Tag Archives: forgive

Will You Pass the Love Test

Posted on March 6, 2017 by expressyourself4him

For those of you who enjoy taking cup cake classes in school, searching for an easy A, the Bible contains some difficult challenges.  Depending upon how self critical you are, the words of scripture expose darkness with light.  Subsequently, no matter how good of a person you may be, its surprising how many people fail the Bible’s love test.

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen, 1 John 4:20.

The one whom Jesus loved opens up this short quiz.  When all other disciples abandoned Jesus following his arrest, John stood by his side at the cross where he died.  What John heard on this day sent shock waves to what he believed about love.  Despite being beaten, mocked and tortured, Jesus cried out, “forgive them for they know not what they do.”  This statement inspired question number one.

1. Is there anyone you despise, hate or treat with contempt?

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:14-15.

The second participant chimes as from an unique perspective.  Serving as a tax collector, Levi also known as Matthew worked in one of the most corrupt occupations of his day.  During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he mentions prostitutes on the same level with tax collectors.  Thus, its highly possible that Matthew made many enemies, cheating and stealing money from hard working citizens.  With this in mind, forgiveness is something that Matthew sought, touched by Jesus’ words above.

2. Have you forgiven everyone who has hurt you or is there a grudge you are currently holding on to?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these,” Mark 12:30-31.

Finally, John Mark is an individual who initially left the mission field, letting down the apostle Paul.  Yet, over time Mark matured, eventually winning back the respect he lost with Paul.  This transformation was made possible with the words shared by Jesus above.  The context of this question involved a trap with Pharisees attempting to trick Jesus into de-emphasizing one of the 10 commandments.  Yet, his words essentially summarize the first four with one comment and the final six with his second statement setting up the final question.

3. Where is your love for God currently and are you following the golden rule in your interactions with others?

If you failed this test like me, may God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy lift you up and fill you with a heart willing to bear with, embrace and love one another.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Sorry

Posted on February 28, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Every year terms are added to the dictionary to keep up with an ever changing vocabulary.  Meanwhile, other words are modified as cultural slang redefines ordinary phrases.  One such word is sorry which ironically means deplorable, an insult to Trump supporters.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

Growing up, sorry was something that the Fonz couldn’t say, often stuttering before completing a sentence.  Sure, its been decades since Happy Days was a prime time hit series, but watching television tends to distinguish one generation from the next.  Subsequently, sorry has lost its original intent.

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin, Psalm 32:5.

To confess any wrong doing tends to diffuse a tense situation.  Yet, this generation allows pride to get in the way, afraid of the consequences of coming clean.  Thus, instead of saying, “I’m sorry,” the blame game Adam began in the Garden of Eden continues.  Like a never ending game of Jumanji, true remorse has been abandoned.  May this blog inspire individuals to embrace a spirit of reconciliation and practice saying, “I’m sorry.”

by Jay Mankus

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Confidence in God’s Providence

Posted on February 8, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7J7NuZaU0

In order to understand providence, you first must grasp sovereignty.  Theologians refer to this as God’s control over his creation, the earth.  This is accomplished through God’s governance over all of reality.  When you put together all the pieces, (original sin, the need for a second Adam, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus) God’s providence can be seen.

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross, Colossians 2:13-14.

If you examine the life of Joseph in the Old Testament, the arrangement of trials he endures doesn’t make much sense initially.  Sure, you can say Joseph had it coming when his brothers through him in a pit due his boisterous claims.  Yet, being sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned and forgotten by one of Pharaoh’s servants doesn’t seem fair.  However, God revealed the purpose for his heartache in the passage below.  What others meant for evil, God used for good, a sign of confidence in God’s providence.

And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you, Genesis 45:5.

Like any book or movie, certain events don’t make any sense until you see the big picture revealed near the end of each story.  Unfortunately, in real life many give up on their dreams too early, before everything has played out.  With my recent eye surgery and ongoing issues that arise, a potential career as a screen writer may not be an option.  Nonetheless, as I read about former believers who have endured far worse predicaments, I am still confident in God’s providence for the rest of my life on earth.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Draw Near

Posted on October 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the Old Testament, God’s presence is limited to a few select individuals.  After Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden at the end of Genesis 3, intimacy with God was severed.  Thus, God revealed himself to the forefathers of Israel, prophets and some leaders to guide and direct their paths.  However, due to continued disobedience throughout several centuries, God decides go silent for 400 years serving as a transition for the New Testament.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded, James 4:8.

Before Jesus arrived on to the scene, priests were used as a mediator between God and mankind.  To atone for sin, priests performed animals sacrifices with the shedding of blood to cleanse individuals, families and cities from their transgressions.  Without practicing this biblical principle, forgiveness is not obtained.  Therefore, drawing near to God can not occur unless repentance and contrition has been completed.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water, Hebrews 10:22.

The new covenant introduced to his disciples during the Last Supper, Jesus eliminated the need for the Old Testament practice mentioned above.  Described as the Lamb of God, a perfect sacrifice without blemish, Jesus laid down his own life so that in Him, we too might have life.  While worshiping God at a building, home or a temple is still a vital aspect of faith, you can draw near to God anywhere and anytime.  As you draw near, God’s grace is a free gift available to all approach the Lord with a sincere heart, eager to forgive sinners as far as the East is from the West.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Anti-Agitation Formula

Posted on September 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When you find yourself churning, stirring or tossing, the signs of agitation are near.  Before a full emotion outburst occurs, irritation builds and builds prior to exploding.  Whenever I’m cranky or tired, the conditions for agitation are ideal.  Thus, if I don’t react quickly, those around me will feel the wrath of agitation.

If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other, Galatians 5:15.

Prior to dropping off my oldest son James at college last weekend, I didn’t get enough sleep.  Thus, after a long drive on Thursday and getting lost on Friday, I snapped.  I couldn’t keep my frustration in any longer.  Like a volcano, agitation was unleash in an unpleasant display.  I should have known better, but I was careless, skipping my morning time reading the Bible and praying.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, Colossians 3:13.

While there are several passages that deal with agitation, the verse above provides a blue print for overcoming agitation.  First, as soon as you mess up, apologize and confess any wrong doing.  If you’re the victim of agitation, the apostle Paul urges believers to bear with one another.  Despite how painful it may be, forgive others as God forgives you.  When this principle is put into practice, perhaps you will find an anti-agitation formula.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When Mistakes Last a Life Time

Posted on August 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on former NFL wide receiver Randy Moss entitled Rand University, this feature focuses on how hard it is for minorities to make it in professional sports.  Two high school teammates of Moss, Sam Singleton Jr. and Bobbie Howard refer to a generation curse, causing most talented athletes from Rand, West Virginia to end up drinking in the 7 Eleven parking lot every weekend wondering what might have been.  Whether its drugs, poverty or giving into temptation, sometimes poor choices result in mistakes that last a life time.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire, James 1:14.

While Bobbie Howard received a football scholarship to Notre Dame and later went on to play a few seasons for the Chicago Bears, Bobbie is one of the exceptions to this Rand rule.  Sam Singleton Jr. is more like the norm, unable to ditch his addiction to alcohol and pot.  After being drafted by a Major League Ball club, Sam was on his way to becoming a professional baseball player.  Unfortunately, despite showing great promise, one failed drug test sent him packing, released by an unnamed team.  At the conclusion of this film, Sam breaks down in tears, claiming his life is an example of when a mistake lasts a lifetime.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

What people seek and what individuals often receive are usually 2 different things.  At some point, people can become their own worst enemy.  Like a prodigal in denial, life often takes a downward spiral, reaching a new bottom floor with each passing year.  Most don’t get a second chance like a teenage I knew at my first church as a youth pastor.  The first time he ever drove drunk was his last, dying instantly after colliding with a tree.  If only souls could break out of their spiritual funk before its too late?  Perhaps, the sad story of  Sam Singleton Jr. may serve as a wake up call or reality check before one more mistake lasts a lifetime.

by Jay Mankus

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The Mercy Rule

Posted on June 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The Mercy Rule was developed for youth sports to prevent a competitive team from further humiliating a less talented group of athletes.  This phrase is often used in baseball when a team is losing by 10 after 4 innings or 20 when the 3rd is completed.  Essentially, this is like waving the white flag, throwing in the towel or surrendering to a far superior team.  Thus, to save time and further embarrassment for the losing side, umpires invoke the mercy rule.

And David said to Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man, 2 Samuel 24:14.

This weekend I endured the worst inning ever as a player or coach.  Although I once lost an opening day baseball game 31-19, at least my team fought back from a 20 run deficit.  Unfortunately, this night to forget involved double digit walks, errors and mental mistakes, enhanced by a shrinking strike zone leading to a two hour and thirty minute 4 inning game.  As I watched several self-inflicted blunders, I wanted someone to put me out of my misery.

For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on you, Psalm 86:5.

In 2014, the film Mercy Rule debuted starring Kirk Cameron.  Using lessons from baseball, family and life, Cameron has produced a film which attempts to build character for those who endure helpless moments.  Whether its coping with issues at work, struggling to watch a child’s less talented team or coming to grips with your own fatal flaws, there are always life lessons waiting to be revealed.  When you’re pushed to the brink, unable to take anymore pain, God has a way of showing you mercy.  In return, may you forgive and show mercy upon deserving and undeserving souls.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Blame it on the Jet Stream

Posted on May 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd1hOlMLJpk

In 1989, the song Blame it on the Rain reached number one for two weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.  This was Milli Vanilli’s third number one single.  However, Milli Vanilli’s fame and fortune was short lived, running off the stage during the middle of a concert.  What the world eventually found out, these two stars were lip syncing each song, not the actual singers of their music.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless, James 1:26.

In this age of environmentalism, today’s weather patterns are used by some scientists to claim this is proof of global warming.  However, if meteorologists can’t accurately predict tomorrow’s forecast with all their fancy technology, there must be some other force at work in the earth’s atmosphere,  If you want a scapegoat, blame it on the Jet Stream.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us, 1 John 1:8-10.

History has a way of exposing imposters, liars and those covering up the truth.  Whether its a group like Milli Vanilli, global warming or secrets from the past, time will bring what was once in darkness into the light.  Therefore, don’t get caught up in arguments that occur weekly on cable television and talk radio.  Rather, live your life as an open book, confess your short comings and may the truth about Christ set you free.

by Jay Mankus

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When Prayer Fails

Posted on March 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When things begin to unravel or fail apart, I’m the kind of person that wants to know why.  Thus, as I experience long periods of unanswered prayers, I begin to meditate, ponder and reflect on possible explanations.  What I discovered are three main reasons why some of my past prayers have failed.

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! – Isaiah 1:15

1. Confession without Contrition

There are times when individuals are sorry for sinful acts, but haven’t done anything to stop this from reoccurring.  In the days of the prophet Isaiah, some Jews began to offer sacrifices to the Lord without a contrite heart.  Thus, when people lifted up concerns to God before dealing with addictions, bad habits or wayward behavior, the Lord refused to listen.

However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you, Deuteronomy 28:15.

2. Walking in Disobedience

The longer I live, the more I find myself in some sort of spiritual funk.  Time has a way of altering priorities which usually leaves God low on your list.  According to Moses, getting God’s attention is fairly simple.  Obey the Lord and carefully follow all of the commands. Unfortunately, most forget about the all, picking and choosing the passages in the Bible that they like and disregarding those that are cumbersome.  Subsequently, many wander away like a prodigal, bringing curses instead of blessings from heaven.

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:15.

3. An Unforgiving Heart

While faith is a crucial element to seeing prayers fulfilled, refusing to forgive is like the kiss of death.  The concept of Reaping and Sowing directly applies to your heart.  Therefore, if you can’t let go, get over and move on, the Lord will not forgive you.  So if days, weeks, months or years go by without seeing any fruits of prayer, perhaps one of these three areas is preventing God’s power from being unleashed.  Whether its acts of contrition, making a U-Turn back to Jesus or finding the grace to forgive, may you be on your way to unlocking the barriers keeping you from seeing heaven come down to earth in the form of answers to prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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For Pete Sake

Posted on February 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As pitchers and catchers make their way to Spring Training in Florida and Arizona next week, this signifies the commencement of another Major League Baseball season.  Since baseball is the first sport I played as a kid, it holds a special place in my heart.  I remember watching Charlie Hustle, Pete Rose’s nickname, thinking, “that’s the way this game is suppose to be played.”  Unfortunately, Pete’s transgressions as a manager, placing bets on his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, has tarnished his image, making Rose ineligible for the Hall of Fame and banished from MLB.

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses,” Mark 11:25.

I played baseball for nine years, quitting after my sophomore year of high school to pursue golf.  However, my last coach played in the minor leagues with Pete Rose before blowing out his knee prior to ACL surgeries.  This injury motivated Coach Dillon to push his players, hoping one or more might reach the big leagues.  To my surprise, Pete Rose agreed to be our key note speaker at my final baseball banquet.  After major reconstructive surgery, I met with Pete for about five minutes before he spoke.  While everyone has their opinions of Pete in the media, he couldn’t have been nicer or more sincere.  This lasting memory makes me want to see a happy ending between Rose and Major League Baseball.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:32.

Sometimes pride prevents adults from doing the right thing.  Bad feelings, egos and revenge often get’s in the way, causing individuals to take grudges to their graves.  Thus, there is a segment of baseball people who still blame Pete Rose for commissioner Bart Giamatti’s death in 1989, the person who banned him for life.  Though Rose deserves to be banned from coaching and the front office, it doesn’t make sense to keep the all times hits leader out of the hall of fame.  Therefore, for Pete’s sake, don’t let this linger until his death like Shoeless Joe Jackson during the 1919 Black Sox scandal.  Rather, make Pete Rose eligible for the hall and allow the baseball writers to make the final call.  Let me know if you agree or disagree.

by Jay Mankus

 

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