Tag Archives: laughing

When God Makes You Laugh

Posted on February 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The book definition of sarcasm is the use of irony to mock or convey contempt. Yet, most teenagers use sarcasm as a coping mechanism; a way to prevent their hopes from being ripped out of their hearts. When I struggled to express myself in high school due to stuttering, sarcasm helped ease the pain deep down in my soul. Subsequently, sarcasm and sarcastic friends made me laugh when I really wanted to have a pity party.

And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai; but Sarah [Princess] her name shall be. 16 And I will bless her and give you a son also by her. Yes, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall come from her. 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said in his heart, Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a son? – Genesis 17:15-17

Despite God’s character and nature in the Old Testament of being righteous and just, there are accounts which reveal the Lord’s sense of humor, 1 Kings 18:15-29. When God calls Elijah to have a spiritual duel with the worshippers of Baal, there are several jabs taken by Elijah, suggestions on why Baal isn’t responding. However, sometimes God will speak to you or send someone into your life to reveal a promise from God that makes no sense logically speaking.

And [he] said to God, Oh, that Ishmael might live before You! 19 But God said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed, and you shall call his name Isaac [laughter]; and I will establish My covenant or solemn pledge with him for an everlasting covenant and with his posterity after him, Genesis 17:18-19.

When a woman is past their prime according to Google, via Don Lemon, having a child over the age of forty is rare. As for Sarah, she was approaching ninety, which is why Sarah likely laughed sarcastically at the news she would give birth to a child. Sometimes God makes you laugh when you need to be cheered up. However, when you serve a supernatural God, Sarah’s laughter was no joke as God was serious and does fulfill His promise in Genesis 21:5. There is a time for everything so don’t be surprised the next time God makes you laugh.

by Jay Mankus

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When the World Laughs in Your Face

Posted on September 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_O8vuV3tyY

In the film National Treasure, Nicolas Cage plays Benjamin Gates, a treasurer hunter searching for the Knights Templar.  Hidden by the Free Masons, Gates tries to unlock clues left behind and revealed by his grand father.  However, in the professional arena Gates is considered a joke, a dreamer who is chasing after something that doesn’t exist.  To make matters worse, government officials laughed at him when he warns that the Declaration of Independence is in danger.

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine,” Acts 2:13.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter and the disciples met a similar fate.  As the residents of Jerusalem listened to these Jewish leaders speak in tongues, a group individuals jumped to a conclusion, suggesting these men are merely drunk.  Empowered by this spiritual presence, Peter says “at 9 in the morning, I don’t think so?”  Despite this come back, I’m sure not everyone was convinced.  Thus, whenever you encounter critics, all you can do is trust what you believe by living out your faith.

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed, 1 Peter 1:7.

If the creative, dreamers or visionaries stopped pursuing their calling due to other people’s opinions, the world would lose its artists, inventors and future leaders.  Like the apostles of the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit is an essential force to continue on regardless of whatever others may think.  Therefore, don’t overreact if joking, laughing or mocking ensues.  Rather, hold fast to your beliefs, roll with the punches and strive to fulfill God’s plan for your life.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Love and Marriage

Posted on August 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The sitcom Married with Children mocked the biblical concept of love and marriage.  However, as Christian couples in America began to live hypocritical lives, often resulting in divorce, I guess you can say Hollywood had plenty of material to work with.  Nonetheless, for ten seasons Al Bundy portrayed a new form of love and marriage, laughing at the struggles an average family endures on a weekly basis.

“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother, Mark 12:19.

During another week in history, “Let’s See if We can Fool Jesus This Time,” also known as Passion Week, the Sadduceees refer to still other aspect of love and marriage.  Referencing Jewish Law found in the Torah, a religious leader tries to play Trivia Pursuit with Jesus.  Before the answer to his question is provided, it is clear he was no match for the King of Kings and Lord of lords.

Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven, Mark 12:24-25.

Love prior to entering any relationship is tough enough on its own.  However, when you add marriage to this equation, the complication is magnified.  The apostle Paul chose to remain single, not wanting this distraction in his life.  Yet for those who are stuck as Al Bundy often eluded to his own marriage, a different form of love is required, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  Therefore, pray for the fruits of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23 so that the love you display may have an eternal impact.

by Jay Mankus

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Act Like You’ve Been There… Or Else

Posted on March 11, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As I begin my final season of coaching baseball, I have a laundry list of items I want to communicate to players and parents.  Since youth often wear their emotions on their sleeves, this game must be separated from life and death as the ebb and flow of wins and losses can be exhausting.  Thus, one must possess the proper perspective to enjoy this moment in time: play by play, inning by inning and game by game.

According to Psalm 35:15-16, poor sports have existed for thousands of years.  David recalled the times in life when his enemies reveled in his blunders, errors and missteps.  Instead of celebrating, laughing and mocking the mistakes of others, perhaps its better to act like you’ve been there.  If you reap what you sow, Galatians 6:7-8, overlooking the failures of others, this will lead to mercy in the future when you fail.

Over time, wins and losses will fade from memories, leaving one thing behind, how did you play the game?  Did you give 100% all the time, did you take plays off or was your effort based upon your feelings?  As the sand in the hour glass slowly slips away, your legacy is in the balance.  Act like you’ve been there before or else you’ll regret the reputation you earned as a poor sport, slacker or worse.  With the slate clean today, turn over a new leaf now while the season is still young.

by Jay Mankus

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