Tag Archives: serve

Life Without Sight?

Posted on September 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When I first moved to Delaware, I worked 2 jobs and went back to school to try to finish my Masters in Theology.  After 2 successful years, I began to develop some eye issues.  Unfortunately, the strain on my eyes was too much as I was diagnosed with iritis 15 years ago.  While dropping out of school helped, its been a decade of ups and downs, unsure if my medication would improve my condition.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise, Jeremiah 17:4.

In the past 6 months, one of my eyes has been unresponsive for some reason.  Thus, I’m facing a dangerous scenario of either surgery or possible losing my sight in this eye.  For someone planning on writing a movie script per year in retirement, this is a major problem.  Thus, one has to wonder why this trial has knocked on my door.  This is where faith, science and the human body collide.

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven, James 5:15.

Despite the odds confronting me, I am still holding out hope for a miracle.  As I wait a month for my next check up, all I can do is be a good patient by following my doctor’s instructions.  Meanwhile, I will lift my situation up to the great healer in the sky.  The anticipation and waiting will be tough, yet I serve a living God who has a record of restoring sight to the blind.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Man of Broken Promises

Posted on July 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes you have to listen closely to what you say.  If you don’t, you could end up blowing smoke, carelessly throwing out words void of meaning.  As I reflected upon recent conversations with my children on my days off, its sad to say that I’ve become a man of broken promises.

A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool, Ecclesiastes 5:3.

Just because someone is intelligent, does not make them immune from making foolish decisions.  The context of the passage above likely refers to Solomon’s struggles to please his wife.  Like any good husband, there is a desire satisfy the needs of those whom you love.  Unfortunately, Solomon acquired 700 wives and 300 concubines as king of Israel, making it extremely difficult for him to be a man of his word.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow, Ecclesiastes 5:4.

As I try to pick up the pieces of my tattered reputation, the words of Ecclesiastes serve as a good place to start.  Whether you are talking to friends, family or neighbors, don’t promise anything you can’t keep.  If anything, limit your commitments and over deliver.  For if you don’t heed this message, you may wake up one morning like me and realize that you’ve become a man of broken promises.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Who am I and Where did I Come From?

Posted on May 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

I was watching a documentary on meanings to life recently.  One of the interviewers suggested two likely possibilities.  “Either life occurred due to an accident or some sort of a Creator.”  The Big Bang Theory is on one side of this argument as the ideal conditions were present to occur.  Meanwhile, the opposing view suggests God spoke and bang life was conceived.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life, John 3:16.

Regardless of what you believe, there is another question to consider.  What should individuals do with your time each is given on earth?  Eat, drink and be merry or consider the eternal consequences and rewards for every action?  While the first choice seems obvious, the latter considers a life devoted to serving a higher power.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him, John 3:17.

From some reason, when I was twelve, I began to reflect upon the meaning to life before I fell asleep each night.  As I pondered this question for over a month, life doesn’t make sense to me to be born out of thin air, live for a while and then die.  Something inside my soul felt like there had to be more, a place after earth.  One of Jesus’ disciples refers to this eternal promise in 1 John 5:13.  During this period of enlightenment I realized that I am a child of God, created to serve and worship the Lord; trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide me throughout this life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Where Did My Fervor Go?

Posted on January 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As a child, there was nothing like the anticipation of opening presents under a Christmas tree.  I must confess that sometimes I snuck down stairs in the middle of the night just to see what was in my stocking.  On a couple of occasions I dozed off under our tree, before going back up to my bed so I wouldn’t be seen.  Unfortunately, somewhere between adolescence and adulthood, I lost my fervor for life.

Apollos had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John, Acts 18:25.

One of the more interesting characters of the Bible is a man named Apollos who first met Paul during a trip to Ephesus.  Although this man from Alexandria was an outsider, his passion for God made up for his limited knowledge.  To a certain extent, I see a lot of Apollos in me during my early years in youth ministry.  I didn’t possess the theological background that most youth pastors acquire, yet my determination and fervor was strong.  Yet, when I left the ministry for good 5 years ago, my fire has dimmed.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23.

Previous mentors would suggest that I haven’t re-fueled, not spending enough time in Bible study, prayer or worship.  Other friends might lean to a lack of commitment, fellowship and service to a local church.  While this advice may be true, the most logical reason for losing my fervor is a lack of joy.  When you’re a perfectionist, its hard to enjoy the little things in life.  Thus, as I continue to search for answers, I cling to a life verse from high school.  Whatever I do in the future, I must devote my heart to serving the Lord.  If you find yourself in a similar state this year, may the Lord show you the way to rekindle your fervor for life.

by Jay Mankus

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What is God Cooking Now?

Posted on December 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Anyone who desires or longs to be a cook may choose a career in culinary arts.  This school involves teaching students government standards, preparation procedures and provide wisdom about what it takes to be successful.  However, novice chefs tend to learn from trial and error.  Meanwhile, others learn the hard way that they don’t belong in the kitchen.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me, Philippians 3:12.

Beyond menus and specials, God has His own way of cooking.  The Bible refers to methods like smelting, pottery and purification.  Trials in life are like sitting in a crock pot, slowing blending a myriad of ingredients into a tasty meal.  Likewise, God takes the gifts and talents individuals possess, using disappointment, heartache and setbacks to mold people into vessels, instruments ready to serve the kingdom of God.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13.

However, like secret recipes of famous restaurant chains, God’s seasoning is unknown.  There are instructions inside the Bible, but the time and temperature is still a mystery.  Faith is the missing link, the glue that holds the church together until the final dish is unveiled.  In the mean time, may the Lord give you guidance, patience and understanding as you eagerly wait for God to finish what’s brewing inside of you.

by Jay Mankus

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When Pain is Your Teacher

Posted on November 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of Rush Limbaugh’s weekly quotes on his E.I.B. radio talk show is that learning never stops.  Commencement refers to the beginning, the start of a new life.  However, when pain becomes your teacher, few want to finish, often dropping out of the school of life.

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life, Genesis 3:17.

In the real world, tutors exist in the form of mentors.  If you earn their respect, perhaps you might be able pull from their years of wisdom to help you along the way.  Nothing is ever easy, but if you can endure failures, heartaches and setbacks, you might be able to graduate on the next class God has in store for you.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

Unfortunately, pain never ceases, a byproduct of original sin.  The remnants of the fiasco in Eden have gradually spread, poisoning souls to the core.  The events of modern terrorist attacks is merely the fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians.  Therefore, whether we like it or not, pain is the teacher which shapes the human heart.  As the school of hard knocks proceeds, may the trials of life serve as a purification process to refine faith in those who believe.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Nearing Danger

Posted on November 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the 1960’s science fiction television series Lost in Space which ran for 3 seasons, the dangers of outer space was a regular theme of each episode.  Whenever Will Robinson, the youngest child, approached a precarious situation, his robot would intervene.  Like a modern day drama queen, each time Will was nearing danger, the robot erupted, “Danger Will Robinson, Danger; no Will Robinson danger!”

As Saul neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, Acts 9:3.

Since most people don’t have a robot, God gave each human being on the planet earth a conscience.  During the innocence of youth, the radar senses of this invisible force is strong.  Unfortunately, over time the conscience can become corrupted, polluted and unplugged by bad choices, thoughtless decisions and swayed by negative influences.  I guess my parents were right when they said, “if you play with fire enough, sooner or later you will be burned.”

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

For the defiant, ignorant and stubborn, sometimes God intervenes directly.  History reveals angelic encounters, events that defy science and voices from heaven that made bystanders speechless.  Yet, when you become an adult, divine intervention is rare.  Perhaps God expects individuals to mature.  This may explain the apostle Paul’s words to the church of Corinth about becoming a man.  Therefore, whether you are young, old or somewhere in between, as you near danger, learn to become self-sufficient.  By doing this you will serve as an example for those struggling to survive, Matthew 9:12.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Waiting for the Workplace Anointing

Posted on July 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him, 1 John 2:27.

One of the greatest misconceptions Christians make is limiting the power of God outside of church.  Anointing is something most leave for missionaries, preachers and teachers.  The Old Testament disagrees with this mentality as the Lord called Elijah to anoint both kings and a prophet.

Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet, 1 Kings 19:16.

When selecting an individual to anoint, its not always obvious.  Religious leaders tend to concentrate on physical features, personality and stature.  In the case of David, he was the least likely candidate, yet his heart was prime to serve God.  Nonetheless, the Lord made David wait 22 years before receiving the promise of his anointing.

So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives,” 1 Samuel 16:11.

Anyone else who chooses to run a business, follow a career or pursue a profession must wait for things to fall into place.  In the meantime, its essential to prepare yourself for the future.  Just as pastor takes time each week to carefully construct their message, those called to the workplace should invest the same time and energy to better their company.  If success is the process of arriving, may prayer pace you along the way as you wait for the workplace anointing, 3 John 2.

by Jay Mankus

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Desperate for Leadership

Posted on May 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen, 1 John 4:20.

Most individuals talk a good game, yet when you put their actions under a microscope there isn’t much to be inspired by.  Perhaps a rise in narcissism is to blame, turning a blind eye to reality, living by the mantra, “do as I say, not as I do!”  Unfortunately, a lack of integrity, morality and quality parenting is feeding a generation of self-seekers, cutting corners to get ahead, whatever the cost.

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes, 1 John 2:11.

Meanwhile, the middle class are stuck in the mud, dreaming of brighter days only to wake up to a living nightmare.  Peer pressure, political correctness and those seeking approval often decide to go with the flow, even if its the wrong direction.  The rest of the crowd, standing on the sidelines wait, is hoping a pied piper will come to their rescue.  In the meantime, souls are hungry and thirsting for leadership.

The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil, John 7:7.

In the absence of good character, its time for people to take a stand for what they believe.  Jesus knew the world hated him, yet his purpose in life was to fulfill the will of God the Father.  Likewise, the faith community need to get off their couches, find places to serve in their community and show the path for others to follow.  As Jesus once said, “the harvest is ready, but the workers are few.”   Get in the game today while there is still time left on life’s clock.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Culture Wars: The Sifting of the Human Mind

Posted on January 28, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to government experts, every child should graduate from high school.  Once complete, pursuing higher education in the form of college, graduate school or a doctorate is the next logical step toward achieving the American Dream.  Despite this notion, entrepreneurs are like a piece of a puzzle that doesn’t fit, opting to create a business, develop an app or find their way by working up the corporate ladder.  Whatever path you choose, you will find a culture at war, battling to win the hearts and minds of the next generation.

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8

In recent years as displayed in the film God is Not Dead, more and more institutions are sifting through minds to indoctrinate students to embrace a secular worldview.  This process commences by isolating individuals from their home, attempting to strip each of the values in which they were raised.  Staking their claim, often on the first day of class, Atheists, Marxists and Socialist professors make bold pronouncements, challenging pupils to defend their faith.  This re-education process threatens those who deviate, lowering grades if necessary to prove a point.  Finally, entertainment is used as a distraction to help young minds feel good about what they are learning.

“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.  Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” – Daniel 1:12-13

The Old Testament book of Daniel provides a blue print for students who are enduring a similar fate.  When forced to submit to new standards, Daniel refused to go beyond outside the boundaries set by God.  This act of faith led to the Lord’s favor, making a positive impression on the chief official, opening the door for a middle ground.  Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, Daniel devises a plan, a ten day test.  By taking a stand, demonstrating their faith, Daniel and his 3 Jewish friends pass with flying colors, Daniel 1:15-16.  May the example of these young men serve as a standard for modern believers to follow as they enter the Lion’s Den known as college.

by Jay Mankus

 

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