Tag Archives: faith

Extraordinary Faith

Posted on September 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One day, Jesus’ disciples were ease dropping, listening to him talk to a rich young ruler, Matthew 19:16-22.  Although books don’t often mention facial expressions like the movies or television, I get the feeling Peter was shaking his head in disbelief as this righteous man went home disappointed by Jesus’ response.  In fact, Matthew tells us that all 12 disciples began to question their own faith, wondering if they could be saved? – Matthew 19:25

Based upon this passage, without Jesus, everyone is ordinary.  The apostle Paul is even more blunt in Romans 3:9-12.  Yet, one verse changes the mood of all of those in attendance, Matthew 19:26.  According to Philippians 4:13, what was once thought improbable is now possible through Jesus, God’s son.  This sudden change or “Hail Mary,” a football term for last ditch effort at victory is illustrated by the song, When God Ran.

Tomorrow night, I am beginning a 12 week adventure, a Bible Study series called Extraordinary Faith.  I am not sure who is going to show up at my house from 8-9 pm, but I am trusting God to bring those individuals He has called.  This reinvention or revolutionary glimpse at discipleship will transform hearts ready to serve.  While demons of doubt are likely already at work, trying to spoil this event, I believe in an extraordinary faith that can and will demolish strongholds in the end, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  This Study will be made available through Google Docs for those interested in bringing it to your home town.  Contact me on Facebook if the Holy Spirit places on burden on your heart to lead or host this study.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Is It Strange that I Feel This Way?

Posted on September 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The new normal in the 21st century is foreign to many who hold to Judeo-Christian values.  While talking to a friend this past week, our conversation turned toward college, the temptations we faced and the culture that currently exists.  When my friend’s daughter came home last week for the first time, just starting her freshman year, she felt uneasy.  One of the things she is wrestling with is the disconnect she has with friends who have embraced the party atmosphere at school.  Not sure how to respond, she asked her father, “is it strange that I feel this way?”

Once of Jesus’ disciples used the term alien to describe how he felt living in and among the world, 1 Peter 2:11-12.  Strange is relative depending upon your normal surroundings, but it is clear when you choose to go against the flow, its not easy, requiring courage, fortitude and faith.  However, Peter expounds upon what believers should expect, a spiritual war, urging you to comply with the sinful nature.  This attack on the human soul begins with the commercialism of alcohol.  The message has become so prevalent on television that beer, liquor and mixed drinks are trying to convince consumers that if you buy this, drink that or are seen holding a certain beverage, you will be the life of the party.  This hyper-reality overlooks the pain hangovers produce, deaths related to drunk driving and the destruction alcoholism can create within families.

During my first semester at the University of Delaware, my floor had the lowest Grade Point Average on campus according to my Resident Assistant.  While not quite as low as the Delta’s in the movie Animal House, I felt like I wasted an entire semester.  Those students who earned a 0.0 GPA did not return, leaving a much quieter dorm.  Even friends I knew who lived in Fraternity homes, either matured or grew tired of partying.  Therefore, for anyone out there, who thinks they aren’t normal for abstaining from drinking, you are not alone.  Like the Old Testament suggests, God always keeps a remnant, a group of followers who overcome temptation by holding true to the Bible.  Hold fast to the promise of Galatians 6:9-10!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Yearning for the Favor of God

Posted on September 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As life seems to pass people by, its easy to become a grumpy old man or woman, complaining about this or that.  To ease your pain, you might even wish harm on someone’s success, jealous of their apparent blessings from God.  Yet, in the end, all people really yearn for is the favor of God.

When you reach a state of helplessness, unable to pay your bills, provide for your family or know where your next meal is going to come from, faith is a last resort.  Sure, winning the lottery would be great, but reality tells another story.  Hard work and prayers only take you so far, the rest depends on whether or not your daily life pleases the Lord like Abel or results in the disappointment of Cain.

Genesis 39-42 provides a spiritual road map for becoming the apple of God’s eye.  Despite the various tough luck Joseph endures through these chapters of the Bible, others recognized the hand of God in his life.  Potiphar gave him total control of his estate and a warden delegated full responsibility of a prison to his care.  In the ups and downs of life, Joseph’s relationship with God was a mainstay, the wind beneath his wings.

A couple of thousands of years after Joseph’s death in Egypt, Jesus shares a parable in Matthew 25:14-30.  Though the term favor is not mentioned directly, Jesus reveals how someone can get God’s attention.  Like a master going on a long journey, no date is set for his return.  Nonetheless, the goal is simple, live each day as if they are coming home today.  Void of complacency, seeking God’s favor is not unattainable.  On the contrary, take the unique gift, personality and talent you have received from the Lord, applying each daily.  God willing, by His grace and mercy, one day, you will hear those words spoken by Jesus, “well done good and faithful servant!” – Matthew 25:21.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

I Think I Got Away With It… Or Did I?

Posted on August 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Maybe you faked being sick so you didn’t have to go to school and or work?  Perhaps you exaggerated slightly to avoid being blamed for a mistake or oversight?  Or did you flat out lie to your parents, creating a fictional story which rescued you from being grounded?  If you are like me, there were times in my past when I thought I got away with a lie.  However, future consequences, events and trials suggest that God was watching and I did not escape His punishment.

Genesis 27 provides a perfect case study for someone who thinks they got away with a lie.  Rebekah is the mastermind of this initial lie, trying to steal Isaac’s blessing from Esau.  While ease dropping, she overhears Isaac’s request for his favorite meal.  Once Esau leaves his father’s presence, Rebekah lays out her plan to deceive the blind, but not deaf Isaac.  With meal in hand, fake hair and one of Esau’s favorite outfits which he wasn’t wearing, Jacob tricks his curious father into the blessing he longed to receive.  The plan was executed with perfection or was it?

Upon hearing he had been duped by his twin brother, Esau sobs, begging Isaac for another blessing, yet he is denied.  Genesis 27:41 reveals Esau’s ploy for revenge, murder.  When she heard this through the grapevine, Rebekah ushers Jacob quickly out of their house to stay with her brother Laban until Esau’s anger cools off.  However, Uncle Laban teaches Jacob a few lessons about lying, Genesis 29:15-30, possibly in response to his sister’s foolish actions.

The answer to the question, did I get away with it or not is found in Deuteronomy 30:17-18.  Whenever you add or subtract from God’s commands, Deuteronomy 12:32, you forfeit God’s favor.  While forgiveness will be received after confession, God’s formula for blessings in life is simple, fully obey God’s commands, decrees and laws, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.  When you rely on your own strength, this is impossible, Romans 3:23.  Yet, in Christ, Philippians 4:13, with sole dependence on Him, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, God’s power is unleashed.  Therefore, the next time you are tempted to exaggerate, falsify or lie, remember to place your faith in God, Proverbs 3:5-6, so that He alone will make your paths straight.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Yes…There is a God!

Posted on August 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

There is a tiny portion, possibly within the human soul, that wants to believe there is a higher power beyond the earth, with an Almighty God who maintains control over the universe.  Yet, there is also another inclination inside individuals that seeks to test God.  This is what I call the “if only syndrome,” where people place conditions on their prayers.  God if only you can do this, give me that or provide this type of job, then I will believe and follow you.

Based upon what I read today in Genesis 29:4-12, Jacob becomes overwhelmed, proclaiming, “yes, there is a God.”  After having the talk with his parents, Genesis 28:1-5, he is sent out to find a godly wife among the relatives of Abraham.  Heartbroken by Esau’s choice in a wife, Isaac and Rebekah seek to avoid having another son make the same mistake.  Thus, just as Abraham sent a servant to find a wife for Isaac, Isaac now entrusts his son find to rely on Lord as he follows his father’s advice.  His answered prayer becomes crystal clear in Genesis 29:11.

In a state of shock, Jacob kisses Rachel without permission, then his excitement brings tears of joy to his eyes.  Jacob was blown away by the goodness, power and quickness in which God replied to his prayers.  Like Jacob, there at moments in life where God snaps His fingers and before our own very eyes, prayers are answered.  Sure, the skeptic who will say, “even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every so often, you’re just lucky or maybe it was just a coincidence?”  However, as I turn 44 years old today, living nearly 30 as a follower of Christ, I can say without a doubt, yes, there is a God!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Imagination in Captivity

Posted on August 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As a child, everyone has moments where one day dreams of an ideal career, goal or vision of a bright future.  Something about the energy of youth, inspires one to climb the ladder of success, striving to be the best you can be.  Unfortunately, somewhere between adolescence and adulthood, a Debbie downer, glass half empty person or realist brings you back to earth by reminding you of all the obstacles standing in your way.  It is here, where imagination becomes imprisoned, held captive by fear.

On the corner of Average and Great, at the crossroads in life, choices dictate the path you follow.  Will failure lead you to turn around toward the Lane of Shame?  Does money inhabit your chances to reach for the stars?  Or do you suffer from paralysis by analysis, standing on the curb, still trying to decide?  My imagination has designed 2 dozen golf courses, composed nearly 20 songs, several games, a complete movie script and a novel in the works.  However, currently, my imagination is in captivity, with a few disks, documents and notebooks full of potential, yet void of success.

At these moments in life, one must call on the wisdom of Solomon, 1 Kings 3:4-9.  If I am to rescued from these chains, I need God to send me wise men or women to show me how to display the potential I possess.  When patience is tested like Abraham, waiting 18 years for God to give his wife a child, the true heart of man is exposed.  If Thomas Edison can attempt 9,999 ways how not to make a light bulb, I guess I can endure a few more days, weeks, months or years in captivity.  May God grant me a spirit of perseverance so that one glimmer of hope will lead to a spiritual light within me for the world to see.  In my mind, I can see freedom, faith and a finished product.  Until then, “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!”

by Jay Mankus

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Trayvon is Gone… Move On

Posted on July 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When you don’t get the grade, ruling or outcome that you expect in life, frustration rears its ugly head.  In the moments following the verdict on the death of Trayvon Martin, horrific tweets, riots and protests took center stage in the media.  Instead of peace and satisfaction, the African American community felt betrayed, expecting a different outcome.  In the end, Trayvon is gone, the jury has spoken and its time to move on.

On August 28th, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous I have a dream speech.  As I read through his text today, I am compelled to move people toward solutions and steer clear of holding grudges.  Dr. King spoke about brotherhood, embracing all of God’s children and judging people by the content of their character.  Unfortunately, too many individuals still see issues in black and white instead of being one nation under God.  Honor Dr. King by being a vessel of action, changing our culture with a Christ like faith, Matthew 19:26.

One of my favorite songs comes from the artist Geoff Moore & the Distance.  In the lyrics of Through It from his 1999 album, Geoff sings about the trials people face in life.  As the chorus goes, “sometimes, we need to go through the fire, to move beyond the obstacles staring us in the face.”  While it will take some time for Trayvon’s mother and family to let go of the pain they are feeling, the rest of our nation must move on.  There is only one judge, who we will all stand before on Judgment Day, Matthew 12:36, to judge the innocent and guilty.  Until this day, let us strive to fulfill Dr. King’s dream by applying biblical principles.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Are You Ready for Some… Persecution?

Posted on July 11, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Hank Williams Jr . (HankJr.com) MONTGOMERY Alabama – Many men have gone to extremes to escape the...

 

For twenty years, Hank Williams Jr. and Monday Night Football went hand and hand.  This country music icon began singing his famous pregame song in 1991 for ABC and ESPN.  However, when asked his honest opinion about President Obama on Fox News in October of 2011, his gig came to an abrupt halt.  Instead of singing are you ready for some football, Hank has changed his tune to, “Are you ready for some persecution?”

On December 15th, 1791, the first amendment was adopted as part of the Bill of Rights.  This amendment was designed to protect American citizens against government intrusion.  This portion of the United States Constitution is suppose to protect a person’s faith, speech, religion and right to assemble.  However, in recent years if your opinion is not politically correct or you don’t possess the right party affiliation, persecution follows.

The Martyr

Similar conditions greeted the apostle Paul during the middle of the first century AD.  Based upon Luke’s account in Acts 17:22-24, Paul and Silas were stripped, publicly flogged and thrown in jail for freeing a slave from her greedy owners, Acts 17:16-19.  Despite being Roman citizens, they were accused without a trial, found guilty by the court of public opinion like Hank Williams Jr.

If the Bible is truly a glimpse of the future, every Christian should be prepared for persecution.  Jesus recounts details of the final days on earth in Matthew 24:4-25.  According to this account, the days of entertainment, fun and watching NFL football games will be over.  Like the Left Behind series, the world will be at war with Christianity.  Followers will be forced to join the new world order or flee for their lives.  I hate to be negative, but this is what will be coming in the end days.  Ready or not, persecution may already be here!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Faith Like the Jeffersons

Posted on July 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In their theme song, Movin’ On Up, 2 African Americans elude to their struggles to achieve the American Dream.  As the lyrics below indicate, George and Louise Jefferson worked their way up from poverty to the upper middle class.  This 70’s sitcom served as a spin off of All in the Family, lasting 11 seasons with an impressive total of 253 episodes.

Movin’ On Up

Well we’re movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up,
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.

Fish don’t fry in the kitchen;
Beans don’t burn on the grill.
Took a whole lotta tryin’,
Just to get up that hill.
Now we’re up in the big leagues,
Gettin’ our turn at bat.
As long as we live, it’s you and me baby,
There ain’t nothin wrong with that.

Well we’re movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up,
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.

For the average middle class family in America, times have gotten tough and if the recent down turn in the economy is any indication, its only going to get worse.  Like the Jefferson’s, I have big dreams for a deluxe apartment in the sky, yet I currently find myself as a lowly peon.  When you start over or begin a new job, you’re at the bottom, looking up at everyone else.  To accomplish your goals, you have to stand out, Philippians 2:14-15, going above and beyond the basic expectations of your employer.

Although you might feel like Cinderella at times, lost and forgotten, you must possess faith like the Jeffersons, Matthew 21:21-22.  Their vision for a better life didn’t happen over night, they had to work for it.  Thus, the next time you feel like you’re not where you want to be, bear down by trusting in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6.  Aim yourself with the attitude of Christ, 1 Peter 4:1-2 and the desires of your heart will be within reach, Jeremiah 29:11.  Keep the faith!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Theological Divides

Posted on June 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Early in the first century AD, a spirit of jealousy entered into Jewish believers, Acts 15:1-2.  Since the introduction of the covenant of Circumcision in Genesis 17, God had set apart the descendants of Abram as His chosen people.  Thus, the thought of any Gentile receiving the grace of God was foreign, rejected by those who clung to the theology of the Pharisees, Acts 15:5.  Like the Judiazers within Galatia, to become a Christian was to follow in the traditions of the Old Testament, causing even Barnabas to stumble, Galatians 2:11-13.

Today, a new form of Judiazer is present as the elite and misguided perform isogesis, reading their own beliefs into passages of the Bible not supported by the original context.  As a result, heresy’s come and go, confusing the faith of new believers and ticking off others within the body of Christ.  Sects of the pentecostal movement claim salvation is dependent upon speaking in tongues, with hell destined for those who don’t.  Meanwhile, liberalism has allowed a spirit of fear to enter into the pulpit, leading some pastors to become afraid of offending their members with the Word of God.

From my view in the bleachers, another Acts 15 letter needs to occur to straighten out the confusion which exists within 21st century followers of Christ.  Instead of obtaining Psalm 133:1, Satan has poisoned innocent minds, Acts 14:2, leaving behind a wall of theological divides.  May the words of Colossians 3:12-14 serve as an outline, a starting place to tear down these invisible walls.  Pray that Colossians 3:15-17 would become a reality before the church in America becomes a museum like Europe.  Act now to demolish these divisive barriers.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →