Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Breaking Free from Depression

Posted on August 22, 2018 by expressyourself4him

There are seven common symptoms of depression.  Notable signs include crying spells, irritability and fatigue, withdrawing from loved ones.  The longer misery, sorrow and unhappiness persist, individuals lose hope that this condition state will ever improve.  While declines, recessions and slumps are a common pattern within society, breaking free from depression can be exhausting as you struggle to cling to the thought of improving.

 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation], Matthew 11:28.”

According to a 2015 study, 350 million of the world’s population is affected by some form of depression.  Eleven percent of adolescents will develop a depressive disorder by age 18.  Women are 70 percent more likely to experience depression in their lifetime than men.  Over 16 million Americans have had at least one major depressive episode.  Thirty percent of college students have reported feeling depressed which has disrupted their ability to function at school.  Finally, the estimated cost of depression in terms of loss of productivity at work and healthcare related costs in the United States is 80 billion dollars.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light,” Matthew 11:29-30.

If depression is this big of a deal, how can people break free?  Jesus encouraged first century followers to not hide their feelings.  Rather, let your emotions out by openly sharing how you feel to Jesus.  Those who remain silent, keeping everything within, build up tensions as this mounts like a heavy burden growing more intense with each passing each day.  Therefore, those who publicly confess their depression to God and others if available will begin to experience a comforted soul.  While some may need to seek professional help or make an appointment with a pastor, the sooner action is taken, the lighter your burden will become.

by Jay Mankus

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Maintaining Dignity

Posted on August 21, 2018 by expressyourself4him

William Payne Stewart was a three time major champion on the Professional Golf Association tour.  Stewart’s life was cut short at the age of 42, dying in a plane crash after the crew succumb to hypoxia.  Early on in his golfing career, Stewart developed a reputation for being arrogant, brash and cocky.  Following the death of his father, Stewart began to contemplate the meaning of life.  According to his widow Tracey, Payne began to ponder his impact beyond golf.  This journey led Stewart to commit his life to Christ in his final years on earth.  During a conversation with his son, Payne inquired about the bracelet Aaron was wearing.  WWJD is an acronym for what would Jesus do?  This simple question helped Payne maintain dignity for the remainder of his life on earth.

Whoever strikes you on the cheek, offer him the other one also [simply ignore insignificant insults or losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity]. Whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either, Luke 6:29.

Unfortunately, dignity in the realm of politics is a dying breed.  In an attempt to win at all costs, allegations, campaign ads and debate clashes has turned political mud slinging into scenes from a Jerry Springer Show brawl.  Daily tweets from President Trump slamming one of his enemies only adds fuel to this fiery climate.  While independent studies have regularly found that ninety percent of articles, media coverage and news stories are negative, leaders must set the tone.  Participating in these endless back and forth disputes only distract from the president’s agenda.  Thus, at some point government officials must bite their tongues, practice self-control and walk away from the temptation to retaliate.

Give to everyone who asks of you.  Whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. 31 Treat others the same way you want them to treat you, Luke 6:30-31.

During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus introduces a concept to help individuals maintain dignity.  Following the golden rule, “doing to others as you want other to do unto you,” urges people to reflect upon each situation, putting yourself into their shows.  As you begin to think before you act, you will hopefully start treating others the way you expect and want to be treated.  My prayer is that president Trump will be open to following this biblical concept.  Although this may be foreign to his career as a builder and entrepreneur, displaying the golden rule could put out many of the political fires presently blazing out of control.  I’m not sure what the future holds, but if you want to maintain dignity, following the golden rule will turn enemies into friends.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Spiritual Placebos

Posted on August 20, 2018 by expressyourself4him

My first encounter with the term placebo was during an episode of MASH, short for mobile army surgical hospital.  Due to extreme weather conditions and the volatility of an approaching enemy, medical supplies were cut off.  Thus, the only remaining medicine on site were sugar cubes.  While science was not on the side of these doctors, a plan was devised to convince their patients taking this placebo would improve their condition.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind, James 1:5-6.

This harmless pill is prescribed for the psychological benefit to a patient rather than for any physiological effect.  As long as individuals believe the medicine that they are taking will help their current state, conditions of patients remain the same or improve.  However, as soon as minds begin to doubt, sugar cubes are no longer effective.  Subsequently, faith is a deciding factor, believing and trusting in doctors to cure and heal their illness.

When the disciples saw it, they were astonished and asked, “How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once?” 21 Jesus replied to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have faith [personal trust and confidence in Me] and do not doubt or allow yourself to be drawn in two directions, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen [if God wills it]. 22 And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive,” Matthew 21:20-22.

Jesus provides a spiritual placebo for his disciples in the passage above.  The disciples began to limit God’s power in their minds.  This lack of faith stunted their full potential as future spiritual leaders.  Therefore, Jesus used the withering of a unfruitful fig tree as a teachable moment.  The spiritual placebo in this passage is putting your confidence and personal trust in Jesus.  When you reach this spiritual place, the power of prayer is unleashed.  If you reach a point in your life where you’ve tried every earthly remedy without any improvement, take this spiritual placebo from Jesus so that improvement will begin immediately.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Pray at Lunchtime for the United States

Posted on August 19, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The origin of praying for a meal has ties to the Old Testament and New Testament.  In the days of Israel, cup bearers were similar to modern day secret service agents.  Instead of serving as an armed guard, these men tested the food and wine for poisons.  If no one died, this meal was safe for the king to enjoy.  One of the most famous cup bearers is Nehemiah, who God used as a vessel to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.  In the first century, the apostles gave thanks for each meal the Lord provided.  While the passage below does not detail the words spoken, praying before eating was a form of thanksgiving.

Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all, and he broke it and began to eat, Acts 27:35.

Today, Christians continue this practice, folding their hands, closing their eyes and either silently or verbally expressing thanks to God for daily bread.  Just as Moses gave thanks for manna from heaven and quail via God, saying grace is an act of appreciation for the little things in life.  Unfortunately, praying at lunch has made national news recently for the wrong reason.  Brigadier General John Teichert who has a blog encouraging individuals to pray at lunchtime for the United States is being threatened by a lawsuit.  Attorney Michael Weinstein who trolls Christians on military bases recently said, “General Teichert should be doing time behind prison bars, not commanding a Wing wearing a general’s stars,”

Then all of them were encouraged and their spirits improved, and they also ate some food, Acts 27:36.

Luke provides the benefits of praying before a meal in the passage above.  Based upon the words used by Luke, saying grace can be moving as people pour out their hearts to God.  This specific prayer encouraged everyone in attendance as well as uplifting their spirits.  If public prayer for a meal could have this impact on a group of people, why is this attorney be so upset?  If prayer can inspire souls to act, what’s the big deal?  How is prayer hurting military bases and the men and women who serve this country?  Perhaps, if atheists, critics and skeptics begin to pray, this world would become a better place.  May the readers of this blog keep General Teichert in your prayers so that the power of prayer will continue to thrive in this country and throughout the world.

by Jay Mankus

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The Shell Game

Posted on August 18, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The Shell Game is symbolic of three stages in life: early childhood development, reaching your prime and going through a mid-life crisis.  As a child, a lack of confidence, fear and insecurities cause many young people to hide who they really are.  When afraid, frightened or threatened, most turtles seek shelter under their shell, disappearing and hiding underneath until its safe to come out.  Likewise, human beings possess a similar defense mechanism, withdrawing from society until assurance, confidence and hope is restored.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

In the early years, stuttering prevented me from ever expressing myself clearly as a child.  Being made fun of, mocked and teased was too much to endure.  These attacks against what I could not control led me to live a private life until my teenage years, participating in solitary play, imagining what it would be like for me to talk without stuttering.  After my dad was transferred from New Jersey to Delaware, a neighborhood of kids helped me come out of my proverbial shell.  Friends like Jeanette, Steven and Richie overlooked my stuttering, seeing a potential that no one else had prior.

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us, Romans 5:3-5.

By the beginning of my senior year of high school, my faith in Christ, amazing friends and an unquenchable fire for life transformed me.  This one year served as a catalyst to do things I never imagined possible.  Despite periods of stammering, God inspired me to become a youth pastor, high school teacher and invest the prime of my life coaching, mentoring and sharing my faith with others.  During this fifteen year period, I was filled with unswerving faith that allowed me to experience the abundant life, witness miracles and experience a spiritual awakening within Columbus, Indiana.  Unfortunately, at some point in the last fifteen years, I have reverted back to playing the shell game, trying to hide the person that I have become.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed, 1 Peter 4:12-13.

At some point in life, whether you call it a mid-life crisis or the painful reality that you’re not the same person that you use to be, this fact is hard to swallow.  Recently, I have tried to go back in time, to see where I went wrong.  When you don’t have the energy, drive or passion anymore, its hard to make progress or fix the flaws that are obviously present in my life.  What makes matters worse is seeing a shell of the person that you used to be and feel powerless to alter, change or repair the damage done.  If you reach this stage in life like me, Jesus is the only one who can mend your pain.  While restoration is a long process with bumps along the way, Jesus is like Med-Express, available at any time you need medical and spiritual attention.  As this endless shell games presses on, reach out to Jesus, who will hold your hand through the storms of life.  May this blog comfort your soul as you endure the good, the bad and the ugly in the shell game called life.

by Jay Mankus

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Simplifying the Process of Growing Old

Posted on August 17, 2018 by expressyourself4him

When an adult explains a new concept to a child, certain things tend to get lost in translation.  Grown ups may be tempted to use big words, trying to impress an athlete or student.  Instead of simplifying the process, arrogance and pride can get in the way, widening this communication gap.  If an audience of kids become dazed and dumbfounded, its time to seek to a higher power, reflecting upon the story telling skills demonstrated by Jesus.

And looking toward His disciples, He began speaking: “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are you who are poor [in spirit, those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for the kingdom of God is yours [both now and forever], Luke 6:20.

Jesus began his most famous sermon with a common sense approach, the beatitudes.  Instead of looking down on the less fortunate, Jesus used analogies that everyone could understand.  Thus, Jesus encourages individuals to set goals, attitudes that you want to aspire to be. obtain and possess.  Jesus takes negative terms like hungry, poor and weeping, then applies each to a positive spiritual quality.  These phrases give hope to the hopeless, comfort to the broken and joy to the emotionally numb.

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are you who hunger now [for righteousness, actively seeking right standing with God], for you will be [completely] satisfied. Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are you who weep now [over your sins and repent], for you will laugh [when the burden of sin is lifted], Luke 6:21.

Jesus simplifies the process of growing old by reminding adults of a child like faith.  Before the innocence of youth is lost, kids possess great ambition, dreaming about the person they want to be when they grow out.  As time passes, thoughts change, influenced by the culture of each generation.  Without striving to achieve some of these beatitudes, the complications of life stunt spiritual growth.  Unless you are refreshed by God’s grace, you may become a grumpy old man, frustrated by what might have been.  Nonetheless, if you want to simplify the process of growing old, call out to Jesus so that you can regain a child like faith.

by Jay Mankus

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The Bible’s Response to the Secret Movement

Posted on August 16, 2018 by expressyourself4him

In 2006 a film entitled the Secret was released in theaters.  When a subsequent self help book was written by Rhonda Byrne based upon this earlier movie, a movement began to gain some traction nationwide.  Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Larry King invited the founders of the Secret on their talk shows to discuss its teaching.  Based upon my understanding of this documentary, the mind is used as a catalyst to focus on the law of attraction.  According to the various guest speakers in the film, belief, positive thinking and vision are essential to reach your full potential on earth.  While some of the concepts addressed do make sense, the Bible does respond to the Secret Movement.

“But it shall come about, if you do not listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today, then all these curses will come upon you and overtake you,” Deuteronomy 28:15.

Instead of explaining good and bad in life through the law of attraction, the Bible has a different set of standards.  According to Moses, the good things in life are a direct result of God’s blessing.  Blessings occur as individuals begin to listen, obey and carefully follow God’s commandments, precepts and statues recorded in the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament.  Meanwhile, as people forget, stray from or reject God’s laws, curses come into your life in the form of disappointment, failure and trials.  There are other contributing factors such as prayer, repentance and reconciliation.  Yet, the New Testament introduces the world to a kinder, gentler God, full of grace, mercy and love demonstrated by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. 20 Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it], 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.

If you read the Secret or watch the movie, you may be tempted to believe in the endless possibilities of thinking everything you want and hope for into reality.  Unfortunately, this idea sounds too good to be true because it sets people up for failure, promising a false sense of reality.  While the Bible does compliment principles such as positive thinking, developing a strong mind and vision, sometimes faithful people like Job are attacked by demons, powers of darkness or Satan himself.  This element of the spiritual realm is not addressed by the Secret Movement.  Yet, when individuals exercise freewill, accidents, mistakes and those who seek revenge can alter, change or permanently end your life.  Thus, the Bible is designed as a light, Psalm 119:105, a guide, John 14:6 and an endless source of information to assure eternal salvation, 1 John 5:13.  May this blog help you sort through tough questions in life and prepare you for future theories about how to get rich quick.

by Jay Mankus

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Sharing That Which You Believe

Posted on August 15, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who lived during the Age of Enlightenment.  This time period spanned from 1685 to 1815.  As Plato once illustrated in a painting known as the School of Athens, philosophers stopped looking up to the heavens for answers to life, to God above.  Rather, scholars began to look within, replacing God with science by relying on minds to direct and guide future beliefs.  Before his death in 1804, Kant once said, “There are many things that I believe that I shall never say. But I shall never say the things that I do not believe.”

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame, 1 Peter 3:15-16.

This quote from Immanuel Kant applies to today’s political climate in America as candidates seek to persuade undecided voters.  Kant realized that sharing everything that he believed openly would hinder his ability to convince skeptics to embrace his philosophical position.  Subsequently, Kant only shared the things he believed, strengthening his message.  Sharing too much information can confuse your listeners.  As long as you focus on your main points, audiences can be persuaded to change their mind.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

When making any argument, its important to possess confidence.  The Greek word εμπιστοσύνη refers to individuals who are confident, faithful, reliable and trusting.  Whenever you share what you believe, if you aren’t a credible source, living out your convictions, no one will believe you.  Therefore, its essential to demonstrate faith before you share what you believe.  The more confidence oozes out of your soul, the living Word of God, Hebrews 4:12, will pierce and persuade hearts to follow Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Dawn of a Social Media Blackout

Posted on August 14, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Beginning in the 1970’s, the Plato System was developed at the University of Illinois.  Plato’s message application forum Talkomatic introduced the first on-line chat room.  The concept of Usenet was conceived in 1979 and established by 1980 as a joint venture between Duke and North Carolina University.  As operating systems such as Mac OS and Windows emerged in the 1980’s, online Bulletin Board Systems and Internet Relay Chats grew in popularity.  This technology conceived social media platforms like My Space and Facebook in the 1990’s.  AOL launched instant messaging inspiring the film You’ve Got Mail in 1998.  Meanwhile, Windows Live Messenger set the stage for blogging, LinkedIn and Twitter.  When you consider modern search engines like Google, social media has become a powerful form of communication.

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, 2 Timothy 4:3.

Unfortunately, the last decade has revealed the ugly side of this new domain.  Since the 2016 presidential election, cyber bullying, fake news and verbal assaults are a daily occurrence.  Meanwhile, Christians, conservatives and historians are being silenced by several social media moguls.  Sites are being demonetized, posts have been removed and videos have been banned without any logical explanation.  Every week stories continue to spread about cyber police silencing content that offends atheists, liberals and progressives.  Diamond and Silk recently accused Facebook of blocking 1.3 million followers from receiving their newsletter.  Meanwhile, Twitter has been exposed for using algorithms to prop up liberal viewership while taking away followers from accounts deemed too conservative.  How long will this censorship be allowed to continue as a social media blackout?

And will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable], 2 Timothy 4:4.

As I look to the Bible for answers to my concerns, there are one of two possible explanations.  First, this is merely a sign of end times, that Jesus’ second coming in the form of the rapture is drawing near.  The book of 2 Timothy, chapter 3 provides a detailed list of what to expect prior to Jesus’ return.  The apostle Paul eludes to a time when arrogance, disobedience and narcissism influences the culture.  The more I read 2 Timothy 3, the more plausible this theory become.  Yet, current social media conditions can be directly tied to post-modernism.  This worldview is highlighted by a general distrust of grand theories and ideologies.  When post-modernism is embraced, the concept of moral absolutes disappear.  Thus, as social media sites appoint monitors to examine the content of individual domains, judgments are made based upon worldviews held.  As Theism is being replaced by secular humanism and post-modernism, Christians need to do a better job of explaining their beliefs.  Unless conservatives start engaging other worldviews with biblical principles, this targeted social media blackout will continue until hearts and minds are persuaded by love.

by Jay Mankus

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Again and Again

Posted on August 13, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Again is an adverb, the act of returning to a previous condition or position.  Synonyms include also, besides, furthermore and moreover.  Again could be a sign of consistency, a positive trait for those who are diligent, focused and poised for success.  Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum, again may refer to addiction, bad habits or downward spirals which ensnare troubled souls.

This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:22-23.

If you examine life from a spiritual perspective, again and again highlights the inability of human beings to continually do that which is right.  The apostle Paul declares in the passage above that no one in the world is righteous.  Although you may possess good intentions and seek to do the right thing, sooner or later you will gratify the desires of your flesh.  This natural inclination convinces minds using justification and rationalization to bend the rules every now and then.

For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, beguiled and completely deceived me, and using it as a weapon killed me [separating me from God], Romans 7:11.

If you ask any drug addict, breaking free from using a specific substance requires extreme measures.  You have to purge yourself from the atmosphere, climate and any traces that will tempt you to give in.  Unfortunately, only a small portion of addicts are able to remain clean.  Appetites, cravings and dependence is so strong, few have the will power to resist.  Subsequently, again and again, lines are crossed to indulge in forbidden fruit.  If this blog finds you held hostage to sin, may the Holy Spirit send godly mentors into your life to hold you accountable and escape the unhealthy patterns of your past.

by Jay Mankus

 

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