Tag Archives: Old Testament

Removing One Obstacle at a Time

Posted on January 26, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Anyone who struggles with perfectionism has a hard enjoying life.  Whenever a flaw is discovered or exposed, energy is wasted to attack, purge and rid this.  If more than one issue is uncovered at the same time, this can be devastating.  Despite anal attempts to achieve perfection, its healthier to remove one obstacle at a time.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.

The context of the passage above occurs immediately following a chapter known as the Hall of Faith.  The author lists saints from the Old Testament who accomplished great things by stepping out in faith.  The witnesses are those believers who have finished the race called life and are now spectators cheering on those who follow God on.  To reach similar heights requires removing access baggage which weighs you down.

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, Hebrews 12:5.

Nobody likes to be called out, corrected or rebuked, but sometimes this message is meant for our own good.  As a former runner, if your mind is not into it, you won’t last long.  Perseverance is only achieved after barriers are removed.  To prevent yourself from having a nervous breakdown or becoming overwhelmed, strive to remove one obstacle at a time.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Lost Opportunities

Posted on January 24, 2017 by expressyourself4him

While listening to a sermon last weekend, a spirit of guilt began to consume me.  Like a movie playing within my mind, highlights of the person I could have been flashed before me.  Yet, a lack of faith, money and resources has caused me to chose a different path.  Part of me wants to make the most of what God has given me, but for now all I can see is a bunch of lost opportunities.

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem, Acts 13:13.

I guess you call this a crisis of faith or a mid-life crisis.  Either way I feel like I could do so much more with my life, but have lost the desire and passion to fulfill my potential.  In the book of Acts, Luke writes about someone who becomes homesick, leaving the mission field to return home.  This same individual eventually won back the apostle Paul’s trust and wrote the Gospel of Mark.  Since I am not a finished project, perhaps there is still hope for me.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:15-16.

After reviewing the Old Testament, I am reminded of the long detour taken by Israel on their way to the Promised Land.  A trip that was suppose to take a little over a month ended up lasting for 40 years.  This past failure helps me realize that I am not alone.  Though I don’t feel any better, this example provides insight about how disobedience disrupts your journey.  While lost opportunities will bring future disappointment, there is still time for a U-Turn here and there to arrive at the place where God wants me to be.

by Jay Mankus

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Unhinged

Posted on January 17, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Bonkers, confused and loopy describe individuals who have become unhinged.  Emotions can make someone unbalanced, rambling on about their blight.  Following the election of Donald Trump to be the 45th president of the United States, a day doesn’t gone by without a liberal from Hollywood becoming unhinged on social media.  These statements often resemble phrases written by King Solomon in the Old Testament.

Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool, Proverbs 26:7.

In today’s politically correct climate, the verse above would elicit outrage if read out loud.  Immediately, there would be calls for protests, public apologies and some sort of punishment for expressing such a thought.  Yet, these same critics do not realize how many Americans are offended by their daily tirades.  As liberals, progressives and socialists continue to search for reasons why Hillary lost, the silent majority sit quietly on the sidelines entertained by the unhinged foolish behavior displayed by poor sports.

As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly, Proverbs 26:11.

When you can get a word in among a group of chatty individuals, the best thing to do is let them keep talking.  Unless you have something important to say, its better to let the unhinged continue their rants.  In the end, words are meaningless without action.  Subsequently, all the celebrities who have failed to follow through on their vows to leave this country after Trump won has disqualified themselves, losing all credibility.  Though tomorrow will likely bring another meltdown, get your popcorn ready for another laugh as fools continue their folly.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Don’t Make a Big Deal About It

Posted on January 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In this current age of social media, immediate reactions and thoughts are often broadcast to the world to read.  However, now with the recent addition of Facebook Live, individuals can stream video live that is unfiltered.  When some try to attain 15 seconds of fame like the 4 teenagers in Chicago, that which was meant for good can be corrupted by an axis of evil.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings, Proverbs 25:2.

During times of uncertainty, people tend to seek out advice, guidance or wisdom to figure out what to do next.  2 Kings 18-20 details the reign of Hezekiah, the king of Judah.  Described as one of the godliest leaders in the Bible, Hezekiah wasn’t satisfied with the pieces of the Old Testament he had access to, seeking out previous writings of Solomon.  One of the suggestions Hezekiah discovered was when something occurs, try not to make a big deal about this.

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense, Proverbs 19:11.

To extract what Solomon means by the phrase “conceal a matter,” you have to go back a few chapters to understand the true meaning.  Based upon the context of chapter 19, the intent refers to avoid over-reacting.  In the heat of the moment, human nature tempts people to retaliate.  Yet, those who practice self-control by restraining your emotions, it is to God’s glory.

by Jay Mankus

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Moving Beyond Hunger Pains to Experience Worship

Posted on January 8, 2017 by expressyourself4him

A decade ago I attended a Bible Study and Sunday School with a few individuals who introduced to me to the Daniel Fast.  When the Babylonians invaded Israel in the Old Testament, several young Jews were taken back to Babylon.  Held captive against their will, these teenagers were reprogrammed to a new culture by king Nebuchadnezzar.  Overwhelmed with conviction, Daniel proposed a 10 day eating challenge limited to fruits, vegetables and water to a chief official.

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way, Daniel 1:8.

This proposal has evolved into what churches refer to as the Daniel Fast, a three week period to eat healthy.  Some where along the way, 10 days was extended to 21, usually occurring at the beginning of each year.  To avoid shocking my own body, I do a modified fast in 7 day segments.  By the end of the first week, I give up soda or tea to transition over to water.  Depending on how I feel after 2 weeks, I might do a strict fast the last 7 days.  However, the hardest part of any fast involves coping with hunger pains which can ruin the spirits of any participant.

“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink,” Daniel 1:12.

Although, I am still relatively a newbie when it comes to fasting, I discover something new each January.  During my first week of this year’s fast, the Holy Spirit placed a thought in my mind, “to move beyond hunger pains to experience worship.”  While I still have 2 more weeks to go, this mindset is helping me see the purpose of fasting, to draw closer to the Lord by worshiping God daily.  Thus, the next time you feel called to begin a fast, don’t forget to move beyond hunger pains to experience a heart set on worshiping God.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Year Without Church

Posted on December 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Before his tragic death in a plane crash, Keith Green created the song Asleep in the Night.  Although the original context refers to someone sleeping in, missing church on Easter Sunday, this song applies to my current dilemma.  Due to my grave yard work schedule, I can’t seem to get my lazy butt out of bed on Sunday morning.  Subsequently, 2016 can be described as a year without church, the fewest weeks I’ve ever attended.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living, Luke 15:13”

I wish I had a decent excuse, but what good would that do.  Like any other sin, missing church involves a lack of discipline, choosing laziness over obedience.  Instead of receiving God’s blessings of fellowship, praise and words of inspiration, I have become like the prodigal who continues to move in the wrong decision.  Hopefully, I will come to my senses soon so that I can spent 2017 in the house of God.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you,” Luke 15:17-18.

When you miss a day praying or reading the Bible, you can’t get it back.  Sure, you might try to do twice the praying or reading the next day to make yourself feel better, but the truth is something else was more important to you on the days you tuned out God.  Part of me still sees the Lord from an Old Testament perspective, one of judgement and wrath.  Yet, the New Testament opens the door on a loving God, desperately waiting for his children to give Him the attention He is worthy of.  May you learn from the errors of my way by visiting a local church regularly and invest time at home daily with the living God of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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God is Not Finished with America Yet

Posted on November 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever read or studied the Bible’s last book, you will find something fascinating.  Revelation writes about several countries that exist today, but the United States and or a western influence is not mentioned.  This absence has led many scholars to suggest America’s run as one of the greatest nations on earth will end before Jesus returns.

Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved, Psalm 80:19.

During the 2016 presidential election, many citizens likely felt the United States was on the verge of falling apart.  Whether its was inappropriate behavior, scandals or vicious ads, the future did not look promising.  Nonetheless, the votes of the forgotten man and woman may be a sign that America still has a pulse.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? – Psalm 85:6

In the Old Testament, Psalmists provided some hope for Israelites who where doubting the lack of God’s presence in their day.  The verses above can also be applied to Americans who share similar feelings.  Although I don’t know what the future holds, God is the source for revival today.  Therefore, whether you are a Hillary or Trump supporter, may the Holy Spirit awaken dead and dying souls to complete the will of God for this nation.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Reasons to Consider

Posted on November 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When Job endured a series of trials and tribulations, each one of his three friends had a different perspective.  Coming from an old school point of God, each believed the Lord was punishing Job for something done in the past or present.  Instead of praying for insight, individuals jump to false conclusions daily, following the the footsteps of Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite.

Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature, 1 Corinthians 14:20.

As I try to come to grips with my emergency eye surgery, there are some practical explanations.  Maybe I spent too much time on my computer or watched too much television growing up.   Perhaps, poor eating habits are to blame, fueled by a lack of a consistent sleep pattern.  For now I can only speculate, waiting for the Holy Spirit to provide some insight.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool, Isaiah 1:18.”

When things don’t make sense in life, an Old Testament prophet encourages individuals to reason with God.  This process begins with coming cleaning, confessing any wrong doing that is blocking your relationship with God.  However, acts of contrition must follow repentance.  Sure the why’s may remain a mystery, but the Holy Spirit will provide pieces to the puzzle along the way as you continue to ponder reasons why you experience what you do.

by Jay Mankus

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Turn It Up

Posted on October 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In a contest, the best players and teams have a tendency to coast at points during the regular season.  Falling into this trap often leads to disappointing loses and major upsets.  At some point you have to respond, by raising your level of competition.  If you are dedicated, gifted and talented, when you turn it up success usually follows.

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay, Habakkuk 2:3.

According to one of the Old Testament prophets, vision requires patience, resolve and timing.  If you are impatient, you may quit before seeing and tasting the fruits of your labor.  Therefore, when others are on the verge of giving up on a shared dream, remain steadfast by turning up the intensity.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up, Galatians 6:9.

Perhaps the apostle Paul is referencing Habakkuk in the verse above.  The notion of delayed gratification is a foreign to this generation.  In life you can’t just put a prayer request on a credit card, then wait for it the mail to be delivered.  Although some prayers do get answered instantaneously and or quickly, this is not the norm.  Rather, in times of doubt, turn up your faith, waiting for a spiritual harvest to arrive.

by Jay Mankus

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The DNA of Sin

Posted on June 3, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Deoxyribonucleic acid is the hereditary material within human beings.  These molecules provide genetic instructions for growth, development, function and reproduction.  Although each DNA is unique, genetics are passed down through parents from generation to generation.  However, this does not excuse behavior as free will is exercised for the good and bad decisions made.

You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned, Titus 3:11.

According to the apostle Paul, some individuals possess the DNA of sin.  Perhaps, some individuals possess a greater tendency to commits acts of disobedience than others.  Yet, like anything in life, the deeper you get attached or addicted to something, the further away from God you become.  Thus, whether its DNA or disobedience, be careful with the choices you make.

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9

One of the Old Testament prophets points to another factor.  Jeremiah reveals that the human heart can become like a poison that spreads throughout the entire body.  This disease is what the Bible calls sin.  Unfortunately, there is no known cure.  Nonetheless, the medication necessary to overcome this dire situation is the grace of God.  Therefore, whether you are walking in darkness, standing in the light or somewhere in between, may the power of the Holy Spirit help you overcome the DNA of sin.

by Jay Mankus

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