Tag Archives: comfort

A Sojourner Seeking To Find Genuine Faith

Posted on August 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The term sojourner refers to a temporary resident. From a biblical context, a sojourner is someone going through a transition in life, moving from their original home to a place yet to be determined by God. Moses highlights the lives of Abraham and Isaac who were called by God to visit foreign lands to fulfill God’s calling and will for their lives.

And Jacob came to Isaac his father at Mamre or Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned. 28 Now the days of Isaac were 180 years. 29 And Isaac’s spirit departed; he died and was gathered to his people, being an old man, satisfied and satiated with days; his sons Esau and Jacob buried him, Genesis 35:27-29.

While I have now resided in South Carolina for over one year, I too feel like a sojourner, unsure of where to go and what to do. The apostle Paul suggests that discovering God’s will can be a lengthy process, Romans 12:1-2. This process always begins by offering your body as a holy sacrifice to God. However, without meditating upon the words of the Bible, this transformation isn’t possible.

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:33-34.

If today’s blog finds you living a life similar to a sojourner, may the words of Jesus in the passage above comfort you. King Solomon touches on these words in Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting God is crucial to finding a genuine faith. Like any practice for a sport designed to improve your mechanics, seeking God first in your life results in the belief that God will provide for your needs. As you draw close to the Lord, may you find a peace that surpasses all understanding, Philippians 4:6-7.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 258: Devil

Posted on October 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Anne Wilson made her debut as a Christian artist in 2021. Wilson’s version of “My Jesus” reached number one on Billboard ‘s Hot Christian Songs chart. Perhaps Anne’s timing was ideal like the words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:4. Regardless of the reason for Anne’s success, I was impressed my Wilson’s most recent single Devil.

Then Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. 2 And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [[a]loaves of] bread. 4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God, Matthew 4:1-4.

When I heard this song on K-Love Radio a few weeks, I was immediately reminded of the passage above. After fasting for 40 days to prepare Jesus for his earthly ministry, the Devil tried to catch Him off guard. Jesus was tempted physically, mentally, and spiritually before telling the Devil to get lost. The lyrics of Devil reference the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:54-58. May Anne’s song bring you comfort the next time you are tempted.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 252: I Am the Way

Posted on October 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a former coach, one of the most overused sayings is that “there’s no I in team.” This expression is designed to highlight that a true team is composed of a group of individuals working together for a common goal. Unfortunately, in this age of social media, there is always at least one athlete who believes they are bigger and greater than their team. This is the complete opposite when you become a member of God’s team, Romans 10:9-11.

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me, John 14:6.

Mark Schultz sings about this concept in the passage above. The context of Jesus’ words “I Am the Way” occurs during Passion Week, days before his own death on a cross. Mark started his career as a member of the group Up with People before pursuing a solo career. Jesus isn’t bragging about being God’s One and only son. Rather, Jesus is attempting to comfort his disciples by showing the way as a spiritual leader. May today’s song remind you to turn to Jesus to find truth and life.

by Jay Mankus

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I Wouldn’t Trade Things For the World

Posted on December 12, 2017 by expressyourself4him

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

My wife’s oldest living relative is ninety nine.  Up until six years ago, Aunt Peg hosted a Thanksgiving Day celebration at her home in Kewanee, Illinois.  Every other Thanksgiving served as a reunion for the Hanson and Wagner families in southwestern, Illinois.  Days prior to my wedding twenty two years ago, I was introduced to ninety strangers who would soon become relatives.  While at times this was more of an interrogation, I played along trying to remember as many faces and names as I could for our reception.  Marrying into a large extended family can be overwhelming, yet I have grown to appreciate the special personalities within Leanne’s family.

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me,” Matthew 4:8-9.

Working for Amazon the past five years hasn’t afforded me the opportunity to travel out to Chicago for this festive event.  Like a prodigal son, I felt compelled to make the effort this year, especially with the passing of Leanne’s father.  Flying out after work one morning, I was able to reconnect with Leanne’s side of the family.  Following a typical Thanksgiving meal, the Hansons usually puts on a talent show aptly named the Hanson Family Theater.  However, this year each attendee was asked to give a thirty second infomercial, a synopsis of their current life.  While I was dreading the idea of fifty people standing up one after another,  I was pleasantly surprised.  Instead of enduring boredom, I appreciated the commonality exhibited by almost everyone.  Faith, family and God is the bond that has kept this tradition alive for half a century.

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only,” Matthew 4:10.

As Leanne and I inch closer to the half century mark in age, I had a revelation last night.  Actually, this was more of an insight to where I am in life.  As much as I complain about my current job, I see the hidden blessing of only working four nights a week.  Despite missing out on any type of social life, I have been able to attend nearly all of my kids sporting events.  I have been there to rejoice in victories, comfort after defeat and explain from a coaching perspective why things played out as they did.  My resume isn’t exciting; nor is my income self-sufficient.  Nonetheless, I have embraced my role as a father, raising my children to the best of my ability.  Sure, I have several flaws, imperfections and weaknesses, but I have reached a state of contentment.   I still have bigger dreams and goals that I would like to fulfill, but I wouldn’t trade things for the world.

by Jay Mankus

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Looking for Answers in ALL the Wrong Places

Posted on November 14, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Between self help books and talk shows, these avenues have become popular sources for finding answers to problems in life.  Internet sites like You Tube have a plethora of videos for almost everything that you need to do around the house.  Instead of seeking the advice of godly counsel, elders, parents or guardians, most people are becoming self-sufficient formulating answers on their own.

How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, Psalm 13:2-3.

In the days of his youth, David spent the majority of his time as a shepherd.  Watching over his families flock, David regularly stayed out in the fields overnight, guarding these sheep.  There wasn’t a book on how to ward off bears or wolves.  Rather, David was forced to trust in the Lord, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide this flock to green and safe pastures.  Like in the passage above, David turned to prayer when he didn’t know what to do.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person, Colossians 4:6.

Unfortunately, I tend to get distracted, looking for answers to my problems in all the wrong places.  Instead of finding comfort, joy and peace, I regularly experience disappointment.  According to the apostle Paul, there is only one source who leads to peace, Philippians 4:6-7.  However, Jesus told his disciples the only way to find life is lose it.  Anyone not one hundred percent devoted to God has a tendency to go back to the ways of the world when hardship or suffering arises.  Therefore, if you’re tired of uncertainty, start looking upward toward heaven instead of within .

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Wall of Remembrance

Posted on January 3, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c79cV5yBhQU

The American rock band the Cars once sang, Let the Good Times Roll.  Debuting in 1978 as a single, Good Times Roll is synonymous with joyous occasions in life.  While these moments may not happen that often, those who experience a season of blessings don’t want it to end.  Unfortunately, when the tides change in the form of disappointment, hardships and trials, its important to create a wall of remembrance.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

In the 2015 film War Room, Miss Clara uses this concept to remind her of all the prayers the Lord has answered.  Whenever discouragement tried to steal her joy in life, Miss Clara found comfort and encouragement from God’s previous faithfulness.  These reflections from your past serve as a point of reference.  Therefore, whenever the good times disappear, dates, letters and pictures of transformed individuals can keep hope alive.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him, James 1:12.

During the first mission trips I ever served on, I was introduced to the concept of care cards.  Team members were encouraged to write notes to anyone who said something or did something that was noteworthy over the course of each day.  These cards were placed into individual mail boxes that were only accessible on your trip home.  When I became a youth pastor, I implemented this on two service projects that I oversaw.  When depression caused me to lose faith, I started my own wall of remembrance in my bedroom.  While 2016 is still in its infancy, perhaps its time to start your own wall to remind you of God’s goodness.

by Jay Mankus

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What Did I Do to Deserve This?

Posted on November 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

On October 21st, the 2015 World Long Driving Champion was crowned on the Golf Channel.  However, there was one competitor who should have been there, but God had another plan.  One of my former students, the starting center fielder for Liberty University at the time, began to dabble in long drive competitions.  During a round I played with Joseph, he drove over the first green, a 380 yard par 4.  On the second hole, his tee shot plugged by the 150 marker on a par 5.  Joseph Feeley was destined to contend for this championship, but the Lord took him home before ever finishing college.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king, Daniel 3:17.

Another friend had just received a full time job at a local university.  This meant his daughter’s final two years of tuition would be free along with an opportunity to complete his masters.  After years of frustration, things were finally coming together.  Then, out of the blue, within a two day period, my Christian brother lost his job and father to a heart attack.  In the weeks and months that followed, one of his initial thoughts was “what did I do to deserve this?”

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” – Daniel 6:16

When Daniel was thrown to a lion’s den, I wonder what was going through his mind?  On their way to being thrown into a fiery furnace, did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego second guess their decision not to bow down and worship the god of Nebuchadnezzar?  At some point during a trial, human nature is bound to cause individuals to question God?  In the end, time is the great equalizer, providing insight to the how’s and why’s.  Yet, nothing is guaranteed, a waiting game until your last breath.  Thus, the next time you experience heartbreak hotel, seek the Lord for comfort, peace and understanding.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Pain of Death

Posted on June 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

A member of St. George’s 2014 golf team died in a car accident while driving home from school Tuesday afternoon.  A parent’s worst nightmare came true for the Leonzio family.  In a flash, before you can say goodbye for the final time, Tim’s life was snuffed out.  This is the pain of death.

He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” – Mark 5:23

In Mark 5:22-42, a concerned father reaches out to Jesus.  Jairus, a synagogue leader turned to Jesus as a last resort as doctors could not improve his daughter’s condition.  Despite what any Pharisees thought about Jesus, Jairus had a feeling deep down inside his heart his daughter would be healed.  On their way home, his efforts were a little too late as Jairus received the bad news.

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” – Mark 5:35

Unfortunately, Jesus can’t bring Tim back to life like Jairus’ daughter.  Now, whenever my own son doesn’t come home on time, I start to worry, imaging a worst case scenario.  This is where faith must take over.  Although death in inevitable, belief in Christ, the promise of salvation and eternity in heaven can ease your pain.  May the prayer of the Psalmist provide comfort, healing and peace when the pain of death knocks on your door, Psalm 34:18.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Singing the Detroit Blues

Posted on January 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In an article by , she uses an old Bill Gates quote for her title, “life isn’t fair, get used to it!”  While most parents have passed on this message to their children, amidst life’s storms its hard to accept this reality.  During a scene from Remember the Titans, the fix was in as officials threw a penalty on almost every play earlier in the first quarter against the Titans.  Unwilling to see his team go down in defeat, defensive coordinator Bill Yoast, played by Will Patton, threatens to go to the local News Papers if the game isn’t called fair during a timeout.

Unfortunately, Detroit Lions fans didn’t have Coach Yoast on their sidelines as a 5 minute portion of the 4th Quarter in Sunday’s NFL game at Dallas verse the Cowboys had a similar feel.  On a 3rd down and 1 on the Cowboys side of the field, officials called a pass interference on the defense, giving the ball in field goal range at worse for Detroit.  Without any warning, the call was reversed after it was announced leaving Detroit Lions players scratching their heads.  Beside this non call, Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant ran halfway on to the field, without a helmet, yelling at the official who threw the flag.  According to the rules, this too should have been a penalty, making it first down for the Lions inside the Cowboys 20 yard line.  However, officials succumb peer pressure, causing citizens of Detroit to start singing the blues.

 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. – Isaiah 40:8

Although the world is inconsistent, especially in regards to sports officiating, the Bible remains firm.  Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18 continues to warn its readers, past and present, about adding and subtracting from this Holy Book.  I’m not sure what the future holds, but justice was not carried out today on a gridiron in Texas.  In the end, God is the ultimate judge who will hold individuals accountable for their actions, Matthew 12:36.  As for Lions fans, may God provide some type of comfort in the near future so today’s bitter taste of defeat will be removed.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

Posted on September 25, 2014 by expressyourself4him

A few years ago, an atheist neighbor cried out to Jesus late in the evening.  When his dog got loose once again, she ran in front of  a car traveling down the street.  With little time to react, this accident could not be avoided.  As his dog struggled to survive, his prayer was fervent, “O Jesus, don’t let my dog die!”  On his way to a local vet, this prayer was repeated several times, speeding off in his SUV.  Unfortunately, sometimes our prayers don’t get answered or the outcome we desire is not fulfilled, ending in another pet tragedy.

Following the terrorists attack on the United States during September 11th, 2001, millions of Americans dropped to their knees to pray.  In this moment of despair, people turned to houses of prayer seeking comfort.  When the South Tower of the World Trade Center came crumbling to the ground at 9:58 am, several thousand were thought to be dead.  Although nearly 3000 did pass away in 3 different states, desperation led countless individuals to re-evaluate their lives.  As a result, families were conceived, relationships renewed and faith born again.

Thirteen years later, the worse is yet to come.  If the book of Revelation is correct, there will be 7 seven years of tribulation, unlike anything the world has seen before.  Once the prophecies within the Bible have been fulfilled, Jesus will return.  Though no one knows the exact day or time, signs have been left as clues to the future in Matthew 24.  I won’t speculate like many false prophets of the past, yet God will continue to use desperate times to achieve His will.  If you reach a point of desolation, may the promise of Psalm 102:17 lead God to hear and answer your prayers.

by Jay Mankus

 

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