Category Archives: Uncategorized

Respect This

Posted on May 25, 2017 by expressyourself4him

It’s been fifty years since Aretha Franklin introduced her version of Respect.  This hit song has been part of advertisements, commercials and movies.  One of my favorite synonyms for respect is reverence.  This is one of these terms which been forgotten, rarely practiced anymore.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor, Romans 12:10.

Unfortunately, the popularity of social media has gradually flushed respect down the toilet.  Every day Twitter wars disregard decency to bully, defame and lash out at those with whom you disagree.  While the Bible encourages individuals to outdo others in a positive manner, this message is either ignored or simply scoffed at.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you,” Exodus 20:12.

The reason why respect is vanishing can be found in one of the ten commandments.  When individuals begin to dishonor fathers and mothers, this decision opens the door to every area of life.  No one is immune resulting in a culture that trashes everyone or everything in sight.  Atheists helped kick God out of American public schools in the 1960’s.  Fifty years later respect is one of the casualties of this war on religion.  If you want to keep respect alive, start honoring fathers and mothers and maybe, just maybe respect will survive.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Breath of the Almighty

Posted on May 24, 2017 by expressyourself4him

One of my common expressions at work is “that’s a strange one.”  The context is based upon items and products that I stumble upon which I have never heard of before or seen.  Many people have the same response to the Bible, especially when you read a term that doesn’t make any sense initially.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he makes a distinction between the Sinful Nature and the Spirit.  If you read chapter five from the beginning you will find there is an internal battle going on.  What you want to do and what God desires for you to carry out.  Those who live according to the world’s standards give into self gratification.  Meanwhile, those who truly decide to follow Christ must internally die to self to allow God’s Spirit to reign.

But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand, Job 32:8.

Elihu of the Old Testament is the first person to make this comparison.  Yet, Elihu is referring to signs of spiritual understanding.  When someone demonstrates or speaks words of wisdom, its not just the Spirit within mankind.  Rather, godliness comes forth through the breath of the Almighty God.  May this be your goal in life by yielding control so that the Holy Spirit will shine through you.

by Jay Mankus

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When Justification Goes Too Far

Posted on May 23, 2017 by expressyourself4him

One of my junior high teachers used a familiar saying to address students who were about the cross an invisible line.  Interrupting just before individuals earned a detention, promptly exclaiming, “that’s far enough.”  Unfortunately, obedience and respect appear to be at an all time low.  Instead, excuses, justification and victimization now reign.

Then Eli’hu the son of Bar’achel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became angry. He was angry at Job because he justified himself rather than God; Job 32:2.

While listening to a heated discussion, a young man felt compelled to share his own two cents.  Apparently, Job was lacking humility.  Instead of accepting the hardship dealt by God, Job began to justify his own actions.  Maybe Job did not do anything to receive the ordeals sent his way, but Elihu felt that Job is disrespecting God.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God, 2 Corinthians 5:21.

One of the greatest examples of justification occurs while watching replays of penalties in sports.  Most of the time athletes complain to officials, “I never touched them.”  Yet, replays often reveal guilt.  In real life, no one is without fault.  All have sinned.  Thus, if justification continues, countless individuals will deny and reject the only One who will come to their rescue, Jesus Christ the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What’s Good for You May Not Be Right For Me

Posted on May 22, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Wanting and having are two things in life that young people sometimes have to learn the hard way.  Before graduating high school, many children are pampered, given cell phones, maybe a car, food and shelter by generous parents.  Yet, college serves as a open book test for life as wanting and actually having are two different things.

But whenever the judge died, they turned back and behaved worse than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them; they did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways, Judges 2:19.

Some students gain weight quickly unable to say no to endless all you can eat buffets.  Others turn to partying to be the popular person on campus.  Temptations lurk around every corner with no guardian or parent to tell you no.  Thus, over a short period of time, people change.  As poor decisions undo your upbringing, you might reach a point where what’s good for you may not be right for me.

Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

One day the apostle Paul noticed that some of the people whom he led to Christ began to repeat the sins of their past.  To get everyone’s attention Paul provides a history lesson from the Old Testament.  Without using a hell and brimstone message, Paul urges this church to learn from past mistakes.  Whether its Adam and Eve in the Garden or the Judges who did what was right in their own eyes, each tarnished their faith.  In view of this warning, may you cling to that which is right so that what feels good does not corrupt your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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So Many Holidays…Few Transformed Hearts

Posted on May 21, 2017 by expressyourself4him

When I was younger, any day out of school was worth celebrating.  The longer the break, the better the holiday placing Christmas and Thanksgiving at the top of my list.  Yet, holidays are meant for reflection, appreciating or thanking those from history who has made a lasting legacy.  If these special days pass without any remembrance, the purpose of holidays are wasted.

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you,” Deuteronomy 5:16.

In recent times, entire months are devoted to a cause.  Whether its Black History, Breast Cancer Awareness or the next government sponsored movement, the calendar is running out of days.  Perhaps, this over saturation has calloused hearts and numbed minds.  Subsequently, America is left with so many holidays with few transformed hearts.

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages,” 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

Maybe its time to downsize days off.  As a former teacher, days off are a welcomed site to most adults.  Yet, why do something just for the sake of a day off.  If children are encouraged to plant trees on earth day, why not read the Bible at Christmas.  Why stop there as action, practical application and integration changes lives.  As we approach Memorial Day, may God move you to celebrate the reason for each season.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Here’s What You Missed

Posted on May 20, 2017 by expressyourself4him

If anyone has played baseball or watched a game as a parent, you know the impact an umpire has on this game.  One call can change the momentum or outcome of a game.  Yet, in all of the games that I have attended my favorite line from disgruntled parents is “hey ump, you’re missing a good game.”

And Eli’hu the son of Bar’achel the Buzite answered: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you,” Job 32:6.

In the days of the Old Testament, a young man stood back and watched Job’s friends debate Job on why bad things happen to good people.  Long into this process, Elihu can not contain himself any more.  Thus, he felt the need to share his perspective.  One translation of the Bible states, “here’s what you missed.”

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him, James 1:12.

With the advancements in technology, most professional sports now use instant replay to challenge calls that don’t go their way.  Unfortunately, in the game of life, many things are missed.  Some are falsely accused of an act done by someone else.  Others are prematurely judged when they stand up for individuals deemed politically incorrect.  Yet, there will always be minds you can’t persuade.  Therefore, despite whatever bad calls go against, remain steadfast and God will reward those who persevere to the end.

by Jay Mankus

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I’ll Pray for You

Posted on May 19, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Recently, a public school teacher in Augusta, Maine told a co-worker “I’ll pray for you” at the end of a conversation.  While the context is unclear, I’m assuming this individual shared some concerns, issues or trial in life.  Despite attending the same church, these words were deemed offensive by the other woman.  Subsequently, the political correct “police” are now investigating this matter with some sort of discipline likely to follow.  I wish this was a practical joke, but its just another day in America.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours, Mark 11:24.

After completing my confirmation of faith in the Roman Catholic Church in 8th grade, I began to attend a Methodist youth group in high school.  Beside Sunday night, there were other activities offered to get to know people.  Initially, I chose a sharing group.  Students talked about what was going on weekly with a short prayer at the end of each meeting.  This non-threatening environment was a great way to ease into a relationship with God.  Shy at the time, I was afraid to ask for prayer as my life wasn’t as bad as those who constantly requested prayers.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, Romans 8:26.

Today, I have a new appreciation for prayer.  Early on I saw how some individuals sought attention, almost as if to elicit a pity party on their behalf.  Yet, now I am no longer timid about requesting prayers, especially for my eyes.  I’m sure there is a happy medium, but prayer leads to healing.  Thus, regardless of how outsiders may respond, don’t ever give up verbally expressing the words “I’ll pray for you.”

by Jay Mankus

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Prepared for the Anointing?

Posted on May 18, 2017 by expressyourself4him

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=you+tube+of+facing+the+giatns+scene+with+farmer+parable+which+one+are+you&view=detail&mid=BDD10370C75E7EB9700EBDD10370C75E7EB9700E&FORM=VIRE

In the film Facing the Giants, the head football coach at Shiloh High accidently walks by a private meeting to oust him as coach.  Devastated by this revelation, a conversation with the janitor the next day changes his perspective.  This wise man recalls a parable of farmers waiting for rain to plant crops.  Only one man plowed his fields in expectation of God’s answer to prayers for water.  The janitor asked this coach at the end of his story, which one are you?

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him, 1 John 2:27.

Author Gary Smalley wrote a book entitled the Blessing when I was in college.  A friend suggested that I should read this before getting married.  During a marriage encounter seminar that Leanne and I attended while engaged, this resource was confirmed as a must read.  The book examines the Old Testament practice of Jewish fathers passing on a blessing to their oldest son.  However, in the case of Isaac and Jacob, the youngest deceives his brother to receive this special anointing.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,” Luke 4:18.

Due to a breakdown in the American family, absentee fathers aren’t around to bless, develop and raise their own children.  Meanwhile, the passing of the torch from one generation to the next is being dropped.  Subsequently, young men are being robbed of this blessing.  These circumstances have created a mood where doubt reigns.  Until this atmosphere changes, no one is preparing for the anointing of God due to a lack of hope and faith.  May divine intervention reverse this trend.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Far Worse Than I First Thought

Posted on May 17, 2017 by expressyourself4him

There are periods in life which seem innocent at first.  Initial symptoms are brushed aside as merely a byproduct of age.  Yet, if you continue to ignore the obvious, sooner or later conditions will become far worse than you ever imagined.

If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, Job 31:7.

Fifteen years ago my eyes began to hurt trying to work full time while attempting to complete my masters.  The amount of reading was too much strain on my eyes resulting in arthritis of the eye.  In the years that have followed, some of my goals were never fulfilled due to this condition.  Now I am just thankful for the ability to see.

“If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary,” Job 31:16.

What is most troubling to me is my current spiritual condition.  Due to a lack of accountability and a consistent church home, may faith has decayed.  The other night a wave of conviction revealed to me how far I have wandered off course.  The passages above serve as a standard to see if your faith is in action or dead.  Sometimes the truth hurts, far worse than I first thought.  When days of conviction come, may the Lord’s grace and mercy fall on those confess their sins.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Remedy For Rushing to Judgment

Posted on May 16, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Before his fall from grace, Bill Crosby was a talented comedian for decades.  One of my favorite stand up acts was his line about having babies.  This particular act was based upon the lack of smell from a newborn’s poo.  His facial expressions change as soon as odor begins to develop over time.  Unfortunately, there are many adults who still don’t believe that their poo stinks.

Does he not see my ways and count my every step? – Job 31:4

During a time of reflection, Job came to a painful reality in life, God sees all of our mistakes.  Nothing is hidden from his sight according to the author of Hebrews 4:13.  Even on a good day, missteps add up, accumulating daily.  This realization should make the most outspoken humbled, dropping the stones about to cast judgment on others, John 8:7.

If I have walked with falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit—Job 31:5

One of the remedies to avoid rushing to judgment was revealed by Jesus to first century followers during his famous Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7.  During a section on judgment, Jesus urges listeners to take the plank out of your own eyes first.  This analogy is symbolic of things which block or cloud your perspective of a situation.  Therefore, the next time you have an urge to rush to judgment, get this area in your own right first before you add your own two cents.

by Jay Mankus

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