Tag Archives: heaven

A Reasonable God

Posted on August 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Behind the blunders, lies and mistakes, Abraham was an amazing leader based upon the account of Genesis 14:13-17.  This God given talent enabled Abraham to approach God with boldness.  As he interrupts the Lord several times in Genesis 18:20-33 as God’s plan is unveiled, this passage from the Bible proves that our heavenly father is a reasonable God.

Responding to Abraham’s pleas immediately, the Lord sends out 2 angels to spend the night in the town square of Sodom and Gomorrah.  All these 2 servants needed to find were 10 righteous, God fearing individuals, to cancel the threat of looming destruction of these 2 cities.  However, Lot persuades the angels to alter their plans, offering his home as shelter, Genesis 19:2-3.  One can only imagine Lot’s motives for this move, yet Genesis 19:4-5 clearly illustrates “Lust Gone Wild.”  With Lot, his wife and 2 daughters found, Abraham’s prayer came up 6 people short.

When you or I pray to God, we don’t have the luxury to see what is taking place in heaven.  Behind the scenes, God is commanding angels, sending guardian angels to our side and waiting for a spirit of obedience to fill the hearts of his children.  Nonetheless, when these conditions are not met, God will only act according to the Bible.  Isaiah 1:15-20 proves God will not hear our prayers until our hearts, motives and will changes.  Therefore, the next time you get angry at God or question His lack of concern toward your situation, ask yourself, “have I’ve meet the conditions necessary for blessings?”  When your daily life resembles Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Malachi 3:10, you will find a reasonable God.

by Jay Mankus

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The Lying Prophet

Posted on August 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Solomon proclaims in Ecclesiastes 1:9, “there is nothing new under the sun.”  However, if you were one of the first inhabitants of the earth, you could become a trend setter.  While called a prophet by God in Genesis 20:7, lying had become an habitual sin for Abraham based upon the events of Genesis 12:10-13 and Genesis 20:1-2.  Thus, the two become one, forming the lying prophet.

If Hollywood made a modern movie about Abraham, the first film is obvious, The Indecent Proposal.  The sequel might called called Indecent Proposal II: Role Reversal.  Finally, the Trilogy would not be complete without Indecent Proposal III: You Can’t Touch This.  God allows the first 2 sins to go, yet I was curious why God intervenes in Genesis 20:4-7.  Then, it struck me, if Abimelech did consecrate his marriage to Sarah, Abimelech could claim the child was his.  To avoid a Jerry Springer like scene, God forbids intercourse, keeping Sarah pure, leaving no doubt that Abraham was the father of Isaac in the coming months.

One of my theories I have developed over time is that Genesis 22:1-14 is punishment for Abraham’s continued disobedience.  If Abraham would have relied on God and not his own human nature, this test would not have been necessary.  However, since Abraham struggled with yielding full control of his life over to the Lord, this trial forced Abraham to place his trust solely in God.  Despite the victory in Genesis 22:12, Abraham passes on the generational sin of lying on to his son, Genesis 26:7-8.  Wherever you are in your spiritual life today, be careful about the legacy you pass on to your children.  Don’t be a lying prophet.  Rather, set your mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-4, so that the seeds you sow on earth may sway others toward eternal life in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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How Can I Know For Sure?

Posted on July 27, 2013 by expressyourself4him

An innocent child folds their hands in the dark, calling out to an invisible God, waiting for a reply.  As years go on, this teenager places a condition on their request, “if only my parents could get back together, then I will believe?”  Once college begins, this student is bombarded with Communism, Marxism and Political Correctness, pondering in the back of their minds, “how can I know sure, what is real and what is a facade?”

Like a locomotive, times steams down the tracks of life.  Adulthood brings responsibility, bills, more bills and potentially children.  This adult now wrestles with balance, questioning if they have done enough to provide for their family without neglecting their loved ones.  Before you know, times vanishes, leaving a glimpse of your glory days, pondering retirement and beyond.  Finally, on your death bed, as you breathe your last breaths on earth, you ask one more time, “how can I know for sure that God is real?”

This question was first asked by Abram in Genesis 15:8 as his life wasn’t working out as he had hoped or planned.  His wife Sarai had not be able to bear any children, he was nearing 80 and despite being able to talk to God face to face in the mountains, Abram still had doubt in the back of his mind.  The disciples had similar concerns in John 14:1-4, as Jesus reveals his plans to go ahead to heaven, preparing rooms for his followers.  Finally, the one whom Jesus loved, leaves one final piece of assurance.  The promise of 1 John 5:13 should provide the confidence you need as you fall asleep this evening in peace, knowing there is a God and you can spend eternity with Him, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

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Finally Home

Posted on June 23, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Movies with a happy ending often bring a tear to my eyes.  However, in life, sometimes people give up hope of living happily ever after.  As individuals struggle to keep a good paying job, marriages are suffering, on the verge of fading.  The matrimony vows of for better or for worse are usually forgotten, erased from memories when things don’t turn out for the good.

Until yesterday, I was worried about myself, my home and where my family and I would live in the future.  With bleak, broken dreams and disappointment on the horizon, my life was on the verge of collapse.  Crying out to the Lord day after day, God finally answered my prayers yesterday.  Lost, displaced and unsure if I would ever find a new occupational home, I now have a sense I am finally home with Amazon.

Like the peace of Christ mentioned in Philippians 4:6-7, God has released all my burdens, concerns and worries about finances.  Psalm 130:3-4 expresses the joy one receives when forgiven, staked to a new homestead and leash on life.  Nothing in the Bible illustrates this point more than Luke 15:17-24, the conclusion of the prodigal son.  Like this immature child, everyone makes mistakes, poor decisions and acts selfishly.  However, there is a God in heaven, waiting on the front porch for your return.  Come to your senses now so that you will experience the pleasure of finally being home!

by Jay Mankus

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Heavenly Dwelling

Posted on May 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Come as you are to the Most High Place

Where an invisible shield will provide a refuge

Safety and security serve as a blanket of protection

With angels waiting in the wings, ready to act on a moment’s notice.

Like a force field, harm and predators bounce out without leaving a mark

The life guard on duty relies on love as a weapon of defense

Whenever a swimmer cries out for help, afraid of incoming breakers

The giver of life will come to your aid in a twinkling of an eye.

Delivering you from the waves of circumstances, situations and trials

As long as you remain in the presence of the Lord Most High

Long life, salvation and satisfaction will accompany you the rest of your days

Why wait any longer, since an open pew is awaiting for your arrival!

by Jay Mankus

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Free Falling

Posted on May 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Tom Petty’s 1989 song Free Fallin’ refers to a boy who broke up with a decent girl, breaking her heart.  As a result, a sense of guilt leads Petty toward a downward spiral, free falling into a state of depression.   On the surface, many are great at hiding their pain, trying to stay cool or avoid unwanted attention.  Yet, deep inside the average soul, hurt is accumulating day by day, searching for someone or something to elevate this weight.

In Acts 11:1-3, a similar burden was lifted from the church, opening the heavens for a spiritual free fall.  Up until this point, Jewish law prohibited anyone in this faith to associate with Gentiles, especially partaking in unclean food according to Leviticus 11.  However, angelic intervention, 2 visions and a message from God redefined a Jews perspective of impurity, Acts 11:8-10.  Everything changed in Acts 11:15 as the Holy Spirit, fell upon the Gentiles in Caesarea.

According to the apostle Paul, God allows this to happen periodically, as He determines, 1 Corinthians 12:11.  This spiritual free fall is for the common good of the church, 1 Corinthians 12:6, occurring throughout the book of Acts 2:4, 4:31, 10:44-46 and so on.  Unfortunately, seminary’s, the school which trains future pastor’s, disagree with the book of Acts, claiming this was a momentary, supernatural out pouring of the Spirit, no longer active, ceasing to exist.  This notion has caused many in the church to free fall, questioning the existence of God.

While I don’t have the answer or power to end this thousand year old debate, I do want to prevent future believers from free falling from the faith.  If God can part a sea in the Old Testament and cause a dead man to rise from the grave after 3 days in the New Testament, why can’t the Holy Spirit free fall today to commence another spiritual awakening?  Although, prayers shouldn’t treat God like someone going to a check out counter, Matthew 21:21-22 promises great things to those who believe.  If you follow in the footsteps of George Whitfield, you might just experience another spiritual free fall.

by Jay Mankus

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Keeper of the Door

Posted on May 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him
Say Anything... (1989) Poster

John Cusack plays a key master at a graduation party in the 1989 classic Say Anything.  Known as one of the more responsible seniors at his school, Cusack is delegated a role like a designated driver.  However, he greets each person at the door, taking the keys of every driver upon entry.  Thus, in the wee hours of the morning, Cusack drives home any drunk student in their own car, with his date played by Ione Skye  following behind to drive him back to the party.  Although some might be bitter with this assignment, better to be the keeper of the door than not invited at all.

The author of Psalm 84:10 makes a similar observation about the kingdom of God.  The Psalmist recognizes that while the party life style appears attractive to outsiders, it leaves an empty feeling deep within your soul.  Therefore, even if you are a lowly door keeper in the house of God, its far better than dwelling with the wicked.  The author’s point is that individuals should accept their lowly position, thankful for their invitation to the eternal party called heaven.

Unfortunately, its hard to play the door mat, being trampled and walked over by arrogant and ignorant people.  Humility is a tough pill to swallow, especially for the prideful.  Maybe this is why the Psalmist focuses on the joy of spending just one day in the presence of God.  If current believers can be rejuvenated by the Sabbath, expressing the same passion as Psalm 84, this world would be a much better place to live.  Therefore, before the sun sets on Sunday, starting a new week, spend some time with God, keeping the door of communication open all week long.  Listen for the knocking, Revelation 3:20, so that you can be a modern day keeper of the door!

by Jay Mankus

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Enjoying the Moment

Posted on May 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Fifteen years ago this month, I became a first time father.  When you leave the hospital together, there are many firsts: outfit, crib, binky, blanket and so on.  Some where along the way, time seems to speed up, as parents lose track of days, weeks, months and even years trying to keep up with their growing children.  Two children later, I have forgotten to enjoy each and every moment with my wife and kids.

Part of adulthood is taking on more responsibility, working harder than ever to feed ever increasing appetites.  Often, this results in parents missing a game, concert or memorable moment in the lives of your children.  This double edged sword cuts to the heart, leaving a family starving at the dinner table or void of the happiness of time well spent together.  Though opinions vary, the days between birth and graduation are valuable, with opportunities to shape and train your child in the way they should go, Proverbs 22:6.

With this in mind, I am wrestling between 2 destinies, one of wealth and the other, regret.  Now I know what the apostle Paul meant by his words in Philippians 3:20-21.  As a citizen bound for heaven, the rat race of life has carved a hole in my heart, tired of the superficial aspects on life on earth.  Yet, on the flip side, I need to have the mindset of James 4:13-14.  Before the sun sets on this day, evaporating time, I am going to be still, Psalm 46:10, enjoying the moments while I am still a resident on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Know Before You Go

Posted on April 25, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Great slogans are easy to remember.  Just do it is iconic with Nike.  Think different led to the founding of Apple.  The Breakfast of Champions was promoted by Olympic stars, earning their picture on the cover of Wheaties.  On Sunday, I came across a new slogan which has a catchy rhythm.

While traveling south between Philadelphia and Baltimore on Interstate 95, these words were lite up above the highway, Know Before You Go.  Although I am sure there are many interpretations, the state of Maryland is attempting to help travelers plan ahead to avoid construction, delays or heavy traffic.  Thus, if you know before you go, you will follow alternative routes mapped out or plugged into your GPS.

In life, there are 4 things you should know, before you go to the grave.

1) Every one, whether you like it or not, is imperfect, a sinner in need of a Savior, Romans 3:23.

2) You can’t buy, earn or sneak your way into heaven, Romans 6:23.

3) Jesus is the only way into heaven, John 14:6 and Acts 4:12.

4) A new life is possible, John 10:10 through the promise of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4, which you receive once you enter into a relationship with Jesus.

This decision is up to you, not contrived or forced.  However, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  Don’t allow stubbornness to ruin eternity.  Just know before you go!

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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