Tag Archives: seeking God

All These Things

Posted on January 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Prior to beginning his ministry on earth, Jesus faced three temptations during a forty day fast. The first was physical as the Devil attacked the human bodies dependence on food. According to Matthew 4:4, relying on the spiritual, the Bible, strengthens minds. Yet, seeking God is much more than overcoming temporary pleasures.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33.

Not giving up, Satan fought back, testing Jesus to see if He was willing to use God’s power for his own glory. The request was not impossible. Jesus could have called on angels to save His life. This mental temptation feeds on pride, daring souls to prove the Devil wrong. Instead of participating in this folly by lowering God’s standards, Jesus quotes scripture to expose the Devil’s cunning plot. The key to righteousness is remaining humble, wrestling with desires of the sinful nature to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own, Matthew 6:34.

The final obstacle Jesus overcame was devotion, who will you worship? The Father of Lies continues to make empty promises today, deceiving the uneducated daily. Knowing and practicing foundational biblical truths is the last step of obedience before you can experience the promise of Matthew 6:33. Although young men stumble and fall, seeking God and his righteousness must be your top authority. Until this occurs, all these things are just a fantasy. However, when you cross this threshold, following in the footsteps of Christ, the Lord will begin to provide in supernatural ways.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged angels, devotion, fasting, Holy Spirit, humble, mental temptations, minds, ministry, obedience, Prayer, pride, promises, righteousness, satan, seeking God, sinful nature, souls, supernatural, temporary pleasures, temptations, The Bible, the devil, Worship. Bookmark the permalink.

Compare and Pride Spreads Fast

Posted on January 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. – Galatians 6:3

As English classes increase in difficulty, students will eventually be introduced to compare and contrast papers. The purpose of these essays involves emphasizing the differences of two topics, highlighting dissimilar entities, objects or traits. This exercise enables individuals to examine, evaluate and develop necessary problem solving skills in life.

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. – Proverbs 11:12

Outside of the classroom, its not uncommon for adults and youth to compare themselves to others. This often occurs to help build up one’s self-esteem by choosing lesser souls in their comparison. Subsequently, instead of striving to improve one’s own life, people would rather attack and or tear down others to improve their own situation. If these comparisons continue, pride will spread like gangrene, poisoning the hearts and minds within society.

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. – Romans 2:1

Christians aren’t exempt from this temptation, with a long history of falling prey to this desire. The apostle Paul calls out first century believers for passing judgment on the low lifes of their day. Since no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, there aren’t any who are able or worthy to throw the first stone, John 8:10-11. Therefore, before a spirit of pride runs rampant across America and throughout the world, these comparisons must cease, replaced by humble hearts which seek God first.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged a spirit of pride, attack, belittle, building up, Compare, compare and contrast, deceive, English, entities, evaluate, examine, excuse, gangrene, hearts, humble, judge, minds, objects, passing judgment, pride, problem solving, seeking God, self-esteem, striving, tearing down others, temptation, traits, understanding, worthy. Bookmark the permalink.

The Enough Syndrome

Posted on January 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether its the persistent increase of consumer prices or decline in the purchasing power of the dollar, most families and individuals understand how difficult it is to get ahead in this financial climate. The majority fluctuate between not enough and just enough, making sacrifices to break even monthly. Meanwhile, the blessed, talented and wealthy are fortunate to experience a more than enough income, reaching a place of security few can comprehend.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” – Acts 20:35

Prior to the bursting of the dot.com bubble on Wall Street, my wife and I made investments in two of the highest earning mutual funds in the world. Thinking these were going to continue to rise in value and not wanting to pay the taxes for selling them, we elected to put less money down on our first house instead of cashing out to pay for our home in full. This decision made sense until 2001 when the market tanked, flushing 60,000 dollars in paper money down the toilet. Ever since this day, I know the anguish of the “Enough Syndrome,” living under the curse of not enough.

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. – Deuteronomy 8:18

From a spiritual perspective, the Jews were led by God through 3 similar phases in life. During 400 years of slavery in Egypt, not enough was par for the course, an accepted way of life. Upon their departure, able to pillage Egypt following the plague of the First Born, Israel spent 40 years in the Wilderness, graduating up to a just enough status as God provided manna, quail and water to meet their daily needs. Finally, the promise of a land filled with milk and honey was fulfilled, giving birth to a generation who tasted more than enough.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:33-34

Wherever you may be on this financial spectrum, remember the words of Job 1:21, “the Lord gives and takes away.” Through the good times and the bad, there is a lesson to be learned. At the end of each day, try to find and reflect on the positive things in your life, Philippians 4:8-9. No matter how hard it may be, trust in the Lord to help you move from the months of not enough to years of more than enough!

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged a place of security, anguish, blessed, buying your first house, consumer prices, covenant, curse, decline of the dollar, hard work, inflation, Israel, just enough, lessons in life, more than enough, not enough, persistent, plague of the First Born, promise, receive, reflect on the positive things, righteousness, seeking God, talented, the dot.com bubble, the power of giving, trust in the Lord, trying to get ahead, Wall Street, weak, wealthy. Bookmark the permalink.

Coping With the Silence of Death

Posted on September 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Three weeks ago, Nascar driver Tony Stewart was living his dream, driving and racing on whatever surface he could find. While competing on a dirt track race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, Stewart spun out Kevin Ward going into a corner. One lap later, Kevin got out of his vehicle, stepped toward on coming traffic and was struck by Tony’s back tire. Flying several feet in the air backwards, Kevin laid motionless as a hushed crowd waited, not sure if what they saw was real. This is the silence of death.

One of the biggest mistakes individuals make at a funeral is to try to relate with someone who has just lost a loved one. Although your words may be eloquent and motivated by compassion, the silence of death is different for each person. Some never recover, like a widow who dies shortly after their spouse passes away. Others go through months or years of depression before the sun shines upon their bruised and broken soul. Regardless of where you fit into this spectrum, the silence of death takes its course, using time, reflection and seeking God to ease the pain.

An unnamed author provides insight to the process of healing. According to Psalm 93:16-17, divine intervention is sent from heaven to those struggling to carry on with life. Whether through angels, friends or the power of the Holy Spirit, God reaches down to give footing for those slipping away, Psalm 94:18. Though anger is a natural emotion connection with death, consolation comes once you let go of “what if, why me and how could you?” As the silence of death lingers for those still not able to cope with this harsh reality, may joy rain from heaven to touch and encourage your soul, Psalm 94:19.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged broken souls, bruised, Canandaigua Motorsports Park, compassion, consolation, coping with death, depression, divine intervention, ease the pain, encourage, funerals, healing, heaven, insight, Kevin Ward, motionless, Nascar, Nascar drivers, overcoming death, Reflection, seeking God, the silence of death, time, Tony Stewart. Bookmark the permalink.

A Different Type of Refuge

Posted on May 20, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In 1903, President Teddy Roosevelt designated Florida’s Pelican Island as America’s first National Wildlife Refuge. More than100 years later, 560 refuges exist nationwide encompassing more than 150 million acres of water and land. Hollywood embraced this movement with their 1993 film the Pelican Brief starring Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts. The People for the ethical treatment of animals continue this mission today, putting animals in front of the line, with human beings pushed to the side.

King David introduces a different type of refuge in Psalm 59:16. Whenever David was having a bad day, he withdrew to a quiet place to seek God’s help through prayer. Although David may not of seen results after he said Amen, a sense of peace filled his heart. Despite the chaos surrounding him, the Lord’s presence provided hope to carry on. Words like Psalm 63:6-8 recount a spiritual refuge, where humans can find rest for their souls.

With America’s economy still sputtering, its hard to forget about rising gas, groceries and living expenses. While some may be prospering, many are searching for a place of refuge where hope, peace and relaxation are present. Though manufactured for fish and wildlife, this doesn’t prevent predators from cutting short lives. Therefore, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted by life’s trials, flee to a quiet place like Mark 1:35 to find a different type of refuge.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Truth and tagged American Presidents, carry on, chaos, China, Denzel Washington, fish and wildlife, Florida, France, God, Hollywood, hope, Jesus, Julia Roberts, National Wildlife Refuges, peace and relaxation, Pelican Island, PETA, Prayer, prosper, rest, seek, seeking God, souls, Teddy Roosevelt, the Pelican Brief, wetlands, withdraw. Bookmark the permalink.

The Real Thing

Posted on April 7, 2014 by expressyourself4him

How many times in life do you seek an emotional high? One that never ends; giving you a sensation like a drug, 24 hours a day. Many go through their entire lives searching, but never find the real thing.

Do you recall your first day of school? As formal education begins, innocence gives way to curiosity and terror. Fears over finding friends and earning acceptance by your peers takes precedence. However, the thought of being away from your parents provides a sense of freedom temporarily. This freedom entices you to try new things, experimenting with fruit, forbidden by parents and teachers.

By the time junior high arrives, eyes start to wander… BABES, STUDS, ALCOHOL and DRUGS! Perhaps you might not be as distracted as some, yet juicy stories spread fast through the grape vine peeking your interest. The closer you look, the mind takes on an alter ego, longing for items on the other side of the fence. Fleshly desires, peer pressure and the unknown leads you to the verge of sin thinking, “Oh baby this sure does feel good.”

A junior high experiment often leads to a senior high life style. Marijuana, pranks and sex are just a few of the choice behaviors one indulges in to obtain the real thing. Sure, there are risks, even consequences; but what will my friends think if I go straight? “Everybody is doing it, why can’t I,” says the follower. As high school drifts by, the next hurdle to jump is college. Hobbies you once did for a buzz no longer provide satisfaction. Call it what you may: a habit, obsession, way of life or obliterating time, something inside can’t let go. This quest for real life has turned into an addiction.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why you do what you do? Has it occurred to you that you’ve missed something along the way? Is there something else out there beside living for the weekend? I don’t believe you and I were placed on this earth by accident. Growing up, working for a living 9 to 5, have fun for a while then repeat this cycle over and over again til you die? This doesn’t make sense! There must be a greater purpose or meaning in life, but what is it?

Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father is your answer. God sent His one and only son, Jesus, down to earth, to die for blemishes on earth, John 3:16-17. Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father according to the Apostle’s Creed. Jesus didn’t just die on a cross and rise from the dead for His own glory, Romans 5:8. Rather, Jesus became sin for us: for you, me and everyone ever born on planet earth. Jesus did all of this so that all of us might be seen as righteousness before God, 2 Corinthians 5:21.

This may sound crazy, yet there is no other HIGH greater than entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10. Nothing else compares to dedicating your life to God in your living years, John 10:10. Thus, peace is found in no other place, Galatians 5:22-23. This isn’t about High’s and Low’s. This is about life and death, living and dying, Deuteronomy 30:11-16. The only way to Jesus is through denying yourself, Matthew 16:25. You may think I’m odd, strange or simply old-fashion, yet God has placed the words of this blog on my heart.

If you have tried most everything else, don’t waste your precious time any longer; embrace the Real Thing, Jesus Christ!

Revision completed in 2014 by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged addiction, ALCOHOL and DRUGS, alter egos, China, coping with the temptations of college, curiosity, desires, emotions, fear, finding, finding meaning in life, forbidden fruit, France, freedom, getting high, gossip, habits, innocence, Jesus Christ, joy, living and dying, obsessions, peace, peer pressure, searching, seeking a high, seeking God, sin, temptations for students, terror, the hope of Easter. Bookmark the permalink.

Ride Forth in Victory

Posted on April 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Like the classic Queen song, We are the Champions, the thrill of victory is much sweeter than dealing with loss. During my first season of coaching high school golf, I started 4-0 and finished 0-6. Eight years later I saw an 8-1 team on the verge of making states, collapse down the stretch, going 1-5-1 missing states by a few percentage points. While achieving victory on earth varies from person to person, you can ride forth in victory with confidence spiritually, 1 John 5:13.

According to the sons of Korah, 3 things as essential to secure victory, Psalm 45:4.

1. Truth

When Jesus spoke to a group of Jews during his last year on earth, he claimed that holding to his teaching leads to spiritual insight, John 8:31. Jesus boldly proclaimed, “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” John 8:32.

2. Humility

The wisest man beside Jesus to walk the face of the earth is Solomon based upon rulings like 1 Kings 3:16-28. After being blessed with fame, riches and power, Solomon learned the dangers of pride, Proverbs 11:2. His advice to cope with this inclination is to fear the Lord, humbling yourself until honor is bestowed, Proverbs 15:33.

3. Righteousness

One of the most famous church hymns was inspired by Jesus’ sermon on the mount, Seek Ye First. In the segment of his message on proper and improper motives, Jesus introduces the secret to eliminating worry. When you come to the point in your life where you seek first God’s kingdom and righteous, the Lord promises to provide for all of your emotional, physical and spiritual needs.

May this teaching give you a blue print to ride forth in victory. Let us know how your journey toward victory is going.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in overcoming and tagged being set free, China, church hymns, coaching golf, dealing with losing, eliminating worry, enjoying victory, fame, fearing God, France, freedom, God, golf, honor, humility, Jesus, motives, NCAA, power, pride, riches, righteousness, securing victory, Seek Ye First, seeking God, Sermon on the Mount, Spiritual Insight, the dangers of pride, the rock group Queen, the sons of Korah, truth, Victory, We are the Champions the song. Bookmark the permalink.

What’s In Your Lunch Box?

Posted on March 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Before the invention of insulated lunch bags, kids brought decorative lunch boxes to school with their favorite cartoon characters or television show on the outside and thermos. Meanwhile, adults brought coolers or metal containers which resembled a toolbox to their workplace. Although teasing did occur on some levels within society, what’s was in your lunch box is what got people’s attention.

In the days of Jesus, one of his disciples claimed he performed so many miracles on a daily basis that if each one was written down, there would not be enough library books in the world to cover them, John 21:25. Of the miracles of Jesus recorded in the Bible, only one appears in all 4 gospels, the feeding of the 5000. Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-13 detail this supernatural experience. While there are many theories why God chose this particular event to be covered by all 4 authors, the answer lies in the lunch box of a poor young boy.

Luke, a physician who accompanied the apostle Paul on some of his mission trips, explains the dire situation leading up to Jesus’ miracle, over 5000 people are in a remote place without any access to food, Luke 9:12-13. Meanwhile, only one disciple records the source of their food, a young boy who offered his small lunch: 5 wafers and 2 sardines, John 6:9. In view of this information, most of the disciples likely shared Philip’s sentiments in John 6:7, “no way Jesus, we don’t have the time or money to help these starving people!” Andrew, the brother of Peter, made a suggestion, yet even he had his doubts, John 6:9.

Today, millions of people worldwide are in desperate need of a miracle, either in the form of clothing, food or shelter. Others are still searching for a full time job to provide for their family, humbling themselves to do whatever it takes to survive. In the end, all Jesus is looking for in people is faith like a mustard seed, Mark 4:30-32. May you step out in faith, like this little poor boy, sharing his lunch with thousands, setting the scene for a memorable miracle from God.

Feel free to comment below, sharing what miracle you are hoping, longing and praying for.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Perseverence and tagged Australia, being a need, biblical miracles, cartoon characters, China, faith, getting people's attention, humility, inventions, Jesus, love, miracles, overcoming doubt, overcoming poverty, poverty, Prayer, seeking God, sharing, stepping out in faith, teasing, television show, The Bible, the gospel of John, the gospel of Luke, the gospel of Mark, the gospel of Matthew, waiting for a miracle. Bookmark the permalink.

Dining Out

Posted on February 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The events of today can only be explained as a God instance, leading me to center of God’s will for a moment in time. Stir crazy from not being cleared to go back to work yet, I spent 2 hours spring cleaning, purging my lame wardrobe. After running an errand, I felt compelled to find a quiet restaurant to read and write for a while. What followed next is best described as a Happy Meal at McDonald’s.

After enjoying a small treat from the dollar menu, I began reading a few chapters of the Bible, jotting down interesting details. Before I started my prayer journal, a stranger approached with a few questions. Noticing my Bible, his curiosity led to an hour long conversation. Fifteen minutes later, a bystander joined the fray, adding to what I had begun. To my surprise, this passionate woman was the mother of one of my former students. When she departed, our discussion continued, reflecting on the temptations in life.

Although the conclusion wasn’t earth shattering, a seed was planted in a heart whose soul has been influenced by the hypocrisy of Christian leaders. In life, God doesn’t force anyone to believe. Rather, the apostle Paul suggests individuals are surrounded by visible and invisible qualities of a higher power, Romans 1:18-20. Thus, anyone who is longing for a deeper meaning to life should start by soaking in the words of Christ, Romans 10:17, so that one day their minds will be renewed. If you’re thinking about driving through or ordering take out, you might miss an encounter of a lifetime. Therefore, slow down, kneel and ask the Holy Spirit for the words to share as you dine out.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged a deeper meaning to life, believe, by chance, coincidence, conversing, curiosity, God instance, God's will, Happy Meal, heart, hypocrisy, Jesus, McDonalds, mind, passion, planting, Prayer, purging, quiet, read and write, seeking God, sharing your faith, soul, spring cleaning, temptations in life, The Bible. Bookmark the permalink.

Faith Like A Bread Crumb

Posted on November 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In many avenues of life, a person of faith may be viewed as a dreamer, with good intentions yet far from reality. Other optimistic individuals may be seen as crazy, with loose wires some where in their brains. Although opinions may not be shared or spoken to their face, skepticism abounds as many have given up hope of believing in a God who does not meet their expectations or perceived needs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD0bG0SFJlU

Matthew 15:21-28 introduces the world to an outsider, a Canaanite whose culture was known for worshiping the devil. Without any background about her, it appears that her nation’s god, Baal, had not been able to heal her child. Thus, hearing that the circus was in town, Jesus’ earthly ministry, she pushes her way through the crowd. Like a union boss during a strike at his plant, this desperate woman made her way to Jesus’ disciples, demanding a face to face encounter. Not taking no for an answer, the disciples throw their hands up in the air, giving up, encouraging Jesus to send this woman on her way.

Jesus gave this Canaanite every opportunity to go home. Jesus kindly reminds her that his initial mission was to come for the lost sheep of Israel. Considered dogs by Jewish culture, he bluntly asks, “why should I waste my time with you,” possibly referencing his earlier words in Matthew 7:6. Yet, each time she came back with a reply more determined than before, refusing to take no for an answer. Finally, with faith like a bread crumb, this persistent woman receives the answer so longed to hear. Living out the words of Matthew 7:7-12, she specifically asked God, seeking Jesus day after day and when no or not now was the answer, she kept knocking until her daughter was healed. As you start tomorrow, don’t forget to seek a faith like a bread crumb.

by Jay Mankus

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Posted in Uncategorized and tagged believing in God, desperate, dreaming, faith, going the extra mile, healing, Israel, not giving up, opinions, persistent, reality, seeking God, skepticism, the circus, time, using desperation to your advantage, worshiping the devil, wrestling with God. Bookmark the permalink.

ExpressYourself4Him

Tag Archives: seeking God

All These Things

Compare and Pride Spreads Fast

The Enough Syndrome

Coping With the Silence of Death

A Different Type of Refuge

The Real Thing

Ride Forth in Victory

Faith Like A Bread Crumb

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