Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Jumper Cables

Posted on November 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

According to Mark Twain, age is an issue of mind over matter.  This concept has led some to believe age is just a number.  Nonetheless, individuals either young or old will experience days when you can’t or don’t want to get out of bed.  Subsequently, every now and then you might need to have your internal batteries jumped.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you, John 14:26.

Whenever a car, truck or vehicle door is left slightly open, the battery slowly loses its energy.  If you have driven long enough, you will encounter the inconvenience of a car that does not start.  Depending upon who is available, you will need a boost to get back on your way.  This is where jumper cables and a good Samaritan can come to your rescue.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, Romans 8:26.

In the spiritual realm, everyone reaches a point where you can’t go any further on your own.  When counsel is not available or accessible, God does provide a spark like jumper cables.  However, in this case this source is invisible.  Thus, if this blog finds you down in the dumps or void of passion, call out to Holy Spirit to rejuvenate your soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Intolerant?

Posted on November 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Over the past eight years, anyone holding conservative or traditional beliefs have been successfully defined and labeled as intolerant.  The mainstream media has convinced progressive minds that a Trump presidency will fundamentally harm minorities.  In the last few days before election day, messages of fear were spread to ensure a desired outcome.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, Romans 12:12.

However, after Donald Trump was announced as president elect on Wednesday morning, the tables have been turned.  Those once judging others of not willing to accept or allow opposing views are now throwing tantra tantrums.  College students have opted out of exams, high school students have been offered counseling and protesters are trashing neighborhoods in anger.  Perhaps, the accusers have now become intolerant?

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, Deuteronomy 31:6.

Whenever individuals place their trust in temporary ideas created by human beings set themselves up for failure.  Life is hard enough as it is, but those who want to remain in control will not find peace until they let go.  In times of uncertainty, faith can kick in if you cry out to the Lord in prayer.  Despite what people may label you, seek the Lord for insight so that when the final outcome doesn’t go your way fruits of righteousness will shine through.

by Jay Mankus

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God is Not Finished with America Yet

Posted on November 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever read or studied the Bible’s last book, you will find something fascinating.  Revelation writes about several countries that exist today, but the United States and or a western influence is not mentioned.  This absence has led many scholars to suggest America’s run as one of the greatest nations on earth will end before Jesus returns.

Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved, Psalm 80:19.

During the 2016 presidential election, many citizens likely felt the United States was on the verge of falling apart.  Whether its was inappropriate behavior, scandals or vicious ads, the future did not look promising.  Nonetheless, the votes of the forgotten man and woman may be a sign that America still has a pulse.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? – Psalm 85:6

In the Old Testament, Psalmists provided some hope for Israelites who where doubting the lack of God’s presence in their day.  The verses above can also be applied to Americans who share similar feelings.  Although I don’t know what the future holds, God is the source for revival today.  Therefore, whether you are a Hillary or Trump supporter, may the Holy Spirit awaken dead and dying souls to complete the will of God for this nation.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Going to the Dump

Posted on November 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every  summer I was exposed to a local dump in Maine.  Since our cabin did not have garbage pick up, guests were expected to take all their trash to be disposed of at the county recycling center.  The smell of the bags in the August heat was fowl, but this was all part of the complete experience of going to the dump.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28.

While addressing the masses one day, Jesus refers to a different kind of dump.  The context of this discussion is based upon individuals carrying around baggage.  Whether its depression, stress or worry Jesus doesn’t want people to go through life alone.  Rather, when trash in life begins to pile up, drop to your knees to unload the garbage you have collected.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it, Ecclesiastes 12:7.

The world proclaims he who dies with the most toys wins.  Yet, when people pass away your body will eventually become dust.  Thus, our bodies are on loan from God.  The Holy Spirit is the source of life for human souls.   The opposing force known as the sinful nature wages war by bombarding minds with trash from life.  To combat this weapon used by the Devil, go to the dump daily to unload worries in prayer which God replaces with rest.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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All is Not Lost

Posted on November 9, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Classic movies tend to provide quotable lines which become part of pop culture.  Although some get more attention, one that comes to mind often goes unnoticed.  In Animal House, Kevin Bacon play Chip Diller who plays a character similar to a ROTC college student.  During a parade high-jacked by Delta Tau Chi who were recently kicked out of school, Chip tries to maintain a panicking crowd.  As people begin to run down the sidewalk, Diller cries out, “all is well, remain calm.”  Unfortunately, Chip goes trampled as his words got drown out by fear.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! – Psalm 37:7

If you turn on cable news or talk radio, not much has changed.  It’s almost as if networks seek to scare people, trying to out do competitors.  This ambulance chasing mentality will continue until the public stop listening, watching and get news in some other manner.  In fact, the times I tune out the world and other outside distractions, I feel great and tend to hear God’s calling much clearer.  Therefore, all is not lost, especially when you slow down to be still before the Lord.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him, Psalm 62:5.

When I lived in Chicago back in the mid 1990’s, I attend Willow Creek Community Church, just down the road from our apartment.  Pastor Bill Hybels spoke about the importance of finding a quiet place each summer to spend time with God.  The Psalmist above provides a similar message.  Despite any silence you might experience, waiting for God’s presence either through prayer or reading the Bible sparks spiritual growth.  Sure, everyone has their days, weeks and months in the dark.  Yet, in the stillness of the night, the Holy Spirit still speaks truth to convince individuals that all is not lost.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Reasons to Consider

Posted on November 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When Job endured a series of trials and tribulations, each one of his three friends had a different perspective.  Coming from an old school point of God, each believed the Lord was punishing Job for something done in the past or present.  Instead of praying for insight, individuals jump to false conclusions daily, following the the footsteps of Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite.

Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature, 1 Corinthians 14:20.

As I try to come to grips with my emergency eye surgery, there are some practical explanations.  Maybe I spent too much time on my computer or watched too much television growing up.   Perhaps, poor eating habits are to blame, fueled by a lack of a consistent sleep pattern.  For now I can only speculate, waiting for the Holy Spirit to provide some insight.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool, Isaiah 1:18.”

When things don’t make sense in life, an Old Testament prophet encourages individuals to reason with God.  This process begins with coming cleaning, confessing any wrong doing that is blocking your relationship with God.  However, acts of contrition must follow repentance.  Sure the why’s may remain a mystery, but the Holy Spirit will provide pieces to the puzzle along the way as you continue to ponder reasons why you experience what you do.

by Jay Mankus

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When Days Don’t End Like You Hoped

Posted on November 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The endings of Hollywood movies have ingrained in American minds that life should conclude in a certain way.  Unfortunately, film and reality are miles apart.  Subsequently, more and more individuals feel the crippling effects of sleepless nights caused by days which end far from what each expected.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.

After losing my teaching position 5 years ago, I transitioned into screen writing based upon the advice of a former co-worker.  Three complete scripts later my initial goal is to sell one my these scripts before I reach 55; then write a script a year in retirement.  Despite my desires, an unexpected eye condition may put my own plan on hold or cancel it completely.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28.

When things don’t go your way or days end in heart break, there’s only one place to turn.  Carrying around all your burdens, pain and worry will wear you out.  Therefore, do let trials suck out your joy for life.  Instead, go to the Lord in prayer so that Jesus will replace your burden with peace.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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My Blind Spot

Posted on November 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The other night at work I avoided a woman pushing a cart filled with boxes taller than herself.  Expecting the worst, I jumped out of her oncoming path.  When she finally saw me I was greeted by, “I’m sorry, you were in my blind spot.”

But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him, John 11:10.

Little did this lady know that 24 hours later I would be dealing with my own blind spots.  Unfortunately, a series of test over the last 2 weeks have revealed I can’t see that far on either side of my right eye.  Perhaps my eye surgery will improve this condition or keep it from deteriorating.  Either way blind spots are a way of life.

To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace, Luke 1:79.

In the spiritual realm, addiction, bad habits and poor choices blind people from their imperfections.  These warts don’t go away, especially when others enable individuals to justify inappropriate behavior.  Whenever anyone reaches this point, its essential to remember Jesus’ words, to leave darkness by coming to the light through confession.  While physical blind spots will always exist, may you come to the light so that healing will begin.

by Jay Mankus

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Hoping to See Another Sun Set

Posted on November 5, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The image at the top of Express Yourself for Him was taken during a family vacation back in 2012.  The sun was setting upon Seal Beach, just south of Los Angeles when I began taking pictures with my ipad.  This is one of the few times in my life I actually slowed down to enjoy God’s creation in its infinite beauty as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises, Ecclesiastes 1:5.

Five years later, doctors are wondering if my right eye will overcome glaucoma to see another sun set.  Tomorrow’s surgery is science’s logical answers to my disease.  Yet, in the heavenly realm, there are angels agreeing with prayers lifted by the saints.  Perhaps a combination of the two may be what I need for a miracle to arrive.

God set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved, Psalm 104:5.

Either way, the future is a mystery, waiting to be unpeeled one day at a time.  I wish I could say that I am confident of my eye condition, but I can only take things one day at a time.  Therefore, I will press on with the Lord’s help savoring each sunset I get to see.

by Jay Mankus

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Short but Sweet

Posted on November 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Due to an unexpected eye surgery on Friday, I am not sure exactly how this will influence my writing.  Initially, I will have some restrictions but to what extent is unknown.  Thus, for the meantime my blogs will have to be short but sweet.

“LORD, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am, Psalm 39:4.”

One of the contributions to life made by Psalmists in the Bible is their willingness to plead with God for answers in prayer.  Rarely, do you read the words I hope or wish.  Rather, these young men poured out their hearts to God in a clear and concise manner expecting results.

For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow, Job 8:9.

The words above are profound as the only certainty in life is what happened yesterday.  The rest of today and tomorrow is a mystery, known only to the Lord above.  While I am disappointed with my current physical condition, I trust that God is using trials of the present to strengthen me for the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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