Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Not A Storybook Ending

Posted on June 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Hollywood has made billions off of happily ever after finales. The hero appears to have died several times, only to be miraculously saved, escaping death so that a sequel can repeat the script with more dramatics. Unfortunately, third world nations, the disadvantaged and unlucky have woken up to a not so storybook ending.

As Power Ball numbers come up empty, the silence of good paying job offers continue and signs of mediocrity fill the pages of life, individuals are left scratching their heads. Where is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Doesn’t the good guy win in the end? Why do the wicked seem to prosper without being punished? These are just a few thoughts which run through the minds of those who have not tasted success in recent years.

A dose of reality is often painful, facing the facts that your life hasn’t turned out how you expected it would. In this disappointment, perseverance will either make  or break you. In the gospel according to Tin Cup, “either the moment will define you or you will define the moment?” In other words, how you handle obstacles, setbacks and trials will influence the outcome of your life story. Thus, the next time you endure a not so happy ending, fight with all that is within you, to insure your future will include life everlasting, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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Worship + Fasting = Spiritual Insight

Posted on June 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The question, “am I in the right place,” is something I often ponder.  At my wit’s end, I turned to the pages of the Bible to find answers to this dilemma.  To my amazement, the words of Acts 13:2-4, jumped off the pages today, putting an equation into my mind: Worship + Fasting = Spiritual Insight.

Worship isn’t a service you attend once a week on Saturday night or Sunday.  Nor is worship a portion of a church service where you sing hymns or modern worship songs.  Rather, worship is an acquired adoration of a living God, where an individual devotes time each day to honor and revere the creator of the heavens and the earth.  As this relationship kindles, lyrics of praise become etched upon their hearts, paying tribute to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Fasting is a spiritual practice neglected by many denominations in recent years.  My first encounter with fasting began in high school, by not eating red meat on Friday’s during the Catholic celebration of Lent, prior to Easter.  Authors like Jentezen Franklin have helped me grasp this concept through books like the Fasting Edge.  The notion of fasting can be traced back to Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41.  By replacing food with prayer for a meal, day, week or month, your body can be strength by a willing Spirit.  Like any type of training, start small and work your way your goal of a day, few days or an entire week.

According to Acts 13:2, something supernatural transpired when worship and fasting were present in Paul and Barnabas’ life.  During a normal Sunday service, the Holy Spirit filled each with spiritual insight.  Prior to this day, their future was unclear.  However, in the midst of these joint acts of faith, God called each to the mission field.  Though cautious initially, the Holy Spirit guided their inaugural journey, leading them to Seleucia and Cyprus, Acts 13:4.  The apostle Paul didn’t just write about faith, Galatians 5:25, he lived it!

Like a teacher becoming a student, are you where God wants you to be or are you resisting a spirit of change?  Since everything else I have tried has failed up to this point, its time for me to try the equation Worship + Fasting.  As I commit to next 3 days to this exercise, I am praying that spiritual insight will follow.  The only thing standing in the way of a modern miracle is weak faith.  Therefore, trust the promises within 2 Peter 1:3-9 to pave the way for blessings and a fruitful life in Christ!

by Jay Mankus

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Cries for Justice

Posted on May 31, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon your age, everyone is likely able to recount at least one time in life when you were targeted, wrongfully accused or punished for something you did not do.  Maybe a parent could not accept the fact that their favorite daughter or son was imperfect?  Sometimes teacher’s overlook the facts, pinning the blame on students who are usually bad instead of giving someone the benefit of doubt.  Or the police might take an adult’s word over a child, clinging to their reputation in the community rather than wanting to see right from wrong.

As I read Psalm 109 this morning, one of David’s prayers against those who harmed him, brought a painful experience from my past came to the forefront.  On my last of college, I was on my way to watch a tennis match on the other side of campus, when a postal worker ran a red light, crashing into my front bumper.  Immediately following the crash, the offender apologized, acknowledging his mistake as witnesses flocked to the scene.  Since the police took longer than expected, I sent the witnesses on their way after the man’s public confession.  To my surprise, as soon as the police arrived, he change his story, clinging to some lame ass excuse, “the light was amber!”

Unfortunately, the skid marks and pictures taken at the accident were overlooked in court.  As the officer on the scene and I stood for the judge’s decision, we just shook our heads in disgust.  Both of us knew this man was lying, yet on this day, justice was not served.  Maybe this is why David appears to be so upset in his prayer, asking God for things I don’t have the heart for to demand.  However, if and when you are wronged in the future, turn to this chapter of the Bible to find an outline for crying out for justice.  Regardless of the outcome, you will feel better by getting any frustrations off your chest.  Believe and claim Psalm 109:1 as you cry out for justice!

by Jay Mankus

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At Wit’s End

Posted on May 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Reliant K sings about people trying to reinvent the wheel in their classic song Wit’s All Been Done Before found on the Birds and the Bee Sides album.  Synonymous with humor and intelligence, wit is something King Solomon references in the Old Testament.  “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun, ” Ecclesiastes 1:9.

If this is true, society is at wit’s end.  Unfortunately, history is a vicious cycle in which most societies self-destruct, opening the door for another to take its place.  Unless one studies past civilizations, their demise is forthcoming as most cultures repeat the same mistakes of the past.  This is the state of Psalm 107:27, as the subjects mentioned were at wit’s end.

Beyond the mysticism of this new age, there is a Counselor awaiting those who have reached this destination.  In the darkness of present day, there is hope on the horizon, John 16:12-15.  While I have been confined to another dead end street, I am ready to breakout, set free by a spiritual power.  May the words of Jesus in John 4:23-24 be fulfilled today, leading God’s followers once they reach wit’s end!

by Jay Mankus

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The Prayer of An Afflicted Man

Posted on May 29, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Psalm 102 credits the author of this chapter to an afflicted man.  The term afflict means to badly affect, cause problems or make miserable.  In life, several variables can influence individuals to become bothered, distressed or troubled.  Depending upon the degree to which circumstances and or events inflict pain, people often rely on prayer as a last resort.

Thus, the words of Psalm 102:1-9 relate to one’s emotions, desperately crying out to God for Him to make sense of your situation.  Like the powerful scene in Forrest Gump, sometimes there aren’t enough rocks to throw, unleashing the bitterness deep inside of Jenny’s heart toward her father.  Unfortunately, most of us are persuaded by the devil to blame God for failures in life.  According to Ephesians 4:27, similar decisions allow the devil to have a foothold, making matters worse instead of better.

Since affliction is a common occurrence, Psalm 102 is a great outline to use for prayer.  Verse 17 promises that God will respond to the prayer of the destitute, answering their plea.  Therefore, the next time you experience signs of affliction, remember the words of this Psalm.  Whether you are a man or a woman, pour out your heart to God so that your pain will be replaced by the peace of Christ!

by Jay Mankus

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Bent But Not Broken

Posted on May 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

From a biblical perspective, bent refers to someone who goes off in a different direction, beyond the boundaries set by the Word of God.  Instead of staying on the straight and narrow, individuals stray onto the interstates of life, Matthew 7:13.  As a result, minds become bent out of shape, leaving crooked choices and twisted thoughts along this road.

Fortunately, God has left a map for the lost in the form of the Bible.  This summary of history helps individuals learn from past mistakes that Israel and other followers made, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6.  Like an addict on the road to recovery, being straightened out can be a long and grueling ordeal.  Psalm 106:43 recounts how Israel was bent on rebellion despite being delivered by God time after time.

The first step toward revitalization is acknowledging your sin, James 5:16.  Once you reach this point, the Psalmist urges believers to cry out to the Lord, Psalm 106:44-45.  While all fall short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23, Jesus was sent to die on our behalf, settling the debt we had accrued.  Thus, despite being bent further than you initially planned, God’s promises have kept people from complete brokenness, Psalm 34:18.  Where there is a will, there is a way back to the narrow path, Matthew 7:14.

by Jay Mankus

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Idle Potion #666

Posted on May 27, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were the architects of the 1959 hit Love Potion #9.  Originally performed by The Clovers, this song rose to as high as 23 on the U.S. charts before falling back into the capsule of history.  Love potion number 9 refers to a spell which falls upon on man who ends up kissing everyone he sees like the modern country song Beer Goggles written by Neal McCoy.

Similar trances exist today, causing anyone who drinks of the world’s ways to gradually fall prey to a spirit of idleness.  Two months ago I was hungry for the Word of God, spending 1-2 hours daily reading the Bible and praying.  These daily reflections kept me from buying into the schemes of the devil, Ephesians 6:11.  However, as March faded away, so did my desire to continue super sizing my faith.  Thus, like tumbleweeds in steady Texas winds, I have been performing back flips, rolling ever closer to idle potion #666.

The expression out of sight, out of mind rings true, as the devil uses busyness as a portal into idleness.  When you add to this equation distractions and weariness, it only takes a whiff to induce innocent souls toward the devil’s lair.  God sends a spiritual wind to snap anyone out of idleness in the form of 1 Thessalonians 5:4-10.  Therefore, before you get too comfortable, examine your heart to see who or what you are actually following.  Set your mind on obeying 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 or else you might be the next victim of idle potion #666.

by Jay Mankus

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A Memorial Day Offering

Posted on May 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Like a feud between siblings, the origin of the first Memorial Day celebration is clouded by history, with over 25 American cities taking credit.  The initial holiday was coined Decoration Day, based upon a 1867 hymn Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping.  Inspired by the end of the Civil War, ladies of the South decorated the graves of dead confederate soldiers.  Although president Lyndon Johnson officially declared Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966, the debate continues today as several cities had spontaneous celebrations back in the 1860’s.

Acts 10:4 introduces another memorial day, one with a spiritual background.  Legalism within the Jewish faith had exploded by the first century, creating social barriers between Jews, Gentiles and half-Jews due to inter marriage.  Like a leper, outcast by society, Gentiles were not initially accepted by the 12 apostles, who focused on reaching all the Jews within Jerusalem, Acts 1:8.  However, the persecution led by Saul caused early church leaders to shift directions in Acts 8:1-4 toward believers located in Judea and Samaria.  When the time had arrived, the prayers of a Gentile named Cornelius were answered.

An angel of the Lord came to Cornelius in a vision one afternoon, Acts 10:3.  While silent for years, God brings him great news.  Cornelius’ prayers and gifts to the poor have not been overlooked, brought to light in a memorial offering.  The final touch is communicated to Peter in a vision found in Acts 10:9-16.  This occurred so that legalism of Jewish Christians would be broken, lifted to welcome any Gentile into the kingdom of God.  Since Jesus died once and for all for all sin, 1 Peter 3:18, as a memorial offering for mankind, God’s goal was to eliminate cliches, factions and social barriers within the church, Colossians 2:20-23.  In view of this, don’t let holiday shopping, weather or worldly ways keep you from offering up a Memorial Day prayer!

by Jay Mankus

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A Forgiving God

Posted on May 25, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Words like “I’ll forgive, but I won’t forget” tend to permeate throughout modern Hollywood productions.  This mindset has led many to adopt similar attitudes, especially toward those who have broken or crushed their heart.  When forgiveness is absent, nastiness within the human soul rears its ugly head.  As a result, bitterness, divorce and hatred have taken center stage in America.

Unless you hear or read it for yourself, Romans 10:17, memories quickly forget the presence of a forgiving God.  Although sin does not go unpunished, Psalm 99:8 provides water for a thirsty soul seeking to shed spirits of guilt, remorse and shame.  Tattered and weary individuals are crying out for a fresh start, hoping for a clean slate, erasing the pain of the past, Psalm 103:11-12.

Often, the only person standing in the way of forgiveness is yourself.  Speaking from experience, beating yourself up internally only benefits the devil who wants to keep you distracted, Matthew 6:15.  Therefore, remember the compassion of the Lord, spreading the great news of a forgiving God, Lamentations 3:17-23.  Once you accept this truth, hope will plant a seed of  belief which can provide a spiritual root system to carry you through the storms of life!

by Jay Mankus

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Three Times O Lord

Posted on May 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In baseball, 3 strikes end an at bat, as long as the catcher does not drop the third strike.  Three outs end each half-inning with a mercy rule added to little league games to teams trailing by 10 runs or more after the fourth inning.  While basketball allows 4 and 5 fouls in college and the pros respectively before a disqualification occurs, soccer has just 2 cards, a yellow and red card with the ejected player’s team forced to play the remainder of the game one man down.  In life, sometimes God needs to intervene, like a boxer’s trainer who throws a towel into the ring, officially ending the fight.

According to 2 Corinthians 12:7-8, the apostle Paul was pleading with the Lord on 3 different occasions to stop the pain inflicted by a messenger of Satan.  This thorn in the flesh suggests some kind of physical ailment, yet byproducts like anguish, depression and mental fatigue were likely also present.  Paul’s occupation as a tent maker could have led to arthritis, carpel tunnel like symptoms or various aches and pains.  Based upon the details of chapter 12, Paul appears to have begged God for a period of time before receiving a message from Jesus.

Maybe I am alone, but I have come to a point where I can’t handle any more bad news.  Like a roll of bounty paper towels, humility has absorbed the mess I am now living in, tapped beyond its cleaning power.  Thus, I have reach my pain threshold, unable to endure any more disappointment.  As I wrestle with the Lord in my thoughts and prayers, I am spent, emotionally drained by a burden of failure.  Therefore, my only hope lies in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, waiting on the grace of God.  Though I don’t quite fully understand verse 9, my strength is sapped like a power tool lacking juice.  May the Holy Spirit provide the boost for me and anyone else coping with similar circumstances.  Three times O Lord, come to my rescue and to those also experiencing torment from messengers of Satan.

by Jay Mankus

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