Tag Archives: God

Elijah’s Blueprint

Posted on May 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Engineer’s rely on designs, diagrams and models to implement plans on construction projects. Multi-level business schemes use similar blueprints to influence individuals to buy into their concept. When someone follows the directions step by step, there is an inherit expectation of riches, success or both. As for Elijah the prophet, he looked into the past, believing God could repeat a similar feat in his life time.

According to Leviticus 9:24, as soon as Aaron followed the directions given to him from Moses via God, the Lord sent fire from heaven consuming the offering on the altar. Sound familiar? Perhaps, this is Elijah’s blueprint, the place where he read and believed God would repeat this historic act. I often wondered where his confidence came from and this passage suggests Elijah prepared his sacrifice just as Aaron and his sons followed Moses’ commands.

Understanding the past, makes the miracle in 1 Kings 18:38 that much more believable today. If you carefully follow and obey God’s commands, blessings will follow, Deuteronomy 28:1-2. Its as if Elijah, followed a playbook in 1 Kings 18:30-37, grasping Jesus’ promise in Matthew 21:21-22, fully expecting God to repeat this previous miracle after his prayer. Sometime between Elijah’s Blueprint and Jesus’ promise, modern believers will find a living, loving God ready to unveil the next miracle on earth.

Has God done any miracles in your life?

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged a living God, believe, blueprints, China, confidence, construction projects, designs, diagrams, Elijah, engineers, expectation, expecting God to act, faith, fire from heaven, following directions, following God's commands, France, God, God's promises, history, hope, implement plans, inherit, Jesus, joy, love, miracles, models, Prayer, riches, sacrifice, success, the altar. Bookmark the permalink.

Weaned From Violence

Posted on April 30, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Unfortunately, a day rarely goes by without a fight, shooting or stabbing making headline news. Students, workers and innocent bystanders are being caught in the cross fire of violence. As a vehicle of peace, Gandhi believed you had to slowly wean people from violence without force. Over time, you will win people toward your point of view.

Jesus demonstrated this belief during his 3 year ministry in the late 20’s of the first century. When his fellow Jews flirted with the idea of overthrowing the political leaders in Israel, Jesus chose peace. Despite being falsely accused of crimes he did not commit by the Sanhedrin, Jesus gave up his right to life so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, Matthew 26:52-56. Although he invested 3 years into 12 men, the temptation to fight back could not be quenched.

Today, domestic violence is a common occurrence, like a nagging cold that won’t go away. Instead of demonstrating temperance, going the right distance and no further, human beings have lost control of their emotions. Patience has been discarded, as anger, control and power is urging frustrated souls to lash out, often harming family members. The only way I know to wean people from violence is to adhere to the apostle Paul’s advice in Ephesians 4:25-32. When you reach this state of mind, God will lead you to lay your weapons down.

What’s your solution to wean Americans from violence?

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Hope and tagged anger, catching a common cold, China, choosing peace, control, domestic violence, emotions, fight, fighting back, flirt, force, France, Gandhi, God, harming others, hope, Israel, Jesus, joy, lashing out, patience, peace, point of views, power, Sanhedrin, Scriptures, shooting, soul, stabbing, state of mind, temperance, temptation, weaning people from violence. Bookmark the permalink.

What You’ve Got Left

Posted on April 29, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Aspiring athletes and students are always looking for an edge, seeking to attain new heights. Meanwhile, coaches and teachers use motivational speeches to get the most out of their pupils, trying to maximize their God given talents. However, sometimes you need to remember the words of Job, “the Lord gives and takes away.” Thus, whether you’re enduring a trial in life, struggling your way through a test or trying to stop a losing streak, God only has one question for you: what do you have left?

The apostle Paul shares this sentiment, reflecting upon a physical ailment he was forced to accept, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul’s health concerns led him to embrace this situation, leaning on the Lord to help him cope with daily pain. Humbled and helpless, Paul found inner strength when he placed his trust in God with what he had left. Once he reached this point in his life, Paul uncovered the power of Christ in human weakness.

As for me, I find myself doing just the opposite, relying on my own strengths and talents to get by. The end result has been predictable, lacking joy, peace and unfulfilled in my current state of life. Despite my failures, I serve a God of second chances, able to rescue me from myself, Psalm 91:14-15. Therefore, if you find yourself in a similar predicament, swallow your pride by giving God what you’ve got left.

When has Christ shined through your weaknesses?

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged athletes, China, coping with pain, embrace, enduring trials, France, God, God given talents, health concerns, helpless, hope, human weakness, humble, inner strength, Jesus, joy, leaning, love, maximize, motivational speeches, overcoming losing streaks, overcoming weaknesses, peace, pride, rescue, seeking to attain new heights, serving God, students, the Lord gives, the Lord takes away, the power of Christ, trust in God, unfulfilled. Bookmark the permalink.

Miner 34

Posted on April 28, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As I child, I remember hearing the Old Testament story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Despite threats from King Nebuchadnezzar, these 3 men were willing to face death rather than break the first commandment, Daniel 3:17. While in a fiery furnace, a 4th figure appeared, resembling the son of God, Daniel 3:24-25. However, until today, I was not aware of the modern miracle of Miner 34.

On Thursday, August 5th, 2010, a mining accident in Copiapo, Chile, trapped 33 miners nearly a half mile beneath the surface of their San Jose mine. Despite the initial cave in, all 33 men survived 69 days in darkness, banding together as a close knit community. During this ordeal, each man was given a task that they were responsible for until their rescue. Jose Henriquez was delegated the man of prayer, the only Christian miner. Gathering around a pole, Jose introduced his co-workers to Miner 34, praying to the Living God.

Although not accepted by everyone, Jose’s words pierced the hearts of several men on the verge of death. When a drill reached their location 17 days later, food, water and Bibles were dropped into their small living quarters. Once Jose began to quote God’s words to his fellow miners, a revival broke out 2,400 feet under the earth’s surface. Thirty two men entered this mine without plans for eternity on August 5th. On October 10th, when these men were extracted from this mine, 22 men were reborn, dedicating their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, these 33 miners were visited by Miner 34 until their rescue was complete.

Please share any other miracles you’ve experienced, heard or seen with your own eyes.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged a fiery furnace, banding together, Chile, China, Copiapo, Daniel, enduring trials, eternity, famous miracles, famous rescues, France, God, hears, hearts, hope, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jose Henriquez, King Nebuchadnezzar, love, Meshach and Abednego, Miner 34, modern miracles, Prayer, rescue, revival, Shadrach, the first commandment, the Living God, the San Jose copper/gold mine, when God shows up. Bookmark the permalink.

R and R

Posted on April 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

From 1972 to 1983, the CBS television series MASH, short for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, brought the concept of R & R to prime time. The phrase R & R is an abbreviation for Rest and Relaxation. In MASH, doctors and nurses alike went to Tokyo to unwind from the stress of hour upon hour in an operating room. Although Hollywood’s portrayal often included drunkenness and debauchery, everyone needs a little R & R monthly to recharge their internal batteries.

A season 1 episode of Joan of Arcadia entitled Recreation illustrates a similar point when God calls Joan played by Amber Tamblyn to through a party when her parents go away to celebrate their anniversary. Initially skeptical, gossip spreads like wild fire at Arcadia High, causing a motley crew of students to show up. Instead of closing in on a known drug operation, the police are called to Joan’s house to check on complaints called in by neighbors. Subsequently, Joan’s party saves her father’s partner from an explosion at the stake out location.

The term recreation means to recreate. After a 10 day vacation for the first time in 2 years, I feel like a new person, with a fresh mind set on making a difference in life again. Part of me was caught in the grind of life, losing focus and desire. However, as I start a new week, I am prepared to rise above the challenges I face. Despite the hardships on the horizon, rest and relaxation has provided a rejuvenated soul. When your own life becomes boring, stale or unfulfilled, make sure you seek a little R & R to break through the monotony in life.

Please share how R & R has helped you in the past.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged a rejuvenated soul, Amber Tamblyn, CBS television, China, coping with boredom, coping with stress, debauchery, desire, doctors, drunkenness, focus, France, God, God works in mysterious ways, hope, Jesus, Joan of Arcadia, Joan of Arcadia Season 1, MASH, Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, nurses, party, recharge your batteries, recreate, Recreation, relaxation, renew, rest, soul, stake out, the grind of life, Tokyo, unwind. Bookmark the permalink.

Things That Make You Go Hum…

Posted on April 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

I was looking at a few of my bills from my hospital stay back in February after I broke two ribs, lacerated my liver and partially collapsed by right lung. The first two were sort of eye opening: $890 for a 3 mile ride to the hospital and $1000 for a 45 minute visit with a specialist. Perhaps patients need to begin billing doctors when you wait 4 hours in a hallway of the ER or an hour in the waiting room because nurses are running behind. Maybe this will teach clinics not to double and triple book patients.

Anyway, the last bill was shocking, $18000 for 4 days in the hospital. It’s not like a had a bottle wine or caviar at each meal. Although accidents do occur in life, it’s important to have good health insurance to prevent individuals from filing for bankruptcy. Time will tell if Obama Care will perform as advertised or an entirely new system will be needed to ensure quality healthcare. As for me, the price of medical emergencies are one of all many things in life that makes me want to go hum…

Please share your own experiences or nightmares that make you want to go hum…

By Jay Mankus

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Posted in truth and tagged accidents, China, France, God, Health Care, Health emergencies, Health insurance, hope, Jesus, love, Medical emergencies, nightmares, Obama Care, overcoming injuries, questions, Sticker shock, The cost of health care. Bookmark the permalink.

Blotting Out Your Past

Posted on April 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you’re young or old, everyone has scars, wounds from the past which mask pain and suffering. Like bringing home a brand new car, dings, scratches and wear quickly appear. Perfection fades ushering in guilt, shame and uncomfortable feelings. These emotions prompt individuals to yearn to blot out their past.

As David comes to grips with his rebellious ways in Psalm 51:1, he leans on God’s mercy. Images of his sin haunt David, brought to the forefront of his mind by the devil. Snapping out of his mean streak, a humbled heart brings this servant of God to his knees. Like resetting a video game to start over after making a careless error, we have all longed for God to blot out portions of our past.

Although memories will always return, God’s love can turn the ugliness of sin into snow, restoring a sense of purity to souls, Isaiah 1:18. The message of resurrection isn’t limited to one day or merely for a season. Rather, the triumph of Jesus over the cross, Colossians 2:15 is available daily, Lamentations 3:22-23. Therefore, don’t let the devil steal your joy any longer, John 10:10; hit the reset button by asking God to blot out the sins of your past.

Please feel free to share testimonies of God’s power to forgive.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Hope and tagged Blotting out your past, China, crying out to God, forgive, forgiveness, France, Gamers, God, God's love, guilt, hope, Jesus, joy, mercy, overcoming, pain, Power of Easter, Prayer, rebellion, Restoration, resurrection, scars, shame, sin, souls, suffering, the devil, video games, Wounds from the past, wounds to the soul. Bookmark the permalink.

Deep Wounds

Posted on April 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a child, you tend to place your favorite people up on a pedal stool, doing no wrong in your eyes. However, when reality sets in as these people shatter your perfect image of them, heart break often follows. Subsequently, deep wounds open, inflicting your soul with anguish unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

During the days of Israel’s exile, the prophet Jeremiah pours out his heart in a letter entitled Lamentations. Weeping through his writing, Jeremiah refers to wounds as deep as the sea floor, Lamentations 2:13. Perhaps Jeremiah is struggling with his expectations of God’s promises compared to the reality of his current condition. Like being rejected by the man or woman of your dreams, deep wounds form which some never recover from or take years to heal.

If you stop for a moment to look around, you are probably surrounded by individuals hiding their pain. Whether it’s the reckless driver on your way to work, the disgruntled employee or quiet neighbor, each is trying to cope with their pain. Depending upon your response to their needs, you will either sooth or worsen their wounds. Let your light shine today, Matthew 5:13, to help others begin to heal from the deep wounds of life.

Please comment on how you have been healed or helped someone else start this process.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Hope and tagged Broken dreams, China, coping with pain, crying out to God, dreams, Favorites, France, Getting over heartbreak, God, Growing up is hard to do, healing, heart, Heartbreak, Helping the hurting, helping the needy, Hidden pain, hope, Jesus, Mentors, Overcoming rejection, reaching out, rejection. Bookmark the permalink.

Life is Just a Blip on the Radar Screen

Posted on April 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Modern television is filled with episodes or series devoted to UFO’s, unidentified flying objects. Several shows claim unidentified “bogeys” entering foreign air space. They are not from this world, far more technologically advanced than our planet. These blips on radar screens don’t belong, creating tension for pilots who encounter the unexplainable. As theories continue to fester about the existence of aliens, one thing is certain: life is just a blip on the radar screen.

Depending upon the career you choose, hand you’ve been dealt or how you were raised, life seems to go faster the older you become. While talking to former students at a going away party over the weekend, my teaching career seems eons ago. Before you know it, 7th graders are graduating from high school, accelerating this blip, like the USS Enterprise at warp speed. On this journey through life, unless you take time to slow down, Psalm 46:10, your life will be void of permanent meaningful lasting relationships.

King David eludes to this blip in Psalm 49:10, where no one is exempt as the foolish and wise perish together. Perhaps this may explain Solomon’s comments in Proverbs about using wealth to earn and entertain friends, taking his father’s words to heart. The younger brother of Jesus learned a similar lesson, comparing life to a mist that vanishes into thin air, James 4:14. In view of this truth, seize the moments you have today, Ephesians 5:15-18, making the most of the opportunities God provides. Make your blip count before it disappears on life’s radar screen.

What legacy are you leaving behind for friends, family or neighbors? Who has been the greatest blip on your radar screen?

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Hope and tagged aliens, bogeys, careers, Carpe Diem, China, entertain, foolish, France, God, heart, hope, how you were raised, Jesus, leaving a legacy, making your life count, out of this world, seize the moment, slowing down to enjoy life, Star Trek, television shows, the existence of aliens, the USS Enterprise, UFO's, unidentified flying objects, wise. Bookmark the permalink.

Fan or Follower?

Posted on April 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a person who enjoys watching sports, I’ve met several fare weather fans in life. When the local team is winning, there isn’t enough room on the bandwagon. However, as the years pass without a Superbowl win, Stanley Cup, NBA championship or World Series title, a mass exodus occurs. This trend causes individuals to adopt other teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Heat or New York Yankees to raise their self esteem. Time will distinguish the casual fan from the avid follower, living and dying with their team despite the anguish or pain.

Jesus used another method to disclose fans from genuine followers. One day, a first century doctor, watched in awe as Jesus began to ask a few people some questions, Luke 9:57-63. Like a coach pushing his players to see who will rise to the top or quit, Jesus’ words pierce the hearts of these lukewarm fans. Despite their good intentions, one by one, each fell by the wayside, unable to meet the conditions Jesus was searching for in a follower.

Whether I’m shaking my head at another Phillies loss, Eagles meltdown, Flyers defensive breakdown or 76er’s losing streak, being a fan in the greater Philadelphia area isn’t easy. On the other hand, being a followers of Jesus is even harder, Matthew 10:32-39. Sometimes I find myself in the shoes of the ruler in Matthew 19:16-25, wondering if I have the moxie to endure life’s trials. Unfortunately, my actions don’t always express what I believe. In the end, I’m at the mercy of God, relying on Him to make the impossible a possibility, Matthew 19:26.

Where do you find yourself on the spectrum of fan or follower?

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 76er's, anguish, avid fans, believe, China, Christianity, coach, Dallas Cowboys, eagles, enduring life's trials, express, fare weather fans, Flyers, France, God, hearts, Jesus, lukewarm, mercy of God, Miami Heat, NBA championship, New York Yankees, pain, Phillies, quit, self-esteem, sports, Stanley Cup, Superbowl, World Series title. Bookmark the permalink.

ExpressYourself4Him

Tag Archives: God

Elijah’s Blueprint

Weaned From Violence

What You’ve Got Left

Miner 34

R and R

Things That Make You Go Hum…

Blotting Out Your Past

Deep Wounds

Life is Just a Blip on the Radar Screen

Fan or Follower?

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