Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Missing Your Destiny

Posted on December 2, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of the more common ways to become successful is setting goals.  Depending upon how motivated the individual, time lines are set in the form of dreams, serving as a road map for the next several years.  During this journey, there will be many barriers, obstacles and mountain peaks to climb.  Anyone who gives up along the way is in danger of missing their destiny, purpose and reason for being born.

In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient, Ephesians 2:2.

Depression is like a valley or place which holds you down, sucking your desire and will to move on.  According to the apostle Paul, there is a force, a spiritual presence in the air who feeds on disobedience.  The Bible lists a series of mountains that can prevent individuals from discerning and living out God’s will on earth.

  1. Distractions – Lust for treasures cost Achan and his family their lives, Joshua 7:25-26.
  2. Doubt – Caused the Israelites to second guess God’s promised land, Numbers 32:9.
  3. Hurt – Pain has a way of leading individuals to tap out, losing all hope, Psalm 34:18.
  4. Dryness – Arid periods in life can numb souls, questioning life’s purpose, Ezekiel 37:1.
  5. Guilt – David, Judas and Peter all were consumed by this spirit, 2 Samuel 12:7.
  6. Decisions – Poor decisions can poison and ruin lives, 1 Corinthians 15:33.
  7. Sin – Those who deny the presence of disobedience walk in darkness, 1 John 1:8-10.

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction, Deuteronomy 30:15.

During his farewell address, Moses provides a blueprint to fulfill your destiny in this life.  The key to success in this life lies in one’s ability to obey God.  People are not forced to believe and follow.  Rather, its up to you to choose wisely.  The future is in your hands by either choosing life through obedience to God or death by embracing the ways of the world.  How you respond will dictate whether you fulfill or miss your destiny.  Choose life.

by Jay Mankus

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Crossing the Threshold into Prayer

Posted on December 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Some individuals have a tendency to think out loud.  Meanwhile, when alone others are in the habit of talking to themselves.  Unfortunately, a stereotype has conceived labeling any who talks to God or hears his voice to be crazy.  Thus, to enter a state of prayer requires a certain mindset, crossing over the threshold from the physical into the supernatural.

While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the LORD came to him a second time, Jeremiah 33:1.

The power of prayer is like a restaurant which gradually grows as good news spreads through word of mouth.  If prayer doesn’t live up to your expectations, you won’t return, disappointed by your overall experience.  On the flip side, when you cross the threshold into prayer, a desire is conceived to return as soon as you have a chance.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know, Jeremiah 33:3.

In the days of the divided kingdom, Judah began to follow in the footsteps of Israel, gradually turning away from God.  Saddened by this choice, the prophet Jeremiah receives a message from the Lord.  Essentially, God promises those who cry out to the Lord in prayer, crossing over into the supernatural, will receive answers to the mysteries of this life.  Therefore, don’t let time or what others think hold you back from entering prayer.  While answers may not come immediately, those who cross this threshold will receive blessings, encouragement and guidance throughout life on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Embracing Things That Will Kill You

Posted on November 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Every year a story surfaces about a famous athlete who’s professional career comes to an end or is put into jeopardy due to a poor decision.  Whether its being at the wrong place, usually well past midnight, committing a heinous crime or a self-inflicted addiction to a drug, its hard for outsiders to comprehend how someone set for life financially could throw it away overnight.  Unfortunately, former NFL first round draft pick Johnny Manziel may be the next contestant after a TMZ video aired during the Cleveland Browns bye week.  Following a summer in alcohol rehab, Manziel appeared to be on the road to recovery until footage of Johnny at a wild party.  Thus, even grown men embrace things that will kill their dreams.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:10.

You don’t have to be a star athlete to become ensnared by temptations in life.  Some may struggle to control their eating, unable to put down unhealthy food.  Others tend to pursue questionable companions, often resulting in a corruption of character.  Meanwhile, a lack of discipline can allow the devil to gain a foothold in the lives of misguided individuals, going down a road that most fail to escape.  Subsequently, when day turns to night, embracing things that will kill you become a way of life.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it, Matthew 7:13.”

Life is hard enough to endure without any distractions.  However, when you add a co-dependency on a drug, a body starving for nutrition and a peers who encourage you to do whatever you feel like, danger comes a knocking.  If you study the days of Judges in Israel, this is exactly what happened, “doing what’s right in their own eyes.”  When truth becomes skewed, chaos ensues as individuals justify their decision to embrace things that will kill you gradually.  As the line between right and wrong turns to gray, may the Lord help those on the verge of disaster, make a U-Turn toward God before its too late.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Why Blogging Should Be A Lifelong Pursuit

Posted on November 29, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the second Ultimate Gift movie the narrative shifts toward the life of Red Stevens, a billionaire in the oil business.  After Jason Stevens’ girl friend abruptly leaves, Red’s grandson seeks the council of Mr. Hamilton played by Bill Hobbs, the firm’s attorney.  During this conversation Hamilton loans Jason Red’s diary, an account of his rise to the top.  Along the way, Red journals each life lesson beginning as a young teenager.  This daily exercise gave birth to the ten gifts Jason faces in the first film.

“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him,” 2 Samuel 12:4.

Another illustration of writing can be found in Fireproof starring Kirk Cameron.  When his marriage hits the skids, Caleb Holt, Kirk’s character, considers divorce until a near death encounter changes his heart.  Desperate to salvage his marriage, Caleb turns to his father for advice, who suggests following a forty day Love Dare Challenge.  Early on, Caleb goes through the motions until God transforms his heart.  Fighting a losing battle with pornography, these recorded words provide a blueprint to overcome a life void of purpose.

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! – 2 Samuel 12:5

When individuals take the time to contemplate, reflect upon life and question their beliefs, pioneers of literature are born.  During my years of taking seminary classes, I found myself drawn to Augustine of Hippo.  Augustine regularly spent time in his backyard, relaxing his mind by observing his garden.  In this quiet place, a theologian was spawn connecting the dots between life, philosophy and biblical principles.  According to Jerome, Augustine’s practice of documenting his beliefs established anew the ancient faith.

He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity, 2 Samuel 12:6.

Today, the closest thing to a diary is blogging.  Although motives for writing are different, words serve as a map of where you are, where you’re going and show where you have been.  After beginning a pursuit to become a screen writer in my free time, I thought about ending this blog, blazing a trail in a different direction.  However, during a car ride on Thanksgiving Eve, I now feel called to continue this for life.  Though my topics may be sporadic, this daily habit helps me keep in touch with my soul as I express myself for Him.

by Jay Mankus

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” – 2 Samuel 12:7a

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Staying in Tune

Posted on November 28, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in my life when I possessed musical talents.  For three years I played the alto saxophone, improving each year.  When I visited my grandmother for the holidays, I quickly picked up the piano, able to play Christmas carols.  Unfortunately, some where along the way, my interests waned, forgetting the notes, rhythm and ability to play an instrument.

Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen, Amos 5:23.

C.S. Lewis adds a piano analogy within Mere Christianity.  In one of his introductory chapters, Lewis takes three key components: tune, notes and music sheet.  For performers to correctly play an instrument, it must be tuned properly to produce a quality sound.   Next, individuals must have the knowledge to play the appropriate key or note.  Finally, unless you understand how to read a music sheet, a song doesn’t flow or make sense.

And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him, 1 Samuel 16:23.

Beyond music, these elements are essential if you want to stay in tune with God.  The conscience in connection with the Holy Spirit enables individuals to discern God’s still small voice.  Convictions, gut feelings and minds swayed by prayer serve as notes, clues as to where to go and what to do.  Finally, as people begin to read and study the Bible, principles for life are revealed like notes on a music sheet.  While C.S Lewis’ words are more than a half of a century old, these timeless truths provide a guide to stay in tune with God.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Under the Power of the Devil

Posted on November 27, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Hollywood has a fascination with the Devil, casting roles played by both men and women.  Whether its Al Pacino in The Devil’s Advocate, Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled or Harvey Keitel in Little Nicky, the Devil’s powers vary in each film depending upon the character or title.  Ideas inside a producers mind, stereotypes about Lucifer and a screenwriters insight come together to illustrate the power of the Devil.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him, Acts 10:38.

In the real world, demonic forces are usually invisible.  Beside haunted houses, paranormal activity and unusual events, attacks of the Devil are hidden.  To pull back this veil, its important to open the Bible to prepare yourself for the inevitable, a confrontation with temptation.  Jesus’ own encounter reveals three basic temptations: physical, mental and spiritual.  If you’re not ready, you are in danger of becoming under the power of the Devil.

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me,” Matthew 4:8-9.

During my time in college, I had friends who went on mission trips overseas.  While I can’t speak on their behalf, their testimonies are riveting.  A roommate spoke of an ordeal with a warlord in the Caribbean.  A former teammate shared about stumbling upon a demonic stronghold in a third world nation, struggling to catch his breath in this one region.  While I’m not an expert in this area, I do know Satan presents a clear and present danger.  Therefore, make sure you don’t allow yourself to give the Devil a foothold on your life or you may become the next victim under the power of the Devil.

by Jay Mankus

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Forgetting to Thank the One Providing the Blessings

Posted on November 26, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The expression “you don’t know what you had until its gone” often hits home over the holidays.  Each year death takes away someone or something special from our lives.  Unfortunately, when life is going well, people forget to be grateful.  Take for example the Israelites, freed from 400 years of oppression and slavery.  Yet, this wasn’t enough as hungry stomachs led to complaining and grumbling.  When God answered their prayers in the form of manna, bread from heaven, the magic of this miracle soon wore off, craving more.  As quail arrived, sent by the Lord, the Israelites forgot to thank the One providing the blessings.

The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD‘s hand in Egypt!  There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death,” Exodus 16:3.

Doctors tend to notice certain details that most individuals miss.  In the case of Luke, a first century physician, his version of the Healing of 10 Lepers mentions an unique observation.  Leprosy attacks the vocal cords, limiting one’s ability to project their voices.  One of the ten healed by Jesus was overcome by emotion, crying out at the top of his lungs for the first time in years.  While Jesus is disappointed that only one person came back to thank him, Luke highlights the immediate healing experienced by this man.  The other nine took their speech for granted, yet one man did not miss the opportunity to thank the One who performed this blessing.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.  He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.  Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” – Luke 17:15-18

On Thanksgiving Day, hearts and minds tend to be fixed on cooking, football or shopping.  Instead of slowing down to enjoy life, the pursuit of happiness causes souls to search for self-gratification.  This exercise usually leads to disappointment or emptiness.  Therefore, this year on this sacred day, make sure you take the time to thank the good Lord above for all the blessings in this life.  If you don’t, you will miss a golden opportunity to prepare your heart to catch the spirit of Christmas, with good tidings and great joy to all!

by Jay Mankus

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Now and Then

Posted on November 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Its hard to believe that on this day twenty years ago I married Leanne Marie Wagner.  Having a wedding in Chicago two days after Thanksgiving can be risky, at the mercy of the weather.   An unwelcomed winter storm could have arrived at any time, but on November 25th, 1995 the Lord was on our side, blessing us with sun and a fifty degree day.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord, Proverbs 18:22.

Most wedding vows include the phrase “for better or for worse.”  This term appears within the marriage service section of the Common Book of Prayer.  Published in 1549, the concept of persevering with a marriage til death due us part can be traced back to the late 1300’s.  Unfortunately, sticking with your spouse throughout one’s life get’s harder and harder as modern cultures have accepted and embrace divorce as a viable option.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, Ephesians 5:25.

While premarital counseling is a good place to start, you’re never really fully prepared for marriage.  The intimacy of marriage reveals all of your imperfections, leaving individuals vulnerable, at the mercy of your mate.  In addition, time has a way of adding weight, losing luster and deteriorating parts of your body.  Anyone can be in love on their honeymoon, but true love takes an unyielding will.  Thus, now and then, I vow to keep my promise to my wife Leanne until death due us part.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Life Isn’t Meant to be Fair

Posted on November 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Common Core Standards are based upon the premise that every child should have a common experience in life.  To distribute the wealth of knowledge across cultural, economic and social lines, education has been dumbed down in an attempt to create equality.  The fatal flaw within this K-12th curriculum is that life isn’t meant to be fair.  Subsequently, one person will be rich, another poor, some will be blessed while others are cursed and the disciplined will achieve great heights as the lazy fall short of the goals they set in life.

So the last will be first, and the first last, Matthew 20:16.

Somewhere along the way, public education has placed a priority on self-esteem instead of fulfilling Darwin’s teaching.  My best recollection of high school was survival of the fittest, a series of tests and trials to reveal the best  One of my greatest teachers, Mrs. Ehrig challenged me, pushing me to a place I never thought I could reach.  She didn’t care about how I felt, just ways to motivate me to unlock my potential.  The myriad of excuses must end, replaced by the core principles which once made America’s schools elite.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Outside of the classroom, churches must communicate a biblical message explaining how and why life isn’t fair.  If sermons portray unrealistic teachings like a prosperity gospel, believers will be set up for disappointment.   Experiences shape beliefs so to prevent individuals from a disenfranchised faith, truth should rise above fiction.  While each person is dealt a different hand in life, you have to play with the cards, talents God gives you.  Although some days you may feel as if the deck is stacked against you, make the most of each day you are given as you endure the good, bad and ugly circumstances within this life.

by Jay Mankus

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Standing in the Way of Progress

Posted on November 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Cantankerous, inflexible and pertinacious are words associated with stubborn.  Depending upon which study you reference, individuals become set in their ways between age 16 to 25.  Whether students choose to pursue college or stop their education following high school, worldviews are often set by the early twenties.  Subsequently, when a new way of thinking is introduced, many are caught standing in the way of progress.

So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way? – Acts 11:17

Unfortunately, I grew up during the infant phase of computers, forced to take typing classes in high school.  Thus, as technology changes electronics annually, its hard for me to keep up, lagging behind as I adjust to updated programs.  Part of me wants to keep the status quo, doing tasks the way I am accustom to.  Yet, if I don’t face reality I may find myself standing in the way of progress.

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life,” Acts 11:18.

During the first century, Peter struggled to adapt to the societal advances.  Raised as a Jew, Peter was taught to avoid associating with Gentiles.  However, as the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his family, Peter was faced with a dilemma.  Hold on to past stereotypes or embrace the movement of God?  In the end, Peter realized that if he did not accept Gentile converts to Christianity he would be standing in the way of progress.  In the same manner today, as the world drastically changes, ask the Lord to give you the heart of Christ to avoid standing in the way of spiritual progress.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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