Tag Archives: miracles

How Bright is Your Star?

Posted on December 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Sirius, Canopus and Rigil Kentaurus are the 3 brightest stars as seen from earth. Sirius, the brightest of all the stars in the midnight sky comes from the Greek word scorching. The further you get from civilization, the more visible the smaller stars become. From a worldly perspective, are you overlooked like a tiny star, do you blend in like a medium one or does the aura you give off shine bright?

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

One of my favorite Christmas carols is Do You Hear What I Hear? The lyrics of this classic uses hearing and seeing to discern what happened on the night of Jesus’ birth. If you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, the senses God gave you are often neglected, missing the miracles right in front of you. Therefore, if you want to make a difference in life, stop, drop what you’re doing and take a look around every now and then to help brighten the lives of others.

However, all human beings experience periods of darkness, times when your desire to press on fades. As your fire dims, the lights of others may be the only source of hope you see. If the light of Christians around you is absent, stars can burn out permanently. How bright is your star currently? Well, for the sake of Christmas, may the Holy Spirit rekindle the flame inside your soul so that silent nights will remain bright.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged brighten, Canopus, Christmas, Christmas carols, discern, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Fire, Greek, Holy Spirit, midnight sky, miracles, periods of darkness, perspective, press on, rekindle, Rigil Kentaurus, scorching, senses, Silent Night, Sirius, soul, star gazing, the brightest stars as seen from earth, the hustle and bustle of life, visible. Bookmark the permalink.

From Songs of Praise and Promises to Doubt

Posted on October 15, 2014 by expressyourself4him

One of my favorite Vince Lombardi’s quote is”Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” However, if Vince’s team, the Green Bay Packers, did not respond to the vision he cast, Super Bowls would have been lost and his fame erased from history. In a flash, when success is not achieved, songs of praise and promises often turn toward doubt and in football cries for FIRE the coach escalate.

At the pinnacle of the Egyptian Empire, a new king forget what Joseph had done to save their citizens from 7 years of famine, Exodus 1:8-10. Thus, 400 years of slavery ensued. Once finally freed, the Jews witnessed of one the greatest miracles ever recorded, Psalm 106:9-11. A spontaneous celebration of singing praises to God followed, inspiring a new devout belief. Nonetheless, as time widdled away, promises of faith faded from the memories of those who saw the Red Sea part in two.

Not much has changed since the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. People still experience a roller coaster of emotions, drawing near to God, then falling away. Perhaps, there is a lesson from the past, one which involves clinging to the promises of God. Despite what you may endure, fight through or see, God’s faithfulness never ceases, Psalm 106:8. Since the Lord does not let go, press on to sing songs of praise like the apostle Paul in Acts 16:26, until the power of the Holy Spirit breaks through any walls of doubt that remain.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged a heart breaking loss, belief, celebration, chasing perfection, coping with loss, doubt, Egyptian Empire, emotions, excellence, fame, famine, famous NFL coaches, Green Bay Packers, history, inspire, Jews, miracles, perfection, praise, promises, Red Sea, slavery, success, Super Bowls, Vince Lombardi, vision. Bookmark the permalink.

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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Posted in Truth and tagged disappointment, disobedient, doubt, faithless, forget, heart, heaven, hunger, Israel, life lessons, love, loving God, miracles, patience, Prayer, promised land, properity, Questioning God, soul, transform, unleashed, vow, why do bad things happen to good people, wrath of God. Bookmark the permalink.

40 Years of Anger

Posted on September 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Most books written throughout history contain a clear author. On the other hand, the Psalms of the Bible are comprised of multiple authors. Besides Asaph, David and the sons of Korah, a few chapters do not contain a subscribed author. Such is the case of Psalm 95 which unveils God’s 40 years of anger, Psalm 95:10 and the closing of mankind’s porthole to God, Psalm 95:11.

In view of this information, Moses would be a likely candidate, who regularly spoke with the Lord face to face on Mount Sinai. Following 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God performed several miracles known as the 10 plagues through Aaron and Moses, Exodus 7-11. Expecting Israel to be more grateful, not even the parting of the Red Sea would sway their hearts. Instead, they repaid God by breaking the first and second commandment, Exodus 32:1-14.

This act of blatant disobedience ignited the Lord’s 40 years of angry. A journey that should have taken less than a month, resulted in 40 years of punishment, wandering back and forth through a desert for 40 years. The book of Exodus serves as a warning today for whiners and complainers. Yes, its true that life is not fair at times. However, if you encounter hardships in the future, perhaps God is using events to bring you back where He wants you to be. By embracing this perspective, you will steer clear of God’s wrath.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged anger, authors, breaking, disobedience, face to face, God's anger, God's wrath, grateful, hardships, heart, history, ignite, miracles, Mount Sinai, Psalms, punishment, Red Sea, true, wandering, warning. Bookmark the permalink.

When You Will See How Great is God

Posted on June 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Life is like riding a new roller coaster for the first time, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns with unexpected corkscrews around blind corners. Subsequently, individuals change, evolve or are transformed by the ebb and flow of trials. Nonetheless, unless a caterpillar enters the chrysalis, it will never be able to fly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu-2g2K7CEI

When hard times arrive. (and they will find you) there is a tendency to cry out to God, complain and wrestle with reality, Psalm 77:1-4. Whether its coping with death, illness or unemployment, there is no easy way out. However, on the day of when storms arise, Asaph provides a blueprint in Psalm 77:5-13 to help struggling souls see how great God is.

The moment you begin to remember recent miracles, times when God carried you or meditate on the works of the Lord, perspectives change. Yet, this is easier said than done. In the midst of pain, find rest in God’s chrysalis until your transformation is complete. After the hurricanes of life, keep your head up so that you will begin to see how great is our God.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged being transformed, butterflies, caterpillar, change, Chrysalis, complain, coping with death, coping with disappointment, coping with grief, crying out to God, dealing with pain, ebb and flow, evolve, hurricanes, meditate, miracles, perspective, roller coaster, souls, storms, struggling, twists and turns, unemployment, unexpected corkscrews, ups and downs, wrestle, wrestle with reality. Bookmark the permalink.

Elijah’s Blueprint

Posted on May 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Engineer’s rely on designs, diagrams and models to implement plans on construction projects. Multi-level business schemes use similar blueprints to influence individuals to buy into their concept. When someone follows the directions step by step, there is an inherit expectation of riches, success or both. As for Elijah the prophet, he looked into the past, believing God could repeat a similar feat in his life time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd1hOlMLJpk

According to Leviticus 9:24, as soon as Aaron followed the directions given to him from Moses via God, the Lord sent fire from heaven consuming the offering on the altar. Sound familiar? Perhaps, this is Elijah’s blueprint, the place where he read and believed God would repeat this historic act. I often wondered where his confidence came from and this passage suggests Elijah prepared his sacrifice just as Aaron and his sons followed Moses’ commands.

Understanding the past, makes the miracle in 1 Kings 18:38 that much more believable today. If you carefully follow and obey God’s commands, blessings will follow, Deuteronomy 28:1-2. Its as if Elijah, followed a playbook in 1 Kings 18:30-37, grasping Jesus’ promise in Matthew 21:21-22, fully expecting God to repeat this previous miracle after his prayer. Sometime between Elijah’s Blueprint and Jesus’ promise, modern believers will find a living, loving God ready to unveil the next miracle on earth.

Has God done any miracles in your life?

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged a living God, believe, blueprints, China, confidence, construction projects, designs, diagrams, Elijah, engineers, expectation, expecting God to act, faith, fire from heaven, following directions, following God's commands, France, God, God's promises, history, hope, implement plans, inherit, Jesus, joy, love, miracles, models, Prayer, riches, sacrifice, success, the altar. Bookmark the permalink.

Do Whatever He Tells You

Posted on April 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you were raised in a military family, questioning a person of authority isn’t an option. Colonel Jessup played by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men illustrates this truth during direct examination by Tom Cruise in a military court, “if marines don’t follow orders in Cuba, people die!” Once any individual earns the respect of their fellow civilians, peers or platoon, most will do whatever he or she tells you to do.

In the case of Mary, mother of Jesus, she knew her son was special by age 12, Luke 2:51-52. Eighteen years later, her opinion had not changed, believing her son had divine powers, John 2:3. Thus, when a friend was about to face public humiliation, running out of wine at a wedding ceremony, Mary relies on Jesus to come to the rescue. However, there was a problem, Jesus had only called 6 of his 12 disciples, John 1:35-51, with 6 more remaining to complete his ministry team. Initially, he refuses to act, explaining God’s timing to commence his 3 year ministry had not yet arrived, John 2:4. Nonetheless, Jesus keeps the vow he made following his bar-mitz-vah to honor his father and mother, Exodus 20:12.

As soon as this conflict was settled, Mary moves into action, ordering the servants at the reception to “do whatever Jesus tells you,” John 2:5. Led by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 4:1 and angels, Matthew 4:11, Jesus examines the situation, develops a plan and gives orders to the servants, John 2:6-8. With their jobs and reputations on the line, these workers carefully follow Jesus’ instructions. Likely scratching their heads, hoping for the best, these servants wait in fearful anticipation of the master’s first impression, John 2:9. Not sure if they will be embarrassed, curiosity holds their attention until each receives good news, John 2:10. If this first miracle of Jesus teaches us anything, do whatever He tell you and good things are bound to follow.

If you’ve experienced or seen any modern day miracles, feel free to share in the comment section below.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Perseverence and tagged A Few Good Men, a person of authority, angels, anticipation, bar-mitz-vah, Baseball, becoming a man, China, Colonel Jessup, court, curiosity, divine powers, embarrassed, faith, fear, France, God's timing, handling conflict, hope, humiliation, Jack Nicholson, Jesus, keeping your vows, law, Mary the mother of Jesus, military, miracles, obedience, opinions, raising children, reputation, respect, The Holy Spirit, Tom Cruise. Bookmark the permalink.

God Doesn’t Play that Game

Posted on March 28, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a high school teacher of 10 years, I was shocked how negatively students viewed a snitch. Whether you are an informer, tattle tale or tell the truth when asked a question, most class mates will treat you like a Benedict Arnold. In the March 4th airing of Amish Mafia, the episode entitled De Rott portrayed a similar message, referring to a rat or snitch. This term is associated with anyone who tells authorities outside of the Amish community about activities by their members. John was shown privately meeting with a police officer from Lancaster County to save himself from going to jail, sharing information about potential illegal activities. Hollywood has a history of covering this topic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4GAoJB3Bvw

Brenden Fraser, Chris O’Donnell, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck starred in the 1992 film School Ties, a drama illustrating the strong ties one makes in a boarding school setting. Brenden Fraser plays David Greene, a ringer quarterback who is recruited to bring a championship his season year. As long as no one knew he was a Jew in an all boys Catholic school, he was one of the guys. When the secret slipped out, his life changed, shunned by those who celebrated with him on the football field. Considered a traitor, classmates accuse David of cheating on a mid-term exam, despite his own roommate seeing the real cheater. When school ties form against David, only a miracle will save him from being expelled.

James 4:17 addresses a broad aspect of stitching and telling the truth. The essential message brought forth in this passage urges followers of Jesus to do the right thing. Whether its speaking out against an injustice or reaching out to someone in need, if you sit back without acting, you’re just as guilty as someone who blatantly sins. Despite what our culture may think about snitching or telling the truth, God doesn’t play that game! The Lord is waiting for people to stand in the gap on His behalf, Ezekiel 22:30. In the end, strive to please God by putting your faith into action, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2.

Is there ever a time when you should not snitch or tell the truth? Please share your comment below.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged Amish Mafia, Australia, being shocked, being shunned, Ben Affleck, Benedict Arnold, Brenden Fraser, Catholic schools, cheating, China, Chris O'Donnell, Christ, De Rott, doing the right thing, football, God, Hollywood, informer, injustice, Jewish, Lancaster County, Matt Damon, miracles, NCAA, School Ties, sins of commission, sins of omission, snitch, tattle tale, telling the truth, the Amish community, truth. Bookmark the permalink.

What’s In Your Lunch Box?

Posted on March 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Before the invention of insulated lunch bags, kids brought decorative lunch boxes to school with their favorite cartoon characters or television show on the outside and thermos. Meanwhile, adults brought coolers or metal containers which resembled a toolbox to their workplace. Although teasing did occur on some levels within society, what’s was in your lunch box is what got people’s attention.

In the days of Jesus, one of his disciples claimed he performed so many miracles on a daily basis that if each one was written down, there would not be enough library books in the world to cover them, John 21:25. Of the miracles of Jesus recorded in the Bible, only one appears in all 4 gospels, the feeding of the 5000. Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-13 detail this supernatural experience. While there are many theories why God chose this particular event to be covered by all 4 authors, the answer lies in the lunch box of a poor young boy.

Luke, a physician who accompanied the apostle Paul on some of his mission trips, explains the dire situation leading up to Jesus’ miracle, over 5000 people are in a remote place without any access to food, Luke 9:12-13. Meanwhile, only one disciple records the source of their food, a young boy who offered his small lunch: 5 wafers and 2 sardines, John 6:9. In view of this information, most of the disciples likely shared Philip’s sentiments in John 6:7, “no way Jesus, we don’t have the time or money to help these starving people!” Andrew, the brother of Peter, made a suggestion, yet even he had his doubts, John 6:9.

Today, millions of people worldwide are in desperate need of a miracle, either in the form of clothing, food or shelter. Others are still searching for a full time job to provide for their family, humbling themselves to do whatever it takes to survive. In the end, all Jesus is looking for in people is faith like a mustard seed, Mark 4:30-32. May you step out in faith, like this little poor boy, sharing his lunch with thousands, setting the scene for a memorable miracle from God.

Feel free to comment below, sharing what miracle you are hoping, longing and praying for.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Perseverence and tagged Australia, being a need, biblical miracles, cartoon characters, China, faith, getting people's attention, humility, inventions, Jesus, love, miracles, overcoming doubt, overcoming poverty, poverty, Prayer, seeking God, sharing, stepping out in faith, teasing, television show, The Bible, the gospel of John, the gospel of Luke, the gospel of Mark, the gospel of Matthew, waiting for a miracle. Bookmark the permalink.

911

Posted on January 29, 2014 by expressyourself4him

There are moments in life when God reminds you, “you’re not as young as you use to be!” On Monday, an Evil Knievel like accident tubing brought me to my knees, lying in pain and waiting for an ambulance to take me to the hospital. In a flash, the ability to walk vanished as I was placed a stretcher with a neck brace, helpless as this reality set in.

More embarrassed than anything, I had 5 hours to contemplate how this injury might impact my life. Paralyzed by fear, I began to quote verses from the Bible as each came to my mind. Although still in pain, a sense of peace calmed my nerves, causing a spirit of optimism to enter my soul. While seconds slowly ticked away, I began to feel my back every couple of minutes to determine a diagnosis.

By the 4 hour mark of waiting in a hallway, the doctor in me narrowed my injury to my ribs, kidney and or spleen. Anxiously hoping for an x-ray, I was set free from my back and neck brace as the drugs kicked in, erasing most of the pain. However, I was still a hurdle away from being released and given a clean bill of health. Despite falling 3 feet, crashing into a table and shattering it to pieces, I came home late Monday night with a welt on my right side. Within this 911 emergency, only the power of God can take credit for a miraculous recovery from this stupid incident.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged 911, a spirit of optimism, coping with accidents, crashing, dealing with pain, diagnosis, embarrassed, emergencies, Evil Knievel, giving God the credit, God, handing adversity, helpless, miracles, overcoming injuries, Paralyze, peace, Prayer, praying for miracles, soul, staying calm, surviving crashes, thanking God. Bookmark the permalink.

ExpressYourself4Him

Tag Archives: miracles

How Bright is Your Star?

From Songs of Praise and Promises to Doubt

The Day God Said Adios

40 Years of Anger

When You Will See How Great is God

Elijah’s Blueprint

Do Whatever He Tells You

God Doesn’t Play that Game

911

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