Tag Archives: with God all things are possible

Closing Your Mind to God’s Power

Posted on June 1, 2018 by expressyourself4him

As a parent of three children between the age of 13 and 20, words reveal a common mindset that often goes unnoticed.  Perhaps, a decade of teaching high school has heightened my awareness to this growing epidemic.  A lack of confidence, low self-esteem and sheltered from positive influences is to blame for this spiritual condition.  What is this crisis?  Individuals who have closed their minds to believing in God’s power to change any grave or impossible situation.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.

This lack of perception was present among first century disciples of Jesus.  Human nature caused these servants of God to confuse being good with salvation.  When a model example of righteousness was turned away by Jesus, doubt began to creep into the disciples minds, wondering if anyone could be saved?  However, in the passage above, Jesus corrects this flawed mindset by highlighting that nothing is impossible with God.  Unfortunately, Satan has convinced many believers today that God doesn’t have the power to alter, improve or transform their current dilemma.

For nothing will be impossible with God,” Luke 1:37.

A first century doctor provides a cure for this lack of faith.  Luke prescribes that when doubt begins to weaken your faith in the power of the Holy Spirit, turn your attention toward history.  The past serves as a reminder of God’s previous power in the lives of Elizabeth, Mary and various miracles throughout the Old Testament.  This record proves that nothing is impossible with God.  Therefore, don’t let the father of lies convince you to close your mind to God’s previous miracles.  May the word of God, Romans 10:17, open your minds to the mega possibilities when you let the Holy Spirit into your life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Removing the I Can’t From Your Vocabulary

Posted on March 3, 2017 by expressyourself4him

While attending a youth ministry trade school in Minnesota, I was first introduced to the term “red light thinking.”  Growing up everyone hears the words I can’t.  This may be spoken by adults, siblings or teachers.  Whom ever spouts out this expression is suggesting that you can’t accomplish what you hope for, think about and want.  Anyone who begins to believe this will be limited in what you accomplish in life.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.

To combat red think thinking I was trained to practice a simple exercise.  After you have taken an assessment of a dilemma, problem or situation, spend any where between five to fifteen minutes to write down as many possible solutions as possible.  This time involves a collection of ideas without rejection, known as green light thinking.  When every angle is considered, then you can go back and scrutinize the unrealistic.

For nothing will be impossible with God, Luke 1:37.

The older I become, the crueler and harsher critics get.  Subsequently, the young, adolescents and adults are bombarded with daily chants of you can’t.  Debbie downers and negative Norman’s pound away dramatically impacting self-esteem.  Instead of facing a world full of challenges with hope, individuals struggle to believe in their dreams.  If this mindset is not stopped, spirits of doubt will eliminate the American dream.  May prayer, a supporting church and voices of optimism propel the hopeless toward a sense of with God I can.

by Jay Mankus

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When Our Problems Meet God’s Possibilities

Posted on January 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As life takes an unexpected twist or turn, certain things don’t make sense.  A typical response to unfortunate events is to question God wondering, “why is this happening to me?”  When confronted with problems, struggles and worries, perhaps its time to consider these situations as an opportunity for God to meet us in the storms of life.

And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you, Genesis 45:5.

While his arrogance may have created the environment for hardship, Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit, thrown into prison and forgotten after helping a member of the king’s service.  Despite one disappointment after another, Joseph didn’t dwell in the past or throw a pity party, “woe is me.”  Rather, Joseph saw his problems as a chance for the power of God to rescue him.

But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance, Genesis 45:7.

Amid these setbacks, God gave Joseph the strength to press on.  Raising him up on wings like eagles, Joseph persevered until he found his true purpose in life.  Sure, the path the Lord took him on was a long and winding road, but Joseph’s problem met God’s possibilities.  If you find yourself spinning your wheels in 2016 or going around in circles, don’t lose hope.  Rather claim the promise of Luke 1:37, with God all things are possible!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Stories That Make You Go Hum…

Posted on October 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes you have to be in the right place and right time to believe a story that you hear.  When something doesn’t make sense logically, skeptics always arrive on the scene, trying to poke holes into your account.  Yet, history holds a plethora of unexplained events which even baffle government officials to this day.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, Acts 5:19.

Arrested in plain sight, the apostles were taken to a public facility in Jerusalem.  The prison doors were locked, guards took their watch and loved ones went home sad, unsure of the future of their friends.  Nonetheless, like a scene out of a Hollywood, an invisible entity unlocked all their cells, allowing each to slide by the night watchmen and walked home unharmed.  This is one of those prison breaks that make you want to go hum…

On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to, Acts 5:24.

Like the resurrection of Jesus, who made several appearances in public 40 days after his death, this escape from prison befuddled religious leaders.  Just as Andy Dufresne disappeared like a fart in the wind near the end of Shawshank  Redemption, this biblical account emphasizes an essential truth about the Lord’s power.  Whether you are Mary, Joseph or someone seeking to emulate Jesus, with God all things are truly possible.

by Jay Mankus

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The Presence of An Extraordinary God

Posted on September 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The expression “timing is everything” applies to many aspects of life.  Whether its buying a house, finding the right job or waiting to marry the right person, the environment has to be ideal for you to receive the desires of your heart.  Beyond the natural, sometimes the presence of the supernatural can lead you to heights never reached before.

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus, Acts 4:13.

The fear of public speaking is a common struggle for the ineloquent, uneducated and those who are insecure.  Something about talking in front of large crowds can make the confident feel uneasy.  Yet, for Peter and John, fishermen without a high school diploma, these men possessed an uncanny ability to convince their audience about Jesus.  Invisible to the religious leaders, the presence of an extraordinary God spoke through these disciples.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.

If you are like me, you have endured periods of failure,  Despite your dedication, efforts and hard work, success is no where to be found.  This is where Jesus’ words to his disciple come into play, man’s attempts will come up short.  Therefore, when things aren’t going your way, reach out for help.  Then, on the wings of angels and prayer, the presence of an extraordinary God may visit you soon.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Why Does This Surprise You?

Posted on September 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In this age of pessimism, few believe until they experience, see or taste success.  Sure, there will always be individuals with egos, pride or talk a good game, but backing up words is a different story.  Confidence is like night and dark, drastically altering the outcome of a day, performance and productivity.  Therefore, when a new star is born, why does this surprise so many people?

While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade, Acts 3:11.

High profile and professional coaches tend to be annoyed during press conferences after media members are astonished by one of their players accomplishments.  Not privy to all the workouts behind the scenes, athletes in the right system can excel over time.  Thus, whenever an average or middle of the road talent comes out of no where, skeptics automatically think, they must be cheating or taking performance enhancing drugs.  Though this may true for some, aren’t miracles still possible?

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? – Acts 3:12

As an apprentice of Jesus for three years, Peter witnessed miracles every day.  Like an ad campaign, the masses flocked to this man wondering, “what will Jesus do next?”  Perhaps this might explain Peter’s reaction to his first public miracle following the Day of Pentecost.  Miffed, Peter turns to the crowd gathering at the Colonnade, “why does this surprise you?”  Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter tried to remind those in attendance that with God all things are possible.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you, John 15:7.

Reflecting back to his training as a disciple, Jesus urged his followers to stay connected with God.  Like a power supply, remaining plugged in enables believers to reach new heights.  Therefore, when God answers a prayer, supernaturally provides or does a miracle in your life, don’t be surprised.  Ultimately, greater is He who is in you and than the One who is in the world.  May this blog strengthen your faith and inspire you to trust in the power of the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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