Tag Archives: faith

Experiencing the Fullness of God

Posted on February 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I met the parents of my students for the first time, I developed an active learning exercise using a glass of water, a paper towel and a sponge. Since the desks in my room were shared with 2-3 other students, there were low areas on each one. I poured water on a desk in the middle of the room, let it sit for a moment, added a paper towel and then a sponge. Each scenario represents one of the three choices that students make daily.

For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him [p]permanently. 20 And God purposed that through ([q]by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled [r]back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross, Colossians 1:19-20.

Like a parable of Jesus, the table is symbolic of a heartened heart with the water the information I share with students daily. When students don’t care, the water just stays in the room. However, when a piece of information catches a student’s attention, the paper towel absorbs what they want to hear. This half-hearted nature picks and choices when students want to listen and when they tune out. The final option and ultimate goal is to become a sponge by pouring your whole heart into learning every day.

For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature]. 10 And you [f]are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power], Colossians 2:9-10.

Until Christians develop a whole heart for the Bible by making Jesus the Lord of your life, Romans 10:9-11, you only receive a portion of the abundant life, John 10:10. This is like reading the Cliff Notes version of a book to study for a test rather than the actual book; taking the path of least resistance. While we all stumble and fall short of God’s glory, Romans 3:9-12, God is searching for men and women who are willing to put their whole heart into faith. When you become all in for Jesus, you will begin to experience the fullness of God.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

The Journey Toward Maturity

Posted on February 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Maturity is one of those traits where there is always room for improvement. Depending upon the situation, you never know when tantrums from your childhood may rear its ugly head. There is something about pressure and stress that often brings out raw emotion. Whenever you fail these social pop quizzes, it’s a painful reminder that you still have a long way to go on the journey toward maturity.

As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving, Colossians 2:6-7.

The apostle Paul compares maturity to planting a tree in a good location. The Psalmist writes about the ideal environment down by a river side so that roots can get fresh water daily, Psalm 1:1-3. Jesus tells a story about 4 basic soils, 3 of which have limitations that will hamper and stunt your growth, Matthew 13:18-23. Only when you plant yourself in a fertile environment will maturity begin to blossom.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

The earthly brother of Jesus refers to opportunities for growth in the passage above. Despite how frustrated and irritated you may become, trials and temptations serve as a way to work out your rough edges. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ disciples compares difficult situations to proving grounds where your faith is tried and tested. The more things that are thrown at you, your journey toward maturity will be accelerated as long as you cling to faith in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

What Makes Demons Tremble?

Posted on January 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Over five billion copies of the Bible have been sold worldwide. This book is a great resource for history, faith, and religious practices. Yet, the Bible contains details of what will happen in the last days on earth. The book of Revelation refers to seven tribulations that lead up to the battle of Armageddon, Revelation 16:14-16. The conclusion of this war is what makes demons tremble.

You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as [a]make a man’s hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]! – James 2:19

If you follow current events by watching cable news or reading articles on various sites, not much makes sense. Criminals in many states are being released from jail without bail on the same day only to commit similar or more violent attacks on law abiding citizens days later. This trend has spiraled act of control resulting in numerous unnecessary deaths if these criminals were punished for their first violent offense.

And angels who did not keep (care for, guard, and hold to) their own first place of power but abandoned their proper dwelling place—these He has reserved in custody in eternal chains (bonds) under the thick gloom of utter darkness until the judgment and doom of the great day. 7 [The wicked are sentenced to suffer] just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the adjacent towns—which likewise gave themselves over to impurity and indulged in unnatural vice and sensual perversity—are laid out [in plain sight] as an exhibit of perpetual punishment [to warn] of everlasting fire, Jude 1:6-7.

This is not how the Bible works. According to Matthew 12:36-37, there will be a day of judgment where you will have to give an account for everything you have done on earth. Individuals who have had near death experiences have explained this as watching a movie about your life containing the good, bad and ugly moments. After dying, everyone will be judged by God. This is what makes demons tremble.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Under the Influence of a Sinful Nature

Posted on January 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

New York was the first state to create a law for individuals driving under the influence of alcohol. The first reported DUI arrest was in 1910. Modern laws use a person’s blood alcohol level to determine if someone is driving while intoxicated or over the legal limit, .1 percent which may vary from state to state. While the Bible warns about getting drunk, there are is another force that deserves careful attention.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! 6 And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man’s nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna), James 3:5-6.

The section of the Bible known as the Catholic Letters begins with a warning about words. James 1:19 introduces the influence of anger on your speech. James 2:17 suggests that if the words you use don’t reflect your personal relationship with God that your faith is either dead or dying. In the passage above, the earthly brother of Jesus illustrates what happens to your language under the influence of a sinful nature.

But sin, finding opportunity in the commandment [to express itself], got a hold on me and aroused and stimulated all kinds of forbidden desires (lust, covetousness). For without the Law sin is dead [the sense of it is inactive and a lifeless thing]. 9 Once I was alive, but quite apart from and unconscious of the Law. But when the commandment came, sin lived again and I died (was sentenced by the Law to death).10 And the very legal ordinance which was designed and intended to bring life actually proved [to mean to me] death, Romans 7:8-10.

Since not everyone is outgoing, the apostle Paul provides an internal analysis above of how sinful desires can hold you back spiritually. While the human mind is a beautiful thing to waste, Eve was the first victim when she allowed lies about God to be planted within her thoughts, Genesis 3:4-6. Any foreign influence starts off subtle with a compromise. Yet, once your judgment becomes clouded, enticement and lust open your mind to that which once was forbidden. The only way to break free from the influence of the sinful nature is by embracing the harvest of righteousness, James 3:17-18.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

What a Spiritual Journey Encompasses

Posted on January 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While a Christian’s faith begins with a public confession, Romans 10:9-11, the journey that follows is a life-long commitment. One New Testament author compares this to running a marathon in Hebrews 12:1-2. Yet, the apostle Paul provides an accurate description in the passage below of what a spiritual journey encompasses. This comes in the form of a prayer request so that Christians in Colosse reach their full potential.

For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [[g]special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the [h]full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [[i]in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—Colossians 1:9.

Part of this journey involves discovering your own spiritual gift, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Until these talents are manifested and or unveiled, you probably won’t know the direction or path to take in life. Perhaps, this is why the apostle Paul spent so much time praying for clarity, knowledge and understanding for God’s will in life. Unlike Dorthy who had a yellow brick road to lead her and her friends to Oz, the Holy Spirit is an invisible guide for Christians on this journey of faith.

That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and [j]desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, [k]acquaintance, and recognition]. 11 [We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, Colossians 1:10-11.

Yet, when everything comes together and the stars align, God’s goal is for Christians to conduct your life in a manner worthy of the Lord. In a letter to a teenager pastor, Paul calls this leader to fan into flame his gifts. Go forth and fulfill what God has called you to do in life. While I long to become a screenwriter in Hollywood, for now God is calling me to post a blog every day so that you may know what a spiritual journey encompasses.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

The Father of All Light

Posted on January 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Exodus 8 reveals an important lesson about light and life. When King Pharaoh could not explain some of the miracles performed by Aaron and Moses, he sent for magicians who were actually able to duplicate the first two. Moses claimed that enchantments and secret arts allowed these magicians to turn water into blood and call forth frogs from the waters to fill the land. Yet, when these magicians were unable to bring forth gnats or mosquitoes, these men came to the conclusion that this was the finger of God, Exodus 8:18-19.

For such men are false apostles [spurious, counterfeits], deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ (the Messiah). 14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; 15 So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond with their deeds, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

According to the apostle Paul, Satan possessed similar powers in the first century. Apparently, Lucifer was able to retain some of his archangel abilities as Paul describes him as the ruler of the air, Ephesus 2:2. Just like the Egyptian magicians thousands of years ago, some modern leaders continue to masquerade as spurious counterfeits of faith today. Yet, at some point in time these individuals will be exposed as their hidden agendas and motives will be uncovered by the Father of all Light. Nonetheless, free will provides the power hungry with an excuse to see how much they can get away with in the darkness.

Every good gift and every perfect ([d]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse], James 1:17.

When you grow up with a big brother who is perfect, you start to follow him around to find out the secret of his success. Apparently, James likely spied on Jesus while He was praying with His heavenly Father. While he may not have gotten as close as he wanted to hear every word spoken, James came to the conclusion that the Father of Light is what made Jesus who He was. Sharing eyewitness testimony, James wants every first century Christian to know that it is the God of heaven who is the giver of all good things. There is no doubt about it so don’t be deceived by luck, chance or coincidences.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

The First Fruits of a New Year

Posted on January 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The concept of biblical first fruits is one of those things I always struggled to visualize. First fruits is introduced in Genesis 4 where two brothers are called by God to give an offering up to the Lord. Since Cain was a farmer and food takes time to grow, he was hesitant to give God the best crops that he just picked. Meanwhile, Abel was a shepherd and offered up his very best sheep to the Lord. Abel gave his first fruit of the year believing God would provide in the future, but Cain held back food, doubting God.

And [we obligate ourselves] to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the first of all the fruit of all trees year by year to the house of the Lord, 36 As well as the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as is written in the Law, and the firstlings of our herds and flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in [His] house. 37 And we shall bring the first and best of our coarse meal, our contributions, the fruit of all kinds of trees, of new wine, and of oil to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God. And we shall bring the tithes from our ground to the Levites, for they, the Levites, collect the tithes in all our rural towns, Nehemiah 10:35-37.

Nehemiah was living in exile, serving as bodyguard for the king of Persia. One day a messenger sent word to Nehemiah that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken and the gates were on fire. This devastating news stirred Nehemiah’s heart, inspiring an extended period of fasting and prayer. Following this time of mourning, God gave Nehemiah a vision and plan to repair and rebuild the wall. The passage above serves as a celebration to give first fruits to the Lord as the wall surrounding Jerusalem was completed.

And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself], James 1:18.

The earthly brother of James provides a modern interpretation of first fruits. Instead of offering up a sacrifice similar to that of the Old Testament, our lives should be a demonstration that we’re serve a living God. As you read and study the Bible today, you should be inspired to live out your faith like Jesus, Romans 10:17. Colossians 3:17 and 23 provide a call to action. “Whatever you do, whether in action or words, do this all in the name of Jesus” as a first fruits offering in this new year.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Understand This

Posted on January 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school teacher, understand this is code for get ready to listen. The author of the first Catholic Letter in the New Testament uses understand this as a transitional statement. Following a short section on God as the Giver of All Good Things, James provides practical advice that should be applied daily. This isn’t optional for Christians. Rather, it’s mandatory and necessary to become the person that God wants you to be.

Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. 20 For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires], James 1:19-20.

In the passage above, James gives instructions for becoming a student of God’s Word. When you’re eager to learn, you won’t interrupt the teacher every time a thought pops into your head. Rather, a ready listener is slow to speak as you contemplate and meditate upon what you are hearing. Perhaps, this is what Jesus meant by the expression “don’t just be a hearer of the Word, but be a doer of God’s Word.” Before acting out in anger, students of the Bible are better prepared to avoid sinning while angry.

So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls, James 1:21.

Before you start feeling good about yourself, James calls all Christians to clean up your life. This isn’t just a New Years resolution that will fade away by the Spring. Rather, weeding out any addiction or bad habit from your life will result in subtle changes that will culminate in a spiritual transformation. Yet, this is only possible when the Bible is implanted within thought life and rooted inside your heart. Understand this faith comes from hearing the message and the message is the testimony of Jesus Christ, Romans 10:17.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

No Signs of Life

Posted on December 31, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Today’s title is found in the lyrics of a band based in Columbus, Ohio. Send the Beggar’s second album Closer to Complete features a song entitled The Knot. The message is based upon a Christian who blends into their surroundings, afraid to make a public confession of a faith in Jesus. The lyrics include an autopsy performed by an angel, carefully examining this person’s heart. Inside the name Jesus Christ is pulled out, causing confusion which prompts a question: “why was this never shown?”

Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus. 12 Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions, Romans 6:11-12.

One of the things I struggled with as a new Christian was mixing feelings with faith. My life was like an emotional roller coaster lifting everyone up around me while on my highs. This was quickly replaced by depression as I sucked the joy out of every room that I entered. To be honest, there have been periods where I exhibited no signs of life as a Christian. Like James 1:13-15, my faith was dead inside.

Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and [a]faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and [b]faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God’s favor and mercy], Romans 6:13-14.

Apparently, first century Christians in Rome also experienced spiritual dry spells. Depending upon how you lived in the past, breaking any addiction or bad habit can take years. Similar to an internal tug of war, Galatians 5:16-18, ridding your life of sinful desires isn’t easy. King David describes this conviction and pain in Psalm 55:1-4. Whenever you find yourself spiritually dead or dying, on the verge of walking away from your faith, pour out your heart to God in prayer. May confession bring you back to life spiritually in 2022.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

A Faith That Can’t Be Shaken

Posted on December 26, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The author of Hebrews devotes two chapters to the topic of faith. The first highlights outstanding examples of faith in Hebrews 11. The latter in chapter 12 examines faith in a practical manner detailing all the obstacles you may face over the course of your life. The grand finale uses similar terminology found in Romans 12:1-2. The end goal is to develop a faith that can’t be shaken. Yet, how is this possible?

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. 7 [Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world’s unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness ([c]that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith), Hebrews 11:6-7.

One of the expressions the author of Hebrews uses several times is lean your entire human personality on God. This is often followed by placing absolute trust and confidence in God’s power which is the Holy Spirit. This spiritual quality enabled spiritual leaders of the past to honored in the Bible’s Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. This is what builds a faith that can’t be shaken.

Now this expression, Yet once more, indicates the final removal and transformation of all [that can be] shaken—that is, of that which has been created—in order that what cannot be shaken may remain and continue. 28 Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe; Hebrews 12:27-28.

When you begin to live and fulfill God’s will, the stars align to provide a greater sense of purpose. The hard part is reaching a point where all your God given gifts and talents can be fanned into flame daily. I was blessed to be a high school Bible teacher and golf coach for a decade. Unfortunately, sometimes God’s plan changes and you have to adapt as quick as possible. While I currently possess a faith that has been broken, I’m trusting the Lord in 2022 so that my faith can be restored, renewed and rise again.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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