When the Presence of God is Unrecognizable

Posted on August 27, 2020 by expressyourself4him

In the colonial days of America, colleges were established for aspiring preachers. The British who settled in America fled England to find religious freedom after being forced to comply with the church of England. The early college graduates were inspired to fulfill the Magna Carta, like the disciples who sought to complete Jesus’ Great Commission, Acts 1:8.

And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers, and there arose another generation after them who did not know (recognize, understand) the Lord, or even the work which He had done for Israel, Judges 2:10.

Benjamin Harris first printed the New England Primer in 1690. After publishing a similar volume in London, this book became the single most influential Christian textbook in American history. Young students were introduced to the English alphabet by memorizing a verse from the Bible for each letter. This was used for more than 150 years before schools transitioned from Bible based curriculum toward a secular emphasis.

And the Israelites left there then, every man to his tribe and family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. 25 In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes, Judges 21:24-25.

When you read articles, current events and updated changes to public education, the presence of God has disappeared. While the Pledge of Allegiance is still practiced in some school distracts, the Bible verse of the day, prayer and the Ten Commandments have been removed. The complaints from atheists continue today, seeking to erase the presence of God from America’s founding. Until leaders like Joshua rise up to take a stand, America is about to experience a Judges like era when the people of this nation will not recognize or understand the God of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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Overcoming the Curses that Exist on Earth

Posted on August 26, 2020 by expressyourself4him

A few weeks ago I got together with an old friend from church. After catching up on what’s going on, our conversation turned toward a common theory. While sharing strange experiences from our former church, each of us came to the conclusion that this property was cursed. Although this may seem strange to many of you, this is consistent with the words of the Old Testament. Prior to being expelled from the Garden of Eden, God places a curse upon men and women, one that includes cursing the ground.

And to Adam He said, Because you have listened and given heed to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it, the ground is under a curse because of you; in sorrow and toil shall you eat [of the fruits] of it all the days of your life. 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth for you, and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you shall return, Genesis 3:17-19.

As I drive to work each day, I pass by a portion of the debris path from a recent tornado. Spawned by the remnants of tropical storm Isaias, this particular tornado stayed on the ground for over 29 miles. My view of this destruction is a once thriving corn field. While portions of this property remain untouched, a large section of the corn is completely flattened. Four power lines across the street were also leveled before being repaired. Perhaps, this too is a casualty of the curse mentioned in the Bible.

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief [of the celestial] princes, came to help me, for I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what is to befall your people in the latter days, for the vision is for [many] days yet to come, Daniel 10:13-14.

Beside the curses placed upon Adam and Eve, there are also powers of darkness that control specific cities, countries, and regions. In the passage above, Daniel refers to a demonic presence called the prince of Persia. While studying a book on spiritual mapping in America, similar places exist in the United States today. While you probably won’t hear about this, the apostle Paul is clear about spiritual forces of evil, Ephesians 6:12. The best way to overcome curses is by arming yourself with the armor of God daily, 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

by Jay Mankus

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While Money Can Buy Dreams, Families Leave a Legacy

Posted on August 25, 2020 by expressyourself4him

I heard this expression during a sermon a few weeks ago. At the time, it sounded good, but didn’t strike a cord with my soul. After helping my younger son Daniel move into his college dorm room at Liberty University, I can see the parallel. Money gives individuals the opportunity to pursue a dream. However, what you do with college will leave behind some sort of legacy either good, bad or indifferent.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome, Jeremiah 29:11.

The other night I watched the 2013 film the Ultimate Life. This is the sequel to the Ultimate Gift, following Jason Stevens’ journey in pursuit 12 gifts his grandfather Red Stevens left behind for him to achieve. The Ultimate Life follows Red Stevens life long pursuit to become a billionaire. As Jason Stevens goes through a mid life crisis, his grandfather’s lawyer unveils Red’s journal. As Jason begins reading, Red highlights crucial life lessons.

We will not hide them from their children, but we will tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonderful works that He has performed, Psalm 78:4.

Upon achieving his goal, Red Stevens’ eyes are opened to the sacrifices made at home along the way. After discussing the future with his wife, Red reveals a plan to leave a legacy with his children over a meal. Red decides to give each child $10,000 with the goal to give this money away to a needy cause. Unfortunately, only one child, Jay, donates his money with the others following in the footsteps of the prodigal, Luke 15:11-13. Anybody can say they are going to do the right thing, but legacies are built by putting Jesus’ words into practice, Matthew 7:24.

by Jay Mankus

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Memorializing Christ

Posted on August 24, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The Bible claims that Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, Hebrews 12:2,  The author of Hebrews attempts to explain how the Old Testament applies to Jesus who shed his blood as a form of propitiation.  The apostle Paul builds upon this by saying Jesus conquered sin and death on the cross, 1 Corinthians 15:53-57.  While Memorial Day weekend comes once a year, we should memorialize Christ’s victory daily as Jesus disarmed the powers and the authorities which stood oppose to human beings, Colossians 2:15.

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life, Leviticus 17:11.

In the original Webster’s Dictionary, the word authority does not exist by itself.  Rather, the term authority is found under the definition for author.  The root of authority comes from the term authorship meaning origination or creation.  After being expelled from heaven, Lucifer tried to obtain the earthly authority given to Adam and Eve by God using deception.  When his plan began to change Eve’s mind, Adam didn’t stop her.  In response to the fall, Jesus was sent as the second Adam, Romans 5:12-21, to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10.

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins, Hebrews 9:22.

The science of God, theology, can be confusing.  Sometimes it takes time to digest complex passages in the Bible.  Instead of getting bogged down, I try to simplify things so I do not forget what the Lord has done.  According to Romans 3, we all have sinned and have fallen short of God’s glory.  The wages for this fall is an unfortunate payment, death, Romans 6:23a.  However, the reason why we should memorialize Christ is at the end of Romans 6:23b.  “For the gift of God is eternal life, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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The Pursuit of Love

Posted on August 23, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The popular board game Trivial Pursuit was created on December 15 1979, by Chris Haney and Scott Abbott. The concept for this game was conceived while Abbott and Haney were playing Scrabble one night. Perhaps, the beer these Canadian newspaper editors were drinking allowed their minds to consider the possibilities. For the past forty years, this game has inspired competitive individuals toward a pursuit of knowledge.

But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all—love], 1 Corinthians 12:31.

In the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul wrote about another pursuit. Framed between “the love chapter in the Bible,” Paul encourages Christians to pursue love in the context of spiritual gifts. Instead of creating a divide within the body of Christ by claiming, “my gift is better than yours,” Paul reminds believers to make love your inspiration. When love becomes your motivation to act, God gets the glory, not you.

Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching), 1 Corinthians 14:1.

Based upon the passage above, love is a mindset that you should seek to acquire and pursue. This pursuit is so important to Paul that it has become his aim. earnest desire, and great quest to obtain love. Genuine love is selfless, seeing how your own spiritual gift can be used to fulfill God’s will. This pursuit doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, as Christians ascertain, discover and cultivate spiritual gifts, the pursuit of love is possible with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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Educating Yourself Out of the Supernatural Realm

Posted on August 22, 2020 by expressyourself4him

As a former Bible teacher, I learned that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t reach everyone. Yet, this didn’t stop me from using a variety of teaching methods to relate to a broad audience. Like a farmer preparing their soil for another season, all I could do was sow spiritual seeds, hoping and praying for these to take root. However, even if you reach someone in high school, it doesn’t mean that individuals won’t become prodigals, drifting, leaving or venturing away from God for an extended period.

As for myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom; 1 Corinthians 2:1.

Unfortunately, after attending a semester or year of higher education, many students develop a superiority complex. According to Healthline.com, a superiority complex is a behavior that suggests a person believes they’re somehow superior to others. In the context of college, the more knowledge individuals absorb, this can go to their heads like first century philosophers. Upon visiting the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul was disappointed by many believers who put their faith in logic and science rather than God.

And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated, 1 Corinthians 2:13-14.

Based upon the passage above, it’s possible to educate yourself out of the supernatural realm. Every year, I receive word of former students who were convinced to reject God at some point before graduating from college. Like the movie God is Not Dead, sharing your faith with atheist professors can ruin any chances of getting a good grade. Maintaining your faith throughout your college experience is a difficult task. Although I wavered from time to time, I’m a firm believer in supernatural powers available via the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. May you overcome the temptations of the world’s wisdom to cling on to the truth that miracles still happen.

by Jay Mankus

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When Did Being Conservative Become a Dirty Word?

Posted on August 21, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The book definition of conservative is being averse to change or innovation by holding traditional values. Without adding another word, I can visualize the Amish who reside in nearby Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Yet, this term is often used today in the context of politics. Conservatism is a social philosophy promoting traditional institutions in the context of culture and civilization. However, when the media wants to discredit a new member of Congress or an up and coming politician, they are often labeled as “too conservative.”

So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word, Hebrews 10:23.

Instead of debating this stereotype, many individuals labeled as conservative have refused to fight this stigma. Perhaps, people take this comment as a badge of honor. Yet, this acceptance and refusal to defend their position have enabled members of the media to dismiss their opinions as too extreme. Whether planned or unplanned, over the past 40 years being conservative has developed a negative connotation. Subsequently, anyone who holds to biblical commands, principles and views today have been labeled as dangerous, extreme, and radical.

But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. 22 Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.

Whenever you fail to engage your adversaries and opponents, you become powerless to change the narrative. Over the last several decades, Christians leaders have either become afraid of sharing their faith or their voices has been silenced by the press. Rather than show these clips on television, more liberal and progressives politicians continues to take their places. Thus, even when a conservative stands up for their beliefs in a concise and strong manner, their comments are conveniently edited and omitted from nightly broadcasts. All of these components have caused being conservative to become a dirty word.

by Jay Mankus

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Cultivating Spiritual Gifts

Posted on August 20, 2020 by expressyourself4him

A spiritual gift is a God-given capability that becomes available to individuals who enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-10. This hidden skill is available to Christians upon receipt of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-25.  The purpose of God’s spiritual counselor is for carrying out a believers specific function in the body of Christ, which is the Church, John 16:13. Thus, cultivating this inherited talent through a development process is crucial to maximizing this spiritual ability.

But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all—love], 1 Corinthians 12:31.

According to the apostle Paul, this begins with an earnest desire to draw closer to God. As this relationship strengthens, a zeal is conceived to ascertain, determine, and uncover God’s will for your life, Romans 12:1-2. As your spiritual gift is unveiled over time, God doesn’t want an average or mediocre attempt. Rather, the Lord is looking for your very best effort to unleash best and greatest spiritual gifts on earth. However, cultivating these talents doesn’t stop here.

I am calling up memories of your sincere and unqualified faith (the) leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), [a faith] that first lived permanently in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am [fully] persuaded, [dwells] in you also. 6 That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination], 2 Timothy 1:5-6.

In a letter to a teenage pastor, Paul writes about the leaning of your entire personality on God. Instead of holding back certain aspects or parts of your life, make Jesus the Lord of your life by surrendering everything. Since this is a continuous and daily process, spiritual gifts should not remain idle. Rather, fan into flame your God given gift to help your local church and community. King Solomon urges God’s people to rely on like minded people to cultivate and sharpen your gifts, Proverbs 27:17.

by Jay Mankus

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What is God Waiting for You to Do?

Posted on August 19, 2020 by expressyourself4him

I’ve never been at great student. Assignments that others finished in class took me twice as long to complete. Whether this was due to a lack of concentration or day dreaming, I never really developed a sense of urgency when it came to school. While several of my friends knew exactly what they wanted to do following graduation, I changed my major three times before my junior year of college. Taking the 5 year plan, I narrowed down my future to becoming a golf course architect or youth pastor.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.

During a dual internship with golf during the day and ministry at night and on the weekends, God was waiting for me to make a decision. Since I was too blunt to become a successful architect, I followed my heart into the ministry. However, indecision caused me to bounce around from position to position: Summer Workcamp Coordinator, Youth Director, Boarding School Counselor and Teacher. Being curious isn’t bad, but at some point God wanted me to become stable, staying in one place long enough to see the fruits of my labor.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you, Philippians 1:6.

Over the past 2 decades, I’ve stayed in two places for 18 years. While I’m no longer in the ministry, this blog has to suffice for now until I figure out what God wants me to do next. Of course freewill gives me the option to do whatever I want. Yet, I’ve learned that keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, brings me joy that surpasses all understanding. Therefore, as I linger for now, unsure of my next assignment, I pray that I have the faith to walk through this door when it opens.

by Jay Mankus

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Censoring Science

Posted on August 18, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Dr. Stella Immanuel made a speech in front of the Supreme Court a few weeks ago. In this age of social justice, Immanuel possesses the ideal pedigree as an immigrant and African American, Yet, there is one blemish on this doctor’s resume, she is pro hydroxychloroquine. Unfortunately, if you are for something that President Trump is in favor of, the media has a tendency to demonize you.

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security, Jeremiah 33:6.

After having success using hydroxychloroquine with zinc, Dr. Immanuel believes that this combination of medicine is the cure for COVID-19. When a video of Dr. Immanuel’s speech went viral on social media, Facebook and Twitter each removed this video claiming the content violated their policies on misinformation. When members of the media discovered that Dr. Stella was also serving as a Christian pastor at a church in Houston, a smear campaign was unleashed against her.

When men began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, 2 The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair, and they took wives of all they desired and chose, Genesis 6:1-2.

Instead of using evidence to refute Dr. Immanuel’s claims that using hydroxychloroquine with zinc isn’t the cure for COVID-19, science is being censored. Meanwhile, several quotes from previous sermons were immediately leaked to portray Stella as a crazy doctor who has lost her mind. One message used the passage above, attempting to explain how giants came into existence on earth. This passage has 3 different interpretations with one suggesting fallen angels conceived with the women of earth. Perhaps, it’s time to stop censoring science by entering into a healthy debate, by putting facts on the table and let the people decide.

by Jay Mankus

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