Tag Archives: heaven

Finding and Losing Friends

Posted on July 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

For any child, the first day of school can be overwhelming.  Thoughts of “will I know anyone, will they like me and will there be someone I can relate to” can haunt the quiet and shy.  Beside hoping to have good teachers, most kids just want to know will I find, keep or lose friends this year?

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Proverbs 18:24.

Looking back on my own life, I have been blessed on finding friends, yet cursed by losing friends, often through moves.  I found my first friend while playing baseball at age six only to lose him a year later following my dad’s transfer to Delaware.  This pattern seemed to repeat itself, drawing close to several neighbors before another relocation to Cleveland broke my heart once again.  After graduating college, I lived in 6 states and 6 months, finding and losing friends to distance.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel, Proverbs 27:9.

Today, technology allows individuals to rekindle friendships from the past.  Whether its Facebook, Skype or texting, its nice to know that people you’ve lost touch with still care.  However, its not the same as talking on the phone or seeing someone face to face.  Regardless of who you are or what you do, finding and losing friends is a way of life.  Nonetheless, my prayer for those whom I hold dear is that one day we will be reunited forever in heaven, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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The Cry of the Ungrateful

Posted on July 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard,” Matthew 20:1

Any time you get your hopes up, there is always the possibility for disappointment.   Expectations can be a dangerous thing, especially when this breeds impure motives.  Whenever you bring an earthly mindset into an untimely trial, the cry of the ungrateful is conceived.

So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius.  When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner, Matthew 20:10-11.

In the parable of the workers in the Vineyard, Jesus addresses the cry of the ungrateful.  Human nature leads one to believe that those who work harder or longer will receive more than newcomers.  However, Jesus dismisses this comparison of those by using the analogy of heaven.  Though the apostle Paul does refer to eternal crowns, receiving  the gift of eternal life should lead to a thankful heart.

“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?  Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you,” Matthew 20:13-14.

As difficult as it was for some of these workers to get over the fact that each was paid the some wage despite the amount of hours in the vineyard, there is a truth to embrace.  The solution to overcoming an ungrateful spirit is developing a heart like Barnabas.  Despite his reputation of an encourager, Acts 4:36-37, the apostle Paul possessed far greater God given talents.  Instead of blocking his way, Barnabas moved aside so that Paul’s gifts could be fanned into flame.  Therefore, don’t allow jealousy to give birth to an ungrateful heart.  Rather, in humility consider others more important than yourself.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Does it Really Matter Who the Greatest of All Time Is?

Posted on July 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Debates are nothing new except perhaps the venue in which they take place.  Philosophers gathered in Athens to discuss and exchange their worldviews.  Jews went to the synagogues to hear rabbis share their interpretations of the Torah.  Today, opinions are posted, tweeted and vocalized on talk radio, with sports fans often adding their own two cents on who is the greatest of all time.

But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest, Mark 9:34.

This temptation is not limited to sports as even followers of Jesus wanted to know who was the best disciple.  I can imagine Peter saying, “I walked on water” before John chimes in “well, I’m the beloved one.”  Back and forth, each of the twelve probably revelled in their moment of glory before another voice drowns out the one before.  Sensing their discussion was getting out of hand, Jesus intervenes by defining the perimeters for the greatest of all time.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all,” Mark 9:35.

In eternal terms, the individual with the largest mansion in heaven will be the one who is the greatest servant of all.  In my mind, Mother Teresa is one of the front runners, but history provides ample choices to be number one.  Nonetheless, modern Christians must adhere to these standards or risk the chance of being rejected by Christ.  Therefore, don’t waste your breath on arguing who is the GOAT.  Rather, commit yourself to taking on the nature of a servant, Philippians 2:6-7.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Temporary Healing

Posted on June 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you channel surf enough, sooner or later you will come across an evangelist who claims to possess the gift of healing.  Hollywood responded to these individuals in 1992 with the film Leap of Faith starring Steve Martin.  Over the years, responsible Christians have investigated each healing to insure believers aren’t being deceived or misled.  Unfortunately, researchers have found many of the participants on these programs, shows and revivals to experience only temporary healing.

He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around, Mark 8:24.

Perhaps, this is what a blind man from Bethsaida went through during his encounter with Jesus.  The first attempt to restore this person’s sight resulted in blurred vision.  Thus, even Jesus had to perform a second healing, placing holy spit, saliva into his eyes.  Modern leaders who possess the gift of healing usually don’t get another chance to lay hands on someone.  Subsequently, disappointed souls spend the rest of their lives wondering why their healing wasn’t permanent.

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:25.

You don’t have to be sick to experience temporary healing.  Individuals can also have prayers that are answered initially only to have the conclusion that you seek fall apart over time.  Agony, doubt and frustration are common emotions people endure throughout their lives.  In reality, all things on earth are temporary according to the apostle Paul.  Therefore, whether your body is acting up, healed or just hanging, permanent healing won’t arrive until you reach heaven’s doors.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable, 1 Corinthians 15:42.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Thinking Outside the Box

Posted on June 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the creation and evolution of the internet, students relied on books, creativity and listening for education.  Today, the mind has been spoiled by GPS, 4G and ever changing technology to make life more convenient.  Subsequently, the concept of thinking outside the box is becoming a lost art.  Thus, most of society is going along with the flow, oblivious to the decay of the human minds in America.

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late.  Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” – Mark 6:35-36

Before the advent of credit cards, fast food and professional catering, Jesus and his friends found themselves in a conundrum.  Five thousand men, excluding woman and children, traveled to a remote location without any access to food.  This memorable event is the only miracle mentioned by all 4 gospel authors, a prime example of outside of the box thinking.  Though the 12 disciples tried to pass the buck, sending the crowds away, Jesus had another plan in mind.

But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” –  Mark 6:37

Jesus took what they had and turned his attention toward heaven.  While there are several different theories on the feeding of the 5,000 as portrayed in recent movies and mini-series on the life of Christ, two truths can be extracted by this passage.  First, whenever you face an impossible situation, put your faith and trust in God to act on your behalf.  Second, although God may not answer your request exactly how you want, the Lord will provide enough daily bread to get you through each day.  In the future, don’t be afraid to think outside the box by lifting your concerns up to heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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The Elusive Search for Authority

Posted on June 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Cowboys and Indians are symbols of western exploration in America.  In 1997, Paula Cole asks the question in her song, “Where have all the Cowboys gone?”  Although the sing refers to a woman looking for a story book ending, to live happily ever after, cowboys are symbolic of hard work, self-reliance and in a sense, law and order maintained by sheriffs who rode on horse back.  Like the famous quote from Curly in the 1991 film City Slickers, “cowboys are a dying breed.”

Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits, Mark 6:7.

The same can be said about authority today.  Between the hip hop and rap culture disrespecting police officers with their lyrics, political correctness redefining ethics and the assault on the authenticity of the Bible, authority is disappearing.  By smearing individuals with integrity as well as failing to hold others accountable to high standards, the ability to confront, rebuke and correct flawed worldviews is diminishing.  All that remains is a blue print laid out by Jesus to his disciples.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give, Matthew 10:8.

Jesus sent out 12 ordinary men with one extraordinary message, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”  Jesus wasn’t trying to be like an overbearing coach, parent or teacher trying to tell you everything that you are doing wrong.  Rather, Jesus wanted human beings to reflect upon their lives and allow the Holy Spirit to convict souls.  When sins are expressed in a public settings, others feel compelled to come clean.  This atmospheres lays a foundation for revival.  When the words of the Bible are used properly, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, God’s authority can be restored to on earth as it is in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Somebody’s Gotta Be Right?

Posted on June 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you unravel the earth’s history, forefathers, prophets and religious leaders have made some bold statements.  These claims have shaped and formed the beliefs of worship centers throughout the world.  Founders like Buddha, Moses, Mohammad and Jesus have inspired generations of followers.  However, how do you know the one that is right from those who have slightly strayed from the truth?

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” John 14:6.

According to C.S. Lewis, each belief system possesses ethics, morals and prudent principles.  A former atheist,  Lewis wrote Mere Christianity to explain his journey from unbelief to faith.  Using apologetics, logic and theology, Lewis methodically separates Jesus from all other individuals.  Despite his findings, a progressive culture has forgotten about Lewis, professing there are many paths to heaven.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12.

At this point of contention, do you go along with the crowd, confront naysayers or examine the scriptures to ascertain the correct road to heaven?  While critics may call you intolerant, narrow minded or old fashioned, most would rather be safe rather than sorry, spending eternity in hell.  Thus its essential for inquiring minds to test everything, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, so that in the end the truth will set you free.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Injustice of Righteousness

Posted on May 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Righteousness is a guiding virtue, a moral compass which leads individuals to a higher calling.  Although hiccups and slip ups will occur, God’s grace will wipe away the stains of sin.  Unfortunately, when the day of judgment comes, the Bible suggests there will be more souls in hell than heaven.  Subsequently, those standing outside the pearly gates will likely complain about the injustice of righteousness.

Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them, Mark 4:25.

Life on earth is just as unfair as the afterlife.  According to Jesus, the wealthy will continue to have while what little the poor possesses will be taken away.  This is one of those passages of the Bible which leaves more questions than answers.  The outsiders, anyone who does not believe in Jesus, John 14:6, and progressives won’t be pleased by Jesus’ comment.  The modern day Robinhood’s might consider this teaching to be an injustice of righteousness.

He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything, Mark 4:34.

Being left out of anything isn’t a pleasant feeling.  Whether its high school, work or a social network, everyone has experienced being the odd person out.  Denial, exclusion and rejection are forms of trials meant to toughen you up, James 1:2-4.  Nonetheless, you can’t change the facts inside of God’s Word.  In view of these truths, chose life so when your time is up, there will be no one else to blame, Deuteronomy 30:15-18.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When the World Passes You By

Posted on May 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

I can’t speak for anyone else, yet I tend to believe that the older you become the greater the likelihood of being passed by.  The generation before me grew up with type writers, record players and the radio.  Although some of the new gadgets are enticing, the stubborn cling to their past.   Before long technological advances can leave even the educated lost in the dark.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1

While getting lost last weekend, I realized how dependent individuals have become on GPS.  In a car full of hungry stomachs, the old school, maps, were bickering against the voice on a cell phone.  Neither seemed to be reliable as a 10 minute car ride turned into a 45 minute argument.  Perhaps the more one trusts in apps, technology and websites, the weaker the human mind becomes.

I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their ancestors did.” – Judges 2:22

From a spiritual perspective, sometimes the newest teachings are merely recycled lies from the past.  The New Age Movement began in the Garden of Eden inspired by Lucifer.  Humanism was conceived during the days of Judges when people did what they thought was right in their own eyes.  Finally, the idea that there are many paths to heaven was confronted by Jesus during the first century, John 14:6.  Thus, if you feel like the world is passing you by, lean on God’s Word, the Bible to find your way home, Psalm 119:105.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

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A Class to Remember

Posted on May 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Over the weekend I made my first venture down to Lynchburg, Virginia to see my niece graduate from Liberty University.   As I listened to Jeb Bush, the keynote speaker address the commencement crowd, I pondered about the hundreds of students I taught in high school over a decade.  After a couple of minutes I was drawn to a class to remember.

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”- Acts 17:5

Every so often a teacher encounters a classroom full of angels.  While each may be rough around the edges, inside hearts of gold set the tone for a special connection.  Back in 2005-2006, I had the pleasure to create my first Bible elective: Biblical Leadership.  Little did I know back then that those 13 individuals would make such an impact for God’s kingdom.

No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. – Romans 4:20-21

One of these students, Joseph Feeley went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer.  Prior to this diagnosis, I was introduced to this warrior for Christ.  Joseph inspired his classmates to transform the spiritual climate at Red Lion Christian Academy.  Daily discussions turned into slices of heaven on earth as each student spurred one another on to leave a legacy of faith.  Although only 12 remain living today, I will always treasure the year I spent with this class to remember.

by Jay Mankus

 

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