Category Archives: Uncategorized

Set Sail

Posted on April 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Before you can legally set sail around the world, three things are essential: a Sailing Certification, Insurance and Passport.  The final ingredient is Clearance Papers from your port of departure.  This is the last obstacle before your voyage can officially begin.

But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him,   Hebrews 10:38.

To get where you want to go in life takes planning, paying attention to details and patience.  Although spontaneity has its time and place, trips involve weeks, months and sometimes years to put together.  Therefore, if you think you can just get up and go unannounced, you’re either retired or dreaming.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

Spiritually speaking, to set sail by faith, one must begin to discern the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Yet, before this occurs, one must rid their lives of any sinful desires which block one’s ability to follow God, Colossians 3:5-10.  Studying the Bible, prayer and worship provide fresh wind and spiritual guidance to set sail.  However, don’t leave shore without the anchor of faith to help you overcome the storms in life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Mystery of Praise

Posted on April 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Unless you are a morning person, most people take time to wake up.  This lack of energy makes the likelihood of praise to be displayed as a natural occurrence.  As for me, only when the right kind of music is present or a tune prompts my heart does a spirit of praise arrive.  Beside this perfect setting, praising God is a mystery.

To carry out the sentence written against them— this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the LORD. – Psalm 149:9

According to the book of Hebrews, its impossible to please God without faith.  Thus, when you read the prophecies of the Bible, you can’t view each with skepticism.  Beyond the words from this ancient book, one must believe God will eventually fulfill each promise.  Although doubts will arise if a prolong time passes without any fulfillment, yet praise is conceived when individuals see the the Bible come true like the words of Psalm 149:9.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see, Hebrews 11:1.

If someone spends days, months or years praying for a miracle without any results, any desires to praise God often fade away.  Families who have lost a member to a killer disease experience arid periods, void of joy.  Subsequently, many venture off, putting God on hold until they can comprehend of what just happened.  Although the wait is agonizing, the hope of a prodigal returning to their senses brings angels to praise God in heaven and rejoicing souls on earth.  May the mystery of praise not serve as a stumbling block to pursuers.  Rather, may the Holy Spirit revive your heart with a new sense of appreciation for the hand of God at work in this life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Getting Close to God’s Heart

Posted on April 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

To sense the invisible, God created human beings with a conscious, a general awareness to lead you to the right path.  Beyond the ability to feel, hear, see, taste and touch, it takes time to draw near to God.  For some getting close to the Lord’s heart is a lifelong journey, using trial and error to find your way.

And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD, Psalm 148:14.

Along this search, obstacles, road closures and temptation pop up causing some to quit, giving up before acquiring a heart like David.  Finding the time the read the Bible, prayer and meditate on God’s principles is hard to fit into one’s daily schedule.  Thus the thought of getting close to God’s heart becomes a pipe dream for most, content with a mediocre faith.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:7.

According to Jesus, the heart is like a treasure chest, Luke 6:43-45.  What people store up inside come out in the form of actions, behavior and words.  The moment souls are irritated, pushed or prodded, either good or evil will come out.  In view of this reality, its essential to guard your heart, Proverbs 4:23, nourishing it with the promises of God in the Bible.  Then and only then will seekers begin to get close to God’s heart.

by Jay Mankus

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The Babel Connection

Posted on April 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Now the whole world had one language and a common speech, Genesis 11:1.

A generation ago, anyone who claimed to have an encounter with an alien or observe a UFO was considered crazy.  In recent years, the tide has turned inspiring shows like Ancient Aliens, Hangar 1 and Monsters and Mysteries in America.  If you listen to the experts on these programs, aliens are given credit for unexplained technological advances discovered by archeologists.  Meanwhile, the Bible and its historical records have been bypassed, disregarded and neglected as a source.

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” – Genesis 11:4

Unfortunately, the Babel connection has not been included in this conversation.  According to Moses, there was no language barrier prior to the construction of the Towel of Babel.  Subsequently, people came together to achieve a common goal, to construct a building that would reach the heavens.  Due to their selfish motives, the Lord sent a spirit of confusion upon the people of earth.  Although this project was never completed due to language barriers, the words of Genesis 11:6 suggest technology in the Old Testament was much further advanced than first thought.

The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them, Genesis 11:6.

While most will focus on God’s response to the inhabitants of Babel, early civilizations developed a keen sense of unity.  These spirit of teamwork led to amazing achievements once thought to be impossible.  Following the flood, descendents of Noah made the Land of Shinar their home, making up for lost time, quickly exceeding beyond pre-flood life.  Time and eternity will determine actually who built what, yet for now don’t be afraid to examine the Bible to uncover the mysteries in life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Real Mr. Heat and Freeze Miser

Posted on April 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes, Psalm 147:16.

Prior to the theory of Global Warming, a motion animated television special provided its own belief.   Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book inspired the Christmas Classic The Year Without a Santa Claus, airing in December of 1974.  While this animation put a unique twist on Christmas, the two characters which stole the spotlight were Mr. Heat and Mr. Freeze Miser.  After Mrs. Claus appeals to Mother Nature, the Miser’s mom, a compromise is struck to allow a warm weather climate to experience snow so that the Spirit of Christmas is saved.

He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? – Psalm 147:17

Today, weather has its own syndrome known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Thus, its no wonder Weber comes out with the a new commercial each Spring, enticing people to take advantage of warm weather by grilling.  In fact, many people are never satisfied complaining that its too hot, too cold or not good enough to complete their plans for the weekend.  In the end, Mother Nature get’s most of the credit in an ever increasing political correct world for nice days.  Meanwhile, the moment disaster strikes in the form of a flood, hurricane or tornado, God is usually the first to be blamed.

He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow, Psalm 147:18

According to the Psalmist, God has been in control of the weather since the beginning of Creation.  Although each season may not come when the calendar expects, the Lord will alter the Jet Streams like Mr. Heat Miser and Freeze Miser to warm up or cool down the earth in His time.  While scientists will continue to spend massive amounts of time and money to attempt to explain the weather, there is only One perfect weather man who seems to enjoy confusing the experts daily.

by Jay Mankus

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The Anointing

Posted on April 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes there are things in life that are difficult to explain.  While you may try to verbalize specific details, unless you experience, feel or sense it, no one will likely believe you.  Earlier on, I disregarded such a notion.  Yet now, after stumbling upon the words of a Psalmist, I have come to acknowledge the anointing of God is real.

He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you, Psalm 147:13.

The opposite of this force is similar to the Haunting, a show on Destination America.  Although many people remain skeptics, certain properties, homes or land are subject to demons, ghosts or spirits which dwell on these premises.  Once limited to documentaries and horror movies, powers of darkness has risen up to make their domain a living hell on earth.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:12.

In view of these unwelcomed visitors, its essential for individuals to begin to ask God for a special anointing.  Home owners can invite members of their church to dedicate and prayer over newly acquired property.  Meanwhile, prayer walks along the borders of businesses and land owners can serve as a hedge of protection for those who believe in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Finally, setting aside time to prayer for children and family members, especially inside of their own room can have life altering effects.  May readers embrace this concept and be inspired to practice it so that the anointing of God will be fanned into flame to negate any demonic influences currently keeping you from living the abundant life Jesus promised, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Grand Illusion

Posted on April 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As the 2015 NFL Draft approaches, Sports Networks are creating programming to feed the anticipation of football fans.  While channel surfing the other night, I stumbled across an interesting conversation on ESPN.  A pastor from California was talking to Jameis Winston, the projected first pick in the draft about temptation  Tainted by two seasons of off the field troubles, quarterback Jameis Winston has been a victim of the grand illusion, falling prey to the deception of temptation.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. – Proverbs 10:9

Known as the great deceiver, Satan has a way of making things look better than they really are.  Thus, the curious, unprepared and weak have a tendency to become repeat customers of the grand illusion.  Although the media will tend to label, make fun of and trash an individual for making poor decisions, there is a spiritual element that the addicted can’t cure on their own.  Similar to wearing beer goggles, sinful minds have a habit of justifying wrong actions, causing common sense to fade.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.- James 1:22

On the outside looking in, its hard to comprehend why some struggle to get control of their lives.  Bad influences, stubborn hearts and wandering souls can spend numerous years under the grasp of the grand illusion.  Those held captive often cry out to the heavens, searching for improvement from their condition.  Depending upon the severity of one’s situation, regaining control may take a while.  However, if you lean on the Lord’s power, Philippians 4:13, freedom is possible with Jesus’ help.  May this blog motivate you to remain patience until healing is achieved.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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God’s Pleasure

Posted on April 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Delight, enjoyment and gratifying are feelings associated with pleasure.  Since individuals are wired differently, venues chosen to seek pleasure vary.  According to the Psalmist, two distinct attributes get’s the Lord’s attention.  While the world may embrace beauty, gambling and sex, heaven desires two specific qualities.

God’s pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior – Psalm 147:10

The first characteristic which excites the Lord is a holy reverence.  This trait can be acquired through studying the history of God’s relationship with Israel.  Although some of the miracles performed by the Lord may be difficult to believe, these acts of favor led many Jews to fear God.

The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love, Psalm 147:11.

The second quality is often a natural response to the first.  After individuals begin to fear the Lord, many start to place their faith in God’s unfailing love.  Despite patterns of disobedience, unconditional love is displayed throughout the Old and New Testament.  Therefore, if you want to please the Lord today, set your hearts upon a reverence fear and minds on the promises of love within the Bible.  When your actions coincide with hope, you will become the apple of God’s eyes.

by Jay Mankus

 

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No Limits

Posted on April 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you goggle or yahoo “no limits” you will find a roller coaster simulator, a French Television series, images of road signs, a fund raiser for deaf children, an engineering web site and several you tubes.  Meanwhile, if you search for the definition of “no limits” you will find a form of poker where bets are as high as a player’s chips allow and a song by a Dutch music group.  However, what I was trying to find were terms to describe an unlimited supply or the ability to go wherever you want.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore, Psalm 16:11.

No limits didn’t work out so well for Adam and Eve.  Their only boundary was a tree in the center of their property.  Something about curiosity, the unknown or total control causes many human beings to investigate restricted areas.  Similar to actors in horror movies who always choose the wrong path leading right into harm’s way, God has good reasons for the limits mentioned in the Bible.  Nonetheless, free will enables the masses to search the various paths in life.

Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire,          Jude 1:7.

History should serve as a warning bell, a sign that if you follow that wrong road you will endure the same fate.  Unfortunately, arrogance, pride and stubbornness cause many to believe, “that will never happen to me.”  Although some organizations like Mother’s Against Drunk Driving have been successful, selfish souls continue to press the limits, often resulting in tragedy.  The next tell you have the urge to wander beyond the limits of the Bible, may common sense protect you from a road without any limits.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Beyond Redemption

Posted on April 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Wherever you go in life, you will find signs.  Some contain mistakes, others confusing messages and a few will make you laugh.  Yet, there is one that is profound, Beyond Redemption.

God sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! – Psalm 111:9

If you have ever visited Niagara Falls, this sign serves as a final warning.  At the point of no return, where help can not arrive soon enough, the sign Beyond Redemption has been placed.  Just as the Niagara River plummets 325 feet before it flows north to Lake Ontario, this sign assumes death is inevitable.

In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:14

Today, individuals consume, drink and eat things which will harm their bodies.  Subsequently, nearly every package contains a warning label, usually describing a worst case scenario, especially if you suffer from this or that.  In view of the frailty in this life, please consider the redemption offered by life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ before you reach a point of no return.

by Jay Mankus

 

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