Tag Archives: God

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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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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