Tag Archives: trusting God

Becoming Vulnerable Again

Posted on July 25, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Ten years ago I was at a good place in my life.  At this time, I felt like I was doing exactly what God wanted me to do.  I was in the prime of my teaching career, mentoring students on and off the golf course as a coach and serving on the board of my church as an elder.  Then, a series of trials left deep wounds to my soul.  When the dust settled, I lost my job, several friendships and the desire to become vulnerable.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:10.

Whenever I endure hardship, it becomes difficult for me to allow strangers back into my life.  Whether this is a defense mechanism, fear of being disappointed again or signs of depression, I tend to withdraw.  Part of me is jaded, hesitant to invest time and energy without knowing what the future holds.  Yet after years of being in some sort of spiritual fog, a moving worship experience a few Sunday’s ago has led me to realize it’s time to open up.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working, James 5:16.

During one of these songs, I had a vision of clay being molded and fashioned by a potter.  This imagery was a subtle reminder of God’s nature as a heavenly Potter.  All of my heartache over the last decade is symbolic of the imperfections within clay.  If I can only trust God while I go through the furnace called life, I will become whole.  May the message that I am learning inspire others to become vulnerable to others again.

by Jay Mankus

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Be Grateful For What You Have; Not What You’ve Lost

Posted on January 1, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In my first year as a high school teacher, I stayed up well past midnight preparing for the next day.  While attempting to create challenging lesson plans, I overlooked one important truth.  This quest for perfection often left me feeling empty as the good was overshadowed by negative reactions by parents and students.  Instead of being grateful for what I had accomplished, my heart, soul and mind spent most of the time focusing on what I had lost.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

A little more older and wise now, writing this blog has helped transform my perspective.  Rather than worry about the next issue, subject and topic I am going to address, the Lord has given me a sense of peace, knowing that somehow, someway God will provide new ideas.  Whether I’m reading an article waiting for my next eye doctor appointment, listening to talk radio or watching television, interesting concepts continue to flow.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive, Acts 20:35.

After not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve, I stumbled upon a documentary aired on the Golf Channel about former British Open Champion Darren Clarke.  Labeled as one of the best tour players not to win a major, Clarke faced something more important winning a golf tournament.  When Darren’s wife Heather was diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the second time, she succumb to this disease in 2006.  Always staying positive to the end, Heather left behind a message to visitor’s of her tombstone.  “Be Grateful For What You Have; Not What You’ve Lost.”  May these words inspire you to apply this mindset in 2017.

by Jay Mankus

 

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I Can Handle It… Not!

Posted on April 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Human nature makes individuals believe that they can handle most things thrown their way.  Thus, don’t be surprised when you hear a young person proclaim, “I’ve got this!”  However, history leaves a chapter written by the apostle Paul to guard people against becoming over confident.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – 1 Corinthians 10:11-12.

Unfortunately, Samson, one of the strongest to ever walk the face of the earth did not have access to this letter.  Subsequently, he often toyed with people, including his wife Delilah.  Caught in a moment of weakness, Samson was worn down by the persistence of his wife.  Trusting in his own strength, Samson’s mind gave in, revealing the secret of his power.

With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it, Judges 16:16.

Today, gifted and talented continue to forgo trusting in the Lord.  Instead, most are self-reliant, experiencing more success than failure.  Thus, a whisper within urges many to believe “I can handle this.”  Despite this sense of security, don’t allow over confidence blind your perspective.  Instead, follow in the footsteps of Solomon by leaning on God’s understanding whatever the circumstance that you face.

by Jay Mankus

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Reasoning with God

Posted on April 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As I read a portion of the Bible known as the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, there is a common characteristic found within many of these individuals.  In times of uncertainty, when life’s circumstances did not make sense, these historical and spiritual figures reasoned with God.   Instead of turning toward doubt, each trusted in God’s ability to resolve their situation with a Hollywood ending.

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death, Hebrews 11:19.

Take for instance, Abraham who waited most of his life to have a son with his wife Sarah.  Shortly after receiving this promised child, God asked him to sacrifice Isaac.  Within Abraham’s heart, soul and mind, the concept of resurrection was conceived.  Thus, despite his confusion, Abraham took out a knife in faith, hoping and trusting that the Lord would provide a substitute, a replacement sacrifice for his son.

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict, Hebrews 11:23.

In modern times, life can be just as complex, not sure how or why God allows acts of terrorism, deadly diseases and failure to continue.  Yet, when trials arrive, Hebrews 11 exists to help people learn from models of faith.  Reasoning with God is a natural response, crying out to Him in prayer for understanding.  Although, answers may not come right away, don’t give up hope until God provides a solution for your latest dilemma.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Making A Deal with the King of Sodom

Posted on February 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lx82Q3nDPc

From time to time, you might find yourself in a precarious situation.  When under pressure, you might make a rash decision, forcing the issue without thinking about the consequences of an action.  Before you pull the trigger in the future, perhaps its better to wait and see if Lord is in agreement until making a deal with the King of Sodom.

After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh, Genesis 14:17.

As one king came to meet Abram, another, the King of Salem brought bread and wine.  Serving as a priest of the Most High God, Melchizedek blessed Abram and give him a tenth of everything he had.  This visit provided Abram with the assurance of deliverance, that God would be faithful to protect God’s people from their enemies.  The thought of a potential compromise was no longer necessary.

That I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich, Genesis 14:23.

This passage of the Old Testament teaches a valuable life lesson.  If you place your trust solely in the Lord, you won’t be obligated to another party or person.  Like Jesus’ words in the Our Father, Matthew 6:9-15, our hope should be placed in Christ alone to provide daily bread.  Therefore, do not waver in your faith as temptation approaches.  Rather, follow the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 so that you won’t be swayed by deals from the king of Sodom.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Do I Hold On to the Past or Trust God for the Future?

Posted on November 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EdkUt4f5wg

In the 1984 film Footloose, John Lithgow plays reverend Shaw Moore.  After Moore’s son dies in a car accident coming home from a night of dancing, reverend Shaw responds by banning all music in his small rural Utah town.  Kevin Bacon, plays Ren, a high school senior who goes to a town hall meeting in an attempt to reverse this ban for a Senior Prom.  Following a rejection, Ren’s boss comes up with an alternative which is presented to Shaw Moore.  During his next Sunday message, the reverend is confronted with a dilemma.  Do I hold on to the past of trust God with the future?

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ, Philippians 3:7.

Thirty years later, this question still applies.  Within each individual life, there are defining moments, trials which force people to mature.  How these events are handled, shape the outcome of lives.  Whether its death, illness or injury, bad things will occur sooner or later.  As Rich Mullins once sang prior to a car accident that ended his own life, there is bound to come some trouble to our lives.  When tragedy strikes, will you hold on to the past or trust God for the future?

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.

When life takes an unexpected turn, its hard to get over it or fully recovery.  Almost four years after I lost my teaching position, I’m close to picking up all the pieces, but not where I would like to be.  Scars from the past are still present, resulting in soul spirit hurts that are not fully healed.  However, as the apostle Paul once said in a letter to the church at Philippi, you must learn to leave your past by keeping your eyes on the overall goal, heaven.  Therefore, the next time you reach a crossroad in life, let go of the past by trusting God with your future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Faster Faster Won’t You Make It Better Now

Posted on October 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Built into the DNA of children is a natural inclination to seek comfort from mothers.  Whether its an accident, fall or scrape, there is something soothing about receiving a hug, kiss or touch from mom.  When I lived in New Jersey, my mother was an EMT.  Perhaps, it was a premonition that I was an accident waiting to happen.  Anyway, when I broke my leg in two places jumping off an above ground pool, did a face plant into the asphalt while riding my bike and nearly lost my finger after it was slammed into a car door I cried out, “faster faster won’t you make it better now?”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

From a spiritual perspective, adults and child alike apply this same concept to prayer.  However, instead of crying out to moms’, individuals are seeking immediate help from their heavenly Father.  In cases of death, illness or sudden trauma, God is the last resort, a life line hoping to turn around a dire situation.  While answers from the Lord vary, desperate times push souls to a sense of urgency.  Depending upon the age, dilemma or energy within each prayer lifted up, everyone is searching for a quick resolution with a happy ending.

And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him,” Joshua 24:24.

In the song Faster Faster on Esterlyn Lamps debut album, the lyrics appear to be geared toward a counselor or friend.  In the chorus, an individual who has made poor choices in life cries out at the tops of their lungs, “faster faster won’t you make it better?”  Whether this plea applies to a pastor, teacher or youth pastor, anyone who makes foolish decisions wants to escape the consequences.  Unfortunately, reality paints another picture, often with grime results.  Therefore, don’t wait until something bad happens to get right with God.  Rather, like Joshua in the Old Testament, make your decision today to serve and follow the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A House of Prayer

Posted on July 28, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In this competitive climate, churches are thinking outside the box to attract perspective families and individuals.  One of the latest trends involves offering guests a cafe, food court or cook out to influence people to attend.  Those with more resources may host a week long carnival, summer camp or vacation Bible school to sway those on the fence to join.  Yet, beyond all this window dressing, each congregation should be a house of prayer.

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts, Mark 11:15-16.

Perhaps the first century Jews overlooked this fact, turning God’s temple into a Flea Market.  Sometimes funds are low causing leadership to develop alternative views.  Thus, instead of trusting God to supernaturally provide, temple leaders looked toward the world.  Based upon the reaction of the chief priests, their hearts had become hardened, trying to get rid of their main critic.

And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.” – Mark 11:17.

Any type of competition can take your eyes off of your main purpose.  Unfortunately, during my time as a youth pastor, I lost sight of the fact the church is a house of prayer.  Sure, its nice to be wooed with creative ideas.  Nonetheless, prayer is what will change the hearts of men and woman.  Therefore, as you search for a church to call home, make sure prayer is a core principle, practiced inside and outside its doors.

by Jay Mankus

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The Grand Illusion

Posted on April 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As the 2015 NFL Draft approaches, Sports Networks are creating programming to feed the anticipation of football fans.  While channel surfing the other night, I stumbled across an interesting conversation on ESPN.  A pastor from California was talking to Jameis Winston, the projected first pick in the draft about temptation  Tainted by two seasons of off the field troubles, quarterback Jameis Winston has been a victim of the grand illusion, falling prey to the deception of temptation.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. – Proverbs 10:9

Known as the great deceiver, Satan has a way of making things look better than they really are.  Thus, the curious, unprepared and weak have a tendency to become repeat customers of the grand illusion.  Although the media will tend to label, make fun of and trash an individual for making poor decisions, there is a spiritual element that the addicted can’t cure on their own.  Similar to wearing beer goggles, sinful minds have a habit of justifying wrong actions, causing common sense to fade.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.- James 1:22

On the outside looking in, its hard to comprehend why some struggle to get control of their lives.  Bad influences, stubborn hearts and wandering souls can spend numerous years under the grasp of the grand illusion.  Those held captive often cry out to the heavens, searching for improvement from their condition.  Depending upon the severity of one’s situation, regaining control may take a while.  However, if you lean on the Lord’s power, Philippians 4:13, freedom is possible with Jesus’ help.  May this blog motivate you to remain patience until healing is achieved.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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All Insuranced Out

Posted on April 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

When I was a teenager, the only insurance that impacted me was obtaining auto so that I could drive.  The rest were an after thought.  I only went to the doctor when I was sick thus life was much more simplistic.  I guess you can say I was young and naive.

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all, Ecclesiastes 9:11.

Today, insurances have spun out of control.  Disability, identity protection, health and life have become nearly essential.  It only takes one accident, encounter with fraud, illness or tragedy to alter your life forever.  Without these protective measures, individuals can lose their life savings and more.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come, John 16:13.

However, if nothing happens to you, monthly bills can wipe away an entire pay check.  Thus, one is left to ponder, do I take the risk, bite the bullet by paying for all these insurances or do I trust God that nothing back will happen to me or my family?  There must be an easier solution to this long list of security measures, but as of now, “I’m all insuranced out” forced to play the game until something better comes along.

by Jay Mankus

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