Tag Archives: God

God’s Consolation Prize

Posted on May 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Finishing second stinks, especially when are so close you can taste victory, only to have it slip out of your hands.  Losing can be just as painful if you are a finalist for an open position only to receive a dear John letter or worse yet, the silence of not receiving a courtesy call.  Professional athletes who fail to win a title often say there is only one champion, everyone else are losers.  Unfortunately, history fails to remember those who almost succeeded or nearly won, unless you enjoy seeing runner up banners.

Like game shows that give out consolation prizes for contestants failing to win anything, God devotes a portion of scripture to such a scenario.  According to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the apostle Paul recognized that only one runner in each event of the Corinthian Games, a pre – Olympic competition,  went home with a crown, first century trophy.  God wants each participant in life to treat each day like a new race, giving each one their best.  Therefore, whether you win or lose, you can sleep good at night knowing your actions glorified God on that day.

The Psalmist also comments on consolation prizes.  Psalm 94:18-19 refers to someone who has had a rough day, slipping and about to fall.  Held up by love, God provides consolation to this individual in the form of joy within their soul.  Thus, if you are having a bad day like me, may be you can find solace in this passage, claiming it for yourself as a personal prayer!  Keep your head up, shake off defeat and get back up for round 2, with the God who avenges wrong on your side, Psalm 94:1.

by Jay Mankus

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A One Way Ticket to… Tarshish?

Posted on May 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

During the days of Jonah, there was a city similar to Las Vegas, where sin was flaunted for all to see.  Thus, when God gave him the assignment to preach to Nineveh, Jonah’s hatred of this place prevented him from following God’s calling.  Instead, he fled from the Lord, setting sail for Tarshish in the opposite direction, Jonah 1:3.

In many ways, my current path appears to be similar to the detour Jonah took from God.  After 10 successful years of teaching, I figured this stage of my life was over, a bitter memory of countless hours of service.  However, it appears the boat that I call occupation has sunk, leaving me stranded without a whale to bring me back to shore.

Second guessing my choices over the past 16 months may be futile, yet maybe this storm I have been experiencing has occurred to bring me back where I didn’t want to go.  While I have punched my one way ticket to Tarshish, God has the ability to bring me back in accordance with His will, wherever that may be.  As I continue to float off course, keeping my head above water, maybe there is an open door on the horizon to lift me out of these murky waters.  As for now, all I can do is pray the prayer of Jonah 2:1-9, expecting a happy ending accompanied by God’s providence.

by Jay Mankus

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Feeling Better Now?

Posted on May 9, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Misery loves company is a timeless expression which applies to nearly every generation.  Beside the Great Depression, a period forcing individuals to buckle up and bear down,  there is something comforting about discovering your life isn’t as bad as you first thought.  After complaining, moping and venting to others, sometimes this is all you need to do to feel better.

Such is the case in Psalm 88, where one of the sons of Korah airs his frustrations.  Sounding like an individual wrestling with depression, the gloom and doom, woe is me attitude can be felt by his troubling words.  Thus, as I read this chapter today, God gave me a new perspective on my own life.  Sure, I may not be where I want to be as an individual, professional and servant of Christ, but God has rescued me from the bitter pill of despair.

Like the double rainbow that appeared over the skies of Newark, Delaware last night, the flood has ceased and the sun is about to shine!  Don’t allow your own circumstances to block you from seeing the light, the positive.  Rather, claim the words of Psalm 88:13, believing that God will come to your side.  May God ease your pain, providing joy and peace to help you feel better now!

by Jay Mankus

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Better Than Life

Posted on April 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Human nature encourages individuals to eat, drink and be merry.  The selfish side of human beings urges people to go for the gusto, get it while its hot and live for the moment.  A herd instinct sways citizens toward peer pressure, taking risks and indulging in activities you were told not to by parents or guardians.  In my own search, following these influences, I have discovered something better than life.

As a teenager, I reluctantly engaged my human nature, often left feeling empty and guilty from my participation, being out of character.  At the end of high school and most of college, I found time to satisfy my selfish needs.  Unfortunately, the pleasures of life quickly faded, furthering the void within my heart.  An independent spirit keep me from conforming to typical herd instincts, yet like Romans 3:23 proclaims, I had my moments of compromise, falling to lies of persuasion.  In recent days, even viewing my favorite sports teams on television does not bring the joy it once did.

What I was longer for, was right there all along, on the other side of the door way, Revelation 3:20.  When the timing was right, I couldn’t hold back the force which drew me in, Romans 10:9-10.  Therefore, within the basement of a conference center, I had a divine appointment with the Creator of Life.  Though the temptations of sin still exist, there is something better than life.  Psalm 63:3 reveals this truth, where the grace, forgiveness and mercy of God is above all, greater than life!

by Jay Mankus

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Starter Fluid

Posted on April 23, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A few year’s ago, I was unable to get my aging push mower to start in the spring.  Initially, I went out and bought a cheap reel mover as a substitute, my earth day contribution.  However, after a conversation with a neighbor, he suggested an old mechanic trick, spraying starter fluid into the carburetor.  After the second pull, my mower was brought back to life.

This year I experienced deja-vu, except my supply of starter fluid had run out.  To my amazement, everywhere I looked to purchase a replacement came up empty.  With the sun about to set today, I was left with one remaining option.  As I bent down to prime the gas pump one final time, I said a simple prayer in my head, “Lord, only you can start this machine!”  As soon as I got back onto my feet, I gave a quick pull and the purr of the engine startled me.

Unfortunately, prayer often is left as a last resort for many.  God is waiting to do a miracle in our lives, but most given up hope that God can or will.  Wherever you are or whatever you are going through, rely on the eternal starter fluid, the Holy Spirit to jump start your day.  Matthew 21:21-22 reveals a promise from Jesus that prayer can move obstacles or any mountain that stands in your way.  Believe!

by Jay Mankus

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More Than Patriotism

Posted on April 22, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Following the aftermath of April 15th’s terrorist attack during the 2013 Boston Marathon, a spirit of patriotism appears to be spreading across the fruited plains.  Instead of listening to stars preform America’s Nation Anthem, spectators at sporting events in Boston and other cities have become participants, pouring out their soul in song.  Rather than steal the spotlight, celebrities have turned theirs mic away from their own lips, pointing it toward the stands to magnify the crowds’ voices.

As a son of an immigrant from Lithuania, my heart has been touched by this renewed sense of patriotism.  Goosebumps made my hair stand up the first time I saw these highlights.  However, in order for this feeling to last, more than patriotism is required.  While secular and revisionist historians attempt to hide the truth of this country’s founding, Americans must remember the faith of their founders.

Benjamin Franklin once called on delegates of the first Constitutional Convention to pray so that their deadlocks and disagreements might end.  George Washington believed in the divine providence of God after gunfire from an ambush appeared to have bounced off his body.  John Adams had a vision for a land built upon the honest practice of biblical principles.  Speaking on America’s independence, Patrick Henry acknowledged that God has blessed this land.  Therefore, if you are moved to patriotism, go one step further by following in the faith of our founders!

by Jay Mankus

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In the Middle Seat

Posted on April 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Before the days of mandatory car seats and vehicles with air conditioning, I usually found myself in the middle seat, between my 2 older sisters.  Recently, I was forced to take the only empty seat on an airplane, traveling from Chicago to Los Angelos for 4 hours with 2 strangers.  Whether as a child or adult, being caught in between can be unsettling.  Yet, while in this position, you have the ability to influence others.

After serving 6 years on a church board, I realized that I was sitting in the middle pew, between the shepherd and his sheep. John 10:1-5.  Unfortunately, I lost sight of the role God had placed me in.  A similar fate spread to most of the other elders, who wilted when the going got tough.  Although I thought I had done what I could, hindsight has revealed I should have been more proactive in protecting God’s flock.

From a modern perspective, the man and or woman in the middle has a great opportunity to sway others toward their worldview.  When a leader seizes the moment, their witness, good or bad, can mold, shape and transform innocent bystanders, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.  By rubbing off on those whom you encounter, you have the power to Leave Jesus as portrayed in Send the Beggar’s song on their Closer to Complete album.  Therefore, if you want to leave your mark on this generation, don’t let the sun go down until you have maximized each moment you find yourself sitting in the middle seat.

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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Lifting Up Friends

Posted on April 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

starbucks coffee photo: starbucks-coffee starbucks-coffee.jpg

On Friday, I met a good friend for coffee for nearly 2 hours.  Though I tend not to be a big talker, God compelled me to respond to his questions.  While I may not have eased his concerns, deep within my soul came an urge to lift up this friend up in prayer.  Therefore, I took a few moments before I began working, asking the Lord to bring a glimmer of hope to the uncertainty within his mind.  A few hours later, I received a text which  revealed an open door, a potential full time position and free college tuition for his 2 children.

Listening to Casting Crowns after an 11 hour shift brought this idea to light, lifting up friends in prayer,  The lyrics of their song, Prayer for a Friend is a simple remember of what asking God for something in Jesus’ name can do, John 14:13-14.  The skeptic will say, “its just a coincidence, mere chance that your friend received good news.”  Yet, this is the second time in a month that God moved in a matter of hours after meeting together.  Any way you attempt to explain this, lifting up friends in prayer is one of the few remaining solutions to turn your life or a friend’s around.

The last 2 years has been a struggle for me and my family on numerous levels.  When you and your spouse lose your dream jobs, most of your friends through a church split and are left with an ever increasing financial crunch, doubt, helplessness and frustration blew in like a spring storm.  After the bitterness, complaining and whining cease, lifting up my wife and kids in prayer is my only option.  Thus, while pain and regret still exist, its time to fall down on my knees, look up to heaven and cry out to God, lifting up to my best friend to the One who can alter our future.  In Christ alone, help is on the way, Philippians 4:13.  Call on Him today!

by Jay Mankus

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Believing In Yourself

Posted on April 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Photos of Tianlang Guan during his 2013 Masters second round

The 2013 Masters Golf Tournament got under way yesterday, the first major of this season.  Story lines abound with a 14 year old from China shooting 73, 1 over par, Fred Couples, a member of the senior tour carding a 4 under par 68 and a leader board filled with stars like Tiger, Rory and Phil.  However, the most intriguing note from Day 1 at Augusta National is a conversation which took place early Thursday morning.

Former champion Gary Player had a brief chat with David Lynn, a 39 year old from England.  Before walking off the range to begin his pre-round routine, David Lynn received great advice from Gary Player.  “You have to believe you can win this tournament before you tee off!  If you believe you can win, you can do this.”  In other words, if you believe in yourself, success will likely follow.

From a biblical perspective, the same principle applies, Luke 1:37.  If the words of Ephesians 2:10 are true, believing in the One above will motivate you to expect good things to happen.  As your faith increases, the power of God often raises your hope for the future.  Therefore, whether you are participating in a special event or facing a challenging task, place your trust in God, Proverbs 3:5-6, who will increase your internal confidence.

by Jay Mankus

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