Tag Archives: overcoming stereotypes

Descendants of a Living God

Posted on March 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The lyrics to Casting Crowns song City on a Hill does an excellent job of portraying how easy it is for a community of believers to disagree. Due to built-in stereotypes that are ingrained within our minds, trying to convince someone from a different background is extremely difficult. This is the dilemma in City on a Hill as differences divided one another based upon preconceived notions that made each group think they knew better than the others. The apostle Paul tried to unite the Church in Corinth, 1 Corinthians 12:1-12, highlighting that each member plays a specific part of the church.

The Lord said to Abram after Lot had left him, Lift up now your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; 15 For all the land which you see I will give to you and to your posterity forever, Genesis 13:14-15.

Before Israel ever existed, one man questioned God’s ability to form a new nation with an aging man and a wife who was unable to have children. Although self-help gurus may give a convincing argument today, there is only one living God that exists. However, if Sarai was able to have children right away and Abram was younger, perhaps they would have taken some of the credit for their future family. Yet, like many situations in the past and present, the weaker human beings become, this opens the door for God to perform miracles beyond your imagination.

And I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth, so that if a man could count the dust of the earth, then could your descendants also be counted, Genesis 13:16.

At this early stage in the Bible, Abram and Sarai are still childless. Descendants of a living God seemed unlikely due to the age of this couple. Nonetheless, the longer Abram and Sarai wait, desperation results in the birth of Ishmael via the maidservant Hagar. This is another example of when a believer doesn’t fully trust God, Proverbs 3:5-6, trying to force the issue rather than let faith takeover. As you read the book of Genesis, you find out how descendants of a living God come to fruition. However, today another story is being written about future descendants. May you possess that faith and patience to let God figure out the details for your own life.

by Jay Mankus

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Crossing the Threshold into Prayer

Posted on December 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Some individuals have a tendency to think out loud.  Meanwhile, when alone others are in the habit of talking to themselves.  Unfortunately, a stereotype has conceived labeling any who talks to God or hears his voice to be crazy.  Thus, to enter a state of prayer requires a certain mindset, crossing over the threshold from the physical into the supernatural.

While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the LORD came to him a second time, Jeremiah 33:1.

The power of prayer is like a restaurant which gradually grows as good news spreads through word of mouth.  If prayer doesn’t live up to your expectations, you won’t return, disappointed by your overall experience.  On the flip side, when you cross the threshold into prayer, a desire is conceived to return as soon as you have a chance.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know, Jeremiah 33:3.

In the days of the divided kingdom, Judah began to follow in the footsteps of Israel, gradually turning away from God.  Saddened by this choice, the prophet Jeremiah receives a message from the Lord.  Essentially, God promises those who cry out to the Lord in prayer, crossing over into the supernatural, will receive answers to the mysteries of this life.  Therefore, don’t let time or what others think hold you back from entering prayer.  While answers may not come immediately, those who cross this threshold will receive blessings, encouragement and guidance throughout life on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Standing in the Way of Progress

Posted on November 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Cantankerous, inflexible and pertinacious are words associated with stubborn.  Depending upon which study you reference, individuals become set in their ways between age 16 to 25.  Whether students choose to pursue college or stop their education following high school, worldviews are often set by the early twenties.  Subsequently, when a new way of thinking is introduced, many are caught standing in the way of progress.

So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way? – Acts 11:17

Unfortunately, I grew up during the infant phase of computers, forced to take typing classes in high school.  Thus, as technology changes electronics annually, its hard for me to keep up, lagging behind as I adjust to updated programs.  Part of me wants to keep the status quo, doing tasks the way I am accustom to.  Yet, if I don’t face reality I may find myself standing in the way of progress.

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life,” Acts 11:18.

During the first century, Peter struggled to adapt to the societal advances.  Raised as a Jew, Peter was taught to avoid associating with Gentiles.  However, as the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his family, Peter was faced with a dilemma.  Hold on to past stereotypes or embrace the movement of God?  In the end, Peter realized that if he did not accept Gentile converts to Christianity he would be standing in the way of progress.  In the same manner today, as the world drastically changes, ask the Lord to give you the heart of Christ to avoid standing in the way of spiritual progress.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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An Unusual Answer to Prayer

Posted on April 10, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Like any student, college introduces you to many interesting people.  Although, some may be bizarre, strange or flat out weird, appearances can be misleading.  If you allow yourself to approach each individual with an open mind, you might be surprised by what you discover as you peal away stereotypes, one layer at a time.

During my final semester, I met a missionary with an unusual testimony.  According to her story, she claimed God got her up every day at 6am in the morning without using an alarm clock.  As a person who enjoyed sleeping in til noon or later, I was skeptical, doubting her claim.  Perhaps out of spite or sheer curiosity, I challenged God to see if I could have a similar experience during my last two months of college.

To my surprise, the first morning I arose, sunlight shined directly through my bedroom window right on my face.  When I rolled over to check out the clock on my night stand, it was 6:00 am.  Immediately, I jump out of bed, causing goosebumps to appear.  I spent the next 15 minutes, praying and reading the Bible, wondering if this was real or merely a dream.  Like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, I got out each morning at the same time for the next 60 days, an unusual answer to prayer!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Inside Information

Posted on November 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Not much has changed since the days of Jesus: corruption, injustice and religious hierarchies still exist.  In the first century, tax collectors and prostitutes were tied at the top, labeled as the most immoral of all occupations.  While tax collectors stole money from individuals, overcharging hardworking citizens to create a private slush fund.    Prostitutes robbed husbands, wives and boys of their innocence, breaking the vows and unions of matrimony.

 
Luke 19:1-4 suggests Zacchaeus’ status as a tax collector provided some inside information to Jesus’ route through the city of Jericho.  Like a modern day politicians with access of an upcoming parade map, Zach was able to plan ahead, climbing a tree in front of the crowds to get Jesus’ attention.  According to Luke 19:5, his plan was executed flawlessly, earning a private meeting with Jesus.  Despite the negative stereotypes of his occupation, Zach had connections others weren’t privy to because of his service to Rome.

Inside his house, Jesus provided a spiritual message that transformed Zacchaeus business practices, Luke 19:6-8.  Although the specifics of their conversation is left unknown, Zach’s change of heart shines some light on this private meeting.  Jesus did not come to coldly judge sinners, pointing his finger in faces proclaiming, “oh no you don’t!”  Rather, Jesus has come into this world to seek and to save that which was lost in the garden of Eden, Luke 19:10.  This inside information gives hope to anyone looking for answers to the questions Nicodemus pondered in John 3:1-17.

by Jay Mankus

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On the Other Side of the Door

Posted on November 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Deep inside a broken heart, desperation moves an individual to a closed door.  On the verge of change, an action is required to remove the burden from an unclean woman.  Contemplating what to say, faith leads her to turn the knob, hoping to leave the nightmares of the past behind, outside for good.  With a jar of perfume in hand, she risks embarrassment, passing shocked faces on the way before approaching Jesus.

by emilysincerely.wordpress.com

Inquiring minds begin to gossip in the corners of Lazarus’ house.  Dressed to invoke sinful thoughts, this prostitute opens up a pint of pure nard, kneeling beside Jesus.  Oblivious to judgmental hearts and wandering eyes, this woman came to do what she felt compelled to do, wash Jesus’ feet.  Using her long hair as a towel, she humbles herself before the son of God, adding fuel to an already tarnished reputation, giving religious leaders enough justification to put their plans for crucifixion into motion.

This encounter in John 12:1-11 is like a scene from a play, lived out every day in communities, schools and the workplace throughout the country.  When a person wants to change their identity, God is willing, yet his people often allow prejudices to keep their hearts from forgiving and forgetting, Matthew 6:14-15.  Although freedom exists on the other side of the door, Revelation 3:20, welcoming arms may not be receptive to your conversion.  May the Barnabas’ of this generation serve as a voice of reason, greeting anyone who turns the knob to get to the other side of the door, Acts 9:26-28.

by Jay Mankus

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