Tag Archives: church

An Absentee Christian

Posted on November 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

This state usually begins with a logical excuse.  Perhaps, you’re traveling, on vacation or under the weather so you decide to skip church.  Like any other form of compromise, the second time is always easier, sleeping in after a long week at work.  If this pattern continues, it won’t be long until you become an absentee Christian.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:18.

In election years, the phrase absentee voters is a common term.  This applies to students going out of state to attend college or someone who spends weeks on the road for business trips.  If you plan ahead, anyone can request an absentee ballot which you can fill out and mail to insure your vote counts.  Unfortunately, absentee Christians tend to be wayward souls who don’t have a church home, have lost faith or are caught somewhere in between.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:16.

When I awoke this morning, I can’t deny the truth any longer, I have become an absentee Christian.  Sure, I could use my recent surgery and night work schedule as an excuse, but God isn’t pleased with my lack of obedience.  All I can do is follow the example set by Jesus’ earthly brother, to publicly confess my sins so that healing will come quickly.  As for now, I’m a humbled absentee Christian trying to get back where the Lord wants me to be.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Stimulate Wholesome Thinking

Posted on May 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When I was younger, the FCC held higher standards, limiting adult content to late night television.  Now, whether its sitcoms laughing at broken marriages, questionable commercials during sporting events or indecent lyrics within modern songs, wholesome thinking is being phased out.  In a recent Philadelphia radio ad, charities are now selling tickets to hear local celebrities made fun of, mocked and roasted in public.  I guess sin does sell.

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving, Ephesians 5:4.

Unfortunately, negativity is nothing new.  In a letter to church officials in Ephesus, Paul addresses a concern he experienced first hand during his long stay.  When an individual steps across an unwritten line, there’s a temptation to join in, similar to a feeding frenzy.  Even if you didn’t start teasing someone or throwing another under the bus, resisting the desire to jump in is difficult.  Weekly, I find myself participating, indulging in unwholesome talk before its too late to take something back.

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking, 2 Peter 3:1.

The disciple Peter who also had a reputation for running his mouth came to a crossroads.  At some point near the end of his life, Peter became an advocate for wholesome thinking.  Torn up inside over the collateral damage of hurtful words, Peter encouraged believers to embrace wholesome thinking.  Therefore, if you’re feed up by societies destructive vocabulary, join this fight by stimulating those around you to engage in wholesome thinking.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Why Am I Watching This?

Posted on January 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If I asked you the question, what are the first ten things you do when you get up, you may be caught off guard, only be able to recall a few things.  Yet, each morning people shave, shower, turn on the weather, read a blog or newspaper, check emails and charge their phone without much thought.  However, routines can become so ingrained within human beings that occasionally you have to stop yourself to ponder, “why am I doing this?”

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.

Since changing my work schedule from days to night two years ago, my sleeping patterns have been sporadic.  Sometimes I’ll find something on television that promotes sleep.  Unfortunately, good movies like a classic will peek my interest, causing to invest several hours viewing instead of sleeping.  Thus, in 2016 I have made a concerted effort reign in my daily routine.  Yet, early on I found myself picking up the clicker to check one of my favorite channels before I heard my conscience say, “why am I watching this?”

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, 2 Peter 3:8.

Free will is a powerful weapon, often applied in misguided ways.  Nonetheless, God doesn’t force us to pray, go to church or read the Bible.  Therefore, if you want to break away from bad habits of the past, its not an easy venture.  However, the more I unplug from television and talk radio, the clearer my thoughts become.  While I’m not perfect and still have a long way to go, maybe you too may want to revisit your own daily schedule.  May the Holy Spirit guide you along the way, Galatians 5:25 as you replace the meaningless with power spiritual disciplines.

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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To Fast or Not to Fast?

Posted on December 31, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In recent years, January 1st signifies the beginning of 21 day fasts for a growing number of churches across America.  Depending upon the congregation, this could mean a …

1) Daniel Fast: Eating vegetables and water based upon the events of Daniel 1:11-14.

2) Media Fast: Replacing listening and viewing habits for 3 weeks with Bible Study, prayer and soaking in worship music.

3) Traditional Fast: Limiting your diet to liquids, with stricter fasts allowing only water.

Before you jump into any commitment, you might want to consider the advice of Solomon.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. – Ecclesiastes 5:4

My advice is to take a more realistic approach.  If fasting is new to you or something you haven’t done in years, ease yourself into 21 days of fasting.  I recommend skipping 1 meal per day, the first week.  If your body is up for the challenge, limit your eating to one meal per day the second week.  However, if you find yourself gorging each meal, you might want to focus on skipping one meal per day the entire 21 days.  Make a vow you can keep, then honor it.

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. – Nehemiah 1:4

As for what to expect, the lack of food can make individuals grumpy.  Those with medical conditions may need to opt for a Media Fast to avoid health concerns.  Beyond the pain, the insight one receives from fasting can be life altering.  While fasting during my days of teaching, several messages of discernment came to me through the power of the Holy Spirit.  In addition, your perspective of food will change as fasting will heighten your sense of taste.  In the end, the choice is up to you: to fast or not to fast?

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Not Just A Seasonal Thing

Posted on December 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

After the post-Christmas sales end, stores will be transformed over night trading in candy canes for Valentine’s Day chocolate.  Once presents under the tree are unwrapped tomorrow, birthday wishes will begin to enter the minds of children as well as those young at heart.  Unfortunately, if you allow consumerism to flood your thoughts, spiritual holidays will become a seasonal thing.

You don’t have to study statistics to recognize annual church attendance spikes each Christmas and Easter.  Somewhere in between, the message falls upon deaf ears, as the curious turn their attention to the next vacation or time off.  Subsequently, individuals have gotten good at placing God in a box a few times years, taking Him out of the attic bi-annually.

For me and those of faith, Christmas is not just a seasonal event.  In my moment of need, I exchanged a self-centered life style for a Purpose Driven Life, Psalm 118:5-7.  While my ways are far from perfect, a new peace surpasses my formal understanding, Philippians 4:7, broadening my perspective.  Thus, each day I revisit the manger, cross and resurrection to renew the seed of faith sown in my heart, Romans 10:9-10.  May the miracle of Christmas bring you to a similar place this season and throughout the year.

by Jay Mankus

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To Please or Not to Please: That is the Question

Posted on December 21, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As I was driving home from work the other day, one thought popped into my head, “who am I trying to please?”  My laid back nature usually leads me toward keeping the peace, not wanting to rock the boat.  However, when aspects of my faith are attacked, why do I keep quiet, holding back how I really feel?

Perhaps, my lack of an answer is a symptom of a lukewarm spirit, Revelation 3:16.  A reflection of someone who has lost their passion, taking the Bible and church for granted.  Despite my current pathetic state, I still need to respond to one of life’s question: to please or not to please?

The apostle Paul had a similar issue with Jewish Christians in Galatia.  Regardless of how hard each tried, letting go of what each was taught growing up was difficult.  Thus, Paul brought this concern up in Galatians 1:10.  While pleasing mankind is easy; who are you living for?  If Jesus is your Lord, Romans 10:9-10, why aren’t your actions reflecting this decision?

Maybe its just me, but I can’t continue to remain silent as the world around me is failing to pieces, bound for hell.  If you agree with this statement, join me in the spirit of Matthew 18:19-20.  With the power of numbers on our side, may the power of the Holy Spirit lift you and I up to please the Lord, Romans 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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Look Who’s Laughing Now

Posted on November 15, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Until this week, few Americans knew Jonathon Gruber, the architect of Obama Care.  An economist from MIT, Gruber recently admitted to hiding the true cost of Obama Care from the public.  In a video that has gone viral, Gruber jokes, referring to voters as stupid, gleeful he was able to deceive Congress into passing a bill that could bankrupt America.

A win at all costs mentality, lying if necessary, is destroying the character, morality and virtues of this once great nation.  You don’t have to go to church to understand the concept, “you reap what you sow,” Galatians 6:6-7.  Whether you’re a politician, parent or student, you can’t escape the truth as lies will be exposed sooner or later.  Though the dishonest may be laughing now, God will bring justice in the end.

If Jesus is correct, the devil is the father of all lies.  A subtle thought here, a tiny compromise there and before the know it, the seed for deceit has been planted.  Once implanted into an unknowing participant, Lucifer is the one who is laughing now, with the same smirk on his face after Eve gave into temptation while in the Garden.  However, God doesn’t put up with lame excuses, Genesis 3:12-18.  Therefore, watch your steps and tongue, James 1:13-15, to avoid from becoming a pawn of the devil.

by Jay Mankus

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I Thought They Had It All Together

Posted on November 10, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether its in church, your own community or traveling on vacation, you’re bound to come into contact with an exceptional individual.  On the surface, this person possesses character, personality and wisdom.  Adorned by everyone, they seem too good to be true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANNdVi6GcEs

While on a week long mission trip in Jackson, Tennessee, I was introduced to one of the largest youth groups in the country.  Based out of Rochester, Michigan, this church took several buses across the country each summer to serve needy communities.  The president of this youth group appeared like he had it all together.  As I began to develop friendships in the area, only one person saw through his phony witness.  One year after losing touch, I  heard through the grapevine that this saint fell from grace, arrested for running an under age gambling ring.

Call it jaded or desensitized, but I am usually not surprised by people who live double lives.  Whenever you put others up on a pedestal, disappointment is a likely outcome.  Therefore, if you think someone has it all together,don’t worship one of God’s creations.  Rather, say a prayer for these individuals, hope for the best and trust in the Lord for a bright future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Emotions of Praise

Posted on April 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon what church, temple or mosque you attend, an increasing number of people are reserved, afraid of letting others know what’s inside of them.  Meanwhile, Pharisees still exist in most places of worship, putting on a show for others to see, Matthew 6:5.  Therefore, when you enter a house of praise where emotions are on display as a genuine act of worship, outsiders struggle to accept or embrace this movement.

Music causes unique styles of expression like individuals moved to toe tap, gradually turning their bodies into human tambourines.  Others begin to snap their fingers and clap their hands.  Those with rhythm may follow the beat, dancing and swaying side to side.  When touched by the lyrics, one might lift their hands high, closing their eyes to heighten their focus on God.  Tears often fall as you reach this stage of worship, moving some to fall to their knees or bow at the altar.

While numerous churches are spiritually dead today, void of these emotions of praise, a remnant remains alive and well.  The sons of Korah highlight acts of praise in Psalm 47 including clapping hands, shouts of praise and cries of joy.  The moment the human soul approaches the throne of grace, Hebrews 4:16, with a humble heart, the emotions of praise break out.  This act of worship is what you offer up to God on the Sabbath.  You may bring a tithe or appreciate the biblical message, yet the emotions of praise is where you meet and experience the presence of God.

Have you ever been moved by the Holy Spirit to let your guard down?  Please share a story of your own emotions of praise.

by Jay Mankus

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