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Trampled

Posted on January 27, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Every year panic triggers some sort of horrific event.  Whether its at a concert, escaping a fire or fleeing a terrorist attack, fear often leads to individuals to trample upon anyone who gets in the way.  In 2008, a Walmart employee from Long Island, New York died after wild shoppers on Black Friday began running to claim limited specials once the doors were opened.

But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd, Acts 17:5.

Unfortunately, there is more than one way to be trampled.  Anyone who uses social media can be verbally run over following a post that offends and upsets followers.  Several teenagers have committed suicide in the past 5 years shortly after being bullied, embarrassed or harassed by their peers.  While some of the content posted was self-inflicted, a spirit of gossip is encouraging many to pile on with one sarcastic comment after the other.

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends, Proverbs 16:28.

I hope that some day soon the citizens of America will come to their senses.  Sure, I like a good laugh, but it appears the line between right and wrong has shrunk.  Subsequently, innocent people are being trampled and discarded without any remorse or sorrow.  Trashing anyone who disagrees with your worldview is not the answer.  Instead, may God have mercy on us, extend grace to the hurting and save this divided nation from further trampling.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Removing One Obstacle at a Time

Posted on January 26, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Anyone who struggles with perfectionism has a hard enjoying life.  Whenever a flaw is discovered or exposed, energy is wasted to attack, purge and rid this.  If more than one issue is uncovered at the same time, this can be devastating.  Despite anal attempts to achieve perfection, its healthier to remove one obstacle at a time.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.

The context of the passage above occurs immediately following a chapter known as the Hall of Faith.  The author lists saints from the Old Testament who accomplished great things by stepping out in faith.  The witnesses are those believers who have finished the race called life and are now spectators cheering on those who follow God on.  To reach similar heights requires removing access baggage which weighs you down.

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, Hebrews 12:5.

Nobody likes to be called out, corrected or rebuked, but sometimes this message is meant for our own good.  As a former runner, if your mind is not into it, you won’t last long.  Perseverance is only achieved after barriers are removed.  To prevent yourself from having a nervous breakdown or becoming overwhelmed, strive to remove one obstacle at a time.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Are We Almost There?

Posted on January 25, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As an aspiring screen writer, I know the pain of being close, but not quite there.  Every spring thousands of like minded individuals register one to three scripts in the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screening Contest.  This international competition brings the best and brightest amateur writers hoping for their big break each year.  Depending upon how my current edit goes of my first film, Express Yourself, I should find out in July if I have arrived or I’m not quite there yet.

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.

In the mean time, the best path to take toward achieving your goals and dreams in life is through a steady grind.  Sure, most people wake up tired, weary and uninspired.  Yet, the ones who fight through the temptation to become lazy to stay focused pass those who are more talented but less committed.  Like anything in life, you have to really want it and be willing to overcome countless failures to get where you want to be.  Unfortunately, some never make the compromises necessary to reach their full potential.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus, Philippians 3:14.

There is an old expression, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”  Well, this may be true to some extent, pressing on toward your goal in life will ultimately shape the final outcome.  While I do know my current limitations, I do believe writing is part of God’s plan for my life.  Although I’m not sure if I’m currently on the right track, I press on in faith so that almost home will become finally there in the near future.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Lost Opportunities

Posted on January 24, 2017 by expressyourself4him

While listening to a sermon last weekend, a spirit of guilt began to consume me.  Like a movie playing within my mind, highlights of the person I could have been flashed before me.  Yet, a lack of faith, money and resources has caused me to chose a different path.  Part of me wants to make the most of what God has given me, but for now all I can see is a bunch of lost opportunities.

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem, Acts 13:13.

I guess you call this a crisis of faith or a mid-life crisis.  Either way I feel like I could do so much more with my life, but have lost the desire and passion to fulfill my potential.  In the book of Acts, Luke writes about someone who becomes homesick, leaving the mission field to return home.  This same individual eventually won back the apostle Paul’s trust and wrote the Gospel of Mark.  Since I am not a finished project, perhaps there is still hope for me.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:15-16.

After reviewing the Old Testament, I am reminded of the long detour taken by Israel on their way to the Promised Land.  A trip that was suppose to take a little over a month ended up lasting for 40 years.  This past failure helps me realize that I am not alone.  Though I don’t feel any better, this example provides insight about how disobedience disrupts your journey.  While lost opportunities will bring future disappointment, there is still time for a U-Turn here and there to arrive at the place where God wants me to be.

by Jay Mankus

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Hurry Up and Wait

Posted on January 23, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes parents have a bad sense of timing.  Whether its getting a child out of bed for school, making it in time for church or an event, our sense of time doesn’t always match with the actual time.  Subsequently, there are days where quick reactions from children result in hurry up and wait for parents to get into their vehicle.

Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river, Joshua 3:8.

There are moments in time when God uses a similar strategy.  During the Passover, the Lord instructed Israel through Moses to leave Egypt in haste.  This was the hurry up part of the equation.  The waiting part involved entering a promised land which the hearts and minds of Israel were not ready for yet.  However, when God’s followers step out in faith like the passage above, the only thing remaining is to wait for a miracle.

And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap, Joshua 3:13.

The hardest part of trusting an invisible God involves risking embarrassment and failure.  What makes matters worse is that the Lord does not honor a lukewarm spirit.  To step out in faith requires a full commitment, yielding to the God above.  If the priests did not enter the Jordan River with the ark, the promised land would merely be a dream today.  Nonetheless, this simple act of obedience set the stage for divine intervention.  If this blog finds you becoming impatient with God and the road He has chosen for you, may this hurry up and wait example from history give you hope that the Lord hasn’t run out of miracles.

by Jay Mankus

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We Need to Talk

Posted on January 22, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Bruce Springsteen refers to the time spent in high school as Glory Days.  While every year has its moments, my time at Concord High are filled with memories I still cherish.  However, there was one phrase I hated to hear, “we need to talk.”  Whether this was a girl friend, parent or teacher, the news was almost always negative.

“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own, ” Joshua 1:11.

Sometimes these conversations resulted in the end of a relationship.  Others received a bombshell in the form of a divorce or a terminal illness.  Meanwhile, those asked to stay after class were confronted with an accusation or some sort of discipline.  None of these discussions seemed pleasant at the time, but talking about delicate issues prepares people for what lies ahead.

Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you after he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest by giving you this land, Joshua 1:13.

In the Old Testament, God and Joshua had a “we have to talk” moment.  The purpose of this meeting was to inform Israel what was necessary to do before entering into the Promised Land.  Sometimes God is waiting for people to change their bad habits prior to bestowing blessings.  Until this transformation occurs, mediocrity will reign.  While 2017 is still fresh for many of you, draw near to God so that the Holy Spirit will guide you in the way to go next.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Hijacking Controversial

Posted on January 21, 2017 by expressyourself4him

At the top and bottom of every hour, news updates distinguish the important issues from the trivial.  These sound bytes shape the daily talking points found on the front page of national publications.  Yet, who decides this information, what measuring stick is used and how is content filtered?  If you read between the lines, it appears that some entity, group or individual is hijacking controversial.

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

While the definition of controversial refers to giving rise to public disagreement, the media is slanting this term based upon a secular worldview.  Subsequently, anything related to Trump must be controversial.  As if trying to alter thoughts, poison minds and scare the uninformed, this strategy has been successful up to this date in time.  However, in this age of social media controlled by political outsiders, perhaps controversial will be set free.

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.

Like any person who ages, I have changed with the times.  In some areas I have become more conservative and liberal in others.  Yet, I don’t go out of my way to define others who share different beliefs as controversial.  In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded his audience about the danger of judging others.  May this practical advice change the current tide to release controversial back to its original intent.  And by doing so, the world will end up becoming a more pleasant place to reside.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Get A Little Closer

Posted on January 20, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In 1983, Arrid Extra Dry debuted this “Get a Little Closer ad” to promote their deodorant.  Like any corrupt mind, the context of this commercial can be perverted.  To avoid controversy Arrid’s marketing campaign promised consumers a long lasting product.  By applying deodorant, body odor would be hidden protecting individuals from embarrassment as you draw near the one you love.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water, Hebrews 10:22.

The biblical context of the expression “get a little closer” does not require any deodorant.  Smell does not derive from exercise or working out.  Rather, the presence of sin is passed down through generations and from within due to a sinful nature which creates a fowl stench.  Subsequently, human beings are in desperate need of a cleansing which can only be achieved when you get closer to God than you ever have before.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool, Isaiah 1:18.

This special deodorant does not have a price tag.  Nor does this need to be applied over and over again.  As individuals draw near to God with a humbled heart, sincere confession activates this spiritual cleansing.  Although future mistakes will bring you back to your knees, a graceful God longs to settle this matter quickly.  Therefore, don’t let another day go by without getting a little closer to the Only one who can purify your soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Thornbush in a Drunkard’s Hand

Posted on January 19, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Forrest Gump gave America the notion that “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.”  This imagery reminds individuals of the days of generic Valentine Day boxes filled with an unlabeled variety of flavors.  Unfortunately, few movies address delicate issues like alcoholism in When a Man Loves a Woman.

Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool, Proverbs 26:9.

According to King Solomon, drunkenness is nothing new.  Jewish wedding receptions often lasted several days with some extended for a week.  It was common for hosts to bring out cheap wine once most of the guests were hammered, unable to tell the difference anymore.  Whether Solomon is referring to an actual event following a party or using hyperbole, drinking numbs the pain of individuals.  The physical affects with a thornbush will be felt after the alcohol wears off.

But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap, Luke 21:34.

One of the hardest transitions facing young people is learning to have fun in life without alcohol.  When my father was transferred to Cleveland while I was in college, making new friends was tough.  After meeting some people my own age, I became their designated driver whenever this group went clubbing on the Flats in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.  Unfortunately, most of them could not dance without getting drunk.  Not wanting to wait one evening, I traded places with a girl friend, helping the crew down 3 pitchers of beer.  While I was the life of the party for a few hours, the lingering affects of this spree lasted 2 days.  Thus, I know what its like to be a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand and its not a place where you’ll ever want to visit.  Heed the passage above to avoid the pain I endured.

by Jay Mankus

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Searching Out Matters That are Too Deep

Posted on January 18, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are a student, teacher or parent, sooner or later you will meet or run into individuals who like to dig deep.  While this isn’t a bad thing, there is a point in conversations, discussions and lectures that go way too deep.  Any time this invisible line is crossed, people tune out, especially students who don’t have the foggiest idea what their professor is talking about.

It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep, Proverbs 25:27.

Since Solomon was considered one of the wisest people to walk the face of the earth, its refreshing to know that even he was self aware of this problem.  Its unclear whether one of his wives or children confronted him about talking over people’s heads, yet God convicted him of this flaw.  Knowledge is like a good snack, but if you eat too much you will spoil your appetite for further discussions on a subject.

Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king.  He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”  The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!”  But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!”  hen the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother,” 1 Kings 3:24-27.

Despite the warning about digging too deep, there are exceptions to this rule as described by the wise ruling made by King Solomon above.  When a mother accidentally rolled over on top of her baby, he died.  In the heat of the moment, she swapped her dead baby with one next to a woman sleeping.  This is the context which allowed Solomon to test these woman to see who the real mother was.  Subsequently, individuals should use similar methods today to detect truth from those trying to pull a fast one by you.

by Jay Mankus

 

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