Tag Archives: Prayer

Now the Hard Work Begins

Posted on August 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a young student, nothing came easy for me. Assignments that took my classmates a few minutes to complete, took me 15 minutes or more. Perhaps, this deficiency forced me to learn to grind things out at an early age. While I never became a great student, discipline and hard work propelled me to become who I am today. As newlyweds return from their honeymoon, now the hard work to become one flesh begins.

Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body. 24 As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, Ephesians 5:22-26.

Since many first century Christians were illiterate, pastors of churches would read the apostle Paul’s letters out loud to their congregation. Based upon the words of today’s featured passage, God has high expectations for married couples. Learning to love your spouse as Christ loved the church doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, this spiritual transformation takes a lifetime of studying the Bible, prayer, and practice.

That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. 28 Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, 30 Because we are members (parts) of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh, Ephesians 5:27-31.

The hardest part of any marriage is ridding your life of all of the bad habits that you’ve picked up from your parents, friends, and acquaintances. These flaws will cause you to do something or say something at the wrong time, hurting your spouse. This is what I mean by the title, “now the hard work begins.” Therefore, if you’re newly engaged or married, commit yourself to the words of Colossians 3:5-17 so that the Holy Spirit will slowly transform your life and marriage.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Prayers Come True

Posted on August 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who struggles with prayer, I tend to repeat myself rather than spiritually connect with the Lord when I pray. The best way to compare my prayer life is to a scratch golfer who doesn’t have their A Game, but grinds out 18 holes to find a way to shoot par. What I decided to do beginning in college is to keep a prayer journal, writing out my requests to the Lord. Since I tend to forget what I prayed for last week, keeping a detailed record allows me to see if any of my prayers become reality.

Also when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward [d]in full already. 6 But when you pray, go into your [most] private room, and, closing the door, pray to your Father, Who is in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open. 7 And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him, Matthew 6:5-8.

As a former coach and teacher, I learned early on that you can’t force someone to do exactly what you want. You can give directions, hints, and suggestions, but you have to let free will take its course. While I was a disciplinarian when my children were young, I’ve transitioned into a life coach by sharing my perspective when I was my kids age. However, as I listened to my son Daniel’s wedding last weekend, the words that I lifted up as prayers in my journal have come true.

Keep on asking and it will be given you; [f] keep on seeking and you will find; [g]keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened, Matthew 7:7-8.

Perhaps, as Daniel struggled to find a job after graduating in May, I was forced to intensify my prayers with specific requests. When days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, I kept on knocking as Jesus urges in the passage above. Although doubts did enter my mind, I never gave up hope. Subsequently, Daniel received a job from Liberty University and is committed to following God’s will for his life. Prayers can come true as well as long as you can knocking on God’s door in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Contending with God

Posted on July 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Contend refers to any struggle to surmount in the face of danger or a difficulty. Whenever a believer/Christian contends with God, this is usually in the form of prayer. Perhaps, this is what Jesus is talking about at the end of His Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:7-8. Don’t give up hope when your prayer isn’t answered. Rather, keep on contending with God, knocking until you receive an answer like the persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8.

And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! – Genesis 32:24-27

The apostle Paul writes about contending with Devil in Ephesians 4:26-31. The key piece of advice is to avoid giving the Devil a foothold in the form of an addiction, bad habit or unwholesome craving. Two chapters later, Paul explains why this is necessary as powers of darkness are not something to take lightly, Ephesians 6:10-12. To contend with invisible forces of evil, the armor of God is the spiritual attire to put on daily.

And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed. 29 Then Jacob asked Him, Tell me, I pray You, what [in contrast] is Your name? But He said, Why is it that you ask My name? And [b][the Angel of God declared] a blessing on [Jacob] there, Genesis 32:28-29.

From a practical perspective, the best example of determination I can find in the New Testament is the prayers of the persistent widow. Or if you want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Mark 1:35-38, starting every day with the Lord in prayer is a must if you want to contend spiritually. Then again, if you find yourself wrestling against an unknown being like Jacob, just holding on for dear life brings a sense of desperation. Giving everything that you have, Colossians 3:23, is a great way to contend with and live for the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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Mighty Wrestlings in Prayer

Posted on June 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Wrestling is something sibling brothers or jealous teenagers do to determine who is stronger and more superior to the other. Yet, each Christian and troubled soul can recall a time in their lives when a sudden unforeseen event prompted you to begin a mighty wrestling in prayer with God. As Rachel struggled to come to grips with her barren womb, she cried out to the Lord for answers.

And Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 And Rachel said, With mighty wrestlings [in prayer to God] I have struggled with my sister and have prevailed; so she named him [this second son Bilhah bore] Naphtali [struggled], Genesis 30:7-8.

Sometimes prayer lives need some sort of trigger to be awakened. Looking back on my own life, before having children, I would often run out of things to pray for. Yet, as each of my three kids were born three years apart, there always seems to be a situation or scenario that has prompted an urgent response via prayer. The greater the situation, the mightier the wrestlings in prayer.

 And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! 28 And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed, Genesis 32:24-28.

Two chapters later, Jacob has his own personal experience of wrestling with God. Praying can be physical and or emotional draining on your body. However, in the case of Jacob, this wrestling is with an entity initially described as a man. Yet, Moses notes that Jacob actually wrestled with God. While this is hard to grasp, praying is an acknowledgement that you can’t do something on your own. Therefore, as the next crisis enters your life, don’t be afraid of mighty wrestlings with God.

by Jay Mankus

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This Reuben is More Than a Sandwich

Posted on June 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When it comes to tradition lunch menus, I prefer a Club Sandwich. Meanwhile, my wife Leanne enjoys a hot Reuben sandwich from time to time. However, as I was reading Moses’ summary of the life of Jacob, I stumbled upon the biblical meaning of the name Reuben. When Leah gave birth to her first child, Reuben means “see a son.” For Leah, this child gave her hope of a loving husband.

And when the Lord saw that Leah was despised, He made her able to bear children, but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah became pregnant and bore a son and named him Reuben [See, a son!]; for she said, Because the Lord has seen my humiliation and affliction; now my husband will love me, Genesis 29:31-32.

Moses’ description of Leah reveals an average looking woman with a birth defect. Perhaps, Rachel’s amazing physical features magnified Leah’s deficiencies. Nonetheless, Leah developed a belief that if she was able to bear children, maybe Jacob would start to look at her the way he gazes upon her sister Rachel. The one thing Leah had on Rachel was the ability to bear children.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent, Psalm 34:17-18.

As revisionist historians rewrite American textbooks, the spiritual foundation of North American in the form of the Magna Carta have been erased. Meanwhile, biblical names like Reuben have been forgotten, replaced by a popular lunch menu. However, for Leah, the birth of Reuben was an answer to prayer, “the Lord has seen my humiliation and affliction.” In the back of Leah’s mind, Reuben’s presence had the chance to transform her marriage. While this never happened, the boy named Reuben is absolutely more than a sandwich.

by Jay Mankus

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Protecting the Holy Spirit

Posted on May 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul writes one chapter in the Bible devoted to the need for spiritual balance, 1 Corinthians 6. While freewill gives human beings daily choices to obey God’s commands or do what they want. Paul explains beginning in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Bad choices have consequences as sin separates human beings from God, Isaiah 59:2.

Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. 22 Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-22.

In a letter to the Church at Thessalonica which had a history in the first century to overreact based upon Acts 17:1-10. Whenever emotions come into play, human nature can unleash practices of the flesh, Galatians 5:15-21. Paul’s advice for protecting the Holy Spirit begins with unceasing prayer where this spiritual discipline becomes an habitual practice. When prayer is absent, Christians open the door for the Holy Spirit to be suppressed, subdued or completely quenched.

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). 32 And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:29-32.

A portion of Paul’s letter to the Church at Rome brings this dilemma to the forefront in Romans 8:5-8. Sinful minds are hostile to the Bible and are in direct conflict with the Holy Spirit. Meanwhile, Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus warns against giving the devil a foothold in an area of your life. This is the context prior to the passage above. Since all people have fallen short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23, practice public confession and forgiveness so that unity within the body of Christ is restored and the Holy Spirit can conquer any roots of bitterness that linger or remain unresolved.

by Jay Mankus

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Not Just a Biblical Principle… A Way of Life

Posted on May 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Every consumer from one time or another has been a victim of false advertising. Maybe you bought something online after watching a late-night infomercial and the product never lived up to its guarantee. This disillusionment has also crossed over into biblical teaching, spoiled by self-seeking television evangelists. Subsequently, when individual’s read a promise in the Bible, demonic thoughts like “that sounds too good to be true” may enter your mind.

And the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking some of all his master’s treasures with him; thus he journeyed to Mesopotamia [between the Tigris and the Euphrates], to the city of Nahor [Abraham’s brother]. 11 And he made his camels to kneel down outside the city by a well of water at the time of the evening when women go out to draw water. 12 And he said, O Lord, God of my master Abraham, I pray You, cause me to meet with good success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming to draw water, Genesis 24:10-13.

One of the teachings of Jesus that has stuck with me over the years is Matthew 7:24-27. This occurs at the end of the Sermon on the Mount. Another translation of this passage refers to being a doer of the Word. Perhaps, this message was partially designed for his disciples who may have been going through the motions spiritually. From a modern perspective, Jesus is trying to communicate faith is a way of life, not just a biblical principle.

And let it so be that the girl to whom I say, I pray you, let down your jar that I may drink, and she replies, Drink, and I will give your camels drink also—let her be the one whom You have selected and appointed and indicated for Your servant Isaac [to be a wife to him]; and by it I shall know that You have shown kindness and faithfulness to my master. 15 Before he had finished speaking, behold, out came Rebekah, who was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, who was the wife of Nahor the brother of Abraham, with her water jar on her shoulder. 16 And the girl was very beautiful and attractive, chaste and modest, and unmarried. And she went down to the well, filled her water jar, and came up, Genesis 24:14-16.

Abraham’s servant Eliezer is given the task of finding Isaac a wife. As the executive of Abraham’s estate, he is taking this responsibility seriously. Afraid of failing, Eliezer turns to prayer in the passage above. Based upon Moses’ account of this journey, Eliezer’s prayer is specific, designed to reveal to him Isaac’s future wife. To Eliezer, prayer isn’t just a biblical principle, it’s a way of life to guide your steps daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Fellowshipping All Night Long

Posted on May 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former youth pastor, something about staying up all night at church with friends seems like a good idea on paper. Of course, the next day, you’ll be napping or sleeping on and off all day. Nonetheless, a church lock-in is the first event I ever attended in high school at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Between all the games and group activities, I was introduced to the concept fellowshipping all night long. While new friends came and left, I ended up sticking around as a volunteer throughout college.

Then they ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and stayed there all night. And in the morning they arose, and he said. Send me away to my master, Genesis 24:54.

Moses tells a story about a dinner feast that lasted all night long as well. Perhaps, this was the first ever rehearsal dinner for a wedding. The only problem is the groom, and his family was not present, just Eliezer, the executive of Abraham’s estate. Prior to eating, Eliezer recounts his journey, prayer and divine meeting, with Rebekah. The tone set by Eliezer opens the door for family members to share accounts of Rebekah’s childhood, life and her relationships with other members of the family.

And on the first day of the week, when we were assembled together to break bread [[a]the Lord’s Supper], Paul discoursed with them, intending to leave the next morning; and he kept on with his message until midnight. 8 Now there were numerous lights in the upper room where we were assembled, 9 And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting in the window. He was borne down with deep sleep as Paul kept on talking still longer, and [finally] completely overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him and embraced him, saying, Make no ado; his life is within him. 11 When Paul had gone back upstairs and had broken bread and eaten [with them], and after he had talked confidentially and communed with them for a considerable time—until daybreak [in fact]—he departed, Acts 20:7-11.

If you have ever attended a Christian conference, retreat or spiritual revival, the Holy Spirit tends to draw people close together in a short period of time. This is often expediated as individuals become vulnerable by confessing sins, opening up about something personal or sharing their testimony. During a gathering of Christians at one home, the apostle Paul speaks all night long, causing one teenager to fall asleep. While some daily conversations can be extremely boring, fellowshipping all night long about God ignites a fire in souls that binds believers together in perfect harmony.

by Jay Mankus

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Preparations for Prayer

Posted on May 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My first season coaching All Stars was exciting as my oldest son James also was selected for this team. While our team could hit, we only had two solid starting pitchers. As the elimination round began, players spent an hour in the batting cages, eager to keep their season alive. After batting practice ended, players began to warm up their arms. As the head coach and I talked strategy, we both overlooked one crucial element of our pregame routine: stretching. This oversight proved costly as our starting pitching pulled a hamstring warming up.

Abraham said to him, See to it that you do not take my son back there. 7 The Lord, the God of heaven, Who took me from my father’s house, from the land of my family and my birth, Who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, To your offspring I will give this land—He will send His [b]Angel before you, and you will take a wife from there for my son. 8 And if the woman should [c]not be willing to go along after you, then you will be clear from this oath; only you must not take my son back there. 9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter, Genesis 24:6-9.

The purpose of stretching in baseball or any kind of physical activity is to prevent injuries. As a former country runner, my high school team regularly stretched for 15 minutes and sometimes up to a half hour before running. My only major injury over my running career was spraining my ankle after falling into a hole covered by leaves. Other than this freak accident, stretching kept me free from harm for a decade. From a spiritual perspective, prayer is like stretching before a baseball game. This typically limits injuries and prepares your body for sprinting and stopping at the crack of a bat.

And he said, O Lord, God of my master Abraham, I pray You, cause me to meet with good success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming to draw water. 14 And let it so be that the girl to whom I say, I pray you, let down your jar that I may drink, and she replies, Drink, and I will give your camels drink also—let her be the one whom You have selected and appointed and indicated for Your servant Isaac [to be a wife to him]; and by it I shall know that You have shown kindness and faithfulness to my master. 15 Before he had finished speaking, behold, out came Rebekah, who was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, who was the wife of Nahor the brother of Abraham, with her water jar on her shoulder, Genesis 24:12-15.

Depending upon your personality, a detailed planner or laid back, ready to go with the flow, prayer prepares you mentality for the beginning of each new day. If you have an important decision to make, specific prayers can serve as signs to proceed or wait for something else to come along. In the case of Eliezer, Abraham’s trusted servant, he uses prayer to enhance his chances to succeed. While this type of prayer may not fit your personality, make sure you cover yourself and family with prayer. Those who use prayer as a hedge of protection against the spiritual forces of evil in the world, Ephesians 6:10-12, will see answers to prayers like Eliezer over time. This is the proactive approach to prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

Posted on May 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The lyrics of Should I Stay or Should I Go was written in 1981. However, this Clash hit song was released on a 45 record a year later with Should I Stay or Should I Go on Side A. Meanwhile, side B wasn’t as memorable: Straight to Hell. Co-founder of the Clash and co-writer of Should I Stay or Should I Go, Mick Jones was forced to leave this band in 1983. Subsequently, there is speculation that Mick may have been contemplating this for a while.

But [Rebekah’s] brother and mother said, Let the girl stay with us a few days—at least ten; then she may go. 56 But [the servant] said to them, Do not hinder and delay me, seeing that the Lord has caused me to go prosperously on my way. Send me away, that I may go to my master, Genesis 24:55-56.

From a spiritual perspective, one young woman of the Bible was forced to choose between her family or her future. Abraham is the first recorded father in the Bible to play an active role in selecting his son’s future wife. Abraham entrusted the manager of his estate, Eliezer, to fulfill this mission. After praying for God’s blessing on his search, Rebekah walks out toward him immediately following the conclusion of his prayer.

And they said, We will call the girl and ask her [what is] her desire. 58 So they called Rebekah and said to her, Will you go with this man? And she said, I will go, Genesis 24:57-58.

The context of today’s passage is just before a family feast. Eliezer shares his encounter with Rebekah as well as the events leading up to this God instance. After Rebekah’s family grants Eliezer’s requests for her to become Isaac’s husband, she must choose between her family and her future. Rather than deciding for her, Rebekah is asked to decide if she wants to stay a few days to be with her girlfriends or leave immediately. Rebekah chooses the future, eager to begin a new life with a man she’s never met of seen before. This is true faith.

by Jay Mankus

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