Tag Archives: praying

A Marriage Makeover

Posted on March 3, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the beginning of this year, the Lord opened up my eyes to several areas in my life that I have neglected.  Unfortunately, my marriage of one of these, taking it for granted without putting the energy and time God desires for a Christian husband.  Thus, I’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting and praying about the best solution to revitalize my marriage.  The answer has come in the form of a marriage makeover.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, Ephesians 5:25.

After having three kids, one of our favorite television shows to watch as a family was Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with Ty Pennington.  ABC and corporate sponsors gave families who were down on their luck or recovering from a loss to have a fresh start.  Movies like The Ultimate Gift and Fire Proof have added practical ideas to apply daily which individuals can alter their perspective on life and enhance their ability to love.  These influences have inspired me to put a formula for a marriage makeover into my movie script.

House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord, Proverbs 19:14.

In the last two weeks, I’ve heard two sermons which have convinced me that I am on the right track.  Since a portion of my current script has a couple going through marriage counseling, I hope that I am able to communicate and portray a useful tool for struggling couples.  In a society that is trading in marriages like a used car, I pray that the final edit of Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door will be the next film to impact America in a positive manner.  Below are the themes I have woven into my script.

  1. Turn the television off and begin to create your own reality show.
  2. Invest time weekly in an activity of the others choice, talking about it over dinner or a walk so you don’t stop getting to know one another.
  3. Serve one another by stopping what you are doing to listen, love and pray together.
  4. Display unexpected acts of kindness to ignite passion and physical intimacy.

by Jay Mankus

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For Pete Sake

Posted on February 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As pitchers and catchers make their way to Spring Training in Florida and Arizona next week, this signifies the commencement of another Major League Baseball season.  Since baseball is the first sport I played as a kid, it holds a special place in my heart.  I remember watching Charlie Hustle, Pete Rose’s nickname, thinking, “that’s the way this game is suppose to be played.”  Unfortunately, Pete’s transgressions as a manager, placing bets on his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, has tarnished his image, making Rose ineligible for the Hall of Fame and banished from MLB.

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses,” Mark 11:25.

I played baseball for nine years, quitting after my sophomore year of high school to pursue golf.  However, my last coach played in the minor leagues with Pete Rose before blowing out his knee prior to ACL surgeries.  This injury motivated Coach Dillon to push his players, hoping one or more might reach the big leagues.  To my surprise, Pete Rose agreed to be our key note speaker at my final baseball banquet.  After major reconstructive surgery, I met with Pete for about five minutes before he spoke.  While everyone has their opinions of Pete in the media, he couldn’t have been nicer or more sincere.  This lasting memory makes me want to see a happy ending between Rose and Major League Baseball.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:32.

Sometimes pride prevents adults from doing the right thing.  Bad feelings, egos and revenge often get’s in the way, causing individuals to take grudges to their graves.  Thus, there is a segment of baseball people who still blame Pete Rose for commissioner Bart Giamatti’s death in 1989, the person who banned him for life.  Though Rose deserves to be banned from coaching and the front office, it doesn’t make sense to keep the all times hits leader out of the hall of fame.  Therefore, for Pete’s sake, don’t let this linger until his death like Shoeless Joe Jackson during the 1919 Black Sox scandal.  Rather, make Pete Rose eligible for the hall and allow the baseball writers to make the final call.  Let me know if you agree or disagree.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When Life Get’s in the Way of Your Plans

Posted on February 5, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The older you become, the more likely it is that one phone call will radically change your life.  Bad news has a way of stealing joy as well as altering any plans that you have previous made.  Just before Christmas, my wife’s mom was rushed to the hospital.  In the week’s that have followed, there have been ups and downs, resulting in a series of trips to Chicago to see her mother.  In the end, everyone will pass, but preparing for the inevitable is like riding a roller coaster in the dark.

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

In moments like these, the wisdom of Solomon shines light on what’s truly important.  Sure, developing goals are helpful to create a five or ten year plan for prosperity.  Yet, beyond a man’s or woman’s heart, the Lord will throw an occasional curve ball to keep you off balance.  Subsequently, if your steps aren’t in alignment with God’s calling, a detour will likely be coming, drawing you back to where you need to be.  Whether that’s taking care of an ailing parent or pursuing a promotion to keep get your children through college, only time will time.  Yet, for now life is like a wheel of fortune, around and around it goes, where it stops nobody but God knows.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them, Ephesians 2:10.

So what do you do when life get’s in the way of your plans?  First, praying can serve as a vehicle for healing as well as a source of comfort.  Second, seek counsel from those who have already gone through a similar situation.  This provides prospective as well as the ability to avoid making the same mistakes as your predecessor.  Finally, cling to the promises of the Bible, memorizing these passages to instill in you hope that God is not finished using and working through you.  May the Holy Spirit guide your steps the next time life get’s in the way of your plans.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Attitude Adjustment

Posted on January 5, 2016 by expressyourself4him

At one point as a high school teacher, I thought teenagers were the ones who needed an attitude adjustment.  Whenever certain students didn’t get their way, a scene would ensue, usually huffing and puffing their way into a tizzy.  Yet, as a coach for nearly two decades now, some parents model bad attitudes which their children often adopt.

After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:23, 25.

In some cases, people have the right to complain.  Especially, for those who have been accused or blamed for an act without a trial to prove their innocence.  However, the apostle Paul teaches those who over-react an important life lesson.  After being imprisoned for freeing a slave from her greedy masters, Paul turns to the only One who can maintain his temper.  In the face of adversity, Paul leaned on prayer and worship to calm his emotions.

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want, Galatians 5:17.

Based upon a letter written to the church at Galatia, the apostle Paul dealt with the source behind bad attitudes.  Human nature tends to feed on acts of the flesh which take the form of immoral behavior.  While some are considered worse than others, each of the fruits of this sinful nature can poison the attitudes of good people.  In view of these invisible forces, follow in the footsteps of Paul by turning your heart and minds toward prayer and worship.  By doing this you will be on your way toward completing a spiritual attitude adjustment.

by Jay Mankus

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While You Worship

Posted on December 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Sandra Bullock starred in the 1995 love story While You Were Sleeping.  After saving a man’s life from an on coming train, Peter played by Peter Gallagher falls into a coma where rumors alter and hide the truth.  In the real world, many people fall into spiritual comas, sleeping through most of life on earth.  Some individuals are revived, others perish and those remaining often become comfortably numb.  One of the solutions to snap of these mental states occur while you worship God.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them,” Acts 13:2.

In the 1992 film School Ties, Brendan Fraser plays a star quarterback recruited by a prestigious private boarding school.  The only problem is Brendan is Jewish and the school is Catholic.  Thus, this high school senior is encouraged to keep this a secret, pressured to adhere to foreign beliefs.  Whenever people are forced into doing something, its not naturally and can lead to future grudges.  The same can be said about children who feel forced to worship a God in whom they do not a relationship with.  Adults who grew up in this kind of atmosphere often stray far from the Lord, trying to figure life out on their own.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:25.

The Bible is filled with numerous examples and unlikely ways in which people can to faith.  However, without action, these emotions can die.  Thus, as seekers enter into God’s presence in the form of worship, spiritual awakenings commence.  There is something to be said of a house of worshipers in one accord and spirit.  Although this doesn’t come natural, energy in a building, a song or state of desperation can unleash a movement of God.  I can’t explain it, but when you find yourself on your knees, shouting at the top of your voice and raising your hands toward heaven, God can unveil wisdom about your past, present and future.  Don’t delay any further by joining a local congregation this weekend while you worship.

by Jay Mankus

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No Longer Impure

Posted on November 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of the by products of forgiving but not forgetting leaves behind a wake of tarnished reputations.  For those doing the judging, a divide is created separating the right from the wrong.  This mindset develops false assumptions, resulting in a belief that you and your ways are far superior than others.

“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean,” Acts 10:14.

Prior to his encounter with Cornelius, Peter believed that Gentiles were impure, based upon their consumption of unclean animals detailed within Leviticus.  While praying on a roof, Peter fell into a trace like state.  During this time, a vision from God was revealed to Peter to put an end his stereotypes of all Gentiles.  Through a series of events, Peter came to the conclusion that what you eat no longer makes you impure.

The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean,” Acts 10:15.

Today, there are too many individuals who have become conceded, filled with a “I’m better than you attitude.”  Subsequently, spirits of arrogance motivate those who are in positions of power or wealth.  Thus, its essential for the aloof to have a Peter like experience.  Although this won’t happen all at once, may the Lord help those blinded by pride to become enlightened by the the reality Gentiles are no longer impure.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Spiritual Earthquake

Posted on September 28, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The Weather Channel has a history of programs which illustrate strange weather phenomena.  Shows like It Could Happen Tomorrow are based upon ideal conditions which come together to create the perfect storm.  If this has happened in the past, can the same components result in a spiritual earthquake?

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly, Acts 4:31.

One of the first accounts of such of an event is recorded by a first century doctor.  It’s not uncommon for individuals to embellish, exaggerate or stretch the truth.  However, this characteristic is unusual for a respected man of medicine.  Although bizarre, a similar encounter occurs in the city of Philippi.  Sure, this region is known for earthquakes, but is it possible for prayer to create a movement of God which imitates this geological event?

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose, Acts 16:25-26.

Over the past thirty years, I’ve witnessed my own series of answered prayers, healing and miracles.  Although I’ve never experienced anything like these 2 stories in the Bible, I have sensed God’s presence.  During intense periods of prayer and moving worship services in the past, my heart, soul and mind have been energized by an invisible presence.  If you draw close enough to God, perhaps you too will encounter a spiritual earthquake inspired by the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

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Further Seems Forever

Posted on August 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

I may be one of the few people in America who still buys cassette tapes and CD’s, but when I uncover a hidden gem I can’t resist.  Although my desire to start my own Christian radio station faded years ago, I enjoy broadening my scope of musical genres.  Whether its alternative, hip hop, ska or techno, wholesome music soothes my soul.  Perhaps I skipped a decade, yet I’m glad I stumbled upon the group Further Seems Forever.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise, James 5:13.

This title reminds me of the times in life where I have strayed off course, abandoning God for the pleasures of this world.  Sin has a habit of distracting its willing participants longer than expected.  Subsequently, skipping church, reading the Bible or praying once can form a pattern.  Before you know it, days turn into weeks, months or possibly years, resulting in an extended vacation from God.

My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed, Psalm 71:23.

To make sure this slide doesn’t lead to eternal separation from God, drastic steps must be taken.  Forever Seems Forever suggests concentrating on how to start a spiritual fire within your heart.  While distance makes the heart grow fonder, temptation can paralyze victims through addiction.  Therefore, don’t let the sun go down today until you lift up your hands in prayer, open up the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to set your heart on fire.

by Jay Mankus

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Your Best… Your Very Best

Posted on August 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the film Facing the Giants, coach Grant Taylor played by Alex Kendrick, is stuck in a rut.  Staring at another mediocre season and concerned about getting fired, Grant turns to the Lord, praying for a possible solution.  After a sleepless night, this coach receives a revelation from God.  This answer reveals a new team motto, giving God your very best.

They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?- Mark 12:14

Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus faced an onslaught of questions from religious leaders.  Their goal was to trick Jesus with a series of hypothetical scenarios to publicly stump him.  This leads me to Jesus’ response to whether or not Jews should pay taxes.  The answer is priceless; not a Master Card commercial.  Rather, these words of wisdom speak to a greater truth.  Dedicating your life to the One who has instilled within you special gifts and talents.

They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied.  Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him, Mark 12:16-17.

In a society that loves to keep score, sometimes your best is overshadowed by the winner or winners.  In fact, some may get discouraged, starting to think that you’re efforts are worthless or a failure.  Despite what others may do or say, Coach Taylor’s message to his team applies today to everyone.  Don’t let a lack of recognition stop your quest of discovering God’s will.  Instead, be still, mediate on the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to spur you on to give God your best, your very best.

by Jay Mankus

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A Sixth Sense

Posted on July 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to 1999, the sense of taste, touch, sight, smell and feel were the major focus of scientists.  However, following the release of the Sixth Sense featuring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment, elements of the supernatural have come to light.  Child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crow, played by Willis, fails to help a patient, discounting the voices he heard.  Thus, when he is hired to help Cole Sear, played by Joel, each discover the reality of a sixth sense.

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake, 1 Kings 19:11.

The prophet Elijah is one of the first to uncover a spiritual sixth sense.  Following an encounter with an angel, Elijah goes up on a mountainside waiting to hear a message God.  Like a science experiment, the Lord sends a series of natural phenomena: earthquake, wild fire and tornado.  Forced to sort through these events, Elijah came to the conclusion that God was not behind these three natural disasters.  Using discernment, Elijah waits patiently, eventually being rewarded by hearing God’s whisper.

After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper, 1 Kings 19:12.

While I do not consider myself to be a prophet, I can relate to Cole from a spiritual sense.  Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks to me when I read the Bible, enlightened by a new truth that is revealed.  Occasionally, I may have a dream, vision or sense things either during or after praying.  Yet, the moment I unplug from the Bible, prayer and worship, my sense of discernment disappears.  Therefore, if you want to draw near to God, stay connected to the vine, John 15:5 and you too will discover a spiritual sixth sense.

by Jay Mankus

 

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