Category Archives: truth

All Out of Sorts

Posted on August 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Sort isn’t one of the sexiest words in the English language.  Yet, its synonyms reveal a wide array of meanings.  Arrange, categorize and grouping items enables individuals to bring order to their lives.  However, it doesn’t take much until complacency, laziness or unexpected trials leaves you all out of sorts.

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 1 Corinthians 14:33.

After my son was rushed to the hospital last Tuesday, my routine schedule was thrown out the window.  One week later, dazed, exhausted and in dire need of sleep, I find myself hanging by a thread.  All out of sorts, I’m trying to leave the land of confusion for the peace promised in the Bible.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves, Romans 15:1.

During a visit to the church of Corinth, Paul witnessed several believers all out of sorts.  Subsequently, Paul called on godly leaders to be patient with those failing in their faith.  While its nice to have others focused on your own well being, hurting individuals receive much more by serving others.  Therefore, despite your current situation, reach out to someone less fortunate to help the body of Christ heal.

by Jay Mankus

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Conditions of God’s Favor

Posted on August 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The expression “knowing just enough to be dangerous” applies to the Bible as well.  Whether its a casual reader, individuals who like to study the Bible occasionally or a young student of the Word, its easy to make false pretenses.  One of the more common mistakes occur when people think they can bow their head without confession or repentance, snap their fingers as if to say abracadabra and expect God favor’s to immediately arrive at their door steps.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity, Proverbs 3:1-2.

As king of Israel, God blessed Solomon with infinite wisdom, after pleasing God with his response in 1 Kings 3.  This discernment and insight is the foundation for Proverbs 3.  Solomon urges his son to do more than listen; rather keep biblical commands in his heart.  In addition, the spiritual fruit of love and faithfulness must be displayed, adorned like fine jewelry.  These core fruits of the spirit must take hold inside your heart until God’s favor falls upon you.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man, Proverbs 3:3-4.

For those in the process of this journey or just beginning, this does not mean God’s won’t answer prayers or reveal himself to you.  Rather, the conditions must be right for favor to be released.  When a soul embraces the steps below, God’s favor is no longer a wish; its reality.

1. Put Jesus words into action daily after your reading the Bible each day.

2. Meditate day and night on God’s commands so your heart absorbs them.

3. Put to death any aspect of the sinful nature preventing you from love.

4. Resolve to follow Jesus through thick and thin, displaying faithfulness.

by Jay Mankus

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Ignoring Covenants

Posted on August 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Any agreement, bond or contract is similar to making a covenant.  The most common are marriage vows made between couples at a wedding.  Yet, others include chastity, faith and oaths to serve a country.  Unfortunately, time has a way of changing individuals, causing many to reconsider their initial promise.

Who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God, Proverbs 2:17.

The phrase never say never is like an escape clause.  Thus, if adults continue to break promises made to their children, a spirit of hopelessness will ensue.  When words spoken are not carried on to completion, there is a tendency for these disappointments to lower one’s standards.  Inevitably, covenants are ignored, giving into temptation within the mind like Eve several thousand years ago.

None who go to her return or attain the paths of life, Proverbs 2:19.

Many of the proverbs written by Solomon are inspired by his fall from grace, allowing himself as king of Israel to marry 700 women.  Looking back upon his decisions, Solomon realizes the error of his way.  Evidently, the demands of his wives caused him to ignore his vows made to the Lord.  Therefore, if you are on the verge of ignoring your own covenants, may the testimony of this king serve as a warning to get back on track by trusting in the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

 

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I Choose to Believe

Posted on August 16, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of the names ascribed to Lucifer in the Bible is the angel of music or song.  This nick name has led Bible scholars to claim the Devil uses secular music to corrupt the hearts and minds of countless individuals.  While this may be true to a certain extent, there are plenty of wholesome songs that I have come across which do just the opposite.  Several of these contemporary artists either elevate the faith of Christian or encourage some to believe.

You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.  You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you, Ezekiel 28:14-15.

In my life, music plays a vital role in the ebbs and flows that I experience.  Although I go through periods of disappointment, unable to find the right song for the difficult stretch in life, artists, ballets and songs can arrive just in the nick of time.  As I struggle to come to grips with my son’s Diabetes diagnosis, I was reminded of an album I purchased earlier in the year.  When I heard this Phillips, Craig and Dean’s song on my birthday, I knew just what to do.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”  “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin,” John 8:11-12.

The ballet “I choose to believe” talks about how one phone call can change your life.  One day everything is fine and the next your world is turned upside down.  Yet, within the emotions of the trial standing in your way, everyone has a decision to make.  In the case of a woman caught in adultery, she was on death row, about to be executed when a young lawyer named Jesus intervened.  I don’t think she was hopeful early on, yet at the end her life was saved.  In the same way, I still have my health and my family.  While I may not have the money to cover all the added expenses, I simply choose to believe.

by Jay Mankus

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The Place of No Return

Posted on August 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Deep inside of every individual, a confidence exists whispering “I can do this.”  No matter how dire a situation may get, hope exists giving those on the verge of disaster an optimistic perspective on the future.  Unfortunately, some go too far, reaching the point of no return.

Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead, Proverbs 2:18.

Solomon’s kryptonite was women.  While Don Juan’s move from one partner to the next as if playing a game is impressive, Solomon set the bar high, acquiring over 1000 women as king of Israel.  Somewhere along this accumulation process, Solomon reached a point of no return.  This lustful passion carried him over the edge, creating a wedge between God and the sinful nature.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:16.

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, the apostle Paul offers a word of hope.  The only way to withdraw from the place of no return involves the Holy Spirit.  This invisible counselor can help you come back to your senses.  On your own, expect failure.  Yet, with the Lord on your side, you can find your way back home soon.  Start now.

by Jay Mankus

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The Price of Life

Posted on August 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Whenever you have an accident, are diagnosed with a disease or face a long rehab, its hard to put a price on life.  After breaking two ribs and collapsing a lung, two ambulance rides cost nearly one thousand dollars each.  Treatments for cancer can accumulate into the tens of thousands.  Meanwhile, braces, surgeries and wheel chairs aren’t too far behind, cutting into the life savings of those face with life altering conditions.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10.

On the road to recovery, individuals have to consider the cost.  Do you I want to extend my life?  Or do I want to end my suffering?  Sure, parents and loved ones will often do whatever necessary to keep the hope of healing alive.  Yet, as time goes by, its up to the injured party to possess the desire and will to carry on.  So what is the price of a life?  Should you place a limit or should you adopt the Master Card slogan that life is priceless?

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it, Matthew 16:25.

According to Jesus, there is something else more important than saving your life.  The human soul is more valuable as it controls your eternal destiny.  Thus, before you extend all your time and energy on trying to survive, don’t forget about eternal life.  One of Jesus’ disciples claims that you can know for sure before you die, 1 John 5:13.  Therefore, make your reservation today as a soul destined for is a horrible fate to face.  The price of life is worth it all as long as a decision has been made, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Searching for Understanding

Posted on August 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The other night I was counting my blessings; thankful for a having a healthy family up to this point in life.  Perhaps a spirit of pride entered my mind like a whisper proclaiming “I’m better than you.”  This feeling didn’t last long, crashing back to reality with my son being rushed to the hospital this week, then diagnosed with diabetes.

Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, Proverbs 2:3

In the hours and days which have followed, I’m in the process of searching for understanding.  Thoughts such as why does God let bad things happen to good people started this conversation in my mind.  Followed by why did my prayers go unanswered?  Drawing a blank, I guess I have to wait a while before I receive the first clue.

Then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God, Proverbs 2:5.

As a father, Solomon writes a letter to his sons, trying to prepare them for life in the real world.  Solomon urges his children to seek understanding, like Jesus urged his followers to hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Yet, the first step begins with fearing the Lord.  The byproduct of this spiritual practice leads you closer to discernment.  In view of this advice from Proverbs, I have to go back to the drawing board, stop pouting and fear the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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Pinocchio and Politics

Posted on August 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Not so long ago, integrity was a vital aspect in life.  Being a man or woman of your word was considered essential to maintaining one’s reputation.  Unfortunately, sometime over the last thirty years, character, honesty and truth have been minimized.  In its place, gravitas, personality and spunk have stolen the spot light.  Subsequently, we now live in an age where Pinocchio and politics intersect with the most charismatic liar often winning elections.

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth, Ecclesiastes 7:1.

History recounts Solomon as one of the wisest leaders to ever live.  Reading his accounts within the Bible can result in great advice, especially during trying times.  The Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to encourage individuals to strive toward keeping their vows spoken.  To do otherwise would diminish one’s standing in their community.  Therefore, despite what appears to be politicians getting away with lie after lie, don’t lower your standards to expose participants trying to redefine reality.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold, Proverbs 1:22.

Whatever your political leanings may be, one thing is obvious, the mudslinging has begun.  Apparently, the media enjoys participating in this demolition derby, crushing and smashing any candidate who threatens to reveal their true intentions.  While no one is perfect, its sad to see national leaders regularly lie on television.  The expert deceivers walk a fine line between context, passing the buck and shifting blame.  In the end, souls numb the pain of conviction, pressing on to reach their goal.  Although God knows the truth, zealous contenders continue to risk telling lies like Pinocchio as long as they make it to the top.  May the Holy Spirit open the eyes of low information voters before election day arrives.

by Jay Mankus

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When Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter

Posted on August 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The moment a student enters the work force something happens internally.  I’m not sure if its related to specific occupations, but mindsets begin to change.  As soon as individuals get comfortable, there’s a common practice to think ahead like “I’m going to do this or that.”  However, every once in a while you’re confronted with a situation that makes you realize tomorrow doesn’t matter.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money,” James 4:13.

When I woke up Tuesday morning, it felt like a normal day.  I checked on my son before picking up my daughter from volleyball camp.  Upon my return, my son was in tears, insisting on wanting to go to the hospital.  Usually able to shake off pain, something inside of Daniel knew things weren’t right.  Twenty four hours later, my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

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, James 4:14.

One of Jesus’ earthly brothers writes about one of his regrets in life.  For nearly thirty years, his big brother was the son of God, yet he never believed until after the resurrection.  Subsequently, James came to the conclusion that tomorrow doesn’t matter as long as today is present.  Therefore, despite the grief and uncertainty I am currently enduring, there is still plenty of time to grow, learn and be thankful before the sun sets.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Believe It or Not?

Posted on August 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of the first books I read for fun outside of school was written by Daniel Cohen.  I don’t remember the title, but this piece studied eyewitness accounts of Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and other unusual encounters.  Going to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Exhibits as a teenager only fostered my interest in unsolved mysteries.  While the debate continues on some of these unknown creatures, sooner or later you have to reach a decision; to believe it or not.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them, Psalm 34:7

As an adult, I’ve experienced things that can only be described as supernatural.  Initially, I didn’t give much thought to some of these events.  Yet, after attending a conference on discernment, studying the Bible and seeking the council of elder believers, I can’t deny the existence of angels.  While I’ve never entertained an angel like some Americans, there have been moments where I avoided an accident, steered clear of danger and escaped a difficult situation.  How can I be so sure you may ask?  Well, I’ve reached a stage in life where I have come to the conclusion that I simply believe.

For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, Acts 27:23.

The Christian Rock Group David and the Giants devote an entire album to this topic in Angels Unaware.  Beyond the physical realm, angels are fueled by prayer, ushered into action by diligent saints.  Miracles occur daily, often going unnoticed by those who are rescued and or saved from harm.  On bended knees, angels are empowered as promises in the Bible are verbally lifted up, usually inspiring God to immediate act by sending guardian angels.  I’m not forcing you to believe in angels.  Yet, at some point you must decide; to believe it or not.

by Jay Mankus

 

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