Tag Archives: Jesus

Payments in Life

Posted on September 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In 1983, Donna Summer released the song “She Works Hard for the Money.”  While this song appeared on Summer’s eleventh album, its become one of her most popular singles through the years.  Co-written by Michael Omartian, the context of the chorus refers to Onetta Johnson, a rest room attendant at Los Angeles’ Chasen’s Restaurant.  After meeting this exhausted woman during a brief conversation, the idea for this song was conceived.

The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death, Proverbs 10:16.

The Bible refers to two different types of payments in life, one from the Old Testament and the other from the New Testament.  The context of king Solomon’s version is based upon the sowing and reaping principle mentioned in Galatians 6:8.  However, this also can be understood as you receive wages based upon the attention to detail, effort and your overall focus.  Subsequently, anyone who chooses righteous over temporary pleasures and treasures will have their life extended.  Meanwhile, those who break the law, cut corners or swindle others out of their money will earn sin and death.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 6:23.

Nonetheless, the apostle Paul brings good news for those who need a second or third chance in life.  Examining the symbolism of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection, Paul uses the concept of payments to prove his point.  The wages for sin, which encompasses all of mankind is eternal separation from God.  However, there is hope for the world, a new lease on life for anyone looking to change their life around.  This good news comes in the form of God’s free gift, grace through faith that leads to eternal life.  2 payments, 1 life; the choice is yours as eternity awaits.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Searching for Understanding

Posted on August 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The other night I was counting my blessings; thankful for a having a healthy family up to this point in life.  Perhaps a spirit of pride entered my mind like a whisper proclaiming “I’m better than you.”  This feeling didn’t last long, crashing back to reality with my son being rushed to the hospital this week, then diagnosed with diabetes.

Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, Proverbs 2:3

In the hours and days which have followed, I’m in the process of searching for understanding.  Thoughts such as why does God let bad things happen to good people started this conversation in my mind.  Followed by why did my prayers go unanswered?  Drawing a blank, I guess I have to wait a while before I receive the first clue.

Then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God, Proverbs 2:5.

As a father, Solomon writes a letter to his sons, trying to prepare them for life in the real world.  Solomon urges his children to seek understanding, like Jesus urged his followers to hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Yet, the first step begins with fearing the Lord.  The byproduct of this spiritual practice leads you closer to discernment.  In view of this advice from Proverbs, I have to go back to the drawing board, stop pouting and fear the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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When Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter

Posted on August 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The moment a student enters the work force something happens internally.  I’m not sure if its related to specific occupations, but mindsets begin to change.  As soon as individuals get comfortable, there’s a common practice to think ahead like “I’m going to do this or that.”  However, every once in a while you’re confronted with a situation that makes you realize tomorrow doesn’t matter.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money,” James 4:13.

When I woke up Tuesday morning, it felt like a normal day.  I checked on my son before picking up my daughter from volleyball camp.  Upon my return, my son was in tears, insisting on wanting to go to the hospital.  Usually able to shake off pain, something inside of Daniel knew things weren’t right.  Twenty four hours later, my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes, James 4:14.

One of Jesus’ earthly brothers writes about one of his regrets in life.  For nearly thirty years, his big brother was the son of God, yet he never believed until after the resurrection.  Subsequently, James came to the conclusion that tomorrow doesn’t matter as long as today is present.  Therefore, despite the grief and uncertainty I am currently enduring, there is still plenty of time to grow, learn and be thankful before the sun sets.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Taken Away

Posted on August 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the 1972 Men’s Basketball Olympic Gold Medal Game, the buzzer sounded twice at the end of the game with the United States leading 50-49.  However, the officials stopped the game a final time, putting 3 second back on the clock.  On the third attempt, the U.S.S.R. caught a long inbound pass and scored a two point basket as time expired.  Despite an appeal to the Olympic Committee, the final score was upheld giving the gold medal to the Soviet’s squad.  Today, the silver medals of this team remain in a Swiss bank vault, unclaimed as their gold medal was taken away.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it, Matthew 16:25.

You don’t have to be an athlete to have something taken away.  A car accident may leave an individual paralyzed.  Some sort of rare illness can steal the health of a young and formerly energetic soul.  Meanwhile, careers, jobs and relationships may end prematurely, without your consent or failed attempts to save them.  Whenever you endure heartbreak, these moments in time may take years to overcome.  Somethings in life just aren’t fair and what’s worse God tends to be receive the blame for most of life’s troubles.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst,” John 6:35.

As God closes the door abruptly on one aspect in your life, faith is what gets individuals through periods of darkness.  Although the day light may not come soon enough, an invisible source will stand by your side.  Promising the Holy Spirit, Jesus foresaw a time when things would be taken away on this earth.  Subsequently, when this day arrives, its essential to turn your attention toward the bread of life.  Don’t let what has been taken away from you develop into a life filled with bitterness and regret.  Rather, press on through days of darkness to find meaning and purpose in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Where Are Your Footprints Leading?

Posted on July 16, 2016 by expressyourself4him

For those of you who have pets, it doesn’t take much for a kitten, puppy or other new member of the family to reap havoc.  Like any child who knows their in trouble, sometimes animals try to hide their mess.  In this case, all you have to do is follow visible signs of destruction before you reach the guilty party.  Yet, child and pets aren’t alone as even adults have moments of weakness, sending a poor message by taking steps in the wrong direction.

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth, 1 John 1:6.

Unfortunately, grown ups tend to make life much more complicated than it is.  Subsequently, sometimes its important to simplify life, going back to the basics.  The Bible kids classic song Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See is a great place to start.  These lyrics warn individuals of the lasting consequences of walking in darkness.  Tasting forbidden fruit, lusting for someone or something or crossing the line known as sin, could become a life style if you’re not careful.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.   But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23

In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares the correlation between your eyes and sin.  Essentially, eyes are a lamp created to guide and direct people throughout life.  However, if used inappropriately, these beacons of light can become a source for evil.  Thus, whether you are young or old, Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See still applies.  In view of this choose wisely and if you make mistakes along the way, repent quickly.  May the footprints that you leave on earth point souls to the love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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A Misfit Living in a Cruel World

Posted on July 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Fifty two years ago this coming December, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer debuted.  In the years that have followed, children and parents have made this animation a Christmas classic.   Something about an elf who wants to be a dentist and a reindeer whose nose glows appeals to anyone who feels like a social outcast.  Essentially, this story serves as a reminder to those who are currently a misfit living in a cruel world.

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples, Matthew 9:10.

After experiencing public scrutiny and humiliation, Hermey and Rudolph run away from their problems, coming to shore on the Island of Misfit Toys.  Upon interacting with a Charlie in the Box and a train with square wheels, Hermey and Rudolph come to the realization that their lives aren’t as bad as they initially thought.  Sometimes all you need to do is meet someone less fortunate and your perspective changes immediately.

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him, Matthew 20:34.

There is a perception in the world from those who do not believe in God that Jesus is too good, holy and righteous for sinners.  On the contrary, Jesus spent most of his time on earth conversing, eating and sitting with the lower and middle class.   Jesus’ ministry was centered around reaching out to misfits, needy individuals and the poor.  Therefore, don’t think you have to have everything together to serve the Lord.  Rather, find meaning and purpose in this cruel world by touching the lives of people in need with an encouraging word, hug or smile.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Reactions Without Responsibility

Posted on July 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Any parent who loses a child to a drunk driver, victim of a crime or family member of a relative fatally shot wants to see justice prevail.  In the heat of the moment, especially after receiving this bad news, emotions can cause harsh reactions.  Yet, in America people are suppose to be innocent until proven guilty.  Sure, it would be nice if the court systems could speed up this process.  However, until individuals have their day in court, its irresponsible to incite violence, rush to judgment or use social media to encourage others to seek revenge.

How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? – Matthew 7:4

In the hours following the unfortunate shooting deaths of African Americans by police officers in Louisiana and Minnesota, reactions in the media were fast and furious.  Apparently, some people took black leaders, politicians and twitter posts literally.  Subsequently, now there are six dead police officers in 2 states, several more wounded and public servants have been betrayed by the citizens they are paid to protect.  The response by celebrities to the initial two deaths is a clear indication that reactions have consequences.

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye, Matthew 7:5.

America has come to a cross roads, on the verge of a racial divide.  The leadership and message provided by Dr. Martin Luther King has either been forgotten or is absent from this current generation.  In view of this dire situation, its time for personal responsibility, realizing that everyone is imperfect.  During his sermon on the Mount Jesus encouraged followers to get their own lives in order before criticizing or judging other people.  The same truth applies to Americans today.  Therefore, the next time you have an urge to lash out, over react or post complaints on social media, remember these words of Jesus.  If put into practice, God’s Word can begin to transform lives one soul at a time.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When Your Compass Doesn’t Work

Posted on July 9, 2016 by expressyourself4him

For those of us who are directionally challenged, its easy to become reliant on modern technology.  Advances in cell phones, electronic maps and GPS devices will tell you immediately when and if you take a wrong turn.  However, what will happen if your compass in life does not work.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come, John 16:13.

If you have ever watched documentaries on the Bermuda Triangle, there have been numerous accounts of aircraft and ships whose navigational devices stop working.  Sometimes this lasts for a few seconds or continues for an extended period of time.  When you can’t determine magnetic north, people have to fly blind, relying on certain landmarks to find your way home.  Yet, when clouds, fog or storms roll in, this task is further complicated.

All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you, John 16:15.

From a spiritual point of view, your conscience is similar to a compass.  Nonetheless, if you allow yourself to become distracted by a career, project or work, its not that hard to get lost.  Within these days, months and years of darkness, people tend to lose hope.  This is why Jesus left the Holy Spirit following his ascension, providing a counselor in your time of need.  Therefore, when everything else in life fails, reach out to the Lord and He will guide you home.

by Jay Mankus

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A Faith in Foreclosure

Posted on July 2, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When a home owner fails to pay the debt accrued and owed, the mortgage lender can choose to foreclose on a property to regain their money.   According to a 2015 study, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware have the highest foreclosure rates in the United States.  The highest rate affected the residents of New Jersey where one in every 559 housing units filed for foreclosure after payments were not made.

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, Hebrews 10:26.

From a spiritual perspective, Jesus paid the debt for sin accrued over the course of one’s life.  The apostle Paul uses the analogy, for the wages of sin is death, in Romans 6:23.  Yet, the good news lies in the final line, the gift of God is eternal life.  However, when you do mess up, God expects acts of contrition to follow.  Thus, if you treat promises in the Bible as a get out of jail free card, you are in danger of experiencing a faith in foreclosure.

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

In an earlier chapter, the author of Hebrews provides a glimpse of a faith in foreclosure.  Whether its an addiction, careless acts or poor choices, some are lured into a false sense of security.  Before being introduced to the Bible’s teachings, individuals can claim to be amoral, not knowing right from wrong.  However, once you have seen the light; enlightened from years walking in darkness, you no longer have an excuse.  Thus, anyone who reaches a faith in foreclosure, must fully repent, turning 90 degrees away from sin, back to God or face the consequences mentioned above.  Turn back to Jesus today while time is on your side.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Putting in Order What was Left Unfinished

Posted on June 1, 2016 by expressyourself4him

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If you own a home or like to work on cars, you probably have some type of project that you haven’t gotten to.  Sometimes time is the issue.  Yet, other aspirations remain unfinished due to hidden problems, a lack of resources and technical difficulties.  Thus, situations will arise when you will have to rely on others to get the job done.

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you, Titus 1:5.

Unfortunately, some people tend to be Lone Rangers, enjoying the freedom of doing things their own way.  Meanwhile, others allow pride to get in the way, afraid, ashamed or too proud to ask for help.  The end result often leads to abandoned dreams, clutter and countless unfinished projects rusting away in attics, garages and sheds.

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you,” Ephesians 5:14.

When the raw emotions of being overwhelmed fade, its time to snap yourself out of it.  You might have to wait longer than you planned, but Jesus is waiting for you to call upon his name.  Therefore, don’t get bogged down by the mountain of unfinished work waiting for you to tackle.  Rather, pray that the Holy Spirit will send someone or something to help you complete that which is left unfinished.

by Jay Mankus

 

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