Tag Archives: sacrifice

Even When It Hurts

Posted on January 26, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Abuse, damage, injuries and pain are synonymous with hurt.  When the course of life turns in your favor, contentment, happiness and joy are expected.  However, as the tables turn, sending unexpected storms and trials, the true nature of a human being is unveiled.  In the heat of the moment, how will you respond to adversity?  One of the strangest stories of the Bible’s highlights this point, doing what’s even when it hurt.

Jephthah was a mighty warrior, following in the footsteps of Gideon, Judges 11:1.  Jephthah was moved by the Spirit of God prior to a battle with the Ammonites, prompted to make a vow to the Lord.  According to Judges 11:30-31, Jephthah promised to sacrifice the first living creature he came across on his way back home.  Perhaps speaking before thinking things through, this victorious leader didn’t see a soul until his one and only daughter came out to greet him.  Yes, this passage seems like a scene from Forrest Gump, “stupid is as stupid does,” Judges 11:34-37.  Nonetheless, this is one of those head scratching verses of the Bible that illustrates keeping your promises, even when it hurts.

The story of Jephthah lives on today as a painful reminder for those make vows without contemplating the price to be paid.  David likely eludes to Jephthah in Psalm 15:4, emphasizing the importance of doing what you say.  Solomon also appears to be moved by this principle, adding the thought process one should go through before making any vows, Ecclesiastes 5:4-6.  In an age where many children have lost faith in their parents, letting them down time after time, make sure you keep your word even when it hurts.

by Jay Mankus

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Finding The Real You

Posted on January 7, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you enter a high school as a parent, visit a college with your child or observe your own workplace, people are trying so hard to fit in that it is easy to forget the real you.  Thinking they aren’t good enough on their own to be accepted by their peers, individuals seek to emulate Hollywood stars and pop culture to find approval.  Behind this mask, a heart, soul and mind wrestle between reality and the facade you are living.  This suppression blinds many youth from discovering the real you, often leaving a trail of remorse, regret and shame.

History isn’t exempt from this dilemma as one of the Bible’s greatest characters struggled with his own self image.  According to Genesis 25:27-28, Jacob was a mama’s boy early on.  Not blessed with the physical talents of his twin brother, Jacob was quiet, staying at home afraid to compete against the other boys his age.  Fearful of being exposed as a wimp, Jacob became a humble servant around the house, doing whatever his mother told him.  When the time came from receiving the birthrate from his father Isaac, Genesis 27, Jacob felt like he had to dress, look and smell like Esau to earn dad’s blessing.  Several thousand years later, teenagers across the country find themselves in Jacob’s shoes.

While speaking to Jesus in the dark, John 3:1-9, Nicodemus was searching for the meaning of life, knowing deep down in his heart that following the laws of the Pharisees wasn’t the answer.  Privy to the truth, the disciples of Jesus receive greater insight in Matthew 16:24-27 to eternal life.  The secret to finding the real you is through surrender.  As Michael W. Smith once sang about, “Love isn’t love until you give it away!”  Despite being a paraphrased version of Jesus’ words, the moment you yield your body as a life offering to the Lord of Creation, Romans 12:1-2, the Holy Spirit unveils the real you in the form of God’s good, pleasing and perfect will.  Let the words of scripture guide you toward the path of righteousness, Psalm 119:105.

by Jay Mankus

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Striking It Rich

Posted on September 9, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The advent of reality television has spawned a different kind of gold rush as contestants, individuals and a select few are willing to risk everything, even their reputation to strike it rich.  According to the Writers Guild of America in an article written by Charles Slocum, Allen Funt can be credited as the founder of reality television through his 1948 series Candid Camera.  One year prior, Funt’s radio project entitled Candid Microphone has inspired the recent rage in reality programing featured on nearly every cable channel.  Whether this new fad fizzles out soon is unclear, yet one thing is certain, people will continue to endure embarrassment as long as a pot of gold exists at the end of the rainbow.

The Bible provides an alternative perspective on striking it rich.  Prior to his death, the apostle Paul shares words of wisdom to a young pastor in a chapter to Timothy.  Paul’s first advice is to develop the right mindset, 1 Timothy 6:6, focusing on what you have rather than allow envy to steer your attention toward what others have acquired.  Next, Paul urges this teenager to listen to the right voice, 1 Timothy 6:9.  The Greek word used for desire means to have an unshakable thirst for more; thus Paul recommends the message he shared to believers in Rome, Romans 8:5-13.  Finally, if you are blessed with money in this life, maintain the proper attitude described in 1 Timothy 6:17.  By doing this, you can strike it rich spiritually.

Unfortunately, applying these words takes sacrifices, time and a world of adjustment.  While some may be called to a life of poverty like Mother Teresa, others have squandered their wealth like the prodigal son, Luke 15:13-17.  Meanwhile, many have simply buried their talents, afraid of disappointment, failure or rejection, Matthew 25:24-28.  The words of Moses still ring true today, a guide for those hoping to strike it rich, Deuteronomy 30:15-16.  If beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, then riches dwell in the hearts of those who store up treasures for the after life, Matthew 6:19-21.  Begin your pursuit today!

by Jay Mankus

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My Two Cents

Posted on March 17, 2013 by expressyourself4him

During my junior year of college, I once attended a local church in Newark, Delaware, in walking distance of the University of Delaware campus.  Up to this point, I had never experienced a pentecostal worship service.  Beside realizing I couldn’t keep a beat or stay on clap with the regular members, something unusual happened during the tithe.  I have heard of 2 different offerings occasionally, one for the church and another for missions or a needy family.  However, this church had the quickest counters I have ever seen, informing the pastor after the song, there wasn’t enough money collected.

Since I was a typically college student at the time, poor with a few singles and some change in my pocket, I passed on my first opportunity to give.  Moments later, the pastor began preaching on Malachi 3:6-10, so I obliged giving nearly half of what I had in my wallet.  Just when I thought the actual sermon would begin, this preacher began to shout, “yelling you have to give until it hurts,” like the widow in Mark 12:41-44, informing the ushers to make one more pass around the pews.  Although the message he was trying to communicate was clear, this pastor’s tone turned my roommates and I off, never stepping foot into that church again.

I believe tithing is like going to church, reading the Bible or praying.  If someone forces you to do any of these biblical principles, you may agree to do it, yet there is a void which exists within your heart.  When you take ownership of your faith, you want to go to church, read the Bible and pray.  Therefore, your heart is the key to giving, which led the widow to offer up her 2 copper coins worth a fraction of a modern penny in Mark 12.  For what it is worth, my two cents are give in secret, Matthew 6:3-4 and give back to others what God has bestowed upon you, Galatians 6:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

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From a Mountain Top to the Valley of Despair

Posted on February 11, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Throughout the course of history, unusual events have occurred which defy the laws of gravity.  Skeptics argue that reality has been embellished, like a fishing story, changing each time it is told.  Meanwhile, just when it appears you understand the mind of God, a twist of fate leaves you dumbfounded, unable to comprehend why something happened.

On top of Mount Carmel, like a classic western movie, Elijah challenges King Ahab’s prophets to a duel.  However, guns are replaced by fire, with the winner burning up the hopes of the loser’s god.  According to 1 Kings 18:36-39, Elijah was victorious as the Lord God answered his prayer, sending fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice soaked in water.  Unfortunately, this mountain top experience was short lived.

When a king is publicly embarrassed, it usually doesn’t go well for the man that brought him disgrace.  Being a poor loser, King Ahab complains to his wife, the most wicked woman in the kingdom, 1 Kings 19:1.  Not ready to accept defeat, Queen Jezebel fires back with a death threat, vowing to send a hitman to kill Elijah, 1 Kings 19:2.  Forgetting the power of God, Elijah ran down the mountain into a valley of despair, wanting to die than face this trial, 1 Kings 19:3-4.

The average person lives in this valley, where heartbreak, pain and setbacks are a daily occurrence.  A spirit of depression hovers over this valley, like a stationary dark cloud, waiting for winds of change.  However, the forecast for change looks bleak, leaving a state of hopelessness in your heart.

Dr. Love sends a messenger with a recipe for healing in 1 Kings 19:5-9.  Thinking out of the box, God sends an angel to fulfill this subscription of sleep.  Although Solomon urges people to avoid slumber in Proverbs, sometimes the best thing for depression is rest.  Getting up twice to eat, the food draws Elijah back into a deep sleep.  Once revitalized, its time to go back up the mountain.

Whether you are presently on the mountain top, half way or in the valley, God’s voice is only a whisper away, 1 Kings 19:10-13.  However, we need to get our lives straightened out before you can have full reception, Isaiah 1:15.  If you follow the directions in Isaiah 1:16-17, there is a wonderful promise of hope.  Don’t delay in fulfilling; Come reason with God today so you can rise on wings like eagles to the peak, Isaiah 40:31.

by Jay Mankus

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