Tag Archives: knowledge

Stages of Worship

Posted on February 19, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As a former runner, I see a comparable relationship between running and worship.  The first time you do each, its not always the most pleasant experience.  While those in advanced stages have a different perspective, the novice may quit early on, claiming what’s the point.  Trying to excel at each requires knowledge, preparation and training.  During a church service last weekend, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to 3 stages of worship.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship, Romans 12:1.

Stage 1: Good

The apostle Paul encourages those who embrace the Christian faith to respond to God’s mercy.  When your sins were pardoned, this should elicit a spirit of thankfulness within forgiven souls.  As right and wrong acts are differentiated by the Bible, this exposure to truth hopefully fuels a fire within hearts to pursue holiness.  This environment sets the scene to ignite and stoke a desire to worship.  This is a good first step.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:2.

Stage 2: Pleasing

If running or worship does not bring pleasure or a sense of progress, most will abandon the journey, filling their time with other worth while pursuits.  Thus, Paul suggests the pattern of the world will become a distraction for many.  Subsequently, finding pleasure in running or worship begins with a renewing of your mind.  Just as Jesus went into the wilderness, fasting and praying before beginning his earthly ministry, worship is taken to the next level by believing and claiming God’s promises for your life.  As the worries of life fade, your worship will please God as you bow down in holy reverence to your creator above.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me, 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Stage 3: Perfect

Human nature tends to lead people to rely on their own strength and abilities.  Yet, perfection is not attainable in flesh alone.  Rather, individuals need to come to a spiritual state where they recognize any weaknesses and lean on Christ’s power.  The apostle Paul was forced into this predicament through an unknown physical ailment.  While the Bible is not specific on his condition, God’s power is made perfect through weakness.  Therefore, if you are struggling to concentrate as you run or worship, don’t run this race alone.  Rather, cry out to the Lord for help and perhaps one day you will reach new levels as you worship God.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Searching Out Matters That are Too Deep

Posted on January 18, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are a student, teacher or parent, sooner or later you will meet or run into individuals who like to dig deep.  While this isn’t a bad thing, there is a point in conversations, discussions and lectures that go way too deep.  Any time this invisible line is crossed, people tune out, especially students who don’t have the foggiest idea what their professor is talking about.

It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep, Proverbs 25:27.

Since Solomon was considered one of the wisest people to walk the face of the earth, its refreshing to know that even he was self aware of this problem.  Its unclear whether one of his wives or children confronted him about talking over people’s heads, yet God convicted him of this flaw.  Knowledge is like a good snack, but if you eat too much you will spoil your appetite for further discussions on a subject.

Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king.  He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”  The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!”  But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!”  hen the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother,” 1 Kings 3:24-27.

Despite the warning about digging too deep, there are exceptions to this rule as described by the wise ruling made by King Solomon above.  When a mother accidentally rolled over on top of her baby, he died.  In the heat of the moment, she swapped her dead baby with one next to a woman sleeping.  This is the context which allowed Solomon to test these woman to see who the real mother was.  Subsequently, individuals should use similar methods today to detect truth from those trying to pull a fast one by you.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Frustration

Posted on December 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Annoying, defeating and unfulfilled are words synonomous with frustration.  Whenever your expectations for something is not met, individuals can overreact.  This is often displayed in public through fits of rage, tantrums and wounded relationships.

The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful, Proverbs 22:12.

According to King Solomon, the origin of frustration can be easily explained.  When people try to manufacture something outside of God’s will, attempting to bypass knowledge, the Lord steps in.  Thus, the unfaithful are thwarted resulting in a closed door, failure or rejection.

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:26.

Meanwhile, the principle of sowing and reaping also applies, Galatians 6:7-8.  God is not going to bless or allow prosperity over the long haul to the unfaithful.  In view of this information, confess any wrong doing of the present and past.  Although frustration usually results in humility, a broken heart provides the environment for grace and forgiveness.  May disappointment and trials lead to a spirit of revival this Christmas season.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Rare Jewel

Posted on December 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In a November 2015 Forbes article, the red diamond was the most expensive jewel, worth one million dollars per carat.  Meanwhile, True Facet claims the rarest jewel when its available is jadeite, costing more than three million dollars per carat.  Yet, one of the most famous jewels is the Hope Diamond due to a curse which followed those who possessed it resulting in several mysterious deaths.

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel, Proverbs 20:15.

While contemplating his own collection of wealth, King Solomon overlooked one rare jewel.  This unusual site involves individuals who provide encouraging and positive words.  These nuggets within conversations often uplift those who hear it.  Based upon the context of the passage above, it appears that even in the days of the Old Testament negative tones filled the local marketplaces.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen, Ephesians 4:29.

Depending upon your current environment at home, school or work, speaking words of knowledge can be difficult.  Overcoming waves of pessimism is a tough task, taking many under its current with each crashing remark.  In view of this climate, the apostle Paul urges his readers to rise above today’s culture of criticism.  Instead of joining the crowd to jump on the pile, change your tune by expressing beneficial comments.  In the end, you will avoid grieving the Holy Spirit by seeking to become a rare jewel with holy lips.

by Jay Mankus

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Minds over Matters

Posted on July 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYbS-tAToMw

In 1972 the United Negro College Fund adopted the slogan “the mind is a terrible thing to waste.”  Since this decision other organizations have used this saying to stress the importance of education, knowledge and learning.  However, is there ever a time when minds interfere with matters in life?

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ, Colossians 2:17.

C.S. Lewis introduces the term diabolical pride within a chapter in Mere Christianity.  While attitude, arrogance and egos are a sign of confidence, success can go to one’s head.  Subsequently, individuals can become narcissitic, blinded by pride.  This character flaw essentially prevents people from considering the advice, opinions and wisdom from others.

Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind, Colossians 2:18.

Perhaps this topic inspired the words of the apostle Paul within a letter to Christians in Corinth.  Similar to religious leaders steeped in tradition, minds can become puffed up by idle notions.  In the end, relative matters are ignored due to ignorant minds influenced by worldly philosophies.  Instead of recognizing the obvious, minds have a habit of getting in the way, preventing the masses from seeing what truly matters in life.  Wake up today before your mind forgets what is truly important.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Sad Sign of Troubled Times

Posted on July 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The History Channel has a series of shows related to prophecy.  Nostradamus programs tend to get the most publicity, concentrating upon his published collection that first appeared in 1555.  While there are shows dedicated to Bible prophecy, there is one author who gets overlooked.  The apostle Paul makes a prediction in a letter to one of his disciples which is like a headline from one of the major tabloids.

They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 2 Timothy 3:6.

Apparently, there was a growing trend of bad boys having a negative influence on woman during the first century.  Based upon the vocabulary used in the passage above, Paul suggests that men were preying on gullible women, then manipulating females to get what they want.  Based upon the amount of children born out of wedlock and dysfunctional homes in America today, Paul’s prophecy is a sad sign of troubles times.

Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 3:7.

The notion that love is blind applies to this moral dilemma.  While many individuals often say, “I’ll never do that again,” when push comes to shove several repeat the same mistakes time after time.  Thus, bad boys continue to intrigue naive woman, curious what it would be like to date them.  Unfortunately, despite having a knowledge of right from wrong does not stop the desperate or tempted from tasting temporary pleasures.  May the Holy Spirit pierce through this darkness so that these sad signs of a fallen society will turn around soon.

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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Something is Missing

Posted on June 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

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

In the realm of Marvel Comics, each super hero has a weakness.  Despite their power and strength, beneath the surface lies a kryptonite, a force that evens the playing field.  If these figures allow this element to remain in their presence, their impact on society is minimized.  The same can be said about normal human beings who experience mediocre lives, struggling to ascertain what’s missing, preventing you from reaching your full potential.

To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:8.

Although its probably over analyzed in sports, each year a Cinderella team comes out of no where to contend and sometimes win a championship.  On paper, there’s no logical explanation for this.  Yet, when individuals and a group come together to form perfect chemistry, an atmosphere for success is achieved.  Despite what the experts may say, when you surround yourself with the right people, you will be surprised by results that follow.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:12.

A thought occurred to me yesterday at work, something is missing in my life.  My enthusiasm, joy and passion for life is gone.  As I tried to put my finger on the real issue, another message came to me.  The missing ingredient for me is a church home.  Prayer and a personal quiet time reading the Bible can only take you so far.  After experiencing the demise of Red Lion Evangelical Free Church and School up close as leader, its been hard for me to go all in, afraid of getting hurt again.  Yet, if I want to reach the summit of my potential, the missing link for me is committing 100 % to a congregation that I can serve in.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Discovering Talents Within

Posted on May 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Few people know that I wanted to be an artist in 9th grade.  Earlier on in high school, my electives were drawing courses to see if I had potential to pursue this desire.  Unfortunately, the older I became, my artistic gift vanished.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them, 1 Corinthians 12:4.

While doing yard work today I had an epiphany.  The artist within still exists, just in an unlikely form.  Although I may be one of the worst Pictionary drawers of all time, landscaping has become my new tapestry.  Thus, I have turned my back yard into a nine hole par 3 course with 6 different pin locations.  After re-sculpting a pot bunker, I can enjoy this with my children all summer long.

To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,1 Corinthians 12:8.

According to the apostle Paul, each individual possesses talents within.  However, the Holy Spirit is the vessel that helps people reveal these hidden gifts.  Time, trials and a willing heart will eventually bring spiritual gifts to the surface.  Therefore, if you’re growing impatient or feel like the Lord can’t use you, pray for insight to discover your talents within.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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No Where to Go but Up

Posted on April 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the middle of his junior year, my oldest son James suffered from chronic hip pain, derailing any chance of running winter track full time.  When a need arose for a new pole vaulter, James gave it a shot.  Despite enduring meets of failing to clear the starting height, he persisted.  Fifteen months and twelve feet later, James has no where to go but up, already surpassing the mark he set last summer.

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent, 2 Peter 3:9.

Last weekend, I spent an entire night, six hours straight, finishing the final edit of my latest screen play Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door.  Over the past 11 months, there were times when I didn’t feel like writing, researching and studying similar films.  However, I set a firm goal to complete this project by May 1st.  While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the future success and production of this film is now in God’s hands.

My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me, Hosea 4:6a.

One of the translations of the verse above suggests people perish for a lack or wisdom and knowledge.  For me, sometimes its hard to believe that God is actually going to answer my prayer or fulfill my dreams.  Yet, Jesus himself said to followers in his day, “you do not have because you have not asked.”  Therefore, if you reach a goal, obtain new heights or don’t know where to go next, look up to heaven with an expecting heart in faith because there is no where to go but up.

by Jay Mankus

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