Tag Archives: belief

When Your God is Too Small

Posted on February 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Confidence and faith often go hand and hand.  However, when individuals struggle to find consistent results, doubt causes many to question the power of God.  Thus, as circumstances go from bad to worse or dire, belief in God tends to shrink.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind, James 1:6.

The author of the first Catholic letter, James, written to Christians scattered throughout the Middle East, witnessed this lack of faith during the first century.  James compared this behavior to the waves and wind on the Mediterranean Sea.  Whenever unexpected storms rolled in, the composure of believers disappeared, blown and tossed like a rag doll.

And have mercy on those who doubt; Jude 1:22.

The last author of these letters, Jude, had pity on those who wilted during trials in life.  Essentially, those people who demonstrated this mindset served a small God.  In view of this, James urged the community of faith to avoid falling for this lie.  Therefore, the next time doubt tries to whisper “you don’t have a prayer,” cling to the power of the resurrection to supersize your God.

by Jay Mankus

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No Longer Impure

Posted on November 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of the by products of forgiving but not forgetting leaves behind a wake of tarnished reputations.  For those doing the judging, a divide is created separating the right from the wrong.  This mindset develops false assumptions, resulting in a belief that you and your ways are far superior than others.

“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean,” Acts 10:14.

Prior to his encounter with Cornelius, Peter believed that Gentiles were impure, based upon their consumption of unclean animals detailed within Leviticus.  While praying on a roof, Peter fell into a trace like state.  During this time, a vision from God was revealed to Peter to put an end his stereotypes of all Gentiles.  Through a series of events, Peter came to the conclusion that what you eat no longer makes you impure.

The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean,” Acts 10:15.

Today, there are too many individuals who have become conceded, filled with a “I’m better than you attitude.”  Subsequently, spirits of arrogance motivate those who are in positions of power or wealth.  Thus, its essential for the aloof to have a Peter like experience.  Although this won’t happen all at once, may the Lord help those blinded by pride to become enlightened by the the reality Gentiles are no longer impure.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Killing Despair

Posted on October 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever been caught singing the blues, you’ve experienced despair.  Initial symptoms trigger depression, gloom and resignation.  Breaking free from these doldrums isn’t easy.  However, there is a cure to eliminating despair.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28.

Jesus had a tendency to attract misfits, people whom the social elite would never give the time of day.  Beyond his unusual daily wardrobe, Jesus made an emotional connection with total strangers.  Thus, when He spoke about laying your burdens down, hurting souls began to lighten their loads of stress and worry.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, Matthew 11:29.

In their song Kill Your Own Despair, Esterlyn references these biblical principles.  Belief in a higher power is the first step from breaking free from this invisible force.  However, belief is meaningless without faith in action.  Therefore, as soon as individuals make this leap, you can find rest for your souls.  If despair is currently sucking the joy from your life,  trust in the promises of the Bible to kill your own despair.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Signs, Symptoms or Somewhere in Between?

Posted on September 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to ascending into heaven, Jesus tried to give his disciples a glimpse of what to expect in the near future.  Based upon one’s belief, signs will appear naturally as an outpouring of one’s faith.  As a spiritual fire grows inside the human heart, random acts of kindness emerge.  Yet, few display or possess the ability to cast out demons or speak in tongues.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues, Mark 16:17.

Perhaps the absence of these unique gifts is a symptom of society.  Faith is not always rationale, especially when the Lord calls you to do strange and unusual things.  Thus, the fear of what others may think about you can cripple genuine faith.  The desire to please mankind has resulted in a church void of signs which accompany faith.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them, 1 Corinthians 12:4.

Somewhere in between, there are individuals disgusted by a lukewarm heart.  Stuck in neutral, souls are thirsting for something more, longing for a life with meaning and purpose.  Therefore. if this blog finds you ready for a change, fan into flame the talents hidden within you.  Then, maybe one day soon the fruits of the Holy Spirit will begin to ooze out of you like signs that accompany faith.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Cost of Following Your Dreams

Posted on September 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

While most of the commercials that air today are filled with embellishment, there is one which possesses truth.  Mastercard’s ad campaign is based upon the fact that some purchases are priceless.  In the same manner, the cost of following your dreams is invaluable.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, Jeremiah 29:11.

In an attempt to get ahead, keep up or fine tune your talents, time is the first expense.  This often means sacrificing friendships, investing each spare moment to perfect your gift or trade.  Along the way, some rising stars burn out, unable to devote what it takes to make their dream come true.  Unfortunately, most quit just before they begin to see the fruits of their labor.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you, Jeremiah 29:12.

The second cost of following your dreams is belief.  Over the course of this journey, skeptics will continue to discourage you, claiming that you don’t have the skill or talent.  This is where you must possess perseverance, with a resilient heart to ward off spirits of doubt.  This is where I find myself currently, wondering if all the time I spent trying to write movie scripts is worth it all.  Yet, for now I press on.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me, Philippians 3:12.

Finally, the last cost of pursuing your dreams is pleasure.  As everyone you know is enjoying the weekend, having fun or lounging around the house, dreams can’t wait.  Thus, if you want to experience the fulfillment of your dreams, pleasure needs to be put on hold.  Although there is no magic formula, dedication, discipline and hard work are vehicles to success.  If you haven’t arrived or reached your goal in life, don’t give up until your journey is complete.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Idiots on Golf Courses

Posted on May 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools, Proverbs 26:3.

The internet contains a series of theories on why golf is on the decline in America.  One suggests a shrinking middle class is killing golf.  Others point to the amount of time its takes to play 18 holes causing once diehards to opt to spent their time elsewhere.  As for me, I’m more blunt, believing there are too many idiots on golf courses.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid, Proverbs 12:1.

Before I could play on a golf course as a kid, I had to take a test on the rules of the game.  In addition, I had to shoot a set score for four and nine holes prior to being able to play 18 holes of golf.  Although golf might have been seen as an elitist sport in these days, there was a respect for the game and courses available for play.  Today, golf courses will allow any hack to play as long as they fork over money for their greens fees.

O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense, Proverbs 8:5.

According to Webster, an idiot consists of a challenged, foolish or stupid individual, unable to see the error of their way.  Much like the twosome in front of me today, students from the Happy Gilmore school of golf.  However, this couple waited for each green to clear, several hundred yards away before chunking shots that went 30-50 yards at a time.  This scenario continued like Groundhog Day for 9 holes ruining a beautiful day and my son’s desire to play any more holes.  If the popularity of Tiger Woods, Rory Mcilroy and Jordan Spieth can’t stop this trend, idiots on golf courses will reign supreme until desperate measures are taken.

Please feel free to share your own feelings on this topic.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Snapping out of a Self-Induced Trance

Posted on November 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The Sermon on the Mount has been a wealth of spiritual insight since it was recorded in the first century.  Following this messakge, Jesus provides common sense for those inspired to practice these words, Matthew 9:12-13.  Anyone who is physically, mentally or spiritual sick should see a doctor for advice, counseling or medicine.  However, God expects the rest to be proactive and self-medicating so that these individuals will be  able to snap out of any self-induced trance.

Galatians 5:16-18 warns its readers against an invisible force able to lull you into a false sense of security.  Brought on by compromise, conceit or rationalizing daily choices, sin can cast a spell over any self-indulging suspect.  Whether its a mentality, new way of thinking or a worldview disguised with modern lingo, even some of Jesus’ own disciples were deceived into believing a lie, Galatians 5:7-9.

As for me, my eye sight has deteriorated over the last month.  Subsequently, reading the Bible or anything for more than a few minutes has been a struggle.  The less I read, the more vulnerable I become to a life without God.  Waking up in the middle of the night on my day off provided a dose of logic to snap me out of this sluggish spiritual condition.  This is why one of Israel’s leaders begged his people to meditate on the Bible day on night, Joshua 1:7-8.  By doing this, you too can snap yourself out of any prolonged trances induced by a sinful nature, Romans 6:23.

by Jay Mankus

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From Songs of Praise and Promises to Doubt

Posted on October 15, 2014 by expressyourself4him
One of my favorite Vince Lombardi’s quote is”Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”  However, if Vince’s team, the Green Bay Packers, did not respond to the vision he cast, Super Bowls would have been lost and his fame erased from history.  In a flash, when success is not achieved, songs of praise and promises often turn toward doubt and in football cries for FIRE the coach escalate.

At the pinnacle of the Egyptian Empire, a new king forget what Joseph had done to save their citizens from 7 years of famine, Exodus 1:8-10.  Thus, 400 years of slavery ensued.  Once finally freed, the Jews witnessed of one the greatest miracles ever recorded, Psalm 106:9-11.  A spontaneous celebration of singing praises to God followed, inspiring a new devout belief.  Nonetheless, as time widdled away, promises of faith faded from the memories of those who saw the Red Sea part in two.
Not much has changed since the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years.  People still experience a roller coaster of emotions, drawing near to God, then falling away.  Perhaps, there is a lesson from the past, one which involves clinging to the promises of God.   Despite what you may endure, fight through or see, God’s faithfulness never ceases, Psalm 106:8.  Since the Lord does not let go, press on to sing songs of praise like the apostle Paul in Acts 16:26, until the power of the Holy Spirit breaks through any walls of doubt that remain.
by Jay Mankus

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When Guardian Angels are Ushered into Action

Posted on August 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

To some, angels are a myth, a figment of your imagination.  For others, the concept of angelic beings is something you grow out of, like a childhood phase.  Yet, those who place their trust in the Bible, hold a belief, clinging to the promise of Psalm 91:11, hoping and waiting for the day for this verse to come true.

There appears to be 3 prerequisites before guardian angels are assigned to your side.

1) Individuals need to reach a point of desperation, recognizing that the only safe place on earth is resting in the shadow of God’s wings, Psalm 91:1.

2) In additional, priorities must be reorganized until a trust level develops, leading people to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33-34.

3) Finally, to complete the setting for angels to enter the scene, souls must be willing to give up  complete control, yielding the reigns of their life to Jesus, Matthew 16:24.

Unfortunately, most Christians want results without the effort on their part.  As those who bypass the sweat and tears part of this equation, a lack of results leads to bickering as disenfranchised customers complain to God.  Despite these cries, their treatment is no different than that of Israel in Isaiah 1:15.  The missing ingredient is perking God’s attention.

Right now, angels are looking down from heaven, waiting to get into the game.  However, until the prayers of the saints ask for a hedge of protection, angels will continue to sit on the bench.  The words of Jesus is Matthew 7:7-12 are just begging leaders to make specific requests now.  “You don’t have because you haven’t asked!”  May this blog inspire you to proclaim bold prayers so that guardian angels will be ushered into action today.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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It’s Not a Coincidence

Posted on June 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon who you listen to, trust or watch, everyone seems to have an opinion today.  Whether its regarding current events, life’s problems or politics, worldviews influence what you ultimately believe.  This process forms a foundation, a conscience that inspires individuals to fight for, speak out against and encourage others to become like minded.  However, when you embrace biblical principles, the true blessings you will find is not a coincidence.

According to God, there is a connection between honoring your parents and living a long life, Exodus 20:12.  Essentially, if you vow to cherish, respect and maintain a good name for your parents, life expectancy should increase.  While there are exceptions, people whose life is stolen by a drunk driver, disease or unexpected accident, God does fulfill this promise for the rest.  If you’re not happy with the current state of your soul, begin to put Jesus’ words into practice, Matthew 7:24-27, so that your house will be prepared to endure future storms.

On the other side of the spectrum, if you take a long look at the breakdown of families, violence within inner cities and the growth of gangs, inspired by gangsta wanna be’s, life is snuffed out way too soon.  Street corners, schools and playgrounds are no longer safe places.  Perhaps this trend could be turned around if only individuals would begin to honor their father and mother.  Sure, there are other factors which have contributed to this cultural decay, yet it’s not a coincidence when life is protected, saved or extended by those who commit to loving their neighbor as themselves.

by Jay Mankus

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