Tag Archives: God

A Christmas Without Gifts?

Posted on December 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him

This morning a thought came to my mind, what would Christmas morning be like without gifts?  First of all, most would enjoy a good night sleep before going to church or sleep later after attending a midnight service.  Once awake, the distractions of presents might actual promote quality conversations as individuals reflect upon the previous year.  As breakfast or brunch is served, discussions would likely move toward meaningful topics, free from typical superficial talk about who received the best gift and which family member got the shaft or least favored status.

Without the rush of getting back to play with your newest toy, the birth of the Messiah might become real to young children.  Instead of being brain washed by traditions of Christmas, Colossians 2:8, words from the Bible would fall upon fertile soil, Matthew 13:23, opening the door for faith to prosper, Romans 10:17.  Thus, Christmas wouldn’t be about what you got for Christmas.  Rather, hearts and minds would be transformed from “Thank you Santa, to Thank you God for the promise of Matthew 1:23.”

If I struggle with balancing a traditional Christmas with worshiping baby Jesus, I’m sure I am not alone.  My Christmas Day prayer is that I will point my children toward the true reason for this season.  When the sunsets on the 25th, families shouldn’t have to wait another calender year to celebrate the birth of Christ.  Rather, the Spirit of Christmas can and should be kept alive through the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4, given to all those who believe.  Although the day is now December 26th, its never too soon to start preparing your hearts for a Christmas without gifts, devoted to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

by Jay Mankus

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Exchanging Fear With Joy

Posted on December 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In Luke 2:8-9, an ordinary group of people have a supernatural encounter with angelic beings.  These blue collar workers. shepherds in a field, were interrupted from their daily responsibility of overseeing their master’s sheep.  As bright lights shined on their face, each was gripped with fear, paralyzing their bodies as each dropped to their knees trying to protect their eyes the glory of the Lord.

Noticing their response, the angel sent by God brings a message of hope to a dark night in verses 10-12.  According to Luke 2:13, a great company of heavenly hosts appear.  The Greek word Luke chooses is stratus, referring to layers and layers of angels in the skies.  This event doesn’t happen at church or in temple, rather God celebrates Jesus’ birth out in the open.  Somewhere in between Luke 2:9 and Luke 2:14, the shepherds exchange their fear with joy as the angel sang praises to God.

Unfortunately, this simple story has been neglected, overlooked due to modern practices of this holiday.  Christmas is not about exchanging gifts, receiving items that you either don’t need or have too much of.  Rather, Christmas is spiritual practice of exchanging your earthly fears with the joy of Jesus entering the world.  Romans 5:6-8 highlights the true meaning of Jesus’ birth, coming to earth and dying as a perfect sacrifice so that the fear of death is eliminated.  May the promise of John 3:16 transform for you the purpose and meaning of Jesus on this Christmas Day.

by Jay Mankus

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Refreshment

Posted on December 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The average adult might associate refreshment with their favorite alcoholic beverage.  Meanwhile, a typical child will likely imagine their favorite soft drink, shake or slurpee.  After working 12 of the last 13 days, refreshment for me is laying in my hydrotherapy tub and relaxing until its time to go back to work.  As for Sunday’s, my only day off in December, God has given me a new appreciation for the day of rest.

While woman across America will shop until they drop in December, men tend be distracted by sports on the Sabbath.  Although I don’t intend to know why God chose to create the heavens and earth in 6 days, I understand the need to recharge your batteries.  Thus, if you want to experience spiritual refreshment, investing time in prayer, worship and a quiet time studying the Bible on Sunday is a step in the right direction.

At the end of Romans 11, the apostle Paul places a doxology to complete this chapter.  A doxology is a liturgical formula of praise to God like Romans 11:33-36.  By practicing worship, it appears that God rewards those who master this art with divine knowledge from the Lord, Romans 12:2.  A modern form of worship includes soaking in the Spirit, where some churches play non-stop praise and worship music as believers can rest and recline while absorbing and reflecting on the lyrics.  If you want to experience true refreshment, this is a great place to begin.

by Jay Mankus

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Bigger is Better

Posted on November 29, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Over the past 12 months, AT&T has invested an entire ad campaign on the mantra, “Bigger is Better.”  While many commercials  are hard to understand what a company is trying to sell, this concept makes sense in the context of cell phones.  Thus, AT&T continues to drive this point home today, like Geico, over and over again.

God was the first to introduce this sales pitch in Exodus 20:5-6 as an incentive for being obedient.  As long as individuals remember  to stay true to the One who brought Israel out of Egypt, God promises 1,000 generations of blessings and love.  However, if you forget and begin to wander into sin, the Lord will punish your children with a generational curse lasting up to 4 generations.

The skeptic will cry foul; questioning, “how can a loving God be so cruel?”  Denominations will even go as far as deemphasizing this passage along with similar warnings from Moses in Leviticus 26:14-46 and Deuteronomy 28.  Meanwhile,  many theologians claim these principles don’t apply anymore in a New Testament culture.  Thus, parishioners will disregard passages that don’t fit into their biblical thinking.  Bigger is better in mathematics, but from a spiritual perspective without obedience, no one will be accompanied by the blessings of God, Deuteronomy 28:2.

by Jay Mankus

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An Anniversary Day Prayer

Posted on November 25, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Eight teen years ago today, I took the plunge, walking down the altar to a new life with my wife Leanne.  Three kids, two states and  one adventure after another has etched fond memories of the past two decades together.  With marriages, relationships and vows not lasting as long as they once did, an anniversary day prayer is necessary to keep the flame of love alive.

As Adam learned eons ago, Genesis 2:20-24, finding a suitable helper isn’t easy.  Maybe this is one of the reasons why King Solomon continued to seek wife after wife according to 1 Kings 11:1-3.  Unfortunately, even one of the wisest men to ever walk the face of the earth forgot to consider how being unequally yoked would influence his own relationship with God, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.  All you have to do is read Proverbs 19:13 and 21:9 to understand Solomon’s regrets about rushing into marriage.

With this in mind, I am thankful for waiting, watching and trusting God to provide a godly spouse.  Although each of us have our own imperfections, the Lord has guided our steps together as a couple, Galatians 5:25.  Whatever the future holds, I am grateful to a loving wife, 3 great kids and daily bread.  Prayer is what has held my family together, offering up loved ones to God and asking angels to keep watch when you are not around.  In the end, one of my favorite prayers is for God give me the wisdom of Solomon, the love of Jesus and  the favor of Joseph from Genesis.    May you find the same joy and peace that I have experienced over the last 18 years.

by Jay Mankus

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We’ve Never Done Things Like That Before

Posted on November 22, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One of my greatest attributes is the creativity that God has blessed me with in life.  Although I am not the most conventional communicator, I am able to apply Kindergarten Cop like principles on athletic fields, in the classroom and through my interactions with others.  Just when I was about to experience a breakthrough, I heard those 7 dreaded words: “we’ve never done things like that before!”  This narrow minded thinking cut me off at the knees, preventing me from achieving the heights God had intended.  Like Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society, we lost our teaching positions because others in administrative positions never saw the genius within a life application philosophy of education.

Whether you are in business, communication or education, you will always encounter rugged individuals who will try to fit a square peg into a circular hole.  NFL coaches are notorious for similar practices, running a system that they know, without changing their style to fit or meet their rosters unique talent pool.  Thus, certain individuals remain anonymous today, being cut, injured or released by a team before the world was introduced to their special gift.  If only a coach would break away from the status quo, new stars might shine bright.  Unfortunately, power trips and stubbornness repeat the mantra all over again, “we’ve never done things like that before!”

Today’s world needs more Barnabas’, men who will humbly step aside so that the next apostle Paul won’t be thrown under the bus or suppressed by leadership trying to keep their jobs.  Despite their disagreement at the end of Acts 15, Barnabas was actually teachable, learning to think outside of the box.  Maybe politicians can take a cue from Barnabas by retiring from public service after 2 terms instead of trying to hold on to power for 20 years without helping the people who got them elected.  With God’s help and the prayers of the saints, may we flush this mentality down the toilet once and for all, saying goodbye to “we’ve never done things like that before!”  Instead, may a new generation of thinking begin today with, “let’s try it for a while and see what happens next!”

by Jay Mankus

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Whole in One

Posted on November 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

I witnessed a hole in one for the first time as a caddy at Concord Country Club in Pennsylvania while in high school.  As a player, I came close several times, hitting the pin, lipping out and hanging on the edge of the cup without falling.  Finally, during my 10 year coaching career, I reached this dream during my team’s 4 day seeding tournament in 2006.  On the 3rd hole at Frog Hollow, a short par 3 playing about 135 yards, I hit a pitching wedge 3 days in a row.  Playing as a marker to insure no cheating took place, I hit the pin on one bounce, ricocheting 20 feet away during the first  round, making par.  On day 2, I hit a 3/4 wedge that landed just short, hula hooped around the hole, staying out, 2 feet away for an easy birdie.  The next day, I hit nearly the identical shot, but this one to my amazement dropped in for an ace.  The only draw back is I had to buy drinks, soda, for every member of my team and a few parent drivers.  Five years later, playing disc golf with all 3 of my children, I experienced another hole in one on the 18th hole at White Clay Creek State Park, buying slurpees for the family.

To be whole means to stay in one piece, unbroken or undamaged by people, obstacles or trials in life.  Synonyms of whole include complete, entire, intact and unabridged.  Though the thrill one receives from accomplishing a hole in one is exhilarating, this feeling quickly fades, especially when you hit your next bad shot.  On the day I had my one and only golf hole in one, I made double bogeys on 3 of the last 4 holes to shoot 40.  After a topsy-turvy round of golf, you get to start fresh with a brand new scorecard the next time you play.  Unfortunately, in life once you’ve become broken, scars remain deep within your soul.  These memories can haunt individuals like nightmares, serving as a barrier to prevent someone from becoming whole again.  When a sin or sins enters life as an impulse, one of the hardest things to do is to forgive yourself once you’ve indulged.  When the aftermath of 2 Samuel 11 is exposed by the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-17, King David had to pick of the pieces to his life and reputation.

myphillygolf.com
The words of Psalm 103:1-13 unveil a series of lessons God taught David on his journey to become whole again.  Beginning in verse 8, God’s nature is filled with compassion, grace and love.  Rather, than treat us as we deserve, God’s memory is erased of our wrong doing, fading into infinity.  All God asks is for those who seek his name is to fear Him, with reverence.  The apostle Paul shares a similar message in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, detailing the attributes of God, encapsulated by an agape love.  If you have tried on your own without success, like the woman in Matthew 9:20-22, cries out to Jesus, He is the only one who can make you whole.  Learn to let go like David did after committing adultery and murder, as you allow the giver of life to restore you back to where you belong, James 1:18, made whole in One God.

by Jay Mankus

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A New Year’s Invitation to a 2014 Case Study

Posted on October 27, 2013 by expressyourself4him

According to a December 2009 article in the Examiner, the origin of New Year resolutions began with the Babylonians about 4,000 years ago.  Although Babylon celebrated New Year’s on March 23rd, farmers celebrated the beginning of Spring with goals for their upcoming harvest.  This concept has caught on in America as vows to diet, enjoy life and get ahead in 2014 have already begun.  In view of this, I am offering an invitation to anyone interested in being part of a 12 week Case Study, from January to the end of March.

 
 The purpose of this event is to develop Bible Study leaders and encourage discipleship within a small group setting.  I am searching for volunteers who fit the criteria listed below.

1) Anyone who wants to start a Bible Study in their neighborhood for people interested in God or seeking answers to life.

2) Youth pastors who are looking to disciple students to become future leaders in their community.

3) New or small churches seeking to develop a small group Bible Study model throughout their church family.

4) People with the gift of hospitality, willing to host a series of 12 week Bible Studies in 2014.

5) Writers with a background in curriculum development willing to give input while leading their own 12 week study.

6) Godly men, women or couples looking to instill a biblical worldview within their family and friends.

7) Individuals with the gift of evangelism who are willing to recruit unsaved friends to attend a 12 week study.

While I may have excluded some people, my goal is to select 12 leaders across the country to participate in a 12 week journey where people can encounter Extra Ordinary Faith.  Those chosen will receive a complete Power Point Presentation which includes teaching notes, links and you tubes of music videos and movie clips.  My only expectations in return are comments, criticism and ideas to help me assess what changes need to be made before I try to publish this material.

The test group of Extra Ordinary Faith is running now through December 2nd and will also be involved in 2014 as we try to perfect the current curriculum.  Based upon the first 6 weeks, Bible Study ranges from 45 minutes up to 75 minutes depending upon the size and talkative nature of the group.  My recommendation is to have a 15 minute window, giving busy individuals time to arrive, while serving as fellowship for those can can come early.  Although some discussions may flow over a few minutes, try to keep a consistent schedule, reserving a set hour for each Bible Study.

If the Holy Spirit places an urging on your heart, please contact me in a private message on my Facebook page (Jay Mankus) or send me an email at jlmankus@aol.com.  For those selected, please devote time in December to fasting and prayer so that the Holy Spirit will lead you to ask the right people.  Before you set a specific day and time, try to evaluate the best for all members of your group, realizing it probably won’t be right for everyone.  From there, trust God to provide a harvest of people, Matthew 9:37-38.

by Jay Mankus

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Learning to Celebrate the Present

Posted on October 21, 2013 by expressyourself4him
 The spirit of envy has a way of convincing individuals that their life doesn’t measure up to others.  When compared to this co-worker, that neighbor and everyone’s favorite relative, your life disappoints, leaving depression which hovers over the human soul.  Instead of finding contentment in the life you are living, jealousy urges people to turn their eyes toward the other side of the fence where the grass always seems greener.

 

Yesterday, I attended a wedding of a friend I had done some work for in the past year.  Since I had to work my current job leading up to the afternoon ceremony, I didn’t have any expectations.  Rather, I came with an open mind, free from any preconceived judgments or stereotypes.  I was there to simply support my friend and wife to be.  As a result, my heart was fertile, ready to receive the message of the pastor.

Stage view photo in the Cascade Room.

Before the exchange of vows,  a 5 minute sermonette explained why this couple stood at the altar.  Entitled A Witness to Christian Marriage, these words were profound, convicting me of the life I had been living.  Over the last 3 years, I have glorified my past, bypassed the present and hoped for a brighter future.  In the malaise of my unemployment, I neglected to celebrate the present.  Thanks to this amazing invocation, God has inspired me to be thankful for my past, embrace the future and learn to celebrate the here and now of life!

by Jay Mankus

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I Really Mean It This Time

Posted on October 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 
 If you have lived on earth long enough, then you’ve probably known or met someone who says one thing but does the complete opposite.  Everyone has flaws, yet some stick out more than others, especially when an individual earns a reputation for embellishing, exaggerating or lying.  Unfortunately, compulsive acts become like an addiction, like a second nature to someone who promises, “I really mean it this time.”

Pharaoh, king of Egypt appears to have developed this undesirable trait in Exodus 8:26-28.  In the midst of each plague sent by God, Pharaoh cried uncle, urging Moses to pray for him to remove the trial facing his empire.  However, as soon as each ceased, Pharaoh changed his mind as God continued to harden his heart, Exodus 9:33-35.  This pattern of sin went on for several weeks until Pharaoh finally refused to meet face to face with Moses anymore, Exodus 10:27-29.

 
If I was Moses, I would have given up on Pharaoh, realizing that trying to agree with him was a lost cause.  Some of you reading this may have a living co-worker, friend or relative who possess similar traits.  Whenever you face this real life scenario, all you can do is try to apply Jesus’ advice from Matthew 5:43-48.  Loving those who love you doesn’t require any effort.  Instead, God wants you to love and pray for those people who let you down time after time by saying, “I really mean it this time!”  Forgive others as Jesus has forgiven you, Colossians 3:13.

by Jay Mankus

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