.  Any type of prolonged visit here can stagger any sort of spiritual progress in the past.  I refer to linger as the first of 3 deadly L’s, laying the ground work for a crash, fall or prodigal act to follow.

Though he cannot bear to let it go and lets it linger in his mouth, Job 20:13.

The half way point on the road to destruction, Matthew 7:13, blends into linger.  Like a natural progression, lust is a byproduct of someone who is curious, distracted and side tracked.  Imagine a fish who is hungry.  Sure, fish realize the worm is on some sort of hook, but this craving leads to an irrational behavior.  If the tempter pulls as you take a bite, addiction is set in motion.

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death, James 1:14-15.

In the parable of the prodigal son, Luke 15, a doctor makes an interesting observation of a lost person.  Luke compares this phase of life as an individual who loses their perspective.  This debilitating state leads unwitting souls to hit rock bottom.  Like a never ending abyss, people continue in a free fall until one comes to their senses.  If this blog finds you somewhere on the road to destruction, lingering, lustful or lost, may the Holy Spirit pull you back in the right direction toward the road to recovery.  Keep the faith as the Bible illuminates the way, Psalm 119:105.

by Jay Mankus

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When Golf Dropped the Ball

Posted on April 7, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The term archaic refers to ancient, bygone and primitive.  If you analyzed the evolution of rules within professional sports, golf likely has rulings which make the least sense.  This was on full display last Sunday when Lexi Thompson was assessed a 4 stroke penalty in the middle of her final round of the LPGA’s first major this season.  Upon hearing the news that a 3 shot lead just became a 1 stroke deficit she replied,”this is a joke, right?”  Unfortunately, Lexi this wasn’t a joke, merely the day when golf dropped the ball.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil, 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Unlike a typical sport, golf has a different official for each group.  These individuals are responsible for making sure players tee up behind the markers, take proper drops and carefully observe to make sure no one breaks a rule during competition.  Although I haven’t read anything, it appears that the official in Lexi’s group was distracted or simply wasn’t paying attention.  This ruling and subsequent playoff loss for Thompson has tarnished the game of golf by stealing a tournament she should have won by 1 if assessed just a 2 shot penalty for remarking her ball incorrectly.

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; Romans 14:10.

In a letter to the church of Corinth, the apostle Paul refers to the bema seat, the place where track officials judge competitors.  The context of this reference is aimed toward participants who strive to win but do so within the rules of play.  In recent years, some sporting events have been altered by referees whose egos got in the way.  This selfish act often ruins the viewing pleasure of others, turning joy into frustration.  On the flip slide, there are governing bodies like golf that can be stubborn to change with the times.  The end result comes in the form of a zealous individual set on altering the final score of championship.  Perhaps, golf will evolve quickly.  Yet, for now Lexi Thompson is a victim of when golf dropped the ball.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Place of the Unknown

Posted on April 6, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Getting lost can take on many forms.  Your GPS device of choice may lead you astray.  The place where you are in life is puzzling with few who have experienced this or understand.  Meanwhile, the various stages of parenting can be challenging, often unsure of what to do next.  These are just some examples of entering the place of the unknown.

For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them, Matthew 13:15.

Jesus uses a parable based upon farming to describe the place of the unknown.  One of the reasons why people are in the dark spiritually is due to calloused hearts.  This condition is fueled by stubbornness, preventing individuals from picking up subtle clues from God.  This lack of clarity, discernment and insight hinders people from escaping darkness.

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path, Matthew 13:19.

The conditions, environment and surroundings in which you live often dictate the direction you will go in life.  While there are always exceptions to this rule, soil types restrict the overall harvest of farmers.  Obstructions like rocks, sticker bushes and weeds entangle the healthy.  Careless acts can damage, harm or uproot spiritual foundations.  In view of this hazardous threat, may the power of the Holy Spirit inspire believers to seek fertile soil for the soul.  By doing this, you will discover the way out of the place of the unknown.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Hand Behind the Plan

Posted on April 5, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The origin of the hand of God likely began during the reign of King Belshazzar.  Following the Babylonian’s conquest of Israel and subsequent exile, the hand of God arrived on the scene.  This event could not be explained by modern enchanters, astrologers and diviners.  Thus, Daniel was recommended to interpret the hand behind these words.

Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote, Daniel 5:5.

In the years that have followed, there is just as much confusion now as then.  Few people today have the spiritual insight like Daniel possessed.  Whether its an anointing, keen awareness or special training, recognizing the hand of God in any aspect of life is difficult.  Those who knew Daniel referred to his ability as having the spirit of the gods within him.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6.

Today, many false prophets exist, claiming to know the hand behind God’s plan.  However, if you read their books, follow their teaching and test these predictions, inconsistencies abound.  In view of this dilemma, its better to follow the words of the apostle Paul above.  The Old Testament is filled with examples of God humbling the proud and lifting up the meek.  Thus, whether you are able to discern the hand of God or not, remember to stay humble and God’s favor will fall upon you.

by Jay Mankus

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Finger Pointing Doesn’t Solve the Problem

Posted on April 4, 2017 by expressyourself4him

When someone is caught doing something they are not suppose to do, there are three common defenses.  The first excuse usually sounds something like, “I didn’t know.”  If you can’t claim plausible deniability, the blame game is often the next response.  Finally, if this doesn’t work, there’s always one final trump card to play, “the Devil made me do it.”

The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it,” Genesis 3:12.

This pattern of denial was demonstrated by Adam and Eve after breaking the only rule in the Garden of Eden, “do not eat from the tree of knowledge, Genesis 2:17.  As soon as this line was crossed, the finger pointing began.  Trying to deflect who was ultimately responsible, the consequence of sin began to influence human behavior.  Instead of learning from this mistake to avoid future errors, energy was wasted on finger pointing.

Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate,” Genesis 3:13.

Jesus spent his last three years on earth introducing a new way of living.  This teaching involved a new covenant based upon the element of truth.  Within the gospel of John, Jesus urges listeners to seek the truth which will ultimately set you free.  When hearts and minds become renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, finger pointing is replaced by acts of contrition.  May a spirit of revival reverse social media’s blame game with a movement based upon solutions.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Stress Reliever

Posted on April 3, 2017 by expressyourself4him

One of the most stressful things for me as a parent is watching my kids participate in sports.  Although some my debate on which is the most grueling to observe, golf must be in the top 3.  There aren’t any time outs, teammates to blame or walls to keep your ball in play.  When you start to fall apart in a stroke play event, there’s no place to hide.  This tension can consume any parent, filling the calmest individual with stress.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved, Psalm 55:22.

While I am usually laid back, this past week I found myself in the middle of an anxiety attack.  I guess it didn’t help that youngest son decided to finish his last 5 holes with 2 quadruple bogeys and 2 double bogeys.  Nonetheless, I should have had a better plan to cope with stress.  Some sort of stress reliever to ease the anguish within my soul.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, Philippians 4:6.

Yesterday, a light bulb went off in my mind.  Why am I worrying myself to death when I can lift up individual prayers to God.  Since this revelation, I have turned moments of tension into a stress reliever, praying for the helpless situations that I encounter.  If parents turn to the Lord with their troubles, then you too can begin practicing the stress reliever called prayer.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Driven From the Light

Posted on April 2, 2017 by expressyourself4him

When I moved back to Delaware in the last 1990’s, I began to have some initially eye issues.  Similar to pink eye, my condition began to involve pain.  One evening, I felt like a needle was stuck in my eye.  Whenever my eyes were exposed to light, this shooting pain intensified.  Subsequently, I was driven from the light into the darkness of an emergency room.

He is driven from light into the realm of darkness and is banished from the world, Job 18:18.

Bildad, a friend of Job’s refers to a different reference.  The context of the verse above refers to an individual who is affected by a harmful addiction.  When this illness becomes full blown, sin drives people from the light into a world of darkness.  Sometimes this dark transformation is subtle and other times its drastic, over night.

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death, James 1:14-15.

During my five years of blogging, I have crafted nearly 2000 blogs.  The one which has received the most comments and feedback is entitled The Second Glance.  This piece shines light on how lust can suck someone into a life of sin.  According to the passage above, full blow sin amounts to addiction.  Thus, if you allow yourself to become intrigued with a second glance like Eve in the Garden of Eden, it won’t be long before you are driven from the light into darkness.  In view of this dangerous threat, hold on tightly to Jesus whenever you feel yourself about to give into sin.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What’s Your Mission or Are You Missing Inaction?

Posted on April 1, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In the 2005 film Pacifier, Vin Diesel plays disgraced Navy Seal Shane Wolfe.  Upon the failure of his previous mission, Shane is reassigned to protect a family whose dead father created a secret weapon known as Ghost.  While government officials seek to locate this device, Shane’s new mission is to protect this family at all cost while examining the home for any clues.  Despite a series of set backs, Shane risks his life to complete this mission.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” Matthew 28:18-20.

Prior to his ascension into heaven, Jesus gave his disciples what is now known as the great commission.  This mission was laid out in three stages.  First, begin in Jerusalem, explaining what has happened to the Jews.  When phase one is complete, move on to Judea and Samaria, spreading the good news to surrounding towns and villages.  Finally, go into all the world to share the hope of salvation found in the words of John 3:16-17.

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,” Acts 1:7-8.

Nearly two thousand years later, God is waiting for you to fulfill a new mission.  Depending upon your personality, talents and spiritual gifts, instructions will vary.  Yet, unless you enlist by beginning your own spiritual journey, Romans 10:9-10, your mission will be unknown.  Lack of clarity helps explain why many are unproductive in this life.  However, as the Holy Spirit begins to reveal to you God’s plan, Galatians 5:25, success is possible.  May the season of Lent awaken souls to see the reality of the mission the Lord wants you to complete while on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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