Tag Archives: resurrection

Opening the Door of Faith

Posted on December 27, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Back in the days where common courtesy reigned, men would open the door for ladies.  Whether you were entering a building, car or home, gentlemen put the opposite sex first, waiting patiently until girls or women went before them.  However, throughout history God regularly poured out his mercy, sending grace like rain upon the oppressed.

On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles, Acts 14:27.

In the middle of the first century, arrogance filled Jewish leaders, making Gentiles, those living outside of Israel feel like lesser human beings.  As Paul and Barnabas began their earthly ministry, this attitude offended these men of God.  Thus, instead of attempting to reach Jews with the good news about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, these apostles turned their attention to the Gentiles, opening the door of faith to all nations.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me, Revelation 3:20.

In a vision, John, the disciple whom Jesus loved uses the illustration of a door to explain an new opportunity to connect with God.  This analogy has Jesus knocking at a door.  However, this doesn’t belong to a building.  This door is like a human heart, which Jesus wants to enter.  Yet, the Lord doesn’t force himself into your life,  Rather, you have to exercise free will, opening this door of faith on your own.  May the Christmas spirit inspire those who have drifted away from the Lord to come back home by opening the door of faith.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Prayers that are Electric

Posted on September 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There is something magical about prayer.  Whether you are praying with someone in person, over the phone or alone at night, answers, healing or progress may be invisible, but come to fruition over time.  Meanwhile, every once in a while prayers can be electric.

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering, Mark 5:27-29.

The first mention of a prayer producing electricity is found in the Gospel of Mark.  A woman spent 12 years of her life visiting doctors without ever seeing any results.  Broke and desperate, testimonies of the power of Jesus convinced this woman that Jesus was her last resort.  Thus, the moment she touched his cloak, power flowed out of Jesus’ body.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”  Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.  He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering,” Mark 5:30, 33-34.

In Sunday’s episode of Project afterlife, Freddy Vest recounts a similar story.  During a rodeo competition,  Freddy falls off his horse, exhausted by the Texas heat; dying of a massive heart attack.  Awestruck, the PA announcer tells the crowd to cry out to God in prayer.  Prior to his resurrection several hours later, Freddy witnessed flashes of lightning.  Each prayer lit up a dark room he briefly visited.  Eventually, these electric prayers brought Freddy back from the dead.  When all hope seems lost, don’t forget that sincere prayers of the heart can be electric.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Resting in Hope

Posted on September 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bAbAMXtiPM

Fifty years ago, most families consisted of a husband, wife and children.  In those days, moms stayed at home, taking care of the kids while the father was usually the main bread winner.  Over the last half century, this sight is rare, like a species of animals on the verge of extinction.  Subsequently, adults are now working nights, weekends or two jobs just to keep up with their monthly bills.  The idea of resting in hope is a fantasy for many tired souls.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, Acts 2:26.

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter was filled with peace.  Looking back on the last few months, the hand of God on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection began to make sense.  This clarity boosted the spirits of the disciples.  Despite Jesus’ absence following his ascension into heaven, a metamorphosis was ongoing in the hearts and minds of God’s people.  Peter attributes this reformation due to resting in hope.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all, 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Stress has an opposite effect on individuals, leading to restless nights.  A by product of stress, worry induces doubt, causing minds to wonder if things will ever improve.  This is where I am from time to time, struggling to remain optimistic.  Nonetheless, when I reach low points in life, I am reminded of the promises in the Bible.  The more I hear and read these words, I begin to rest in hope.

by Jay Mankus

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Rehab

Posted on September 2, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The term rehabilitation was initially associated with individuals who had lost their battle with alcohol or drugs, needing intervention to break free from addiction.  However, as the medical field expands, anyone who has minor or major surgery is expected to rehab before receiving a clean bill of health.  Unfortunately, not everyone who enters rehab recovers completely, relapsing into back habits or experiencing reoccurring pain from previous injuries.

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons, Mark 16:9.

Whenever you research the Bible, you must realize there are various theories which exist.  Sometimes to make their point, scholars can jump to conclusions or reach, trying to validate their belief.  Such is the case of Mary Magdalene whom Gnostics suggest was secretly married to Jesus.  Since Jesus visits her first after his resurrection, surely there must be something going on.  Yet, when you examine the character of Jesus throughout the 4 gospels, Jesus is most likely checking up on one of his former patients like a doctor, making sure her spiritual rehab is going well.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline, 2 Timothy 1:7.

Speculation will always happen, especially among those who seek to know everything.  Yet, from first hand experience, rehab can be grueling.  Following my collapsed lung and two broken ribs eight teen months ago, my body still hasn’t fully recovered.  Laying or moving the wrong way is a subtle remainder of the pain I endure.  However, there is nothing worse than losing a spiritual battle to an addiction, allowing the devil to have a foothold on your life.  This form of rehab can continue throughout life or take some to the grave way too early.  May the promise of 2 Timothy 1:7 help regain control and lead to victory in the near future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Dark Noon

Posted on August 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Back in the days when Western movies reigned supreme, each film had a classic duel.  Flicks like Showdown at the Ok Corral highlight the typical gun fight in the center of town, usually at high noon.  Not quite like the days of gladiators at the Roman Colosseum, these battles left the winner on both feet with the loser buried in the local cemetery.  Thus, high noon was bright for the victor and dark for the family of the victim.

At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, Mark 15:33.

According to Josephus, a first century historian, he refers to a cosmic event which coincides with the death of Jesus.  Three other famous historians throughout the Middle East mention a dark noon, a global event where day turned to night.  Although an exact time is not specified, John Mark claims this once in a life time event lasted three hours.  Similar to westerns, following the duel between God and Satan, Jesus lost his life.

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:7-8.

However, this is not where the story ends.  Though some theologians mention purgatory, a mythical place where Jesus spent time prior to his resurrection, many disagree.  While this debate continues today, no one will know for sure until this question is answered in heaven.  For now, the best thing to do is to keep watch, armed with the armor of God, Ephesians 6:12-20.  Therefore, whether its high noon or midnight, be prepared for the attacks of the Devil.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Day Inside the Praetorium

Posted on August 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

From time to time, people will pass by notorious places.  Sometimes flying over in the air, viewing while using mass transit or stopping in person to visit.  Welcome centers, videos playing on a loop and signs will communication important landmarks.  However, nothing can truly tell the whole story of what happened one fateful day inside the Praetorium.

Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him, Mark 15:19.

The Praetorium depicted in the Bible is where the magistrates, Roman leaders met to do official business.  After being arrested by soldiers, Jesus was led into this palace where a bad day gradually got worse.  Jesus was mocked, spit on, punched out and impaled by a crown with 2″ long thorns.  After the commotion concluded, Jesus was led out into the streets of Jerusalem holding the cross He would die upon.

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood, Hebrews 12:4.

Reading this portion of the Bible again gives me a different perspective when I’m having a bad day.  Sure, disappointment, heartache and pain is a hard pill to swallow, yet nothing compares to the fate Jesus endured.  Thus, the next time you think you’re life is a wreck, remember this selfless act on the cross.  Although Good Friday began at the Praetorium, new life was made possible 3 days later through the resurrection.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Shaken

Posted on July 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Confidence is something that is not always visible, especially in those who are guarded, laid back and stoic.  However, competitors have a keen sense when someone is about to crumble, like a shark drawn to blood in the water.  Whether its displayed through body language, fear in someone’s eyes or a loss of composure, these warning signals empower opponents to press on toward victory.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline, 2 Timothy 1:7.

This is what makes sports fascinating for me to watch.  Regardless of the sport, every season possesses at least one shocking upset, unthinkable initially until momentum causes the confidence of an individual or team to be shaken.  While most recover the following day or season, some never reach their full potential, permanently damaged from this life altering event.

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught, Proverbs 3:26.

The same can be said about careers, jobs and positions in life.  You may find a dream job where you flourish, maximizing your God-given talents.  However, new leadership, management or ownership changes your job description, finds someone to replace you or eliminates your department completely.  This reality has impacted many Americans resulting in shattered confidence and broken dreams.

I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me, Galatians 2:20.

To recover requires prayer, a support system and mental toughness similar to the early church.  After Jesus died, his twelve disciples were on the verge on disbanding.  However, the resurrection transformed these men, restoring their confidence and emboldening their faith.  If this blog finds you down in the dumps, may the promise of the resurrection lift your spirits as you attempt to regain the confidence that you’ve lost from prior disappointments.

by Jay Mankus

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Temporary Healing

Posted on June 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_lVfBwmNjM

If you channel surf enough, sooner or later you will come across an evangelist who claims to possess the gift of healing.  Hollywood responded to these individuals in 1992 with the film Leap of Faith starring Steve Martin.  Over the years, responsible Christians have investigated each healing to insure believers aren’t being deceived or misled.  Unfortunately, researchers have found many of the participants on these programs, shows and revivals to experience only temporary healing.

He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around, Mark 8:24.

Perhaps, this is what a blind man from Bethsaida went through during his encounter with Jesus.  The first attempt to restore this person’s sight resulted in blurred vision.  Thus, even Jesus had to perform a second healing, placing holy spit, saliva into his eyes.  Modern leaders who possess the gift of healing usually don’t get another chance to lay hands on someone.  Subsequently, disappointed souls spend the rest of their lives wondering why their healing wasn’t permanent.

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:25.

You don’t have to be sick to experience temporary healing.  Individuals can also have prayers that are answered initially only to have the conclusion that you seek fall apart over time.  Agony, doubt and frustration are common emotions people endure throughout their lives.  In reality, all things on earth are temporary according to the apostle Paul.  Therefore, whether your body is acting up, healed or just hanging, permanent healing won’t arrive until you reach heaven’s doors.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable, 1 Corinthians 15:42.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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You Just Don’t Get It Do You

Posted on June 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Have you ever been clueless, left in the dark or lost?  Are you a quick learner or does it take you longer than the average person to understand something?  Whatever the situation, you may experience a moment or subject that you just don’t get.  Today’s title sounds like something that I heard numerous times from my parents in my youth.

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? – Mark 8:17

One day Jesus struggled with the lack of discernment that his disciples possessed.  Despite witnessing miracles daily, these godly men were mental midgets, regularly missing the point of Jesus’ actions.  Thus, Jesus appears to be frustrated in the passage above as if to say, “you just don’t get it do you?”

Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? – Mark 8:18

Today, Christians often walk around defeated, void of the power of the Holy Spirit.  Instead of walking by faith, selfish servants of God tend to demand a sign as if the resurrection wasn’t enough.  Unfortunately, out of sight, out of mind also refers to believers who are struggling to make sense of their current situation in life.  When communication with the Lord fades, frustrated souls just want to know if they are on the right track or not.  The sooner you acknowledge that you don’t have a clue, the greater the likelihood that God will shine light on your prayers and concerns.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Clouds of Darkness

Posted on May 31, 2015 by expressyourself4him

It doesn’t always take a meteorologist or radar to predict a pending storm.  Temperatures may drop, wind gusts rise and skies blacken to serve as a warning sign.  Before the thunder claps, streams of showers on the horizon begin to fall like a ballet in the distance.  However, until it comes, nobody knows what’s hidden in the clouds of darkness.

This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.  For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet.  No one was strong enough to subdue him, Mark 5:3-4.

Besides weather, clouds of darkness can hover over individuals.  Elements could be demonic, a product of bad environments or caused by poor decisions.  In this state, people can take a change for the worse, often reaching a place where they appear to lose their mind.  Loved ones become helpless, unable to snap friends, neighbors and co-workers out of the spell, veiled by a cloud of darkness.

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid, Mark 5:15.

Prior to the arrival of Jesus, those held hostage by these clouds were helpless.  However, resurrection power changed the fate of those living in darkness forever.  Today, healing is just a prayer away.  Complete restoration doesn’t usually occur overnight.  Rather, ungodly beliefs take time to be purged, cleansed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  If clouds of darkness start to surround you, may the Lord of Light stand with you until the storm is over.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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