Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Witnesses of the Holy Spirit

Posted on October 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever witnessed an accident, there are several things which must take place before you can leave.  The police must be contacted, vehicles must be moved off to the side and witnesses need to give their account of what happened.  The authorities are trying to create a 360 degree picture of the scene.  When all of the accounts are written down, an accurate perspective is usually derived.

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him, Acts 5:32.

When it comes to testifying about that which is unseen, accumulating information is much more difficult.  Perhaps a prayer spoken up to heaven is answered in a relatively quick time.  Or a financial need is met in a supernatural manner.  Some may even see a miracle unfold which defies logic.  If you have encountered any of these scenarios, maybe you have been a witness of the Holy Spirit.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 1 Corinthians 6:19.

The apostle Paul puts a different spin on this topic.  Relying on Jesus’ words to his disciples in John 16, Paul suggests this counselor can actually enter your body.  This Holy Ghost transformed his brethren from scaredy cats to bold evangelists.  This display of faith likely inspired a generation of believers.  Although the presence of the Holy Spirit may be rare in these days and times, don’t be surprised if you become a witness to the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

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The Threat of Faith

Posted on October 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to the scientific community life evolves.  As environments or habitats change, creatures and human beings are forced to adapt if they want to survive.  The same can be said about worldviews.  When truth is conveyed, realized or revealed, belief systems are put to the test.  This is the threat of faith.

For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us, Acts 6:14.

People will always go through periods of change.  Whether its puberty, relationships or unforeseen trials, each day provides a series of surprises.  Through the good and bad, hearts rejoice and grieve, while emotions rise and fall.  Yet, when what you have always known is challenged, faith and doubt collide.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ, Romans 10:17.

Through the years, time can take a toll on wounded souls.  In the case of the Jews, religious leaders thought the Jesus movement would destroy Judaism.  Thus, this threat elevated tensions, fueling resentment against Christianity.  As more and more individuals believed and were baptized, faith became a threat.  Nonetheless, when souls hear or read the words of the Bible, faith becomes a friend in Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Worthy of Suffering

Posted on October 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

During my time at the University of Delaware, I was fortunate enough to meet several missionaries.  Through campus groups like Campus Crusade, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Intervarsity, opportunities arose to interact with individuals from different countries, cultures and dynamic characters.  In biblical terms, several of these people I met are worthy of suffering.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name, Acts 5:41.

It’s interesting how people define success in various ways.  The poor may say a good day is having enough money to feed the whole family.  The middle class might suggest its making more than you spend.  Meanwhile, the upper class base success on property, possessions and power.  Yet, for first century Christians, enduring public persecution for their faith was like a badge of courage.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name, 1 Peter 1:7.

Beyond any physical or verbal abuse martyrs experienced, a nugget of truth has been passed on from generation to generation.  While you may suffer for your beliefs, trials serve as a vehicle for growth.  Just as a furnace uses fire to remove imperfections from clay, persecution strengthens faith.  Thus, while the world is dumbfounded by those willing to risk death, imprisonment or public beatings, devout Christians continue to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Can’t Be Stopped

Posted on October 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

History can be like a treasure chest, full of valuable life lessons.  Despite these riches, pride will cause many to ignore this information.  Thus, if you don’t learn from the past, you will repeat the same failures of those who have gone before you.  From a spiritual perspective, you may have the fight of a bull dog, but sometimes God can’t be stopped.

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail, Acts 5:38.

During a closed door meeting, religious officials in Jerusalem were flustered by a new movement.  Gamaliel, a shrewd Pharisee, adds his own two cents, reflecting upon previous events.  Recounting two similar uprisings, Gamaliel makes a valid point.  If the inspiration by the movement of these apostles of Jesus is natural, it will eventually die out.  However, if this origin is supernatural, it can’t be stopped.

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God, Acts 5:39.

Students of John Calvin believe God predestines the choices individuals make in this life.  The opposing view suggests free will is an expression of the human soul, giving each the ability to accept or reject faith in God.  Depending upon where you find yourself on this position, your mindset will be slanted in one direction or the other.  Beyond theology, the Lord has omnipotent power on the earth.  Therefore, don’t be fooled by man’s wisdom.  Rather, be open to movements of God inspired by the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Balancing Faith With Reality

Posted on October 9, 2015 by expressyourself4him

My weekly routine includes time with a former co-worker reflecting on our years in Christian education.  While each discussion varies, one topic usually comes to the forefront, what impact did we have on our former students?  Did the lessons taught inspire faith or has the reality of a lost world caused souls to back slide?  Unfortunately, news of partying in college, suicides and students having kids out of wedlock has taken the wind out of our sails.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us, Romans 5:5.

Out of sight out of mind is a common occurrence for Christians who leave the friendly confines of biblical education for a secular environment.  Perhaps, the foundations I once thought were firm was merely a mirage.  Then again, maybe I was naive, trying to make everyone feel good about life instead of challenging individuals to take a stand.  Time will sift the wheat from the chaff, yet as a teacher turned writer, I still struggle with balancing faith with reality.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly, Romans 5:6.

Since I joined Facebook 3 years ago, I’ve had former students and youth de-friend me based upon words in this blog.  At times, I may be perceived as over the top, out there or out of touch with reality.  Nonetheless, as I study the book of Acts, I am reminded of the only force on this planet which can still transform souls.  Sure, there are many things in the Bible that don’t make sense, but without the power of the Holy Spirit Peter, James and John would have returned to their fishing boats and the message of Jesus would have disappeared.  Therefore, as I continue to learn how to balance faith with reality, I cling to the promises in the Bible of an abundant life, where victory is not smothered by defeat.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Peter’s Shadow

Posted on October 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Legends, myths and legendary characters will always be discussed.  Whether its Babe Ruth, Paul Bunyan or Frank Sinatra, common people can be mystified by figures who are larger than life.  Although some feats may be embellished, those who were alive at the time of their prime wouldn’t put it past them to achieve the impossible.

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by, Acts 5:15.

However, sometimes a real life Clark Kent does the unexpected, turning into a super humanitarian.  Such is the case of Peter, a fisherman turned minister.  Fueled by the Holy Spirit, this once Jesus denier became transformed into a powerful healer.  An eyewitness of Peter’s miracles, Luke a real life doctor was astonished by Peter’s healing power, extending to his own shadow.  Drawing crowds similar to the days of Jesus, those who believed experienced restoration as soon as the shadow of Peter touched their body.

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them, Acts 19:11-12.

This phenomena continued through the apostle Paul.  Like Peter, his past was nothing to be proud of, hunting down and executing Christians.  Yet, this same Spirit, allowed Paul to turn over a new lease on life.  Possessing strong leadership skills, Paul kept Jesus’ legacy of healing alive.  While Jesus healed those who touched his cloak, those who reached out to Paul’s handkerchiefs experienced similar results.  From a human and scientific perspective, these events make no sense.  Nonetheless, when anointed by the Holy Spirit, even Peter’s shadow can and is used by bring believers into the family of God.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Stories That Make You Go Hum…

Posted on October 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes you have to be in the right place and right time to believe a story that you hear.  When something doesn’t make sense logically, skeptics always arrive on the scene, trying to poke holes into your account.  Yet, history holds a plethora of unexplained events which even baffle government officials to this day.

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

Arrested in plain sight, the apostles were taken to a public facility in Jerusalem.  The prison doors were locked, guards took their watch and loved ones went home sad, unsure of the future of their friends.  Nonetheless, like a scene out of a Hollywood, an invisible entity unlocked all their cells, allowing each to slide by the night watchmen and walked home unharmed.  This is one of those prison breaks that make you want to go hum…

On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to, Acts 5:24.

Like the resurrection of Jesus, who made several appearances in public 40 days after his death, this escape from prison befuddled religious leaders.  Just as Andy Dufresne disappeared like a fart in the wind near the end of Shawshank  Redemption, this biblical account emphasizes an essential truth about the Lord’s power.  Whether you are Mary, Joseph or someone seeking to emulate Jesus, with God all things are truly possible.

by Jay Mankus

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When Jealousy is in the Air

Posted on October 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The presence, sight or trace of gifted, special or talented individuals can be a tough pill to swallow for a typical American.  Whenever average, mediocre and middle of the road people come in contact with someone who appears to be more blessed, an uneasy feeling grips souls.  Subsequently, when the conditions are ripe, a spirit of jealousy fills the air around the insecure.

But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast, Genesis 4:5.

As children experience new emotions for the first time, coping with these feelings can be challenging.  In fact for some, this may be the root of temper tantrums, overcome by the moment or unable to accept reality.  This is where we find Cain in the book of Genesis, frustrated by his younger brother’s success.  Despite his hard work as a farmer, God was more pleased with Abel’s giving heart as a shepherd.  Sensing a mounting tension, the Lord tried to intervene, but it was too late as jealousy was conceived inside of Cain.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God, Galatians 5:19-21.

When in the air, jealousy can turn mature men into childish individuals.  By products of this sinful nature produce fits of rage, selfish ambition and division among groups.  Once conceived, jealousy breeds envy, blinding one’s perspective of your own gifts and talents.  Therefore, the next time you sense the presence of jealousy in the air, fight back with prayer and the sword of the Spirit.  If you claim God’s promises in prayer you will likely avoid following in the footsteps of Cain.

by Jay Mankus

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My Daughter’s Generation

Posted on October 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Over the weekend, I attended my second Father Daughter Retreat.  Since my daughter is the youngest and isn’t as passionate about sports as my sons, I don’t have that same connection.  Thus, its moments like this which provide a vehicle to bond and connect with my only daughter.  Currently, my greatest fear is the direction and issues confronting my daughter’s generation.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

In view of the recent school shooting in Oregon, individuals seeking 15 minutes of fame are targeting the lives of Christians, attempting to snuff out their faith.  Whether experts, investigators or law officers want to admit it or not, Satan is like a puppet master pulling the strings which cause these vessels of evil to snap.  Beneath the surface, demons are planting seeds of violence inside the hearts and minds of these pawns.  When the timings is right, devilish schemes are acted upon despite whatever good Samaritan tries to intervene.

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD,” Joshua 24:15.

Following in the footsteps of Moses, Joshua wasn’t afraid to speak the truth in love.  After seeing the affects of other cultures on God’s chosen people, Joshua drew a line in the sand.  However, Joshua didn’t just talk a good game, he lived one as well.  While you can’t change how people will respond to cultural trends, you can blaze a trail of integrity for your children to follow.  Therefore, despite the obvious negative signs that currently exist, emulate Jesus in this cold and dark world so that someone in your daughter’s generation will leave a legacy of faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Conspiracy or Sin?

Posted on October 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

September 12th was the 17th anniversary of Bill Clinton’s famous quote, “it depends on what you mean the meaning of the what is is?”  While under direct examination during his impeachment hearing, president Clinton was trying to duck the question; whether or not he had an affair in the Oval Office with Monica Lewinsky.  There is a reason Clinton earned the nick name Slick Willy, able to overcome every scandal his critics uncovered.

With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet, Acts 5:2.

Conspiracy is nothing new as one could say it began in the Garden of Eden.  While Lucifer was having a seductive conversation with his wife Eve, Adam was right there with her.  Was Adam like the husband trying to tune his wife out, pretending to listen?  Or was original sin a joint effort, something Adam put his wife up to?  According to the author of Romans, Adam was to blame, failing to lead his wife away from sin.

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, Genesis 3:6.

Today, the line between right and wrong has been erased in many cultures.  Even the government is struggling to define the proper use of marijuana; is it a pain killer or a drug?  As this debate continues, a liberal society is leaning towards a humanistic point of view, whatever feels good is right, whatever doesn’t is wrong.  Unfortunately, until leaders lead from a biblical worldview, this downward spiral will continue.  Thus, whether people conspire or sin, the same fate finds those who fail to stand up for what’s right, James 4:17.

by Jay Mankus

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