Tag Archives: believe

What Did He Know that Others Didn’t?

Posted on January 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

According to Webster, confidence is a feeling or belief that someone is good, possessing the ability to succeed.  Although this may be confused with cockiness, success is a state of mind, ushering individuals toward pleasant places.  Apparently hidden within the words of Psalm 16 are clues to the meaning of life, left behind by a man who possessed a heart of gold.  However, its worth pursuing, what did David know that other kings of Israel never grasped?

Some how David understood the teachings of Jesus without ever meeting him.  If you don’t believe me, take for instance the words of Psalm 16:2 and John 15:4.  While Jesus is using a parable about a vine, gardener and branches, David came to this conclusion on his own.  Meanwhile, the concept of Psalm 16:11 and John 10:10 are nearly identical minus the portion about the thief called the devil.  Sure, David was a shepherd prior to becoming king and Jesus was a shepherd for lost people, Luke 19:10, but who communicated these spiritual truths to David.

Despite his complaining, disappointment and frustration from seeing the wicked prosper, God used prophets, the words of the Old Testament and a still small voice, known today as the Holy Spirit to bring David to a place of spiritual maturity.  The king recognized failures often occurred when he relied on his strength and wisdom.  Furthermore, David had reached an age where he began to see answered prayers, blessings and miracles from time spent on his knees.  Thus, the path of life, his purpose for being born and taste of the abundant life filled this king with a blessed assurance.  May you come to a place like David where God is real and his promises are fulfilled!

by Jay Mankus

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Is God Superstitious?

Posted on January 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Back in 2012, the National Football League and Budweiser teamed up for an ad campaign on superstitions.  As the writers became more creative, this slogan took on a local market feel geared toward all 32 NFL cities, “It’s only crazy if it doesn’t work.”  Whether its your favorite location to watch a game like Buffalo Wild Wings, a certain jersey you wear on game day or find a chair or place in your house where your team does the best, these traditions breed superstitions.

This concept is nothing new as Tom Cruise illustrates a similar point in the 1992 film A Few Good Men.  Preparing for the defense of his 2 clients on trial for murder, Lieutenant Kaffee appears to think better when he is holding his baseball bat.  When Demi Moore cleans up after a long strategy session at Kaffee’s home, placing the bat in a closet, Tom Cruise freaks out, warning her to never touch his bat again.  While retrieving  the bat, Cruise has a flash back from the crime scene providing the perfect argument for the case.  One must ask the question; Was it the bat or the location the bat was in?

This morning while reading Exodus 28, I was left to ponder, “Is God superstitious?”  According to Exodus 28:15, the Lord gave Moses directions to make a special garment for priests.  Whenever a priest had to make an important decision about Israel or on their future, Aaron, Moses’ brother would put on this breastplate to improve his thought process.  In Jesus’ day, another notion developed about touching the tassels worn by rabbis.  According to legend, the tassels attached to a rabbis cloak contained special powers and if touched like the woman in Luke 8:43-48, healing would result.  Knowing this mindset, Jesus wanted to make sure this woman knew that it wasn’t his cloak, it was her faith that brought healing.

Despite this information, human beings are extremely superstitious.  I fell prey to this while playing professional golf.  I noticed that whenever I wore certain shirts, I played really good or horrible causing me to believe it was the lucky or unlucky shirt that dictated how I played.  Even today, I’m embarrassed to say that I may not wear a shirt to  church, sit in a certain place or go watch a game where failure and losses have occurred in the past.  When you want something to happen this badly, its probably not a good thing.

As for the question is God superstitious, I believe the Lord embraces obedience, order and special places.  Jesus found God’s voice easier to hear in a quiet place, free from earthly distractions, Mark 1:35.  Although some individuals may appear lucky on the surface, maintaining blessings from God is dependent upon obedience, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.  Finally, as I study the book of Exodus, I am beginning the realize God’s sense of order and purpose the ark of the covenant, tabernacle, temple and articles which enhance worship.  In the end, God is not superstitious, He is simply supernatural!

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section of my blog.

by Jay Mankus

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Who… Me?

Posted on January 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you believe in one or not, God has created a melting pot of individuals who are just as different on the inside as the color of their skin.  Personalities range from those who enjoy going to the mall to people watch, others prefer to listen, asking questions instead of talking too much and the strong willed seek to express their opinions and point of view.  Meanwhile, the active can’t get enough time with their friends, the sloths are always looking for an excuse to rest and modern technology has made the masses co dependent on their computer, phone or television.  When confronted or asked to changes their ways of in 2014, many will respond, “Who, me?”

The memories of Adam and Eve has been passed down from generation to generation, entering our D.N.A. in the form of the sinful nature, Romans 3:9-12.  Thus, whenever you make a mistake or screw up, you have a blue print to follow, Genesis 3:12-13.  “The devil made me do it!”  “It’s her fault your honor, not mine!”  “If God didn’t introduce me to this person, I would have never done that!”  There are somethings in life you don’t have to learn, it just comes naturally like blaming others, failing to take responsibility for your actions and justifying what you did to escape punishment or minimize the consequences.  As a result, Reality Television is filled with examples of adults acting like little children who got their hand caught in the cookie jar, “Who me?”

For any avid sports fans, especially during this Bowl Season, NFL playoffs or March Madness, this same mindset is played out daily in front of a national audience.  When committing a penalty in football, a foul in basketball or taking a dive to draw attention to the referee is hockey and soccer, pouting faces say a thousand words.  While watching the replay on the jumbotron, I’m surprised more athletes don’t go into acting, pleading their innocence.  However, replays never lie and the guilty will be penalized or fined for their illegal play.  Maybe one of the games this weekend will include a player who actually puts up his hand, signaling, “my bad, I didn’t it!”  Despite this optimism, there will be crying, complaining and disbelief today, as the next guilty player will express body language which suggests, “Who me?”

by Jay Mankus

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The Promised Angel

Posted on December 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Dramas like Touched by An Angel and Joan of Arcadia brought to light the concept of guardian angels.  From 1993 to 2004, Hollywood used Monica, Tess and Andrew to portray  what it would be like to encounter one of God’s servants.  As one show faded, another took its place in prime time, inspired by the song What if God was One of Us? Airing from 2003-2005, Joan of Arcadia gave teenagers a glimpse of how obeying God’s advice could impact the lives of an entire community.

The Bible introduces readers to a promised angel in Exodus 23:20-33.  According to Moses, God’s plan included a guardian angel for the nation of Israel.  The purpose of this heavenly visitor was to guide God’s people toward the promised land.  However, like anything else in life, freewill is in play, allowing individuals to choose to listen or disregard this angel’s directions.  It’s no wonder that Israel took 40 years to make it to a land flowing with milk and honey.  Taking God’s messenger seriously may have cut their time in half or possibly reduced their journey to 1 month, if only they had believed and obeyed.

While angelic stories continue today, Jesus promised to send a mighty counselor to earth after his ascension into heaven, John 16:5-15, known as the Holy Ghost.  Following Pentecost in Acts 2, an angel freed Peter from prison like a scene from a modern movie in Acts 12:5-14.  Unfortunately, faith is wavering today as unbelief has caused many to doubt God has the power to repeat history by ushering angels onto the scene and into our lives.  May the Spirit of Christmas transform your soul, helping you realize the wonderful life you have thereby embracing the angel by your side.

by Jay Mankus

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Too Precious to be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted on December 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

I guess you can say there is something within me that tries to figure out why people behave in a specific manner.  A shy personality early on in life gave me time to people watch, pondering and narrowing in on traits others often overlook.  Although this thought never crossed my mind, deep down I believed all of God’s creatures are too precious to be flushed down the toilet.

As a teacher, I learned to notice subtle behavior changes in my students.  Death, divorce and unemployment were common denominators.  While no one responds to trials exactly the same way, mood swings typically give away the emotions young people endure.  Distractions, temptations and wanting to grow up too fast can devastate delicate souls.  One untimely comment, put down or word can push a distraught mind over the edge, staring suicide in the face.

Looking back as an adult, warts become more obvious, sticking out like a sore thumb.  Pessimism has contributed to society’s demise, creating a tsunami of anger, hatred and negativity.  This venom is expressed verbally each day through trash talking.  The byproduct of the tongue’s wrath is carnage, lies and tarnished reputations.  One of the few glimmers of hope is songs like Gold by Britt Nicole.  May the lyrics of this song touch your heart and remind you, life is too precious to be flushed down the toilet.

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Everything I Missed Before

Posted on November 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In the lyrics of the hymn Amazing Grace, the chorus proclaims “I once was blind but now I see!”  If any part of this stanza is true about life, it opens up a can of worms spiritually.  For instance, when did you have blinders on, what did you miss and are there any consequences for your lack of discernment?

While listening to Britt Nicole’s song Seeing for the First Time, I was struck by this concept.  Memories of my childhood flashed to the surface, causing me to ponder more questions.  Did I misread signs from God?  Was I ignorant, naive or stubborn to change my way of life?  Fast forwarding to the present, I am fearful that I have missed opportunities to be the kind of father and husband God wants me to be.

Everything I missed before I gave my life to Jesus, Romans 10:9-10, is out of my hands.  Yet, for the future, I need to begin to see things through God’s eyes for the first time.  Like a healing from the cravings of this world, 1 John 2:16, may God help you and I both to see, hear and believe, John 5:24.  Act now or else you may regret the blessings you miss in life.

by Jay Mankus

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There’s No Change Without Pain

Posted on November 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Self gratification has become like a cancer within the human soul, slowing eating away white blood cells of common sense.  This obsession fed by commercialism, “you can have your cake and eat it to,” has left individuals blinded by empty promises.  In a quest to fulfill this hunger, people have forgotten a simple truth of life: there’s no change without pain.

 
The apostle Paul speaks to this corruption while writing to the church in Ephesus, Ephesians 4:22.  As standards continue to decline, its easy to compromise, “well, everyone else is doing it?”  This futile thinking darkens understanding, leading individuals toward the cliff known as addiction.  Once formed or established, a continued lust for more can steer the disciplined into unhealthy habits, craving the latest junk food the world throws your way.

Snapping your fingers and poof, your request is granted is a mirage, a lie that the weak want to believe.  Real change requires developing a mindset of an Olympic  runner, ignoring pain so you can reach your desired destination, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.   Regardless of what your body longs for, keep your goal in sight, Philippians 3:12-14 to avoid being sidetracked.  Like the song from Rocky IV, there’s No Easy Way Out.  Therefore, throw off any excess baggage, endure hardship and run with perseverance until change becomes reality, Hebrews 12:1-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Thirsting for the Wrong Things

Posted on November 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

I spent the first half of my life trying to gain weight, always shiny and frail.  Exercising was a way of life, running 5 miles and swimming 3 miles a day at my physical peak, resulting in only a 4 percent body fat.  However, once I stopped running a year after I got married, my weight ballooned for the first time in my life as I began to thirst for the wrong things.  Although I survived a near death experience of alcohol poisoning at a friend’s wedding after college, my gut now contains a 12 pack of soda.

 
Unfortunately, the days of burning off calories for me have subsided as my waist size is running out out belt loops.  Forced to a diet during my running and swimming days, the only time I pigged out was the spring, able to walk off any weight gain on the golf course.  Today, if I don’t limit my intake of snacks, soda or treats, my scale gives me the bad news at the end of the day.  While the message of Luke 12:19 sounds good, “take life easy, eat, drink and be mercy,” the context refers to a rich fool.  Thus, I am either looking in the wrong place for answers or I’ve lost my former discipline to abstain from things harmful to my body.

The 4th chapter of John records the longest conversation Jesus encountered in the Bible.  Like most modern struggles, a Samaritan woman began to thirst for the wrong things in life.  This unhealthy desire led to an unfilled life, chasing after love, never to be found in the 6 relationships she sought, John 4:15-18.  Unaware of who she was talking to, Jesus offered a cure to her dilemma, John 4:10-14.  Something inside of this woman’s heart spurred her on to tell others, John 4:28-30.  This hunger for the truth led this Samaritan and several others to believe, John 4:39-42.  Taste and see that the Lord is good, Psalm 34:8.

by Jay Mankus

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Calling Your Shot

Posted on October 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As Major League Baseball  widdles October’s 2013 playoff teams from 10 to 4, its a perfect time to reflect upon one of the greatest moments in World Series History.  According to legend, Babe Ruth called his shot, speaking a few words before gesturing with his hands toward the outfield.  On October 1st, 1932, during the 5th inning of game 3, Babe Ruth faced pitcher Charlie Root.  Seconds later, Ruth rounded the bases, hitting a home run, helping his New York Yankees to a 4 games to 0 sweep of the Chicago Cubs.  While Root dismissed Ruth’s prediction, Babe never confirmed or denied calling his shot.

A few thousand years earlier, there was another man who made a similar bold prediction.  Instead of playing baseball, Moses guaranteed to Pharaoh that God would answer his prayer at the exact moment he requested.  According to Exodus 8:8-13, Pharaoh reached a breaking point, overwhelmed by the influx of frogs that had invaded area square each of Egypt.  Showing proper respect to the king, Moses replies, “you set the time and my God will reply.”  Like Babe Ruth, if you talk a big game, you must deliver in the clutch.  Although Moses put his and God’s reputation on the line, the Lord came through like Mr. October, hitting a spiritual home run in Exodus 8:13.

 

Whether you play sports, games or make competitions out of activities, no one likes a cocky person unless he or she is on your side.  Depending upon their skill set, having someone with a heart and mind of a champion can persuade an entire group of people to believe they are invincible.  This belief inspired the words of apostle Paul in Romans 8:37-39, acknowledging the amazing power of God.  While a Christian should try to remain humble, if you acquire a faith like Matthew 22:18-22, you might start calling your shot daily, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to do so, 2 Peter 1:3.

by Jay Mankus

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Did God Really Tell Me That?

Posted on October 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 
Although its been thousands of years since Lucifer first planted the idea of questioning God within eve’s mind, Genesis 3:1, there is a new trend gaining traction.  Sure, there will always be doubters, haters and nay sayers who will claim God does not exist.  Yet, this latest fad might be more harmful, especially when their promises come up empty.  Like a page out of the Bible, more and more people are sharing stories about how God is speaking to them in an audible voice, either in dreams, during a prayer or while reading the Bible.  Before these phanatics get excited by telling anyone who will listen, maybe they should practice 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, asking the question, “did God really tell me that?”

The reason why I say this is that gullible and hurting people are often burned by optimistic news, taking what pastors, television evangelists or faith healers say as gospel, as if these words came straight out of Jesus’ mouth.  Back in February of 2012, I began to hear countless testimonies, people who reached out to the parents of Joseph Feeley, one of my former students who had been battling cancer for 2 years.  Though I believe each had good intentions, they were proved wrong when Joseph went to be home with the Lord on February 27th, less than a month after confidently proclaiming Joseph would be healed, traveling throughout the country as a motivational speaker.

Six months later, I received a similar message at a Christian bookstore in Delaware.  Since I was still searching for a full time job, I was vulnerable, grasping at straws for anything positive.  When I wrote a blog on this encounter in late August of 2012, I was hopeful the words of this prophet might come true, “God will reward you with a great paying job, surpassing your wildest imagination.”  Unfortunately, this grandois prophecy did not occur within the time table give but who knows, maybe my position at Amazon could turn into something special.  However, like the Feeley family, I am still in a lot of pain, disappointed by the outcome of my current path.

Instead of crying over spilled milk, I won’t give up on chasing my dreams of becoming a novelist, screen writer or both.  In future blogs, I will be careful not to exploit anyone with promises unless I am certain of a specific message, truth or word of insight people need to hear.  The lesson to be learned from this blog is to dot your i’s and cross your t’s, ensuring your words don’t inflict false hope to a world searching for answers.  May these words, stirring within my heart, strike a cord, helping you to reflect before blotting out any words in the future.

by Jay Mankus

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