When Do Dreams Become Reality?

Posted on March 1, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Dreams could be categorized as one of three possible scenarios.  Dreams could be a desire from within that you developed as a child, becoming a goal you have for life.  A dream can also derive from a vision that you receive from God while sleeping.  Finally, dreams can be random thoughts like a film playing within your mind that may or may not have any relevant meaning.  Nonetheless, the optimist wants to know when do dreams become reality.

When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.  Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more, Genesis 37:4-5.

In the Old Testament, Joseph had a series of dreams which offended most of the people whom he shared this with.  Martin Luther King had a dream of an America where individuals are judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.  Mr. King was killed before this day arrived and Joseph experienced a series of trials for more than two decades before seeing the hand of God at work.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives, Genesis 50:20.

Twenty years is a long time to wait.  Thus, many people give up quietly mumbling, “it’s not worth it anymore.”  Others claim “if it hasn’t happened by now, it won’t.”  Subsequently, dreams remain just a figment of your imagination rather than reality.  Yet, if you press on like Joseph, perhaps you too can boldly proclaim, “what others intended for harm, God intended for good.”  If there is such a thing as the Nike Bible, it probably says, Just Do It!

by Jay Mankus

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Sorry

Posted on February 28, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Every year terms are added to the dictionary to keep up with an ever changing vocabulary.  Meanwhile, other words are modified as cultural slang redefines ordinary phrases.  One such word is sorry which ironically means deplorable, an insult to Trump supporters.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

Growing up, sorry was something that the Fonz couldn’t say, often stuttering before completing a sentence.  Sure, its been decades since Happy Days was a prime time hit series, but watching television tends to distinguish one generation from the next.  Subsequently, sorry has lost its original intent.

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin, Psalm 32:5.

To confess any wrong doing tends to diffuse a tense situation.  Yet, this generation allows pride to get in the way, afraid of the consequences of coming clean.  Thus, instead of saying, “I’m sorry,” the blame game Adam began in the Garden of Eden continues.  Like a never ending game of Jumanji, true remorse has been abandoned.  May this blog inspire individuals to embrace a spirit of reconciliation and practice saying, “I’m sorry.”

by Jay Mankus

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Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Posted on February 27, 2017 by expressyourself4him

When I was in high school, our principal organized a special assembly for a famous professional athlete.  The purpose of this event was to educate students on the dangers of driving while intoxicated.  One week following the speech, this individual was pulled over and arrested for drunk driving.  Unfortunately, there is always someone who thinks they are above the law, living out the motto, “do as I say, not as I do.”

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye, Matthew 7:5.

Double standards like this outrages the average citizen.  You can’t pretend to be a role model when the lights are on and apply a different set of standards when your off camera.  There are other occupations whom embrace the do as I say, not as I do mindset.  Politicians do this by creating regulations with certain loopholes excluding them or special interest groups from the same standard.  Over time these motives will be exposed, but when will this mentality end.

Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? – Romans 2:3

The apostle Paul reminds the world that no one will escape the judgment of God.  Sure, justice may take longer than you expect or want, but the Lord will repay individuals based upon that which they deserve.  It would be nice to be exempt from stopping at red lights or going the speed limit, but you could hurt others by breaking the law.  Therefore, do not give into the temptation to abide by the do I say, not as I do motto.  Rather, fulfill the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 so that you will win the respect of outsiders.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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By Whose Standards are You Following?

Posted on February 26, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Context refers to the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.  However, if you enter a conversation which has already started, you might come away with a different perspective than those who were present at the very beginning.  Unless you take time to confirm your inclinations, you may be missing crucial details.  When information is passed off to second and third hand parties, context tends to get lost.  Subsequently, sloppy communication opens the door for alterations, exaggeration and gossip.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged,” Matthew 7:1.

As a former Bible teacher, the verse above is one of the most misinterpreted passages in the Bible.  The media loves to quote this when their worldview is questioned.  The perception is that no one should be able to judge another person.  Yet, if you read ahead, you’ll find the point Jesus is trying to make.  Jesus is referring to hypocrites who judge others while doing the same exact thing.  As individuals remove the plank, the sin from their lives, they earn the right to correct others.  However, until this area is under control, no one is credible.

“God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you,” 1 Corinthians 5:13.

The Bible refers to two standards for life, those inside the church and those outside.  God expects more from those who decide to follow Jesus.  Whenever I hear or see debates on television over Matthew 7:1, no one brings up the words of the apostle Paul.  As I introduced the principle above to my classes, the concept of expelling sinners brought outrage from some students.  The situation within the church of Corinth is at the final stage of the Matthew principle based upon Matthew 18:15-17.  Before you reach this point, the Bible encourages individuals to confront people face to face and with a few close friends if necessary.  If no progress is made and sin is full blown, this is where the church steps in as a last warning so to speak.  Like an alcoholic in denial, sometimes you have to walk away until prodigals see the error of their way.

If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector, Matthew 18:17.

Like a concerned parent, I can’t force my readers to believe what I do.  Rather, I try to point out the convictions on my heart.  In the end, you will live according to a certain set of standards.  These will likely be altered, chanced or modified along the way.  Nonetheless, may you carefully develop what you believe so that when attacked by outsiders, you will be able to defend what you know to be true.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Are You Sure About That God?

Posted on February 25, 2017 by expressyourself4him

From time to time, God will call his followers to step out in faith.  While this is expected to a certain extent, some requests go beyond logic.  Noah was asked to build an ark before rain existed.  A man plagued with stuttering, Moses, was urged to confront Pharaoh to let Israel go.  Meanwhile Joshua was encouraged to go into battle with a marching band of trumpets.  At some point I’m sure all three of these men likely pondered, “are you sure about that God?”

Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, Genesis 2:5.

The book of Hebrews emphasizes that its impossible to please God without faith, Hebrews 11:6.  James, the earthly brother of Jesus states that faith is dead without accompanied by action, James 2:26.  Perhaps, the reason why individuals are forced to step out in faith is that many people spend most of their lives dwelling within personal comfort zones.  Thus, God has to nudge and prod people to live by faith, not by sight.

For we live by faith, not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Prior to the fall of Jericho, Joshua led his army to march around the walls of the city for six consecutive days.  At some point during this week, there must have been murmurs by soldiers, “when am I going to get my weapon?”  Although its not mentioned in the Bible, human nature causes individuals to doubt.  While not vocalized, Joshua needed to unite the troops on the final day, with something like “stop talking and march.”  Though you and I will have many more “are you sure about that” moments, may you fight through the urge to doubt by trusting God, step by step in faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Greater is He Who is In You

Posted on February 24, 2017 by expressyourself4him

One of Jesus’ disciples makes a power statement in a collection of small books known as the Catholic Epistles.  One specific letter written by John addresses the two opposing forces within this world.  The first, the Holy Spirit and latter the ruler of the air, Satan.  Although both are invisible, John wants to encourage those who may be fighting a losing battle that God is greater.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world, 1 John 4:4.

However, stating this and believing it are two different things.  Whether you’re an athlete, competitive or trying your best to survive, experiencing a series of failures can break anyone’s momentum.  The devil preys on doubt, planting seeds within minds to second guess God’s power and who really is in control.  Subsequently, even the confident go through periods of darkness, fighting inner demons which seek to attack your heart, soul and mind.

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds, 2 Corinthians 10:4.

At some point, the disciples passes the Christian torch to the apostle Paul whose missionary journeys gave birth to churches throughout the Middle East, Europe and Africa.  According to Paul, the only way to stand your ground against the enemy involves changing your tactics.  Whenever faith begins to falter or wilt, taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ is crucial.  As soon as this discipline is put into practice, then and only then will you truly believe that greater is He who is in you than is in the world.

by Jay Mankus

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Dirty Laundry

Posted on February 23, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The average American places the outfit worn today into a laundry basket to be washed before the week is over.  While work clothes used around the house may be worn more than once, clothes tend to collect stains over time.  Whether its a casualty of a morning cup of coffee, grease from fast food or a pen that explodes, the process of turning dirty laundry into clean clothes provides a sense of accomplishment.

You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean, Matthew 23:26.

If you have ever traveled or visited a new culture, there is a chance you might offend someone by what you wear.  You may under dress in one city and over dress in another.  However, its not what you wear that counts.  Ultimately, its what’s on the inside of your heart that matters to God.  This is the point Jesus is making above, allowing an analogy to urge Pharisees to look within before judging others.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:7.

When I became a youth pastor, I wanted to create a short booklet that I could leave with people who decided to follow Jesus or were beginning to seek God in an exploratory stage.  While the title is Finding a New Life in Christ, the concept is based upon dirty laundry.  Mistakes that people make are like stains on clothing; symbolic of sin which slowly corrupts souls.  The only one who can Shout out these stains is Jesus, who is the perfect Lamb of God.  Jesus’ life, death and resurrection opened the washer to purify our souls.  Therefore, the next time you do laundry, remember the price Jesus paid to make you clean once again.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Unusual Path to Success

Posted on February 22, 2017 by expressyourself4him

During a sleepless night off, I began channeling surfing to find something entertaining.  Using the scroll down future, I found a show entitled Finding Success Through Failure.  Hosted by John Stossel, this Fox Business Channel program examined unusual beginnings of famous companies.  For example, following a forty dollar fine for forgetting to return a video to the store, the concept to Netflix was born.

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us, Romans 5:3-5.

For those entrepreneurs who fail multiple times, Stossel interviewed a couple of guests who honed in on grasping what went wrong during failed ventures.  These people go through a purification process using trial and error as a teaching aide.  Meanwhile, the spoiled, unprepared and weak often quit at the first sign of adversity.  Real life is not a fairy tale.  Rather, there are usually several road blocks, directional arrows and u-turns along the way before you arrive at the dream job.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

When life throws you a curve ball, sometimes you have to reinvent yourself.  Five years ago I had aspirations of becoming a college professor, starting at a new community college.  When that plan was thwarted, I went into survival mode, throwing things up in the air to see what stuck.  Although I have found a home at Amazon for now, I believe I have what it takes to write movie scripts.  While I may not get to the career my choice, I’m ready to take the unusual path to success wherever it takes me.

by Jay Mankus

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Angels with Error

Posted on February 21, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The book of Job, the person not what Trump wants to create, is the oldest book in the Old Testament.  What this means is that Job was finished prior to Genesis.  Why its not clear if Job lived before the flood, he does talk about walking with dinosaurs.  Due to the atmospheric changes in the weather following the flood and lack of dinosaurs mentioned on Noah’s ark, Job could have died prior to Genesis 7.  Another clue is found in the first few chapters of Job’s book, referring to Satan by name twice and angels with error.  All of this leads me to believe Job experienced a moment in time when 1/3 of the angels were kicked out of heaven, falling to earth in the form of demons.

If God places no trust in his servants, if he charges his angels with error, Job 4:18.

Theology introduces many terms which were created and developed to help common church going individuals to understand the complex.  One of these biblical ideas is the concept of free will.  The definition eludes to freedom given by God to make choices without coercion or force.  This element also applies to angels, also known as cherubs, seraphim and archangels.  The context of Job 4 is Eliphaz, a close friend of Job addresses and begins to contemplate why Job has endured several trials.  While the initial statement refers to trust, one possible explanation is that angels with error, now demons, have unleashed their wrath.

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day, Jude 1:6.

According to Jesus, everyone will face a day of judgment.  While the facts of life will be presented in the form of video clips that include highlights and low lights, this will be a scary day for all.  Nothing that you do now can save you.  What I mean by this is that in the end, there is no one righteous.  All have exercised free will, falling short of God’s glory.  Yet, Romans 5:8 gives the hopeless hope through God’s demonstration of love.  While I deserve hell and damnation, God sent His one and only Son to restore that which was lost, Luke 19:10.  Despite angels with error, eternal life is in reach of the humble by grace through faith.  Reach out today by accepting God’s free gift, Romans 6:23.

by Jay Mankus

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Floundering in the Faith

Posted on February 20, 2017 by expressyourself4him

When a hooked fish is pulled out of the water, self defense mechanisms kick in.  This results in flapping, pulling and tugging trying to escape.  Sometimes Christian face similar uncomfortable environments.  Certain situations force individuals to either sink or swim with many end up floundering in their faith.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

Comfort zones are nice to have growing up, but eventually you need to leave this place of safety to experience the real world.  Attitudes might deter you, behaviors offend you and language may shock you.  Nonetheless, faith is a series of trials and errors, taking risks, failing and getting back up.  Sitting at home, afraid to fail is like a having a flawed faith.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him, James 1:12.

When you get over the hump, people can begin to take ownership of their faith.  Growing pains develops perseverance, providing opportunities to trust in the Lord and lean not on your understanding.  Unfortunately, its easy to revert back to the past, clinging to former desires of your heart.  This crisis of faith is what Jesus’ brother refers to in the passage above.  If you hold on just long enough, God blesses those who stand the test of time by holding fast to faith in Christ.  Stop floundering and start swimming in the Spirit today!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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