Tag Archives: faith

Making A Clear Distinction

Posted on May 10, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In a world of diminishing absolutes, making a clear distinction between right and wrong isn’t what it use to be. Shades of grey have entered the equation, leaving the truth uncertain. To erase this confusion, one must shine the light of the Bible on this matter to distinguish the moral from immoral.

History reveals this struggle is nothing new as periods in time are filled with examples of people who blended in like chameleons, hiding their faith from society. This pattern led Moses to challenge Israel to make a clear distinction between holiness and common citizens in Leviticus 10:10-11. This lesson from the past should challenge us to examine our own lives to ascertain where do you stand?

When you’re feeling good about yourself, pride will lead you to hold a higher view than your actions actually display. On the other hand, when your day of humility comes, you might feel like the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15. Despite the good and bad that you do, Jesus still wants believers to shine their light, Matthew 5:13. Like the childhood song proclaims, don’t hide your light anymore, make a clear distinction today by imitating God, Ephesians 5:1-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in truth and tagged absolutes, believe, challenge, China, confusion, distinguish, examine, faith, feel, France, good and bad, history, holiness, hope, humility, imitating God, immoral, Jesus, making a clear distinction, moral, pride, proclaim, right and wrong, shades of grey, shine, This little light of mine, truth. Bookmark the permalink.

The Anguish of Disobedience

Posted on May 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was to consul a shaken mother the day after her son died in a car accident. According to friends in attendance at a party, he only had one beer before leaving. Impaired slightly, this young man couldn’t negotiate the bend on a countryside road, striking a tree head on, dead on arrival to the nearest hospital. My sense is this woman wanted me to assure her that her son was doing well in heaven. Since this boy was missing in action from youth group without any apparent faith, the anguish of her son’s disobedience on earth stirred in her soul.

According to Leviticus 10:1-3, Aaron endured similar trauma, sitting in stunned silence after his 2 oldest sons died suddenly. Not the greatest role model, Aaron’s greatest claim to fame or should I say shame was creating a golden calf, Exodus 32:2-4. Perhaps their father’s hypocrisy encouraged Nadab and Abihu to turn a deaf ear to his instructions. Instead of carefully obeying the words God relayed to Moses, Aaron’s 2 sons began to experiment like 2 curious boys in a chemistry lab. Subsequently, the pain of disobedience cost Nadab and Abihu their life.

Whether its a suicide note left behind for a family, the dairies of a troubled school shooter or victims of drunk driving, the anguish of disobedience is on display daily. The free will of one individual’s action has been felt by several members of society. People are left to wonder what might have been if one out of control human being didn’t cut short the life of their loved one. May the words of Psalm 34:18 provide some comfort this day for anyone still coping with the anguish of disobedience.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Hope and tagged a wounded soul, China, comfort, coping with pain, coping with sadness, dealing with death, disobedience, drunk driving, encouragement, faith, following God's commands, France, free will, healing, heaven, hope, hope for a troubled heart, hypocrisy, out of control, overcoming anguish, role models, Silence, soul, stunned, suicide, the effects of alcohol, the side effects of curiosity, the side effects of free will, trauma, trying to understand God, victims of car accidents, victims of society. Bookmark the permalink.

Before God’s Presence Appears

Posted on May 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Most Americans have become spoiled, expecting a response at the snap of their fingers. Subsequently, when people go out to eat, go to a show or make a significant purchase, they want perfection. When disappointed by a product or service, heads will roll and reputations will be harmed if these individuals don’t get their way. If this is how a growing number of citizens are responding, its no wonder God is waiting to appear until faith and actions coexist.

The book of Leviticus consists of a conversation God had with Moses while on Mount Sinai in Exodus. As I recently read through Leviticus, a pattern forms throughout the first 8 chapters, “God said to Moses.” Following these instructions, Aaron and his sons did everything the Lord told Moses. However, it wasn’t until Leviticus 9:4 before God’s presence appears before Israel. Thus, this passage suggests God is waiting for his children to carefully follow the Bible’s commands prior to being accompanied by blessings, Deuteronomy 28:2.

While some may say, “what are you waiting for,” others are trying to twist the Bible to conform to their own beliefs. As for me, a lack of results makes the obvious seem clear once again, “be doers of the word, not just hearers,” Matthew 7:24-27. Once I realign my priorities to Matthew 6:33, God promises to provide for my daily needs. Therefore, if you are hungry and thirsty to experience God’s presence, listen to words of Jesus like Aaron followed Moses.

Let us know when you’ve encountered God’s presence.

by Jay Mankus

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Elijah’s Blueprint

Posted on May 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Engineer’s rely on designs, diagrams and models to implement plans on construction projects. Multi-level business schemes use similar blueprints to influence individuals to buy into their concept. When someone follows the directions step by step, there is an inherit expectation of riches, success or both. As for Elijah the prophet, he looked into the past, believing God could repeat a similar feat in his life time.

According to Leviticus 9:24, as soon as Aaron followed the directions given to him from Moses via God, the Lord sent fire from heaven consuming the offering on the altar. Sound familiar? Perhaps, this is Elijah’s blueprint, the place where he read and believed God would repeat this historic act. I often wondered where his confidence came from and this passage suggests Elijah prepared his sacrifice just as Aaron and his sons followed Moses’ commands.

Understanding the past, makes the miracle in 1 Kings 18:38 that much more believable today. If you carefully follow and obey God’s commands, blessings will follow, Deuteronomy 28:1-2. Its as if Elijah, followed a playbook in 1 Kings 18:30-37, grasping Jesus’ promise in Matthew 21:21-22, fully expecting God to repeat this previous miracle after his prayer. Sometime between Elijah’s Blueprint and Jesus’ promise, modern believers will find a living, loving God ready to unveil the next miracle on earth.

Has God done any miracles in your life?

by Jay Mankus

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Be Careful What You Long For

Posted on May 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Based upon recent jaw dropping news from Florida, I guess you can say Van Halen’s 1984 song Hot for Teacher was ahead of its time. According to a report from Lakeland Police, a 29 year old English teacher has been fired for having sex with 3 boys who were all 17 at the time. While David Lee Roth initially sang this song as a dream, this fantasy has become reality in too many communities across the country.

The Bible warns readers about the dangers of temptation in James 1:13-15. When an individual begins to long for something outside of God’s will, your mind loses its ability to think rationally. Once enticed, humans become like fish unable to turn down Satan’s bait. Subsequently, lust prompts people to engage in sin like the April 14, 2014 piece in the Lakeland Ledger.

No one is immune to this desire. If you place yourself into a precarious position, sooner or later you are going to fall, indulging in acts that you log for. Teenagers who think their faith is strong are often overwhelmed by college, succumbing to alcohol, drugs and rejecting God until its convenient to come back to church. Perhaps, the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 are a firm warning to anyone on the fence. Be careful what you long for because bad company corrupts good character, no matter what your intentions may be.

What do you think about the current moral decay across the country?

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in truth and tagged alcohol, bad company, be careful, being in the wrong place, China, dangers of temptation, David Lee Roth, dreams, drugs, engage in sin, enticement, faith, fantasy, firm warnings, Florida, France, God's will, good character, hot for teacher, indulge, Jesus, Lakeland, love, mind, rejecting God, satan, school, song Hot for Teacher, the Lakeland Ledger, Van Halen. Bookmark the permalink.

The Fortification of Faith

Posted on April 21, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Peace has always been temporary throughout the course of history. Subsequently, cities created ramparts, defensive walls to protect their citizens from potential enemies. Thus, the only way to enter certain regions was through gates, strategically located around city walls. Although this fortification system was not perfect, gate keepers could warn city officials if aggressors were approaching on the horizon.

During the Roman Empire, soldiers were responsible for defending a 6 feet by 6 feet area, to prevent attackers from breaking the line of defense. At their disposal, these men possessed a large shield coated with a non-flammable liquid which extinguished flaming arrows shot by enemy troops. The apostle Paul compared this weapon to a shield of faith, Ephesians 6:16. When overwhelmed by incoming fire, a solider could entrench themselves under this shield until help arrived.

Unfortunately, faith can be a mystery, especially if your prayers aren’t answered or help never comes. According to 1 Peter 5:8, the devil uses discouragement to lure depressed souls away from church. If depression leads to disenchantment, doubting the existence of God, the fortification of faith can be destroyed, Hebrews 10:26-27. In this age of suffering, its important to arm yourself with the right weapons, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. Despite where you are on the spectrum of faith, its time to fortify yourself with the armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18.

What advice can you share to help anyone currently struggling with their faith. People are waiting for your suggestions.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged breaking the line of defense, city gates, depressed souls, depression, discouragement, doubting the existence of God, faith, fortified cities, gate keepers, history, peace, ramparts, shield of faith, suffering, temporary, the armor of God, the devil, the mystery of faith, the Roman Empire, the struggles of life, waiting for answers, waiting for help, waiting on faith. Bookmark the permalink.

The Anointing of Joy

Posted on April 11, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Children tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves. Subsequently, youth experience mountain top moments of jubilance and valleys of depression. This topsy turvy twist exhausts one’s confidence, going from sky high to as low as you can go. Thus, the presence of joy is like the temperature, rising and falling daily.

Recognizing this in adulthood, King David sought a permanent state. Troubled by his own problems in life, God introduced the king to a special anointing. Whether performed by Samuel or Nathan, his predecessor, Psalm 45:7 discloses an anointing of joy. While the information is limited, perhaps this Old Testament practice is similar to Jesus’ words in John 10:10.

In an age of economic instability, parents like me struggle to find joy. Lost in a sea of debts, the devil has become successful in stealing my joy weekly. Thus, I find myself desperately seeking an anointing of joy. Perhaps, we find ourselves in similar states, brought to our knees by the burdens of life, Matthew 11:28-30. May the Holy Spirit counsel you until your worries are replaced by joy, John 16:12-15.

Please share how God has helped you find joy to help overcome their own trials in life.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in overcoming and tagged annointing, China, coping with worries, debt, depression, desperate, economic instability, emotions, faith, finding joy, France, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, joy, jubilant, King David, Old Testament, overcoming, problems in life, special anointings, staying even keel, successful, Temperature, the burdens of life, the devil. Bookmark the permalink.

Do Whatever He Tells You

Posted on April 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you were raised in a military family, questioning a person of authority isn’t an option. Colonel Jessup played by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men illustrates this truth during direct examination by Tom Cruise in a military court, “if marines don’t follow orders in Cuba, people die!” Once any individual earns the respect of their fellow civilians, peers or platoon, most will do whatever he or she tells you to do.

In the case of Mary, mother of Jesus, she knew her son was special by age 12, Luke 2:51-52. Eighteen years later, her opinion had not changed, believing her son had divine powers, John 2:3. Thus, when a friend was about to face public humiliation, running out of wine at a wedding ceremony, Mary relies on Jesus to come to the rescue. However, there was a problem, Jesus had only called 6 of his 12 disciples, John 1:35-51, with 6 more remaining to complete his ministry team. Initially, he refuses to act, explaining God’s timing to commence his 3 year ministry had not yet arrived, John 2:4. Nonetheless, Jesus keeps the vow he made following his bar-mitz-vah to honor his father and mother, Exodus 20:12.

As soon as this conflict was settled, Mary moves into action, ordering the servants at the reception to “do whatever Jesus tells you,” John 2:5. Led by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 4:1 and angels, Matthew 4:11, Jesus examines the situation, develops a plan and gives orders to the servants, John 2:6-8. With their jobs and reputations on the line, these workers carefully follow Jesus’ instructions. Likely scratching their heads, hoping for the best, these servants wait in fearful anticipation of the master’s first impression, John 2:9. Not sure if they will be embarrassed, curiosity holds their attention until each receives good news, John 2:10. If this first miracle of Jesus teaches us anything, do whatever He tell you and good things are bound to follow.

If you’ve experienced or seen any modern day miracles, feel free to share in the comment section below.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Perseverence and tagged A Few Good Men, a person of authority, angels, anticipation, bar-mitz-vah, Baseball, becoming a man, China, Colonel Jessup, court, curiosity, divine powers, embarrassed, faith, fear, France, God's timing, handling conflict, hope, humiliation, Jack Nicholson, Jesus, keeping your vows, law, Mary the mother of Jesus, military, miracles, obedience, opinions, raising children, reputation, respect, The Holy Spirit, Tom Cruise. Bookmark the permalink.

When Will It End?

Posted on April 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The afflicted, heart-broken and wounded long to see the sun on the other side of dark clouds engulfing them. In the midst of the storms in life, time seems to stand still, sucking the energy out of desperate souls. Crying out to the Lord, all these individual’s want to know, “when will it end?”

Despite how bad we think our situation is, reading Psalm 44:9-19 may give you a different perspective. Although David is glorified as a man after God’s own heart, 1 Samuel 16:7, his life was a mess. King Saul tried on numerous occasions to kill him, 1 Samuel 19:1-10, David committed adultery and murder in 2 Samuel 11 and was a horrible father, 2 Samuel 13:1-22. Perhaps, this may explain the suffering David endured in Psalm 44, wanting to know, “when will this end Lord?”

Once you become aware of others who have experienced pain, you don’t feel as alone. The most beneficial thing I’ve done in the past 2 times is to regularly meet a former co-worker, Spencer Saints for coffee. This time of accountability and fellowship has served as a vehicle for healing. Whether we’re complaining, pouring out our hearts or sharing what’s going on, this weekly meeting highlights the biblical principle in Hebrews 10:24-25. By spurring on one another in the faith, you’ll find yourself spending more time on how you be can a light for Christ and less on questioning God, “when will my trial end?”

How have other people that you’ve met inspired you to become more like Jesus?

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in overcoming, Perseverence and tagged a man after God's heart, accountability, afflicted, asking God for answers, China, Christ, crisis, dealing with consequences, desperate souls, enduring life's trials, faith, fellowship, France, friends, healing, hear, heart, heart-broken, hope for the hurting, inspiration, Jesus, King David, need, pouring out your heart, Questioning God, spurring on others, suffering, support, the pain of life, wounded. Bookmark the permalink.

The Power of Grace

Posted on April 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Grace is a dying word in most cultures as bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness harbors in the hearts of hurt people. Instead of experiencing the unmerited favor of God, guilt is preventing individuals from accepting this free gift, Romans 5:8. Meanwhile, the condition of forgiveness introduced by Jesus in Matthew 6:15 isn’t being met by followers, revoking the power of grace upon their lives.

While serving as a youth pastor in Indiana, one student was placed into my life to teach me about grace. Despite my attempts to reach out to this high school junior, I was her enemy, the adult who took the job of the person who led her to faith, Romans 10:9-10. On one occasion, her mother approached me, giving me a hug with tears in her eyes, confessing, “I’m sorry my daughter hates you!” This trial tested me, putting my faith into a spiritual fire, 1 Peter 1:6-7. Without this encounter, I might not understand the power of Grace today.

On Sunday, I attended a friend’s church, needing to be showered in God’s grace. In the middle of singing for 30 minutes, the lyrics struck a cord with my soul. Usually stoic and reserved, especially the older I get, the Holy Spirit moved me to tears. Lifting my hands up toward heaven, I sensed my disappointment, stress and worries being washed away, swept clean by the power of grace.

If you’ve been touched by God, please share your story in the comment section below.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged a crisis of faith, barriers to faith, beauty, bitterness, China, coping with hate, disappointment, faith, forgive, God, grace, Indiana, Jesus, NCAA, resentment, revoke, sadness, soul, stress, the condition of forgiveness, the favor of God, The Holy Spirit, Trials, unforgiveness, worries. Bookmark the permalink.

ExpressYourself4Him

Tag Archives: faith

Making A Clear Distinction

The Anguish of Disobedience

Before God’s Presence Appears

Elijah’s Blueprint

Be Careful What You Long For

The Fortification of Faith

The Anointing of Joy

Do Whatever He Tells You

When Will It End?

The Power of Grace

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