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Avoiding Another Hagar Scenario

Posted on May 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Forcing the issue usually doesn’t work out well in the end. Perhaps, this is what concerned Abraham about allowing Isaac to accompany Eliezer to find a future wife. Whenever something is not meant to be or not God’s will for your life, there’s a temptation to intervene to alter your destiny. This sense of desperation led Sarah to allow her maidservant Hagar to have a child with Abraham.

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, Genesis 24:6-8.

Whether you’re playing the role of an adult, coach, parent or teacher, anytime a child is specifically told not to do something, there’s the temptation to do the exact opposite. The apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 7:13-18. Even when God clearly lays out his expectations in Genesis 2:15-17 to Adam and Eve, the urge to cross this line comes naturally via freewill. Subsequently, Isaac is prevented from taking part in the search of his wife.

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, See here, the Lord has restrained me from bearing [children]. I am asking you to have intercourse with my maid; it may be that I can obtain children by her. And Abram listened to and heeded what Sarai said. 3 So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her Egyptian maid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his [secondary] wife. 4 And he had intercourse with Hagar, and she became pregnant; and when she saw that she was with child, she looked with contempt upon her mistress and despised her, Genesis 16:1-4.

Learning lessons from past mistakes may be painful at times, but 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 illustrates why its important to live and learn. Whenever you add desperation to human nature, minds don’t think clearly. Especially, if you’re tempted to seek an alternative solution on your own. May the passage above serve as a warning to avoid going outside of God’s will to achieve something you really want. Let go and let God lead the way.

by Jay Mankus

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Asking God about the How’s and Why’s in Life

Posted on February 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Regardless of the relationship that you are in, there will come a time when one individual will want more of a commitment or greater depth. If there isn’t a mutual consent or feeling, questions will be raised like, “don’t you love me?” This will force one person to explain their position. From a spiritual perspective, there are many times in my life that God and I weren’t on the same page. I expected one particular outcome and received a less desired result. This opens the door for my next why God prayer.

And Abram said, Lord God, what can You give me, since I am going on [from this world] childless and he who shall be the owner and heir of my house is this [steward] Eliezer of Damascus? 3 And Abram continued, Look, You have given me no child; and [a servant] born in my house is my heir. 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, This man shall not be your heir, but he who shall come from your own body shall be your heir, Genesis 15:2-4.

One of God’s servants finds himself in a similar position in the passage above. Three chapters after beginning his journey with God in Genesis 12, Abram has several questions that he wants God to explain. Abram was searching for clarity while he was waiting on the promise of becoming the father of a great nation. Abram’s main concern is that his wife Sarai is barren, and both aren’t getting any younger. Abram is eager to know how this is going to become a reality.

 And He said to him, I am the [same] Lord, Who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees to give you this land as an inheritance. 8 But he [Abram] said, Lord God, by what shall I know that I shall inherit it? – Genesis 15:7-8

King Solomon addresses this topic in Proverbs 19:21. Human nature paints a picture of how your life should go from a logical perspective. While you may have several plans for the future, the Lord’s purpose will ultimately prevail. This mindset leads Abram to think one of his servants, Eliezer of Damascus, will be how God starts the nation of Israel. After this back and forth of why God, the waiting game begins as God will make everything beautiful in His time, Ecclesiastes 3:11. May Abram’s faith journey serve as a teachable moment to help you discover God’s will and future for your own life.

by Jay Mankus

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An Image of Leadership in Progress

Posted on February 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

First impressions can be powerful and disappointing. Whenever an individual doesn’t live up to your expectation, there will be a permanent strain on this relationship. This is how I felt about Abram who eventually changed his name to Abraham. Shortly after Abram is introduced by Moses in Genesis 12, he chooses lying rather trusting God, Proverbs 3:5-6. Based upon the actions of his son Isaac when placed into a similar situation, Genesis 26:7, one of Abram’s spiritual legacies is as a liar.

And they also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods away with them. 13 Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew [one from the other side], who was living by the oaks or terebinths of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and of Aner—these were allies of Abram. 14 When Abram heard that [his nephew] had been captured, he armed (led forth) the 318 trained servants born in his own house and pursued the enemy as far as Dan, Genesis 14:12-14.

Yet, my perception of Abram began to change after reading Genesis 14. While every human being has fallen short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23, Abram’s swift action in the passage above paints a different picture than just someone who struggles to tell the truth. When a family member was placed into immediate danger, Abram jumps into action by forming a squadron of 318 men. Although Moses is silent on their training prior to battle. Moses presents Abram as a leader in progress.

He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and attacked and routed them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods and also brought back his kinsman Lot and his possessions, the women also and the people, Genesis 14:15-16.

The apostle Paul writes about the unfinished work among members of the Church in Philippi, Philippians 1:6. Another letter to the Church at Ephesus compares Christians to God’s craftsman, called to act, built and complete what God has called you to do, Ephesians 2:10. Abraham doesn’t become a member of the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, for lying. Rather, Abram was a work in progress just like you and me. May we all learn from Abram’s faith journey so that we become obedient to God’s calling in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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The Line Between Seizing the Day and Being a Workaholic

Posted on November 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As an aspiring screen writer, I spend as much of my free time away from work writing. Unfortunately, my productivity is often inconsistent. Every once in a while, I will seize every spare moment that I have. Meanwhile, the majority of my days are a struggle as exhaustion keeps me from fulfilling my weekly writing goals. Yet, when I pursue my writing schedule with a passion, I find myself crossing the line from productive toward a workaholic.

Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching, Luke 10:38-39.

The Line between seizing the day and being a workaholic is indirectly touched on by Jesus during an encounter with two sisters. Martha is the doer of the family, always working hard to make sure every meal is prepared for the family. After cooking is complete, Martha races to straighten up the house and vacuum before anyone arrives. Meanwhile, Mary is a people person, eager to get caught up on how everything is going in your life. Before Jesus arrives, Martha is upset by the lack of help she receives.

But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! 41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 There is need of only one or but [i]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [[j]that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her, Luke 10:40-42.

In the passage above, Jesus draws the line between working hard and missing out on why we are here on earth. God created human beings to be in relationships with one another. When individuals become so busy and consumed by work that they ignore the people right in front of you, you are a workaholic. Like AA, the first step to recovery is acknowledging that you have a problem. Therefore, my name is Jay Mankus and I am a workaholic. I spent most of my days like Martha rather than enjoying relationships like Mary. May we all strive to seize each day centered around relationships and not just work.

by Jay Mankus

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Partners in the Fellowship

Posted on February 7, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The book definition of partner is a person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, especially in a business or company with shared risks and profits. These relationships are often described as associates, colleagues, or teammates. When partners become intimate, terms such as soul mate are more appropriate as these individuals become focused on a common goal.

So then, those who are people of faith are blessed and made happy and favored by God [as partners in fellowship] with the believing and trusting Abraham, Lamentations 4:10.

Meanwhile, a fellowship is formed when multiple people form a friendly association based upon a shared interest. This joint venture often results in the establishment of a church, a safe place where people of faith can come together to reinforce their biblical beliefs. This is the context of the passage above as Jeremiah refers to the Jewish faith, partners in the fellowship due to their spiritual forefather Abraham.

Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor; 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie down together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against him who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

King Solomon illustrates the power of partners in the passage above. Solomon highlights the fact that there is power in numbers. Jehan Palsgrave was the first to record the expression “the more the merrier” in 1530. This mindset that the larger the number of participants, the greater the fun applies today in the context of a church. As one body with many parts, 1 Corinthians 12:1-7, with each possessing unique spiritual gifts, officially joining a church makes it possible to become partners in the Fellowship of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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A Case Study in Religion vs. Relationships

Posted on February 3, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Religion is an interest that a pursuer ascribes to as their supreme importance. This pursuit results in a particular system of faith as individuals believe in and worship a personal God or gods. Meanwhile, relationships are the way in which two or more people are connected and behave toward each other. Relationships can be traced back to a common alliance, bond, or connection based upon shared values. Religion tends to focus on teetotalism, a rigid following of a clearly defined set of rules. Depending upon your own personal desire, relationships can be kept at an arms length, drawn closer, or become intimate.

For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself, Galatians 5:14.

This case study begins with a first century sect referred to as the Judaizers. These Jewish converts to Christianity did not want to abandon their Old Testament heritage. Instead of focusing on their newly formed relationship with Jesus, the Judaizers overemphasized a strict adherence to Jewish customs. The leaders of this group convinced Gentile members of the Church in Galatia to become circumcised. Instead of following the apostles teaching in Romans 10:9-10, the Judaizers claimed that if you really wanted to be saved, “you need to to adopt Jewish customs and practices found in the Torah.”

But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another, Galatians 5:15.

The opposite side of this study is a woman who took relationships to the extreme. Unable to find love in normal relationships, Mary turned to prostitution, selling her body to unfulfilled men. Despite the money Mary made, the void in her heart remained. Instead of developing a physical attraction toward Jesus, a spiritual hunger was conceived. Eager to discover meaning in life, Mary becomes a follower of Jesus, trying to reconcile all the poor decisions of her past. Based upon the actions taken in John 12:3, Mary was closely listening to Jesus’ teaching. Perhaps a sign of contrition, Mary takes an expensive bottle of perform and anoints Jesus’ feet.

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God), Galatians 5:16.

The passage above offers a solution to souls wrestling with religion verses relationships. While religion provides a sense of direction, relationships offer freewill to choose your level of commitment. According to the apostle Paul, there is an internal tug of war going on within your mind daily. Instead of feeling forced to go to church or behave in a certain manner, walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit. As Christians begin to develop a permanent meaningful lasting relationship with Jesus, you will want to go to church, pray and read the Bible. When you embrace the freedom Jesus offers, faith replaces the need for religion. Thus, choose the abundant life Jesus promises by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

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PERMA

Posted on October 10, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The technical term PERMA is an acronym for a model of well-being put forth by Martin Seligman. Seligman is considered a pioneer in in the field of positive psychology. PERMA consists of five important building blocks of well-being and happiness. The P stands for positive emotions, E for engagement, R for relationships, M for mission and A for accomplishments. This model was designed to help those individuals who have experienced post traumatic stress disorder and want to overcome this through a major comeback mentally.

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore, Psalm 16:11.

The Bible compliments the PERMA model through a series of promises. Whenever you are on the road to recovery, doubt is one of the greatest obstacles, filling your mind with unbelief. Following a grueling injury while running a cross country race in high school, my doctors weren’t optimistic of me making a full recovery. After seeing the x-rays of my torn tendons, I was told that I would never run again, a permanent screw would have to be placed into my ankle, and I’d probably walk with a limp the rest of my life.

If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love. 11 I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing, John 15:10-11.

At this time as a 16 year old, I wasn’t aware of the power of prayer. The day before my operation I was mobbed by Christian friends who laid hands on me, praying for a successful surgery. Twenty four hours later, the chief surgeon at Thomas Jefferson Hospital was amazed, explaining this procedure to me after I woke up. Like a skeptic who became open to the power of God, my ankle magically popped into place after twisting it back into where it belonged. Although I never heard of PERMA until listening to a recent sermon, I understood the importance of removing doubt from your mind before you pray, Matthew 21:19-22. May prayer be your PERMA.

by Jay Mankus

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Overusing the Enjoyments of this Life

Posted on July 6, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul uses the Greek word koʹsmos in a letter to the church at Corinth. When translated into English, this refers to the figure and form of the world. Meanwhile, the book of Galatians goes into further details in what is described as desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:19-21. These natural tendencies begin with sexual immorality and end in full blown lust. Perhaps, this is what Paul means by overusing the enjoyments of this life.

And those who deal with this world [overusing the enjoyments of this life] as though they were not absorbed by it and as if they had no dealings with it. For the outward form of this world (the present world order) is passing away, 1 Corinthians 7:31.

At the beginning of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul mentions a letter sent to him by members of the church inquiring about marriage, relationships and remaining single. This entire chapter is devoted to educating Christians to a biblical world view on these topics as well as including Paul’s own opinion. As a man who felt called to remain single, Paul wasn’t distracted by the enjoyments of life which other men were tempted by and often indulged in.

My desire is to have you free from all anxiety and distressing care. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord; 1 Corinthians 7:32.

In the passage above, Paul reveals the secret to his spiritual success, free from the anxiety and distress of relationships. Instead, Paul’s mind is able to clearly focus on the things of the Lord. Like anything in life, the less distracted you are, the easier it is to concentrate on fulfilling God’s will for your life. Colossians 3:1-4 provides advice for overusing temporary pleasures. When hearts are set on eternity, pleasing the Lord is made possible by purging and taking captive distracting thoughts from your mind, 2 Corinthians 10:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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Close to Your Heart and Near to Your Lips

Posted on March 1, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Whenever you hear someone talking about a heart or lips, the context often refers to a physical relationship. While ease-dropping, you might discover that a friend is in love. Or an obnoxious and rude customer boasts loudly about hooking up with a woman last night. When love is in the air, even quiet and shy individuals open up to express the good news of a significant other.

But what does it say? The Word (God’s message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, Romans 10:8.

In a letter to the church of Rome, the apostle Paul uses heart and lips in a spiritual context. Possibly referencing the words of King Solomon in Proverbs 4:23, the heart is the well spring of human bodies. Meanwhile, lips are the gateway to your mouth. When hearts and lips work hand in hand, beautiful expressions such as confession, encouragement and honesty flow.

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved Romans 10:9.

Although different personalities exist, baptism is symbolic of a public expression for an inner faith. Remaining silent about a personal relationship with God is not an option. Thus, Paul compels believers to come out of your shell by verbalizing what is in your heart. Faith provides the opportunity for what is close to your heart and near to your lips. May this blog inspire you to find an avenue to express your faith daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Stopping to Take a Deep Breathe

Posted on September 23, 2019 by expressyourself4him

The idiom “taking a deep breathe” refers to pausing for a moment to calm and compose yourself. If you work in a stressful environment like me, taking a personal day or vacation is essential to prevent emotional or physical burnout from occurring. Removing yourself from deadlines, hectic circumstances and pressure for a while is good for your own mental health.

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth,” Psalm 46:10.

One of the Psalms of the Bible is entitled God the Refuge His people. This chapter is dedicated to the chief musician. The sons of Korah wrote this song, Psalm 46, set to soprano voices. The end of this piece contains one of the most famous and quoted stanzas of the Bible. When disappointment, hardships or trials begin to stress you out, the Psalmist urges believers to slow down by being still before God.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower], Psalm 46:11.

No matter how many friends or relationships you may have, there will always be at least one moment in time where no one will know what to say to you. When comfort can not be found by human means, the Lord is always available. Thus, when you reach a point of despair, stop to take a deep breathe. As you do, pour out your heart to God in prayer so that Selah is achieved, a peace that surpasses all understanding.

by Jay Mankus

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