Tag Archives: talking

Who is the Lord With Today?

Posted on August 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As I continue to study the book of Genesis, three spiritual individuals stick out: Enoch, Noah, and Joseph. Moses highlights the lives of Enoch and Noah by revealing that each habitually walked with God daily. I’m assuming that Moses means praying, talking, and walking with the Lord daily. Moses brings up a new expression while reflecting upon Jospeh’s life,” the Lord was with him.”

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain and chief executioner of the [royal] guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand, Genesis 39:1-3.

Based upon the words of Deuteronomy 28, God blessed Joseph for every endeavor in life. Joseph was gifted with the ability to lead as well as possessing a strict attention to details. These two qualities enabled Joseph to excel as the caretaker of Potiphar’s estate and overseer of the state penitentiary. Everyone who interacted with Joseph realized that God was with him.

And Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison, a place where the state prisoners were confined; so he was there in the prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison. 22 And the warden of the prison committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison; and whatsoever was done there, he was in charge of it, Genesis 39:20-22.

This makes me wonder: who is the Lord with today? While there are plenty of political leaders who are adored by the mainstream media, I don’t see the Lord’s presence in their lives. Sure, there are pastors who may stand out, but what about local leaders? May today’s blog give you a discerning spirit to search for and find a spiritual mentor who the Lord is with today.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 89: Two Pennies

Posted on April 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s feature song comes from a Christian musical group that formed in Dallas, Texas in 1990. The name of this group is very appropriate for this Easter Season “Between Thieves.” The lyrics of Two Pennies gives Christians another alternative to any homeless individuals that you many come in contact with. While handing a buck or two is easier, sharing your faith with the poor is a golden opportunity.

Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He [b]takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving], 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Everyone has certain God given gifts that are unique to you. One talent may be talking, another writing as well as the boldness to evangelize. My own two cents is that God has a plan and a place for all of us to serve. Unfortunately, barriers, obstacles, and time prevent many from giving to the world what they need which is love in action. May the melody and lyrics of Two Pennies inspire you to love others in 2022.

by Jay Mankus

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Walking in Freedom

Posted on January 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you prefer the day or at night, taking a walk with a friend or friends often yields fond memories.  Beside the exercise, special bonds can develop as one opens their heart to another soul.  Looking back in time, some of the best conversations I have ever had on earth occurred while taking a walk.

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. – Psalm 119:45

One of the most famous walks in the Bible occurred over a 7 mile stretch, from Jerusalem to Emmaus, Luke 24:13-35.  Following the crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples were trying to make sense of the events that had just taken place.  This hour long conversation involved a mystery guest, listening to the voices of these men.  Distracted by an eagerness to speak, Jesus’ presence was overlooked.  Playing coy, Jesus pretends to know nothing, asking question after question along the way.  Based upon the topic in Luke 24:25-30, unbelief was keeping these individuals from walking in freedom.

As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. – Luke 24:14

Psalm 119:43-48 provides instructions on how to reach this spiritual state.

1) Preserve your lips with God’s truth, verse 43.

2) Resolve to obey God’s laws, verse 44.

3) Seek God’s precepts on a daily basis, verse 45.

4) Boldly proclaim God’s ways to the leaders on earth, verse 46.

5) Delight in and embrace God’s commands, verse 47.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeKv4C5eDOQ

As soon as believers pray for and mediate on God’s Word, little by little, you will begin to walk in freedom.

by Jay Mankus

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Access Denied

Posted on June 20, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are at home, school or work, if you’re careless when you enter your password into a computer, access will be denied.  Perhaps, you accidentally hit the caps button.  Or maybe your finger touched two keys at the same time.  Regardless of your mistake, black dots prevent you from seeing where you went wrong.  Instead, you are rejected, having to repeat the same process without a flaw to gain the access you desire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IehP0PLjgdM

When it comes to talking to God, many share a similar frustration, desperately seeking answers to their prayers.  Nonetheless, countless individuals are given the silent treatment, left in the dark by a God unwilling to tell you why at least for the moment.  Whether your situation is sin related or not, Isaiah 1:15, being shut out of the conversation has caused some to abandon God.

Paul likely endured periods of doubt during his years of ministry as an apostle.  However, while in Rome, the Holy Spirit brought Paul a clear message in Romans 5:1-4.  If access is denied, faith carries you until God opens the next door for you to walk through.  When you do sin, grace is provided to allow you to enter God’s presence.  Therefore, if you are struggling to connect with God, remember the words of Hebrews 11:1-6 until your access is reinstated.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When Silence Kills

Posted on June 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As human beings enter life on earth, God places certain instincts within babies, crying to get their mother’s attention.  Once talking commences, whining is replaced by mine, ooh and wanna.  Born inside of every child since Adam and Eve, the sinful nature is at war with silence.  If gratifications aren’t instantly met, silence can kill inclinations to be self-absorbed, training infants in the way they should go. Proverbs 22:6.

On the other hand, silence also separates individuals from God, Romans 3:23, as sin establishes a barrier deeper than the grand canyon, Romans 6:23.  Created to be in communion with the Lord and mankind, silence often steal, kills and destroys faith.  If this wall isn’t broken or lifted, souls will die void of any hope, joy or love.  Perhaps, someone or something is blocking this line, muffling God’s still small voice, 1 Kings 19:12-13.

No one is immune to silence, especially when prayers lifted up to heaven go unanswered.  Waiting is one thing I detest, rather pointless to a person in desperate need of answers.  Yet, despite my feelings, there are clues left behind by in the Bible which shouldn’t surprise me.  According to a servant of God who was sawed in two for his faith, silence is a way of life, Isaiah 40:27-31.  As Israel complained to this prophet, God reveals a message of hope to those still waiting in the dark for a response.    Therefore, if you are like me, scratching your head, trying to make sense life’s trials, may silence kill any hint of impatience within you, replaced by spiritual strength from the only One who can breathe life into a tired and weary soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

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One On One

Posted on September 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

According to a 2012 article at The Week Magazine, Friedhelm Hillebrand is credited with the initial concept of texting.  In 1984 Hillebrand recognized most of the information he wanted to convey could be condensed to 160 characters, serving as the limit for early text messages.  Eight years later, Neil Papworth sent a good friend the first SMS message to express “Merry Christmas.”  Since this pioneer revolutionized the way people communicate 21 years ago, society has never been the same.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkpWk8FJsys

Today, young people prefer to use their fingers than pick up the phone.  In fact, to avoid confrontation, adults now use Facebook, texting or Twitter to replace face to face encounters.  Though texting is a convenient and efficient means of communication, it should be no way replace one on one conversations.  God designed human beings to be relational creatures, interacting with one another.  However, I am afraid that future technology will continue to disconnect individuals from forming permanent meaningful lasting relationships.

Like most Monday mornings, I drove to Star Bucks to meet a close friend and former colleague.  While not every conversation is life altering, there is something special about sharing your burdens, good news and relating past events to current situations.  Pouring out my soul and spilling my guts has established a tight bond of fellowship, rare in the fast paced life style on the East Coast.  If you ever feel like you’re missing something, void of a missing ingredient, its probably because you don’t have enough one on one conversations.  Reach out today to a friend from the past or present, making room on your calender, to connect with another soul one on one.

by Jay Mankus

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