Tag Archives: South Carolina

A Generational Prayer

Posted on November 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If I had to do an assessment of my current spiritual condition, prayer is my weakest area. Yet, when I listen to mature Christians pray, I hear themes of a generational prayer. One year before morning to South Carolina, I attended a Saturday morning Bible Study with a couple of other men. I don’t remember much about the topics we covered, but what sticks out in my mind is the need to daily prayer for and cover your children in prayer. If you want to begin your own generational prayer, this is a good place to start.

Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself], before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac lived and walked habitually, God [Himself], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day, 16 The [b]redeeming Angel [that is, the Angel the Redeemer—not a created being but the Lord Himself] Who has redeemed me continually from every evil, bless the lads! And let my name be perpetuated in them [may they be worthy of having their names coupled with mine], and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them become a multitude in the midst of the earth, Genesis 48:15-16.

As the book of Genesis comes to an end, Moses provides a brief summary of Joseph’s father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Before the Ten Commandments were introduced, each of these men followed one simple rule: walk habitually with God. While Moses does not record a specific prayer spoken by Joseph, this is the goal of any parent for their children and grandchildren. Rather than make up your own prayer, you can always claim the words of the Bible as your own.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept and mourned for days and fasted and prayed [constantly] before the God of heaven, 5 And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments, 6 Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You day and night for the Israelites, Your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites which we have sinned against You. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. 8 Remember [earnestly] what You commanded Your servant Moses: If you transgress and are unfaithful, I will scatter you abroad among the nations; 9 But if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the farthest part of the heavens [the expanse of outer space], yet will I gather them from there and will bring them to the place in which I have chosen to set My [a]Name. 10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere and fear Your name (Your nature and attributes); and prosper, I pray You, Your servant this day and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah 1:4-11.

When you face adversity, trials or unforeseen circumstances, following the actions of Nehemiah in the passage above is a good place to start. As news of Israel’s fall came to Nehemiah, he wept, mourned, prayed, and fasted until the Lord provided a clear plan of action. Nehemiah was willing to wait up to 3 months, praying for clarity so that Israel would have a future as a nation. In view of these two passages, develop your own generational prayer so that the Lord will bless your children and their families.

by Jay Mankus

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Holding Your Ground While Clinging to Faith

Posted on November 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The term grooming has become a common political talking point in recent years. Grooming in this context is the practice of preparing or training someone for a particular purpose or activity. One of the reasons the National Education Association continues to push liberal and sexual ideology in public education is to groom future voters. Today’s featured passage introduces a group of young lads who are being groomed to potentially serve the King of Babylonia in the near future.

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with a part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar [Babylonia] to the house of his god and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 And the [Babylonian] king told Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring in some of the children of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility— 4 Youths without blemish, well-favored in appearance and skillful in all wisdom, discernment, and understanding, apt in learning knowledge, competent to stand and serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king assigned for them a daily portion of his own rich and dainty food and of the wine which he drank. They were to be so educated and so nourished for three years that at the end of that time they might stand before the king, Daniel 1:2-5.

One of the ways this grooming process begins is by showing children of Israel how lavish the king and his servants live and eat daily. While it’s not clear after reading the below passage, Daniel appears to refrain from eating his initial meal or meals. As he seeks to hold his ground by clinging to faith, Daniel approached the chief of the eunuchs to share his concern. By expressing his spiritual conviction publicly, God has favor on Daniel by being offered a ten-day test to see who looks healthier.

 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king’s rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself. 9 Now God made Daniel to find favor, compassion, and loving-kindness with the chief of the eunuchs.10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, I fear, lest my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink, should see your faces worse looking or more sad than the other youths of your age. Then you would endanger my head with the king. 11 Then said Daniel to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove your servants, I beseech you, for ten days and let us be given a vegetable diet and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat of the king’s [rich] dainties be observed and compared by you, and deal with us your servants according to what you see. 14 So [the man] consented to them in this matter and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days it was seen that they were looking better and had taken on more flesh than all the youths who ate of the king’s rich dainties. 16 So the steward took away their [rich] dainties and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables, Daniel 1:8-15.

When I was forced to relocate to South Carolina in the summer of 2022, I was offered any shift that I wanted. While I should have chosen Back Half Days so that I could be off every Sunday, I decided to work Sunday through Wednesday so that I could travel every weekend that I wanted. After 15 months of missing out on corporate worship, God reminded me of Daniel’s convictions. A few weeks into my new shift with Sundays off, it is well with my soul by clinging to my faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Remaining Fearless While in Transit

Posted on October 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Two years ago, due to the ailing health of my wife’s mom, plans were made to move to Aiken, South Carolina. Fortunately, we had time to prepare for this transition from Delaware. As I read God’s call to Abram in the passage below, this was immediate. God didn’t say, “take your time.” Rather, Moses suggests that this move was instantaneous based upon the directions from the Lord.

Now [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. 3 And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and [a]curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]. 4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had directed him; and Lot [his nephew] went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran, Genesis 12:1-4.

In 1993, I lived in 6 different states in the first 6 months of this year. I resigned from a youth ministry position in Maryland so that I could attend a Trade School in Minnesota. While waiting for an interview in South Dakota, I spent a month in Ohio living with my parents. When this ministry opportunity fell through, I accepted a teaching position at a Boarding School in West Virginia. At the end of the school year, a dream job opened up for me in Columbus, Indiana.

Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, Isaiah 43:18-19.

God’s providence during this time of transit helped remove from me the fear of the unknown. The moment one door was shut in my face, another one miraculously opened. I was living the famous poem Footprints without ever realizing it. Just before 1993 came to an end, I met my future wife Leanne at a Youth Ministry Conference in Chicago. Thirty years later, God has prepared me by reminding me of the promises in the Bible so that while I’m in transit, the Lord still provides.

by Jay Mankus

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A Sojourner Seeking To Find Genuine Faith

Posted on August 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The term sojourner refers to a temporary resident. From a biblical context, a sojourner is someone going through a transition in life, moving from their original home to a place yet to be determined by God. Moses highlights the lives of Abraham and Isaac who were called by God to visit foreign lands to fulfill God’s calling and will for their lives.

And Jacob came to Isaac his father at Mamre or Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned. 28 Now the days of Isaac were 180 years. 29 And Isaac’s spirit departed; he died and was gathered to his people, being an old man, satisfied and satiated with days; his sons Esau and Jacob buried him, Genesis 35:27-29.

While I have now resided in South Carolina for over one year, I too feel like a sojourner, unsure of where to go and what to do. The apostle Paul suggests that discovering God’s will can be a lengthy process, Romans 12:1-2. This process always begins by offering your body as a holy sacrifice to God. However, without meditating upon the words of the Bible, this transformation isn’t possible.

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:33-34.

If today’s blog finds you living a life similar to a sojourner, may the words of Jesus in the passage above comfort you. King Solomon touches on these words in Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting God is crucial to finding a genuine faith. Like any practice for a sport designed to improve your mechanics, seeking God first in your life results in the belief that God will provide for your needs. As you draw close to the Lord, may you find a peace that surpasses all understanding, Philippians 4:6-7.

by Jay Mankus

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Are You Sure that You Want to Be Like Everyone Else?

Posted on June 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

For most of my teenage years, I was an emotional wreck. I could go from the life of the party in one minute to wanting everyone in the room to feel as miserable as me in an instant. This brought me to contemplate if the grass was truly greener on the other side of the fence or I simply needed time to reflect? During a moment of spiritual weakness, the elders of Israel wanted to become like all the other nations. Before accepting this idea, the prophet Samuel explains what this decision will mean for the rest of their lives.

When Samuel was old, he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second, Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. 3 His sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. 4 All the elders of Israel assembled and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 And said to him, Behold, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint us a king to rule over us like all the other nations, 1 Samuel 8:1-5.

This Old Testament paints a vivid picture of all the freedoms that Israel would lose if they decided to replace the Lord with a leader that they can see. Based upon the words of Hebrews 11:1-6, the decision to rely on a king was essentially a slap in the face, turning their back on the Lord. While Samuel tried to talk some sense into the elders of Israel, God convinces him to allow this to happen. From a modern perspective, Samuel was essentially saying, “are you sure that you want to be like everyone else?”

But it displeased Samuel when they said, Give us a king to govern us. And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken to the voice of the people in all they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not be King over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they also do to you. 9 So listen now to their voice; only solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them. 10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked of him a king, 1 Samuel 8:6-10.

Just as history repeats itself in a series of cycles, human beings tend to go through phases in life where they question if they’re on the right track. Since my move to South Carolina last July, I guess you can I’m still trying to find where I belong. If you’ve ever joined a new church in a new area, this is a similar process. Regardless of where I end up, the important part is maintaining faith throughout trials. While you may have a desire to put God on hold from time to time, keep the faith during the hard times in life, Jude 1:20-21.

by Jay Mankus

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Putzing Along

Posted on April 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Moving from the northeast portion of the United States to the south has been hard to adjust. My body is used to the hustle and pace of large metropolitan cites, walking fast wherever I go. Most of the people I’ve met in South Carolina are laid back, relaxed, and seem to putz along without a sense of concern or worry in the world. You would think that sooner or later this mentality will rub off on me, but not yet.

When morning came, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, Arise, take your wife and two daughters who are here [and be off], lest you [too] be consumed and swept away in the iniquity and punishment of the city.16 But while he lingered, the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, for the Lord was merciful to him; and they brought him forth and set him outside the city and left him there, Genesis 19:15-16.

Moses doesn’t use putz in the passage above. Nonetheless, Lot seems to be overwhelmed by what is about to happen, losing all of his earthly possessions. Like a student who procrastinates until the night before their tests, Lot is moving in slow motion, without any sense of urgency. Subsequently, God sends two angels to Lot to hurry up, get out of town immediately and don’t stop until you reach Zoar, the city that you hand picked.

And when they had brought them forth, they said, Escape for your life! Do not look behind you or stop anywhere in [a]the whole valley; escape to the mountains [of Moab], lest you be consumed, Genesis 19:17.

Professional athletes who go on to be World Champions or Hall of Famers often credit defeat and failure as motivating forces. Based upon the words of one of Jesus’ disciples, 1 Peter 1:6-7, until you experience trials in life, you won’t reach your full potential. Jesus’ earthly brother makes a similar conclusion in James 1:2-4 as hardships develop maturity. Perhaps, I need to learn from the sons of Korah by slowing down to a putz, be still and reflect upon the God of this universe, Psalm 46:10.

by Jay Mankus

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When Depression Overtakes Your Mind

Posted on April 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness as well as a loss of interest. When depression begins to overtake human minds, there is a tendency to isolate oneself. Meanwhile, as you allow yourself to fall into one of these emotional slumps, your mind starts to expect the worst in every situation. Subsequently, a spirit of hopelessness can fill your soul, coming to the conclusion that all is lost.

So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a bottle of water and gave them to Hagar, putting them on her shoulders, and he sent her and the [c]youth away. And she wandered on [aimlessly] and lost her way in the wilderness of Beersheba. 15 When the water in the bottle was all gone, Hagar caused the youth to lie down under one of the shrubs. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about a bowshot, for she said, Let me not see the death of the lad. And as she sat down opposite him, [d]he lifted up his voice and wept and she raised her voice and wept, Genesis 21:14-16.

Based upon the description of Hagar’s emotional condition in the passage above, Moses senses a woman’s dire belief that her baby boy is going to die. There wasn’t a clinic or emergency room available. Nor was there an app or cell phone to place a prescription online to numb Hagar’s pain. Hagar did want anyone in her position could do, cry out to God above as a last resort, praying for a miracle.

My son, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you. 3 Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. 4 So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man, Proverbs 3:1-4.

I battled manic depression throughout Junior High and High School. Each night for several years, I cried myself to sleep, wondering if my stuttering would ever end. Unfortunately, the older I get, life becomes more complicated which enables depression to return. As I experience failure after failure in my attempt to begin a new career in South Carolina, depression has overtaken me again. I’m not sure how many more rejections I can bear, but King Solomon provides instructions on trusting God. May this passage shine light into the darkness of depression. As for now, all I can do is pray for each new day.

by Jay Mankus

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Hooked, Lined and Sinking

Posted on March 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever anyone has made up their mind to do something, whether good or bad, it’s nearly impossible to prevent them from acting out what has been conceived within their mind. Jesus’ earthly brother, son of Mary and Joseph, compares this to a hungry fish. While some fish are smarter than others, a particular bait is too enticing to resist. From a spiritual standpoint, this is called hooked, lined, and sinking further and further away from a sound mind.

But before they lay down, the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, all the men from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot and said, Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know (be intimate with) them, Genesis 19:4-5.

As someone who has lived in the city and country, every area possesses what locals refer to as relatively safe and unsafe places. As a new resident to South Carolina, I may have ventured into danger without knowing about it. Nonetheless I try to stay alert so I don’t wander into trouble. Unfortunately sin clouds the minds of the addicted and those struggling with bad habits. Anyone who falls under the influence of temptation will likely emulate the enticed fish in the passage below.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death, James 1:13-15.

While Lot lived in a he city of Sodom, he kept to himself based upon Moses’ description. However as two angels visit Lot, it’s clear that the residents are open about their sexuality. Moses’ words highlight the enticement and lust inside their hearts. When human beings don’t care about changing for the better, it’s like a hooked fish sinking closer and closer toward death. Wake up before it’s too late.

By Jay Mankus

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Talk About Bad Timing

Posted on February 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Charles Dickens novel The Tale of Two Cities sums up timing in the opening paragraph. This book begins with “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. Depending upon your perspective of a half full glass of water, you’ll bring optimism or pessimism. Some days at work unfold in a pleasant way while others coincide with Murphy’s Law, “whatever can go wrong, will go wrong causing many to mutter, “talk about bad timing.”

Abram journeyed on, still going toward the South (the Negeb). 10 Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram [b]went down into Egypt to live temporarily, for the famine in the land was oppressive (intense and grievous), Genesis 12:9-10.

Following God’s introduction in Haran, Abram takes a step of faith to pursue a promised land and nation. Yet, Abram’s wife Sarai was unable to have children despite numerous attempts leaving her labeled as barren. Meanwhile, on his way to this land God was going to give to Abram, a severe famine halted the original plans. While there’s never a good time for unforeseen trials to enter your life, God allows this drought to occur to see how Abram will handle faith under pressure.

Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come. 21 Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand. 22 That which is desired in a man is loyalty and kindness [and his glory and delight are his giving], but a poor man is better than a liar, Proverbs 19:20-22.

My move to South Carolina last summer can also be described as the best and worst of times. Great in the sense as it was the perfect time to sell a house, getting more than my wife and I expected. However, trying to find a new job in the middle of a recession was definitely bad timing. Just as Abram was tested in Egypt, my faith is still being grilled as I’m still waiting for God’s will for my future career to be revealed. As 2023 turns the page on January, don’t let bad timing rattle your faith. Rather, take the advice of Jesus’ earthly brother so maturity and wisdom will come to fruition as you undergo more trials this year, James 1:2-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Waiting on Clarity

Posted on February 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Clarity has many meanings depending upon the context it is used in. The one definition I found which applies to spiritual clarity is the quality of being easy to see or hear; as in sharpness of image or sound. Unfortunately, I’ve found the beginning of 2023 to be similar to how I ended 2022, cloudy, foggy with low visibility. Like a physical famine sweeping through a third world country, sometimes you have to wait on clarity until the storms of life subside.

Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come. 21 Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand, Proverbs 19:20-21.

King Solomon adds a solid piece of advice in the passage above. Many are the plans in a man’s or woman’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails in the end. Upon my move to South Carolina, I had an idea of how things were eventually going to play out. Every time I thought God was about to open a new chapter in my life, this door slammed shut in my face. After a series of humiliating circumstances, I find myself once again waiting on clarity for my next phase in life to be revealed.

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; 31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired, Isaiah 40:29-31.

After complaining and moaning internally, I was reminded of the words from an Old Testament prophet. Isaiah uses a baby eagle learning to fly, leaving its nest for the first time. Like Tom Cruise’s classic line in Top Gun, “sometimes you crash and burn.” While I wait on clarity, I have to get up off the mat of disappointment to rise above how I feel. This is where faith is designed to take over, letting go of your life by letting Jesus take the reins, Romans 10:9-11. In God’s time, clarity will come.

by Jay Mankus

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