Tag Archives: service

Dr. Md; Is There a Doctor in the House?

Posted on March 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Illness can be a mystery, especially when no obvious symptoms are present.  One day you feel great; the next you struggle to get out of bed.  As more and more doctors retire after a generation of service, the desperate will continue to cry out for help, “is there a doctor in the house?”

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

Since 2012, I’ve battled a severe sinus infection that I can’t seem to shake.  Headaches, fevers and periods of fatigue have whittled away my faith of ever improving.  Perhaps, my condition are side affects from lyme disease that I first contracted in 1999.  Whatever the reason for my recent ailments, I pray that a doctor will come to my rescue with the correct diagnosis and cure.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. – 3 John 1:2

Nonetheless, sometimes God allows a person to suffer without any signs of recovery.  According to 2 Corinthians 12:7, the Lord struck the apostle Paul with a thorn in his flesh.  This condition prevented Paul from becoming proud during his successful ministry on earth.  Despite crying out for healing, his request did not get answered.  Although I am currently waiting for insight, all I can do is trust God that one day soon my pain will fade away.

by Jay Mankus

 

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To Hell With You

Posted on October 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The other night at Bible Study, an impromptu discussion broke out about how hypocritical Christians can be.  In fact, every year people who are seeking God become turned off by churches, pastors and modern day Pharisees who care more about traditions than displaying the love of Jesus.  Instead of continuing their search, hurt people have decided to stay at home, finding other things to do on Sunday.

In business, there was a an old principle called the 3/10.  For every good experience an individual has, they will tell 3 other people.  However, whenever a customer encounters poor service, they reach out to 10 people, sharing their disappointment and frustrations.  Recently, a new ratio has replaced the 3/10 now known as the 11/4 principle, with the negative being the higher number.  Since first impressions often have lasting affects, if you’re not careful, someone might say, ” to hell with you and your religion!”

 

Unfortunately, the reality in life entices most people to get a little too comfortable, caught off guard by unknowing observers.  As a result, Christianity becomes less and less attractive to Americans due to the bad taste of judgmental believers.  In the end, something has to give, either the offended will give God another try or immature followers of Jesus will grow up by starting to resemble the son of God.  Whenever you are on the road of life, Matthew 7:13-14, may God nudge you back in the right direction.

by Jay Mankus

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Conventional Thinking

Posted on June 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A convent is a facility where woman seek refuge from the ways of the world.  This building serves as a refuge, a place where individuals attempt to devote their lives to prayer, reading the Bible and service.  While Hollywood has their own ideas from films such as Sister Act and the Sound of Music, convents provide a setting which goes against conventional thinking.

Unfortunately, worldly thinking has infiltrated the church, causing believers to have selfish thoughts.  When members of a congregation expect pastors, priests and teachers to do this or that because this is what they are paid to do, they are missing the point.  The apostle Paul reminds followers that the church is one body with many parts, 1 Corinthians 12:1-6.  The Bible clearly goes against the flow, suggesting you might be the only Jesus someone might ever encounter, Matthew 5:13-16.

Thus, after experiencing joy earlier in the week, I have found myself in a battle between complacency and conventional thinking.  Tired of leading this and that, I indulged in laziness, sitting along the sidelines this weekend.  Although pop culture may applaud me for taking a break, my heart was convicted by sins of omission.  Whenever idleness lulls you into a false sense of security, guard your heart and protect your mind, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8.  When you arm yourself with Scripture, conventional thinking will be a thing of the past, replaced by a Mother Teresa like faith.

by Jay Mankus

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The Second Glance

Posted on April 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Casting Crowns uses the expression second glance in their song Slow Fade, on their The Altar and the Door album.  From an earthly sense, taking a second glance is normal, a natural inclination of a curious flesh.  However, when you consider the context of these lyrics in light of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:27-30, the second glance leads to lust, which Jesus equates with adultery.

While working on a service project last week, I listened to the same Casting Crowns album twice on my MP3 Player.  Initially, the background music served as motivation, an adrenaline rush to inspire me to complete my task.  Yet, the second time through my focus shifted from an earthly view to a spiritual perspective.  Upon hearing the lyrics of Slow Fade, I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit.

This whisper kept repeating over and over in my mind, “the second glance seems innocent, but leads to a slow fade within your faith.”  Like a cross country runner who stops training, it doesn’t take long for the discipline of running to cease.  Therefore, aim yourself with the attitude of Christ, 1 Peter 4:1, sharpening your mind like the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.  Avoid the second glance by developing a Job like mentality, Job 42:5-6, swapping a slow fade for a raging fire of faith!

by Jay Mankus

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Putting God on Hold

Posted on March 21, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In an attempt to upgrade my faith during the month of March, I have uncovered a poor mannerism.  When you blow off friends by failing to respond to instant messages, texts or calls, relationships become strained.  Unless you quickly apologize, you might not keep the friendships you possess.  Unfortunately, I have developed a pattern of this behavior, not with people, but with God.

After a time of prayer and Bible reading each morning, I am swayed by the Holy Spirit to either read another chapter, do research on an interesting topic or write a blog based upon something I learned.  As I try to prioritize my time with my used golf ball business, coaching baseball and trying to find a full-time job, I find myself putting God on hold for hours.  Before I realize it, I’m tired, its getting late and I still haven’t taken God off hold mode, giving lip service without any action.

Fortunately, I serve a God of second chances, giving me a fresh start every morning, Lamentations 3:23.  Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God is looking out for us on his front porch, waiting for our return, Luke 15:20.  Therefore, take out your ear plugs, Psalm 38:13-15, listen for the knocks, Revelation 3:20 and make a reservation with God today before distractions lead you to put God on hold for yet another day.

by Jay Mankus

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Extreme Soul Makeover

Posted on February 22, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

For the past decade, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition served as a shining light in a dark and selfish world.  As one of the few family centered programs in prime time, this ABC hit show reached a broad audience through comedy, entertainment and music.  Ty Pennington, Paul DiMeo, Michael Moloney and Tracy Hutson made Extreme Makeover a Sunday night tradition for my family.  This reality program often touched my heart, brought tears to my eyes and made me proud to be an American.

Fading into the night on January 12th, 2012, this final episode is a reminder that all good things on earth come to an end.  Like a sheep without a shepherd, a new leader, group or ministry needs to replace this new void in society left by the end of this show.  While the cast and volunteers worked non-stop for one week to provide a new residence to a needy family or school, thousands more were passed over, still waiting for a helping hand and loving support.

 

If you want to make an eternal difference in life, Jesus reveals 3 essential conditions which must be met for an extreme soul makeover, Matthew 16:24.

1. Deny yourself by becoming a selfless servant, meeting the needs of the people whom you come into contact with on a daily basis.

2. Pick up Jesus’ cross by owning your faith, dedicating your life to God.  Unless you become born again, you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven, John 3:3.

3. Follow Jesus by walking in his footsteps, Matthew 20:27-28.  While what would Jesus do is cliche, its a starting point that leads toward a Galatians 5:25 mentality.

If you are thinking twice about this makeover, listen to Jesus’ warning in Matthew 16:26.

“What good will it be for a man (or woman) if they gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can a (person) give in exchange for their soul?”

May the words of the Bible, instill faith from within, Romans 10:17, to undergo this life changing procedure.  Sign up today, Romans 10:9-10!

by Jay Mankus

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