Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Waiting for the Workplace Anointing

Posted on July 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him, 1 John 2:27.

One of the greatest misconceptions Christians make is limiting the power of God outside of church.  Anointing is something most leave for missionaries, preachers and teachers.  The Old Testament disagrees with this mentality as the Lord called Elijah to anoint both kings and a prophet.

Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet, 1 Kings 19:16.

When selecting an individual to anoint, its not always obvious.  Religious leaders tend to concentrate on physical features, personality and stature.  In the case of David, he was the least likely candidate, yet his heart was prime to serve God.  Nonetheless, the Lord made David wait 22 years before receiving the promise of his anointing.

So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives,” 1 Samuel 16:11.

Anyone else who chooses to run a business, follow a career or pursue a profession must wait for things to fall into place.  In the meantime, its essential to prepare yourself for the future.  Just as pastor takes time each week to carefully construct their message, those called to the workplace should invest the same time and energy to better their company.  If success is the process of arriving, may prayer pace you along the way as you wait for the workplace anointing, 3 John 2.

by Jay Mankus

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A Sixth Sense

Posted on July 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to 1999, the sense of taste, touch, sight, smell and feel were the major focus of scientists.  However, following the release of the Sixth Sense featuring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment, elements of the supernatural have come to light.  Child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crow, played by Willis, fails to help a patient, discounting the voices he heard.  Thus, when he is hired to help Cole Sear, played by Joel, each discover the reality of a sixth sense.

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake, 1 Kings 19:11.

The prophet Elijah is one of the first to uncover a spiritual sixth sense.  Following an encounter with an angel, Elijah goes up on a mountainside waiting to hear a message God.  Like a science experiment, the Lord sends a series of natural phenomena: earthquake, wild fire and tornado.  Forced to sort through these events, Elijah came to the conclusion that God was not behind these three natural disasters.  Using discernment, Elijah waits patiently, eventually being rewarded by hearing God’s whisper.

After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper, 1 Kings 19:12.

While I do not consider myself to be a prophet, I can relate to Cole from a spiritual sense.  Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks to me when I read the Bible, enlightened by a new truth that is revealed.  Occasionally, I may have a dream, vision or sense things either during or after praying.  Yet, the moment I unplug from the Bible, prayer and worship, my sense of discernment disappears.  Therefore, if you want to draw near to God, stay connected to the vine, John 15:5 and you too will discover a spiritual sixth sense.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Cry of the Ungrateful

Posted on July 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard,” Matthew 20:1

Any time you get your hopes up, there is always the possibility for disappointment.   Expectations can be a dangerous thing, especially when this breeds impure motives.  Whenever you bring an earthly mindset into an untimely trial, the cry of the ungrateful is conceived.

So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius.  When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner, Matthew 20:10-11.

In the parable of the workers in the Vineyard, Jesus addresses the cry of the ungrateful.  Human nature leads one to believe that those who work harder or longer will receive more than newcomers.  However, Jesus dismisses this comparison of those by using the analogy of heaven.  Though the apostle Paul does refer to eternal crowns, receiving  the gift of eternal life should lead to a thankful heart.

“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?  Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you,” Matthew 20:13-14.

As difficult as it was for some of these workers to get over the fact that each was paid the some wage despite the amount of hours in the vineyard, there is a truth to embrace.  The solution to overcoming an ungrateful spirit is developing a heart like Barnabas.  Despite his reputation of an encourager, Acts 4:36-37, the apostle Paul possessed far greater God given talents.  Instead of blocking his way, Barnabas moved aside so that Paul’s gifts could be fanned into flame.  Therefore, don’t allow jealousy to give birth to an ungrateful heart.  Rather, in humility consider others more important than yourself.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Cleansing from the Inside Out

Posted on July 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you’re sick, most make an appointment to see a doctor.  When a tooth or molars begin to hurt, you go see a dentist.  While this makes complete sense, why is it when people of faith struggle spiritually most fail to visit the biblical Doctor?

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands, Psalm 119:9-10.

Depending upon how you were raised, parents will influence how you handle pain.  Old school parenting teaches to “get up, suck it up and don’t cry.”  A modern approach might include “shake it off after allowing tears to flow.”  Nonetheless, cleansing from the inside out begins with worship, pouring your heart out to the God of the universe in song.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you, Psalm 119:11.

However, worship is merely a prescription to maintain one’s spiritual health.  Daily medication revolves around mediating on the Words of God.  Whether you want to call this a devotion, quiet time or Bible Study, this discipline enriches the heart, soul and mind.  Therefore, if you want to receive healing from the inside out, start by opening up the Bible daily.  May this regular appointment with God transform you and cleanse you from the inside out.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Love Beyond Comprehension

Posted on July 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

I must confess that I let the ways of the world get the best of me this past week.  Every time I watch cable news or listen to talk radio, I usually feel much worse than I did before I tuned in.  In addition, I tend to talk to the person on the other side, as if they can hear me, shouting out my beliefs and views.  In the end, the Lord doesn’t care what I, you or the media thinks as God is consumed with a love beyond comprehension.

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” – Luke 15:4

Driving home from work early this morning, the first song I heard on the radio was David Crowder’s version of How He Loves Us.  By the time the chorus arrived, all of my frustrations disappeared.  At this moment, I realized how futile it is to try to prove tno others that you’re right and everyone else is wrong.  Regardless of how individuals act, behave and live out their life, God’s love is like a hurricane, blowing souls back home.

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent, Luke 15:7.

The parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates God’s amazing love.  Whether you are a prodigal child, wandering nomad looking for a church to call home or a troubled soul, God is willing to send angels across this planet to open your eyes and soften your heart to receive eternal life, Romans 10:9-10.  In view of this, the next time a co-worker, family member or neighbor get’s on your nerves, say a prayer so that one day each annoying person will embrace a love beyond comprehension.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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He’s Not One of Us

Posted on July 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In this age of multiculturalism, you might assume communities, groups and schools would be welcoming to outsiders.  However, cliques tend to form quickly like a defense mechanism, afraid of trusting a stranger until they prove their loyalty.  Thus, classmates, co-workers and transients tend to judge a person like a book, by the outside cover.

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us,” Mark 9:38.

The disciples were no different.  Perhaps jealousy played a role in their actions, fearful another individual’s gifts might impress Jesus more than their own talents.  Insecure, at least a few of the disciples thought someone was trying to move in on their turf.  Correcting their flawed mindset, Jesus encourages his followers to get behind others who fight and stand for the same cause.

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us, Mark 9:39-40.”

As a son of an immigrant, I remember the stories my father shared about coming to this country, learning English and embracing America as a melting pot.  Unfortunately, I run into people daily who come to this country without ever integrating, keeping to themselves and speaking their native language daily.  Without any sense of unity, this trend will continue to form a great divide as foreign cultures profess, “they’re not one of us!”  Don’t give into this mindset.  Rather, support those who make a stand for a worthy cause, especially soldiers of the cross.

by Jay Mankus

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Sinning, Stupidity and a Slippery Slope

Posted on July 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

You don’t have to be Forrest Gump to say something that you regret.  It only takes a careless word, foolish act or fopa caught on film to ruin one’s reputation.  Perhaps, this is the difficult lesson Donald Trump is learning following his generalization of Mexican immigrants.  Whether you are blatantly sinning or do something stupid, is the media ready for the slippery slope for those who are politically incorrect?

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” Matthew 7:12.

I wouldn’t call the band Ratt prophetic, yet their classic song Round and Round reveals a simple truth, “what comes around goes around.”  Or as the apostle Paul proclaims, “you reap what you sow,” Galatians 6:7.  Taking this one step farther, Jesus makes the finger pointers aware of their actions, “you will be judged in the same manners that you judge others,” Matthew 7:2.  Therefore, before you pick up a stone to throw, jump on the pile of bashers or incite a mob, be careful what you wish for.

And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself, Matthew 22:39.

Currently, Donald Trump is the media’s whipping boy.  However, tomorrow it could be you.  Sure, the elite do control the bully pulpit, yet the Lord controls the universe.  Subsequently, no one is perfect and stupidity is not immune to the wise.  I’m not sure what source or standard cultural leaders are following today, but when the shoe is on the other foot, a ground swell of forgiveness will likely emerge.  Therefore, follow the golden rule by treating others as you want to be treated.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Turning Yourself In

Posted on July 9, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As fading PGA stars Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson pass the torch to Rory Mcilroy and Jordan Spieth, several player careers often go unnoticed.  While human interest stories like Erik Compton, a heart transplant recipient received attention after his second place finish at the 2014 U.S, Open, television coverage typically ignores mediocre players.  Nonetheless, golf is a gentleman’s game, with participants responsible for reporting rules infractions.  Thus, even when the cameras aren’t present, a spirit of integrity prompts many professionals to turn themselves in so to speak.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight, Proverbs 12:22.

This is where three time winner Scott Stallings takes honesty to a whole new level.  Following a bout with chronic fatigue, sleeping up to 16 hours a day, a doctor reminded a prescription to address this condition.  Unfortunately for Stallings, this drug was on the P.G.A. tour’s banned substance list.  After doing some research, Scott recently realized his lapse in judgment.  Therefore, Stallings acted upon his convictions, notifying the commissioner of his mistake.  The penalty for turning himself in, Stallings received a three month suspension effective immediately.

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices, Colossians 3:9.

In this moral climate, a sense of entitlement exists as if to say, “its only wrong if you get caught.”  However, for Stallings, at least he will be able to sleep at night, knowing the right thing was done.  The only comparison I think of is reactions following the Passion of the Christ.  In the days preceding the release of the Passion of the Christ, 2004, convicted hearts began to publicly confess sins of the past.  In fact, a few criminals turned themselves in to the authorities.  Perhaps, the honesty of Scott Stallings will inspire others to come forward and make this country a better place to live.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Forced to Conform or Else

Posted on July 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in my youth when news anchors were believable, reliable and trusted by those who tuned in to watch.  Sometime over the past twenty five years, news have become altered by hidden agendas seeking to convince the masses of a specific ideology.  Today, every daily event is examined, filtered and portrayed in such a manner as to control the headlines.  Unfortunately, media outlets are forcing viewers to believe their worldview or face the wrath of negative press.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

Like a bully, opposing individuals and groups are targeted.  Sometimes to prove a point, expose a religious belief or brought on by a poorly timed comment.  In Oregon, Sweet Cakes by Melissa was forced to close after refusing to prepare a wedding cake for a gay couple about to get married.  Since closing, the state has decided to fine the owner 125,000K, setting an example for anyone else who dares to discriminate against homosexual couples.  In other words, if you want to run a business in America, you better keep your religious convictions to yourself or face the consequences.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ, Romans 10:17.

The event from March of 2015 in Indiana seems more like a set-up unless having pizza at wedding receptions is now the new in food.  Anyway, Memories Pizzeria was also forced to close following their denial of another gay couple.  Perhaps each of these businesses could have come to a happy medium or maybe they did but it was not reported.  Yet, in their hearts, mind and soul, neither could betray their religious beliefs detailed in Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13.  Unfortunately, their freedom of religion and speech was not honored since it is now politically incorrect.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

There are two ways to view this ongoing persecution of Christians.  First, God has given every individual free will.  The Lord doesn’t force anyone to believe in the Bible.  Rather, the Word has been written so that those who hear or read may come to faith in Christ.  The second perspective relates to the days of Daniel when a decree made it illegal to pray in public.  Despite the threat of being thrown into a den of lions, Daniel chose to obey God rather than adhere to man’s law.  This is where faith is put to the test, separating the genuine from who are blown and tossed by changing tides.  As the world continues to change, may every person of faith be prepared to overcome the challenges and trials of the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The HEART of the Matter

Posted on July 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Recently, the media has been quick to jump to conclusions, especially when current events align with liberal talking points.  The recent feeding frenzy began following a church shooting during a Bible Study at a Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina.  Sadly, nine dead African Americans are being used as a political pawn to accomplish a specific agenda, ban the Confederate Flag.

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of, Luke 6:45.

Since June 17, the night of these murders, anyone who displays, owns or doesn’t condemn this flag has been labeled an accessory to this hate crime.  Afraid of negative press, P.G.A. star Bubba Watson decided to paint over the flag on his General Lee, Nascar offered fans attending the July 4th weekend race at Daytona American flags in exchange for Confederate ones and several in the south have removed this symbol from state buildings and court houses.  While this act of terror on Christians is an awful tragedy, the human heart is the main culprit not a flag.

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9

During debates with religious leaders and discussions with his own twelve disciples, Jesus proclaimed that what comes out of a man or woman makes them unclean.  Hearts set on evil are like ticking time bombs ready to explode.  Whether killers display a Confederate flag or swastika, acts are conceived by angry hearts according to Jesus, Matthew 5:21-22.  There will always be opinions which have some valid points.  However, owning the Confederate flag doesn’t make you anti-Christian or anti-black.  Rather, those who are raised and taught to embrace bigotry are planting seeds of evil for future actions.  May those filled with hatred receive a spiritual heart transplant to insure future attacks will cease.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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