Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Kissing Your Past Goodbye

Posted on September 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the Bourne Identity series, Matt Damon plays a special ops agent who has forgotten his past.  Suffering from amnesia, Damon searches for clues to figure out who he is.  Little by little, flashes of his memory returns, yet numerous passports with different names makes this quest even more difficult.  Two films later in the Bourne Ultimatum, a sympathetic agent reveals his true identity, David Webb.  However, it was David who agreed to kiss his past goodbye.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19.

In the real world, there isn’t a day that goes by without someone making a mistake, saying something regretful or wasting a perfectly good day.  No matter what happy face, facade or front that you may put on, imperfections permeate throughout the human body.  Exercise can mask obvious blemishes, but a hidden cancer of the soul exists without any cure.  Thus, whether you believe in God or not, the promise of a fresh start is alluring, worth further investigation.

Because of the LORD‘s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, Lamentations 3:22-23.

Whether you have a friend forgive you, experience reconciliation in a broken relationship from your past or commit to starting over from scratch, these events produce peace.  When these interactions are verbal, confession tends to bind people together in perfect harmony.  Perhaps this spirit inspired the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, “come to me who are tired and weary for I will give you rest.”  Therefore, if you are desperate for a new lease on life, come to Jesus to kiss the pain of your past goodbye.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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The Karma of the 2015 Solheim Cup

Posted on September 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Karma is a common term used Hinduism and Buddhism.  This worldview believes that the sum of one’s actions will determine the fate of each individual in the future.  Similar to the Bible’s Golden Rule, people should strive to do unto others as you what others to do unto you.  However, when someone is cruel, mean or ruthless, a bystander may say, “that’s bad karma.”

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:12.

This principle leads me to the final day of the 2015 Solheim Cup, a competition between America’s best LPGA golfers verse Europe’s best players.  Similar to the Ryder Cup, a match suspended due to darkness was marred by controversial sportsmanship displayed by Suzanne Peterson and Charlie Hull.  Walking to the next tee following Alison Lee’s miss to take a one up lead going to the final hole, their body language suggested the 18 inch putt was good.  Alison, a rookie on the team, accidentally picked up her ball.  According to match-play rules, this resulted in a loss of the hole even though it should have been tied.  Subsequently, the Americans lost this match, facing a 10-6 deficit with 12 single matches remaining.   Nonetheless, these actions set the stage for bad karma for the Europeans.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows, Galatians 6:7.

All Europe had to do was win four of the twelve matches to retain the cup.  Following in the footsteps of Ben Crenshaw’s 1999 comeback at Brookline Country Club, USA captain Julie Inkster motivated the squad to do the impossible.   Whether you believe in karma or not, Hull and Peterson both lost their match and although Europe got to 13 1/2 points, USA swept the final 5 matches to win 14.5-13.5.  In the end, God was watching from above, turning the tide with the Karma of the 2015 Solheim Cup.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Why Does This Surprise You?

Posted on September 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In this age of pessimism, few believe until they experience, see or taste success.  Sure, there will always be individuals with egos, pride or talk a good game, but backing up words is a different story.  Confidence is like night and dark, drastically altering the outcome of a day, performance and productivity.  Therefore, when a new star is born, why does this surprise so many people?

While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade, Acts 3:11.

High profile and professional coaches tend to be annoyed during press conferences after media members are astonished by one of their players accomplishments.  Not privy to all the workouts behind the scenes, athletes in the right system can excel over time.  Thus, whenever an average or middle of the road talent comes out of no where, skeptics automatically think, they must be cheating or taking performance enhancing drugs.  Though this may true for some, aren’t miracles still possible?

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? – Acts 3:12

As an apprentice of Jesus for three years, Peter witnessed miracles every day.  Like an ad campaign, the masses flocked to this man wondering, “what will Jesus do next?”  Perhaps this might explain Peter’s reaction to his first public miracle following the Day of Pentecost.  Miffed, Peter turns to the crowd gathering at the Colonnade, “why does this surprise you?”  Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter tried to remind those in attendance that with God all things are possible.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you, John 15:7.

Reflecting back to his training as a disciple, Jesus urged his followers to stay connected with God.  Like a power supply, remaining plugged in enables believers to reach new heights.  Therefore, when God answers a prayer, supernaturally provides or does a miracle in your life, don’t be surprised.  Ultimately, greater is He who is in you and than the One who is in the world.  May this blog strengthen your faith and inspire you to trust in the power of the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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A Beautiful Place to Beg

Posted on September 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to an April 2015 study, 1.75 million Americans are homeless.  This stat doesn’t include the unemployed, hungry or those on the verge of losing their permanent shelter.  While its not ideal, some are forced to beg, creating card board signs, standing at busy intersections hoping for enough generosity and or pity to get through the day.

Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts, Acts 3:2.

Prior to intersections, the poor would sit or stand at gates, where travelers walk in and out of large cities.  The disciples had their own encounters with beggars and leave it to Peter to provide an unusual yet powerful message.  Beginning with a bit of sarcasm, likely in response to his wardrobe, “do you see what I’m wearing?”  Unable to offer money, Peter offers this crippled beggar a slice of the supernatural.

So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk,” Acts 3:5-6.

Reaching out to or relating to the poor is not one of my strengths.  Yet, when I’ve tasted poverty, I was able to see the other side, walking in the steps of the helpless.  If or when you arrive, don’t be ashamed for in your weakness Christ is strong.  In fact, Jesus told his followers on a few occasions, “you don’t have because you haven’t asked.”  Therefore, the next tell you call out to the Lord in prayer, remember, this is a beautiful place to beg.

by Jay Mankus

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When True Love Waits…

Posted on September 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

While Tim Tebow was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles during training camp this past summer, members of the media took their usually jabs at Tim’s flawed throwing motion.  Local talk radio went a little further, making fun at Tebow’s decision to hold off having sex until he’s married.  Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has faced similar criticism after publicly vowing to let true love wait until his honeymoon.

We love because Jesus first loved us, 1 John 4:19.

When true love doesn’t wait words aren’t spoken out loud, yet mummers and whispers can be heard around most street corners.  Affairs, one night stands and single moms are left to think of what could have been, often stuck raising a child or several kids on their own.  A moment of lust, prolonged flirting or a late night rendezvous can leave of legacy of regret.  If only temptation could have been brushed aside by allowing true love to wait.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

In these times, there are too many avenues which promote sex.  Advertisements, commercials and adult content once kept for after dark is now out in the open, just a click away from children’s eyes and ears.  As the traditional family fades, only a few brave souls remain outspoken, not ashamed of their religious stance.  With Tim and Russell setting good examples for young men to follow, perhaps a whole new generation will begin the quest to allow true love to wait.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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For Those Who Are Far Off

Posted on September 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There is a misconception that the Bible is full of big words, too hard for the average person to understand.  While the historical context of each book requires research and dry reading from time to time, this best seller is fascinating.  Each time I open the pages, its nice to know that the message relates to those who are far off.

The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” – Acts 2:39

Since compromise was conceived in the Garden of Eden, defined boundaries have become easier to overlook.  In fact, modern cultures have taught young people to tests the limits, challenge authority and resist law enforcement.  This trend has infected souls, turning right from wrong into a series of gray areas.  The longer you go down this road, the further away you will drift away from the Lord.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

I once believed God was like the tattle tail in class who always tried to get everyone in trouble.  However, when I look at the passage above, Jesus wants to help people not taunt or trash individuals.  Therefore, whether you are far off, acting like a prodigal or struggling to find your way, call out to the Lord and He will make your paths straight, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Cut To The Heart

Posted on September 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

King Solomon referred to the heart as the well spring of life.  His father David developed a reputation of having a heart for God.  The martyr Stephen wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers calling religious leaders rigid, stubborn and possessing uncircumcised hearts.  Over the course of one’s life, individuals may run from the truth for a while.  Yet, conviction, guilt or a simple word will eventually cut to the heart.

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”- Acts 2:37

One of the most famous movie lines in pop culture comes from A Few Good Men.  Jack Nicholson plays Colonel Nathan Jessup called by the defense in a death of a marine under his command.  Tom Cruise is Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee trying to prod the Colonel to admit he ordered a code red while under direct examination.  Fed up by a series of trivial questions, Nicholson pontificates with the classic phrase “you can’t handle the truth!”

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!- Acts 7:51

I think the reason why this scene and line is so often quoted relates to the impact truth has on the human heart.  Despite how hard someone may try to cover up a lie, God gave human beings a conscience to cut to their hearts.  Thus, when you’re misguided or in the wrong, truth has a way of softening up the heart.  Therefore, the next time you are humbled, use this teachable moment to let the Holy Spirit come in to transform your hurting heart.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Blessings, Giving and the Mystery of Multiplication

Posted on September 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to John 20:30-31, Jesus performed numerous miracles daily.  An eye witness to thousands of these jaw dropping events, John suggests you would need an entire library devoted to this topic if this were necessary.  Nonetheless, only one of Jesus’ miracles is included within each of the four gospels, the feeding of the 5,000.  After further examination of this encounter, principles of blessings, giving and multiplication exist.

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written, John 21:25.

The context of the feeding of the 5,000 starts with an all day teaching session.  Consumed by the message on his heart, Jesus loses track of time.  Trying to intervene, the disciples suggest sending everyone home before it gets dark.  Turning the tables of his team, Jesus commands, “give them something to eat.”  Perplexed, the math didn’t add up: 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread for 5,000 men excluding woman and children.

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over, Matthew 14:20.

The author of Hebrews suggests blessings are accompanied by faith.  Without faith, the disciples would not have been able to approach the crowds with their baskets of food.  First, Jesus blessed the fish and bread like saying grace.  Most Hollywood interpretations portray a scene with Jesus’ blessing/prayer resulting in a pile of bread and fish.  A recent sermon I heard claims that this multiplication occurred after each disciple gave food to those who were hungry.  This perspective believes that as the disciples got down to their very last scrap of bread and fish, a miraculous multiplication took place.  Thus, when blessings are passed on to the less fortunate in faith, the power of multiplication can be unleashed.  Trust and obey.

by Jay Mankus

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Prayers that are Electric

Posted on September 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There is something magical about prayer.  Whether you are praying with someone in person, over the phone or alone at night, answers, healing or progress may be invisible, but come to fruition over time.  Meanwhile, every once in a while prayers can be electric.

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering, Mark 5:27-29.

The first mention of a prayer producing electricity is found in the Gospel of Mark.  A woman spent 12 years of her life visiting doctors without ever seeing any results.  Broke and desperate, testimonies of the power of Jesus convinced this woman that Jesus was her last resort.  Thus, the moment she touched his cloak, power flowed out of Jesus’ body.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”  Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.  He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering,” Mark 5:30, 33-34.

In Sunday’s episode of Project afterlife, Freddy Vest recounts a similar story.  During a rodeo competition,  Freddy falls off his horse, exhausted by the Texas heat; dying of a massive heart attack.  Awestruck, the PA announcer tells the crowd to cry out to God in prayer.  Prior to his resurrection several hours later, Freddy witnessed flashes of lightning.  Each prayer lit up a dark room he briefly visited.  Eventually, these electric prayers brought Freddy back from the dead.  When all hope seems lost, don’t forget that sincere prayers of the heart can be electric.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Escaping the Realm of the Dead

Posted on September 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Life and death, living and dying; celebrating the life of a new born baby or coping with the pain of a funeral.  This is the dilemma of the path on which life takes each individual down.  In the end, one question remains, how can you escape the realm of the dead?

Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay, Acts 2:27.

Over a two year period during my childhood, I began to experience a reoccurring nightmare.  Every evening I found myself falling from a cliff, gracefully skydiving until I realized I didn’t have a parachute.  Just before hitting the ground, I woke up, sweating and shaking.  I wasn’t sure why this pattern continued until I pondered the meaning of life.  “Where do we come from?  How did we magically arrive on earth?  It doesn’t make sense to be born to just die?  There must be something more, a place beyond the realm of the dead.”

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life, 1 John 5:13.

If anyone could shine light into this question, its John, the disciple whom Jesus loved.  Part of Jesus’ inner circle, John had several conversations not mentioned in the Bible.  In addition, Jesus took care of Mary the mother of Jesus until her death, likely uncovering incredible spiritual insights.  At the end of one of his letters, John reveals that you can know for sure about your eternal destination.  Therefore, if you want to escape the realm of death, follow the words of Romans 10:9-10 and you too can secure your reservation in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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