Tag Archives: faith

Killing Despair

Posted on October 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever been caught singing the blues, you’ve experienced despair.  Initial symptoms trigger depression, gloom and resignation.  Breaking free from these doldrums isn’t easy.  However, there is a cure to eliminating despair.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28.

Jesus had a tendency to attract misfits, people whom the social elite would never give the time of day.  Beyond his unusual daily wardrobe, Jesus made an emotional connection with total strangers.  Thus, when He spoke about laying your burdens down, hurting souls began to lighten their loads of stress and worry.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, Matthew 11:29.

In their song Kill Your Own Despair, Esterlyn references these biblical principles.  Belief in a higher power is the first step from breaking free from this invisible force.  However, belief is meaningless without faith in action.  Therefore, as soon as individuals make this leap, you can find rest for your souls.  If despair is currently sucking the joy from your life,  trust in the promises of the Bible to kill your own despair.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The History of Faith

Posted on October 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

History is one of those topics in school that is often neglected.  However, there are moments in time when a student can retrace history which helps make things click.  If you live on the East Coast, remains from the Revolutionary or Civil War are close, possibly a stones throw away.  As for me, I live less than a mile from a famous battle which turned the tide in the Revolutionary War.  Although obscure to many, traveling over this bridge daily can unlock the history to America’s faith.

To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran, Acts 7:3.

Prior to Acts 7, important religious information was left to spiritual forefathers, prophets, kings of Israel, Jesus or one of the 12 disciples.  Perhaps, the average person felt left out, not one of God’s chosen people.  Yet, beginning in Acts 7, the history of faith is conveyed by a relative outsider.  This new voice provides a brief glimpse of how Jews and Christians are linked together by a history of faithful leaders.

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” – Acts 7:51 

In view of Stephen’s speech to Jewish leaders, I wish Americans would begin to retrace their own history of faith.  Political correctness and revisionist historians are trying to hide the spiritual foundation of America’s forefathers.  Just as government officials in the first century were resistant to change, stubborn hearts are preventing many from seeing the truth.  Maybe adults need to take their children on local field trips to a nearby museum or historical site so that the history of faith will be unveiled to those currently grasping at straws.

by Jay Mankus

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When Obeying God Trumps Man

Posted on October 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

From an early age, the concept of obedience is reinforced within many childhood games.  Simon Says, Mother May I and Red Light, Green Light rewards and penalizes players for either obeying or disobeying.  Perhaps, the creators of these activities understood obeying God trumps man.

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” – Acts 5:28

Following the legalization of abortion in 1973 after the Roe vs. Wade ruling, the Senate passed the Church Amendment which eventually led states to enact conscience clauses.   While the wording may be different, these laws prevent individuals from performing procedures that go against their religious beliefs.  Unfortunately, as political correctness replaces the Bible as the moral gold standard, many are faced with the dilemma, “do I please man or God?”

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! – Acts 5:29

The disciples of Jesus found themselves in a similar situation around AD 30.  Jewish leaders and Roman officials attempted to quench their freedom of speech.  Thus, after authorities encouraged Peter to stop telling others about Jesus, he faced a crisis of faith.  Prior to the Holy Spirit, Peter would have likely retreated, blending into society like a chameleon.  However, after Pentecost Peter was a different man, unable to remain silent anymore.  Thus, this is one of those occasions in life when obeying God trumps man.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Threat of Faith

Posted on October 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to the scientific community life evolves.  As environments or habitats change, creatures and human beings are forced to adapt if they want to survive.  The same can be said about worldviews.  When truth is conveyed, realized or revealed, belief systems are put to the test.  This is the threat of faith.

For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us, Acts 6:14.

People will always go through periods of change.  Whether its puberty, relationships or unforeseen trials, each day provides a series of surprises.  Through the good and bad, hearts rejoice and grieve, while emotions rise and fall.  Yet, when what you have always known is challenged, faith and doubt collide.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ, Romans 10:17.

Through the years, time can take a toll on wounded souls.  In the case of the Jews, religious leaders thought the Jesus movement would destroy Judaism.  Thus, this threat elevated tensions, fueling resentment against Christianity.  As more and more individuals believed and were baptized, faith became a threat.  Nonetheless, when souls hear or read the words of the Bible, faith becomes a friend in Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Worthy of Suffering

Posted on October 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

During my time at the University of Delaware, I was fortunate enough to meet several missionaries.  Through campus groups like Campus Crusade, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Intervarsity, opportunities arose to interact with individuals from different countries, cultures and dynamic characters.  In biblical terms, several of these people I met are worthy of suffering.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name, Acts 5:41.

It’s interesting how people define success in various ways.  The poor may say a good day is having enough money to feed the whole family.  The middle class might suggest its making more than you spend.  Meanwhile, the upper class base success on property, possessions and power.  Yet, for first century Christians, enduring public persecution for their faith was like a badge of courage.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name, 1 Peter 1:7.

Beyond any physical or verbal abuse martyrs experienced, a nugget of truth has been passed on from generation to generation.  While you may suffer for your beliefs, trials serve as a vehicle for growth.  Just as a furnace uses fire to remove imperfections from clay, persecution strengthens faith.  Thus, while the world is dumbfounded by those willing to risk death, imprisonment or public beatings, devout Christians continue to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Can’t Be Stopped

Posted on October 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

History can be like a treasure chest, full of valuable life lessons.  Despite these riches, pride will cause many to ignore this information.  Thus, if you don’t learn from the past, you will repeat the same failures of those who have gone before you.  From a spiritual perspective, you may have the fight of a bull dog, but sometimes God can’t be stopped.

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail, Acts 5:38.

During a closed door meeting, religious officials in Jerusalem were flustered by a new movement.  Gamaliel, a shrewd Pharisee, adds his own two cents, reflecting upon previous events.  Recounting two similar uprisings, Gamaliel makes a valid point.  If the inspiration by the movement of these apostles of Jesus is natural, it will eventually die out.  However, if this origin is supernatural, it can’t be stopped.

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God, Acts 5:39.

Students of John Calvin believe God predestines the choices individuals make in this life.  The opposing view suggests free will is an expression of the human soul, giving each the ability to accept or reject faith in God.  Depending upon where you find yourself on this position, your mindset will be slanted in one direction or the other.  Beyond theology, the Lord has omnipotent power on the earth.  Therefore, don’t be fooled by man’s wisdom.  Rather, be open to movements of God inspired by the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

 

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My Daughter’s Generation

Posted on October 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Over the weekend, I attended my second Father Daughter Retreat.  Since my daughter is the youngest and isn’t as passionate about sports as my sons, I don’t have that same connection.  Thus, its moments like this which provide a vehicle to bond and connect with my only daughter.  Currently, my greatest fear is the direction and issues confronting my daughter’s generation.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

In view of the recent school shooting in Oregon, individuals seeking 15 minutes of fame are targeting the lives of Christians, attempting to snuff out their faith.  Whether experts, investigators or law officers want to admit it or not, Satan is like a puppet master pulling the strings which cause these vessels of evil to snap.  Beneath the surface, demons are planting seeds of violence inside the hearts and minds of these pawns.  When the timings is right, devilish schemes are acted upon despite whatever good Samaritan tries to intervene.

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD,” Joshua 24:15.

Following in the footsteps of Moses, Joshua wasn’t afraid to speak the truth in love.  After seeing the affects of other cultures on God’s chosen people, Joshua drew a line in the sand.  However, Joshua didn’t just talk a good game, he lived one as well.  While you can’t change how people will respond to cultural trends, you can blaze a trail of integrity for your children to follow.  Therefore, despite the obvious negative signs that currently exist, emulate Jesus in this cold and dark world so that someone in your daughter’s generation will leave a legacy of faith.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Holy Spirit Intercedes

Posted on September 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There are certain events, occurrences or things that can’t be explained by science.  When the best, brightest and wisest cannot make sense of a situation, the Bible provides clues to the supernatural.  Sometimes the answer to these questions is simply the Holy Spirit interceded.

There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work, 1 Corinthians 12:6.

The apostle Paul lived a life like the classic novel A Tale of Two Cities.  The first half of his life was steeped in religious tradition, persecuting early Christians.  Following an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, a brief period of blindness caused Saul to contemplate the meaning of life.  After a transitional period, trying to comprehend what was happening to him, I guess you can say during this trip, the Holy Spirit intervened.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good, 1 Corinthians 12:7.

Modern Christians have testified to experiencing conversations where they have blacked out.  Although these individuals never collapsed, the Holy Spirit spoke through them.  However, in a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul refers to other manifestations of the Holy Spirit.  These include discernment, dreams, faith, intercession, insight, wisdom and visions.  While nobody knows to whom or when this supernatural event will occur again, yet when the Holy Spirit intercedes it is for the common good of the church.

by Jay Mankus

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When True Love Waits…

Posted on September 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

While Tim Tebow was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles during training camp this past summer, members of the media took their usually jabs at Tim’s flawed throwing motion.  Local talk radio went a little further, making fun at Tebow’s decision to hold off having sex until he’s married.  Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has faced similar criticism after publicly vowing to let true love wait until his honeymoon.

We love because Jesus first loved us, 1 John 4:19.

When true love doesn’t wait words aren’t spoken out loud, yet mummers and whispers can be heard around most street corners.  Affairs, one night stands and single moms are left to think of what could have been, often stuck raising a child or several kids on their own.  A moment of lust, prolonged flirting or a late night rendezvous can leave of legacy of regret.  If only temptation could have been brushed aside by allowing true love to wait.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

In these times, there are too many avenues which promote sex.  Advertisements, commercials and adult content once kept for after dark is now out in the open, just a click away from children’s eyes and ears.  As the traditional family fades, only a few brave souls remain outspoken, not ashamed of their religious stance.  With Tim and Russell setting good examples for young men to follow, perhaps a whole new generation will begin the quest to allow true love to wait.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Blessings, Giving and the Mystery of Multiplication

Posted on September 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to John 20:30-31, Jesus performed numerous miracles daily.  An eye witness to thousands of these jaw dropping events, John suggests you would need an entire library devoted to this topic if this were necessary.  Nonetheless, only one of Jesus’ miracles is included within each of the four gospels, the feeding of the 5,000.  After further examination of this encounter, principles of blessings, giving and multiplication exist.

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written, John 21:25.

The context of the feeding of the 5,000 starts with an all day teaching session.  Consumed by the message on his heart, Jesus loses track of time.  Trying to intervene, the disciples suggest sending everyone home before it gets dark.  Turning the tables of his team, Jesus commands, “give them something to eat.”  Perplexed, the math didn’t add up: 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread for 5,000 men excluding woman and children.

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over, Matthew 14:20.

The author of Hebrews suggests blessings are accompanied by faith.  Without faith, the disciples would not have been able to approach the crowds with their baskets of food.  First, Jesus blessed the fish and bread like saying grace.  Most Hollywood interpretations portray a scene with Jesus’ blessing/prayer resulting in a pile of bread and fish.  A recent sermon I heard claims that this multiplication occurred after each disciple gave food to those who were hungry.  This perspective believes that as the disciples got down to their very last scrap of bread and fish, a miraculous multiplication took place.  Thus, when blessings are passed on to the less fortunate in faith, the power of multiplication can be unleashed.  Trust and obey.

by Jay Mankus

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