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Tag Archives: overcoming doubt

Falling on Your Face in Disbelief

Posted on March 17, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Disbelief is the inability or refusal to accept that something is true or real. Most of the time, disbelief comes in the form of unexpected results like an accident, crippling condition or shocking outcome. From my perspective, most of the times in life that I’ve experienced disbelief has been due to disappointing events. However, sometimes there are positive moments of disbelief like when the Philadelphia Eagles finally won the Super Bowl in 2017.

And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly. 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God said to him, Genesis 17:2-3.

The context of the above passage appears to be brought on by humility as Abram is overwhelmed by the covenant God makes with him. This emotional display occurs when God’s grace and mercy is poured out upon you. I’ve attended several spiritual retreats where I couldn’t believe what God was doing in my life or in the life of a friend. Despite being an old man with a barren wife, Abran trusted God to figure out all the necessary details to make this a reality.

[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. 9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God, Hebrews 11:8-10.

The author of Hebrews reflects upon Abraham’s spiritual maturity in the passage above. While Abraham struggled with telling the truth early in his faith journey, falling on his face in disbelief served as a spiritual turning point. This simple act of humility prepared Abraham for God’s test in Genesis 22 where he’s asked to sacrifice his promised son Isaac. While everyone experiences moments of disbelief, don’t forget that Jesus holds keys to God’s kingdom, John 14:3.

by Jay Mankus

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What Can God Give You?

Posted on March 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Giving is one those traits which either comes naturally or has to be acquired. As the son of an immigrant, I was taught to be frugal and thrifty. My grandmother on my dad’s side of the family always kept the plastic on the outside of couches and mattresses so that these items would last as long as possible. While I grew up with a couple of rich neighbors who got whatever they wanted, I had to work at giving. Over time, God tested me, providing opportunities for me to give which I passed and failed.

And Abram said, Lord God, what can You give me, since I am going on [from this world] childless and he who shall be the owner and heir of my house is this [steward] Eliezer of Damascus? – Genesis 15:2.

The context of the passage above occurs as Abram begins to doubt that he will become the father of a great nation. From a logical perspective, Abram’s wife Sarai was unable to have children and their biological clock for having children at their old age was becoming less likely. This dire situation prompted Abram to ask, “what can you give me God?” If I was placed in this situation, I’d probably ask God a similar question.

And He said to him, I am the [same] Lord, Who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees to give you this land as an inheritance. 8 But he [Abram] said, Lord God, by what shall I know that I shall inherit it? – Genesis 15:7-8

Up until this point in their relationship, God blessed Abram with possessions and great wealth, but no children. Based upon Sarai’s irrational decision in Genesis 16, this issue was driving a wedge into their marriage. While human beings struggle to see beyond today, God is a supernatural being who is often multiple steps ahead of us. Therefore, the next time you doubt’s ability to provide, Matthew 6:33, recall the vast miracles in the Bible to calm anxiety, any concerns, or worry about your own future.

by Jay Mankus

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Waiting for God to Fill in the Blanks

Posted on February 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I grew up in a time when Dot-to-Dot Coloring Books were popular. This was one of the ways I learned all the letters of the alphabet and how to count up to 25 and 50. As long as I connected A to B to C or 1 to 2 to 3 and so on in the correct order, I discovered what animal, person, place, or thing was hiding in between the dots. Unfortunately, life as an adult is much more complicated as I regularly find myself waiting for God to fill in the blanks before I make my next move.

And Abram said, Lord God, what can You give me, since I am going on [from this world] childless and he who shall be the owner and heir of my house is this [steward] Eliezer of Damascus? – Genesis 15:2

As Abram began to grow up, the thought of having any children at his age allowed doubt to creep into his mind. Abram’s hopes and dreams of seeing God’s promise fulfilled, Genesis 12:1-3, that he would become a father of a great nation seemed impossible. This is the context of the passage above as Abram became impatient while God was working behind the scenes to fill in the blanks of his future. Perhaps, Abram’s crisis of faith is similar to a modern-day mid-life crisis, disappointed by how things turned out.

He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep. 18 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, when you were young you girded yourself [put on your own belt or girdle] and you walked about wherever you pleased to go. But when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will put a girdle around you and carry you where you do not wish to go. 19 He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. And after this, He said to him, Follow Me! – John 21:17-19

Peter experienced these emotions in the passage above. John details Jesus’ first conversation with Peter following his denial and crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Perhaps, Peter’s initial idea that Jesus would become an earthly king, someone he was willing to fight for, deflated him. After a period of reconciliation, Jesus begins to fill in the blanks of Peter’s future, dying on an inverted cross as he didn’t feel worthy of being crucified like Jesus. Wherever you are in life, be still before the Lord, Psalm 46:10, as God fills in the blanks, prepared in advance for your future, Philippians 1:6.

by Jay Mankus

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The Truth Be Told

Posted on February 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As good and decent as some human beings appear on the outside, an internal struggle occurs daily. Human nature places a desire within hearts to be accepted, cool, and embraced by their peers. After graduating from high school, I was playing in my last competitive tournaments as a junior golfer. As I was walking up the 18th fairway about to conclude my round, I thought I was cool with a sly comment to my playing partners. The truth be told, I was merely a foolish immature Christian.

And when he was about to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, I know that you are beautiful to behold. 12 So when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say, I beg of you, that you are [c]my sister, so that it may go well with me for your sake and my life will be spared because of you, Genesis 12:11-13.

From Abram’s perspective, God had just introduced Himself while living in Haran. The promise spoken in Genesis 12:1-3 seemed far-fetched for a man with a barren wife. Throw in the bad timing of a severe drought. which put Abram’s journey to this promised land on hold, doubt began to creep into Abram’s mind. Perhaps the same Devil who persuaded Eve to break God’s only rule in the Garden of Eden, planted the thought of lying into Abram’s head.

And the men of the place asked him about his wife, and he said, She is my sister; for he was afraid to say, She is my wife—[thinking], Lest the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah, because she is attractive and is beautiful to look upon. 8 When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah his wife. 9 And Abimelech called Isaac and said, See here, she is certainly your wife! How did you [dare] say to me, She is my sister? And Isaac said to him, Because I thought, Lest I die on account of her, Genesis 26:11-13.

Any sinful decision has lasting consequences. As for Abram, this tiny white lie turned into a generational sin passed down to Isaac, and Jacob. One poor choice leads to a bad habit. If this bad habit isn’t addressed quickly, addictions are formed that bind souls for months, years and in worst case scenarios, a lifetime. While not human being is tempted by lying, everyone has their own kryptonite. The sooner you address this fatal flaw, the better your chances will be for finding a way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Mind Wanders…Worry Can Take Over

Posted on September 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who is dabbled in meteorology, I’ve always been fascinated by brewing storms in the distance. Sometimes these systems are unstable, breaking up before they reach your town. Yet, other storms intensify, catching residents off guard by its severity. When I take my eyes off of Jesus, my mind wanders and if I’m not careful, worry can and will take over quickly as another storm in life approaches.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do, James 1:6-8.

Since four of Jesus’ disciples were fisherman, the New Testament contains several references to water and waves. The passage above is from Jesus’ earthly brother. Perhaps this disbelief is a public confession as first century historians suggest that James didn’t believe that his brother was the promised Messiah until after Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter Sunday. James’ words serve as a warning that when your mind wanders, worry can take over.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Up until recently, my motto was “control what you can control and let God take care of the rest.” Yet, as my confidence reaches an all-time low, I’m worrying about things that I rarely thought of in the past. As my confidence slides, my mind wonders “what’s going on and when will this bad streak end?” The apostle Paul gave advice to an anxious church in the passage above. The moment your thoughts wander out of control, pray immediately and spend time giving thanks to God for what you currently have.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 204: I Believe

Posted on August 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from an alternative rock band from Seattle, Washington. Once a popular group breaks up, you usually have some sort of reunion tour decades later. However, Grammatrain did some of their best work after disbanding in 1998. Eleven years later, Grammatrain released their third album Imperium. Led by singer Pete Stewart, I Believe is one of my favorite songs from this band.

Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind, James 1:6.

The attached You Tube video uses images of fishing and a rowboat which makes me think of the time when Jesus approaches his disciples’ boat by walking on the water. Initially, these 12 men thought Jesus was a ghost. Yet, at some point, Peter believed enough to get out of this boat and join Jesus by walking on the water too. However, it’s when you take your eyes off of Jesus when doubt starts to creep in.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Throw it Away

Posted on June 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every now and then, I will be overwhelmed by frustration. Whatever I am working on at this time turns into an epic failure. Human nature will trigger thoughts like “what’s the point or you’re wasting your time.” Apparently, one of Jesus’ disciples encountered a similar situation during the first century. Due to a growing number of spiritual imposters, John warns leaders to not throw away all that you’ve invested.

Look to yourselves (take care) that you may not lose (throw away or destroy) all that we and you have labored for, but that you may [persevere until you] win and receive back a perfect reward [in full], 2 John 1:8.

Perhaps John is reminded of the words of Jesus in Luke 14:28. Before you build anything, start a new project or commit yourself to a time-consuming task, consider the costs. If you don’t have a time of reflection to sort out all the details, there’s a chance you’ll never finish this endeavor. Therefore, before you pour your heart and soul into anything, sit down to see if this can be accomplished.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. 10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [[i]morally] to all people [not only [j]being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers], Galatians 6:9-10.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul writes to Christians who are thinking about giving up on someone or something. Whether you’re reaching out to a friend or working on a worthy project, in the end you reap what you sow. If anything is good or worthwhile, Philippians 4:8-9, think about such things. May the encouragement provided above help you not throw away all that you have invested. Keep the faith!

by Jay Mankus

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Are You Sure About That?

Posted on May 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was never a great student; always taking me twice as long to complete an assignment than my fellow classmates. It wasn’t until 10th grade that I was diagnosed with a learning disorder. Subsequently, as I was preparing to study for a test, I was always skeptical. When I couldn’t keep up with a fast-talking teacher during a review session, I would lean over a ask a friend, “are you sure about that?”

I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [c]the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, [d]yes, eternal life, 1 John 5:13.

The passage above serves as a slice of certainty. For anyone doubting the Bible’s authenticity, John provides directions to settle any questions that you may have. However, there are three requirements that you must commit to before you can be absolutely sure. First you must adhere to the teaching of Jesus, trust in God’s promises, and rely on Jesus’ strength when you’re weak, Philippians 4:13.

And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us, 1 John 5:14.

When these three spiritual disciplines are exercised daily, feelings are transformed into faith. Doubt is replaced by boldness and confidence. This new found assurance in God’s power will propel your prayer life from a do to list into a purpose driven life. As your focus turns toward seeking and fulfilling God’s will, the Holy Spirit will begin to guide your steps along the way, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 93: Something Changed

Posted on May 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the aspects that I miss about modern music is the lack of quality soundtracks found in current films. I grew up in the 1980’s where music and scenes complimented one another in a perfect manner. Perhaps, this explains why today’s song spoke to my heart in the 2006 movie the Ultimate Gift. Parts of Joseph Campbell’s the Heroes Journey is apparent as Jason Stevens played by Drew Fuller experiences a dramatic transformation as he seeks to fulfill the hopes of his dead grandfather Red.

For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah), Galatians 1:12.

As the credits start to roll to signal the end of the Ultimate Gift, Sara Groves song Something Changes begins. Flashbacks are used to illustrate the journey Jason Stevens went on and the man that he has become. The key to faith is that conviction, guilt or a gnawing discontentment deep inside our hearts realizing that something has to change. Sara sings about overcoming doubt and pain to become the person that God wants you to do. May this song and movie urge you to be transformed by faith.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Fruits of a New Year

Posted on January 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The concept of biblical first fruits is one of those things I always struggled to visualize. First fruits is introduced in Genesis 4 where two brothers are called by God to give an offering up to the Lord. Since Cain was a farmer and food takes time to grow, he was hesitant to give God the best crops that he just picked. Meanwhile, Abel was a shepherd and offered up his very best sheep to the Lord. Abel gave his first fruit of the year believing God would provide in the future, but Cain held back food, doubting God.

And [we obligate ourselves] to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the first of all the fruit of all trees year by year to the house of the Lord, 36 As well as the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as is written in the Law, and the firstlings of our herds and flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in [His] house. 37 And we shall bring the first and best of our coarse meal, our contributions, the fruit of all kinds of trees, of new wine, and of oil to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God. And we shall bring the tithes from our ground to the Levites, for they, the Levites, collect the tithes in all our rural towns, Nehemiah 10:35-37.

Nehemiah was living in exile, serving as bodyguard for the king of Persia. One day a messenger sent word to Nehemiah that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken and the gates were on fire. This devastating news stirred Nehemiah’s heart, inspiring an extended period of fasting and prayer. Following this time of mourning, God gave Nehemiah a vision and plan to repair and rebuild the wall. The passage above serves as a celebration to give first fruits to the Lord as the wall surrounding Jerusalem was completed.

And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself], James 1:18.

The earthly brother of James provides a modern interpretation of first fruits. Instead of offering up a sacrifice similar to that of the Old Testament, our lives should be a demonstration that we’re serve a living God. As you read and study the Bible today, you should be inspired to live out your faith like Jesus, Romans 10:17. Colossians 3:17 and 23 provide a call to action. “Whatever you do, whether in action or words, do this all in the name of Jesus” as a first fruits offering in this new year.

by Jay Mankus

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