Category Archives: truth

The Hunger of Laborers

Posted on November 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Part of the DNA within a man is found through their occupation.  Unfortunately, many struggle to find a job which compliments and highlights their God given talents.  Subsequently, when Christmas and holiday parties arrive in a few weeks, these conversations are often unpleasant, a constant reminder of one’s frustration of being an outcast, not where you feel like God wants you to be.

The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on, Proverbs 16:26.

If and when you find that ideal situation, you don’t need any motivation to get out of bed.  Rather, every day drives and motivates individuals, excited to pursue that path they are on.  Perhaps, this is what Solomon means by the hunger of laborers.  This state drives workers, providing a sense of purpose until their job or task is complete.  Anyone who has never experienced or tasted this sensation yearns for the day you find the perfect match.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, Colossians 3:17.

For those of us who are a work in progress, the apostle Paul provides sound advice.  While on the journey called life, every deed and word count.  Therefore, dedicate your life to the Lord.  If you lose your way, remember the words of Hosea 4:6.  Since people perish without vision, set short term goals, serving as markers to lead your way.   God willing, you will one day find the hunger of laborers.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

An Old Prayer for a New Place

Posted on November 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If I have learned anything as a coach, parent and teacher is that nothing is immune from evil.  Some of the godliest churches, people and nations have fallen away from God and slipped into a state of darkness.  Trying to turn these dire situations around by mere human strength is impossible.  The next time this occurs its important to seek a higher authority by applying an old prayer for a new place.

Then Abraham approached God and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?  What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?  Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”  The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake,” Genesis 18:23-26.

Even democrats and republicans can agreement that this past election cycle has been as bad as it gets.  The desire to win has created one of the nastiest and ugliest campaigns ever.  After the last votes have been counted, some cities and states have gotten worse, turning loses into riots.  Despite whatever ideology you may share, its time to come together, uniting under one mediator, the Creator of the heavens and earth, to approach God with a plea to spare this nation for the sake of the righteous.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:43-44.

Perhaps Jesus was thinking about the United States of America circa 2016 when He shared these words above.  The easy thing to do in life is love those who think like you and hate everyone else.  Yet, Jesus has higher standards for those who long to be followers of the cross.  Therefore, ask the Lord to transform your heart, soul and mind.  Turn hatred into love and enemies into friends.  When individuals begin to rely on old prayers for new situations, nothing is impossible for God.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Thankfulness in the Midst of Adversity

Posted on November 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The human spirit can handle many things in life.  When knocked down by disappointment, failure or rejection, the hope of a better future enables individuals to get up.  Yet, at some point the psyche can only take so much.  Thus, if a spirit becomes crushed, its difficult to be thankful in the midst of adversity.

The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? – Proverbs 18:14

The passage above written by King Solomon summarizes 2016 for me up to this point.  Although the start of this year went well, the ending has been like a nightmare that you can’t get out of your head.  While my screen writing project failed to be embraced by Hollywood, a more serious situation developed.  In early August, my youngest son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes that has zapped his energy.  The hardest thing for a parent is wanting to do something to make things better, yet helpless and unable to intervene.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, Philippians 4:6.

The apostle Paul provides direction for those void of a thankful heart.  When you can’t make a difference, the Lord uses prayer as a vehicle for change.  Thus, I am thankful for the life that I have, not the one I want.  Perhaps, circumstances will turn around soon as I concentrate on prayer.  Even so, I can be thankful in the midst of adversity, especially when I consider my marriage of twenty one years with Leanne which I celebrate every Thanksgiving.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Fool’s Eyes

Posted on November 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of my favorite quotes from Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks is “stupid is as stupid does.”  Sometimes its easier to recognize stupidity rather than go into specific details.  A common synonym for stupid is foolish.  This label is earned when an ill-advised act, choice or word is made.

A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth, Proverbs 17:24.

According to King Solomon, fools tend to get distracted.  Instead of thinking before you act, the world provides ample temptations to lose your way.  While the discerning keep wisdom in sight, fools wander off the straight and narrow.  The longer an individual indulges in the pleasures in life, the hardest it becomes to leave this wayward road.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world, 1 John 2:16.

People don’t wake up and decide I’m going to do something foolish.  Rather, a series of compromises places souls on a path toward destruction.  The naive believe they will be able to turn back whenever they want.  Unfortunately, the fool’s eyes often wait until they are on verge on death before coming to their senses.  May those struggling at this moment heed the verses in scriptures above to escape a fool’s eyes before its too late.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Embracing the Headwinds in Life

Posted on November 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Without wind a sailboat is dead in the water.  On the other hand, when gale or hurricane force winds arrive, the situation turns to a matter of life and death.  Thus, one man’s curse is another’s blessing.  Either way, its important to embrace the headwinds in life.

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” Job 1:21.

As a golfer, I once hit a drive in high school 340 yards uphill with a 75 miles per hours gust at my back.  On the same day, I struggled to hit mid-irons 100 yards into the same wind.  For an airplane to take off, it must face headwinds.  If attempting to get off the ground with the wind at their back, the downward force of this wind prevents lift, doing just the opposite.  Therefore, headwinds create ideal conditions for flight.

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit,” John 3:8.

Although wind is invisible, you can hear it coming.  While tornadoes create debris clouds, the Holy Spirit restores human beings from the inside out.  Transformation usually takes time, especially for anyone overcoming previous storms which has ravaged souls.  Beyond broken hearts, pain and scars, a supernatural force uses headwinds to bring individuals back to where they need to be.  In view of this fact, remember to thank the Lord like Job for the good and bad so that God will use headwinds to lift you up.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Paper or Plastic?

Posted on November 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Back in the early 1980’s, the grass roots movement of recycling began.  This influenced groceries stores to give consumers a choice as environmentalists pressured chain stores to avoid cutting down trees.  Instead of double bagging heavy items, customers were encouraged to use plastic over paper.  Today, plastic has prevailed putting news papers on the verge of extinction.

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out, Proverbs 17:14.

Those major news papers that remain are on life support.  Why, you may ask?  Well. earlier in the week, one business apologized to subscribers due to the unfair treatment of Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential Election.  On the same day, there were 17 negative stories printed demonizing the Donald Trump; none were positive.  Meanwhile, following the Republican National Convention, another paper hired 30 journalists to dig up dirt on Donald Trump.  Perhaps, this may explain why readers are now choosing social media over the print media.

Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! – Proverbs 17:7.

Sooner or later, the American public is going to turn a deaf ear from dishonesty.  It doesn’t take much to discern someone who is real from a phony individual.  Like plastic, these imitations will be exposed.  Unfortunately, when context, the facts and truth is distorted, gossip has turned into reality poisoning the minds of many Americans.  Its sad that many have rejected Donald Trump as president without ever serving a day in office.  Yet, then again if making America great again involves putting paper in the form of cash into people’s pockets, perhaps the narrative will change.  Until then prayer for our future leaders so that give will breath life into a country falling apart.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Young Skulls Full of Mush

Posted on November 20, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the 1973 film The Paper Chase, Charles W. Kingsfield Jr. introduces a phrase that has struck a cord with educators and teachers.  Speaking to a class of law students, Kingsfield states the following, “You teach yourselves the law, but I train your minds. You come in here with a skull full of mush; you leave thinking like a lawyer.”  The term mush originated in the late 17th century, referring to a variant of mash.  Essentially, young people are in their infant stage, incomplete and underdeveloped.  The purpose of attending school is to take young skulls full of mush and shape them into mature adults.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.

I guess modern institutions of higher education have not seen this movie or applied Kingsfield’s principles.  In the wake of Hillary Clinton’s surprising loss to Donald Trump in this year’s 2016 Presidential Election, young skulls full of mush are regressing.  Colleges and high schools are doing everything in their power to appease spoiled brats, unable to comprehend how Hillary lost.  Subsequently, some classes and tests have been cancelled, crying sessions have been offered and grief therapy is available on several campuses.  Yet, where is the preparation for adversity, failure and trials within this life?

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth, 3 John 1:4.

The Bible refers to children as either the disappointment or joy of parents.  Depending upon how you are raised will impact how you live and what you think.  Since parents won’t be there that long to hold your hand in life, at some point you will have to exercise free will.  There are two paths according to the Bible, a broad road and a narrow path.  Unless you are trained properly, its easily to make poor discussions.  Therefore, may the words of the verse below serve as a prayer for those people hoping to leave behind a young skull of mush for a life devoted to faith in Christ.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

An Absentee Christian

Posted on November 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

This state usually begins with a logical excuse.  Perhaps, you’re traveling, on vacation or under the weather so you decide to skip church.  Like any other form of compromise, the second time is always easier, sleeping in after a long week at work.  If this pattern continues, it won’t be long until you become an absentee Christian.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:18.

In election years, the phrase absentee voters is a common term.  This applies to students going out of state to attend college or someone who spends weeks on the road for business trips.  If you plan ahead, anyone can request an absentee ballot which you can fill out and mail to insure your vote counts.  Unfortunately, absentee Christians tend to be wayward souls who don’t have a church home, have lost faith or are caught somewhere in between.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:16.

When I awoke this morning, I can’t deny the truth any longer, I have become an absentee Christian.  Sure, I could use my recent surgery and night work schedule as an excuse, but God isn’t pleased with my lack of obedience.  All I can do is follow the example set by Jesus’ earthly brother, to publicly confess my sins so that healing will come quickly.  As for now, I’m a humbled absentee Christian trying to get back where the Lord wants me to be.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Fostering Love

Posted on November 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The concept of foster care in the United States was inspired by Charles Loring Brace.  In the middle of the 19th century, Brace’s heart was torn by the thousands of homeless children living in the slums of New York City.  Brace believed that these children would do much better if placed into a farm setting with Christian families living in the country.  Thus, the Orphan Train movement was born, transporting more than 100,00 children from 1853-1890.

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends, Proverbs 17:9.

In the Old Testament, King Solomon encouraged the Israelites to foster love.  Anyone can point out someone’s flaws.  Yet, when attacked human beings tend to go on the defensive. Whether words spoken are in the form of exaggerations, in gest or gossip, any brash decision usually divides and separates relationships.  Therefore, when push comes to shove, its better to foster love by overlooking any offense against you.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

The apostle Paul addresses a similar issue during the first century.  Unfortunately, love was becoming just another word, void of meaning.  In their prime, DC Talk sang above Love is a Verb.  Love is meant to be exercised through selfless acts.  Sure, family may verbalize their love but without any sincere demonstration these terms of endearment are empty.  In view of the negativity fueled by a press upset after their candidate didn’t become president elect, turn the other cheek by fostering love.

by Jay Mankus

 

3 Comments

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Moderation

Posted on November 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In ESPN’s latest 30 for 30 documentary, the travails of John Daly are highlighted in Hit it Hard.  Based upon a song written by John, a two time major winner on the PGA Tour, Daly shares his battle with alcohol, gambling and series of failed marriages.  Due to an addictive personality, the concept of moderation is something Daly has has a hard time grasping.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything, 1 Corinthians 6:12.

Whether you are Superman, a professional athlete or an average human being, everyone has a kryptonite.  This condition, element or weakness prevents individuals from reaching their full potential.  Temptation is always lurking, trying to lure people away from good habits and safe environments.  Danger arrives when inner demons convince former addicts that they can handle a situation without God’s help.  This usually results in self-destruction.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body, 1 Corinthians 6:18.

There are ways to view moderation.  First, some will say that adults should be mature enough to know their limits.  Requiring self-control, this logical approach gives people freedom to develop boundaries.  The second perspective is more cautious, understanding that once you open pandora’s box, there’s no going back.  Either way, unless you have a friend who holds you accountable or a personal relationship with God, the quest for moderation can be a never ending battle.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →