Standing at the Edge of a Breakthrough

Posted on April 29, 2020 by expressyourself4him

A breakthrough is defined as a dramatic, sudden, and important discovery or development. This may include advancements in technology, cures for infectious diseases, innovations, inventions and quantum leaps in science. I stumbled upon to a spontaneous worship clip on You Tube the other night. Kari Jobe was leading worship for her church when the Holy Spirit led her to sing “standing at the edge of breakthrough.” This montage moved me, opening my eyes to my current situation.

And in the fourth watch [between 3:00—6:00 a.m.] of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright. 27 But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I Am! Stop being afraid! – Matthew 14:25-27

Over the past 8 years, I’ve spent January through April working on screen plays for the annual Nicholls Fellowship Screenwriting Contest. Over this time frame I have now completed and currently in the process of perfecting three movies. Meanwhile, I have an outlines for two more projects that I hope to start working on in May. If this wasn’t enough, I received a vision for a Sitcom with the initial season having 10 episodes. Essentially, I find myself standing at the edge of a breakthrough, waiting and trusting God to have and see this dream be fulfilled soon.

And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. 29 He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus. 30 But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]! 31 Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? – Matthew 14:28-31

One of Jesus’ disciples experienced an impressive spiritual breakthrough. When the disciples left Jesus behind to finish ministering to others, they got in a boat to cross of Sea of Galilee. The initial plan was for Jesus to meet up with the disciples the next day. Instead, Jesus took a short cut, walking across this body of water late at night. At first, those who were awake thought Jesus was a ghost. However, after identifying himself, Peter dared Jesus, “if it’s really you, let me walk on water as well.” This is exactly what Peter did until he took his eyes off of Jesus. Whenever you are standing at the edge of breakthrough, trusting God is the final piece to ensure success.

by Jay Mankus

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The Dumbing Down of America

Posted on April 28, 2020 by expressyourself4him

If you follow current events, every day there is at least one news story that sounds like an April Fools’ joke. Unfortunately, most of these are true, a sign of the dumbing down of America. Take for example a recent press conference by the mayor of New Your City. Mayor Bill de Blasio was shocked on April 20, saying it is “unconscionable” that criminals released early from prison over coronavirus fears would commit new crimes. De Blasio could not understand how someone who was shown mercy could quickly become a repeat offender. Can someone say, “hello McFly.”

For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God, 1 Corinthians 1:18.

In the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul made a head scratching statement. While the educators, philosophers and scholars of his day likely scoffed upon receiving news of his comment, Paul’s words have proven to be prophetic. From a historical context, a painting from the Italian Renaissance points to this transition. Raphael’s School of Athens includes two well known philosophers. Plato represents the old school of thought, pointing up to heaven. Meanwhile, Aristotle is symbolic of the new age, pointing within. As the centuries have past, many have rejected God in favor of science.

For it is written, I will baffle and render useless and destroy the learning of the learned and the philosophy of the philosophers and the cleverness of the clever and the discernment of the discerning; I will frustrate and nullify [them] and bring [them] to nothing, 1 Corinthians 1:19.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul uses the expression “baffle and render the wise useless.” Perhaps, Paul was referring to mere intellectual assent. This occurs when individuals have a logical appreciation for God, knowledge without belief. On average, there is 18 inches between the human heart and mind. Yet, until the heart and mind are on the same page as Roman 10:9-10, faith is merely a concept. When individuals are brilliant, logical or wealthy, trusting in an invisible God seems foolish. While in college, I came across a stat that said 85% of people who decide to follow Jesus do so before the age of 18. Thus, the older you get, the harder it becomes to surrender. When people resist God, foolish statements and dumb reasons often follow.

by Jay Mankus

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The Non-Essentials

Posted on April 27, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the Coronavirus, non-essential referred to anything not absolutely necessary. Following the mandated March quarantine, government officials in connection with the scientific community established new guidelines. Thanks to the Central for Disease Control, the only businesses that can operate in most states today are essential such as food, gas and those part of the daily supply chain. Anyone who works outside of this realm is either forced to work at home, furloughed or let go, filing for unemployment.

And if your [Israelite] brother has become poor and his hand wavers [from poverty, sickness, or age and he is unable to support himself], then you shall uphold (strengthen, relieve) him, [treating him with the courtesy and consideration that you would] a stranger or a temporary resident with you [without property], so that he may live [along] with you, Leviticus 25:35.

Depending upon which state you reside in, the list of essential businesses vary, especially those run my democratic governors. For example, if you work for an abortion clinic, marijuana shop or store that sells lotto tickets, you can work as several state officials has deemed you essential. However, if you want to attend church, temple or other houses of worship, this is against the rules set my most states. Thus, state officials are playing politics by picking the winners and losers. Hopefully, Americans will remember this in 6 months when the 2020 election rolls around in November.

But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?18 Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity), 1 John 3:17-18.

As for today, what are the non-essentials suppose to do until their state and or work place re-open? The disciple whom Jesus loved provides a good piece of advice. The expression pay it forward was coined by Lily Hardy Hammond within her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight. As family, friends or neighbors get laid off, its time to pay it forward by helping others. Depending upon your resources, time or wealth, you need to reach out to those who can’t help themselves. As the passage above urges, love must be our driving force. May this blog stir your soul to encourage the non-essentials in your spheres of influence until order is restored.

by Jay Mankus

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Speak to Me Outside of Church

Posted on April 26, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the Coronavirus cancelling worship services across the country, only 20% of Americans regularly attended church. Before being quarantined, this steady decline in attendance suggests that many Christians haven’t made church a priority, finding other things to do on Saturday and Sunday. According to a 2018 Outreach Magazine article, only the state of Hawaii saw a recent increase in worship attendance. If absence makes the heart grow fonder, perhaps this time away from church will conceive a hunger to join and become an active member in a local church.

My son, if you will receive my words and treasure up my commandments within you, 2 Making your ear attentive to skillful and godly Wisdom and inclining and directing your heart and mind to understanding [applying all your powers to the quest for it]; 3 Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures, 5 Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God, Proverbs 2:1-5.

As for now, believers are going to have to find an alternative, an avenue for God to speak to you outside of church. Reading the Bible daily is a logical step in this direction. In the passage above, Solomon is pleading with his children. Instead of trying to find joy and pleasure in the world, dust off this book and begin listening to the living Word of God. Open your heart and mind to these truths, embracing and treasuring these spiritual nuggets. The next transition is putting these words into practice by applying biblical principles through your actions, behavior and speech.

If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you, John 15:7.

This process will require prayer; lots of it. Since there isn’t a band, chorus and musician to lead you in worship, you can rely on your favorite internet site to enhance your prayer. Several years ago I was introduced to the concept of Soaking in the Spirit. This occurs by laying down in a room, closing your eyes and clearing your mind from stress of life while listening to worship music. The goal is to empty your mind of all the garbage that you have collected over time and ask God to remove and replace it with songs of praise. The attached song, a spontaneous worship montage by Kari Jobe is what I use when I want God to speak to me outside of church.

by Jay Mankus

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Leadership or Lack There of

Posted on April 25, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Leadership can be a practical skill, a research area or a way of life for those who are driven to go against the flow. Natural born leaders are authoritative, direct and guide others around obstacles in life and orchestrate individuals to form groups to fulfill a higher calling. According to researchers, all great leaders share 3 common traits. Dynamic leaders are action oriented, eager to accept responsibility and see things through to completion. When you hear, listen to and watch how government officials behave during the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to distinguish the followers from the leaders.

Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity, 1 Timothy 4:12.

Earlier today, governor John Carney decided to close Delaware’s public schools for the remainder of the year. As of now, there are more than 920,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States, approaching 52,000 deaths nationwide. The state of Delaware has a population of nearly one million people as of 2019. Delaware has 3,442 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus and just reached 100 deaths today. When you add math to these numbers, it comes out to one case for every 290 residents. Anyone can play Monday morning quarterback on governor Carney’s decision. Yet, Carney choose the easy way out. following states to the north, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, instead of being creative and innovative.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint, Galatians 6:9.

Whenever leaders fail to lead, innocent bystanders who are forced to endure the consequences. This leaves the senior class of 2020 without a prom, spring sports season and without celebrating a last day of school. For my son Daniel, his chance of earning a golf scholarship at an N.A.I.A. college is gone. After shooting 74 from the blue tees at Back Creek recently, Daniel’s shot at improving on last season’s 5th place conference tournament finish also disappears. Meanwhile, Lydia was the favorite to win the Blue Hen Conference Pole Vault title and likely shoe in to make All County as well. Although I can’t change what has already been done, I pray for new leaders to rise up out of the millennials so that leadership is a verb, not just a word.

by Jay Mankus

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3000 Blogs in 3000 Days

Posted on April 24, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Former Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig earned the nickname Iron Horse for setting Major League Baseball’s record for consecutive games played at 2,130. Gehrig surpassed Everett Scott’s record of 1307 consecutive games, holding this mark for 56 years. The new standard for consecutive games played was set by former Baltimore Oriole short stop Cal Ripkin Jr. Before sitting a game in his 16th and final season, Ripkin played 2632 games in a row. As for me, today marks my 3,000th consecutive blog in as many days.

Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually! – 1 Chronicles 16:11.

My first blog was posted in February of 2012, inspired by attending a weekend conference on discernment. One of the exercises I participated in used word association to highlight your gifts, talents and spiritual gifts. One of the attributes that was confirmed is my ability to write in the Spirit. The best way to describe this unique skill is using a scene from Good Will Hunting. Skyler and Will talk over lunch as she tries to multi-task, working on Organic Chemistry. Will uses the analogy “I just play” to explain his rare gift.

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives, Galatians 5:25.

Two verses in the Bible unveil the spiritual possibilities for those who yearn for God’s presence and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. During my initial years as a high school Bible teacher, I was uncomfortable with and unsure of what to do with my strange gift. Yet, after receiving assurance from pastor Bruce, I began to write down my thoughts, whispers and voices that I hear. In case you were wondering; no I don’t see dead people. Journals, notebooks, sticky notes and any scrap piece of paper became vehicles to relay messages from God. Like a dream that fades from your memory, you never know where or when the Spirit will move. If you are eager to listen, you too can write 3000 blogs in 3000 days without repetition.

by Jay Mankus

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Summoned by God

Posted on April 23, 2020 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever been forced to take a day or week for jury duty, you understand what it means to be summoned. Typically, you receive a letter in the mail from a county or state, requesting your presence to serve. If you are an eyewitness to an accident or crime, you may be asked to testify to what you have seen. Or if you have ever received a parking or speeding ticket, you will be summoned to either pay a fine or appeal in court. These types of summons are unpleasant, a day or days that you want to forget.

So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse, 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.

From a spiritual perspective, some of you have been summoned by God. Spiritual summons can occur at any place or time, usually when you least expect it. When I was child, I had a reoccurring nightmare, dreaming of dying night after night for nearly two years. After falling off a cliff, I woke up just as I hit the ground. I still don’t know why this keep happening, but this caused me the contemplate the concept of eternity. To randomly be born on earth only to die didn’t make sense to me.

Paul, summoned by the will and purpose of God to be an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 1 Corinthians 1:1.

What I didn’t realize is this silent summons conceived in me a desire to know God. Through the Fellowship of Christian of Athletes in high school and college, I was summoned to receive Jesus into my heart as Savior and friend. After back sliding during my first semester in college at the University of Delaware, I was summoned to return. Through the power of Holy Spirit, a fire was ignited within my soul to make Jesus the Lord of my life. Over the past 35 years, I haven’t always been obedient to each summons from God, straying from time to time. Nonetheless, I’m still living and learning, hoping that I am faithful to my next calling in life.

by Jay Mankus

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What Would the Bible Say about You?

Posted on April 22, 2020 by expressyourself4him

At the end of his letter to the church at Rome, the apostle Paul thanks those who worked quietly behind the scenes. Without these men and women, Paul’s ministry journeys would not have been possible or successful. Beginning with a deaconess and woman who opened her home as a congregational meeting place, Paul wanted to ensure that their contributions were not minimized or overlooked. Unlike the gospels where woman and children are excluded from the overall count of individuals present, Paul places women first on his list.

Now I introduce and commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, 2 That you may receive her in the Lord [with a Christian welcome], as saints (God’s people) ought to receive one another. And help her in whatever matter she may require assistance from you, for she has been a helper of many including myself [shielding us from suffering]. 3 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 Who risked their lives [endangering their very necks] for my life. To them not only I but also all the churches among the Gentiles give thanks, Romans 16:1-4.

In another letter to the church at Galatia, Paul breaks down his entire life into three stages. Galatians 1:11-24 serves as an outline for sharing your faith by detailing your life before knowing Jesus, your conversion experience and transformation since making this decision. While every faith story contains peaks and valleys, portions of your testimony will connect with or touch other souls. One of Jesus’ disciples urges first century Christians to be prepared, always ready to provide the reason for the hope that you have in God, 1 Peter 3:15-16.

[Remember me] also to the church [that meets] in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was a firstfruit (first convert) to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked so hard among you. 7 Remember me to Andronicus and Junias, my tribal kinsmen and once my fellow prisoners. They are men held in high esteem among the apostles, who also were in Christ before I was. 8 Remember me to Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Salute Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, that one tried and approved in Christ (the Messiah). Remember me to those who belong to the household of Aristobulus, Romans 16:5-10.

As I turn our attention toward today, I’m curious about what modern writers might say. Would you receive a shout out like Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila or be out-shined by other believers? As you go to work, reside in a neighborhood and let your guard down at home, what do people notice? According to my children, I drive too fast, I’m impatient and too opinionated. Are your daily actions full of light or do moments of darkness blur the love of Jesus inside of you? The book of Acts ends abruptly. Some scholars suggest that either the final chapter was never fully completed or simply missing. When judgement day arrives, what will God say about you? Only time will tell so make the most of the days that the Lord gives you.

by Jay Mankus

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What’s Holding You Back?

Posted on April 21, 2020 by expressyourself4him

During my final year of coaching cross country, I started having my runners wear weights once or twice a week. Since I ran warm ups and cool downs with my junior high team, I also wore weights as well to see how it felt. Early on, you couldn’t tell much of a difference, but as practice wore on the harder it became to lift your legs. Although the 2.1 mile course I designed wasn’t hilly, the final .25 miles was all up hill. A perfect test for wearing weights despite complaining and whining runners at the end of practice.

You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? – Galatians 5:7

First century authors of the Bible use a series of analogies comparing life to running. This is likely due to the Isthmian Games, named after the Isthmus of Corinth. This event took place the year before and year after the Olympic Games. Since the Olympics were held only once every four years, the Pythian Games were held in the third year to complete the Olympiad cycle. In the passage above, the apostle Paul received news that Christians in Galatia were struggling likely due to the Judaizers, a religious sect who hindered their spiritual development.

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.

Meanwhile, the author of Hebrews compares a faith journey to running a marathon. Typically, 26.1 miles, this distance requires extensive training just to compete and finish. When I was in the best shape of my life, I once tried to run 15 miles. Running with a friend from high school, he left me in the dust as I struggled to breathe the final five miles. This one experience makes me painfully aware of what Hebrews 12:1 is suggesting. In order to make it across the finish line, heaven, you need to start throwing aside any unnecessary weights. The more you discard now, the easier the homestretch will become in the future.

by Jay Mankus

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To Those Who are Able

Posted on April 20, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Able refers to having the means, power, skill or opportunity to do something. Synonyms include capable of, competent, fit, in position to or up to the challenge. Unfortunately, in this day and age of the Coronavirus, even those who are able to work are stuck at home under a quarantine until their state allows non-essential businesses to re-open. Thus, many are hoping, praying and urging states leaders to open as soon as possible.

Now to Him Who is able to strengthen you in the faith which is in accordance with my Gospel and the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ (the Messiah), according to the revelation (the unveiling) of the mystery of the plan of redemption which was kept in silence and secret for long ages, Romans 16:25.

While concluding a letter written to the church at Rome, Paul uses a call to action in the passage above. Apparently, in the middle of the first century the conditions were prime for a spiritual revival, but the workers were few. Depending upon where you live, churches in my state have been closed since the second weekend in March. Thus, as individuals cope with depression, financial concerns, isolation and unemployment, there is a similar need today. This is a golden opportunities for fellow Americans to step up spiritually, for those who are able to strengthen the faith of others.

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.

Despite the potential for a financial collapse, the passage above serves as a glimmer of hope. Even during periods of darkness, God is silently at work behind the scenes to finish what God started in you. Although there may not be many things in life to be thankful for at this moment, faith is based upon trusting in an invisible God. Therefore, if you are able to act by strengthening anyone in your spheres of influence, don’t let being quarantined hinder your ability and desire to serve God.

by Jay Mankus

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