Tag Archives: love

Fishing for Grace

Posted on October 11, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Recent studies claim that there are currently about 38 million commercial fishermen worldwide.  Although these numbers have declined due to advances in technology and rising costs, this trade is essential for restaurants and small villages which rely on these people for food.  Since a third of his disciples were fishermen, Jesus weaved fishing themes into analogies, lessons and parables throughout his 3 year ministry on earth.  Perhaps, this combination suggests that desperate souls should start fishing for God’s grace.

Stone inscriptions dating back to 2000 B.C. suggest fishing rods have been in use for more than 4000 years.  According to biblical accounts in the New Testament, professional fishermen relied on nets to catch fish.  On one occasion, 153 large fish were pulled to shore with a net stretched out between 2 boats, John 21:7-11.  Caught up in the moment, Peter ran to shore, astonished by this miraculous moment.  When Peter reached the beach, a resurrected Jesus appeared, starting a fire for an early breakfast.  Once the catch was complete, it was time for Peter to go fishing for grace.

A week earlier, Peter had publicly denied being one of Jesus’ disciples.  During one of their last conversations, Jesus predicted Peter would disown Him.  Fervently refuting Jesus claim, Peter now stood face to face with the man he had betrayed.  This sets the scene for John 21:15-19.  Filled with guilt, remorse and shame, Peter casts a line out to Jesus, hoping for forgiveness.  Jesus’ choice of words is interesting, forcing Peter to fish for grace 3 times.  In the end, Peter is reinstated, experiencing the touch of a Savior’s love and mercy.  If you’re filled with regret, pick up a rod, cast out a prayer and never give up until you find grace.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When God Turns Out the Lights

Posted on October 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Always is one of those words that is regularly spoken, yet rarely applied.  Similarly, patience is a trait people know they need, but refuse to pray for it.  Consistent, unfailing and unconditional are terms that characterize God’s love.  However, when God turns out the lights during a trial, many respond with complaining, doubt and frustration.

On the other hand, the last thing individuals who experience death, gloom or tragedy need to hear is their loss is all part of God’s will.  While answers might be provided over the course of time, broken and wounded hearts need time to sort through the pain inside.  Yet, when God does turn out the lights, always is a good place to start.

According to the author of Psalm 105, when you don’t have the energy to press on with life, look toward the Lord for strength, verse 4.  However, this isn’t something you can do occasionally.  Rather, the Psalmist urges his audience to always seek God’s face.  If you want answers, sometimes or most of the time doesn’t cut it.  Therefore, the next time God turns out the lights, illuminate this darkness with faith ignited by God’s Word, Psalm 119:105.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Imprints on Heaven

Posted on September 28, 2014 by expressyourself4him

While listening to a sermon over the weekend, I was challenged to reflect on what if any impact I’ve had during my days on this planet.  Jesus and the apostle Paul, shared a similar message, urging their listeners to begin to store up treasures on earth, Matthew 6:19-21 and Colossians 3:1-4.  If heaven does exist and Jesus went ahead to prepare the way, John 14:2, then its time you and I begin the imprinting process.

Although minor in many ways, my first mark involved music.  Inspired by the Holy Spirit, I felt compelled  to inform people of God’s love.  Sorting through a vast collection of Christian music in college, I created a mix that I began to give to individuals, just as a high school friend did for me.   Trying to introduce people to contemporary artists, one particular creation entitled A Father”s Love struck a cord with several friends and strangers.  In the days of writing letters, words of encouragement appeared in the mail box, confirming that I was on the right track.

My greatest inscription occurred during a Lay Witness Mission, a fancy name for a retreat geared toward reviving souls for a  spiritually dead or dying congregation.  Beside being an active participant during youth group activities, my main responsibility was to share a brief testimony, what God was teaching me or doing in my life.  At a moment’s notice, I was suppose to be ready.  Well, I waited and waited and waited.  Finally, on Saturday night, I was told I would be talking to the entire congregation.  After praying with my roommate that night, the Lord took over so when the appointed time came, I opened my mouth and the Holy Spirit spoke.  Before finishing, I offered up a call for action, then played a song.  As I looked up, some were actually running to the altar, dedicating their lives to Jesus.

Since this day, I guess I can include my wife, kids and a decade as a Bible teacher.  However, in between the victories, there have been plenty of moments of failure, idleness and periods of self-indulgence.   When you taste defeat, the best pill to swallow is humility, an important practice to keep you on the narrow path to heaven, Matthew 7:13-15.  As the second coming of Jesus draws near, don’t forget to leave your imprints on earth while heaven awaits for those who call on the name of the Lord, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

 

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I Couldn’t Do It Justice

Posted on September 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Once upon a time, there was a mother who gave birth to a son who was blind.  Heart-broken but not hopeless, this loving mom became the eyes to illuminate her son’s darkness.  Similar to a radio broadcast, she tried to paint a vivid picture of the world her son could not see.  Day after day, this scene repeated itself until news of a medical miracle arrived.

After saving up enough money, this woman made an appointment with an eye doctor who had success with a cutting edge operation.  Following a consultation, a surgery was schedule for this boy who had only known darkness.  Anticipation was in the air, yet to achieve maximum vision, bandages were required to remain over the boy’s eyes for a couple of days post this procedure.  Time would tell if the boy would be teased or thankful.

What happened next was like a scene from out of the Bible, John 9:6-7.  As the doctor unwrapped the cloth, rays of light penetrated the boys face.  Exuberant, the boy ran to the window to look outside for the very first time.  Speechless, a joyful mother listened as tears began to stream down her face.  “Mom, it’s more beautiful than I ever imagined!  I can’t believe how many details you left out.”  In response, wiping away tears, she replied, “I couldn’t do it justice my darling for God’s creation is beyond our understanding.”

by Jay Mankus

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You Shouldn’t Have to Ask

Posted on September 16, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In life, there are no certainties, as each day on earth involves a plethora of possibilities.  Whether good, bad or indifferent, blessings and curses usually come and go like an endless cycle.  Nonetheless, when faith is the issue, you shouldn’t have to ask someone where they stand; this should be obvious.

The example Jesus uses can be found in his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:13-16.  Faith is compared with salt, adding flavor to one’s life by preserving the soul through mediating, reading and reflecting on the Bible, Joshua 1:8.  Subsequently, faith should ignite hearts toward action, illuminating the love of God through deeds, a Christ like example and encouraging words.

According to the apostle Paul, gifts, personalities and talents vary, Romans 12:6-8.  Thus, being outspoken and vocal is not essential.  Rather, faith should compel individuals to demonstrate their commitment for Jesus on a regular basis, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.  By displaying faith, co-workers, family members and neighbors should be drawn to you, pondering, “something is different about him or her?”  You shouldn’t have to ask me, you should see this little light of mine shine daily.

by Jay Mankus

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The Day God Said Adios

Posted on September 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Usually, humans are the ones who question God.  Rants such as “how can a loving God allow my child to die or why do bad things happen to good people while the wicked continue to prosper” is par for the course.  Yet, have you ever considered that God is scratching His head up in heaven daily, trying figure out the actions of his children?  Disappointed by Israel, His chosen nation, one too many times, God finally had enough, saying “adios.”

According to Psalm 95:10, God’s patience wore thin.  Expecting the parting of the Red Sea to transform hearts for a generation, the Lord’s miracles were quickly forgotten.  Faithless acts, hungry stomachs and spoiled souls unleashed the wrath of God upon a generation, Psalm 95:11.  Essentially, God vowed not to let this disobedient generation experience the promised land.  Instead, the Jews wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, prevented from tasting a land filled with milk and honey.

This lesson is similar to the words of the prophet Isaiah 1:15-20.  When followers become distracted by sin, God tunes out their prayers.  Subsequently, the Lord is waiting for believers to humble themselves, admit their wrong doing and reason with Him in prayer.  Then and only then will you experience God’s blessings, Isaiah 1:19.  However, if anyone attempt to take a short cut, don’t be surprised if God says adios.

by Jay Mankus

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How Many Lives Would Be Different?

Posted on September 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As sand in an hour glass empties to signify the end of a day, souls have a series of questions to ponder.  Did you accomplish your goals or place checks marks next to your to do list?    What impact did you have on others at home, school or work?  How many lives did you touch or turn off?

After completing a 6 week video series at church, the grand finale challenged individuals with a question.  How many lives would be different if you became a fully devoted follower of Christ?  Two days following this message, I’m afraid my actions have returned to normal.  The motivation I had walking out of church has faded like a setting sun.  Subsequently, my faith has been invisible, blending into the world like a chameleon in a jungle.

It shouldn’t take a life altering event to inspire people to follow Christ.  Yet, many of us are like the young man in Matthew 19:16-22, trusting in ourselves instead of the Lord.  Thus, disappointment, emptiness and frustrations often fill the lives of those unable to make a difference.  If you are struggling to see fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, may the words of 1 John 2:5-6 develop into a prayer so that the light of Jesus shines through in a loving and natural manner.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Romantic Interlude

Posted on August 31, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Feelings of excitement and mystery go hand and hand with romance.  Deep inside the human heart, passion is ignited by a spark, triggering previously unknown emotions.  Curiosity, flirting and love set the scene for a romantic interlude.

After this experience fades, a void is left behind.  Within the DNA of mankind, there is a relational component often neglected by individuals.  Subsequently, human beings attempt to recreate interludes of the past, usually without success.  One of the side effects of romance are rash decisions, like that of Sarah in Genesis 16:1-5, putting any chance for romance on thin ice.

Just as men and women long for one another, God yearns for intimacy with his children.  While teaching his disciples, Jesus refers to pursuing the Lord with the same level of commitment as a romantic interlude, Matthew 16:24-26.  Sometimes in life you have to take a chance, risking humility to pursue the desires of your heart.  May the hope of John 3:16-17 inspire you to drawn near to God, James 4:8, like a romantic interlude.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When the Blind Leads the Blind

Posted on August 28, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Who controls the media, deciding what to show, when to show it and what to sweep under the rug?  One day you could be a rising star, the next a scapegoat who is destroyed, trashed and trampled on by the same people who loved you yesterday.   Behind the camera, a real life Wag the Dog scenario has began, as the spiritually blind are leading the rest of their followers on a wild goose chase.

On August 9th, Michael Brown, a young African American was shot to death following an altercation with a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.  Riots broke out in the town following the release of a video that showed Michael Brown robbing a convenience prior to his death.  Less than a week later, a similar story had the roles reversed as a black officer gunned down a white male in Salt Lake City.  As reporters moved into Ferguson, making it the center of the media’s attention, the story in Salt Lake was ignored.  Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence when the blind lead the blind.

One of my favorite Dr. Martin Luther King quotes is “all labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”  Although you can’t control the news, individuals can choose to begin to emphasize the positive in life, making sure that good deeds aren’t overlooked.  When the tension of this latest crisis in America cools down, citizens must band together, regardless of the color of their skin, to make this world a better place.

by Jay Mankus

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How Wise Are You?

Posted on August 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Are you smarter than a 5th grader?  Or does your IQ surpass genius’ of the past?  The brother of Jesus breaks down wisdom into 2 categories, from above and below, James 3:13-18.

The first type sows seeds of humility, as wisdom is displayed without fanfare.  If you are full of knowledge, you don’t have to fake it by trying to impress others.  Rather, understanding is demonstrated by a life filled with love, joy and peace.

On the other side of the spectrum, lies a mindset fueled by harboring bitterness.  In the process, selfish ambition leads individuals to develop a blind spot referred to as diabolical pride by C.S. Lewis.  When this cancer goes undetected, hearts change while minds swell to the size of melons.  If neglected, souls will begin to follow the wisdom of the Devil.

For some, the cause is lost, similar to addicts who are unable to grasp the severity of their situation.  Yet, there is hope for those who hit rock bottom, coming to their senses like prodigal children of the past.  When the timing is right, embrace the words of James 3:17-18 so that the wisdom of heaven will purge traces of darkness from your soul.  Flee from disorder in life by clinging to the fruits of the spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, displaying wisdom to a foolish world.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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