Don’t Make a Big Deal About It

Posted on January 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In this current age of social media, immediate reactions and thoughts are often broadcast to the world to read.  However, now with the recent addition of Facebook Live, individuals can stream video live that is unfiltered.  When some try to attain 15 seconds of fame like the 4 teenagers in Chicago, that which was meant for good can be corrupted by an axis of evil.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings, Proverbs 25:2.

During times of uncertainty, people tend to seek out advice, guidance or wisdom to figure out what to do next.  2 Kings 18-20 details the reign of Hezekiah, the king of Judah.  Described as one of the godliest leaders in the Bible, Hezekiah wasn’t satisfied with the pieces of the Old Testament he had access to, seeking out previous writings of Solomon.  One of the suggestions Hezekiah discovered was when something occurs, try not to make a big deal about this.

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense, Proverbs 19:11.

To extract what Solomon means by the phrase “conceal a matter,” you have to go back a few chapters to understand the true meaning.  Based upon the context of chapter 19, the intent refers to avoid over-reacting.  In the heat of the moment, human nature tempts people to retaliate.  Yet, those who practice self-control by restraining your emotions, it is to God’s glory.

by Jay Mankus

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As Is Verse Could Be; Should Be

Posted on January 9, 2017 by expressyourself4him

During my time attending a youth ministry trade school known as Tentmakers, a specific mindset was ingrained within me.  Instead of being task oriented, the curriculum stressed the importance of developing vision.  Subsequently, individuals must be realistic with their current position, the As/Is before reaching a desired destination, the Could Be/Should Be.

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it, Habakkuk 2:2.

According to C.S. Lewis, success is the process of arriving.  Unfortunately, many people go through life thinking if I only achieve this position, salary or status, then happiness will be achieved.  This belief sets people up for failure, rarely taking time to celebrate the little accomplishments in life.  Those few who actually reach the summit, mountain top, may be unfulfilled pondering, “is this it?”

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay, Habakkuk 2:3.

To insure disappointment does not come knocking at the door, perhaps it may be beneficial to begin thinking about life in terms of As/Is, Could Be/Should Be.  While any type of change will take time to adopt and conform to, motivation in 2017 is still fresh.  Therefore, don’t waste the opportunity to transform your ways in the New Year.  Enjoy the journey with vision as your guiding light and the Lord the wind beneath your wings.

by Jay Mankus

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Moving Beyond Hunger Pains to Experience Worship

Posted on January 8, 2017 by expressyourself4him

A decade ago I attended a Bible Study and Sunday School with a few individuals who introduced to me to the Daniel Fast.  When the Babylonians invaded Israel in the Old Testament, several young Jews were taken back to Babylon.  Held captive against their will, these teenagers were reprogrammed to a new culture by king Nebuchadnezzar.  Overwhelmed with conviction, Daniel proposed a 10 day eating challenge limited to fruits, vegetables and water to a chief official.

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way, Daniel 1:8.

This proposal has evolved into what churches refer to as the Daniel Fast, a three week period to eat healthy.  Some where along the way, 10 days was extended to 21, usually occurring at the beginning of each year.  To avoid shocking my own body, I do a modified fast in 7 day segments.  By the end of the first week, I give up soda or tea to transition over to water.  Depending on how I feel after 2 weeks, I might do a strict fast the last 7 days.  However, the hardest part of any fast involves coping with hunger pains which can ruin the spirits of any participant.

“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink,” Daniel 1:12.

Although, I am still relatively a newbie when it comes to fasting, I discover something new each January.  During my first week of this year’s fast, the Holy Spirit placed a thought in my mind, “to move beyond hunger pains to experience worship.”  While I still have 2 more weeks to go, this mindset is helping me see the purpose of fasting, to draw closer to the Lord by worshiping God daily.  Thus, the next time you feel called to begin a fast, don’t forget to move beyond hunger pains to experience a heart set on worshiping God.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Time’s Up

Posted on January 7, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Even when you stop for a while to sit down and rest, there’s always a clock running somewhere in the world.  Whether its Time Square, Big Ben or a clock in your house, time never stops ticking.  When your time is up on earth, the Lord will send someone else to finish any task that you were unable to complete.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12.

One of the nice things about time is that after 24 hours everything resets to zero.  Subsequently, each day should be a learning process, a chance to improve on the mistakes of yesterday.  Solomon suggests that those open to teaching will receive a heart of wisdom.

Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:16.

Like the tragedy at the Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida, days can turn evil at any point.  In the case of today, five innocent individuals were taken from this planet.  Life can be cruel when someone who is influenced by powers of darkness exercises free will with the intent to harm others.  May God have mercy on those who time has expired, divinely providing for family members left behind on earth.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Longing for a Sense of Community

Posted on January 6, 2017 by expressyourself4him

While driving home from work today, I was overwhelmed by a feeling within my heart.  My fear is that my youngest two children will graduate from high school before my wife and I find a true sense of community.  Thus, my prayer, hope and wish for 2017 is find a place where I feel right at home, able to openly share my life with others.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2.

Although it bombed at the box office, the 2015 film McFarland presents an interesting topic for discussion.  After getting fired as a football coach, Jim White played by Kevin Costner is forced to take the only job he can find within the city of McFarland, California.  The moment Coach White begins to become accepted by the locals, he is offered the position of his dreams.  The question is will Jim White exchange a sense of community for financial security?  To avoid spoiling the ending, I will let you find out what happens for yourself.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near, Hebrews 10:24-25.

Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to ascertain where you fit in.  Unfortunately, a spirit of perfectionism causes many individuals to reject co-workers or neighbors who are searching for a friend.  If I knew the answer I would tell you how to connect with a local community.  As for now, I am asking the Lord for guidance, insight and a heart willing to embrace where God wants me to be for the next decade.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Begrudging Host

Posted on January 5, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As a son of an immigrant, I learned to be frugal.  My grandmother kept all of her beds and couches in their original plastic to preserve these pieces of furniture as long as possible.  Eating out was not a regular option, only done on special occasions a few times each year.  The notion of wasting money was a foreign concept to me.

Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; Proverbs 23:6.

Now as I parent, I have softened some of my childhood beliefs.  Yet, one of my biggest struggles occurs while on vacation.  After working hard to save enough money for Spring Break, a week in Florida can break the bank quickly.  Whether its taking the family to a Phillies game in Clearwater, going out to a nice restaurant or visiting an amusement park, it doesn’t take much to blow a quick $500.  When I do, I become a begrudging host.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, Proverbs 3:5.

For the needy, poor and unemployed, knowing where the money will come from for your next bill, meal or mortgage is scary.  Any kind of uncertainty can move the unstable into a state of panic.  In view of this, its essential to remember the words of Solomon by placing your trust in a firm foundation.  Though not everyone will be blessed with riches, when you do have the opportunity to give, do so with a cheerful heart.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Byproduct of the Wussification of America

Posted on January 4, 2017 by expressyourself4him

For the last 8 years, Christian businesses have been attacked, fined and sued by local individuals and states for not serving those whom share a different worldview.  A few bakeries, florists and pizzerias have lost court battles after sticking to their convictions.  Yet, now that Rockettes are being forced to preform for Donald Trump’s inauguration, the left has changed their tune.  Claiming this is a woman’s right issue, concerned Rockettes are now able to opt out.

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord, Proverbs 23:17.

The illustration above is just one of the examples of the Wussification of America.  It’s not as if college students needed coloring books and plato to help them cope with Hillary Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Election.  Oh, that happened.  Well, at least therapy dogs weren’t brought in to console other immature adults.  When you add in Hollywood’s attempt to get electors who voted for Trump to switch their votes, the last few months has revealed the true colors of those who despise American exceptionalism.

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off, Proverbs 23:18.

Perhaps a lack of leadership on a state and national level is the true cause of the turmoil that exists in this country.  Whatever the reason, there are too many people passing the buck and not enough talking responsibility for their own actions.  According to Solomon, too many individuals are envying sinners instead of fearing the Lord.  Until this change takes place, the wussification of America will continue.  May God have mercy on the childish acts which occur almost daily and steer souls back to common sense by fearing and trusting the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Heartbeat of Joy

Posted on January 3, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Joy can result from one of many sources.  Whether its your first date, graduating, marriage or the birth of a child, each elicit an expression of joy.  However, the heartbeat of joy comes from hearing individuals speak that which is right.

My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right, Proverbs 23:16.

When Billy Joel completed his piano ballad Honesty in 1978, his lyrics reference the lack of shame people display after failing to tell the truth.  While the words are vague about who or what event Joel is referring to, Billy acknowledges that honesty is such a lonely word.  The longer truth is hidden, the slower the heartbeat of joy becomes, sucking the life out of many.

Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him, John 18:38.

Truth is similar to talent.  You may not be able to fully explain what it is, but when you see it, you will recognize it.  The more people experience truth, the better you will feel, rejuvenated by that which is right.  May the beginning of a new year, 2017, motivate you to seek what is right so that your heart will rejoice.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Applying Your Heart

Posted on January 2, 2017 by expressyourself4him

One of the ways my former high school teachers attempted to motivate students was through the phrase, “you have to apply yourself.”  Somewhat sarcastic at the time, wondering to myself, “so do you want me to apply for a job?”  Based upon the definition, I guess these individuals wanted me to engage and utilize what I was learning at the time.

Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, Proverbs 22:17.

Fortunately, King Solomon explains this concept within 2 chapters of Proverbs.  Like a child being raised by godly parents, the Lord wants his followers to become more than listeners.  Rather than giving mere lips service, “I get it!”  God longs for his children to put God’s Word, the Bible into practice.  This is what it means to apply your heart.

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge, Proverbs 23:12.

Unfortunately, many people are jaded by disappointment, failure and trials in life.  Like the Aerosmith song Jaded, lead singer Steven Tyler wrote this song after feeling like he neglected his youngest daughter, missing most of her childhood while touring.  Those who reach this unwelcomed state often feel trapped, paralyzed and unable to change.  Therefore, if you sense things are beginning to slip slide away, may the Holy Spirit empower you to apply your heart.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Be Grateful For What You Have; Not What You’ve Lost

Posted on January 1, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In my first year as a high school teacher, I stayed up well past midnight preparing for the next day.  While attempting to create challenging lesson plans, I overlooked one important truth.  This quest for perfection often left me feeling empty as the good was overshadowed by negative reactions by parents and students.  Instead of being grateful for what I had accomplished, my heart, soul and mind spent most of the time focusing on what I had lost.

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

A little more older and wise now, writing this blog has helped transform my perspective.  Rather than worry about the next issue, subject and topic I am going to address, the Lord has given me a sense of peace, knowing that somehow, someway God will provide new ideas.  Whether I’m reading an article waiting for my next eye doctor appointment, listening to talk radio or watching television, interesting concepts continue to flow.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive, Acts 20:35.

After not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve, I stumbled upon a documentary aired on the Golf Channel about former British Open Champion Darren Clarke.  Labeled as one of the best tour players not to win a major, Clarke faced something more important winning a golf tournament.  When Darren’s wife Heather was diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the second time, she succumb to this disease in 2006.  Always staying positive to the end, Heather left behind a message to visitor’s of her tombstone.  “Be Grateful For What You Have; Not What You’ve Lost.”  May these words inspire you to apply this mindset in 2017.

by Jay Mankus

 

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