Tag Archives: skeptical

Are You Sure About That?

Posted on May 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was never a great student; always taking me twice as long to complete an assignment than my fellow classmates. It wasn’t until 10th grade that I was diagnosed with a learning disorder. Subsequently, as I was preparing to study for a test, I was always skeptical. When I couldn’t keep up with a fast-talking teacher during a review session, I would lean over a ask a friend, “are you sure about that?”

I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [c]the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, [d]yes, eternal life, 1 John 5:13.

The passage above serves as a slice of certainty. For anyone doubting the Bible’s authenticity, John provides directions to settle any questions that you may have. However, there are three requirements that you must commit to before you can be absolutely sure. First you must adhere to the teaching of Jesus, trust in God’s promises, and rely on Jesus’ strength when you’re weak, Philippians 4:13.

And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us, 1 John 5:14.

When these three spiritual disciplines are exercised daily, feelings are transformed into faith. Doubt is replaced by boldness and confidence. This new found assurance in God’s power will propel your prayer life from a do to list into a purpose driven life. As your focus turns toward seeking and fulfilling God’s will, the Holy Spirit will begin to guide your steps along the way, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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Buffer Zone

Posted on November 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you’re at home, school or work, you are bound to experience a clash in personalities.  If this turbulence happens regularly, you may be in need of a buffer.  Whether this is a cushion, defense or shield, buffer zones lessen the impact of two stubborn people.

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple, Acts 9:26.

However, sometimes a buffer can be a moderator, serving as a voice of reason.  As the Holy Spirit transformed Saul, who became Paul, the disciples were skeptical, thinking this was merely a ploy to infiltrate the first century church.  None of Jesus’ disciples were going to give Paul a second chance until Barnabas intervened.

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus, Acts 9:27.

If it wasn’t for Barnabas’ relentless efforts, one of the greatest apostles all time never would have been discovered.  The buffer zone Barnabas provided insulated Paul from the doubts of Jesus’ disciples.  Despite their differences, Paul proved himself to be a worthy servant of Christ.  In view of this story, don’t let negative feelings prevent you from giving someone a fresh start.  And when necessary, create a buffer zone to guard and protect others from ruining someone’s reputation.

by Jay Mankus

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The Cost of Following Your Dreams

Posted on September 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

While most of the commercials that air today are filled with embellishment, there is one which possesses truth.  Mastercard’s ad campaign is based upon the fact that some purchases are priceless.  In the same manner, the cost of following your dreams is invaluable.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, Jeremiah 29:11.

In an attempt to get ahead, keep up or fine tune your talents, time is the first expense.  This often means sacrificing friendships, investing each spare moment to perfect your gift or trade.  Along the way, some rising stars burn out, unable to devote what it takes to make their dream come true.  Unfortunately, most quit just before they begin to see the fruits of their labor.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you, Jeremiah 29:12.

The second cost of following your dreams is belief.  Over the course of this journey, skeptics will continue to discourage you, claiming that you don’t have the skill or talent.  This is where you must possess perseverance, with a resilient heart to ward off spirits of doubt.  This is where I find myself currently, wondering if all the time I spent trying to write movie scripts is worth it all.  Yet, for now I press on.

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.

Finally, the last cost of pursuing your dreams is pleasure.  As everyone you know is enjoying the weekend, having fun or lounging around the house, dreams can’t wait.  Thus, if you want to experience the fulfillment of your dreams, pleasure needs to be put on hold.  Although there is no magic formula, dedication, discipline and hard work are vehicles to success.  If you haven’t arrived or reached your goal in life, don’t give up until your journey is complete.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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An Unusual Answer to Prayer

Posted on April 10, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Like any student, college introduces you to many interesting people.  Although, some may be bizarre, strange or flat out weird, appearances can be misleading.  If you allow yourself to approach each individual with an open mind, you might be surprised by what you discover as you peal away stereotypes, one layer at a time.

During my final semester, I met a missionary with an unusual testimony.  According to her story, she claimed God got her up every day at 6am in the morning without using an alarm clock.  As a person who enjoyed sleeping in til noon or later, I was skeptical, doubting her claim.  Perhaps out of spite or sheer curiosity, I challenged God to see if I could have a similar experience during my last two months of college.

To my surprise, the first morning I arose, sunlight shined directly through my bedroom window right on my face.  When I rolled over to check out the clock on my night stand, it was 6:00 am.  Immediately, I jump out of bed, causing goosebumps to appear.  I spent the next 15 minutes, praying and reading the Bible, wondering if this was real or merely a dream.  Like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, I got out each morning at the same time for the next 60 days, an unusual answer to prayer!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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