Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Year Without Church

Posted on December 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Before his tragic death in a plane crash, Keith Green created the song Asleep in the Night.  Although the original context refers to someone sleeping in, missing church on Easter Sunday, this song applies to my current dilemma.  Due to my grave yard work schedule, I can’t seem to get my lazy butt out of bed on Sunday morning.  Subsequently, 2016 can be described as a year without church, the fewest weeks I’ve ever attended.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living, Luke 15:13”

I wish I had a decent excuse, but what good would that do.  Like any other sin, missing church involves a lack of discipline, choosing laziness over obedience.  Instead of receiving God’s blessings of fellowship, praise and words of inspiration, I have become like the prodigal who continues to move in the wrong decision.  Hopefully, I will come to my senses soon so that I can spent 2017 in the house of God.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you,” Luke 15:17-18.

When you miss a day praying or reading the Bible, you can’t get it back.  Sure, you might try to do twice the praying or reading the next day to make yourself feel better, but the truth is something else was more important to you on the days you tuned out God.  Part of me still sees the Lord from an Old Testament perspective, one of judgement and wrath.  Yet, the New Testament opens the door on a loving God, desperately waiting for his children to give Him the attention He is worthy of.  May you learn from the errors of my way by visiting a local church regularly and invest time at home daily with the living God of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Right Back Where I Started

Posted on December 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

About a year ago, I stood on a scale for the first time in a while.  Not believing the first number that appeared, I stepped off to reset it and tried once again.  Unfortunately, my weight remained the same, the heaviest I have ever been.  After the initial shock wore off, I vowed to dedicate 2016 to improving my overall health and fitness.

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls, Proverbs 25:28.

In January I lost 20 pounds, ecstatic by this early progress.  However, life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Perhaps, a little over confidence started subtle compromises, a regression back into bad habits.  I can’t identify the exact time when this downward spiral began, but my goals for the year faded from my memory.  Subsequently, I now find myself right back where I started.

Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, Titus 2:12.

Those fighting this losing battle are encouraged by the apostle Paul to renounce this vicious cycle.  Solomon compared a person without self-control to a broken city, vulnerable to outside attacks.  As the new year approaches, I have to pick myself up off the mat to turn my current health around.  I’m not sure how my daily routine will change, but I hope a clear vision appears as I prepare to fast for the month of January.  Until then, seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness to avoid giving into temptation.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Getting to Know God Through Fasting

Posted on December 16, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When you are young and begin to notice the opposite sex, there are 5 things you can do to get someone’s attention.  The first three are obvious: shave and shower, put on cologne and deodorant, get dressed to impress others.  However, the final two require dedication and sacrifice.  Fully commit and submit to one person; then have the will to be faithfully compliant for the rest of your life.

Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking, Ruth 3;3.

Naomi’s mother in law provides similar advice after Naomi was done grieving the death of her husband.  Since Boaz is in line to be a kinsman redeemer, he becomes the obvious choice.  Yet, Naomi needed to take a bath, find her best perfume and replace her grieving clothes with a new attractive outfit.  The remaining two words of advice require action and an understanding of Jewish tradition.  Uncovering the feet of someone and lying at their feet is symbolic of full submission to an individual.  The last piece of advice in the verse below refers to fully committing, doing what is next.

When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do,” Ruth 3:4.

This 5 step process also applies to fasting.  The first step involves being freshly cleansed to get God’s attention, Isaiah 1:16.  When completed anoint yourself with the sweet fragrance of the word of God like the imagery within Ephesians 5:26.  Third, people need to replace a spirit of complaining by putting on the garment of praise, Isaiah 61:10.  Next, its vital to become fully committed and submissive by setting your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-3.  Finally, as you get to know God through fasting, faithfully commit to following God’s will, remembering the words of Jesus, “not my will, but yours be done,” Luke 22:42.

by Jay Mankus (inspired by a Jentezen Franklin sermon)

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The Sword of the Lord

Posted on December 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When I was a child, I felt invincible.  Yet, age is the great equalizer.  Subsequently, in my latter years, I have experienced times when I feel like God has abandoned me.  These moments in times have left me lost in a world of darkness.

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian,” Judges 6:13.

After Joshua’s death in the Old Testament, Judges began to lead the nation of Israel.  Unfortunately, Gideon endured a similar fate, wondering if God had forgotten the promises made to his chosen people.  During a conversation with an angel, Gideon poured out his heart, sharing his concerns.

The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!”

Judges 7:20

In the hours and days that followed, the Spirit of the Lord fell upon Gideon.  This encounter empowered Gideon to free Israel from the hands of the Midianites.  Although, there were likely some concerns with Gideon’s heart and mind, the Sword of the Lord was the source of victory.  This invisible power provided a miracle which generations continue to recount.  If you are feeling helpless today, cry out to God so that the Sword of the Lord will rescue you from trouble.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Human Spirit

Posted on December 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When someone refers to the human spirit, they are usually talking about a combination of the heart, soul and mind.  While the heart is the life source of the body, the mind regulates our mental state.  Yet, the soul is the essence of human beings, setting one person apart from the next.

The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being, Proverbs 20:27.

According to Solomon, the human spirit is like an internal light that highlights who you are.  This lamp reveals what is in your heart.  This reflection comes out in the form of words.  If you are wounded by individuals in your past, your vocabulary will reflect this.  Subsequently, hurt people will hurt other people.

But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them, Matthew 15:18.

This built up angst is what defiles people according to Jesus.  Its no wonder that King Solomon urges Israel to guard your heart for it is the well spring of life.  The apostle Paul takes this concept one step further in Colossians 3:1-3, to set your heart and mind on things above.  If you want to preserve the human spirit, these instructions are vital to maintain health, life and the pursuit of happiness.

by Jay Mankus

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A Rare Jewel

Posted on December 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In a November 2015 Forbes article, the red diamond was the most expensive jewel, worth one million dollars per carat.  Meanwhile, True Facet claims the rarest jewel when its available is jadeite, costing more than three million dollars per carat.  Yet, one of the most famous jewels is the Hope Diamond due to a curse which followed those who possessed it resulting in several mysterious deaths.

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel, Proverbs 20:15.

While contemplating his own collection of wealth, King Solomon overlooked one rare jewel.  This unusual site involves individuals who provide encouraging and positive words.  These nuggets within conversations often uplift those who hear it.  Based upon the context of the passage above, it appears that even in the days of the Old Testament negative tones filled the local marketplaces.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen, Ephesians 4:29.

Depending upon your current environment at home, school or work, speaking words of knowledge can be difficult.  Overcoming waves of pessimism is a tough task, taking many under its current with each crashing remark.  In view of this climate, the apostle Paul urges his readers to rise above today’s culture of criticism.  Instead of joining the crowd to jump on the pile, change your tune by expressing beneficial comments.  In the end, you will avoid grieving the Holy Spirit by seeking to become a rare jewel with holy lips.

by Jay Mankus

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Fake News

Posted on December 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Some credit Joseph Goebbels as one of the forefathers of fake news.  Goebbels served as Adolf Hitler’s Propaganda Minister in Nazi Germany.  However, historians point to an earlier date, based upon Hitler’s 1925 book Mein Kampt which conceived the concept of “the big lie.”  If you repeat a lie over and over again, those who hear it will begin to belief it as truth.

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator, Colossians 3:9-10.

Bogus, counterfeit and phony are words synonomous with being fake.  In the days and weeks following Hillary Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election, the liberal media is blaming her defeat on fake news.  Unfortunately, with ninety percent of cable, newspapers and universities on her side, there has to be a better explanation.  Perhaps, the slogan Stronger Together didn’t resonate with voters.

For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light, Luke 8:17.

One of the reasons fake news exists today is through a commonly held worldview.  Postmodernism believes individuals create our their own reality, there is no absolute truth and that all moral values are relative.  These core beliefs set the stage for fake news.  Subsequently, when someone does not like the outcome of an event, decision or new legislation, fake news is spread through political talking points to override the will of the people.  May those who spread these lies be exposed by the Holy Spirit for all to see.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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When You Run Out of Words to Say

Posted on December 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As someone who clings to pray, I experience many days where I draw a blank.  Unable to come up with the words to express what I’m feeling, I pause, wondering where to go next.  Unfortunately, no matter how hard I try, I don’t have the gift of conversation.  Sure, I have my hot button issues that friends may tell me to shut up or change the topic.  Nonetheless, most of the time I am tapped out, running out of words to say.

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, Ezekiel 11:19.

When it comes to prayer, some people truly have a gift.  As these individuals open their mouth, words flow freely as it God is in room with them.  Trying to follow anyone like this in a prayer group can be humbling, spitting out whatever comes to my mind.  Yet, there is much to learn from those who possess the gift of prayer.  Asking, probing and seeking wisdom is a great place to start, especially if you struggle like me to come up with words to lift up to God as you pray.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, Luke 12:34.

Several years ago I attended a Bible Study with a couple of doctors.  One was a physician and the other a vet.  One thing I took away from these interactions was the need to focus on a specific word when you pray.  When my eye was beginning to revert back to its pre-surgery state the word regeneration came to my mind.  Immediately, I began to ask God to regenerate the cells within my eyes, to restore that which was lost.  Suddenly, I noticed a quick improvement.  Although my eye hasn’t been completely restored, when you run out of words to say in the future, narrow in on a key word and pray with faith for a miracle.

by Jay Mankus

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Someone Else Needs This More Than You

Posted on December 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Over the Thanksgiving weekend I received new insight about the hand of God in adversity.  I caught a glimpse of a woman reflecting upon her childhood.  After making the cheer leading squad as a 7th grader, she was cut in 8th grade.  Sobbing in her room that night, the words her father shared transformed her perspective about life.  “Honey, you had a great time last year and you’re a confident person.  Perhaps, there is another girl who is struggling with her self esteem and needs to be a cheer leader more than you.”

A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.  How then can anyone understand their own way? – Proverbs 20:24

A former colleague of mine were reminiscing yesterday at Starbucks about our years in teaching.  Some days were good, others bad and there were many that didn’t make much sense at all.  Maybe this is what Solomon is implying in the passage above.  While individuals may think they are in control,  the Lord throws the occasional curve ball in to mix things up, directing people closer to where God wants you to be.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that,” James 4:14-15.

From the time I entered high school to my days in graduate school, every job that I applied for I got.  For some reason, God blessed me over and over again like the favor of Joseph in the Old Testament.  Yet, when I moved back to Delaware, God has sprinkled in failure more than once.  While this could be due to my age, a lack of dedication or a faith that is slipping, there is one good logical explanation for all the pain that I have endured.  Someone else needed what I wanted more than me.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Its Not Funny Anymore

Posted on December 9, 2016 by expressyourself4him

I guess you can say I grew up in the Cheech and Chong Era.  Richard “Cheech” Moran and Tommy Chong met in Canada in the late sixties; then became famous for their comedy routines and films.  Movies like Up in Smoke glorified pot smoking, encouraging Americans to laugh and embrace the concept of getting high.  This genre spawned characters like Jeff Spicoli played by Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and the Doobie Brothers.  I bought into this movement, laughing with everyone else.  However, a recent death has helped me realize that its not funny anymore.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Earlier in the week, I heard the news that Rashaan Salaam had passed away.  Salaam was the 1994 Heisman Trophy winner and the number one draft pick of the Chicago Bears.  I moved to Chicago the same year he was drafted.  In 1996, I met Rashaan while I was an Assistant Store manager of the Michael Jordan Golf Shop at the Woodfield Mall.  Unlike most celebrities, Rashaan was humble and quiet, not trying to bring attention to himself.  I saw him a couple of times after that, but never spoke with him.  While nursing a leg injury which kept him out of the 1998 NFL season, Salaam admitted to reporters that he was hooked on marijuana during his rehab.

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:4.

According to reports, Salaam’s death appears to have been ruled a suicide.  Beside the note Rashaan left behind, nobody will ever know for sure why he took his own life.  Perhaps, 6 years of playing professional football took a toll on his body.  Maybe, there was some sort of depression or regret from not living up to the expectations of being a former Heisman Trophy winner.  Whatever the reason, drugs cut this young man’s life short.  Some where along the way, Rashaan believed the lies of Hollywood that smoking pot won’t harm you.  How many more people have to die before America wakes up to see its not funny anymore?

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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