Tag Archives: Prayer

Sharp, Sloppy or Somewhere in Between

Posted on April 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

After experiencing a mediocre 2015, I vowed to alter my priorities in 2016.  Early on I was sharp, starting each day off on the right foot with a quiet time in the Bible, prayer and workout sessions.  By the end of January, my daily routine had become second nature.  Yet, somewhere over the last month, I have gotten careless, allowing a lukewarm spirit to enter my soul.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another, Proverbs 27:17.

Over the weekend, the verse above served as a reminder to what I was missing.  To remain sharp takes time, effort and being open to change.  While the average American can’t afford a personal trainer to keep you in shape, other believers can serve as a life coach.  Meeting together, interacting and talking walks together can be the boost or motivation to stop being sloppy and begin to maximize the life God has given you.

“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.

Like anything in life, everyone experiences cycles, periods where things clicks and phases where nothing flows.  So whether you are sharp, sloppy or somewhere in between, Jesus’ words in the gospel of John provides hope for those struggling.  The analogy within this passage illustrates God as a gardener who prunes those unproductive areas of our lives.  However, individuals must stay connected to the vine, Jesus, to remain sharp.  Therefore, if you feel like you can’t go any further or are sick of mediocre results, reach out to Jesus today and you will find life.

by Jay Mankus

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You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

Posted on April 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The term authority refers to a variety of things depending upon the context.  Authority can mean jurisdiction, permission to act or delegated responsibility.  In biblical terms, authority defines leadership, enabling an individual or group to have the power to make vital decisions.  However, with obtaining this status, you can’t give what you don’t have.

In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient, Ephesians 2:2.

Following Creation, God gave Adam authority over the Garden of Eden and the animals within.  After Eve convinced Adam to sin by disobeying God’s lone rule, the Lord kicked them out, losing the authority they once possessed.  This loss was Satan’s gain, obtaining rule over the air.  While the names have changed, the Devil continues to encourage the disenchanted to give into temptation, walking in disobedience.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” Matthew 28:18.

According to the gospel, Jesus came to earth to seek and save that which was lost.  Thus, authority can be regained through Jesus.  However, unless you have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus, biblical authority is useless.  On the other hand, when the words of the Bible become your guide to life, authority can be unleashed through prayer.  Therefore, before you take God for granted, make sure you understand what you’re asking for.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Reasoning with God

Posted on April 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As I read a portion of the Bible known as the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, there is a common characteristic found within many of these individuals.  In times of uncertainty, when life’s circumstances did not make sense, these historical and spiritual figures reasoned with God.   Instead of turning toward doubt, each trusted in God’s ability to resolve their situation with a Hollywood ending.

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death, Hebrews 11:19.

Take for instance, Abraham who waited most of his life to have a son with his wife Sarah.  Shortly after receiving this promised child, God asked him to sacrifice Isaac.  Within Abraham’s heart, soul and mind, the concept of resurrection was conceived.  Thus, despite his confusion, Abraham took out a knife in faith, hoping and trusting that the Lord would provide a substitute, a replacement sacrifice for his son.

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict, Hebrews 11:23.

In modern times, life can be just as complex, not sure how or why God allows acts of terrorism, deadly diseases and failure to continue.  Yet, when trials arrive, Hebrews 11 exists to help people learn from models of faith.  Reasoning with God is a natural response, crying out to Him in prayer for understanding.  Although, answers may not come right away, don’t give up hope until God provides a solution for your latest dilemma.

by Jay Mankus

 

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As Good as Dead

Posted on April 1, 2016 by expressyourself4him

There are moments in life when things look bleak.  Whether you are talking about a career, health or someone’s future, everyone will face times of uncertainty.  When you reach this point, you have two logical options, resign yourself to giving up hope or keep fighting.

And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore, Hebrews 11:12.

Some of the classic action films in Hollywood lure possess numerous situations when the star should die.  Yet, somehow, someway, this character escapes death time after time.  While these scenes don’t portray an accurate view of real life, they do point to an invisible source called faith.  A hope that keeps many going despite feeling as good as dead.

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

Abraham and the apostle Paul both found themselves in circumstances where each thought they were on the verge of death.  According to the author of Hebrews, Abraham leaned on a promise from God, to be a father of a great nation.  Meanwhile, as Paul faced threats on his life from jealous Jewish officials, Paul turned to prayer.  Therefore, whether your health or life is failing you, turn to the promises of the Bible and prayer to keep hope alive.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What a Waste of Time

Posted on March 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every weekend, depending upon your work schedule, most Americans have 48 hours to recover before starting a new week.  Sure, there are things you need to do around the house, check up on or complete before Monday morning arrives, but you have plenty of time.  Unfortunately, the older I get, the better I become at finding ways to waste time.  In fact, my time off is like a blur, a mist that appears for a while, then disappears just as quick.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes, James 4:14.

Although I’m not distracted by cell phones or computers, once I plop down on my recliner time flies, often losing half a night in one sitting.  At least I’m not alone.  According to the Bible, time has always been a struggle.  I guess if you get too focused on the future, you lose sight of the here and now.  Yet, wanting to get some thing important done and have it actually happen are two different things.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12.

One of the solutions to stop wasting time is provided by a Psalmist.  Seizing the moment or simply prioritizing your time is a good place to start.  By concentrating on the here and now, wisdom can be achieved.  Yet, prayer, fasting and reflection will lead individuals in the right direction.  As you wrestle with your own time management issues, may the Holy Spirit guide you to make the most of the free time that you possess.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Images of God

Posted on March 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

My only attempts at having a pet as a child were failures.  Inspired by the movie Lassie, my parents bought a collie.  Unfortunately, I treated our dog like a horse, regularly jumping on her back and riding her like a pony.  It wasn’t long before my parents found Trickxie a new home.  Another endeavor involved fish, but their life expectancy did not last long in my tank.

“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he, Deuteronomy 32:4.

When I got married, I gave pets another chance, taking care of cats and horses on a farm.  After moving to Delaware, my wife convinced me to purchase a cat and dog.  Although each pet has its own pros and cons, I’m beginning to see the value of sharing a house with animals.  Ultimately, the majority of pets what to be with you.

That they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth, Psalm 83:18.

Today, while doing yard work, my dog Autumn cried when I wasn’t in the backyard.  Although she can’t talk, her howls is a subtle way of saying, “I want to be with you.”  In the same way, Jesus is yearning for individuals to spend time with Him.  However, the Lord doesn’t force, prod or push us to set aside this time.  Nonetheless, one of the images of God that I learned today is for human beings to draw near to God through prayer, worship and Bible study.

by Jay Mankus

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Cures for a Sinful Heart

Posted on March 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

While in college, I heard a motivational speaker who made perfect sense.  One of the subjects he addressed was the impact sin has on individuals.  However, when addressing this topic you need to be sensitive.   People don’t want to be told that they are sinners who are on their way to hell.  Rather, people are longing for solutions, cures for a sinful heart.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness, Hebrews 3:13.

Since I attended this seminar, my perspective changed from an accuser to an encourager.  This method is a better approach, opening the door for future conversations or chances to witness to someone in their time of need.  Essentially, the average person is an expert at sin.  The hard part is waiting for the right setting, finding a common ground.  However, what separate the sick from the healthy are those who apply biblical principles by purging sin from their lives.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things, Colossians 3:1-2.

Transformation begins when Christian change their mindset from worldly pleasures toward spiritual desires.  The apostle Paul discusses this battle within Romans 8.  Thus, as individuals begin to practice the words of Joshua 1:8, meditating on the Bible is like flipping a switch from darkness to light.  Although, this is much easier said than done, fellowship, prayer and worship can lay a foundation to insure cures for a sinful heart.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Going Down the Wrong Side of the Tracks

Posted on March 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Good and bad, right or wrong and acceptable verses evil, how can you tell the difference?  At one point in America, this wasn’t that difficult.  However, ever since liberal ideology took over public education, schools have slowly eliminated moral principles from classrooms.  Subsequently, its been like a run away caboose going down the wrong side of the tracks.

And Jesus said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person,” Mark 7:20-23.

Two Supreme Court Cases set this all in motion.  On June 25, 1962, the United States Supreme Court decided in Engel verse Vitale that a prayer approved by New York Board of Regents violated the first amendment.  A year later, Abington School District v. Schempp disallowed public Bible readings in classrooms for the same reason.  While groups like the ACLU celebrated these two decisions as a victory, the foundation of education was removed.

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men,” Acts 5:29.

When the words of Peter were rejected by the leaders of the United States of America, this opened the door for the political correct movement to be born.  Now alive and well, this invisible book is the new Bible, dictating what is appropriate and inappropriate.  The media is the judge, condemning the guilty through smear campaigns while shining the spot light on those who play ball, usually the Hollywood elite.  Until this trend is reversed, I fear that this train will continue to go down the wrong side of the tracks until a spiritual awakening leads people back where God wants us to be.

by Jay Mankus

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When Prayer Fails

Posted on March 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When things begin to unravel or fail apart, I’m the kind of person that wants to know why.  Thus, as I experience long periods of unanswered prayers, I begin to meditate, ponder and reflect on possible explanations.  What I discovered are three main reasons why some of my past prayers have failed.

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! – Isaiah 1:15

1. Confession without Contrition

There are times when individuals are sorry for sinful acts, but haven’t done anything to stop this from reoccurring.  In the days of the prophet Isaiah, some Jews began to offer sacrifices to the Lord without a contrite heart.  Thus, when people lifted up concerns to God before dealing with addictions, bad habits or wayward behavior, the Lord refused to listen.

However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you, Deuteronomy 28:15.

2. Walking in Disobedience

The longer I live, the more I find myself in some sort of spiritual funk.  Time has a way of altering priorities which usually leaves God low on your list.  According to Moses, getting God’s attention is fairly simple.  Obey the Lord and carefully follow all of the commands. Unfortunately, most forget about the all, picking and choosing the passages in the Bible that they like and disregarding those that are cumbersome.  Subsequently, many wander away like a prodigal, bringing curses instead of blessings from heaven.

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:15.

3. An Unforgiving Heart

While faith is a crucial element to seeing prayers fulfilled, refusing to forgive is like the kiss of death.  The concept of Reaping and Sowing directly applies to your heart.  Therefore, if you can’t let go, get over and move on, the Lord will not forgive you.  So if days, weeks, months or years go by without seeing any fruits of prayer, perhaps one of these three areas is preventing God’s power from being unleashed.  Whether its acts of contrition, making a U-Turn back to Jesus or finding the grace to forgive, may you be on your way to unlocking the barriers keeping you from seeing heaven come down to earth in the form of answers to prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Re-Aligning Your Faith

Posted on February 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have a car long enough, sooner or later it will have to go into the shop for service.  Whether you have your own dealership, mechanic or repair center, this maintenance must be completed if you want your vehicle to last.  Beside regular oils changes and tire rotation, you may need to get your car re-aligned.  Symptoms include drifting to one side, vibrations in your steering wheel or a steering column which shifts to a side despite driving straight.

Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living, Luke 15:13.

Depending upon the roads you travel upon, crumbling pavement and pot holes can speed up this process.  Hitting one bad spot can do severe damage or lead to a blow out.  Unfortunately, these events usually occur at the worst time, resulting in accidents, delays or pricey fixes.  Those who use public transit don’t have these same concerns.  However, anyone who drifts off course, experiences heart break or becomes crooked needs spiritual healing.

There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one, Romans 3:11-12.

Looking to the world for answers to life’s problems is like going to a mechanic who doesn’t know your car or don’t know what they are doing.  However, the apostle Paul isn’t afraid to state the obvious, everyone is imperfect.  Thus, everyone needs to get their faith re-aligned, back in accordance with the Bible.  Therefore, don’t try this on your own.  Rather, reach out to others for prayer, support and wisdom until the Holy Spirit helps re-align your life.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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