Tag Archives: faithful

Fulfilling My Duty

Posted on February 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the film 1992 drama A Few Good Men, Tom Cruise uses a unique defense to acquit his clients, two marines charged with murder.  Cruise convinces the jury members that these men were given an order, to perform a code red on a sub-standard private.  The defense claimed that Harold Dawson and Louden Downey are on trial for doing their job.  Beyond the realm of Hollywood, what does it mean to fulfill your duty today?

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day,” Acts 23:1.

Depending upon your calling, fulfilling your duty first begins as an individual.  What gifts or resources do you possess?  In the parable of the talents, the master goes away for an undisclosed amount of time, trusting his servants to be good stewards of what each was given.  Thus, God expects people to maximum their time and talent, seizing each day as a new opportunity to serve the Lord.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ – Matthew 25:23

In addition, you have to consider your role.  Are you a parent, spouse or teacher?  How are you influencing those around you?  Are you drawing people closer to God or do your actions serve as a stumbling block, causing children to question a life of faith.  If you’re like me, it becomes painfully obvious on a weekly daily that I have a long way to go.  Though I have days of being good and faithful, these are overshadowed by periods of disobedience, laziness and neglect.  Therefore, before Jesus returns make sure you get your house in order by fulfilling your duty to the Creator and Giver of Life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Not Right Now

Posted on December 31, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The expression “timing is everything” often applies to failures and victories.  When you force the issue, the results may not be what you want.  However, as you wait for the ideal opportunity, success is a likely destination.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia, Acts 16:6.

Whether you are searching for a job, exploring a business venture or starting a ministry, there will always be unforeseen obstacles and road blocks.  One day the apostle Paul assumed taking the gospel into Asia was a prudent decision.   However, as he tried to cross the border into Bithynia, the Holy Spirit denied their entry.

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to, Acts 16:7.

Whenever the Lord says not right now by failing to answer a prayer request, rejection is a hard pill to swallow.  Trying to comprehend the mysteries of God can be frustrating, especially if you have been a faithful servant.  Nonetheless, there will be head scratching moments in the future when you will receive a silent whisper, “not right now!”

by Jay Mankus

 

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Friends of Laughter

Posted on December 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Unfortunately, I tend to speed through life, rarely taking the time for fun or laughter.  However, every so often the Lord sends someone to give me a different perspective on life.  During a youth ministry trade school called Tentmakers’ in honor of the apostle Paul, I met Otis Phillips, a fun loving individual who faithfully served the Lord.  The energy Otis poured out daily was amazing, yet his greatest asset was causing those around him to laugh.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, Ecclesiastes 3:1.

One year later, I became close friends with a youth pastor from Ohio.  A kid at heart, Phil taught me to live life to the fullest.  Thus, every Monday afternoon we had lunch in Cincinnati.  Whether it was playing mini-golf, laser tag or video games, Phil helped me forget about life for a couple hours each Monday.  Subsequently, I learned to laugh at my myself, others and began to grasp a peace that surpasses understanding.

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:4.

Finally, in the past decade, God brought me Spencer, possessing qualities similar to Otis and Phil.  On earth, life isn’t easy, filled with unexpected twists and turns.  Sometimes the bad sticks around much longer than glimpses of hope that I see momentarily.  However, in the end, its important to find friends of laughter to get you through trials and tribulations in this life.  As 2016 is about to begin, I pray that I can bring joy to others like these 3 friends have brought to me.  Like the classic camp song proclaims, Pass It On!

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Land of Look Behind

Posted on April 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the 1982 documentary, a region known as The Land of Look Behind served as a refuge from slavery.  Jamaica’s interior topography, called Cockpit County, includes a mountain range with dense vegetation.  When the opportunity presented itself, oppressed slaves fled to the hills, trying to avoid their masters who sent the police for their return.  Some were successful, able to chart out a new life.  Unfortunately, most were caught; only able to imagine what could have been.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Living with regrets can be agonizing, wishing you can go back in time to change the course of history.  Yet, the reality of this life is that guilt, shame and remorse hover over sinful human beings.  There are many days I feel like a hostage, unable to break free of the hold of bad habits that have taken control of my decision making.  Subsequently, the words of Romans 7:15 have come to fruition in my life.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. – Romans 7:15

Now that Easter has passed, its important to look behind before you can move ahead.  Although problems will continue to exist, reflecting on past failures can set the stage for future success.  Since the story of the resurrection is fresh in the minds of believers, may the power of the Holy Spirit elevate individuals to new heights.  If the Pentecost could transform the disciples, why can’t the same Spirit inspire souls to usher in heaven on earth today?  Therefore, it’s time to catch a glimpse of the land of what can be.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Forget Me Not

Posted on March 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toAxT9kpXak

Myosotis sylvatica, a member of the borage family, consists of a light blue flower regarded as a symbol of friendship.  As Spring showers bring May flowers, Forget Me Not arrangements are a popular gift.  Despite their beauty, time will cause the most gorgeous flowers to fade.  Likewise, absence can cause anyone to forget an important anniversary, birthday or relationship.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you,” Isaiah 49:15.

Distance, distractions and neglect are primary factors which lead to forget.  Work hours may cause a father to not spend enough time with family.  Misguided priorities can steer someone off course, resulting in poor choices and wasted opportunities.  Finally, a state of busyness can lead faithful followers to fall away from God, gradually slipping away by missing church, godly fellowship and quiet times praying and reading the Bible.

If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. – Psalm 137:5

Psalm 137:5 acknowledges that even God’s chosen people were vulnerable to a short term memory.  Thus, to avoid this from going any further, this servant of God asks to lose their gifts and talents rather than abandon the Lord.  Today, one careless decision, lazy day or rut can break God’s heart.  While Valentine’s Day is full of Forget Me Not cards, one prayer from heaven rains down to earth daily, hoping God’s children will not forget their heavenly Father.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Lie-Oh-Meter

Posted on February 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In politics, the experts, life long politicians and successful campaign managers have suggested lying is all part of the game.  Little white lies are like wild cards in poker, waiting for just the right moment to be played.  While this style may work in the corporate world, sooner or later, what comes around goes around.  When this moment arrives, the Lie-Oh-Meter will expose the shady for their untruthful ways.

I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. – Psalm 119:163

As for parents and teachers, a face to face encounter, staring a suspect in the eye is a good starting point.  Based upon the television series on Fox, Lie To Me, which aired for two full seasons beginning in 2009, liars tend to demonstrate facial expressions.  Thus, law enforcement officials use this science based upon research done by Paul Ekman, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California in San Francisco.  Instead of relying on out dated polygraph tests, body language has become the new Lie-Oh-Meter.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22

From God’s perspective, a false witness is a punishable offense, Proverbs 19:9.  Going one step farther, deceitful ways can result in being excommunicated from part of God’s family, Psalm 101:7.  Yet, Christians alike have embraced the practice of embellishment, creating a society of hypocrites.  The only way to break free from this addiction is to cherish God’s law.  Only when this is achieved will souls begin to love God’s commands like the Psalmists of old.  Until this day, rely on the Bible to ascertain truth from fiction, serving as a modern day Lie-Oh-Meter.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Pumping Iron: A Spiritual Guide to Working Out

Posted on January 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The addition of Hans and Franz to State Farm’s Discount Double Check slogan has infused life into this ad campaign.  Known for their saying on SNL, “I want to pump you up,” Hans and Franz played by Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealson have become icons in today’s pop culture.  However, long before these two were ever born, another writer crafted a spiritual blueprint for pumping iron.

Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. – Psalm 119:98

The warm up to working out spiritually begins with the commands inside of the Bible.  When you read, reflect and mediate on God’s principles, you are exercising your mind.  Subsequently, over time, through a daily workout routine, you can become wiser than your enemies if you commit to spending time in God’s gym, the Word.

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. – Psalm 119:99

Following this warm up, an extensive study using commentaries, historical references and examining the meaning of Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic phrases is like pumping iron.  Not like something that happens overnight, this discipline takes time to develop.  However, if you are faithful, spiritual muscles will blossom in the form of insight, becoming equal to and perhaps surpassing your teachers in life.

I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. – Psalm 119:100.

Finally, the cool down requires practicing what you learn daily, Matthew 7:24.  Unless you apply God’s Word, spiritual muscles will disappear into a fat and lazy soul.  Therefore, if you want to become the Hans and Franz of the Bible, obey the Lord’s precepts and in God’s timing, you will have more understanding than the elders.  God is waiting to pump you up; the only question is, are you willing to make the Lord a priority to see the results you desire, Matthew 6:33-34?

by Jay Mankus

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An Extreme Spiritual Make-over

Posted on December 25, 2014 by expressyourself4him

 And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn. – Luke 2:7

If I had to give an honest assessment, I too would have responded like the Inn Keepers in Bethlehem.  Similar to a vacation destination during Spring Break Week, the Roman Census quickly filled up all available accommodations.  Thus, the poor, unprepared and those stuck in traffic scrambled around like a male shopping for presents on Christmas Eve.  Only 1 person, a good Samaritan type, made room for Mary and Joseph.

In this day and age, distractions abound, pulling individuals in all sorts of directions.  Subsequently, scheduling time for God is usually the first to get cut or limited to a brief glance of a verse or two and a lame prayer.  Despite the lulls that may occur in a car, at home or during work, exhaustion keeps many from developing and or maintaining a healthy relationship with Jesus.  As I evaluate my 2014 calendar, I’m afraid I fit into Jesus’ harsh criticism of those follow the Lord with their lips, but not with their actions.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers! – Matthew 7:21-23

If you too find yourself in this predicament, perhaps its time for an extreme spiritual make-over.  Philippians 2:12 suggests to begin working out your salvation with fear and trembling.  Solomon agrees, as fearing God in the beginning of knowledge, Proverbs 1:7.  When you allow the Holy Spirit to “Pump You Up,” missed opportunities of the past can lead to pivot points along your faith journey, Colossians 4:5.  In the end, make room for Jesus, whatever the cost, Matthew 16:24-27 so that one day you will hear from the King himself, “well done my good and faithful servant!”- Matthew 25:23

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Ghost

Posted on April 14, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Upon hearing the word ghost, movie buffs immediate think of the 1990 classic starring Whoopi Goldberg, Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.  Modern enthusiasts might also recall The Pacifier starring Vin Diesel, searching for a secret program called the Ghost.  Yet, few people consider the words in Scripture which suggest Jesus’ own disciples believed in ghosts.

When Jesus walked on the water in Matthew 14:22-26, the disciples assumed the figure they saw was a ghost.  Later on, following his resurrection, the 11 remaining disciples once again mistook Jesus for a ghost, Luke 24:36-37.  In his conversation with Peter in John 21:15-19, Jesus indirectly mentions the Holy Ghost.  Based upon the red letters in verse 18, someone else will lead Peter, later on in life.  This Ghost is described by the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:25, a presence Christian’s should strive to follow.

Unless you have faith, seeking out an invisible force seems crazy.  However, if you possess the trust Jesus details in John 20:29, your mind will be open to the Holy Ghost.  Directions have been enclosed within Romans 12:1-2 to start you on your way.  Although many will not understand your decision, 1 Corinthians 2:14, God will reward you for your faithfulness, Matthew 25:23.

by Jay Mankus

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