Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Mirror Mirror on the Wall Whose The Worst One of Them All

Posted on May 11, 2017 by expressyourself4him

At some point in life, the older generation loses touch with societal trends.  I guess I have reached this stage in life, unable to keep up.  As Gen Xer’s like me give way to Millennials, one thing puzzles me.  Why is it that anyone who does not hold a secular worldview is demonized?  In fact, if you watch the news, late night comedy or political shows, these same individuals are made out to be the worst people on the face of the earth.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst, 1 Timothy 1:15.

From a spiritual perspective, conviction serves as a thermostat of the soul.  When the presence of a sin is made aware to individuals, there are three basic replies.  Confess and admit the error of your way, blame someone else or ignore it completely.  One of the catches to admission is that public scrutiny often follows can ruin your reputation.  Meanwhile, if you deny, deny, deny, your character and integrity will eventually be tarnished.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

In Biblical times, prostitutes and tax collectors were thought to be the scum of the earth.  Today, some might suggest lawyers and politicians are high on the list of the least respected people.  Yet, it doesn’t matter what other people say about you or believe.  There is only one judge, Christ the Lord.  Therefore, as soon as a sense of guilt churns in your heart. come to Jesus to confess you sins.  When you do, God is faithful in forgiving and forgetting, always full of grace despite how often or great your sin.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Living in a Land of Unclean Lips

Posted on May 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Unless you are living in a bubble, it’s obvious cultural changes have impacted modern vocabulary.  Gone are the days of thinking before opening your mouth.  Rather, a new boldness have inspired many to verbalize whatever comes to mind regardless of who is listening including children.

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty,” Isaiah 6:5.

The concept of unclean lips is nothing new, referred to by a prophet several thousand years ago.  One of the byproducts of unwholesome language is that it often spreads like a cancer influencing previously innocent individuals.  In some cases, unclean lips can be passed from one generation to the next.

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving, Ephesians 5:4.

The apostle Paul came across some choice language as well.  Although he does not specify what defines unclean lips, Paul creates three categories: filthy, foolish and crude jokes.  During a visit to Ephesus, Paul urged church members to drown out negative words with an out pouring of thanksgiving.  While you may not change the people around you, may a spirit of thanksgiving inspire you to encourage, thank and uplift those in your spheres of influence.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What About Me Moments in Life

Posted on May 9, 2017 by expressyourself4him

I was channel surfing today when I stumbled across a documentary on Jimmy the Greek.  ESPN’s 30 for 30 entitled The Legend of Jimmy the Greek reveals events which lead this man to become an analyst on the NFL Today on CBS.  Known for his advanced knowledge on setting the betting line for sporting events, Jimmy had a tough life.  His mother and aunt were both killed by a disgruntled uncle who then took his own life when Jimmy was ten.  Years later, three of Jimmy’s children all died of the same disease.  These events caused Jimmy to become mad at God for several years, a what about me moment in life.

“I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me, ” Job 30:20.

Thousands of years earlier another man had his own series of disappointments.  Job endured a few disasters resulting in the loss of his animals, possessions and children.  Like Jimmy the Greek, Job begins to doubt God’s existence, unable to comprehend why his prayers weren’t answered.  Job is confused as his understanding of God’s nature does what match what is actually happening.  Thus, Job cries out for help, “what about me God?”

Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness, Job 30:26.

These two men aren’t the only ones who have suffered heartache in life.  Many people can relate to the passage above as you hope for good only to find disappointment.  If you ever have your own what about me moment, don’t blame God for your problems.  Rather, seek counsel to ascertain what the Lord is trying to teach you through these trials.  Time has a way of sorting things out.  For now, may the Holy Spirit direct and guide you until answers for the questions you still have arrive.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Where’s the Meat?

Posted on May 8, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In 1984 the Wendy’s Fast Food Chain introduced one of the most memorable advertising slogans of my time, “where’s the beef?”  Actress Clara Peller receives a small burger on a large bun which sets the stage for this classic line.  This commercial convinced customers for a period of time that you had to go to Wendy’s to enjoy a beefy hamburger.

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil, Hebrews 5:14.

In spiritual houses of worship, there is a similar question asked by hungry souls, “where’s the meat?”  Due to a movement toward entertaining church services, there appears to be more fluff and less detailed teaching.  Thus, many believers are struggling to grow, lacking challenging sermons filled with spiritual meat.

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick,” Matthew 9:12.

During a conversation among disciples and Pharisees, Jesus makes an assumption about spiritual growth.  Sooner or later, the spiritually mature must grow up by learning to take care of their own faith.  When you reach this stage in life, you can feed yourself through times of Bible Study, fellowship with other believers and prayer.  As you develop healthy spiritual disciplines, you can find the meat, godly principles, within the Bible daily.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Thank You For the Journey

Posted on May 7, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Following birthdays, graduations and weddings, individuals often feel compelled to send thank you cards.  While certain presents are more impressive than others, it’s the thought that counts.  Although this process may be time consuming, it’s the appropriate response.

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

Unfortunately, most people don’t do the same with the Lord.  After a remarkable day, month or phase in life, it’s time to give the Lord the credit for victories in life.  Sure, you might have put in the effort and time to succeed.  Yet, it never hurts to thank God for the journey of life.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change, James 1:17.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul took missionary journeys to spread the good news about Jesus Christ.  Some trips were extended while others were cut short.  Other plans were thwarted due to demonic forces.  Like making a wedding vow, in the good or bad, make sure you take a moment daily to pause by thanking God for the journey.

by Mankus

 

 

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Life Is Not A Video Game

Posted on May 6, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Last Wednesday Delaware made the national news for the wrong reason.  About a mile from where I taught high school for ten years, a police officer was shot and killed in a Wawa parking lot.  Like a casualty in Call of Duty, Halo or Gears of War, Corporal Steven Ballard’s life was taken in cold blood.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes, James 4:14.

While I am not blaming video games on his death, violent content causes desensitization.  When individuals play hours upon hours of these mature games, the human mind can lose touch with reality.  You can’t hit a reset button when someone you love passes away.  Rather, life is precious, fragile as you only have one life to live.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10.

According to one of Jesus’ disciples, Satan is like a thief trying to ruin your life.  This occurs through demonic forces attempting to steal your joy, kill dreams and destroy families.  Bad decisions and poor choices lead some to become an accomplice to evil.  May the tragedy of this officer’s life serve as a warning to those wandering into murky waters.  Think, reflect and pray as life is not a video game.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Getting Old

Posted on May 5, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The optimist suggests age is merely a number, a state of mind.  Meanwhile, realists proclaim father time is undefeated as age will eventually catch up to you.  Wherever you may fall on this spectrum, the secret to getting old is maintaining a positive attitude.

You will come to the grave in full vigor, Like the stacking of grain in its season, Job 5:26.

Unfortunately, when I wake up with aches, bruises and pain, motivation is the last thing on my mind.  Anyone who has endured injuries and surgeries in the past may be in a rude awakening if you bend, stretch or turn in the wrong direction.  Although I broke two ribs a few years ago, I usually cringe once a week, a sign that I am getting old.

Let his flesh become fresher than in youth, Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor; Job 33:25.

The saying time is the great equalizer applies to growing old.  When you are young, the vigor of youth energizes adults.  Yet, at some point in life desire tends to fade.  Instead of delighting in the moment, struggling individuals have a tough time experiencing joy.  Therefore, as times continues to speed up the older you get, may the vigor of the Holy Spirit empower you to possess the heart of a child.

by Jay Mankus

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Brain Washed, Deceived or Set Free?

Posted on May 4, 2017 by expressyourself4him

When I was in high school, theology was not something I addressed with people from different religious backgrounds.  Thus, I hung out in the Mormon Church playing volleyball, went to a Methodist youth group and was a member of a Roman Catholic church.  Unfortunately, this atmosphere changed as I entered college.  Religious leaders often went out of their way exposing the flaws and shortcomings of each faith.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15.

This climate leads to one of three responses.  Those who change their beliefs are either brain washed, deceived by false teachers or set free.  This commonly held mindset ended several relationships I had with individuals from different faiths.  On one occasion, I discovered I was placed on the do not talk to list by one cult, afraid I might convince members to leave this church.  In a quest to prove whose God is true, division often ruins friendships.

Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander, 1 Peter 3:16.

I’m assuming the context of the 2 passages above refer to a similar situation.  Peter understood that when you are debating or discussing differences in religions that you must be respectful.  Any type of arrogance, pride or smugness will offend those you are trying to convince to come over to your side of an issue.  Perhaps, individuals should follow in the footsteps of God who offers free will, not forcing anyone to believe.  Regardless of how passionate you may be, remember to talk to others who you disagree with gentleness and respect.  This honors the Lord and helps others keep an open mind in the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Removing the Stench

Posted on May 3, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As heat and humidity replaces the cold rainy days of Spring, you won’t be able to escape sweating.  This drastic change can leave a toxic odor in the air.  Whether its deodorant or laundry detergent, it might take some time to remove the stench brought on by summer conditions.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Beyond smell, individuals can stink internally.  According to the apostle Paul, this occurs by abusing your body.  Instead of participating in wholesome activities, there is a temptation to turn to the dark side.  Like the curiosity which possessed Adam and Eve in the Garden, tasting evil is a sure way to become filled with a stench.

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:2.

The apostle Paul provides a solution to remove this stench.  While we were still sinners, God sent his son to be a fragrant offering.  Like stains on a carpet, Jesus lived, died and rose again to blot out our imperfections.  The Prophet Isaiah uses the symbolism of snow to cover our sin to make us whole again.  Walk in love and you too will remove the stench of sin.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Spoiled Faith

Posted on May 2, 2017 by expressyourself4him

I caught an interview on TBN, the Trinity Broadcasting Network over the weekend about Middle East converts to Christianity. To protect their identity, new believers were sharing the hardships following a decision to leave the Muslim faith.  One woman opened up about a phone call she had with her mother.  This mom believed her daughter had been brain washed, poisoned by zealous disciples of Christ.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him, James 1:12.

In the last decade, Christians have been crucified, persecuted and in some cases forced to leave their homeland.  Since the mainstream media is not covering, investigating or reporting this news, the average American does not believe these travesties exist.  Subsequently, many who claim to follow or serve God do not know what true faith is.  Instead, political correctness is breeding a culture that is spoiling genuine faith.

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.

If there is anyone who is an expert in the field of hardship and persecution, the apostle Paul fits this criteria.  Following a life devoted to legalism as a Pharisee, Paul’s unexpected transformation creates a wave of resentment against his decision to become a missionary.  The passage above shares the spiritual truths suffering taught Paul.  Hardship serves as a spiritual purging, slowly changing your perspective on life.  If you never face trials, growth can be stunted.  Therefore, the next time suffering comes knocking, don’t let a spoiled faith keep you from becoming the man and woman God wants you to be.

by Jay Mankus

 

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