Tag Archives: the 2020 Presidential Election

Perhaps It’s Time to Start Getting Along

Posted on September 18, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Some historians attribute the phrase “why can’t we all get along” to Rodney King. However, history is littered with civil unrest between classes, nations and races. While human beings are living in the most technologically advanced times, social media has become the new arena for the Jerry Springer Show. However, instead of making a scene in person, nastiness goes on daily from behind back biting keyboards and sarcastic cell phones.

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper], Colossians 3:12.

In the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul traveled throughout the Middle East into parts of Europe. Some of these places welcomed Paul like Berea while others such as Thessalonica tried to kill him. To a certain extent, Jewish religious leaders of this time period who tried to stop the Jesus movement behaved similarly to modern politicians in the United States. If you don’t believe me, Trump and his supporters have been compared to Hitler and terrorists.

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony], Colossians 3:13-14.

Unfortunately, this hatred has continued long after the 2020 Presidential Election that put Joe Biden in the White House. Although Trump supporters are still demonized by members of the media, anyone who has refused to become vaccinated for Covid-19 has risen to the top of the most hated list. Every day I turn on my radio or television, the unvaccinated are blamed for super spreaders even if some possess the antibodies of the Coronavirus. The only way to resolve this divided nation is through Christians who clothe themselves with Christ where love is the uniting source.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Seeing Beyond the Present this Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Since I stopped listening to and watching any type of news cast, I’ve been much happier. If I ever get curious about what’s going on in the world, all I have to do is click on the internet to see how depressing everything appears to be. Following Trump’s apparent loss in the 2020 Presidential Election, I thought stories would shift from the Coronavirus toward a more positive outlook for the future. From what I’ve read online, there must be a contest that I’m not aware of between news organizations to see who can present the bleakest forecast.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, 3 A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4.

As I read about the latest death toll from Covid-19, I was reminded of an old song by Randy Stonehill. The lyrics of this song is filled with sadness, sorrow, and tragedy, very apropos for probably one of the worst years of the 21st century. Stonehill uses the backdrop of a Denny’s restaurant to compare an orphans Christmas meal with symbolism from the Bible. While the attached you-tube is gut wrenching, listening to this song helps me realize just how blessed my life is despite the current crisis facing America.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

A wise Old Testament king predicted that these days would come. While the details are always slightly different, you can’t escape trials that pop up. These unexpected circumstances and events don’t wait for you to catch up. Rather, when crap hits the fan, things will get messy often leaving emotional and physical scars. Like the depressing story in the song Christmas at Denny’s, it’s hard to see beyond the present. Yet, when I read the miraculous testimony of Elizabeth and Mary, with God anything is possible this Christmas, Luke 1:37.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Last Ditch Effort to Save a Nation

Posted on November 24, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The origin of concerts of prayer dates back to revivalists in Scotland, in October, 1744. According to Joseph Tracy, a historian of the First Great Awakening,  the desire to convert the world to Christ prompted evangelists to devote two years toward prayer oriented events. Churches set aside time for prayer Saturday nights, Sunday mornings and the first Tuesday of each quarter. As a spirit of prayer spread throughout the region, souls were primed to confess their sins and receive Jesus as Lord.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life, John 3:16.

A similar movement began 36 years ago in South Korea. The International Prayer Assembly included 2,000 prayer-mobilizers from 70 nations who issued an International Call to Prayer. This concert of prayer was based upon five main objectives: call out to God for a worldwide outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to apply the work of the Cross to men and women, to awaken the church, to break the power of Satan over people’s lives and to unify and empower the church for world evangelism. The impact of these prayers likely explains the revival that spread throughout South Korea.

For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him, John 3:17.

When you fast forward to today, the 2020 Presidential Election and Coronavirus have teamed up to create havoc. As Trump battles elections results in 6 battleground states, a growing number of COVID-19 cases have empowered government officials to flex their political power. While Biden is expected to become the 46th president, America is close to having spiritual holidays cancelled. Meanwhile, recent allegations that states using software provided by Dominion and Smartmatic may have rigged the election in Biden’s favor, omitted from the media. In view of this chaos, starting a new generation of concert of prayers may be the only hope to save the constitution and spiritual heritage of this once great nation.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Putting Your Reputation on the Line

Posted on November 19, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Following the 2020 Presidential Election, both sides claimed victory. In the 6 states still in doubt on election night, Trump was ahead before the counting suddenly paused. When the counting restarted, everything fell in Biden’s favor. This swift momentum change altered the media’s narrative and began a slew of negative news stories. Twenty four hours later, I decided to take a leave of absence, tuning out all radio and television news for the past two weeks. As I tuned back in today, Trump’s lawyer’s are being chastised, doxed and harassed for challenging the election results. In other words, for those lawyer’s who stick around, they are putting their reputations on the line.

Beloved, I implore you as aliens and strangers and exiles [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges (the evil desires, the passions of the flesh, your lower nature) that wage war against the soul, 1 Peter 2:11.

One of Jesus’ disciples shares his perspective on reputations in the passage above and below. As a member of Jesus’ inner circle, Peter wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. Unfortunately, Peter often spoke first without thinking things through, resulting in numerous rebukes by Jesus. Despite his strong leadership in the book of Acts, Peter is often remembered as the disciple who publicly denied knowing Jesus. This one blunder haunted Peter for the rest of his life. John 21:15-18 records one of Peter’s final encounters with Jesus prior to his ascension into heaven. While Jesus restores this fallen disciple, Peter was embarrassed. Thus, when he was sentenced to death on a cross, Peter chose to be crucified upside down as he didn’t feel worthy enough to die in the same manner as Jesus.

Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock], 1 Peter 2:12.

Regardless of who will be the 46th President of the United States, the world is watching how you conduct yourself. If you are a Christian, you will be scrutinized more than most people as some co-workers, family members and neighbors will be waiting for you to fall. Are you willing to put your reputation on the line or will you be like some of Trump’s lawyer’s who have quit when outside pressure got too great? According to Peter, sensual urges will intensify causing a spiritual battle within your soul. Known for saying, “you have to live in the world, but not of it,” Peter is likely dwelling on his past failures. Nobody is forcing you to follow Jesus, but if you want to experience an abundant life, John 10:10, you’ll never know until you are willing to put your reputation on the line.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Revolution Deep Within

Posted on June 6, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The book definition of revolution is a forcible overthrow of a government in favor of a new system or social order. Synonyms include insurrection, rebellion, revolt and uprising. As the United States prepares for the 2020 Presidential Election, cable news networks are suggesting that a political revolution is about to occur. The more capitalism is demonized and communism is glorified by public education, potential voters will decide the future of this nation.

I indeed baptize you in (with) water because of repentance [that is, because of your changing your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins]. But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire, Matthew 3:11.

The Bible refers to a different kind of revolution, one that is deep inside the human soul. A first century prophet refers to this spiritual revolution in the passage above. John the Baptist understood his limited role of a forerunner, preparing the way for a great spiritual leader. While John practiced a traditional baptism in water, Jesus introduced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. One of Jesus’ disciples refers to this concept in the passage below. First century conversions were always followed by public baptisms.

And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38.

Unfortunately, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit has created division and turmoil within modern Christian churches. While some denominations encourage the baptism of the Holy Spirit, others claim that if you haven’t experienced or received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you aren’t saved. Several theologians suggest that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Pentecost was unique, limited to that period in history. Whatever you may believe, spiritual revolution begins deep within human hearts that accept and embrace God’s free gift of eternal life as their own, Romans 6:23.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.