Tag Archives: God

Why People Don’t Listen

Posted on October 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Eyes

As a former teacher, there were many days I talked to blank stares, bowed heads and confused faces.  Maybe the topic I spoke on was boring, students stayed up too late the previous night or I was tuned out by their minds, not as entertaining as their favorite television stars.  However, one of the main reasons people don’t listen is because deep down inside, they probably don’t believe what you saying applies, will change or impact their lives.

 

Moses encounters a similar experience within Exodus 6:9-12, confused by Israel’s response to the message God gave him.  Based upon verse 9, the distress of slavery and the wear and tear of beat downs by Egyptian officials took a toll on their hearts.  After approaching a 4th generation of bondage, it appears no one could foresee the miracle God was waiting to perform.

This mentality is alive and well today, made stronger by an I know it all attitude.  If you include opinions, political views and well defined worldviews, breaking down the walls to clear communication is extremely challenging.  This likely explains why Jesus used the phrase “you have ears but don’t hear and eyes but do not hear,” addressing the Pharisees for their stubbornness.  May the Holy Spirit help you conquer this worldwide dilemma, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, to influence those whom you come in contact with daily.

by Jay Mankus

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By the Sweat of Your Brow

Posted on October 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

The poor have said, “the rich have won life’s lottery!”  Meanwhile, the middle class are waiting for their big break, a chance for the world to recognize their talents.  On the other hand, the wealthy are trying to keep up with the Joneses, working harder than ever to buy their next show piece.

Whether you are wrestling with poverty, keeping your head above debt or living on cloud 9, everyone makes their living by the sweat of their brow.  Since original sin entered mankind in Genesis 3:17-19, God made life as we know it hard.  Gone are the days of milk and honey, evaporating in a promised land turned to sand.  Like the humidity of a summer sun sapping all your strength, the worries of life can wilt any soul not prepared for unexpected trials.

As I was doing my final touches of yard work before the growing season ends, I was reminded of God’s words in Genesis 3:19.  Yes, even the invincible will experience kryptonite at some point.  This will paralyze your ability to save yourself, leading to the grave, to become like the dust that God formed Adam out of.  In view of this bleak destiny, its vital to make plans for the afterlife, John 14:3.  Therefore, while you have time to breathe, take note of God’s promise in 1 John 5:13-15.  Inquire before you expire.

by Jay Mankus

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So What… Nobody Cares Anymore

Posted on October 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

Last week I interrupted a conversation between 2 co-workers.  As I was passing through an aisle, I overheard a gal say, “nobody cares anymore!”  Feeling compelled to interject hope, I responded, “I care.”  Unfortunately, this young lady is right, as apathy, complacency and self conceit has hardened the hearts of many Americans.

 

In the days of Pharaoh, God allowed a similar behavior to take hold of the king of Egypt.  Despite seeing Moses perform miracle after miracle, he refused to let the Israelites leave for 3 days to hold a festival in the desert.  As a result, Pharaoh punished the Hebrews, making their workload more difficult and beating foremen whose crews did not meet their daily quota, Exodus 5:4-14.

 

The pessimists will turn to passages of the Bible like 2 Timothy 2:1-5, claiming the end is near.  Meanwhile, optimists will highlight others verses like 2 Peter 1:3-4. proclaiming victory over evil desires is possible.  However, the negativity which persists throughout the world often creates a wave that knocks over good intentions.  Thus, harmful attitudes pollute the air, making it difficult to influence minds.  Therefore, if you want to break this trend, you will need spiritual intervention to break the regional strongholds that exist in the spiritual realm, Ephesians 6:12.

By Jay Mankus

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The Thorns of Life

Posted on September 27, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

When speaking to someone was impossible, Jesus became an engaging figure, using stories to captivate his audience.  Like tiny little morsels, Jesus’ parables contain a wealth of knowledge about life.  On this particular Sabbath in Matthew 13:1-9, the crowds grew so extensive that Jesus entered a boat just off shore, sitting down as his followers gathered around the beach to listen.

 

As he continued, Jesus had the farmers in the palm of his hands, speaking about the different terrains each encounters.  Since cursing the land in Genesis 3:17-18, finding ideal conditions was rare, leaving compacted, rocky and weed infested areas to grow crops.  God’s words in Genesis foreshadowed current conditions with painful toil resulting in thorns, thistles and some plants to eat, Matthew 13:22.

 

Within my own yard, I see the thorns of life more than ever before.  It seems like the older I get, briar patches of worry begin to choke the joy out of life.  Meanwhile, sticker bushes leave marks, wounds to my soul, often tearing my heart in the wrong direction.  Thistles have become like sand on the seashore, sticking like burrs, embedding within my body like a parasite.  If I don’t seek spiritual medical attention soon, even my mind is in danger of being poisoned like Peter, Matthew 16:23.

Unfortunately, these thorns aren’t going anywhere until Jesus returns.  Therefore, you must use your Bible as a spiritual Farmers Almanac, getting clued in daily about impending droughts, famine or trials.  Although you have no control over the soil, you can place yourself into a healthier social environment.  Change is hard, but its a step in God’s direction.  May the Holy Spirit serve as a spiritual Round Up to stop, thorns, thistles and weeds of life before they wrap around your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Amish Aid

Posted on September 25, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

The concept of Amish aid is a 300 year tradition brought to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Amish immigrants who settled in this portion of the country.  An Amish Aid Society was founded by church members, serving as insurance in case disaster strikes someone in their community.  This practice has been illustrated by the hit television series Amish Mafia, produced by the Discovery Channel, often using Lebanan Levi to collect money from the Amish community.  However, the origin of Amish Aid may very well be found in Genesis 50:24-25.

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During the Great 7 year Famine in the days of Pharaoh, Israel was forced to relocate his family to Egypt, supported by his son Joseph who was governor.  When every Egyptian citizen was forced to become the slaves of Pharaoh, selling their land and labor for food, the only remaining land owners were the priests, Genesis 47:22 and 70 descendents of Israel, Exodus 1:5.  Prior to his death, Joseph forces his grandchildren to make an oath to God.  Based upon the slavery that follows in Exodus, God appears to have given Joseph one more glance into the future.  Thus, Joseph convinces his family to believe “God will surely come to your aid!” – Genesis 50:25.

When trials come, like experiencing 400 years of slavery in Egypt, Nazi death camps under Hitler and imminent attacks from terrorists today, God’s remnant has no other option but rely on the promise of Genesis 50:25.  These severe conditions make individuals realize quickly that you can’t help yourself.  Yet, the prayers of the dead, dying and imprisoned were answered by people like Oskar Schindler whose life story is revealed in the 1983 epic film Schindler’s List.  Therefore, whether you are Amish, Catholic, Jewish or Presbyterian, cry out to God and believe that He will come to your aid!

by Jay Mankus

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The Media’s Double Standard

Posted on September 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

While the scene was different, the Navy Yard in Washington DC, Monday’s mass shootings follow the patterns of Columbine High, Virginia Tech and Fort Hood.  Unfortunately, this tragedy will likely inspire Congress, nudged by the media, to take drastic measures to restrict or take away more freedoms of Americans.  Based upon the initial coverage, the gun or guns used are to blame, not the individual, Aaron Alexis, who has been portrayed as nice and quiet with a few instances of hearing voices in his past.

New York Daily News

Meanwhile. the media appears to have no problem with reality shows like Amish Mafia that promotes revenge and violence, displaying several of these acts on camera, with a few containing guns.  In response to the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting last December, the Discovery Channel did cancel American Guns despite regularly promoting gun safety and offering self defense classes for women.  Nonetheless, when the latest frenzy over gun control subsided, the History Channel has since added God, Guns and Automobiles.  As long as it continues to have good numbers and makes the network money, this show will remain until the next crisis.

I wish networks could apply the same principles they portray in horror movies into real life massacres.  Saturday Night Live had a regular skit with Dana Carvey playing the Church Lady with the famous quote, “could it be Satan?”  Well, if Aaron Alexis did hear voices before planning this and eventually pulling the trigger, why isn’t anyone in the media talking about Genesis 4:6-7.  Cain allowed envy and jealousy to build up within him until it exploded, resulting in murder.  Demons and the Devil is real, not just something from Friday the 13th flick.  May God convict the media of their ignorance and open their eyes to the powers that push individuals toward evil acts, Ephesians 6:12.

by Jay Mankus

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Tattle Tale

Posted on August 29, 2013 by expressyourself4him

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a tattle tale is an informer.  Within a home, a tattle  tale breaks the unspoken code, not to rat on their brother or sister.  However, where do you draw the line between telling the truth and exposing unwholesome behavior?  As bullying continues to rise at schools across America, sometimes individuals must to be willing to betray this code to prevent further violent acts.

One of the most famous tattle tales of the Bible is introduced in Genesis 37.  Based on the information passed onto Moses, Joseph brings back a bad report about his brothers’ behavior to his father.  While it is not certain, Joseph appears to have gained Israel’s favor.  Like his mother Rachel, Joseph’s father loved him more than any of his other 11 sons.  Thus, an assumption you can make is that Joseph is the first tattle tale to be rewarded in the Bible with a coat of many colors, Genesis 37:3.

Today, the media uses the term whistle blower to describe a tattle tale.  In most cases, modern whistle blowers are applauded, praised and viewed as heroes.  Some of the most famous American whistle blowers are Karen Silkwood, inspiring the 1983 film entitled Silkwood, Mark Felt who leaked information to the press about Richard Nixon’s involvement in Watergate and Peter Rost who exposed Pfizer for their accounting irregularities.  If only the negative connotation of the word tattle tale could be removed, maybe more young people would be willing to come forward with the truth like Joseph?  As for now, young people would rather keep quiet, afraid of earning a reputation as a fink.  May God raise up a generation of bold children, “tattle tales,” who are willing to eliminate bullying and obscene behavior from their classrooms.

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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Not For Long

Posted on August 27, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Professional football analysts, commentators and former players often refer to the National Football League by the acronym Not For Long.  For example, all 32 teams have to trim their 90 man rosters down to 75 players by tomorrow afternoon, August 27th.  In addition, within the next week, teams will have to cut another 22 players before completing their 53 man roster before the start of the season.  As a result, 1,184 individuals will lose their jobs, having their dreams of playing professional football shattered this season.  Although some will be added to practice squads, the reality of not for long will ring true for most of these newly unemployed athletes.

From a golfing perspective, the P.G.A. Tour commenced their 2013 playoffs, sponsored by FedEx, this past weekend won by Adam Scott, with only 125 independent contractors assured of a spot on tour next season.  Each week, players are eliminated with only the top 100 advancing to play in Boston, the best 70 moving on to Chicago and the 30 highest point earners finish the season in Atlanta at the Tour Championship.  My professional career only lasted 6 months, playing in a few mini-tour events and failing to advance at the Canadian P.G.A. Tour Qualifying School.  Like the college stars who will be cut by one of 32 N.F.L. teams, letting go and moving on is a difficult transition, especially for young and gifted athletes.

The brother of Jesus uses a similar expression to describe life in James 4:14.  James compares someone’s life to a mist, like the morning dew which appears for a little while, then vanishes as the sun evaporates any traces of its previous existence.  Just read the morning headlines of a local paper, click on breaking news alerts or listen to the news of the day as helpless and innocent bystanders have their lives end in tragedy.  With this in mind, try to develop a James 4:15 mindset, making the most of each precious day God gives you!

by Jay Mankus

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The First Game of Crying Uncle

Posted on August 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The expression of crying uncle appears to have some ties to the Roman Empire.  During the first through third centuries, when a child was bullied by a stronger individual, they were coerced to use the Latin term Patrue.  Once spoken, meaning uncle, the dominant figure would release or set free the person they had cornered.

Today, when an older sibling catches up to a faster and younger sister or brother, either holding onto or sitting on them, a power trip rushes through their soul.  As a result, the elder statesman in the house usually seeks total submission before letting go or getting up.  Like a bribe, torture continues until a person finally gives in, “crying uncle,” at the top of their lungs.

While researching this topic, I stumbled across a biblical account that might of inspired the first game of crying uncle.  According to Genesis 32:24-26, Jacob participates in a wrestling match which lasts all night long, something the founders of W.W.E. would be proud of.  Holding on for dear life, Jacob refuses to let go until this stranger blesses him.  Unbeknownst to Jacob, his opponent is God himself, Genesis 32:27-30.  Although he does not force God to say uncle, Jacob follows a Jesus like approach to acquiring what he desires, Matthew 7:7-11.

The next time you feel caught, captured or cornered by the devil, try to emulate Jesus’ model for prayer.  Don’t forget to ask God specifically, crying uncle, confessing that you can’t make it in life on your own strength.  If nothing happens right away, keep on seeking God for advice, answers and direction.  Finally, like Jacob, hold on to God, by knocking on heaven’s door until you receive the blessings of God!

by Jay Mankus

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