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Setting Aside Self

Posted on April 12, 2018 by expressyourself4him

While social media is designed to express what you’re doing, thinking or updating your status, the Bible reminds readers of a much simpler time.  Before modern technological inventions, life revolved around family.  Whether this meant following in your father’s footsteps, setting out to explore a new frontier or take over a family business, you didn’t eat or drink without working hard.  People didn’t have idle time to contemplate whether your life was acceptable or worthy of by your peers.  Rather, selfish desires were set aside for the greater good.

Jesus called the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and [e]take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me], Mark 8:34.

In the first century, Jesus set high standards for his followers.  There were no surprises or speculation about what to expect.  Rather, Jesus required a full commitment, setting aside any selfish ambitions or desires.  In addition, Jesus laid out three major steps as well as a willingness to endure whatever may come during your faith journey.  According to the gospel of Luke, these extreme measures caused lesser known disciples to turn away, unable to commit.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7.

To a certain extent, some people are so over committed today that they do nothing well.  Others withdraw, doing little or nothing outside of school or work.  According to the apostle Paul, discipline is available through the power of the Holy Spirit.  This unseen force is attainable through the fruits of the Spirit, but only when you set aside self.  Many individuals struggle throughout life with discipline due to the inability to say no to their flesh.  This weakness is stunting their growth, unable to break free to reach their full potential.  If you are willing and spiritual hungry, set aside self so that God’s will may come into focus.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Faith Like Fly Paper

Posted on November 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Modern technology often exposes archaic early designs of inventions.  Such is the case of fly paper, created to limit the nuisance of flies each summer.  This sticky substance was coated with a sweet fragrance to attract curious pests.  When intruders make initial contact, most can not escape, stuck until breathing their last breathe.

That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God, 1 Corinthians 2:5.

For those individuals who chose to live life on their own, there are other pests who will invade your life.  Each incoming obstacle can wear you down mentally, sometime sucking the joy out of life.  Thus, its essential to develop faith, trusting in an invisible God to free you from burdens that stick to people like fly paper.

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone, James 2:24.

While faith is an inward belief, faith without works is dead.  Action motivated by conviction is a sign of livelihood.  Unfortunately, many talk a good game, but do not back it up, sending a mixed message.  Anyone who follows this pattern is like a fly stuck on paper clinging to life.  Therefore, don’t trust in the world’s wisdom, but rely upon the power of the Holy Spirit to free you from the fly traps in this life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Tabitha’s Testimony

Posted on November 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In recent years, government officials have attempted to shed light on people who have been forgotten or omitted from history.  Thus, February has been coined Black History month with March dedicated to women in America history.  Unfortunately, timing is everything so unless you lived in a densely populated area, acts, contributions and inventions often gone unnoticed.  With this in mind, I felt compelled to convey Tabitha’s testimony.

About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room, Acts 9:37.

Beside Jesus’ resurrection, the healing of Lazarus has gained most of the spot light in the Bible.  Dead for four days, Jesus cancels the funeral, raising his corpse from the dead.  Within the book of Acts, a similar healing takes place.  According to Acts 9, Tabitha had been dead for some time, likely a couple of hours before Peter arrives.  Following one of the principles of Jesus, Peter removed everyone who doubted God’s power from the room.  Shortly after kneeing in prayer, Tabitha arose from the dead.

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up, Acts 9:40.

Prior to this illness, Tabitha developed a reputation for helping the poor and doing good within her town.  Although its unclear if funeral plans had been made, this miracle inspired many residents of Joppa to believe in the Lord.  According to Acts 9:36, Tabitha was a female disciple, one of the first woman to receive this title.  While March is a long way away, I felt it necessary to recall Tabitha’s life so that other women may be inspired to follow in her footsteps.

by Jay Mankus

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Bouncing Back After Rejection

Posted on July 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

“There is nothing in this life that can destroy you but yourself. Bad things happen to everyone, but when they do, you can’t just fall apart and die. You have to fight back. If you don’t, you’re the one who loses in the end. But if you do keep going and fight back, you win.” – Alexandra Monir

For a scientist, trial and error is merely a series of experiments to ascertain whether or not your theory is correct.  Thomas Edison didn’t give up after ten, one hundred or one thousand failed tests.  Rather, he pressed on, bouncing back after countless rejections to invent the light bulb.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me, Philippians 4:12-13.

In today’s climate, you have to be mentally tough to survive.  The best baseball hitters in history only succeeded thirty three percent of the time.  Perfectionists would never survive this degree of failure.  Thus, perspective is crucial to mustering up the strength to carry on.

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded, 2 Chronicles 15:7.

Last weekend I received my third rejection letter in the past four years in my quest to become a professional screenwriter.  My first movie, Express Yourself never had a chance, not knowing the proper format to get noticed.  The second, Behind the Devil’s Door was better, yet after submitting it I realized the flaw of my conclusion.  Sometimes I wonder if I should continue with my third, Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door or invest my time in something else.  Despite thoughts of doubt, I can’t quit until I feel like I’ve done everything in my power to make this dream a reality.  Therefore, regardless of the adversity that you endure, ask God to give you the faith to bounce back following rejection.

by Jay Mankus

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Coasting on Cruise Control

Posted on August 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you’re traveling cross country in a car or planning a long day trip, the invention of cruise control is a nice luxury.  Although vacation traffic may limit your opportunities, open highways, especially at night, provide a chance for drivers to rest their legs.  With only a few weeks of summer remaining, try to get away for a little R & R coasting on cruise control.

From a spiritual perspective, coasting through life is something that you want to avoid.  Unfortunately, there is where I find myself, using a busy work schedule as an excuse.  Somewhere in the last month, I’ve lost my spiritual mojo.  As a result, my devotional time is sporadic, prayer life lame and influx of the Holy Spirit is wading.  Like the classic line from Star Trek, I feel like Captain Kirk’s frequently request to Scotty, “I need more power!”

Regardless of your circumstances, sooner or later everyone grows tired, Isaiah 40:29-31.  When you reach your breaking point, find yourself exhausted or wake up spiritually numb, God saw this coming.  In these days of desperation, running on empty, you might find yourself crying uncle, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.  While coasting on cruise control led you to this state, yielding to the Lord will help you rise up from the ashes of despair.  Fan into flame 2 Timothy 1:7 so that the only coasting you do in life is driving in the country.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What’s In Your Lunch Box?

Posted on March 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Before the invention of insulated lunch bags, kids brought decorative lunch boxes to school with their favorite cartoon characters or television show on the outside and thermos. Meanwhile, adults brought coolers or metal containers which resembled a toolbox to their workplace. Although teasing did occur on some levels within society, what’s was in your lunch box is what got people’s attention.

In the days of Jesus, one of his disciples claimed he performed so many miracles on a daily basis that if each one was written down, there would not be enough library books in the world to cover them, John 21:25.  Of the miracles of Jesus recorded in the Bible, only one appears in all 4 gospels, the feeding of the 5000.  Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-13 detail this supernatural experience.  While there are many theories why God chose this particular event to be covered by all 4 authors, the answer lies in the lunch box of a poor young boy.

Luke, a physician who accompanied the apostle Paul on some of his mission trips, explains the dire situation leading up to Jesus’ miracle, over 5000 people are in a remote place without any access to food, Luke 9:12-13.  Meanwhile, only one disciple records the source of their food, a young boy who offered his small lunch: 5 wafers and 2 sardines, John 6:9.  In view of this information, most of the disciples likely shared Philip’s sentiments in John 6:7, “no way Jesus, we don’t have the time or money to help these starving people!”  Andrew, the brother of Peter, made a suggestion, yet even he had his doubts, John 6:9.

Today, millions of people worldwide are in desperate need of a miracle, either in the form of clothing, food or shelter.  Others are still searching for a full time job to provide for their family, humbling themselves to do whatever it takes to survive.  In the end, all Jesus is looking for in people is faith like a mustard seed, Mark 4:30-32.  May you step out in faith, like this little poor boy, sharing his lunch with thousands, setting the scene for a memorable miracle from God.

Feel free to comment below, sharing what miracle you are hoping, longing and praying for.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Eraser

Posted on February 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

On the surface, a small piece of rubber, either red or white in appearance, seems rather inconspicuous.  Like tiny bread crumbs, these particles are designed to void any mistake made by a lead pencil.  While somewhat flawed, if used properly, the eraser can make imperfections disappear.

As technology continues to improve, the eraser is on the verge of becoming an endangered species.  Since the invention of personal computers led to the extinction of type writers, white out threatens to replace erasers.  With the goal of paperless schools on the horizon, environmentalist seek to save trees, not concerned if or when erasers will be phased out.

From a spiritual sense, there is only One true Eraser.  This eraser is as white as snow, spotless and pure, without any blemishes.  Unlike the typical eraser that darkens with use, this Eraser remains shiny and new year round.  Therefore, if you’re tired of messing up, making mistakes and ruining the body of your paper, keep your head up.  As far as the East is from the West, this is how far God is willing to go to erase the sins from your life, Psalm 103:11-12.

by Jay Mankus

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