Tag Archives: history

What’s Good for You May Not Be Right For Me

Posted on May 22, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Wanting and having are two things in life that young people sometimes have to learn the hard way.  Before graduating high school, many children are pampered, given cell phones, maybe a car, food and shelter by generous parents.  Yet, college serves as a open book test for life as wanting and actually having are two different things.

But whenever the judge died, they turned back and behaved worse than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them; they did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways, Judges 2:19.

Some students gain weight quickly unable to say no to endless all you can eat buffets.  Others turn to partying to be the popular person on campus.  Temptations lurk around every corner with no guardian or parent to tell you no.  Thus, over a short period of time, people change.  As poor decisions undo your upbringing, you might reach a point where what’s good for you may not be right for me.

Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

One day the apostle Paul noticed that some of the people whom he led to Christ began to repeat the sins of their past.  To get everyone’s attention Paul provides a history lesson from the Old Testament.  Without using a hell and brimstone message, Paul urges this church to learn from past mistakes.  Whether its Adam and Eve in the Garden or the Judges who did what was right in their own eyes, each tarnished their faith.  In view of this warning, may you cling to that which is right so that what feels good does not corrupt your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Coming Together

Posted on April 24, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agvtNXC0yEc

History tends to move in cycles, rising and falling as leadership, ideology and worldviews change.  There are moments in time for conquest, peace and war.  Each major event leaves its imprints on civilizations, cultures and society.  At some point, regardless of what you feel, it’s important to come together.

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water, Hebrews 10:22.

The author of Hebrews encourages individuals to do the same thing with God.  This process begins with a sincere heart.  Like the guilt, remorse and sorrow Adam and Eve endured following trespassing against God’s lone rule in the Garden of Eden, modern citizens experience a similar feeling.  This conviction serves as a sign to get your life right with God.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful, Hebrews 10:23.

The final step to coming together involves hope.  One of the ploys the Devil uses is making people feel like God hasn’t forgiven them after publicly confessing sin.  Thus, many place their trust in feelings, not faith.  Thus, clinging to an unswerving hope is what will get you through periods of darkness.  Finally, life isn’t complete unless you begin to spur on others toward love and good deeds.  This mindset sets the stage for truly coming together.

by Jay Mankus

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Hurry Up and Wait

Posted on January 23, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes parents have a bad sense of timing.  Whether its getting a child out of bed for school, making it in time for church or an event, our sense of time doesn’t always match with the actual time.  Subsequently, there are days where quick reactions from children result in hurry up and wait for parents to get into their vehicle.

Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river, Joshua 3:8.

There are moments in time when God uses a similar strategy.  During the Passover, the Lord instructed Israel through Moses to leave Egypt in haste.  This was the hurry up part of the equation.  The waiting part involved entering a promised land which the hearts and minds of Israel were not ready for yet.  However, when God’s followers step out in faith like the passage above, the only thing remaining is to wait for a miracle.

And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap, Joshua 3:13.

The hardest part of trusting an invisible God involves risking embarrassment and failure.  What makes matters worse is that the Lord does not honor a lukewarm spirit.  To step out in faith requires a full commitment, yielding to the God above.  If the priests did not enter the Jordan River with the ark, the promised land would merely be a dream today.  Nonetheless, this simple act of obedience set the stage for divine intervention.  If this blog finds you becoming impatient with God and the road He has chosen for you, may this hurry up and wait example from history give you hope that the Lord hasn’t run out of miracles.

by Jay Mankus

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You Can’t Hide From History

Posted on December 31, 2016 by expressyourself4him

 

George Washington University made national news earlier in the week for a change in its history department.  Following a recent trend, school officials have decided to no longer require history majors to take American History before graduating, making it optional.  Currently, only a third of colleges make American History mandatory for those who major in this field.  Yet, it seems strange for an institution named after the first president of the United States to not stress and treasure American History.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope, Romans 15:4.

Upon hearing this news, an outsider like me was initially put off until I realized who is teaching these classes.  To the atheist, liberal, progressive and socialist professors, the thought of American exceptionalism is offending.  Subsequently, the curriculum must be filtered, eliminating and skipping over content which reveals a Christian heritage and biblical principles.  Instead of getting the whole story, a revisionist history void of spiritual leaders is giving students a false narrative making American History just another class.

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible, Hebrews 11:3.

Unfortunately, most college students graduate from universities thinking America’s founding fathers were a bunch of hypocritical slave owners.  If only material like Steeling the Mind of America was used to enlighten classes.  When individuals see American History that is unfiltered first hand, the outcome will be much different.  Most forget a time when this country celebrated 4 national religious holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Independence Day.  While a different narrative is winning over naive minds, you can’t hide from history when you search for the truth.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Don’t Be Hoodwinked Before Election Day

Posted on October 27, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the Middle Ages, a strange practice began as hoods were placed over the heads of falcons.  This is where the term hoodwink derives from according to the Urban Dictionary.  When translated into English, this word refers to being duped, fooled or tricked into being something that is true.  Today, consumers of the internet, radio and television are bombarded by negative ads where the context is usually altered to make opponents appear unfit for public service.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them, Proverbs 11:3.

Instead of taking the bait cast out their by shrewd campaigns, the best barometer can be found in the history of every politician.  Usually, an informed voter can examine previous voting records, contributions to local, state and national programs as well as the impact people have made on others throughout their lives.  Unfortunately, the hardest part of this step lies in a media who embraces those who share a secular worldview.  Meanwhile, anyone holding a conservative, limited government or traditional values tends to be attacked, criticized and demonized for holding non progressive positions.

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool, Proverbs 19:1.

While most voters have already made up their minds, here’s a few things to consider for those still on the fence.  First, any hope of remaining a country based upon the constitution lies in a president who will appoint conservative judges to the Supreme Court.  Second, anyone wanting to live the American Dream as a small business owner, requires a president who understands and supports current and future entrepreneurs.  Finally, if you want to avoid becoming the United Social States of America, you need to get behind the candidate who isn’t afraid to confront and expose corruption.  Whatever you decide, don’t get hoodwinked before Election Day.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Where Has the Honor Code Gone?

Posted on October 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Last weekend I caught a rerun of the 1992 film School Ties.  Starring Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Chris O’Donnell, the storyline places a Jewish quarterback recruited to attend a Catholic boarding school for his senior year.  After a jealous benched quarterback played by Matt Damon finds out this secret was hidden from teammates, David Green played by Brendan Fraser is ostracized.  When a student drops his crib, cheat sheet after a mid-term examine, Honor is put to the test.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.

The concept of an honor code is introduced and built upon throughout the movie.  However, a history teacher refers to this as a living document, something founded by students and evolves over time.  While not mentioned, this principle is based upon the words from one of Jesus’ earthly brothers.  What the Bible is saying is that sins of action are the same as sins of inaction.  Subsequently, honor codes can not survive unless those who witness wrong doing actually confront anyone guilty of breaking a rule.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul, Psalm 143:8.

Newly acquired worldviews have provided a loop hole for individuals to justify their actions.  This shift has altered the principles many citizens once embraced.  Perhaps, this may explain the current culture of exaggeration, lies and untruths that make up most political campaigns.  The losers are young children who aren’t seeing godly principles modeled out by today’s leaders.  Forced by pressure to succeed, a growing number of people are cutting corners, disregarding honor for end results.  May the power of the Holy Spirit reverse this trend by softening hardened hearts with a contrite spirit and heart for repentance.  Pray for honor to be restored.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When A Name Loses Its Meaning

Posted on July 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of Aesop’s most famous fables in The Boy Who Cried Wolf.  The phrase “cry wolf” derives from the English idiom meaning to give a false alarm.  In this children’s story, a boy develops a habit of lying until a wolf actually arrives.  When this boy’s reputation was weakened by a series of tall tales, no one came to his aid in his time of need.  This is an example of when a names loses its meaning.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us, 1 John 1:8.

Companies spend hours of deliberation and discussion before arriving upon a name.  This often signifies cores values, define the essence of each corporation as well as represents a brand.  Employees are ambassadors who either exemplify their organization or become negative, focusing on everything a company does wrong.  While history provides a list of businesses that have deceived, hidden or faked their way to the top, time has a way of exposing the genuine from the frauds.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

In this age of social media, competition, critics and enemies will attack those groups and individuals that they do not like.  Unfortunately, some of these posts are exaggerated, false or taken out of context.  Thus, you or someone you know can have had their reputation severely damaged and ruined.  When a name loses its meaning, some never recover for this smear campaign.  Nonetheless, if this day arrives, Jesus is always a prayer away.  Despite what the world may say, I serve a God of second chances, who mends hearts and restores souls.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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I Can Handle It… Not!

Posted on April 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Human nature makes individuals believe that they can handle most things thrown their way.  Thus, don’t be surprised when you hear a young person proclaim, “I’ve got this!”  However, history leaves a chapter written by the apostle Paul to guard people against becoming over confident.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – 1 Corinthians 10:11-12.

Unfortunately, Samson, one of the strongest to ever walk the face of the earth did not have access to this letter.  Subsequently, he often toyed with people, including his wife Delilah.  Caught in a moment of weakness, Samson was worn down by the persistence of his wife.  Trusting in his own strength, Samson’s mind gave in, revealing the secret of his power.

With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it, Judges 16:16.

Today, gifted and talented continue to forgo trusting in the Lord.  Instead, most are self-reliant, experiencing more success than failure.  Thus, a whisper within urges many to believe “I can handle this.”  Despite this sense of security, don’t allow over confidence blind your perspective.  Instead, follow in the footsteps of Solomon by leaning on God’s understanding whatever the circumstance that you face.

by Jay Mankus

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Reasoning with God

Posted on April 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As I read a portion of the Bible known as the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, there is a common characteristic found within many of these individuals.  In times of uncertainty, when life’s circumstances did not make sense, these historical and spiritual figures reasoned with God.   Instead of turning toward doubt, each trusted in God’s ability to resolve their situation with a Hollywood ending.

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death, Hebrews 11:19.

Take for instance, Abraham who waited most of his life to have a son with his wife Sarah.  Shortly after receiving this promised child, God asked him to sacrifice Isaac.  Within Abraham’s heart, soul and mind, the concept of resurrection was conceived.  Thus, despite his confusion, Abraham took out a knife in faith, hoping and trusting that the Lord would provide a substitute, a replacement sacrifice for his son.

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict, Hebrews 11:23.

In modern times, life can be just as complex, not sure how or why God allows acts of terrorism, deadly diseases and failure to continue.  Yet, when trials arrive, Hebrews 11 exists to help people learn from models of faith.  Reasoning with God is a natural response, crying out to Him in prayer for understanding.  Although, answers may not come right away, don’t give up hope until God provides a solution for your latest dilemma.

by Jay Mankus

 

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On the Other Side of the Fence

Posted on December 29, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As cultures change, so does the vocabulary.  When you retrace the records of past societies, sometimes its difficult to understand where people are coming from.  However, if you can decipher practices by comparing and translating them into modern terms, history begins to makes sense.  This leads me to a portion of the Sermon on the Mount.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you, Matthew 6:14.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus refers to trespassing.  Today, boundary lines are drawn by stakes, fences or marked by do not trespass signs.  Borders serve as markers, clearly defining where you are allowed to go and what is forbidden.  However, curiosity, human nature and sin living inside of hearts cause individuals to venture over to the other side of the fence.  Jesus’ words highlight the inevitability of people trespassing against other individuals.

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses, Matthew 6:15.

The question is not whether you will do this, but how will you respond.  According to the context of the Lord’s Prayer, forgiveness is conditional.  Sure, no one wants to be violated by having someone trespass against your body, home or possessions.  Nonetheless, part of life is letting go, forgiving and forgetting.  Therefore, the next time you trespass on the other side of the fence or are trespassed upon, immediately confess your sin or ask God to give you a heart full of grace and forgiveness.

by Jay Mankus

 

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