Tag Archives: faith like a mustard seed

Mountains on the Horizon

Posted on November 12, 2017 by expressyourself4him

For someone who resides in Delaware, mountains are foreign to this state.  With an elevation of 447.85 feet, the peak on Mount Ebright is nothing more than a hill.  You have to travel west toward the panhandle of Maryland or north through Pennsylvania to witness mountains on the horizon.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you,” Matthew 17:20.

In the first century, Jesus didn’t have to explain to his followers what a mountain looked like.  Rather, he could point toward Mount Hermon, which stands 2814 meters above sea level.  This tallest peak in Israel served as a teachable landmark, able to illustrate to his disciples the difference between faith and the faithless.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

If you have ever climbed a mountain, the first glimpse can be intimidating.  Before you make your trek toward the summit, you have to believe you can make it.  One of Jesus’ several sayings in the Bible is “consider the cost,” meaning don’t start until you have a plan.  If you rush aimlessly, without any preparation or training, mountains on the horizon may cause you to quit.  Instead, all you need to possess is faith as small as a mustard seed and nothing will be impossible.  Don’t let mountains on the horizon become obstacles to fulfilling your dreams.  Rather, look up, don’t waiver and allow the power of prayer to produce miracles.

by Jay Mankus

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Remind Me of Your Miracles

Posted on May 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Doom and gloom, pity parties and a spirit of doubt doesn’t exemplify the heart of a true believer.  Rather, one must ascribe to the Lord the glory and honor He deserves, Psalm 96:7-9.  Thus, one option is to recall the miracles God has done in your life.  This perspective should eradicate pessimism from your thought life by opening your mind to the ongoing transformation process overseen by sanctification.

In my own life, 3 miracles stand alone, things I can’t take credit for or rationally explain.  One is a medically related, another defies logic and the last was gradual.  When I was 16, I was told by doctors I would never be able to run again, limited to walking with a limp.  After the reconstructive surgery on my ankle, twisted 180 degrees in the wrong direction, no rod or screws were necessary.  Three months later I was swimming in a pool, competing in the state championships, with my 200 Individual Medley team earning a Bronze Medal.

The second miracle the Lord brought to my attention is my 21 battle with stammering and stuttering.  Thought to be untreatable by 2nd grade, I gave up hope of ever being able to verbally express myself.  Despite years of anguish, embarrassment and heartache, God used a series of events during my junior year of college to release me from these chains.  A decade long span as a high school teacher testifies to this work of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, self esteem, especially during my early years was a constant struggle.  Playing sports helped somewhat, yet depression drew me into years of isolation, hiding my pain.  Mood swings were common place, living with a peaks and valleys mentality.  Beside repeated intervention from close associates and friends, God worked his spiritual magic, gradually leading me to become confident in His strength, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

While I recognize not everyone has had life altering miracles happen directly to them, the Bible illustrates the amazing like Acts 12:5, 8-11.  When God senses an earnest spirit of prayer, He is moved toward action, ushering angels to intervene.  Though I can’t guarantee exactly when and where the next miracle of God will occur, I do believe its right around the corner.  Therefore, don’t allow disbelief to dictate or lead you to expect hollow expectations.  Rather, dig down deep to enable the faith of a mustard seed to prosper like miracles from the past, Matthew 13:31!

by Jay Mankus

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