Monthly Archives: July 2016

A New Type of Addiction

Posted on July 31, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Cravings, dependence and enslavement are all terms associated with addiction.  This invisible struggle tends to go unnoticed.  Initial signs are subtle as souls wrestle with self-control prior to patterns being revealed.  In the context of alcohol and drugs, actions, behavior and obsessions become obvious over time.  Unfortunately, until individuals come to grips with their losing battle, conditions will continue on a downward spiral.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God, Colossians 3:1.

Last weekend I had lunch just north of Amish country.  After picking up my kids from their week long camp, I wanted to spend some time together learning of their experience.  Hoping to get a flavor of Lancaster County, my son chose a diner with several cars in the parking lot.  To my surprise many of the customers were busy playing Pokemon Go on their phones.  This popular app’s success is a sign of a new type of addiction.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things, Colossians 3:2.

Recreation serves as a vehicle to revitalize souls.  However, when individuals become captivated with what’s on their phones, hearts and minds become weakened.  Hobbies are a good and fun way to pass time.  Yet, as people become attached and hooked to their phones or tablets, unhealthy patterns form.  The concept of being still before the Lord is replaced by a new type of addiction to technology.  May those distracted by these modern devises reflect upon the apostle Paul’s words and be moved to fix their hearts and minds on eternal things.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Huh?

Posted on July 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you are like me, you have encountered conversations where you thought you were making a good point.  Unfortunately, at some point you realize the person you were engaging was not listening.  Subsequently, your words fall upon deaf ears as a friend replies, “huh, what did you say?”

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand, Hebrews 5:11.

In recent years, the concept of selective hearing has become a common practice.  Whether individuals are listening, talking or watching a person of interest, minds process only those things they like or relate to.  All other topics are discarded, forgotten as if they were never spoken.  A previous generation referred to this bad habit as being hard of hearing.

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! – Hebrews 5:12

From a spiritual context, any person of faith that becomes comfortable with who or where they are has a tendency to reject certain passages of the Bible.  This behavior stunts any type of consistent growth, resulting in wandering souls who experience emotional highs and lows.  If only these people could sharpen their hearing, perhaps lives would be transformed.  Yet, until Christians begin to feed themselves spiritually through daily Bible reading and prayer, you will continue to hear the lost proclaim,”huh, what did you just say.”

by Jay Mankus

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Sending the Correct Message

Posted on July 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In this political season, it doesn’t take much to communicate the wrong message.  Sometimes an individual goes rogue to advance their own agenda.  Others may attempt to make a name for themselves by expressing an over the top statement.  However, the most common mistake occurs from a slip of the tongue.  If the media is present, this faux pas usually results in a firestorm and has ended the careers of promising candidates.

I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost.  There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint, Habakkuk 2:1.

On the flip side, many struggle to comprehend what God is trying to communicate daily.  Thus, countless people of faith wander off into the wilderness wondering if the Lord will ever make Himself clear.  Many prayers will be offered, yet silence can be one of the most frustrating experiences in life.  Distraught children, moms and others seeking answers cry out to the heavens waiting for some kind of tangible sign.

Then the LORD said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others,” Habakkuk 2:2.

Unfortunately, the Bible is clear about this issue as believers are commanded to live by faith, not by sight.  Though some don’t want to hear this, time will tell why this or that happened to you.  Nonetheless, its easy to manipulate messages, often taking the Bible out of context to get the outcome you desire.  Despite these efforts, the prophet Habakkuk suggests that there will be times in life when you will have to wait for insight.  In view of this, practice patience until the Lord provides a runner to carry you the correct message.

by Jay Mankus

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Reruns, Rewind and Revive

Posted on July 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The summer tends to be a season for reruns.  As students and teachers take a break until the fall semester begins, there is time for late night binge watching.  While most use On Demand, Netflix or DVR’ed programs, the older generation still rely on television guides to plan their viewing pleasures.  Classic movies have a way of grabbing your attention.  Although you know the story, desires from within carry you away for hours at a time as a distraction from the stress and worries in life.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3.

For those of you who don’t spend much time watching television, perhaps you prefer reflection.  Either during a jog, walk or while doing yard work, its nice to rewind, taking an inventory of where you’ve been, where you are or where you want to go.  This practice is like setting goals in your mind, providing direction for the future.  One of the things I enjoy pondering about are those things in life which bring me the most joy.  Listening to music, playing sports, writing and working on projects around the house fill me with a sense of accomplish along with purpose and meaning in life.

Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others, Philippians 2:4.

One of the final activities I engage in involves food for the soul.  Beyond a dose of daily Bible reading and prayer, hearts and minds need to be revived and refreshed to make it in life.  Thus, I have days where I soak in music while I rest.  Sometime I find a book on a topic that interests me, giving me a broader perspective on life.  Although I waste just as much time as the average American lounging around on a couch or sofa, I experience peace that surpasses understanding when I rewind my direction and revive my soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Minds over Matters

Posted on July 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

 

In 1972 the United Negro College Fund adopted the slogan “the mind is a terrible thing to waste.”  Since this decision other organizations have used this saying to stress the importance of education, knowledge and learning.  However, is there ever a time when minds interfere with matters in life?

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ, Colossians 2:17.

C.S. Lewis introduces the term diabolical pride within a chapter in Mere Christianity.  While attitude, arrogance and egos are a sign of confidence, success can go to one’s head.  Subsequently, individuals can become narcissitic, blinded by pride.  This character flaw essentially prevents people from considering the advice, opinions and wisdom from others.

Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind, Colossians 2:18.

Perhaps this topic inspired the words of the apostle Paul within a letter to Christians in Corinth.  Similar to religious leaders steeped in tradition, minds can become puffed up by idle notions.  In the end, relative matters are ignored due to ignorant minds influenced by worldly philosophies.  Instead of recognizing the obvious, minds have a habit of getting in the way, preventing the masses from seeing what truly matters in life.  Wake up today before your mind forgets what is truly important.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Working Hand of God

Posted on July 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are an artist, architect or designer, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  In the early stages of any project, its hard to visualize the direction and progress an individual is making.  Yet, time has a way of shaping the horizon, unveiling blind eyes to the Creator of this world.

In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, Colossians 2:11.

Unfortunately, I find myself in a transitional phase, a moment when my calling is a mystery to me, vague and unclear.  During these periods of darkness, the hand of God on your life is invisible.  Like a storm cloud shading the sun, sometimes days turn into night.  Although the hand of God is at work, a lack of progress can make people feel like their life doesn’t have any rhyme or reason.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus, Philippians 1:6.

According to Acts 16, the apostle Paul was arrested for healing a slave girl oppressed by a spirit during a visit to Philippi.  While behind bars, Paul was not able to see the hand of God at work initially.  However, following an earthquake, Paul realized this trial occurred so that he would be able to meet and lead the prison guard along with his family to Christ.  This event inspired the works above in Philippians 1:6.  In view of this, as you struggle to make sense of trying times, don’t forget that behind the scenes the hand of the Lord is at work.

by Jay Mankus

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Fullness or Unfulfilled?

Posted on July 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

While many Americans may not be as wealthy as they wish, some local restaurants offer buffets, all you can eat when you are hungry.  Unfortunately, I don’t have the discipline to stop when I’m full.  Rather, I gorge myself, eating more in a one sitting than a child living in a third world nation eats in a week.  Thus, I find myself full, yet unfulfilled.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, Colossians 2:9.

I started 2016 losing 20 pounds in the month of January, only to regain 10 this past month.  The human body is tough to manage, craving food but making those who lack discipline to feel shame and regret.  God promises to provide daily bread, enough money to take care of and feed your family.  Yet, there must be something else as when I taste the pleasures of life I often leave empty and unsatisfied.

And in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority, Colossians 2:10.

The apostle Paul writes to members of the church in Corinth struggling with a similar issue.  The conclusion he draws is that no matter hard someone tries to possess an abundant life, its futile without Jesus.  In your quest to become full, many leave the faith unfulfilled.  Thus, if you ever reach this state, listen to words of the passage above.  Reach out to Christ in prayer and God can make you both full and fulfilled.

by Jay Mankus

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Fact Checkers

Posted on July 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes you find yourself stuck in a place with no where else to go.  You may be in a room full of people with whom you disagree, a guest at a table taking part if a foreign topic of conversation or at a restaurant with a television on airing an opinion that floors you.  This is the setting that I found myself in, forced to observe CNN analysts pick apart Melania Trump’s speech like gossiping teenage girls tearing apart their enemies.  Its ironic that these same fact checkers have been asleep the last 7 years, turning a blind eye to the current administration that they worship.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged, Matthew 7:1.”

While everyone is entitled to their opinions, the fact is no one is worthy enough to cast the first stone.  Sure, the average American citizen has their moment of integrity, doing the right thing when no one is looking, but how long does this stage of conviction last?  If enough individuals stood up for fairness, justice and righteousness, police officers would be needed as much as they are today.  The sad reality of these times is the media is exempt from scrutiny for the most part, trashing whoever or whatever movement that gets in their way.  Just ask Tea Party members who are marginalized despite their impressive grass roots movement.

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, Matthew 7:2.

The only positive step forward is to put into practice the closing remarks of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount.  The next time you have the urge to criticize, condemn or complain, take the plank out of your own eyes first.  Perhaps, once you’ve gotten your life in order, there will be opportunities to correct others.  Yet, for now its time to look into the mirror and see what’s out of place within us.  The closer one gets to God, the greater sin appears, causing the apostle Paul to suggest “he’s the greatest sinner of all.”  Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, meaning the further away you slide, the better you feel about yourself.  May a spirit of conviction fall upon future fact checkers before any further words roll off their tongue.  Look within before you point out the flaws in others.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Where Do You Go From Here?

Posted on July 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Everyone will hit that proverbial bump in the road at some point in life.  This moment of inconvenience could be a quick pit stop, a rough stretch or turn into a dead end.  If the latter is you, its hard to start over, especially if you’re not sure where to go from here.

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.

Upon receiving the news of my most recent rejection from Hollywood, fourth in five years, I’m starting to have second thoughts on my writing career.  Part of me truly believed my latest script Dragged Behind the Devil’ s Door would be a box office hit, but now that reality is setting in I wonder if I’m on the right track or simply chasing some improbable fantasy.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13.

Perhaps the apostle Paul went through a similar phase during his first century mission trips throughout the Middle East.  Instead of seeing progress, Paul experienced failure, persecution and suffering.  While writing a letter to one of his favorite churches, Paul had a vision that gave him direction for the last portion of his life.  May the words above serve as a message of hope to those ready to give up, quit or abandon your calling.  Although I’m not sure what role writing will play in the next stage of my life, I need to forget past disappointments by straining toward what is ahead, eternal life with Christ my Lord.

by Jay Mankus

 

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