Sizzling Out When Adversity Comes

Posted on May 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you’re watching a race horse set a torrid pace in the Triple Crown, a rabbit fade from the front during a mile race or witness a running back get tackled from behind, energy is temporary.  When the body is pushed to its limits, burn out is inevitable.  Thus, high school and college stars often sizzle out when adversity comes.  The real question is will they get back up to tarry on another day?

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

Nobody likes facing adversity.  Sure, it builds character, toughens up individuals and separates champions from the mediocre.  Nonetheless, failure is real, around the corner, over the next hill or awaiting you in the future.  How you handle trials will determine the path you choose in life.  Will you become the person in Bruce Springsteen’s song reminiscing about your Glory Days or can you mustard up enough courage to face the giant obstacles standing in your way?

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you, 1 Peter 5:10.

Unfortunately, this generation appears to be soft, throwing in the towel after the first couple of punches life hits you with.  Others take years to get over missed opportunities, rejections and personal tragedy.  Perhaps, this is why the author of Hebrews refers to life as a marathon.  You must be careful to pace yourself, realizing you have a long way to go despite whatever set backs you may encounter.  Therefore, don’t sizzle out when adversity comes.  Rather, keep in step with the Holy Spirit, relying on Christ’s strength to get you through the pain you are enduring, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Tasting But Not Believing

Posted on May 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Every once in a while individuals will eat something that doesn’t sit well.  Certain drinks or foods will leave a bad after taste.  Other combinations can result in bad breath, heart burn and stomach cramps.  If you are trying to win a friend over to your favorite restaurant, sometimes tasting is not believing.

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

Human nature causes individuals to encounter several phases over the course of one’s life.  Whether its curiosity, emotion or peer pressure, the hesitant will put their toes in the water first to see if they want to dive in or not.  The author of Hebrews warns first century citizens about applying this same principle to Christianity.  Unfortunately, a let me try it for a while to see if I like it mentality cause many souls every year to abandon their faith.

Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them, Mark 4:15.

This mindset has filtered down into many traditions like dating, marriage and sex.  The world uses a car buyer analogy, wanting to test drive something before they purchase it to justify living together before getting married and premarital sex.  Perhaps this is want Jesus was referring to in Mark 4:15, warning souls against walking by sight instead of by faith.  In life it only takes one moment of compromise before temptation leads you to taste forbidden fruit.  If this behavior develops into a pattern, your life may be summarized by tasting but not believing.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Are You Leaving a Trail of Breadcrumbs Behind?

Posted on May 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Will Smith played Detective Del Spooner in the 2004 film I Robot.  A hologram chooses Del to investigate the murder of Dr. Alfred Lanning, who saved Spooner’s life years earlier after a car accident nearly ended his own life.  Trapped by his work at United States Robotics to roll out a new line of S5’s, Dr. Lanning turns to Hansel and Gretel to leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind after his death.

The farmer sows the word, Mark 4:14.

Oddly enough, Jesus uses a curious expression in one of his well known parables.  Often overlooked, Jesus compares the sowing process to a farming planting his annual harvest.  However, there is a twist, your actions leave behind an imprint.  Thus, individuals are either leaving a trail of breadcrumbs behind that reflect biblical principles or worldly desires.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap, Galatians 6:7.

If someone was designated to shadow you, following your attitude, behavior and words of the last 24 hours, week or month, what clues would this person uncover?  Are you living a consistent life, clear and easy to recognize?  Or would certain inconsistencies confuse, throw off and make discerning souls question the existence of this life?   The four words of Mark 4:14 struck my heart with conviction, causing me to re-evaluate my own witness.  May Jesus’ teaching inspire you to become a modern day farmer who sows the word of God, prepared to become a fisher of men, women and children.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When the World Passes You By

Posted on May 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

I can’t speak for anyone else, yet I tend to believe that the older you become the greater the likelihood of being passed by.  The generation before me grew up with type writers, record players and the radio.  Although some of the new gadgets are enticing, the stubborn cling to their past.   Before long technological advances can leave even the educated lost in the dark.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1

While getting lost last weekend, I realized how dependent individuals have become on GPS.  In a car full of hungry stomachs, the old school, maps, were bickering against the voice on a cell phone.  Neither seemed to be reliable as a 10 minute car ride turned into a 45 minute argument.  Perhaps the more one trusts in apps, technology and websites, the weaker the human mind becomes.

I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their ancestors did.” – Judges 2:22

From a spiritual perspective, sometimes the newest teachings are merely recycled lies from the past.  The New Age Movement began in the Garden of Eden inspired by Lucifer.  Humanism was conceived during the days of Judges when people did what they thought was right in their own eyes.  Finally, the idea that there are many paths to heaven was confronted by Jesus during the first century, John 14:6.  Thus, if you feel like the world is passing you by, lean on God’s Word, the Bible to find your way home, Psalm 119:105.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

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What’s Disrupting Your Life?

Posted on May 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Lawn movers, edgers, blowers and engines rev while the tired try to sleep in on Saturday morning.  In the car, pimped out stereos shake, rattle and roll, honking horns nudge you along and unexpected phone calls can take your eyes off the road.  In this high tech, high touch society, peace and quiet are hard to find as disruptions lurk around every corner.

He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, “ ’they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven! – Mark 4:11-12

While talking to a large crowd from the water’s edge, Jesus began to speak in parables.  Using farmers in the crowd as an example, Jesus gives four hypothetical situations that will happen over the course of a growing season.  According to Jesus, animals, the weather and soil conditions impact the harvest for each season.  However, when the crowd left, his disciples pondered the meaning of his teaching.

Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.- Mark 4:15

Their questions unveiled the source of life’s disruptions, Satan.  According to Paul, faith comes from hearing the message of truth, Romans 10:17.  Satan’s defense is to snatch or steal truth from the hearts and minds of curious souls through doubt, negativity and worldly mindsets.   As I’ve been told by mentors in the past, if you’re on the verge of something great, don’t be surprised by demonic activity to throw you off track.  In view of this, press on with the armor of God to protect you from these weekly disruptions.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Redefining the Family

Posted on May 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Gone are the days of the Flintstones, Jetsons and Waltons.  Instead, the Brady Bunch was ahead of its time, a portrait of the modern family.  Two parent families with the same partner have become like an endangered species, a sign of the times that the nuclear family is being redefined.

“Who are my mother and my brothers?” Jesus asked. – Mark 3:33

Single parents, same sex parents and abandonment is causing children to grow up way too fast.  Subsequently, 2016 presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton believes it takes a village to raise a family.  Meanwhile, liberal politicians want to expand the school year and extend days to 12-14 hours per day so that the government can become their nanny.

“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:35

Ahead of his time, Jesus was one of the first historians to redefine the family.  While teaching at a Jewish home, relatives tried to get Jesus’ attention from outside.  Not phased by this distraction, Jesus throw people for a loop.  Looking at his disciples in the eye, his response surprised those in attendance.  According to Jesus, family is defined by those who do the will of his heavenly Father.

by Jay Mankus

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Jumping to Conclusions

Posted on May 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Gossip can be a compulsive hobby for those who indulge in the grapevine.  When you add an inquisitive mind to this equation, information can be misinterpreted.  Subsequently, individuals often jump to conclusions based upon their desired outcome.

And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” – Mark 3:22

Shortly after he began his earthly ministry, Jesus gave the religious leaders plenty to talk about.  Healings and miracles created a huge following.  However, once Jesus began to perform exorcisms, that was taking this faith thing too far.  Unable to comprehend Jesus’ power, teachers of the law started a rumor, assuming Jesus was the prince of demons in disguise.

If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. – Mark 3:25-26

If you have ever lived in a small town, drifted off the beaten path or don’t correct misleading reputations, you too will find yourself part of an exaggerated story.  A month before leaving my youth pastor position in Columbus, Indiana, people claimed that I said the world was coming to an end.  While studying the Book of Revelation, certain individuals began to improvise causing some of my friends to buy into these lies.  In view of this, the next time you feel an urge to jump to a conclusion, make sure you test everything you hear, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, before you pass on information.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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You’re Not Welcome Here Anymore

Posted on May 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Strong personalities can be polarizing, often ruffling the feathers of the elite.  The controlling, power hungry and religious leaders of the first century tried to destroy anyone who was a threat.  Subsequently,  as Jesus arrived onto the scene, his logic, miracles and teaching rubbed the Pharisees the wrong way.  As Jesus’ fame grew, envy, fear and jealousy inspired unwholesome thoughts.

Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus, Mark 3:6.

Jesus went from a wedding day hero in John 2:1-11 to a marked man a few healings later.  Sensing something wasn’t right, Jesus tried to keep a low profile by withdrawing to a remote location with his disciples.  Nonetheless, his fans couldn’t get enough, walking mile after mile to have their own personal encounter with Jesus.  Unfortunately, public events were no longer an option, not welcomed anymore by the Jews.

As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” – John 19:6a

Today, politics continue to shape worldviews, drastically altering the perception of churches.  Although once the center of communities on the East Coast, Christian worship centers are now under attack.  Offended by biblical teaching, liberals have turned to the Supreme Court to legalize homosexuality and gay marriage.  If successful, the very future of Bible based churches may be in danger.  Like the days of Jesus, an increasing number of opposing voices are proclaiming, “you’re not welcome here anymore!”

by Jay Mankus

 

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More Than Just A Saint

Posted on May 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Nestled on the edge of southern New Castle County lies the quaint town of St. George’s.  As the construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal began in 1823, this community was divided in two with the majority of the buildings now located north of the C & D Canal.  While only a few blocks in diameter, the name’s founder of this town was more than just a saint.

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation, Mark 16:15.

George Whitfield was born in Gloucester, England in December of 1714.  An educated man, Whitfield attended Pembroke College before meeting the Wesley brother’s, founders of the Methodist Church at Oxford University.  As the first Great Awakening began to spread, Whitfield traveled to America to play his part.  Preaching a series of sermons at tent revivals in Delaware, large crowds flocked to hear George Whitfield speak at Pike Creek and what is now St. George’s.  These messages transformed the spiritual climate of Delaware, giving birth to churches throughout New Castle County.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2:15.

Today, the amphitheater upon which Whitfield spoke is gone, leveled during construction of the C & D Canal.  However, his legacy continues in the form of a new school that bears his name.  St. George’s Vocational Technical High School stands about a mile southwest of St. George’s.  Although most students are likely unaware of this saint, history has not forgotten the passion that George Whitfield preached with, winning over founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin.  Just as Paul Harvey ended each of his programs, it’s fitting to say “now you know the rest of the story about St. George’s.

by Jay Mankus

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Above the Treeline

Posted on May 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Towering above Delaware’s farmlands and tidal marshes, Mount Ebright stands 442 feet above sea level, a trailer park north of Concord High School.  Void of any real mountains, natives of this state must venture north, south or west to find a place above the tree lines.  Traveling along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park on Sunday, I found myself in God’s country, imaging what it must have been like for Moses to come face to face with the Lord.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places, Ephesians 6:12.

While watching a new program on the Travel Channel, Mysteries in National Parks, I was reminded of the invisible realm that exists above the treeline.  According to the apostle Paul, a legion of angels and demons do battle daily, attempting to acquire strongholds.  Beyond the visible trials on earth, territorial wars are waged, seeking to alter the hearts, minds and souls of human beings.  Above the treeline, the devil prowls around like a lion snatching seeds of truth from new converts.

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path, Matthew 13:19.

The only line of defense involves meditation, prayer and worship.  Thus, as the powers of darkness try to infringe upon church communities, families and institutions, Christians must be armed with the proper weapons to fight back, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  While the world will give credit for these phenomena to aliens, legends or mythical forces, don’t underestimate the influences of the devil.  Rather, put on the armor of God so that when activity above the treeline intensifies you won’t be caught off guard.  Draw strength from your knees, empowering angels above to take back any ground that has been lost.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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