Tag Archives: forgiveness

An Oracle Concerning the Fallen

Posted on March 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The term oracle has 2 distinct meanings.  The first refers to a priest or spiritual leader who provides advice to those seeking direction or guidance from God.  Meanwhile, oracle also eludes to an ambiguous or obscure message given by a person speaking on behalf of God.  In Psalm 36, King David provides insight on those in his kingdom who had fallen from God’s grace.

Based upon the words David received, the Holy Spirit blames a lack of fear of God as the root cause.  This created a spiritual blind spot as self conceit eliminated God from the radar screen.  Like a disease slowing attacking the central nervous system, poison filled their mouths, disguised by deceit.  Subsequently, wisdom vanished from the lips of the fallen.  Idleness led to new hobbies of plotting evil as scheming became a favorite pastime.  In the end, the fallen followed a similar course, embracing wrong behavior each and every day.

Beginning in Psalm 36:5, David provides a spiritual prescription for anyone considering a change of heart.  This portion of the chapter serves as a precursor to God’s promise in Psalm 103:11-12, a picture of forgiveness, love and mercy.  Although Ponce de Leon claimed to discover a fountain of youth in Florida, David introduces the lost to the fountain of spiritual life, Psalm 36:9.  Dangling this carrot in front of the fallen, the choice is yours.  May these words of David, inspired by God, provide hope to those of you feel lost, fallen or ready for a change.

by Jay Mankus

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While God May Be Found

Posted on March 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you listen to the national media, forgiveness is dependent upon your political affiliation, with democrats, liberals and socialists often receiving a pass for their transgressions.  As long as you align yourself with the right people, are willing to play the game and refrain from politically incorrect topics, your mistakes will be glanced over.  However, if you speak your mind, hold to conservative principles and believe in biblical teachings, your worldview doesn’t fit the new America being established today.

Despite what history unveils, revisionists are erasing the footsteps of God in America.  Somewhere underneath the rug, the truth is being held captive, replaced by a more accepting and tolerant culture.  Colleges, institutions and schools once founded to introduce the Bible to inquiring minds have been highjacked by post-modernists and progressives blazing a new trail for education.  If this trend continues, there’s a chance God will remove himself from this nation, abandoning it like citizens who have fled from the way, John 14:6.

In the midst of his greatest rebellion, Israel’s king says something profound following his affair with Bathsheba.  “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; Psalm 32:6.”  If David continued down the road of lust, sexual immorality and murder, his time to repent would have expired.  Something in his soul warned him, instilling a sense of urgency to confess his sin.  Perhaps, the time for Americans is nearing an end, with God close to removing his blessing from this land.  With this in mind, seek God while He may be found to secure a seat in heaven, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Never Too Late for a Failure

Posted on November 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A failure reaches this status when one does not attain success, failing to meet their goal or objective.  Once expectations go unfilled, disappointment consumes individuals, often leaving souls in a state of depression.  Effort is good, but sooner or later a team has to win, proving they have what it takes.  If not achieved, coaches and individuals will begin to doubt their God given abilities.  Like a lowly carp, bottom dwellers are left to feed on the scraps, the leftovers other fish don’t find appealing.

 
In Luke 23:32-43, Jesus finds himself stuck between 2 failures.  Placed in the middle of 2 criminals, subject to a cross due to evil deeds such as being a murderer or robber, Jesus couldn’t leave, nailed to a cross listening to their insults, Matthew 27:38-40.  However, one of these wicked man had a change of heart after Jesus’ words of forgiveness, Luke 23:34.  While one failure continued to hurl hurtful comments Jesus’ way, the other began to contemplate his life, Luke 23:40.  The more this man thinks about his life, God begins to work a miracle in his life, Luke 23:41.  With time ticking away on his life, this humble failure throws up one final request to Jesus, Luke 23:42, hoping for the best, with nothing to lose.

The words of Luke 23:43 should give hope to any failure who still has time on their side.  “Today you will be with me in paradise” is proof that someone about to die can receive Jesus into their heart, obtaining eternal life despite living a life full of sin.  Hebrews 10:26-27 indirectly suggests someone who fears the judgment of God can be swayed from hell to heaven like the criminal mentioned in Luke.  Therefore, if you’ve been deceived by the devil to believe that you’re damned, remember the promise of Luke 23:40-43.  In Jesus’ eyes, it’s never too late for a failure to receive eternal life, John 3:16-17.

by Jay Mankus

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Roxanne

Posted on September 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

The song Roxanne was re-released by the Police in Europe after the band’s popularity gained some traction.  The lyrics of this song was inspired during a walk Sting took through the red light district while visiting Paris.  Initially, the band thought their manager Miles Copeland would not like this non-typical song, imagining what it would be like to fall in love with a prostitute.  As history unfolded, American listeners were introduced to Roxanne 4 years later through Police’s Synchronicity album in 1983.

 

Sting was not the only person intrigued by prostitutes as Matthew 9:9-13 conveys the audience Jesus concentrated on during his 3 year ministry.  Jesus recognized that the healthy and righteous did not need his help.  Thus, he spent his time outside of the disciples meeting with sinners like a divorced woman in John 4, another caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 and 2 different prostitutes named Mary.  Although his own disciples did not understand Jesus’ reason for accepting prostitutes like  John 12:1-8, he was a living example of compassion, forgiveness and love.

 

More than ever, there is a great disconnect within American culture.  People dress differently, pierce multiple body parts and express themselves like never before in our lifetime.  As a result, walls of prejudice, stereotypes and a wide range of beliefs have separated people before you even get to know them.  Like a prostitute, who get’s strange looks from observers, preconceived opinions prevent strangers from ever exchanging words.  May the love of Jesus, John 3:16-17, inspire individuals to display genuine concern like Sting to the Roxanne’s you encounter in life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Envy of Cain

Posted on August 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When envy is present within the hearts and minds of individuals, jealousy usually isn’t far off.  Envy and jealousy often feed off of one another breeding the other feeling.  Envy arises deep inside the human soul, aroused by someone else’s material possessions, personality or unique gifts resulting in a spirit of discontent and resentment.  On the other  hand, jealousy is the emotion one experiences when someone thinks they are about to be replaced by the flavor of the month, leading to apprehension and fear.  This is where you find Cain within the pages of Genesis 4.

Cain was the prized baby, the first born boy on planet earth.  As an infant, his mom and dad waited on every cry and whimper.  Like modern parents returning from a hospital, both are clueless, not sure how to handle or respond to this new creature who has entered their life.  As for Cain, every thing was peachy keen until Abel arrived onto the scene.  Cain was now longer the main attraction, forced to share time with his baby brother.  If this wasn’t enough to bear, Cain realized how much harder farming was compared to shepherding, Abel’s occupation.  Then, God had to go and play favorites, rejecting Cain’s weak offering, but extremely pleased by the fat portions brought by Abel, Genesis 4:3-5.  These ingredients conceived the envy of Cain.

Before I studied the definitions of envy and jealousy, I never imagined either of these 2 acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21, stirred inside my heart.  However, as I read the numerous definitions and examples of each on the internet, I saw signs of the envy of Cain within me.  Whether you are a coach, teacher or hard working employee, there is always someone quicker, smarter and more appealing than you.  Thus, you need to learn to be content in the areas God has gifted you.  If you don’t, you are giving the devil an open door for the envy of Cain to reside within you, Ephesians 4:25-27.  Therefore, lean on the the grace, forgiveness and mercy of God to purge yourself of any traces of envy or jealousy.

by Jay Mankus

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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

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Ful-phil-ed

Posted on July 23, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Watching sports on high definition televisions can create a front row atmosphere, experiencing the thrill of victory and agony of defeat as if you are in attendance.  Amazing upsets like the 1980 U.S. Hockey team stunning the U.S.S.R. in the semi-finals of the Olympics brought you inside the Lake Placid arena.  Americans celebrated in the streets as if they were on the winning team, uniting a nation during the Cold War.  This is how I felt yesterday, as I watched Phil Mickelson do the unthinkable, shooting a final round 66, 5 under par in extreme conditions, to win his first Open Championship and 5th major overall.

1 day ago
One month after failing to win the United States Open, finishing second to Justin Rose for a record 6th time in this event, Phil reached a career low.  According to his wife Amy, Phil didn’t get out of bed for 2 days, crushed by another disappointing loss.  Based upon her interview on the Golf Channel and ESPN, Phil suffered from a severe depression similar to that of David in Psalm 32:3-4.  While a family vacation to Montana did the trick for Phil, sensing the grace, forgiveness and reconciliation of God fulfills a sinners heart.

According to the dictionary, perseverance means “to be steadfast in doing something despite any difficulties or delays in achieving success”.  Whether you are an athlete, businessman, student or writer, failure, rejection and setbacks are par for the course.  Reaching your dreams and goals in life is not a walk in the park.  Rather, one should expect to face mountains, obstacles and valleys to pass before you experience the summit of success.  Therefore, if you have recently endured a heart breaking loss, don’t waste another day pouting.  Instead, get up from the ground, say a prayer like Psalm 4:1 and ask God for a spirit of tenacity to achieve the abundant life, John 10:10.  In doing this, may you be ful-phil-ed.

by Jay Mankus

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Compro… Not so wise!

Posted on July 8, 2013 by expressyourself4him

This morning a whisper was passing by, catching me off guard.  “Read your Bible later, you’re too tired right now!”  Like a demon assigned by the evil one to cause me to stumble, compromise was trying to implant a not so wise thought.

Nearly 5 months ago, 147 days to be exact, I began a 150 day journey, attempting to read every Psalm, one per day.  Since prayer doesn’t come natural for me, I have been trying to improve my prayer life by learning from King David.  Yet, even David found himself caught by a momentary lapse of judgment in 2 Samuel 11:1-3.  Instead of fighting this whisper of idleness, David gave into this desire, thereby fulfilling the words of James 1:13-15.

When morning comes, the consequences of compromise remain, permanently etched within one’s mind.  As a result, the stains of sin contaminate your soul.  Attached by guilt, individual’s often drift further away, now separated from God.  What started as a whisper has led to a not so wise reality.  If you are feeling defeated today, forgiveness is available every morning, Lamentations 3:22-23.  However, the longer you wait, your condition will worsen, numbing you into an eternal sleep.  Snap out of it before its too late, Hebrews 10:26-27.

by Jay Mankus

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Stirring Up Wars

Posted on July 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Not much has changed since the Jets and the Sharks began their fictional turf war over a girl, Maria, in the 1961 musical West Side Story.  Today, anger, bitterness and discord have built up within human beings to create ideal conditions for dissension zones.  Good intentions often fade into the night as roots of bitterness suffocate any thoughts of forgiveness.  As a result, floodgates open up for a culture of bickering and backstabbing.

Beyond the boundaries of Super Powers, factions leave third world nations with a battlefield of broken hearts, fragile souls and shattered relationships.  Hatred has found a home, setting up shop as a spirit of division is holding unwilling citizens captive.  While once foreign, America has open its doors to this nature through reality television.  A generation of Jerry Springer and Jenny Jones viewers have spawned hits shows like Big Brother, Survivor and The Jersey Shore.  Seeking to get rich over night, individuals do whatever it takes, forsaking integrity, to achieve success and victory.

Going unnoticed by those with moral blinders on, the acts of the sinful nature has imprisoned lost souls, Galatians 5:19-21.  Selfish ambition has become their driving force, the wind beneath their misguided wings.  When you add envy and jealousy as fuel to this fire, carnage is aired daily through shows like Bad Boys, Cheaters and Divorce Court.  As long as comedy, sex and violence continue to sell, this process will repeat itself, stirring up more wars.  May God protect the innocent bystanders, caught in the crossfire of this mudslinging.  Pray the words of Galatians 5:16-18 so that this vicious cycle will end soon!

by Jay Mankus

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Get Over It!

Posted on June 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

For 30 plus years, the national media has killed Philadelphia sports fans for booing and throwing snow balls at Santa Claus during an Eagle’s football game in the 1970’s.  With the eyes of the golfing world now on Merion Golf Club, just outside of center city, for this week’s 2013 U.S. Open, another story continues to drag on.  After a disappointing career up to this point, Sergio Garcia recently made an off colored remark toward Tiger Woods, trying to be funny at an news conference in Europe.  Like beating a dead horse, golf and sports analysts continue to bring this up over and over again, trying to stir up bad blood.  For now, can  everyone please move on and get over it?

In life, each individual has endured heartache, frustration and pain at least once.  Bitterness is often a natural response, left behind by someone or something from your past.  Although its true time does heal all things, scar tissue remains, brought to the surface by people, places or things.  If you fail to let go of these emotions, barriers will rise up out of the ground in the form of spiritual roots, Hebrews 12:16.  This obstacle will eat away at your soul, leaving behind division, friction and hatred toward others.  For your own good, I urge you to get over these events, Matthew 6:15.

At the conclusion of Scrooged starring Bill Murray, he confesses his sins to a live audience.  After evaluating his own life, Murray realizes that he has been a jerk, selfish and damaged by a poor relationship with his own father.  When you practice this kind of behavior, James 5:16, individuals can reclaim a sense of freedom.  Reaching this point is no easy task as thoughts of certain co-workers, neighbors or relatives may bring out the worst in you.  However, its time to bury the hatchet, to seek forgiveness or forgive anyone you haven’t been able to up to this point in life.  Whether its a former boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or relative, please for the love of God, get over it!

by Jay Mankus

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