Tag Archives: Prayer

Intolerant?

Posted on November 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Over the past eight years, anyone holding conservative or traditional beliefs have been successfully defined and labeled as intolerant.  The mainstream media has convinced progressive minds that a Trump presidency will fundamentally harm minorities.  In the last few days before election day, messages of fear were spread to ensure a desired outcome.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, Romans 12:12.

However, after Donald Trump was announced as president elect on Wednesday morning, the tables have been turned.  Those once judging others of not willing to accept or allow opposing views are now throwing tantra tantrums.  College students have opted out of exams, high school students have been offered counseling and protesters are trashing neighborhoods in anger.  Perhaps, the accusers have now become intolerant?

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, Deuteronomy 31:6.

Whenever individuals place their trust in temporary ideas created by human beings set themselves up for failure.  Life is hard enough as it is, but those who want to remain in control will not find peace until they let go.  In times of uncertainty, faith can kick in if you cry out to the Lord in prayer.  Despite what people may label you, seek the Lord for insight so that when the final outcome doesn’t go your way fruits of righteousness will shine through.

by Jay Mankus

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Going to the Dump

Posted on November 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every  summer I was exposed to a local dump in Maine.  Since our cabin did not have garbage pick up, guests were expected to take all their trash to be disposed of at the county recycling center.  The smell of the bags in the August heat was fowl, but this was all part of the complete experience of going to the dump.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28.

While addressing the masses one day, Jesus refers to a different kind of dump.  The context of this discussion is based upon individuals carrying around baggage.  Whether its depression, stress or worry Jesus doesn’t want people to go through life alone.  Rather, when trash in life begins to pile up, drop to your knees to unload the garbage you have collected.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it, Ecclesiastes 12:7.

The world proclaims he who dies with the most toys wins.  Yet, when people pass away your body will eventually become dust.  Thus, our bodies are on loan from God.  The Holy Spirit is the source of life for human souls.   The opposing force known as the sinful nature wages war by bombarding minds with trash from life.  To combat this weapon used by the Devil, go to the dump daily to unload worries in prayer which God replaces with rest.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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All is Not Lost

Posted on November 9, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Classic movies tend to provide quotable lines which become part of pop culture.  Although some get more attention, one that comes to mind often goes unnoticed.  In Animal House, Kevin Bacon play Chip Diller who plays a character similar to a ROTC college student.  During a parade high-jacked by Delta Tau Chi who were recently kicked out of school, Chip tries to maintain a panicking crowd.  As people begin to run down the sidewalk, Diller cries out, “all is well, remain calm.”  Unfortunately, Chip goes trampled as his words got drown out by fear.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! – Psalm 37:7

If you turn on cable news or talk radio, not much has changed.  It’s almost as if networks seek to scare people, trying to out do competitors.  This ambulance chasing mentality will continue until the public stop listening, watching and get news in some other manner.  In fact, the times I tune out the world and other outside distractions, I feel great and tend to hear God’s calling much clearer.  Therefore, all is not lost, especially when you slow down to be still before the Lord.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him, Psalm 62:5.

When I lived in Chicago back in the mid 1990’s, I attend Willow Creek Community Church, just down the road from our apartment.  Pastor Bill Hybels spoke about the importance of finding a quiet place each summer to spend time with God.  The Psalmist above provides a similar message.  Despite any silence you might experience, waiting for God’s presence either through prayer or reading the Bible sparks spiritual growth.  Sure, everyone has their days, weeks and months in the dark.  Yet, in the stillness of the night, the Holy Spirit still speaks truth to convince individuals that all is not lost.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When Days Don’t End Like You Hoped

Posted on November 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The endings of Hollywood movies have ingrained in American minds that life should conclude in a certain way.  Unfortunately, film and reality are miles apart.  Subsequently, more and more individuals feel the crippling effects of sleepless nights caused by days which end far from what each expected.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.

After losing my teaching position 5 years ago, I transitioned into screen writing based upon the advice of a former co-worker.  Three complete scripts later my initial goal is to sell one my these scripts before I reach 55; then write a script a year in retirement.  Despite my desires, an unexpected eye condition may put my own plan on hold or cancel it completely.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28.

When things don’t go your way or days end in heart break, there’s only one place to turn.  Carrying around all your burdens, pain and worry will wear you out.  Therefore, do let trials suck out your joy for life.  Instead, go to the Lord in prayer so that Jesus will replace your burden with peace.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Short but Sweet

Posted on November 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Due to an unexpected eye surgery on Friday, I am not sure exactly how this will influence my writing.  Initially, I will have some restrictions but to what extent is unknown.  Thus, for the meantime my blogs will have to be short but sweet.

“LORD, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am, Psalm 39:4.”

One of the contributions to life made by Psalmists in the Bible is their willingness to plead with God for answers in prayer.  Rarely, do you read the words I hope or wish.  Rather, these young men poured out their hearts to God in a clear and concise manner expecting results.

For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow, Job 8:9.

The words above are profound as the only certainty in life is what happened yesterday.  The rest of today and tomorrow is a mystery, known only to the Lord above.  While I am disappointed with my current physical condition, I trust that God is using trials of the present to strengthen me for the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Illuminating Prayer

Posted on October 31, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Whenever I am about to lose hope in the power of prayer, I am reminded of a testimony I heard in college.  My friend Pam told me of her mother’s journey from Mormonism to faith in Christ.  When her children became teenagers, a spirit of rebellion entered a sibling leading him into the occult.  What came next can only be described as illuminating prayer.

Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

As a parent, there comes a time when children no longer listen.  Perhaps tired of being nagged, young people tend to tune out adults at some point in life.  When the no longer listening phase begins, its easy for a dad or mom to over-react.  This natural reaction makes the communication gap worse, expanding the wedge between parent and child.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours, Mark 11:24.

While Pam’s mom likely possessed an urge to confront her son, the Holy Spirit had a different plan.  As if following the advice of a friend, Pam’s mother began to prayer over her son’s room each day after he left for school.  This pattern occurred for a week or so, bathing her son’s room in prayer.  Without any communication, dark posters were taken down and thrown away.  By the end of the month, Pam’s mother led her son to faith in Christ.  Although, there is more to the story, this is a glimpse of illuminating prayer.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Confession, Faith and Healing

Posted on October 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When you are young, health is something that can be taken for granted.  This blessing is often forgotten until storms, trials or unexpected events arrive.  Thus, when my eye doctor recently told me I was losing vision in my right eye, I wasn’t sure what to think.  After a week of contemplation, prayer and reflection, my future lies in confession, faith and healing.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:16.

The first 4 books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, also known as the Gospels detail close to 40 specific miracles performed by Jesus.  Although the audience and context of each author differs, there is a similar theme found before Jesus’ healing is complete.  Several cases involve an affliction, condition or disease that is related to some type of curse which requires confession.  Other individuals came to a point in life they began to accept their physical state, giving up hope of ever finding a cure.  These people were questioned by Jesus, seeing if desire and faith within would be reborn.

One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” –  John 5:5-6

When you find yourself in need of healing, there are 2 questions you must dwell upon.  First, have you sinned against God, someone else or your own body?  Second, is there any area of your life where you’ve resigned, lost hope or believe you won’t succeed.  Depending upon the conviction you receive from the Holy Spirit, you may need to publicly confess your transgressions, ask God for the faith of Elisha or do both.  In the end, you will find that after confession and faith, healing will follow.  It might not always be the outcome you desire but as Job once said, ” the Lord gives and the Lord takes away,”

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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Clinging to the Vine

Posted on October 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever tried to climb a tree, it doesn’t take make to lose your grip.  Any type of misstep, re-positioning or weak branch can start an unexpected descent.  During a recent adventure of trying to dislodge an arrant Frisbee from a tree, I found myself in a free fall reaching out for anything that would break my fall.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,” John 15:5.

In the spiritual realm, I’ve faced myself in similar downward spirals where in moments of weakness I have tried to cling to the Vine.  According to one of his disciples, Jesus is compared to a vine, the life source to which branches are attached.  However, once broken or cut off, these limbs are worthless, unable to protect you from spiritual harm.

If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned, John 15:6.

Subtle signs, also known as acts of the flesh, Galatians 5:19-21 often rear their ugly heads when individuals try to live apart from the Vine.  Acts, behavior and character gradually declines, transforming decent human being into completely different people.  Before this sinister force takes roots, its essential to become reconnected to Jesus.  Bible Study, prayer and worship are daily avenues to reunite you with the Lord.  If you feel like your faith is wavering, don’t let it continue.  Rather, cling to the Vine and connect with like minded followers who seek to fulfill the great commission, Mark 16:15.

by Jay Mankus

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Placing Your Hope in the Wrong Things

Posted on October 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

For students and workers, every weekend provides opportunities for hope.  Anticipation, confidence and expectation await hoping to maximize your free time.  Yet, sometimes in an attempt to reach your goals, people place their trust in the wrong things.

Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing, Proverbs 11:7.

In the days of King Solomon, hero worship was a major problem.  Instead of thanking the God who created these heroes, individuals placed their hope in mortal human beings.  This decision will always lead to disappointment, especially after athletes, celebrities and stars past their prime or pass away.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, Romans 12:12.

The apostle Paul provides useful advice for anyone who has made the mistake of placing your hope in the wrong things.  Rather, hope should be a source of joy.  While you wait, endure the trials and tribulations that confront you.  Finally, remain diligent in prayer, leaning on the Lord to guide your steps in the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

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