Tag Archives: Prayers

Preserving Life

Posted on October 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Of all the prayers I’ve prayed over the past 40 years, preserving life wasn’t one of them. Perhaps, I was so focused on dealing with and enduring daily trials that my thoughts were elsewhere. Based upon the context of today’s featured passage, preserving life is a sign of God’s providence. While human beings are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, God is working behind the scenes to preserve life.

And Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me, I pray you. And they did so. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt! 5 But now, do not be distressed and disheartened or vexed and angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life, Genesis 45:4-5.

The human desire to want everything in life immediately or on your own terms isn’t realistic. Yet, you should be careful what you wish for as this may not be aligned with God’s will, Romans 12:1-2. Desperation has a way of influencing individuals to make poor decisions, especially when earthly cravings are allowed to go unchecked, 1 John 2:15-17. This portion of the life of Joseph helps readers realize that God is working quietly behind the scenes to preserve life.

For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years more in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a posterity and to continue a remnant on the earth, to save your lives by a great escape and save for you many survivors, Genesis 45:6-7.

One of the key principles to self-preservation is having a plan and vision for the future, Hosea 4:6. Joseph warns his brothers about the future as 5 more years of drought will strike the land. Due to the vision provided to Joseph by the Lord, Egypt was set up for success to endure this 7-year famine. Therefore, if you want to find success in life, put your trust in the Lord and God will make your paths straight, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Goes Under Cover

Posted on July 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The concept of going undercover is a common element found in popular drama series. Whether it’s shows like Bones or Castle, the goal for going under cover is trying to obtain crucial information in order to solve a crime or murder. As Jacob prepares to meet his brother for the first time since Esau threatened to kill his brother, God goes undercover in the form of an angel.

So the present went on before him, and he himself lodged that night in the camp. 22 But he rose up that [same] night and took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons and passed over the ford [of the] Jabbok. 23 And he took them and sent them across the brook; also he sent over all that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak, Genesis 32:21-24.

Just as the apostle Paul writes about spiritual forces of evil in Ephesians 6:12, God has an army of angels directed by archangels Gabriel and Michael, Daniel 10:13. The author of Hebrews refers to angels as being able to appear as a human being, Hebrews 13:2, causing Christians to interact with them without even knowing it. This is another example of how God may go under cover.

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 32:25-28.

One of my favorite moments of teaching is sharing personal encounters with angels in a small group setting. I tend to recount a few stories from the Pax Television series It’s a Miracle which give me goosebumps of how amazing it is when God goes under cover. Although you may not sense or see this personally, somewhere behind the scenes prayers are being lifted up to guide you toward safety.

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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S.A.N.S. Episode 291: God Who Moves the Mountains

Posted on November 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I recently moved from one of the flattest states in the country, Delaware, to the Midlands of western South Carolina. My commute to work is up and down steep hills, over and over again for an hour. When I first heard the lyrics of today’s song, God Who Moves the Mountains, I’m reminded of why many prayers lifted up by Christians that go unanswered. Mountains serve as a mental block, causing doubt to replace faith as described by Jesus in the passage below.

And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a [n]firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. 22 And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive, Matthew 21:21-22.

Despite the unknown of the future, Jesus taught his disciples to trust in the One who can move mountains. This in the inspiration behind Corey Voss’ song God Who Moves the Mountains. Jesus presents twelve men with the ideal scenario: the could be/should be result for any prayer spoken as long as you believe in the God who moves mountains. As you listen to the lyrics, may you be inspired to intensify your prayer life with a faith that moves mountains.

by Jay Mankus

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Neglect What is Natural

Posted on September 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul devotes two chapters of his letter to the Church at Rome to what is natural. Romans 7 provides a personal confession by Paul of what he knows is right but getting his body to do this is a completely different story, Romans 7:15-18. The next chapter reveals the internal struggle between your fleshly desires and God’s Spirit, Romans 8:5-8. When your mind wanders, you’ll end up doing what’s natural.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [[p]cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]. 25 For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting], Matthew 16:24-25.

Frank Peretti introduced me to the spiritual realm through his series of books on what life would be like if we could see the ongoing battle between angels in demons. Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness opened my mind to this tug of war between the natural and supernatural, Galatians 5:16-18. The apostle Paul likely provided Peretti the inspiration for his books in Ephesians 6:10-20. When prayers cease, the Devil takes the upper hand.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed [q]life in the kingdom of God]? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his [blessed] [r]life [in the kingdom of God]? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory (majesty, splendor) of His Father with His angels, and then He will render account and reward every man in accordance with what he has done, Matthew 16:26-27.

Based upon the passage above, Jesus expects his followers to neglect the natural, any fleshly desires. Jesus set the example in Philippians 2:5-9, laying down his life to take away the sins of the world. Turning the other cheek when someone hits or hurts you isn’t natural. Nor is forgiving someone who transgresses against you over and over again, Matthew 6:13-15. Nonetheless, until you are born again spiritually, John 3:3-5, neglecting what is natural will be a losing proposition. Success is the process of arriving to faith.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 133: Wishing

Posted on June 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Puller is one of the few alternative Christian rock bands still leaving a mark today. Three of Puller’s members were once part of For Love Not Lisa back in the 1990’s. I was introduced to Puller by a compilation disc created by Tooth & Nail Records. Puller possesses the sound of a secular band, but has released songs like Wishing that contain a deeper meaning inside their lyrics.

If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and [h]advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and [i]advantageous things to those who [j]keep on asking Him! 12 So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:11-12.

Too many times in life I find myself wishing for something to happen rather than pray for and believe in God’s power to perform a miracle as I pray. The context of the passage above relies on asking, seeking and knocking on God’s door until you receive answers to your prayers. When you listen to Wishing by Puller in the future, make sure your prayers are based upon belief and faith, not just a wish.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 21: Some Day

Posted on February 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who tries to be a connoisseur of Christian music, I appreciate artists who can show range. Some musicians change with the times to give their fans what they want. In the case of Plankeye, their debut album Spill was heavy metal. By 1997, Plankeye transitioned to more of a classic rock feel with a few songs that make you want to snap your fingers to the rhythm of the beat.

For He says, I will declare Your [the Father’s] name to My brethren; in the midst of the [worshiping] congregation I will sing hymns of praise to You, Hebrews 2:12.

Today’s song Some Day is the first song on the One and the Other album. The lyrics of Some Day refer to individuals who don’t see eye to eye on an issue. When new Christians begin to interact with friends from their past, it may be hard to communicate why you decided to give your life to Jesus. Therefore, the prayers of many believers is to wait for the day when a non-believer begins to understand your faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Start Fighting on Your Knees

Posted on September 8, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Affray, battles, conflict, defensives, riot, skirmish and violence are all words associated with fighting. Fights could be physical in nature where two opponents come together to settle a score. On the other hand, fights tend to be more passive aggressive where individuals practice back biting using gossip and slander as a weapon. In a letter to the Church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul urges Christians to start fighting on their knees, Ephesians 6:10-20.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept and mourned for days and fasted and prayed [constantly] before the God of heaven, 5 And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments, Nehemiah 1:4-5.

Upon receiving news of Israel’s defeat at the hands of Babylon, Nehemiah immediately lifts up his troubles to the Lord. Feeling helpless as a servant to the king of Persia, Nehemiah weeps, mourns, fasts and prays. When you’re not in a position to take action, your next best option is to start fighting on your knees. According to chapter 1, Nehemiah fasted and prayed for 4 months until he received a clear vision on how to respond to this dire situation.

Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You day and night for the Israelites, Your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites which we have sinned against You. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses, Nehemiah 1:6-7.

In the 2015 film War Room, the tradition of Nehemiah is brought to light in a modern manner. An elderly woman of prayer develops a relationship with a younger woman whose family is falling a part. I guess when someone is desperate, you’ll try anything to turn your life around. Subsequently, this war room is a quiet place in your house that is devoted strictly to prayer. Once established in your current residence, you too can start fighting on your knees.

by Jay Mankus

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Mind Games

Posted on August 20, 2021 by expressyourself4him

As a teenage boy, I wasn’t charismatic or eloquent. I struggled to maintain a B average and entered high school at 5 feet tall and 100 pounds. While competing in sports was my first love, attractive females began to get my attention. Unfortunately, I was so small and quiet, that I was invisible when other guys were around. Subsequently, dating was something that I longed for, but was unable find someone that liked me more than a friend.

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

What made matters worse was a severe speech impediment. When I opened my mouth, I never knew if I was going to embarrass myself in class or actually spit something out. I could visualize what I wanted to say, but my mind would play tricks on me. The longer this condition persisted, I began to develop an ungodly belief that I would never be able to share what was in my heart and on my mind.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.

After entering into a personal relationship with Jesus as a sophomore in high school, I was introduced to the promises of the Bible. When I learned about my own internal struggles in Galatians 5:16-18, the miracles of Jesus gave me hope. My prayers began to focus on healing my stuttering so that this mind game would end. Twenty years after my condition was first diagnosed, the power of the Holy Spirit finally broke through. While the Devil still tries to remind me of my past, the Bible has steadied my faith as this spiritual mind game continues today.

by Jay Mankus

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When God’s People Pray

Posted on October 2, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Jesus told his 12 disciples to “watch and pray” three times. Based upon the context of Matthew 26:41, Mark 13:33, and Mark 14:38, this call to action occurs just prior to Jesus’ betrayal. When Christians don’t watch and pray, a willing spirit is swept aside to indulge earthly desires. Instead of telling the world to wait, few believers ever find their way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

While you also cooperate by your prayers for us [helping and laboring together with us]. Thus [the lips of] many persons [turned toward God will eventually] give thanks on our behalf for the grace (the blessing of deliverance) granted us at the request of the many who have prayed, 2 Corinthians 1:11.

In a letter to the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul views prayer as a cooperate duty. When you take the time to slow down, observe the environment and ongoing situations, prayer provides spiritual help to those in need. When God’s people pray, the lips of the lost eventually turn back toward God. Based upon the passage above, Paul regularly witnessed answers to prayers as God granted many of his requests.

It is a reason for pride and exultation to which our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world [generally] and especially toward you, with devout and pure motives and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God (the unmerited favor and merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, and keeps, strengthens, and increases them in Christian virtues), 2 Corinthians 1:12.

The more individuals see answers to their prayers, a sense of pride develops. Prayer isn’t seen as a waste of time babbling to an invisible God. Rather, as the power of prayer exerts holy influence over lost souls, faith is strengthened. If your current prayers aren’t being answered, you are either not praying according to God’s will or doubt is sabotaging the end result. As America enters a crisis of faith, make sure you watch and pray.

by Jay Mankus

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