Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Blinded for a Time

Posted on December 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the 1988 action film Bloodsport, Jean-Claude Van Damme plays a martial arts expert Frank Dux.  The name is derived from a famous competition known as the Kumite.  During the championship match, the defending champion who killed on of his opponents in a preliminary match, throws a foreign substance into Dux’s eyes.  Blinded for a short time, Frank panics before relying on his training which carries him onto victory.

Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus, Acts 9:8.

The saying “you don’t know what you have until its gone” can be applied to several aspects in life.  A soldier who relies on his strength may loose a limb or limbs in battle.  Individuals may take forgranted a special relationship until death takes this person away prematurely.  Meanwhile, a career or home can be ruined in a blink of an eye.  Regardless of who you are or where you live, sooner or later you will be blindsided by a trial.  How you respond will determine the path you take in life.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials, 1 Peter 1:6.

Looking back over the last 5 years of my life, I was forced to fight through adversity.  Through some of the ups and downs, there were times I felt God turned his back on me.  Yet, as I was blinded for a time, I learned that God never moved.  Rather, I allowed bitterness, frustration and regret lead me to drift away into period of depression.  However, like Jean-Claude Van Damme in the end of Bloodsport, my previous training in the Bible is helping me return to a victorious life in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Earnest Prayers

Posted on December 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Grave, serious and solemn describe the emotions connected to the term earnest.  Tragic events like the San Bernardino terrorist attack on a company Christmas party sent shock waves across the United States last week.  Like the nation of France following their own recent encounter, the news of death tends to bring people to their knees.

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him, Acts 12:5.

Although less and less people annually consider themselves to be born again Christians, crying out to God is like a natural response in the face of desperation.  Unfortunately, earnest prayers usually arrive after disaster occurs.  Thus, for God to answer most prayers miracles are necessary or else people will go home disappointed and disenfranchised.  This wasn’t always the case, especially during the first century.

When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”  “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel,” Acts 12:14-15.

Persecution was a way of life for early Christian as many leaders were martyred for their faith.  Hopeful that Peter didn’t face the same fate of James of Zebedee in Acts 12:2, a spirit of earnest prayer spread.  This sober mood spawned an angel into action.  The ultimate goal of any prayer to receive the answer that you’re hoping for.  However, sometimes God answers quicker than you expect.  Thus, before the morning sunrise, Peter was set free, arriving at their front door.  Initially shocked like a dream too good to be true, this earnest prayer was blessed immediately.  In view of this account, be proactive to form a hedge of protection as you participate in a modern example of earnest prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Places Where Dreams Die

Posted on December 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to the 1993 film, Rudy Ruettiger was an average athlete and middle of the road student with dreams that seemed far fetched.  Thus, Rudy took a job at a local Steel Mill, buying some time.  When his best friend Pete dies in an accident at the mill, Rudy finds himself at a crossroads.  During the funeral Rudy comes to the realization, “if I don’t leave now my dream will never happen,” dying at a dead end job.  Standing at a Greyhound Bus Station, Rudy’s father shares a series of ungodly beliefs, filled with negativity, hoping his son stays.  Deep down Rudy Ruettiger sensed that remaining in his hometown was another place where dreams can die.

For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear, Ecclesiastes 5:7.

Meanwhile, Homer Hickam faced his own set of struggles illustrated in the 1999 movie October Sky.  Playing the role of the younger brother, Homer could never escape the shadow of big brother Jim, a football star destined for a college scholarship.  Despite his efforts, Homer was unable to compete with his brother’s popularity or talents.  After his father’s work related injury, Homer drops out of high school to become a coal miner attempting to follow in the footsteps of his dad. Yet, Homer’s new job couldn’t quench a passion for rockets.  Fueled by his teacher Miss Riley, Homer leaves the occupation where his dream would have died in the mine to participate in a science fair that altered the course of his life.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Ephesians 3:20.

Unfortunately, most people fail to become famous, rich or successful, ending up in a place where their dreams disappear.  Some are forced by financial constrains to keep multiple jobs just to survive, fighting a losing battle with debt throughout life.  Others endure destructive relationships that often end with another mouth to feed, divorce or years of regret.  Within all these distractions, time flies by causing dreams to be altered, downgraded or pushed back until nothing is achieved.  If you have ever reached this point like me, you need an inspirational friend like Pete who speaks words of encouragement.  Or a mentor like Miss Riley who will uplift your spirits, challenge you and instill in you perseverance to press on through places where dreams die until you taste the abundant life Jesus promises, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Diagnosis Murder

Posted on December 9, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The CBS television series Diagnosis Murder ran for eight seasons from October 1993 to May 2001.  Starring Dick Van Dyke, Scott Baio and Victoria Rowell to name of few, this drama examined the motive behind each act, crime and murder.  Little did creator Joyce Burditt realize that four months after this show’s conclusion a new diagnosis was necessary, to comprehend the heart and mind of a terrorist following 9/11.

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it,” Genesis 4:7.

After each mass shooting, politicians meet behind closed doors to determine their talking points.  Questions such as “Was this an act of terror, motivated by the religious right, Muslim extremists, work place violence, a loose canon or someone with a record of mental illness?”  Unfortunately, these acts in America have become so common expert panelists are probably on standby or speed dial, waiting to analyze the next act of terror.

“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.

The Bible has its own theory on why murder and terrorism occur.  Some thoughts are conceived through jealousy like Cain.  Envy and jealousy eat away at the human soul, planting seeds of revenge inside the hearts and minds of those who feel threatened by another person or faith.  Meanwhile, Jesus links anger and hatred to murder within his sermon on the Mount.  Expanding upon this view, the apostle Paul refers to someone who gives the devil a foothold.  When evil comes crouching at the door of vulnerable hearts and minds, conditions are ripe for horrific acts.  May the truths of these biblical principles reach those on the verge of making a poor choice, preventing the need for another diagnosis murder.

by Jay Mankus

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The Original Shawshank Redemption

Posted on December 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The Shawshank Redemption film was inspired by the Stephen King 1982 novel collection Different Seasons.  In the 1994 movie, Tim Robbins plays a banker, Andy Dufresne, falsely accused of killing his wife and a golf professional during an affair which took place at his own home.  The jury had enough motive to convict and sentence Dufresne to two life terms in prision at Shawshank State Penitentiary.  When a new inmate reveals a confessional of this crime from a former cell mate, the warden denies Andy’s request for a re-trial as well as killing the prisoner who could prove Dufresne’s innocence.

When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Acts 12:3.

During the first century, a fisherman turned evangelist experiences a similar ordeal.  When the Jesus movement threaten to weaken Judaism, one of its leaders was arrested by King Herod.  Although his life was spared unlike his friend James of Zebedee, Peter is held by armed guards awaiting his trial after the Passover celebration.  To insure he would not escape, Peter was bound with chains on each arm.  Neither predicament seemed plausible until redemption entered the equation.

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists, Acts 12:7.

Andy Dufresne used a rock hammer, a poster of Rita Hayworth and time to escape through the tunnel used as the prison’s sewage pipe.  Switching the accounting book in the vault, Andy sent a letter to a local newspaper exposing the corruption at Shawshank on his first day as a free man.  Meanwhile, an angel wakes up Peter, releases his chains and leads him out of prison without anyone noticing his escape.  Following years of injustice, the warden commits suicide instead of facing law enforcement and Herod dies after failing to praise the Lord.  Although each story has its own twists and turns, the accounts by Luke of Peter in Acts 12 can be described as the original Shawshank Redemption.

by Jay Mankus

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You Have to Seek Before You Can Peak

Posted on December 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the aftermath of Wednesday’s San Bernardino shooting leaving 14 dead and another 21 others wounded, responses poured out in the form of thoughts and prayers.  As 2016 Republican Presidential candidates turned to God for help, democratic leaders used this tragedy to drum up support for gun control and the elimination of the second amendment.  Perhaps, this political difference caused a New York journalist to write, “God isn’t fixing this.”  Unfortunately, the author of this quote doesn’t know one of the most basic Bible principles, you have to seek before you can peak ahead.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33.

During one of the most famous sermons ever recorded, Jesus spends a chapter in Matthew 6 explaining the concept of spiritual etiquette.  Like the present, first century inhabitants were searching for results as well as credit once things improved.  Thus, Jesus brings up proper and improper attitudes and motives.  Listing a few current examples, Jesus exposes the impure.  Essentially, Jesus suggests that prayer, fasting and money won’t change you current situation.  Rather, as soon as individuals make the decision to seek God first, everything else will begin to fall into place within this life.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own, Matthew 6:34.

Unfortunately, the Name and Claim It Crowd, also known as the Prosperity Gospel, have overlooked one crucial word, righteousness.  God’s nature can not exist without it.  Thus, as Christians leave a negative imprint on society, members of the media are doubting the Lord’s ability to fix America’s decaying morality.  True progress lies in an unswerving devotion to trust God for daily bread, basic essentials to survive.  While this mental state is possible to achieve, few have the faith to endure the storms of life.  Therefore, the next time someone tries to limit God’s power, remember you have to seek before you can peek at the blessings the Lord has in store for you in the future, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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Angels Waiting for a Prayer

Posted on December 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In this politically correct world certain words have been phased out, too ignorant and harsh for this generation to hear.  One of these banished words is pig-headed, meaning stubborn.  Unfortunately, I tend to bang my head against the door hoping for a different outcome like a starving pig, doing whatever it takes to pick up the last scrap of food.  Perhaps, I need to take a new approach, shifting my focus toward prayer with the hope that an angel is awaiting on a prayer to act.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, Acts 5:19.

Throughout the Bible, angels magically appear after someone prayers.  Whenever an apostle was arrested or imprisoned, the local church began to pray.  While not every prayer resulted in a miracle, angels rescued Peter from jail twice.  Though a scientist may dispute this theory, unable to directly link angels to prayer, its not that far fetched to consider that angels are waiting for specific instructions in the form of prayers.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, Psalm 91:11.

According to author of Psalm 91, God created angels to guard and protect individuals.  This invisible force isn’t something people should experience once in a life time.  Rather, the Psalmist suggests angels are meant to guide you in all your ways on earth.  Therefore, the more believers in the supernatural begin to offer up requests, angels waiting for a prayer can respond immediately like the accounts in the Bible.  If you’re like me, disappointed by your current state in life, then maybe you’re a prayer away from ushering angels into action.

by Jay Mankus

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God isn’t the Solution?

Posted on December 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As the print media tries to survive in an age of instant information, journalists are encouraged to write provocative pieces.  Such is the case of this week’s headline in the New York Daily News, “God isn’t fixing this.”  The premise of this article is based upon two opposing worldviews, Theism verse Secularism Humanism.  After several conservative politicians offered thoughts and prayers in response to the San Bernardino shooting, liberals are demanding actions, not words.  Thus, the title suggests God isn’t the solution.

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! – Isaiah 1:15

According to Webster’s Dictionary, humanism is any system of thought or action concerned with the interests or ideals of people characterized by an emphasis on human interests rather than religion.  In the mind of those who think government is the answer or solution to life’s problem, God isn’t fixing America’s problems.  Thus, Communists, Progressives and Socialists believe gun control is the ticket, the cure to eliminating crime.  The main flaw is if officials get their way, only the criminals will gain access to guns, leaving law abiding citizens defenseless, without anything to protect their families.

However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you, Deuteronomy 28:15.

On the other side of the worldview spectrum is Christian theism, holding to Judeo-Christian values.  Instead of trusting in science or self, this ideology leans on God’s understanding, rather than trusting in man.  This blind faith baffles those who deny God’s existence.  Thus, the debate commences on whether or not prayers can fix America’s current situation.  Beyond the realm of prayer, you must consider blessings and curses.  If America continues to reject God, move away from their with alliance Israel and disobey the Bible’s commands, then words of the Daily News will become a self-fulfilled prophecy.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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What is God Cooking Now?

Posted on December 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Anyone who desires or longs to be a cook may choose a career in culinary arts.  This school involves teaching students government standards, preparation procedures and provide wisdom about what it takes to be successful.  However, novice chefs tend to learn from trial and error.  Meanwhile, others learn the hard way that they don’t belong in the kitchen.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me, Philippians 3:12.

Beyond menus and specials, God has His own way of cooking.  The Bible refers to methods like smelting, pottery and purification.  Trials in life are like sitting in a crock pot, slowing blending a myriad of ingredients into a tasty meal.  Likewise, God takes the gifts and talents individuals possess, using disappointment, heartache and setbacks to mold people into vessels, instruments ready to serve the kingdom of God.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13.

However, like secret recipes of famous restaurant chains, God’s seasoning is unknown.  There are instructions inside the Bible, but the time and temperature is still a mystery.  Faith is the missing link, the glue that holds the church together until the final dish is unveiled.  In the mean time, may the Lord give you guidance, patience and understanding as you eagerly wait for God to finish what’s brewing inside of you.

by Jay Mankus

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Learn from History or Relive Past Mistakes

Posted on December 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If each life were made into a book, biographies would possess a section where readers scratch their heads.  The audience may think, “I can’t believe they are making the same mistake over and over again.”  Backsliding, downward spirals and periods of neglect cause the average person to repeat the sins of their past.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

During a visit to the city of Corinth, the apostle Paul witnessed a cycle church members were stuck in.  Wondering if these people knew the history of Israel, he begins to share life lessons from past failures.  Since Corinth was a port city, an influx of outsiders were leaving a negative impact on the culture, causing many to relive past mistakes of previous civilizations.  The point of Paul’s message was to learn from history or relive the past.

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.

No matter how hard I try to follow my New Year’s resolutions, its not long before I fall back into bad habits.  When I go a day or days without reading and studying the Bible, I’m one step closer away from embracing sins of the past or welcoming temptations of the present.  The disciple whom Jesus loved was right, “you can’t remain within Christ if you become unattached.”  In view of this, may those hungry for change turn back to the ultimate power source, Jesus Christ to get plugged in so that you learn from the history by avoiding past mistakes.

by Jay Mankus

 

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