Tag Archives: freewill

The Other Closet

Posted on May 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As many heard yesterday, Jason Collins has become the first openly gay athlete in one of the 4 major sports while still playing, a center for the Washington Wizards.  Revealed in the cover story of Sports Illustrated, Collins talks about the relief of being forthright.  This confession has resulted in a media feeding frenzy, with leading figures, including the president, adding their two cents on this historical day.

21 hours ago

While one closet has been opened, another closet remains shut, locked for similar reasons.  For many growing up in the 1980’s, faith was communicated as something private, saved for your home and family.  Thus, many secret believers kept their mouths shut, fearful that they might be exposed or labeled as a Jesus freak.  According to Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh, many Christian’s in Hollywood continue this tradition today.  In their minds, coming out could either ruin their career or lead to less opportunities.

I wish there was common ground, a meeting place to resolve conflicting beliefs, yet religion has a history of dividing families, states and nations.  Freewill is a powerful option, a choice to obey or disobey, accept or refuse and express yourself or hold feelings in.  In the end, God allows you to make your own decision, Romans 1:18-20, letting your own desires take over.  However, my prayer is that as individuals come out of the other closet, the media will have the same admiration and respect as they do for Jason.  May love, keep the great American melting pot together.

by Jay Mankus

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Waving the White Flag

Posted on April 21, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A sign for surrender, waving the white flag acknowledges that you have been beaten.  This clear signal indicates that you weren’t strong enough or your opponent was far superior.  Either way, coming to this point in life takes courage, with many failing to come to grips with reality.  Arrogance and stubbornness often get in the way, as history reveals the graves of soldiers who went down fighting.

In the Steven King mini series The Stand, Jamey Sheridan plays Randall Flagg, the character who reveals himself as Satan.  While the technology and special effects are lame for this 1994 production, one thing is obvious through the 4 episodes.  The lies of the devil are only effective for a limited time as even devout followers begin to question their leader.  Just as a church loses respect for a pastor who sins publicly, Satan’s repetitive schemes create doubt in the minds of those who pursue power and pleasure.  However, the only real question is, “are you willing to wave the white flag?”

Sure, everyone is raised a little different, with various beliefs, morals and values.  Yet, when you recognize you are no match, what will you do?  Will you continue to fight a losing battle or yield to the conviction within your heart?  Does the praise of others motivate you or can you swallow your pride to do what is right?  In the end, the choice is yours, Deuteronomy 30:15.  Don’t let peer pressure sway you from waving the white flag, by giving your life to Jesus, John 3:16-17.

by Jay Mankus

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Inside The Mind of A Terrorist

Posted on April 17, 2013 by expressyourself4him

10 hours ago

In the infancy of America, terrorism was fought on the shores of Tripoli, as supply ships bound for the Atlantic were held hostage or sunk .  Since 9/11/01, the war on terror has shifted to sneak attacks on our own soil.  With the bombing at yesterday’s Boston Marathon, many Americans want to know, what’s inside the mind of a terrorist.

16 hours ago

Like Japanese pilots during World War II, there is a kamikaze mindset within most terrorists as some do change their mind.  Nonetheless, this willingness to die to accomplish a Jihad, Holy War, is often unstoppable for public officials.  The term kamikaze literally means God wind or divine wind.  Unfortunately, once a terrorist buys into this notion, the unthinkable is played out on television like yesterday’s 2 bombings near the finish line in Boston.

However, what makes any terrorist like a fire cracker waiting to explode is the belief that by dying they are actually doing God’s will.  While recent movies on terrorism have suggested a terrorist is promised 72 virgins in heaven for their sacrifice on earth, it doesn’t matter whether this its fact or fiction.  Once the idea to commit suicide or set off bombs in the name of Allah is conceived, the process of James 1:13-15 is set into motion.

17 hours ago

May God help all of us in America and anyone else in the world currently battling terrorism.  My hope is that anyone thinking of such destruction will be convicted in their hearts and be led toward peace.  Freewill is a powerful weapon, yet prayer can still penetrate the mind of a terrorist by altering their future acts.  Pray for your enemies as Jesus called to his disciples and followers to do in Matthew 5:43-48.

by Jay Mankus

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God’s Open Door Policy

Posted on March 9, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The term “Open Door Policy” was adopted in 1899 by the United States in circular notes dispatched by the Secretary State John Hay.  These letters were sent to Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Russia addressing the need for the protection of equal privileges among countries trading with China.  Today, open door policy’s refer to management who is willing to discuss, listen and talk with employees about their concerns, frustrations and problems.

While stereotypes about God include fire, brimstone and striking people down for sinning, Psalm 24 reveals a far different picture.  Psalm 24:7 suggests that people, not God are closing their doors.  If Israel would just open their gates to Jerusalem and keep their doors ajar, the King of Glory wishes to enter.  Two verses later, David repeats himself with the identical words, “Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in,” Psalm 24:9.

Jesus recounts a similar open door policy in Revelation 3:20.  According to John, who quotes Jesus, a door is separating people from seeing Jesus face to face.  Unlike a typical door, this door contains only one handle which is on our side.  Jesus is on the other side, patiently knocking, waiting for you and me to let Him in.  However, Jesus don’t does not force himself until our lives.  Freewill is the difference between an open or shut door.  Therefore, if you want to experience God’s open door policy today, Jesus is waiting for you to let him in so that your relationship may begin, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

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College: The Modern Day Garden of Eden

Posted on October 26, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Most students spend their first 18 years raised by a parent, guardian or in the best case scenario, by both parents.  While they may not be written down, students are taught a set of expectations, morals and values to follow as long as they live in their parents’ home.  As each matures at their own pace, students develop their own worldview which they take with them to college.

Once students enter their college dorm or apartment, they have freewill to behave as they wish, go to class or not, party or study and choose the friends that most reflect their worldview.  Unfortunately, Adam and Eve’s decision to disobey God in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3, has led humanity down the same path of deception.  Except the apple has been replaced by sex, mood altering drugs, unrestrained fun and material possessions as modern day trees of knowledge.

When students attend class, they face a modern day serpent.  Atheist, Marxist and Socialist professors are challenging the worldviews students bring to college.  Often, these professors single out Christians or assault the Bible and God’s character and nature.  This is done by following the serpent’s strategy in Genesis 3:5.  “Did God really say?  Does the Bible really say?  Or God is holding you back, not wanting you to know both good and evil!”

This is when students have to know how to use the Sword of the Spirit to fight back, Hebrews 4:12.  According to Genesis 3:7, Adam was right there with Eve, listening to the serpent’s deception, failing to demonstrate any leadership to intercede on her behalf, Romans 5:12-14.  Therefore, as you enter college or are already attending, make sure you surround yourself with at least one godly person.  “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another, Proverbs 27:17.”  Stay together, stand firm, meditate on God’s word and prayer for divine intervention and protection, Ecclesiastes 4:12.

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All the Blame and So Little Thanks!

Posted on October 11, 2012 by expressyourself4him

The older I become, the more I hear and see people blame God for every disaster, failure or setback they face in life.  Meanwhile, these same people take most of the credit for any accomplishment, success or victory they experience.  In other words, God has become the per-verbal punching bag as the center of most complaints, gripes and unanswered questions.

Have people ever considered that God created us to live forever?  Yet, when man and woman, in the person of Adam and Eve, chose to exercise their own freewill, the catalyst for destruction entered this earth.  Since Genesis 3, the world has been cursed with disease, famine, natural disasters and death.  One of the reasons why trials now exist in the lives of every human being is the world is going to hell!

Life is like an avalanche in which people try to dodge as many harmful objects as possible, yet we can’t outrun this onslaught of heartbreaks, tears and violence.  Yes, bad things do happen to good people and justice is often absent from our circumstances.  Nonetheless, there is a reason the Bible is the best selling book of all time.  James 1:18 says every good thing comes from our Father above.  Therefore, don’t fret over what you can’t control.  Rather, send a little praise and thanks God’s way, Philippians 4:8.  Then, you may not be as tempted to blame God like the media for every bad thing under the sun.

by Jay Mankus

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On A Long Leash

Posted on October 9, 2012 by expressyourself4him

From the very beginning, God has given human beings a long leash on life, Genesis 2:15-17.  God walked and talked with Adam, showing him the entire Garden of Eden.  “All this is yours, but you cannot eat from the tree of knowledge,” verse 17.

God didn’t implant humans with a microchip to keep track of our whereabouts.  Nor has the Lord surrounded us with an electric fence, shocking us when we wander off track.  Rather, God only had one rule.  Adam and Eve were free to go anywhere in the garden, doing as they pleased, He only asked them not to eat from the fruit of one tree.

Like almost every pet, curiosity created a lustful impulse to disregard what their master had said.   As soon as enticement told hold of their heart, the beast inside of them is unleashed, causing a separation between them and their master.  As for Adam and Eve, they were banished from the garden, Genesis 3:23, unable to have that intimate relationship with God.

According to Luke 19:10, Jesus came down from heaven to earth to restore what the first Adam lost.  Jesus came to set us free, giving us free will to choose right or wrong, love or evil and obedience to God or disobedience, Galatians 5:13.  However, while our leash on earth is still long, we shouldn’t misuse this freedom to indulge in the sinful nature.  If you listen to the Spirit, Romans 8:10-11, you will be able to hear God knocking.  When you open this door, Revelation 3:20, fellowship with God can be restored!  Like Moses said long ago, the choice is yours, Deuteronomy 30:15.

by Jay Mankus

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