How Serious are You?

Posted on March 20, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Serious is defined as demanding careful consideration or application. While a perfectionist will attempt to do everything seriously, most individuals will show various degrees of concern. Those things near and dear to your heart will likely draw more attention. Meanwhile, lesser priorities will tend to receive a more carefree approach. As the Coronavirus continues to spread, this pandemic is forcing individuals to rethink the way that people live their daily lives.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night, Psalm 1:1-2.

Depending upon the circumstance, fear can either be healthy or unhealthy. From a biblical perspective, fear of the Lord separates a novice from a fully devoted Christ follower. While fear is often used in a negative context, fearing God refers to a holy reverence. Thus, developing this mindset is like showing a daily allegiance to Jesus through your actions. Holy fear steers those serious about their faith away from compromising and tempting situations toward obedience. In today’s context, practicing social distancing until COVID-19 fades or dies out completely.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments, Psalm 128:1.

According to the Psalmist, fear and worship go hand and hand. While being a serious Christian doesn’t guarantee success, the more you walk in the Lord’s ways, the less likely you will stumble and fall. Anyone who demonstrates a healthy fear of the Lord will tend to purge addiction, bad habits and influences of sin from their life. At the present time, only God knows how long the Coronavirus will last. Yet, those who take this threat seriously, will likely live to see another day and God willing, a prosperous future.

by Jay Mankus

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Is Anything Too Hard for God?

Posted on March 19, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Chaos occurs when panic fuels complete disorder and a state of confusion. With each breaking news story about the Coronavirus, a.k.a. COVID 19, cities, states and countries continue to make adjustments. As more and more leaders order businesses to close, cancel previously scheduled events and order curfews for infected areas, the Stock Market continues to fall. As bad news snowballs into an avalanche of worry, some may wonder if this pandemic is too hard for God to handle?

Yet, O Lord God, You said to me, Buy the field with money and get witnesses, even though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans. 26 Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, saying, 27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me? – Jeremiah 32:25-27

In the 18th year of King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, a similar panic began to set in. However, individuals weren’t selling stocks. Instead, home owners began to abandon their property, fleeing to escape the charging Chaldean army. Just as the Israelites bought into this fear, an Old Testament prophet shares an encouraging message. Despite the encroaching troops, God urges people to buy and not sell. If anyone doubted this request, Jeremiah uses an open ended question to infer that no situation is too hard for God.

And Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband? 35 Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God, Luke 1:34-35.

On the verge of the first century, a Jewish virgin was pledged to be married, betrothed to a carpenter named Joseph. When visited by an angel, Mary was perplexed, pondering how she could become pregnant without partaking in sexual intercourse. As this angel began to share the details mentioned above, Mary was in awe. This initial conversation along with encounters with Elizabeth led Mary to come to the conclusion: “nothing is impossible with God.” May this blog remind you that not even the Coronavirus is too hard for God to handle.

by Jay Mankus

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Aglow and Burning with Passion

Posted on March 18, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The Sermon on the Mount serves as a collection of ideas for followers of Jesus. At the end of the first chapter of this famous speech, Jesus suggests that all Christians should strive for perfection, Matthew 5:48. The passage below inspired the childhood song “This Little Light of Mine.” In other words, God expects believers to stand out, aglow and burning with passion.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:13-16.

The apostle Paul adds a new dimension to this concept in his letter to the Church at Rome. Paul implies that spiritual gifts should be offered to others with a spirit of love. Building upon Romans 12:1, part of offering your bodies as a spiritual act of worship involves a passion and zeal for service. When aglow and burning in the Spirit, any desire to hide your faith departs.

Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord, Romans 12:11.

Upon reading the passage above last week, Harry Dixon Loes’ song has a new meaning for me as an adult. While I don’t always feel like sharing my faith, staying aglow is essential. If you allow your spiritual fire for God to grow dim, darkness will surround you. Therefore, before the Holy Spirit fades, pass on the love of Jesus with the gifts, personality or talents bestowed upon you. Like the old camp fire song declares, Pass It On!

by Jay Mankus

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A Biblical Response to the Coronavirus

Posted on March 17, 2020 by expressyourself4him

At the end of 2019, an unknown virus began spreading throughout the city of Wuhan, China. As time has passed, the origin of what we now to be the Coronavirus came from one of two sources. Initial reports linked COVID-19 to bat and snake meat, a local Chinese delicacy. However, a newly censored Chinese news story claimed the Coronavirus began as at the Wuhan Centre for Disease Control. Two Chinese scientists, Botao Xiao and Lei Xiao, insist that a worker who was bitten by a laboratory animal spread this virus to outside associates. Whatever the true origin, there is a lesson to be learned.

So Gad came to David and told him and said, Shall seven years of famine come to your land? Or will you flee three months before your pursuing enemies? Or do you prefer three days of pestilence in your land? Consider and see what answer I shall return to Him Who sent me. 14 And David said to Gad, I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercies are many and great; but let me not fall into the hands of man, 2 Samuel 24:13-14.

If you don’t learn from the mistakes of the past, the probably to repeat these same sins increases in the future. In the Old Testament, Israel was struck by a pandemic which killed 70,000. This particular disease spread in less than 24 hours, similar to an advanced Ebola Outbreak. When news of this tragedy reached King David, he placed a sack cloth over his head. This ancient practice was an act of humbling yourself before the Lord. Instead of running out to the local grocery store to stock up on food and personal supplies, David began to fast and pray to the Lord. Feeling helpless, David turned to God to rescue his nation from this plague.

So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel, and there fell of Israel 70,000 men. 15 God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, and as he was destroying, the Lord beheld, and He regretted and relented of the evil and said to the destroying angel, It is enough; now stay your hand. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 16 David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and the heavens, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces, 1 Chronicles 21:14-16.

When human beings find themselves in a dire situation, the desire to survive kicks in. This instinct often influences individuals to attempt to save themselves. Trying to stay in control when the world around you is falling apart often becomes a futile exercise. Jesus’ earthly brother doesn’t blame God for tribulations like the Coronavirus. Rather, God allows certain things to occur, James 1:2-13. I won’t speculate on why COVID-19 has spread across the world, but maybe it’s time to look up instead of within. Perhaps, this trial has arrived to set the stage for a revival unlike any other. As others panic in response to COVID-19, look to God for healing.

by Jay Mankus

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Irrevocable

Posted on March 16, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Irrevocable is defined as not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered. The context of this term involves absolute, final and unalterable results. Once a decision is made by God, whether it’s a calling, eternal destiny or spiritual gift, this is permanent. The apostle Paul’s usage of irrevocable in the passage below supports the theological belief, “once saved always saved.”

For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call,] Romans 11:29.

Paul is eluding to the sovereign will of God in this portion of his letter to the church at Rome. Feeling compelled to re-enforce the covenant of grace, Paul assures first century followers of Christ that God’s promises never change. Whatever God purposes is never reversed or revoked. Thus, this verse serves as a form of assurance to encourage anyone filled with concern, doubts or uncertainty.

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination and intention of all human thinking was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved at heart. 7 So the Lord said, I will destroy, blot out, and wipe away mankind, whom I have created from the face of the ground—not only man, [but] the beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air—for it grieves Me and makes Me regretful that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord, Genesis 6:5-8.

The Old Testament provides a complete picture of God’s true character. Prior to the great flood in Genesis, wickedness spread throughout the earth. Just like during the era of Judges, individuals began to do what was right in their own eyes. As God watched from heaven, His heart was broken. Instead of destroying every human being, Noah found favor in God’s eyes. When the Lord sought to destroy the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah, the prayers of Abraham in Genesis 18 persuaded God to save the righteous. When everything is put together, you may not always understand the mind of God, but his call and gifts are irrevocable.

by Jay Mankus

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Coronavirus Choices

Posted on March 15, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Prior to March 12th, 2020, most Americans were carrying on with their normal routines. Yet, when breaking news reported Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz had contracted the Coronavirus, sports lovers were in for a rude awakening. The National Basketball Association immediately suspended their season. This initial decision inspired the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer to suspend their seasons as well. By the end of this week, more dominoes fell as the NCAA’s March Madness Basketball Tournament, the Player’s Championship and two Nascar Races were cancelled.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise, Jeremiah 17:14.

With most sporting events put on hold for a minimum of 2 weeks, possibly a month, the Coronavirus has altered the lives of sports enthusiasts. Instead of lounging around at home to watch a game, going to a sports bar with friends to enjoy college basketball or catching highlights on ESPN, new habits will have to be formed. Whether you are stuck at home watching your children, under a self imposed quarantine or forced to find something else to do when your initial plans were cancelled, perhaps the Coronavirus pandemic is a blessing in disguise.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:10.

After binge watching a series on Amazon Prime with my wife early this weekend, I felt compelled to go outside and do something. Bored out of my mind, I took my kids golfing Saturday morning. Despite a beautiful day, the COVID-19 scare kept most golfers off this course, Their loss was my gain, playing 18 holes in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes. Although Americans have been infected, placed under quarantine or lost their lives, the Coronavirus is changing the way people live their lives. What I call Coronavirus Choices is forcing individuals to re-think their diet, sleep habits and sanitary rituals. While only God knows how long this pandemic will last, may you use your new free time at home to make better choices daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Cancelled by Coronavirus

Posted on March 14, 2020 by expressyourself4him

In a matter of days, college and professional sports seasons, public education classes and my volleyball league have either been cancelled, closed their doors for two to four weeks or suspended their seasons. The culprit, the Coronavirus, a.k.a. COVID-19 is to blame for this latest pandemic. While out picking up weekly supplies during my normal time, local shoppers treated Thursday afternoon as if the world was coming to an end. With this in mind, what does the Bible say about viruses?

At midnight the Lord slew every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. 30 Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead, Exodus 12:29-30.

The most famous plague of the Old Testament struck Egypt prior to the Exodus of the Jews. According to Moses, every family was impacted, losing the first born male overnight. Meanwhile, cattle farmers lost first born calves as well. According to Numbers 16:49, 14,700 individuals died in a plague brought on by the disobedience of Korah. Another 24,000 Israelites were wiped out by a similar plague in Numbers 25:9. There are other accounts of angels of death, deadly plagues and a real Devil who daily seeks to steal, kill and destroy the lives of weakened souls, 1 Peter 5:8.

So I looked, and behold, an ashy pale horse [black and blue as if made so by bruising], and its rider’s name was Death, and Hades (the realm of the dead) followed him closely. And they were given authority and power over a fourth part of the earth to kill with the sword and with famine and with plague (pestilence, disease) and with wild beasts of the earth, Revelation 6:8.

Whenever individuals experience the unknown, doubt, fear and panic can take hold of troubled hearts. In just one week, life as we know it has been turned upside down. The only recent pandemic that is comparable was the H1N1, back in the Spring of 2009. My oldest son contracted the Swine Flu months later during the Cross Country season. Although James missed nearly 3 weeks of school, he made a complete and full recovery. As human beings, not being in control of your health and well being conceives emotions of hopelessness. Yet, the only thing that you can do right now until COVID-19 goes into remission is pray to the God of miracles.

by Jay Mankus

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Buy and Do Not Sell the Truth

Posted on March 13, 2020 by expressyourself4him

In this age of modern technology, you can order almost anything on line. With one click of a mouse, purchases could arrive within an hour in some cities with Amazon Prime. To the impulse shopper, this access can be dangerous, racking up thousands of dollars in credit card bills if you are not careful. Nonetheless, buying and selling is a way of life, the free will of God.

Buy the truth and sell it not; not only that, but also get discernment and judgment, instruction and understanding, Proverbs 23:23.

During his reign as king of Israel, Solomon made countless transactions. When asked by God in a dream to choose between wealth or wisdom, Solomon selected the latter, 1 Kings 3:5. This decision resulted in countless riches, blessed beyond belief by God. Yet, Solomon reached a point in life where he realized truth should never be sold, only purchased.

Yet, O Lord God, You said to me, Buy the field with money and get witnesses, even though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans. 26 Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, saying, 27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?- Jeremiah 32:25-27

The prophet Jeremiah provides an intriguing prophecy in the passage above. Instead of giving into panic like the Stock Market in recent weeks, Jeremiah urges individuals to buy what others are abandoning. Flexing his spiritual muscles, Jeremiah reminds those willing to listen “is anything too hard for God?” These words serve as a message of hope today for those who fear the Coronavirus pandemic. Whatever the future may bring, buy the truth of the Bible as nothing is impossible with God.

by Jay Mankus

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Show Up, Stand Up and Speak Out

Posted on March 12, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Showing up on time for appointments, meetings and work reflects where your priorities lie. Whenever you find yourself becoming careless, slipping a little or stuck in unhealthy patterns, others begin to lose hope in you. Thus, showing up is only half the battle, the initial stages of earning the trust of others. When showing up becomes a habit, a building block is laid, a foundation for future things to come.

All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any person, be it man or woman, who shall go into the inner court to the king without being called shall be put to death; there is but one law for him, except [him] to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live. But I have not been called to come to the king for these thirty days, Esther 4:11 .

In the first Psalm, the Psalmist suggests blessings arise from avoiding the temptation to touch, taste or indulge in forbidden behavior. When you fail to stand up for what is right, you run the risk of falling prey to subtle forms of compromise, Psalm 1:1. Stepping, standing and sitting is symbolic of daily actions. Depending upon your spiritual state of mind, you may be vulnerable to conform to peer pressure.

On the third day [of the fast] Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the royal or inner court of the king’s palace opposite his [throne room]. The king was sitting on his throne, facing the main entrance of the palace. 2 And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight, and he held out to [her] the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the tip of the scepter, Esther 5:1-2.

When you wake up to a new day, only God knows if you are going to turn away from your faith. Although you may experience periods of confidence like Peter, it doesn’t take much to go from walking on water to drowning in doubt, Matthew 14:27-31. Thus, if you find yourself being lured into a false sense of security, stay humble and meek. Putting everything together takes time, prayer and resolve to show, up, stand up and speak up,

Then Queen Esther said, If I have found favor in your sight, O king and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition and my people at my request. 4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, slain, and wiped out of existence! But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I would have held my tongue, for our affliction is not to be compared with the damage this will do to the king, Esther 7:3-4.

The passages in today’s blog reveal the progress Esther made as queen. Despite being ignored by the king for over a month, Esther kept showing up day after day recognizing the time she was living in. Willing to risk death, Esther’s courage grew daily, standing up for the nation of Israel. When the time arrived to finally speak, Esther’s boldness was rewarded. May the testimony of Esther inspire all of us to show up, stand up and speak up for the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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God’s Help or Satan’s Hurt

Posted on March 11, 2020 by expressyourself4him

During a trip to Gibeon, King Solomon experienced a special dream one night. According to 1 Kings 3, the Lord appeared to Solomon in this dream, asking him to make a decision between wealth or wisdom. After thoroughly examining his options, Solomon requested a discerning heart and understanding mind. This decision pleased the Lord resulting in a life of blessings, riches and wealth like no other ruler in the Bible.

Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of David my father, and I am but a lad [in wisdom and experience]; I know not how to go out (begin) or come in (finish). 8 Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people who cannot be counted for multitude. 9 So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge and rule this Your great people? – 1 King 3:7-9

In the first century, the apostle Paul writes a letter to a teenage pastor named Timothy. Apparently, Timothy was uncertain and unsure of what position to take on wealth. The passage above provides biblical insight and perspective. While blessings are a sign of God’s favor, Satan uses riches as a vessel for temptation. Thus, when money becomes your god, God’s initial help can quickly turn into Satan’s hurts.

But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing. 10 For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs, 1 Timothy 6:9-10.

You don’t have to look any further than the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 to understand this concept. A younger son became consumed by his share of an inheritance. Before receiving this money, his mind became filled with earthly pleasures. Like an addict who can’t control himself, the prodigal son quickly became Exhibit A for Satan’s hurt. Broke, desperate and homeless, the only way to overcome Satan’s hurt is coming to your senses. May this story of redemption inspire you to embrace God’s help so Satan’s hurt becomes a thing of the past.

by Jay Mankus

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