Author Archives: expressyourself4him

According to Matthew 13:25, an enemy came in the middle of the night, sowing weeds among the freshly planted crops.  In the explanation in Matthew 13:39, the enemy is the devil.  John 10:10 highlights his strategy, to steal, kill and destroy Christians.

Weeds come in many shapes and sizes.  Some appear to be colorful flowers, only to eventually wrap themselves around actually flowers, plants and shrubs, trying to snuff out their life.  In the parable of the Sower, our enemy uses briars and thorn bushes to block out our light, choking us from our full potential.

Finally, weeds can also appear as people who attempt to cut us down, poke fun at us or verbally attack our self esteem.  Ephesians 6:12 says the battle is not with these people, but the source and spirit influencing this person.  The only person we can control is ourselves.  Therefore, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life, Proverbs 4:23.  Live among the weeds of life, rooted in Christ, Colossians 2:6-7, so that God may use you as a weed prohibitor in your family, neighborhood and community.

by Jay Mankus

Sometimes people over analyze Christianity or become too intellectual about theology instead of living out what they believe.  Jesus had to remind his very own disciples of this in Matthew 18:1-4.  Age does not matter in the kingdom of God as the apostle Paul reminded a teenager pastor in 1 Timothy 4:12.  Rather, we must begin to humble ourselves, developing faith like a child.

Life and time tends to harden our hearts, often leading to pessimism.  When God or someone close to us lets us down, we have a difficult time forgiving or forgetting.  Peter recognized the daily struggles people face in 1 Peter 2:11-12.  His advice is similar to Jesus’ words in His sermon on the Mount.

After starting with the Beatitudes, Jesus’ first transition in his sermon occurs in Matthew 5:13-16.  Jesus compares his followers to Salt and Light.  The original purpose of salt was to preserve food.  Today, salt is used to add flavor to our favorite foods.  The purpose of light is to illuminate areas when it is dark.  Lights  magnify cities and provide a guide for you in your own home.  If I had to simply Christianity to one sentence, it would simply be choose the light or darkness will keep you from the truth, 1 John 1:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

The first occupation mentioned in the Bible is caretaker, Genesis 2:15.  God chose Adam to work in the garden and take care of it, nurturing and pruning plants and vegetation.  In addition, God gave Adam the task of naming all of the animals, Genesis 2:19.  Adam was also multiple tasking, searching for a suitable helper, but found none.

Before Genesis 3, it appears that Adam’s responsibility as a caretaker and farmer appears relatively easy.  Underground springs provided a consistent dose of water, Genesis 2:6, like today’s modern day irrigation systems, yet free.  The Open Canopy theory suggests earth was tropical, allowing dinosaurs to roam the earth until the flood.  Although trade winds are not mentioned, it appears Adam had things pretty good.

However, after original sin in Genesis 3:6-7, work on earth would never be the same.  Adam’s punishment for his role in the fall changed farming forever, Genesis 3:17-19.  God cursed the ground thereby introducing conditions where weeds prosper and crops are often invaded by thistles.  In fact, farming became so difficult almost over night that Cain killed his brother partly due to the fact farming was harder than being a shepherd.   Sheep could be moved to the next grassland, farmers were dependent upon the weather which is unpredictable.  So if you are having a bad day at work, remember the curse of Adam and make the best of each day until God calls you home.

by Jay Mankus