Tag Archives: Prayer

The Blessing of the Upright

Posted on October 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Irving Berlin wrote God Bless America in 1918 near the end of World War I.  This song is essentially a prayer asking the Lord to bless the United States of America.  Twenty years later Berlin revised the initial version that Kate Smith later recorded, becoming her signature song.  As her popularity grew, former owner of the Philadelphia Flyers Ed Synder invited Kate to sing God Bless America live at the Spectrum prior to home NHL playoff games.

Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed, Proverbs 11:11.

While its unclear what specific passages of the Bible inspired the lyrics of God Bless America, the passage above appears to indirectly apply.  According to Solomon, cities, nations and towns receive blessings due to holy, righteous and upright residents.  Meanwhile, there is an opposing force at work, which can influence and or revoke blessings.  Subsequently, an invisible tug of war is taking place that will determine spiritual future of this country and others like it.

What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?  The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake,” Genesis 18:24, 26.

This blessing principle also applies to ungodly cities as well.  Upon hearing the news that God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham pleads with the Lord on 5 different occasions to save these places.  Despite whatever negative encounters occurred in the past, Abraham had a heart of compassion asking God to save righteous citizens.  In the same way, if a region near you is falling apart, don’t give into the usual negativity.  Rather, follow in the footsteps of Abraham by intervening on behalf of the righteous to save a land.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Suppressing the Urge to Quit

Posted on September 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Disappointment, heart break and failure are hard to recover from.  The pain from these gut wrenching experiences attacks one’s confidence.  Whenever you lose hope or faith, thoughts about quitting begin to surface.  As soon as this arises, you must suppress the urge to quit.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, 2 Timothy 4:7.

The apostle Paul compares life to an Olympic race, similar to a marathon.  Thus, when a spirit of doubt creeps inside your mind, you must battle this like a heavy weight champ.  If you allow negativity to fester, your invisible opponent’s power will strengthen to the point of overwhelming wounded souls.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13.

When you don’t have the strength to carry on, the apostle Paul introduces a trump card.  Despite the pain Jesus endured, he suppressed any desire to quit by fulfilling God’s plan and purpose.  Therefore, the next time you feel like giving up, call out to Jesus in prayer to suppress the urge to quit.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Those Without A Voice

Posted on September 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Ever since Colin Kaepernick decided to sit down during the National Anthem a few weeks ago, his stance has taken on a life of itself.  Despite wearing socks that depicted cops as pigs, the liberal media covered for Colin, quickly sweeping this matter under the rug.  Meanwhile, the average hard working and law abiding citizen has been forgotten, left without a voice.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you, John 14:26.

The immigrant whose life long desire of owning their own business, the entrepreneur studying the latest trends and God fearing parents trying to start a family typically remain out of the limelight.  Regardless of the roadblocks each face, rugged individualism guide these goal oriented people.  Although success may not be obtained on the first attempt, the hope of the American dream keep many individuals going.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, Romans 8:26.

If you feel left out, forgotten by your country and media, there is One who can intercede on your behalf.  When you reach a crossroads, not sure where to turn, the Holy Spirit is on call waiting for your prayer.  To those who believe in a risen Messiah, this invisible presence stands tall in the darkness of life.  Therefore, if you are on the verge of giving up or throwing in the towel, make sure you cry out to the great I Am; then, you will have a place in eternity.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Anti-Agitation Formula

Posted on September 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When you find yourself churning, stirring or tossing, the signs of agitation are near.  Before a full emotion outburst occurs, irritation builds and builds prior to exploding.  Whenever I’m cranky or tired, the conditions for agitation are ideal.  Thus, if I don’t react quickly, those around me will feel the wrath of agitation.

If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other, Galatians 5:15.

Prior to dropping off my oldest son James at college last weekend, I didn’t get enough sleep.  Thus, after a long drive on Thursday and getting lost on Friday, I snapped.  I couldn’t keep my frustration in any longer.  Like a volcano, agitation was unleash in an unpleasant display.  I should have known better, but I was careless, skipping my morning time reading the Bible and praying.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, Colossians 3:13.

While there are several passages that deal with agitation, the verse above provides a blue print for overcoming agitation.  First, as soon as you mess up, apologize and confess any wrong doing.  If you’re the victim of agitation, the apostle Paul urges believers to bear with one another.  Despite how painful it may be, forgive others as God forgives you.  When this principle is put into practice, perhaps you will find an anti-agitation formula.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Traumatized

Posted on August 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

 

One of the medical websites I researched lists 5 specific categories of trauma.  Complex, Early Childhood, Medical, Refugee and Traumatic Grief.  The actual definition of this term refers to any experience that inflicts deep distress or is emotionally disturbing.  This state is often induced by accidents, injuries or witnessing someone die.  Anyone who endures such an event can be traumatized for hours, days, weeks or months.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you, 1 Peter 5:7.

Anyone alive during the life of Christ may have seen one of the most brutal ways to die.  After receiving up to 39 lashing in the public square, Jesus carried a cross until Simeon took over and then was crucified.  Even those who despised Jesus’ message, must have felt pity or remorse at some point.  Despite his innocence, Herod followed Jewish tradition, setting the criminal Barabbas free as a mob demanded Jesus to die in his place.  If those who have seen this gore in the Passion of the Christ struggle to watch, image the trauma exhibited by those who were disciples and followers of God’s son.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron, Psalm 107:13-16.

One of the difficult signs of trauma is that its often invisible.  Sure, body language, facial expressions and posture reveal someone who is mourning.  Yet, wounds to the soul go unnoticed, lingering for months, years or in worse case scenarios, a lifetime.  In certain cases, guilt causes some to remain traumatized until they forgive themselves.  This situation is played out in Good Will Hunting where Robin Williams playing a psychologists tells Matt Damon, an orphan its not your fault.  If you find yourself trying to recover from a traumatic events, may the prayer of the Psalmist above provide the words to receive the healing that you seek and strive to achieve.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Someone Will Always Have It Worse Than You

Posted on August 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Last week I spent a few days at A.I. Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.  This is one of the premiere facilities on the East Coast for young people struggling with crippling illnesses.  When my son Daniel arrived at the hospital, his blood sugar level as at 1000, the highest A.I. had ever received was 700.  Anything over 300 is considered dangerous.  Thus, despite all my family went through last week at least my son is alive.

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven, James 5:14-15.

Passing by several rooms, I encountered children in much worse shape than Daniel.  While diabetes is life altering, at least it can be treated.  There are countless battling for their lives, not knowing if and when their condition will worsen.  I guess the last 7 days has helped me put life into its proper perspective.  I learned that someone will always have it worse than you.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul, 3 John 1:2.

One of the benefits of working at Amazon is that I engage several generations on a weekly basis.  Some associates are fresh out of high school, others trying to find their place in life and others forced out of retirement to receive healthcare.  Although everyone has good, bad and indifferent days, if you open your eyes you will always find someone worse off than you.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Abducted by Technology

Posted on August 20, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The definition of abduction refers to someone being taken away by force or through deception.  When most people think of the term abducted, its usually in the context of kidnapping.  The 1996 movie Ransom starring Mel Gibson and Rene Russo uses this story line as the back drop for this film.  Yet, the second description of abduction can not be denied as individuals can be abducted through deception.

But God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die,’ Genesis 3:3.”

This past week a couple from Michigan filed a law suit against the creators of Pokemon Go.  These parents claim their quality of life has been infringed upon since this popular app has been introduced in the United States.  Furthermore, communities and neighborhoods are no longer safe with followers of this game walking the streets at all hours of the day and night.  Essentially, what these concerned citizens are suggesting is that teenagers have become abducted by technology.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them, Proverbs 11:3.

At some point in time, this generation has chosen apps, games and social media over relationships.  Fueled by the great deceiver, Satan is relying on the old argument which caused Eve to ignore God’s only law, “do not eat from the tree of knowledge.”  Unfortunately, many don’t know the Word of God like they should.  Thus, when challenged by temptations in life, we all fall hard, wondering what happened to lead us to this place.  If this abduction of technology has already occurred, bear down, purge yourself from this environment of sin and cry out to the Lord for divine intervention.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Believe It or Not?

Posted on August 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of the first books I read for fun outside of school was written by Daniel Cohen.  I don’t remember the title, but this piece studied eyewitness accounts of Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and other unusual encounters.  Going to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Exhibits as a teenager only fostered my interest in unsolved mysteries.  While the debate continues on some of these unknown creatures, sooner or later you have to reach a decision; to believe it or not.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them, Psalm 34:7

As an adult, I’ve experienced things that can only be described as supernatural.  Initially, I didn’t give much thought to some of these events.  Yet, after attending a conference on discernment, studying the Bible and seeking the council of elder believers, I can’t deny the existence of angels.  While I’ve never entertained an angel like some Americans, there have been moments where I avoided an accident, steered clear of danger and escaped a difficult situation.  How can I be so sure you may ask?  Well, I’ve reached a stage in life where I have come to the conclusion that I simply believe.

For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, Acts 27:23.

The Christian Rock Group David and the Giants devote an entire album to this topic in Angels Unaware.  Beyond the physical realm, angels are fueled by prayer, ushered into action by diligent saints.  Miracles occur daily, often going unnoticed by those who are rescued and or saved from harm.  On bended knees, angels are empowered as promises in the Bible are verbally lifted up, usually inspiring God to immediate act by sending guardian angels.  I’m not forcing you to believe in angels.  Yet, at some point you must decide; to believe it or not.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Hope of Glory

Posted on August 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Hope is usually a vehicle which leads to glory.  When hope is absent, individuals struggle to find meaning and purpose in life.  However, as soon as the fruit of hope is conceived, this invisible source leads people to reach their final destination.  The hope of glory is achieved when souls put their faith in Christ for eternity.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, Colossians 1:27.

In a world full of disappointment, its hard to find something that will last.  While Israel was always known as God’s chosen people, those outside of this nation developed an inferiority complex.  Nonetheless, the Bible promises a day when Gentiles will be introduced to the glorious riches of Christ.  Thus, the moment anyone confesses with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, the hope of glory is obtained.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ, Romans 10:17.

As this modern age turns toward a progressive life style, the words of the Bible is being discarded as a source for truth.  In return, the narrative of this historic book is being devalued causing many to lose their faith.  The best way to combat this reality is to daily listen to biblical principles.  Unless a devotional and prayer life become deeply rooted, experiencing the hope of glory is a pipe dream.  Therefore, before its too late to repent, place your trust solely in the Holy Spirit so that Christ within you will be manifested as the hope of glory.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Huh?

Posted on July 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you are like me, you have encountered conversations where you thought you were making a good point.  Unfortunately, at some point you realize the person you were engaging was not listening.  Subsequently, your words fall upon deaf ears as a friend replies, “huh, what did you say?”

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand, Hebrews 5:11.

In recent years, the concept of selective hearing has become a common practice.  Whether individuals are listening, talking or watching a person of interest, minds process only those things they like or relate to.  All other topics are discarded, forgotten as if they were never spoken.  A previous generation referred to this bad habit as being hard of hearing.

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! – Hebrews 5:12

From a spiritual context, any person of faith that becomes comfortable with who or where they are has a tendency to reject certain passages of the Bible.  This behavior stunts any type of consistent growth, resulting in wandering souls who experience emotional highs and lows.  If only these people could sharpen their hearing, perhaps lives would be transformed.  Yet, until Christians begin to feed themselves spiritually through daily Bible reading and prayer, you will continue to hear the lost proclaim,”huh, what did you just say.”

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →