Overcoming the Loss of a Loved One

Posted on January 30, 2020 by expressyourself4him

My son Daniel and I were in the middle of deep frying chicken wings and homemade french fries when news of Kobe Bryant’s death first broke. In the days that have passed since January 26th, cable news, sports talk shows and Twitter have shared reflections on the life of Kobe Bryant. Yet, what about all the others? The homeless, outcasts and poor who die daily rarely make their local newspaper. Thus, Kobe Bryant’s tragic death has brought attention to overcoming the loss of a loved one.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds, Psalm 147:3.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, there were 2,813,503 registered deaths in 2017 in America. This comes out to 7708 deaths per day or 321 per hour. While some of these deaths may include an entire family, friends and neighbors need to learn how to get by without them. The first step to recovery is dealing with the 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Unfortunately, I have a friend who lost his son to cancer a decade ago and still hasn’t come to grips with this loss. Like many throughout history, the death of a loved one can send you into a tailspin that you never fully recover from.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” Matthew 5:4.

One of my good friends from high school died during my sophomore year of college, losing her two year battle with cancer. I took Maureen’s death hard, struggling to come with grips with why. As the years have passed since her death, the Lord has provided a few answers to my prayers. Although I wasted my opportunities to share my faith with Maureen, her death has inspired me to make sure I don’t repeat this mistake. Maureen’s death in 1989 conceived in me a desire for evangelism which has led to the creation of Express Yourself 4Him. While everyone grieves differently, may this blog help you better cope with overcoming the loss of a loved one.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Unresolved Conflicts

Posted on January 29, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Conflicts arise during an argument or serious disagreement, typically lasting for an extended period of time. What may start off as a trivial dispute can escalate into a full blown squabble resulting in bad blood, friction and strife. This is where America finds itself today, stuck in the middle of a political conflict, the impeachment of the president of the United States.

If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses, Matthew 18:15-16.

As viewers watch 100 senators serve as jurors, the House of Representatives Impeachment Managers and President Trump’s legal team are presenting their case. Last week, attorneys and lawyers for the House quoted the Constitution on numerous occasions to prove their points. As the President Trump’s legal team takes their turn this week, I’m assuming this trend will continue. As this impeachment process lingers on, I’m wondering and waiting for someone to quote the Bible.

If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven, Matthew 18:17-18.

While individuals may be tempted to back stab, gossip or slander those who they are in disagreement with, Jesus provides a biblical manner to resolve a conflict. First, go to the person who has hurt or wronged you to explain how you feel and why. If confession or reconciliation doesn’t ensue, take two or three witnesses to further address this situation. In the worse case scenario, the church may need to get involved. However, after each rebuke process, an opportunity is provided for forgiveness to be embraced. While I’m not as optimistic about impeachment, may this blog serve as a teachable moment to help you resolve future conflicts.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

When God is No Where to be Found

Posted on January 28, 2020 by expressyourself4him

At the beginning of chapter 23, Job is in a desperate search to find God. Despite crying out to God in prayer, the Lord was silent. When Job’s own friends began to assume that his current hardship was part of a curse, payback for some hidden or un-confessed sin, panic set in. When no one believed that Job was innocent, demons of doubt, frustration and uncertainty wore on Job’s soul.

If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!
4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments, Job 23:3-4.

Perhaps, 2020 has brought some unpleasant experiences so far. Maybe, one of you has endured a Murphy’s Law kind of week, “if anything can go wrong, it does.” Just as military leaders prepare soldiers and troops for worse case scenarios, the Bible seeks to prepare Christians for the “what ifs” in life. Yet, tragic news like the sudden death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter have left many running to God for answers.

5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say to me. 6 Would he vigorously oppose me? No, he would not press charges against me, Job 23:5-6.

Fortunately, Job understood the nature of God, that it’s okay to vent the burdens on your heart. When God is no where to be found, Jesus encourages believers to ask, seek and keep knocking until you receive a reply, Matthew 7:7-8. While many quit before finally sensing the presence of God, the parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8 serves a blue print to get God’s attention. Although you may experience days, weeks, months and years where God is silent, sometimes you simply need to come to your senses like the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-31. Whatever your current circumstances, may this blog provide some peace of mind to weary souls.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Peeling Back the Flesh

Posted on January 27, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the species, onions can contain 8 to 13 layers. As someone who enjoys making homemade salsa each summer, I’m always amazed at the inner core of the onions that I cut. After removing the outer two layers, I carefully cut the remainder of the onion to avoid the amino acid sulfoxides that form sulphuric acid. Anytime you peel back an onion, you are at risk of having a burning sensation attack your eyes.

For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns]. 16 Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it, Romans 7:15-16.

According to the apostle Paul, when you peel back the layers of your own flesh spiritually, you may be shocked by what you found. In a letter to the church of Rome, Paul uses baffled, bewildered and disappointment to illustrate the lack of control over his own body. Despite having intentions to do and say the right thing, Paul’s flesh did the complete opposite. If a man of God fought a losing battle daily, imagine what it’s like for the addicted, mentally weak and undisciplined.

However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out,] Romans 7:17-18.

As I participate in an Esther Fast 3 days a week during the month of January, I am beginning to see how powerful my own flesh has become. Beside typical cravings for food, selfish desires lead me to daily withdraw, watching television or writing on my computer. While having hobbies is a normal part of life, controlling fleshly desires is a struggle. Good hearts can be persuaded by wandering minds. Meanwhile, good intentions can be ruined by apathy, idleness and laziness. The only good news comes at the end of Romans 7; verse 25 as Jesus saves us while we are still sinners.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Learning to Operate in the Supernatural

Posted on January 26, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul makes an interesting observation while writing a letter to the Church at Rome. Human beings have grown accustom to operating in the natural by following bodily organs. If you know your body, some can sense an illness about to conceive, an abnormal pain and when you’ve eaten too much. Yet, Paul takes this concept deeper, referring to sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh. These internal obstacles make operating in the supernatural extremely difficult.

When we were living in the flesh (mere physical lives), the sinful passions that were awakened and aroused up by [what] the Law [makes sin] were constantly operating in our natural powers (in our bodily organs, in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh), so that we bore fruit for death, Romans 7:5.

A complete picture of this internal struggle is provided in the passage below. The theological term for this wrestling match between good and evil is dualism. Dualism believes in two equal but conflicting powers that reveal the distinction between God and the world, and between matter and mind. C.S. Lewis once said, “Christianity agrees with Dualism that this universe is at war. But it does not think this is a war between independent powers. It thinks it is a civil war, a rebellion, and that we are living in a part of the universe occupied by the rebel.” The rebel inside or Lucifer himself?

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. 18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law, Galatians 5:16-18.

This is the barrier that currently exists, a byproduct of original sin, due to Adam and Eve’s fall in the Garden of Eden. The only way to operate in the supernatural is by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. As a Christian, Paul writes about having an obligation to the Spirit to those who believe, Romans 8:10-11. During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the analogy of good deeds to elevate expectations for followers of Christ, Matthew 5:43-47. Therefore, instead of just doing enough to get by, its time for believers to begin operating in the supernatural daily, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Finality of Hell

Posted on January 25, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Prior to sharing the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Jesus is having a heated discussion with religious leaders about the Law. According to Luke, Jesus goes from a debate over wealth to what defines adultery. When you put two and two together, Jesus tells this story to convict the hearts of any Pharisee who was willing to listen. The purpose of this parable is meant to serve as a warning to the spiritually proud about the finality of hell.

And in Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried out and said, Father Abraham, have pity and mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Child, remember that you in your lifetime fully received [what is due you in] comforts and delights, and Lazarus in like manner the discomforts and distresses; but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish, Luke 16:23-25.

Jesus clearly states that there will be no second chances following death. I guess the only exception would be those individuals who have testified about having a near death experience. The medical world refers to these miracles as the Lazarus Syndrome, pronounced dead only to come back to life. Jesus includes the request from the rich man while in hell to clarify that the Torah and Prophets already serve as a warning to steer souls toward heaven and away from hell.

And [the man] said, Then, father, I beseech you to send him to my father’s house—28 For I have five brothers—so that he may give [solemn] testimony and warn them, lest they too come into this place of torment. 29 But Abraham said, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear and listen to them. 30 But he answered, No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent (change their minds for the better and heartily amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins). 31 He said to him, If they do not hear and listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded and convinced and believe [even] if someone should rise from the dead, Luke 16:27-31.

To the uncertain, wanting to make sure that they are on the right path, Jesus leaves behind another clue in Matthew 7:12-14. This is a good way to assess your motives. Do I go with the flow or am I more concerned with pleasing God? Am I seeking temporary pleasures or storing up eternal treasures? Are you bearing spiritual fruit or indulging your sinful nature? These are just a few questions that you must consider. Since there are no second chances after death, may this blog inspire you to choose Christ over self.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Unaware Addictions

Posted on January 24, 2020 by expressyourself4him

What if your cell phone was lost and you didn’t have enough money to purchase a replacement? What would happen if a major blackout prevented you from streaming or watching your favorite shows for an entire weekend? If all of your internet passwords were changed without your knowledge, how would you survive without being able to access the worldwide net? How you answer these questions might reveal unaware addictions, formerly oblivious to you.

Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions. 13 Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness, Romans 6:12-13.

The 6th chapter of Romans serves as spiritual assessment to expose the degree to which you indulge your flesh. The apostle Paul asks members of the church at Rome, “how are you currently offering your body?” Paul insinuates that human being are yielding to their flesh instead of keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. If this assessment reveals an addiction, bad habit or weaknesses, what are you going to do to address this concern?

For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God’s favor and mercy]. 15 What then [are we to conclude]? Shall we sin because we live not under Law but under God’s favor and mercy? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)? – Romans 6:14-15

In the passage above, Paul suggests that you are a slave to that which you obey. Perhaps, this explains why so many Americans are enslaved by fleshly cravings. Listening to your body to drink, eat or exercise seems so natural. Yet, what if you are so use to the norm that you have missed out on spiritually blessings? Jesus confesses that the spirit is willing, but the body is weak, Matthew 26:41. May this blog and the passages above inspire you to keep in step with the Holy Spirit rather than indulge your sinful nature.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Drop It!

Posted on January 23, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Everyone has at least one member of their family who feels like they always have to get in the last word. Instead of letting a comment go without a response, the temptation to reply is indulged. This character flaw often leads to arguments, heated debates and never ending disputes. Thus, before tempers flare, someone must intervene with a simple message, “drop it!”

So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). 6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), 7 Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices], Colossians 3:5-7.

The apostle Paul refers to this expression in the passage above. Instead of focusing on the negative, Paul begins chapter 3 with the ideal, “setting your hearts and minds on things above, Colossians 3:1-4. After setting the bar for Christians to reach for, Paul does a reality check by referencing acts of the sinful nature. These desires are natural until individuals make a decision to follow Jesus. This is when believers must drop their former practices.

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. 13 Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony], Colossians 3:12-14.

Paul recognizes that certain things will be hard to drop, especially forgiving those who have severely hurt you in the past. Thus, Paul urges individuals to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven you. Perhaps, Paul is referencing the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus introduces the forgiveness clause. Therefore, if you want to receive God’s forgiveness, drop any bitterness in your heart now to ensure your own forgiveness.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Going Through Hell

Posted on January 22, 2020 by expressyourself4him

From time to time, I will receive heart breaking news. A car accident ends the life of a teenager, cancer takes another victim or an unforeseen illness takes away a loved one before you have a chance to say goodbye. Anyone who experiences these trials might compare their pain to “going through hell” on earth. Yet, is this an accurate comparison based upon the description of hell in the Bible?

For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward], Hebrews 10:26.

The word hell is used 54 times in the original King James Bible. If you dig deeper, there are 4 distinct words in the Bible used to describe aspects of hell: Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and Tartaroo. Sheol has two different meanings depending on the context, the grave or pit. Hades refers to the physical location of hell, the abode of the spirits of the dead or the underworld. The final two terms focus on the eternal consequences of hell.

[There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God], Hebrews 10:27.

Gehenna is a small valley in Jerusalem where some of the kings of Judah in the Old Testament sacrificed their children by fire. A first century doctor uses Gehenna in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus to describe hell as a place of burning, torment, and misery. Meanwhile, Tartaroo refers to the deepest abyss in hell where the wicked suffer eternal punishment for their wicked deeds committed on earth. Upon further review, may the anguish that you suffer on earth draw you into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11, so that you current pain is only temporary and not eternal.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Parable of the Unknown

Posted on January 21, 2020 by expressyourself4him

A young native American was tracking prey at the base of a mountain when he came across an undamaged egg which fell out of a nearby eagles’ nest. After trying to place this egg back where it belonged, the ledge was too steep to climb while holding this egg. Instead of abandoning this egg, this boy found a similar vacant nest closer to camp. Approaching quietly, this boy carefully placed this egg next to three addition eggs.

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot, Proverbs 14:30.

Several weeks later, all four eggs hatched. Instead of being the ugly duckling, the eaglet stood out among the other three flightless cormorants. As his adopted mother taught him to swim, another bird caught his eye, flying and soaring high above this lake. As the eagle above gracefully glided in the air, the swimming eagle became jealous, wishing he could fly instead of just swimming. While the others were natural swimmers, this eaglet struggled to find his way through life.

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life, Psalm 119:93.

This parable that I recently heard struck a nerve. Sometimes I am so focused on how gifted other people are that I forget my own blessings, gifts and talents. Meanwhile, when I spend too much time focusing on what I want or need, I neglect God’s expectations for me as a Christian. When there is no one else around to point you in the right direction like the adopted eaglet, the Bible is available to show you the way. May you follow in the footsteps of Joshua 1:8, meditating on God’s Word day and night.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →