Author Archives: expressyourself4him

I Am Your Father

Posted on December 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Star Wars has become a part of American pop culture.  Since its debut of episode IV on May 25th, 1977, watching each film in the series is like a rite of passage.  Today, the creation of a third trilogy is now being embraced by a third generation, three for grandparents, parents and their children.  Thus, one of the most quoted lines from Hollywood, “Luke I am your Father” lives on.

God has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.  As it is written in the second Psalm: “ ’You are my son; today I have become your father,” Acts 13:33.

In the Old Testament of the Bible, there are several prophecies about a coming Messiah.  By the time the first century began, many Jews were afraid to get their hopes up.  Nonetheless, as a carpenter began to perform miracles surrounded by 12 helpers, the scriptures came to life.  Thus, a doctor aware of this history quoted one of the Psalmist.  Through a relationship in Christ, the Lord has become a Father to children living for God.

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you,” Exodus 3:14.

To avoid committing blasphemy, Israel removed consonants, referring to God as YHVH.  Another Hebrew word Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh translates into English, I am or I am that I am.  Subsequently, as Jesus was questioned by Jewish leaders following his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, the moment he claimed to be I am, it was grounds for death.  Unfortunately, those who crucified Jesus never realized Jesus is God’s son and that He was their Father.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What’s Their Story?

Posted on December 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the 1984 film Footloose, Kevin Bacon plays Ren, a city boy from Chicago who is forced to move to Utah following his mother’s divorce and re-marriage.  Labeled a trouble maker by the church and community leaders, Ren is targeted and kicked off his high school gymnastics team.  After this ordeal, Ren begins to ask questions, trying to find out, “what’s their story?”  Coming home from a date, Ren discovers the death of a pastor’s son inspired law makers to restrict the freedom of teenagers.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven,” Luke 6:37.

From the outside looking in, its hard to get a feel for what’s going on inside the human soul.  Events, family and surroundings influence who people become for the good and bad.  Recently, I heard about a former high school student who denounced their faith.  Some where along the way, academia, revisionist historians and secular humanism have encouraged this young man to abandon his relationship with God.

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye, Matthew 7:5.

Every day, someone or something is causing associates, co-workers and friends to behave in a certain manner.  Thus, when an individual is depressed, erupts in anger or has an outburst, these variables come to surface in the form of emotions.  Instead of taking things personally, the sooner a friend can discover the story behind one’s action, the quicker the healing process can begin.  Therefore, don’t allow finger pointers to lead you to judge others.  Rather, lean on God’s mercy to comprehend what’s their story.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Christmas Jar

Posted on December 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

A little over a decade ago, Jason Wright and his family wanted to do something for those less fortunate at Christmas.  After bouncing some ideas around, they came up with a jar to collect loose change.  As the holiday season approached, the contents inside this Christmas Jar would be given away to someone in need.  When the money was donated in person, this left an last impression, inspiring the book A Christmas Jar.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Ten years later, this simple tradition has spawned Christmas miracles.  As empty jars are placed on kitchen tables in January, the Christmas spirit is no longer limited to one month.  Rather, now families are emptying their pockets daily, thinking of others throughout the year.  These amazing testimonies can be read at christmasjars.blogspot.com.  Perhaps this book may inspire you to create your own Christmas tradition.

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you, Luke 6:38.

Prior to blogs, emails and texting, I spent several hours each week writing letters.  As a poor college student, this was one of the few ways I could use my gift in an inexpensive way.  At the peak of letter writing, I corresponded with 50 friends across the country.  Beside replying to letters I received, I also reached out to those I hadn’t heard from, sometimes writing three times before receiving a letter in return.  My Christmas miracle occurred when a letter came to a friend after a series of tragedies in her life.  The Lord used my letter to touch her heart and comfort her soul.  This is why its essential to extend a helping hand at Christmas because you never know the impact that one act of kindness can do to transform a life.

by Jay Mankus

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21 Seconds to Pray

Posted on December 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

During my confirmation process in the Catholic Church in 8th grade, I studied the Lord’s prayer, also known as the Our Father.  According to author Dr. Mark Rutland, it takes the average person 21 seconds to pray this prayer.  After twenty years of using the Lord’s prayer as a foundation for prayer, Dr. Rutland believes that you can change your world if individuals begin to devote 21 seconds to prayer daily.

“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” Matthew 6:9-10.

Keeping a journal during this extended period, Mark began to see the impact Jesus’ words had on his prayer life.  Gradually, his heart, soul and mind were transformed by this basic, yet powerful prayer outline inspiring his book 21 Seconds to Change Your World.  While the average person struggles to pay attention or remain focused, 21 seconds is less than most commercials on television.  Therefore, why not make a resolution for 2016 to commit 21 seconds to prayer each day.

Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, Matthew 6:11-13.

Even when people draw near to God, prayer can be foreign to many.  Feeling asleep on my pillow in college was a nightly tradition, not getting far before I dosed off.  However, 21 seconds is realistic, a good starting point for novice prayers.  Therefore, I don’t have a good excuse to say I was too busy, didn’t feel well or was too tired.  Rather, now is a great time to start 2016 off on the right foot with 21 seconds to pray.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Friends of Laughter

Posted on December 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Unfortunately, I tend to speed through life, rarely taking the time for fun or laughter.  However, every so often the Lord sends someone to give me a different perspective on life.  During a youth ministry trade school called Tentmakers’ in honor of the apostle Paul, I met Otis Phillips, a fun loving individual who faithfully served the Lord.  The energy Otis poured out daily was amazing, yet his greatest asset was causing those around him to laugh.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, Ecclesiastes 3:1.

One year later, I became close friends with a youth pastor from Ohio.  A kid at heart, Phil taught me to live life to the fullest.  Thus, every Monday afternoon we had lunch in Cincinnati.  Whether it was playing mini-golf, laser tag or video games, Phil helped me forget about life for a couple hours each Monday.  Subsequently, I learned to laugh at my myself, others and began to grasp a peace that surpasses understanding.

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:4.

Finally, in the past decade, God brought me Spencer, possessing qualities similar to Otis and Phil.  On earth, life isn’t easy, filled with unexpected twists and turns.  Sometimes the bad sticks around much longer than glimpses of hope that I see momentarily.  However, in the end, its important to find friends of laughter to get you through trials and tribulations in this life.  As 2016 is about to begin, I pray that I can bring joy to others like these 3 friends have brought to me.  Like the classic camp song proclaims, Pass It On!

by Jay Mankus

 

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Base Camp

Posted on December 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

During an expedition in Alaska, a man went for a short hike one morning when a blizzard fell upon this region.  Quickly turning back to return to base camp, white out conditions blinded this man, causing him to become disoriented.  After 15 minutes of wondering around, this man’s wilderness trained kicked in.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me, John 15:4.

Taking his backpack, this man took a stake, hammering it into the ground until it wouldn’t move.  Then, he tied rope to this stake, serving as marker, going in a circle 25 feet, then 50, 75 and so on.  Finally, after extending his rope to its farthest setting, 100 feet, this man bumped into base camp, thanking God for saving his life.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing, ” John 15:5.

This story reminds me the words of the disciple whom Jesus loved in chapter 15 of his gospel account.  John is trying to encourage his readers to stay connected to God through Jesus.  Jesus is like the stake in the illustration above serving as a firm foundation.  Without this reference point, the man from Alaska would have died.  In the same way, those who try live apart from Christ will lose their lifeline.  In view of this, don’t wander far from base camp unless you keep in step with the Holy Spirit, staying connected to Jesus while you are away.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Position of Labor

Posted on December 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to modern medicine and state of the art hospitals, wives would give birth to their children at home.  Without an epidural injection, woman were forced to endure pain until their children came forth.  In biblical times, there was no stirrups to separate a woman’s legs to expedite this process.  Rather, woman squatted with their elbows spread out on either side, pushing with all their might.  This is the position of labor described in the Bible.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months, James 5:17.

Common sense tells individuals that you can’t give birth unless you are pregnant.  While Hollywood will beg to differ, producing films like Junior where Arnold Schwarzenegger gives birth during a scientific experiment, this is not normal.  In the same manner, unless you are laboring in prayer, attempting to give birth a miracle, most will become disenfranchised with prayer.  Only when the Holy Spirit breathes new life into souls, Romans 10:9-10, can individuals begin to see the spiritual fruit of prayer.

Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit, James 5:18.

Several times in life, I’ve lived by a wing and a prayer, praying only after accidents, emergencies and trials occur.  Subsequently, when I don’t receive the answer I desire from these prayers, I’m not surprised because of my position of labor.  However, when I am proactive, seeking a hedge of protection from evil, I begin to experience Elijah like results.  Therefore, don’t take prayer lightly.  Rather, put yourself into the position of labor, persisting in prayer like the widow who never gave up, Luke 18:1-8.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Tell Me How You Really Feel

Posted on December 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

From 1993 to 2002, Bill Maher hosted the late night television show Politically Incorrect.  Debuting on Comedy Central, this thirty minute program was designed to be cutting edge, tackling controversial political issues deemed taboo.  However, when this show moved to ABC television in 1997, Politically Incorrect became politically correct.

Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, Acts 13:9.

In this age of instant information, cell phone videos, dashboard cams and you tube videos can get the out-spoken in trouble.  However, this hasn’t stopped 2016 republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump.  Almost daily Trump is caught saying something outrageous in the eyes of the media, who demand an immediate apology.  Despite this weekly criticism, the Donald sticks to his convictions, not afraid to tell America how he really feels.

“You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?” – Acts 13:10

There was a time in history when there was a clear distinction between truth and lies.  During the first century, apostles of Jesus made it their ambition to expose false teaching.  While today most people would call this rude, the apostle Paul didn’t mix words.  In fact, Paul took Donald Trump’s in your face politics to a new level.  When a sorcerer attempted to keep citizens of Paphos from being introduced to the gospel, Paul called Elymas a vessel of the devil.  While I tend to be soft spoken, sometimes its important to tell people how you really feel to shine light on individuals living in darkness.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Which Way Should I Go Now?

Posted on December 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Bugs Bunny is a cartoon character I grew up watching as a kid.  However, Bugs first appeared in 1940 in the film A Wild Hare.  Despite coming out on top in most episodes, Bugs was directionally challenged.  Perhaps, this characteristic spawned the famous saying, “which way should I go Doc, which way should I go?”

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

The average individual has to ask a similar question annually.  What do I what to do for the rest of my life?  Where do I need to live to make this a reality?  Beyond the daily choices people make, two opposing forces exist in the world: the sinful nature and spirit.  One feeds on self indulgence while the other exists to fulfill a higher calling.  Since both are invisible, its hard for the average citizen to know which one to follow.

The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus, Acts 13:4.

Perhaps, the person with the best credentials in this area was the apostle Paul.  In Galatians 5:16-26, Paul paints a vivid picture to help distinguish fleshly desires from the spirit.  These acts can serve as a monitor, revealing where you are heading based upon current actions.  Like a disciplined athlete, Paul began to fine tune the presence of Spirit, learning to keep in step with God.  However, 1 Timothy 1:15 reveals Paul’s failures when he chose the flesh over the Spirit, making progress through trials and errors.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path, Psalm 119:105.

Modern society has something Paul never had a copy of, the complete Bible.  According to the Psalmist, the Bible can serve as a spiritual flash light, pointing individuals in the right direction.  While you may encounter moments when you struggle to discern a clear cut decision on what to do, God has given everyone a conscience to help along the way.  My best advice to those uncertain about the next path to choose comes from Solomon.  “Many are the plan’s in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.”  May the wisdom of the Bible serve as a key ingredient to help you get where you want to go.

by Jay Mankus

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While You Worship

Posted on December 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Sandra Bullock starred in the 1995 love story While You Were Sleeping.  After saving a man’s life from an on coming train, Peter played by Peter Gallagher falls into a coma where rumors alter and hide the truth.  In the real world, many people fall into spiritual comas, sleeping through most of life on earth.  Some individuals are revived, others perish and those remaining often become comfortably numb.  One of the solutions to snap of these mental states occur while you worship God.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them,” Acts 13:2.

In the 1992 film School Ties, Brendan Fraser plays a star quarterback recruited by a prestigious private boarding school.  The only problem is Brendan is Jewish and the school is Catholic.  Thus, this high school senior is encouraged to keep this a secret, pressured to adhere to foreign beliefs.  Whenever people are forced into doing something, its not naturally and can lead to future grudges.  The same can be said about children who feel forced to worship a God in whom they do not a relationship with.  Adults who grew up in this kind of atmosphere often stray far from the Lord, trying to figure life out on their own.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:25.

The Bible is filled with numerous examples and unlikely ways in which people can to faith.  However, without action, these emotions can die.  Thus, as seekers enter into God’s presence in the form of worship, spiritual awakenings commence.  There is something to be said of a house of worshipers in one accord and spirit.  Although this doesn’t come natural, energy in a building, a song or state of desperation can unleash a movement of God.  I can’t explain it, but when you find yourself on your knees, shouting at the top of your voice and raising your hands toward heaven, God can unveil wisdom about your past, present and future.  Don’t delay any further by joining a local congregation this weekend while you worship.

by Jay Mankus

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