Monthly Archives: November 2014

I Thought They Had It All Together

Posted on November 10, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether its in church, your own community or traveling on vacation, you’re bound to come into contact with an exceptional individual.  On the surface, this person possesses character, personality and wisdom.  Adorned by everyone, they seem too good to be true.

While on a week long mission trip in Jackson, Tennessee, I was introduced to one of the largest youth groups in the country.  Based out of Rochester, Michigan, this church took several buses across the country each summer to serve needy communities.  The president of this youth group appeared like he had it all together.  As I began to develop friendships in the area, only one person saw through his phony witness.  One year after losing touch, I  heard through the grapevine that this saint fell from grace, arrested for running an under age gambling ring.

Call it jaded or desensitized, but I am usually not surprised by people who live double lives.  Whenever you put others up on a pedestal, disappointment is a likely outcome.  Therefore, if you think someone has it all together,don’t worship one of God’s creations.  Rather, say a prayer for these individuals, hope for the best and trust in the Lord for a bright future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

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

Staying Cool When the Heat is On

Posted on November 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Before any volcanic eruption occurs, there are subtle signs.  Tremors, increased steam and ground swells are some of the warning signals scientists have uncovered to prepare nearby residents.  As for human beings, increased tension, a red complexion and short temper are precursors to someone blowing their top.

Regardless of how disciplined someone may be, its hard to stay cool when the heat is on.  In the days of my youth, there were numerous occasions when I lost my composure.  In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis talks about Cardinal Virtues.  One of these 4 is known as temperance, going the right distance and no further.  While this trait is available to everyone, you can’t stay cool when the heat is on all by yourself.

According to 2 Timothy 1:7, the Holy Spirit is the piece of the puzzle  individuals are missing.  When push comes to shove in the form of temptation, a spirit of anger lurks in the air.  Don’t fool yourself with over confidence or you too may fall, 1 Corinthians 10:12.  Place your trust in the words of Proverbs 3:5-6; then you too can stay cool when the heat is on.

by Jay Mankus

 

.

 

Leave a comment

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

Behind Closed Doors

Posted on November 8, 2014 by expressyourself4him

With the advent of twitter, overreaction has a voice, tweeting out emotions, opinions and rage.  Subsequently, there is a growing fear among citizens of telling others how you really feel.  To guard against the next media frenzy, the truth is often found off the record, behind closed doors.

Growing up in the 1980’s, I was taught not to be afraid of letting others know who you are.  Nonetheless, deep inside there were whispers, “what if people don’t like me?”  Fueled by peer pressure, I blended into my environment, letting my guard down only when the timing felt right.  Except for a few friends, my faith was hidden behind closed doors.

One of the most difficult passages of the Bible to comprehend is Matthew 10:32-39.  Jesus is about to send his disciples out into the world for the first time.  As the Lord goes over a list of expectations, the words of this passage sends a wave of conviction, crashing over my soul.  Essentially, if anyone is ashamed of their faith, they will be left behind closed doors.  In view of this fact, open the door to your heart by sharing your faith today.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

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

Feeling Normal Again

Posted on November 7, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you listen to voices in this world, you might be led to rejuvenate your soul.  McDonald’s proclaims “you deserve a break today!”  The classic band Chicago suggests, “everyone needs a little time away.”  The more I think about this train of thought, its a good place to start for feeling normal again.

College students often practice binge sleep habits.  After all night study sessions, they might crash for 12-18 hours at a time before arising for their next rendezvous.  Following each semester, individuals may disappear for a couple of days before feeling normal again.  Perhaps those people who are rough around the edges just aren’t getting rest to be the person God wants them to be.

During a stressful week of school or work, several things are put on hold.  These neglected areas continue to mount until time allows you to catch up.  In this struggle to stay above rising waters, I was struck by an obvious fact of life last weekend.  If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re no use to anyone, Philippians 2:4.  Whether you need recreation, sleep or time away, do what you need to refresh your heart, soul and mind so you will feel normal once again.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

A Mind Preventing You From Greatness

Posted on November 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Counselors, discerning parents and teachers tend to pick up things that most people miss.  Body language, tone and words are like warning signals.  Unless someone intervenes, a doubting mind can prevent you from greatness.

While the heart is a wellspring for life, Proverbs 4:23, the mind serves as a compass.  Though the mouth speaks out of the overflow of the heart, Luke 6:45, the mind provides discipline to zip your lips or just blurt out whatever you think.  If you allow emotions to get the best of you, a weak mind can alienate you from others.

The greatest assault anyone faces is often invisible.  The devil is similar to a creature searching for a vulnerable mind to attack, 1 Peter 5:8  Lucifer’s ultimate goal is to steal, kill and destroy psyches, John 10:10.  Preying on fears, anxieties and past mistakes, its easy to become unraveled.  In view of this reality, guard your mind with the Bible, Romans 12:1-2, so that the next time you are under siege, you will be armed with weapons to achieve greatness, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

God Doesn’t Need a Superstar

Posted on November 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you observe the titles of today’s most popular reality television shows: American Idol, America’s Next Top Model and America’s Got Talent, Hollywood is searching for the next superstar.  Meanwhile, media’s elite are longing for a politician with gravitas, believing that once this person arrives, everything will be fine.  Yet, when its all said and done, God is in control and He doesn’t need a superstar.

After the flood, the Lord didn’t amass an all-star team of individuals to carry on His plan for earth.  Nor did God recruit the best of the best of the best like Men in Black.  Rather, He chose an ordinary group of people, eventually named Israel, after Jacob, the son of Isaac, whose father was Abraham.  While many have different opinions behind God’s rationale, I believe the Lord selected a nation who could not steal credit for the prosperity He provided.

Thousands of years later, God still opposes the proud and supplies grace to the humble.  Whenever someone reaches a Matthew 16:24 state, you become a willing vessel for the Lord.  If you want to continue this journey, God’s anointing is awaiting those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, Matthew 5:6.  May the Holy Spirit fill eager servants so that one day you might be transformed into a spiritual superstar.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

To Borrow or Buy?

Posted on November 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Before the days of importing goods, products made in America were built to last.  Although the price may have discouraged many from purchasing home improvement items, the investment was often worth it.  Subsequently, the middle class had to decide, should I ask a neighbor to borrow their tool or buy my own?

Unfortunately, consumerism has inspired an era of disposable objects of every shape, size and color.  Low prices have made almost anything you need affordable.  In the meantime, relationships between neighbors have drifted apart, able to buy what they need instead of relying others nearby.  Whether you choose to borrow or buy, each decision will affect you financially or socially.

When Jesus was crucified, he was buried in a borrowed tomb, John 19:38-42.  Surely, Jesus knew he would be only staying a couple days, busting out to attend a resurrection party, John 21:10-14.  As Rush Limbaugh often states, the apostle Paul clearly confirms, “our talents are on loan from God,” borrowed until the day Jesus calls us home.  Until this day arrives, your temple, earthly body, has been bought with a price, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; therefore honor God with the talents you have received, 1 Corinthians 12:6-11.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

Don’t Waste Your Vote

Posted on November 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

My first experience with politics was during a debate I attended in Wilmington, Delaware during my senior year of high school.  Before the days of attack ads, candidates often met in public forums, hosted by local churches to give citizens a chance to see what each individual stood for and was against.  Since this site was where I went to youth group, I was a curious onlooker, sitting back and absorbing the 3 nominees.

Looking back, the most impressive individual in my eyes was a pro-life democrat.  Since the incumbent was a Rhino Republican with all the experience and money, my guy never had a chance.  Unfortunately, pro-life democrats at the national level have become extinct.  In fact, the Progressive Movement has swallowed up the entire Democrat Party with eyes on engulfing the Republican Party as well.  As Independents sell their votes to the highest bidder, its easy to become a disenfranchised voter.

However, as Election Day 2014 arrives on Tuesday, don’t waste your vote.  While you might have voted your party line, cast your ballet for who your peers suggested or bet on the person who promised you the most, make your vote count this year.  Listen to the 4 men in the you tube attached as each have experienced a defining moment.  In view of potential fraud, a biased media and illegal votes already cast in several states, make the most of your privilege to select the future leaders in America.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

Up the Down Staircase

Posted on November 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Bel Kaufman’s novel Up the Down Staircase spent more than a year on the New York Times Best Seller’s List in the late 1960’s.  This success evolved into a movie and a play, the first one I ever saw in person.  However, as I try to bob and weave my way  through life, I often find myself going up the down staircase.

Humility and pride serve as ebb and flow, bringing me back to earth from past successes while lifting me up when I  fall.  On the days I leave my house thinking, “now I’ve got it all figured out,” trials flare up, knocking me off my feet.  Meanwhile, on the days I don’t want to get out of bed, with little strength to tarry on, a mysterious force carries me to places I never thought I could go.

From a spiritual perspective, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 illustrates what its like to go up the down staircase.  Ignorance causes individuals to repeat past failures daily.  A surely that won’t happen to me mentality breeds overconfidence, leading souls toward a moment of decision, 1 Corinthians 10:12.  In the end, there are only 2 logical choices: trusting God or yourself.  As you contemplate your current footing, may you place your feet on the solid rock of Christ, Psalm 30:1-3.  By doing so you will avoid of pain of going up the down staircase.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

You Don’t Have to Wish Upon a Star to Make Your Dreams Come True

Posted on November 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

To most American children, visiting Disney World is like a rite of passage.  I still remember my first visit, seeing Snow White’s Castle, going on a steam boat and riding on “It’s a Small World.”  The fascination with this magical place continues today, enticing families with the promise,” if you wish upon a star your dreams will come true.”

When I started this blog back in February of 2012, I never imagined that I would write 1000 articles.  Initially, I wanted to keep my writing skills sharp in case I felt called to go back into teaching.  However, now this journey is preparing me of a dream to become a screen writer for Hollywood.  While this may years away, you won’t find me wishing upon a star.

When you open up the Bible, there are thousands of passages that contain hope.  Yet, few compare with Jesus’ words in Mark 11:24.  One of the crucial elements to make dreams come true is belief.  When doubt exists, prayers go unanswered.  Therefore, if you want your dreams to come true, don’t wish upon a star.  Instead, place your trust in the One who has the power to make all things possible, Luke 1:37.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
←
Newer Posts →