Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Consequences of Unbelief

Posted on March 1, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In my days as a coach and teacher, unbelief is like an invisible cloud that stalls out and begins to affect and influence minds.  This negative vibe spreads through doubt, fear and a lack of confidence.  After the main contributor is eliminated or removed, those remaining have a hard time of being convinced that success and victory is attainable.

So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief, Hebrews 3:19.

According to the author of Hebrews, this is what Moses faced as a growing number of Israelites took their eyes off of God on the way to receive the Promised Land.  Thus, one of the consequences of unbelief is rebellion.  Apparently, several individuals wanted to return to Egypt, afraid they would die in the wilderness.  This wave of emotions prevented an older generation from being able to enter and experience God’s promised land.

“ ’If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes,” Mark 9:23.

Today, one of the greatest consequences of unbelief is unanswered prayers and health conditions that do not improve.  Even trained disciples succumb to the power of unbelief after an unsuccessful attempt of casting out an evil spirit.  For most people, each day is like a test, waiting to see if God improves their situation.  The longer one goes without any tangible signs of improvement, the greater unbelief becomes.  When you reach this point, hold on to the promise of Mark 9:23, so that belief will make that which was once impossible possible.

by Jay Mankus

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Serve the Lord Without Distraction

Posted on February 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul refers to a time in the future where peril will reign.  An era when the world will be influenced by sinful pleasures.  Whether today is that time, only God knows.  Nonetheless, its essential for Christians to hold fast by serving the Lord without being distracted.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days, 2 Timothy 3:1.

Despite this great dilemma, an Old Testament prophet provides a source of hope.  To prevent the love of Christ from being extinguished, the Holy Spirit will fill people of faith.  While the form in which the Spirit is poured out remains a topic of debate, this invisible force is essential to keep in step with God, Galatians 5:25.  If you try this alone, distractions will lure you away, halting your service for a season or more.

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions, Joel 2:28.

In reason years, the times I felt like I was on the right track, something got in my way.  Usually, pride lures me into a false sense of security.  A day, week or month later, all the spiritual momentum that I built up was gone.  Thus, I learned the hard way about the importance of a consistent witness.  Therefore, don’t allow distractions to linger.  Rather, lean on God’s grace and mercy to begin again to serve the Lord without distraction.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Putting Grace on the Map

Posted on February 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

There are certain types of characters, individuals or professions that make the average person feel uneasy.  Appearance, dress and modesty or lack there of sends a message.  Yet, some read more into this, judging someone’s character without ever meeting.  In the Old Testament, those who lived near the city gates symbolized wealth.  Thus, if you visited Jericho, you would find a brothel run by Rahab, a well-known harlot who made a living by entertaining those looking for a good time.

Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there, Joshua 2:1.

Despite her reputation and past, the Lord choose to use a prostitute to accomplish his will.  Beside putting grace on the map, this story in history sends an important message to those who feel unworthy.  Regardless of what you have done, God extends his mercy to those who are open to being a vessel of the kingdom.  In fact, this one act did not go unnoticed.  Rather, this woman of the night eventually becomes part of the lineage of Jesus and enters the Hall of faith in Hebrews 11.

Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, Matthew 1:5.

So what is a whore doing in the family tree of Jesus?  Well, we may never know the answer for sure.  However, that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate on why.  According to the author of Hebrews, God is the builder of all things.  Thus, if sin reveals the fallen nature of mankind, forgiveness by a Savior who died on a cross to atone for our mistakes brings new life.  Therefore, the next time you hear Satan whisper, “God will never use you.”  Remind the devil of the Creator of life who put grace on the map.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Beware of Public Opinion

Posted on February 27, 2016 by expressyourself4him

While there is usually a hint of truth in every opinion, perspectives can change in an instant.  Professional athletes can be a hero one day and a goat the next.  Politicians can be on the verge of becoming the next president one week and the next treated like road kill, kicked to the curb and buried by the media.  If this isn’t disturbing enough, just post or tweet something politically incorrect and your reputation will be ruined or severely tarnished.

When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live,” Acts 28:4.

Despite the century, jumping to conclusions and first impressions are a part of history.  Just ask the apostle Paul who endured a shipwreck only to become bit by a viper while starting a fire to keep warm.  This led the citizens of Malta to assume Paul was cursed by God, not able to escape justice.  After surviving this poisonous snake’s venom without any ill effects, the tide of public opinion changed.  Days later Paul’s legend grew, like a god.

The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god, Acts 28:6.

I guess the moral of this story is to keep a level head.  Don’t allow the gossip, opinions or rumors which spread daily to influence how you feel.  Rather, mind your own business and try to live a quiet life, pursuing what’s right.  In the end, people will know you by your actions, love and words.  Let God be in the final judge, until that day, press on to do the work that the Lord has created and called you to do on this earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Dropping off the Map

Posted on February 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In a typically week, I scan through 4,000 emails at work.  This daily grind has caused me to neglect my own personal email account.  Subsequently, in the last couple of years, I’ve dropped of the map so to speak, forgetting to connect with people I care about.

Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living, Luke 15:13.

While watching an episode of A Football Life on the NFL Network, I was struck by the words of former Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Mike Singletary.  In his pursuit to become a great linebacker, he neglected other areas of his life, most notably his family.  Like Mike, I suffer from tunnel vision, so focused on the task at hand that I can shut out the people that I care about most.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!” – Luke 15:17

From a biblical perspective, everyone has their prodigal moment, period or phase in life.  Human nature causes curious individuals to drift off course, replacing God or family with the pleasures of the world.  Depending upon the length of this detour, its not uncommon for someone to drop off the map, leaving church, fellowship or the faith for a while.  Whether this blog finds you in a good place, sliding away or somewhere in between, may we all come to our senses soon so we can be reunited with those whom we love.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Form Without Faith

Posted on February 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As a former athlete, there was nothing like game day, warming up in front of your opponents.  Depending upon the sport, there were certain matches that over before they began.  The team with the best form, technique and talent usually won.  Yet, form without faith is a losing recipe, costing several franchises in the past a championship.

Having a form of godliness but denying its power, 2 Timothy 3:5a.

There is a saying in profession sports that says the tape never lies.  This refers to players who have a tendency to take plays off, not giving 100 percent.  As a former coach, this wasn’t as easy to see.  Some players talk a good game, but crumbled under the pressure.  Meanwhile, some slacked off during practice, yet like Allen Iverson, when the lights came on, they rose to the challenge.  However, to endure for the long haul, form and faith must go hand and hand.

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead, James 2:26.

As an adult, I can’t escape imperfection.  No mater how hard I try, some days my form is good, but my faith sucks.  Or in times of weakness, my faith is strong, but energy is lacking.  However, everyone must be careful of fulfilling 2 Timothy 3:5.  Godliness does not come from human effort, but in the spiritual transformation of a human heart.  Thus, when Christians begin to go through the motions of religion, they deny God’s power.  In view of this, don’t pretend everything is fine.  Rather, in humility, let the grace and mercy of God build you up so that your faith takes the form of spiritual fruit.

by Jay Mankus

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Glow Worm or Fire Fly: Which One Are You?

Posted on February 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Glow worm is a common term for insect larvae which use bioluminescence to glow.  A typical glow worm contains yellow and green.  However, railroad worms have an additional red at their head.  Beside mating, worms glow as a defense mechanism, warning any predators of their toxicity.

He makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire, Psalm 104:4.

Meanwhile, fire flies come from the Lampyridae family.  These insects are beetles known as Coleoptera often referred to as lightning bugs in America.  The most common form of fire flies are nocturnal, often lighting up evenings each summer.  The older each become, the brighter they get through the magic of bioluminescence.

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire,” Hebrews 1:7.

Early on in life, children are balls of energy, living each moment to the fullest before falling into a deep sleep on a regularly basis.  However, over time circumstances, situations and trials can turn individuals into defensive critters.  Thus, the glow of one’s youth can dim or even die out, tired of the game of life.  So whether you’re more like a glow worm or fire fly, remember the song, “This Little Light of Mine,” to help you lean on the love of Jesus to re-ignite your flame.

by Jay Mankus

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Back Seat Drivers Afraid to Take the Wheel

Posted on February 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the earliest models of automobiles, the speedometer was located in the back seat. In this environment, the driver could not see exactly how fast they were traveling. Therefore, whenever someone in back sensed a degree of carelessness or recklessness, commands to slow down were conceived. Thus, the phrase back seat drivers was born.

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” – Luke 17:5

A century later, this term has evolved into various forms. In sports, these individuals are called Monday morning quarterbacks, second guessing what coaches, players and stars could have done which to turn a loss into a victory. In the lyrics of their song Back Seat Drivers, the Fold refer to a different concept. This analogy concentrates on people who tell you have to live, but are afraid to take the wheel.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13.

This is where faith enters the equation, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead you in the right direction. Sure, there will be critics, especially when you make the wrong decision, missing out on blessings from God. Yet, sometimes you have to learn from previous failures so you know where to turn. Therefore, don’t be afraid to let Jesus take the wheel as those who have begun this journey often experience the ride of their life. May the Lord give you the courage to let go and let God lead the way.

by Jay Mankus

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Discovering Your Future Through Past Failures

Posted on February 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Prior to computers and type writers, when individuals felt like they had something important to remember, a diary or journal would be pulled out of a drawer to record these thoughts.  Unfortunately, many of these ideas weren’t discovered until someone dies, found by family members while sorting through personal belongings.  Some of the greatest poets of all time did not become famous until after their death, as their pieces were found, gathered and put together into a collection.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come, 1 Corinthians 10:11.

Today, I keep a journal next to by bed.  In the past, I’ve allowed great ideas to drift away, lost in my mind before I could write them down.  In the morning, my memory vanished, forgetting an analogy, dream or vision.  One of the draw backs to this is when ideas flow, I don’t sleep, diligently creating an outline or taking notes on the direction of my next blog or movie script.  Despite the weariness that follows, my future becomes clearer as I learn from past failures.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus, Philippians 1:6.

In a recent interview on the Ellen Show, Ronda Rousey told an audience she considered suicide after losing her first ever UFC fight late last year.  I’m sure we have all experienced disappointment at one point in life, some more than others.  Yet, before you can go forward, you have to dwell of the reality of the matter.  Some individuals aren’t good enough, others are better, more determined than you or you just haven’t fine tuned your talents to get noticed.  Once you reach a conclusion, its time to regroup and move on.  Thus, as I attempt to complete my third movie script and submit it to the 2016 Academy Nicholl Fellowships Competition, I’m hopeful that previous failures over the last 5 years will lead to my big break in Hollywood.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Unguarded

Posted on February 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Confidence, egos and pride tend to convince individuals that they can handle anything that life throws their way.  With success, this mindset gradually leads people to become self-reliant, trusting in their own strength and abilities.  And yet, these factors create the perfect storm, setting the stage for a demonic attack on the unguarded.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

The human mind is an accessory, a willing accomplice.  As the mind is a giant sponge, able to record and store millions of pieces of information throughout your life.  Some of this content triggers fond memories of former relationships, places or things.  Meanwhile, other events can expose or uncover secret scars, a painful remainder of nightmares from your past.  Subsequently, anyone who starts a day without the covering of prayer or a support system is vulnerable to invisible attacks known as spiritual warfare.

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:26-27.

After a great first month of 2016, I’ve found myself falling back into careless patterns.  Any type of apathetic manner allows on open door for the Devil to come back into and torment your life.  This is why addiction, bad habits and unguided souls experience so much pain and remorse.  If you find yourself in this precarious situation, going through life unguarded, its time to create a war room, a place of prayer to prepare you for Satan’s schemes.  Like the old American Express Ad campaign, don’t leave home without it.

by Jay Mankus

 

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