Tag Archives: Jesus

Not So Weak After All

Posted on April 11, 2013 by expressyourself4him

On my only day off during last week, I spent time helping finish field work in anticipation of Opening Day for Greater Newark Baseball.  Fighting a fever, extreme exhaustion and side effects from medicine, I quickly became emotionally drained.  Unable to sleep, I wrote a blog at 4:30 am, that’s in the morning for those who slept past noon over Spring Break.  Anyway, the only strength I could muster was a lame, but effective prayer, “In my weakness Lord, be strong today!”

Minutes after verbalizing these words, I lost my keys, was late to work and felt worthless for most of my first shift.  However, as I look back on my day, somewhere near the end of my first shift, the power of the Holy Spirit kicked in.  From there, God blessed me with one amazing encounter after another.

I was able to bring a smile to hundreds of children through a 30 minute long Chick-fil-A cow appearance at the Christiana Mall.  I nearly brought one parent to tears after offering her infant a Mini-Cow.  Another woman mumbled under her breath, “I need to eat Chick-fil-A, their people take care of their customers like first class citizens.”  Between 4-8pm this evening, I was walking on air, floating on the wings of angels.  Paul was right in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, when we are weak, Christ truly is strong, and not so weak after all!

by Jay Mankus

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The Great Escape

Posted on April 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Time after time, the gospel of John records Jesus escaping from danger, often using the phrase, “the time had not yet come.”  Disappointed by the spiritual blindness of religious leaders, Jesus lays into them starting in John 9:40, continuing through John 10:38.  Since God expects more from leaders, Jesus didn’t sugarcoat his words, being painfully honest.

Instead of adhering to Jesus’ warning, these Jews wanted to stone him according to John 10:31.  Unfortunately, their minds and hearts were steeped in tradition and religion, not a personal relationship with God.  Thus, with each word, the anger of the Pharisees in attendance stirred, reaching a melting point.  Out of frustration, this crowd of Jews tried to seize Jesus, John 10:39, but were unsuccessful.

In life, each individual faces their own dilemmas.  The poor seek to escape debt, the rich struggle to overcome the grasp of greed and the lonely attempt to outrun depression.  Jesus’ teaching was not easy, like the disciples’ own words in Matthew 19:25.  Yet, with God, Matthew 19:26 and through Christ, Philippians 4:13, all things are possible.  To endure the great escape from sin alone would be foolish.  Therefore, to insure your success, place your trust in Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, Hebrews 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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Ahead of His Time

Posted on April 9, 2013 by expressyourself4him

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English has been the primary language in America since the early British settlements of the 1600’s.  Described as the Great American Melting Pot in Saturday Morning advertisements aired while children watched cartoons during the 1980’s, this country has gone through a major cultural transformation.  Instructions enclosed inside new products have multiple languages, with Spanish and English always mentioned.  Electronic telephone directions are played in English first, then Spanish.  In addition, depending upon the airport you travel through, intercom updates can be heard in Japanese, German or French.

Believe it or not, Pontus Pilate was ahead of his time.  After his wife was warned in a dream, likely a nightmare, Matthew 27:19, Pilate tried to pass the buck and responsibility for Jesus onto the religious leaders.  According to John 19:1-16, Pilate tried to persuade them, yet gave into public pressure.  However, in a last ditch effort to wash his hands of Jesus’ death, Pilate does something remarkable in John 19:19-20.  While he had a notice prepared and fastened to Jesus’ cross that read, “King of the Jews,” few recognize the last words of verse 20.  Like modern America, Pilate had ordered 3 separate plaques, in each of the 3 major languages of the day.

Maybe Pilate’s wife was mad at him, twisting his arm to have these 3 signs made.  Possibly a deep sense of remorse filled Pilate’s soul, inspiring him to do something in his power.  Or God, through the whisper of the Holy Spirit urged Pilate to inscribe the truth about Jesus for all to see in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.  Although, no one will know for sure until heaven, I suspect the hand of God played a vital role, helping Pilate be ahead of his time in communicating to all nations the truth about Jesus!

by Jay Mankus

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It Doesn’t Mean A Thing!

Posted on April 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

This generation of Americans like to talk, boasting about their own greatness, often stretching the truth beyond reality.  Athletes tend to trash talk.  Students seek to publicly display their knowledge.  Socialites enjoy shooting the breeze.  Yet, words don’t mean a thing, unless others see you serving Christ the King!

Meanwhile, modern churches are gravitating toward theology.  In an honest attempt to maintain biblical accuracy, some are falling prey to paralysis by over-analysis.  Flaunting their intelligence, church leaders are missing the mark set by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40 and the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:6.  Likewise, theology doesn’t mean a thing unless the love of Jesus is in the tune you sing.

The apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 is a message many church goers are overlooking.  Sure, you should understand the context of the Bible.  Yes, theology is important to preserve the correct interpretation of God’s Word.  However, the world continues to be turned off by Christians who misrepresent followers of God.  Thus, love doesn’t mean a thing, unless action is seen, not spoken.  Shine the light of the king today, Matthew 5:13!

by Jay Mankus

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Caught in the Middle

Posted on April 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Children can become casualties of war, caught in the middle of their parent’s divorce.  As a teacher, I’ve seen this far too often, with kids used as pawns to make the other spouse jealous.  Maybe this explains Jesus’ tone within Matthew 18:1-9, a warning to all adults to insure their actions do not lead a little one astray.

As a friend, its not uncommon to be caught in the middle of infighting.  Gossip, slander and half truths are the usual suspects, aimed at swaying you to their side of the argument.  Unfortunately, playing favorites is easy to fall prey to, something the pagans of Jesus’ day indulged, Matthew 5:46-47.  Yet, God expects Christians to possess higher standards, Matthew 5:48, striving for perfection in Christ, Philippians 4:13.

Casting Crowns addresses this issue in their song Somewhere in the Middle.  From their The Altar and the Door album, Casting Crowns sings about the ongoing tug of war that exists within each soul.  The disciple Peter and the author of Hebrews highlight this dilemma of being in the world, 1 Peter 2:11-12, yet called to look beyond this present world, Hebrews 12:1-2.  Thus, as you find yourself caught in the middle of right and wrong, remember the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 12:1-2 so that you will conform to God’s ways!

by Jay Mankus

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The Olive Grove

Posted on April 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in America when Hide and Go Seek was for more popular than playing video games.  Although not everyone runs the same speed, creative minds often found the best hiding spots.  Depending upon the size of your neighborhood or the boundaries children set, some games might last hours, searching for the last person.  On several occasions, this hider would come out, saving their hiding place for another game.

In John 18:1-9, the disciple whom Jesus loved takes readers into the disciples secret place, where they often met.  Beyond the Kidron Valley, Jesus took his disciples to an olive grove, hidden from the large crowds which followed Jesus.  Thus, John reveals these details to explain how Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, knew where to find Jesus when other religious leaders could not.

Like the old commercial slogan, “Calgon take me away,” everyone from time to time needs a place to get away.  Whether its a place like Cheers, where people know you by name or a secret hide away, rest and relaxation is essential for the human soul.  Though Sunday is a day of worship, God also wants individuals to rest, unwind and relax.  Therefore, whether you select an olive grove like Jesus, a quiet place or an activity you enjoy, recharge your internal batteries soon or else you might run out of gas.

by Jay Mankus

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The Second Glance

Posted on April 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Casting Crowns uses the expression second glance in their song Slow Fade, on their The Altar and the Door album.  From an earthly sense, taking a second glance is normal, a natural inclination of a curious flesh.  However, when you consider the context of these lyrics in light of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:27-30, the second glance leads to lust, which Jesus equates with adultery.

While working on a service project last week, I listened to the same Casting Crowns album twice on my MP3 Player.  Initially, the background music served as motivation, an adrenaline rush to inspire me to complete my task.  Yet, the second time through my focus shifted from an earthly view to a spiritual perspective.  Upon hearing the lyrics of Slow Fade, I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit.

This whisper kept repeating over and over in my mind, “the second glance seems innocent, but leads to a slow fade within your faith.”  Like a cross country runner who stops training, it doesn’t take long for the discipline of running to cease.  Therefore, aim yourself with the attitude of Christ, 1 Peter 4:1, sharpening your mind like the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.  Avoid the second glance by developing a Job like mentality, Job 42:5-6, swapping a slow fade for a raging fire of faith!

by Jay Mankus

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2 + 5 = 12

Posted on April 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Sure, if you want to get technical about it, 2 + 5 does equal 7.  However, when a growing number of youth sports organizations refuse to keep score, why can’t everyone win.  Meanwhile, school districts in Texas are following a similar pattern, not giving letter grades to prevent students from suffering low self-esteem.  In this age of political correctness, for today’s blog, 2 + 5 = 12.

Believe it or not, there are conditions and circumstances when 2 + 5 does indeed equal 12.  In fact, when you enter God into this equation like algebra, this answer can be clearly proven.  For example, one day Jesus tried to feed roughly 5,000 men, plus additional women and children not accounted for in John 6:10.  Testing the faith of his 12 disciples, Jesus attempts to take the resources set aside for 12 disciples and feed the masses of people surrounding them  on a mountain side.

Philip, likely an accountant, begged to differ with Jesus, throwing out the cost to feed this many people, John 6:7.  Andrew, a little more optimistic takes a quick inventory, discovering 5 loaves of barley bread and 2 small fish, John 6:9.  Based upon this verse, the more Andrew thought about it, the less confident he becomes.  Everything changes when you add Jesus into this problem.  Similar to a communion performed by a rabbi, priest or pastor, Jesus breaks the fish and bread, giving thanks to God above.  After the people were full, Jesus sent the disciples around to collect the basket of leftovers.  Amazingly, 2 small fish plus 5 loaves of barley bread results in 12 baskets provided by the Bread of Life, John 6:48.

by Jay Mankus

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Breaking Bad

Posted on March 31, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A friend recently turned me onto the drama, Breaking Bad.  Debuting in 2008, this storyline features Walter White, a high school teacher who has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer.  Struggling to provide for his family, Walter turns to a former student, Jesse Pinkman to avoid leaving a legacy of debt.  Using his knowledge of chemistry, Mr. White starts up a methamphetamine ring to create a slush fund of savings.

Breaking bad is nothing new, a growing trend since the first act of disobedience  in Genesis 3:6.  An old testament prophet uses similar terminology in Malachi 2:10-12, referring to the broken faith of Jews, highlighted by their acts of unfaithfulness.  Even one of the holiest men who ever lived, the apostle Paul, confesses his own shortcomings in Romans 7:15, 17-18.

Northwest General Hospital

If this wasn’t enough, the United States of America is in their 5th decade of breaking bad.  Kicking God out of public education during the 1960’s opened the door for abortion on demand in the 70’s.  The establishment of cable television in the 1980’s brought immorality, pornography and sexual innuendos into many American homes.  With moral antennas lowered, the 1990’s brought brief nudity and cursing to public television through the hit series NYPD Blue.  Edgy commercials, custom malfunctions and reality shows continued to push the envelope in the 2000’s.

As my 3 children grew up in this shewed culture, I hate to see what the next 50 years will bring their kids.  If Animal Planet’s Tanked 2013 season premiere is any indication, I’m horrified.  Without any warning, in a show often geared for kids, the 2 main characters Brett and Wayde used the word jackass several times, doing a special tank for one of the main stars in the movie series.  As individuals, media outlets and nations slide down this slippery slope, there is only one who hasn’t lowered their standards, Hebrews 4:15-16.  Go against the flow, look up to Jesus and make a conscious decision to glorify God, 1 Peter 2:11-12, so that breaking bad doesn’t enter your mind!

by Jay Mankus

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Writing in the Sand

Posted on March 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The idiom “caught with your hand in the cookie jar” is used when a person is caught doing something wrong.  Meanwhile, the phrase “caught red-handed” refers to being caught in the act of committing a misdemeanor, with the evidence there for all to see.  Either way you want to express or slice it, sooner or later everyone will be exposed as a sinner.  This is the situation you will find a woman, caught in the act of adultery in John 8:3.  Eager to follow the Law Moses commanded, the religious leaders are waiting on Jesus for final approval, to commence the stoning.

Seeing right through them, Jesus turns to an unusual but effective strategy, writing in the sand, John 8:6, 8.  Up to this point, Jesus had always followed a question with a question, not responding directly to the Pharisees and teachers of the law.  However, readers are left wondering, “what in the world did Jesus write in the ground with his finger?”  This debate continues today with suggestions of biblical laws, jotting down the thoughts of these leaders, secret sins each accuser had done or was in the process of committing.  Unfortunately, no one will know for sure until heaven, left to ponder what written words could have caused each Jew to drop their stone and leave the temple courts.

As Easter Sunday, 2013 draws near, you must remember Jesus’ spoken words to this woman, “Go now and leave your life of sin,” John 8:11.  Even if you have been caught with your hand in a cookie jar, there is redemption available to those humbled and sorry for their sin, John 3:16-17.  However, if you fail to leave your sin at the altar, relapse is almost assured, ruining Jesus’ sacrifice, Hebrews 10:26-27.  Thus, embrace Jesus’ writing in the sand, receive God’s faithfulness, 1 John 1:8 and flee from darkness by walking in the light, 1 John 2:6.

by Jay Mankus

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