Category Archives: Uncategorized

Developing a Faith like That

Posted on June 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

After a series of disappointments, Jesus takes an inventory of his twelve disciples, wondering if they will ever get it.  Cutting directly to the point, Jesus asks “who do you say that I am?”  Despite previous and future blunders, Simon Peter get’s it right this time, “Son of the living God.”  While the timing was right, Jesus unveils the future, what will happen and by whom He will endure suffering.  From one moment of greatness to the gutter, Peter tries to privately rebuke Jesus.  Instead the tables are turned as Peter begins to think like the devil.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns,” Mark 8:33.

In the passage which follows, Jesus lays out a three step plan for developing a genuine faith which takes into consideration the mind of God.  After nearly three full years with Jesus, the disciples struggled to break free from human concerns.

1. Deny Yourself: Take on the very nature of a servant, placing the needs of others above yourself.

2. Take Up Your Cross: Set out on ascertaining what God’s will is and make this your calling in life.

3. Follow Christ: Through prayer, study of the Bible and worship, follow in the foot steps of Jesus.

I’m not sure who first said the mind is a terrible thing to waste, yet this also applies to faith.  Christians can do the right thing, say the right thing and worship in an ideal church, but still fail miserably in their faith.  Like any competition, if you don’t play a complete game, it only takes one bad stretch to blow it.  Therefore, as you wrestle with balancing necessary human concerns, may you take Jesus’ advice in Mark 8:34 and develop into a faith like Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Taking a Closer Look at the Meaning of Life

Posted on June 29, 2015 by expressyourself4him

An apostle of Jesus once made a distinction between the Bible and all other books.  According to Hebrews 4:12, the Bible is living and acting.  This passage suggests that each time you open up any of the 66 books inside, the Holy Spirit will teach you something different or new depending upon what you are going through or have recently experienced.  Unfortunately, many readers succumb to pride with thoughts such as “been there done that, heard that before or how many times do I have to hear the same old story?”

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it, Mark 8:35.

As I was minding my own business this weekend, God awakened me, providing discernment to take a closer look at the meaning of life.  The verse above struck a nerve as if to say to me, “you’re going down the wrong track, trying to hold on to your life.”  Immediately, I was confronted with my current situation, trusting in my own abilities and talents to provide for my family rather than solely rely on Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides.  I know this may sound crazy to some or many of my readers, yet listen to the case study below.

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? – Mark 8:36

From 2002-2012, I spent a decade losing my life as a high school Bible teacher, placing everything into God’s hands.  Subsequently, despite making much less than public school teachers, the Lord supernaturally provided daily bread.  Checks came in the mail at the perfect timing, secret donors paid for my children’s tuition and relative strangers handed me cash to stay out of debt.  Whereas the past 3 years since leaving youth ministry, trying to save my life has resulted in mounting debt.  It shouldn’t make sense, yet in biblical terms it does.

Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? – Mark 8:37

Nobody wakes up one day and says, “I’m going to forfeit my soul.”  Rather, this is a gradual process of choosing to save your own life instead of laying it down into your heavenly Father’s hands.  Sure, it feels good to be in the driver’s seat, maintaining control.  However, in the long run, lives are wasted in exchange for the temporary pleasures in life.  Though my testimony may be unbelievable, I pray that the next time you open the Bible, your heart, mind and soul will possess a teachable spirit so that the Holy Spirit will help you to embrace this living and active book.

by Jay Mankus

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Moving On After Tragedy

Posted on June 28, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The human mind can act like a sponge, absorbing scenes from life like a file on a computer.  Depending upon what you encounter, a number of cues can trigger each stored event to your memory in an instant.  Unfortunately, the bad and ugly thoughts can haunt individuals, making it difficult to move on after tragedy strikes.  During a late night conversation in college, a classmate began to reveal a dark secret from her past.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you, James 1:5.

A year earlier, she had heard an explosion behind her house, which backs up to the New Jersey Turnpike.  Immediately, her nursing student instincts took over, running down a steep embankment to help anyone in need of medical attention before emergency assistance arrived.  Not ready for what came next, she helped two kids escape from a car which had caught on fire.  However, both parents were trapped so all she could do was shield these children from the image of mom and dad burning to death in the flames.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him, James 1:12.

We can’t change the past, but after the mourning process, its time to move on.  Similar to an injury, healing differs from one person to the next.  Although scars will always remain, with Christ all things are possible to get over.  Yet, finding hope, peace and joy is not guaranteed.  This is where faith comes into play, trusting in the Lord to guide your steps.  Whatever mountain that you have to climb, may you find strength to move on after the trials you endure.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Don’t Tell Anyone?

Posted on June 27, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The notion that Jesus doesn’t what individuals to tell others what He did for you flies in the face of the great commission, Mark 16:15-17.  Context and timing plays a crucial role in understanding Jesus words to healed souls.  Nonetheless, Jesus regularly finished several of his healing encounters with “don’t tell anyone.”

Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village,” Mark 8:26.

Perhaps, there are exceptions to this rule as in the passage in Mark 8.  Afraid of crowds curtailing his ability to minister, Jesus likely wanted anyone healed, first to go home and tell his family what God had done.  Since faith is personal, like a baptism where individuals make a public profession of an inner faith, testifying about a healing encourages those nearest and dearest to you to believe.  In addition, Jesus didn’t want faith to become a fad, cool today and passe tomorrow.

Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you,” Mark 5:19.

While words can be beneficial, showing your faith by your actions is more valuable than anything you could say.  The beginning of the Sermon on the Mount emphasizes the need to shine the light of Christ inside of you, adding flavor to the lives of those whom you come in contact with and meet.  Therefore, Jesus doesn’t want people of faith to be silent.  Rather, whenever you have the opportunity, Ephesians 5:14-16, let your light shine before mankind.

by Jay Mankus

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What Am I Suppose to Do Now?

Posted on June 26, 2015 by expressyourself4him

After his suffering, Jesus presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God, Acts 1:3.

Without the resurrection, followers of Jesus would have disbanded, fearful of the same fate Jesus endured.  However, common sense, logic and eyewitness accounts of a risen Jesus weeks after his death suggest the disciples were emboldened.  When the Holy Spirit fell upon these individuals on the Day of Pentecost, this guiding light and mighty counselor laid the foundation for the modern Christian church to build upon.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them, Acts 2:4.

Unfortunately, revisionist historians, time and persecution have caused many churches to disown parts of the Bible like Peter who denied his association with Jesus.  As atheistic and liberal groups turn up the heat, believers are abandoning their convictions, trying to please mankind rather than God.  Afraid of having their tax exempt status revoked, recent trials are producing a generation of wimpy Christians.  Although some are fighting on the front line, many are disenfranchised, floating from one house of worship to another.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ, Galatians 1:10.

Struggling to find my place in this world, one question is staring me in the face, “what I am suppose to do now?”  Although writing this blog is a good start, its independent of any church.  Thus, the church is not failing; its servants like me who are sitting on the sidelines playing Monday Morning Quarterback.  In view of this, I need to get off the bench, exercise my spiritual gifts and get back in the game.  Join me in flaming into flame the gifts and talents God has blessed you with.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Temporary Healing

Posted on June 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you channel surf enough, sooner or later you will come across an evangelist who claims to possess the gift of healing.  Hollywood responded to these individuals in 1992 with the film Leap of Faith starring Steve Martin.  Over the years, responsible Christians have investigated each healing to insure believers aren’t being deceived or misled.  Unfortunately, researchers have found many of the participants on these programs, shows and revivals to experience only temporary healing.

He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around, Mark 8:24.

Perhaps, this is what a blind man from Bethsaida went through during his encounter with Jesus.  The first attempt to restore this person’s sight resulted in blurred vision.  Thus, even Jesus had to perform a second healing, placing holy spit, saliva into his eyes.  Modern leaders who possess the gift of healing usually don’t get another chance to lay hands on someone.  Subsequently, disappointed souls spend the rest of their lives wondering why their healing wasn’t permanent.

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:25.

You don’t have to be sick to experience temporary healing.  Individuals can also have prayers that are answered initially only to have the conclusion that you seek fall apart over time.  Agony, doubt and frustration are common emotions people endure throughout their lives.  In reality, all things on earth are temporary according to the apostle Paul.  Therefore, whether your body is acting up, healed or just hanging, permanent healing won’t arrive until you reach heaven’s doors.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable, 1 Corinthians 15:42.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When You Misread Signs from God

Posted on June 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Somewhere along the way, I picked up a belief that God immediately punishes individuals for their sins.  Perhaps, I heard too many sermons on the wrath of God from the Old Testament growing up.  Subsequently, I began to read too much into daily events, as if I knew why good or bad things were happening to me.  Fortunately, I’m not the only one who struggles to understand God.

“Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” – Mark 8:15

One day while traveling across the countryside, the disciples forgot to bring their usual allotment of bread for their trip.  As soon as this was brought to Jesus’ attention, He began to warn the disciples.  Thinking Jesus was mad at them for forgetting the bread, each misread what the Lord was trying to say.  Instead of seeing the big picture, the twelve disciples were blinded by a narrow view of this world.

Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? – Mark 8:18

A day earlier, Jesus had fed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish.  Focused on whose fault it was, forgetting the bread, each disciple failed to see that Jesus was and is the Bread of Life.  The yeast of the Pharisees is cynicism from human beings who try to discredit Jesus’ miracles.  Therefore, if you begin to live by sight and not by faith, you too may soon misread signs from God.

by Jay Mankus

 

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You Just Don’t Get It Do You

Posted on June 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Have you ever been clueless, left in the dark or lost?  Are you a quick learner or does it take you longer than the average person to understand something?  Whatever the situation, you may experience a moment or subject that you just don’t get.  Today’s title sounds like something that I heard numerous times from my parents in my youth.

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? – Mark 8:17

One day Jesus struggled with the lack of discernment that his disciples possessed.  Despite witnessing miracles daily, these godly men were mental midgets, regularly missing the point of Jesus’ actions.  Thus, Jesus appears to be frustrated in the passage above as if to say, “you just don’t get it do you?”

Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? – Mark 8:18

Today, Christians often walk around defeated, void of the power of the Holy Spirit.  Instead of walking by faith, selfish servants of God tend to demand a sign as if the resurrection wasn’t enough.  Unfortunately, out of sight, out of mind also refers to believers who are struggling to make sense of their current situation in life.  When communication with the Lord fades, frustrated souls just want to know if they are on the right track or not.  The sooner you acknowledge that you don’t have a clue, the greater the likelihood that God will shine light on your prayers and concerns.

by Jay Mankus

 

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My Dad

Posted on June 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Since 1964, there have been several memorable songs in America and throughout the world.  One of the most popular, My Girl, was the first Temptation single to feature David Ruffin, the voice which transformed this group’s popularity.  However, on Father’s Day, I wonder why there hasn’t there been a similar song to honor dads, something like “My Dad.”  Although I will leave this up to professional song writers, I do think its vital to remember my own dad on this day.

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him, Psalm 103:13.

My father was six feet tall as a twelve year old, a size that probably saved his life as the Russians began to invade his native Lithuania.  Fleeing his homeland and hiding in the Black Forest for weeks, my dad came to America with the clothes on his back.  Nothing was given to him as he earned a second language English, devoted himself to education and fell in love with the game of football, playing for the University of Pennsylvania before moving on to the Wharton School of Business.  From here, my dad went on to live the American dream, working his way up the corporate ladder before retiring after thirty years of service with the same company.

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation, Psalm 68:5.

Today, I wish I had the same financial resources which my father provided, yet a different calling took me in another direction.  Though I dabbled with a career in golf as an architect and P.G.A. professional, the Holy Spirit nudged me toward youth ministry.  Weaving in coaching, teaching and writing, I’m not sure what the ending of my story on earth will look like.  Nonetheless, I am grateful for a wonderful father, encouraging family and a faith that steers me near the narrow road.  From here, all I can do is honor my father and mother, provide for my wife and children and only hope that I can have as much as an impact as my own father had on me.  Happy Father’s Day to all of you dad’s!

by Jay Mankus

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The Original Food Bank

Posted on June 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.  If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance, Mark 8:2-3.

The concept of a food bank can be traced back to the days of Pharaoh under the leadership of Joseph.  Serving as the Secretary of Agriculture and blessed with visions of a coming drought, Joseph rose to second in command of Egypt developing a surplus of food to prepare for seven years of famine.  Humanitarians of the past inspired the creation of the world’s first food bank in 1967, founded in the United States and now there are several throughout the globe.

His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them? “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, Mark 8:4-5.

However, there is one person who can be credited as the original food bank.  Jesus was constantly observant of others, thinking of their well being.  This mentality motivated Jesus to get his twelve disciples involved in this process.  Like any selfish person, they wanted to pass the buck, letting someone else provide assistance.  Pressing the issue, Jesus asked a simple question, “what do you have to give?”

The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over, Mark 8:8.

Today, countless needy people exist wherever you may live.  Unfortunately, most that possess the means don’t have the ambition, drive and time to reach out to souls who are hungry and thirsty.  I’m just as guilty as the next person, distracted by my own wants and needs.  Despite this reality, we all have something give.  Therefore, the next time you have some spare change, time or resources to share, follow in the footsteps of Jesus who is the original food bank.

by Jay Mankus

 

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