The Absence of Discipline

Posted on September 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of the definitions of discipline eludes to a branch of knowledge.  Similar to higher education, discipline is self-taught or prodded through some sort of accountability relationship.  This concept involves dedication, hard work and strict training.  For those who commit by developing daily routines usually experience blessings, success and wealth.

For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly, Proverbs 5:23.

On the other side of the spectrum, you will find apathy.  Those who indulge in this behavior will go through periods of complacency.  The by-product of this decision causes individuals to lose sight of their goals, living day to day.  Subsequently, vision for the future slowly disappears as depression, laziness and hopelessness take over.  This is what likely inspired Solomon to claim the lack of discipline will lead to death.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline, 2 Timothy 1:7.

If you have found yourself in a steady decline recently, the apostle Paul provides a message of hope.  The Holy Spirit was sent by God following Jesus’ ascension into heaven to empower those who call on the name of Lord.  Therefore, don’t allow a spirit of pessimism to reign within you.  Rather, claim the promise in the passage above so that you will escape an undisciplined life.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Intoxicating

Posted on September 3, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The term intoxicating often elicits a negative connotation.  This state is achieved by allowing a foreign substance to enter your body.  Alcohol is the most common drug used which tends to excite, stimulate or stupefy individuals.  King Solomon provides a positive and negative example of intoxicating in the book of Proverbs.

A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love, Proverbs 5:19.

According to Solomon, love can be intoxicating.  While the verse above may be graphic, sex in the context of marriage is suppose to bring pleasure to you and your soul mate.  Unfortunately, some drift apart from their first love.  When this occurs, lust can lead unsatisfied partners to become intoxicated with another person’s spouse.  For those who wonder toward this dangerous place, intoxication can blind people from common sense.

Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman? – Proverbs 5:20

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul chooses the Greek work pharmakia in Galatians 5:20.  This is where the English language gets the word Pharmacy.  Whenever anyone allows a drug to enter their body, you become under the influence, like someone under a spell of witchcraft.   Thus, be careful of becoming intoxicated or else you might lose your mind or something worse.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Finding a State that is More Than Enough

Posted on September 2, 2016 by expressyourself4him

It doesn’t take much for someone to lose their confidence, mojo or swagger.  Life has a way of being cruel, dropping bombshells out of no where that can paralyze souls.  Thus, if you take a few moments to observe individuals around you, you’ll find many going through the motions.  Struggling to get through each week, I finding myself in a similar pattern, hoping to discover a state that is more than enough.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest.  Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children, Hosea 4:6.

When you’re left looking for answers to get out of a funk, sometimes you need to examine the past to see what’s led to previous success.  For me, the greatest influence in my life was nearly two months I spent at Tentmakers Youth Ministry Trade School.  Every day I was challenged, equipped and pressed to develop a vision oriented life style.  Once I received a full time position in Columbus, Indiana, I applied a 90 day action plan to perfection.  Unfortunately, after 90 days I was in foreign territories, not sure what to do.  Subsequently, I lost my way and passion for youth ministry.

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

I guess what I am trying to say is that I’m tired of mediocrity.  Yet, until I rebuild a life based upon discipline, purpose and vision, the crappy results will remain the same.  When push comes to shove, something has to give.  Therefore, join me in this quest to find a state that is more than enough by rediscovering the abundant life of Christ.  Sure, there will be growing pains but the effort is worth the journey.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Following the Voice of Temptation

Posted on September 1, 2016 by expressyourself4him

At some point in the next 24 hours, it will happened to you.  No one is immune to this mystery guest.  While the exact circumstance, situation and time is unknown, the voice of temptation shows up unannounced.  Sometimes you might feel its presence with an impulse, grab your attention with a lustful sight or lure you away with an enticing whisper.  Either way if you’re not ready for her it might not be long before you start following the voice of temptation.

For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword, Proverbs 5:3-4.

King Solomon refers to this voice as the adulterous woman, promising ecstasy but delivering heartache.  Unfortunately, the rush of adrenaline tends to take individuals from maybe to when can I start to taste the temporary pleasures of life.  Those without a backbone, curious or hanging out by the fence line are usually the first to engage these voices.  Perhaps, Solomon is comparing temptation to some of the beautiful woman he couldn’t resist marrying or engaging in sexual fantasies.  Before he could stop, 1000 woman had him wrapped around their fingers.

Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.  She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it, Proverbs 5:5-6.

When morning arrives, emptiness, guilt and shame often follow those who listen to the voice of temptation.  Unless you can snap out of this sinful state, destruction await all those who continue to visit this mistress.  Those that hit rock bottom find themselves facing addiction, bad habits and a heart craving for a quick fix, a temporary high before this vicious cycle repeats itself.  If this blog finds you somewhere in this entangled web of deception, cry out to the Lord, confess any wrong doings, purge your life from any reminders of this voice and enter into accountability relationships so that you can come clean once and for all.  Hold on by committing yourself to Bible memorization to break free from these chains of sin.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Building Up or Tearing Down

Posted on August 31, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the aftermath of Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit down during the national anthem before last weekend’s third NFL preseason game, social media has exploded.  Between cable news, talk radio and Twitter, opinions on this protest have come fast and furious.  Despite all the arguments made on either side of Kaepernick’s stance, one valuable piece is missing.  It’s not what Colin did, refusing to stand and honor the American flag, its what he will do.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?  For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, Luke 14:28-29.”

On June 5th, 2014, Colin Kaepernick signed a 6 year 110 million dollar contract with 61 million of this amount guaranteed.  Thus, Colin has the financial resources to make a difference in any community that he chooses to help.  Using his celebrity status to prove a point only magnifies this hot button issue.  Nonetheless, words are meaningless without action.  Jesus makes a similar point in Luke 14 in the context of becoming a disciple.  Jesus warns any lukewarm candidates, “don’t start something that you can’t or won’t finish.”

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters, Matthew 12:30.”

No whatever where you live, what you do or whom you come in contact with, anyone can point out what’s wrong in this world.  Yet, just because a few police officers, public servants or other individuals act inappropriately does not mean everyone in these fields are corrupt.  Instead of adding fuel to the fire, the best course of action involves building up others.  Jesus uses an analogy about gathering and scattering.  If you’re really for change, your actions will leave a lasting legacy like Dr. Martin King Jr.  However, if you’re all talk without any substance, than you are actually tearing down that which others gave their lives to protect.

by Jay Mankus

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Handing off the Baton

Posted on August 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In a track relay race, participants need to hand off a baton between a set distance.  Individuals may drop this and still continue, but if anyone wander outside of their lane judges can disqualify an entire team.  During the 2016 Rio Olympics, the United States woman’s 400 x 100 team failed to finish after dropping their baton.  However, after a video review, a replay revealed another woman in an adjacent lane caused this drop to occur.  Thus, the woman were allowed to re-qualify following an appeal, going on to win the gold medal.

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

In life, some compare passing off a baton to raising children like Dr. Jeff Myers in his book Passing the Baton.  At some point, parents have to let go, knowing they have done all they could do with the time given.  Yet, if you are like me, there are some regrets.  There were conversations I didn’t have, issues I didn’t properly address and life lessons I didn’t impart.  Nonetheless, what’s done is done.  I can’t change the past.  All I can do is learn from my mistakes and do a better job with my last 2 kids before they leave for college.

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart, Proverbs 29:17.

Upon dropping my son James off to college, I thought came to my mind, “its time to trust the Lord.”  Sure, as long my oldest resides in my home, I’m still responsible to encourage and nurture his faith.  Yet, the best thing I can do is pray that the faculty and staff of Liberty University challenges James and pushes him to new heights.  While nothing in life is guaranteed, I am holding out hope that the Christian influences at this institution will lead James to discover his calling on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Deep Darkness

Posted on August 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The title deep darkness suggests a place exists that is so dark, pitch black, that no one can see.  Typically, an evening sky provides moon light or stars in the country to help the human eye to adjust to the night.  On the other hand, Solomon who coins this term may be referring to a spiritual condition.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble, Proverbs 4:19.

A narcissist is defined as an individual who is excessive in their self-absorption.  This character trait tends to be egocentric, extremely independent and wrapped up with one’s self.  Perhaps the passage above inspired C.S. Lewis to create a state known as diabolical pride.  Those who reach this phase in life are blinded from reality, unable to recognize that which is causing them to stumble.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it, Proverbs 4:23.

According to Solomon, the key to escaping deep darkness involves placing a shield of faith around your heart.  The apostle Paul takes a different approach, calling for the breastplate of righteousness in Ephesians 6.  In view of the powers of darkness that are a clear and present danger, the human heart is the last line of defense.  Once poisoned, souls begin to embrace evil.  Thus, the only way to overcome deep darkness is through the light of Christ.  Take measures today to safe guard yourself with the Sword of the Spirit to ward off future attacks and temptations that seek to lure you back into deep darkness.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Faith vs. Science

Posted on August 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When my son was admitted to A.I. Dupont Children’s Hospital in early August, my faith was put to the test.  After Daniel’s diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, there is a set of requirements made by doctors and staff for parents which must be met prior to releasing your child.  Beside viewing a series of videos, parents must meet with a nutritionist, psychologist and social worker.  During my final conversation, I was asked about how I was doing.  My response,”it is what it is.”

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

What I meant is that my heart is holding out hope that Daniel’s pancreas will be supernaturally restored to its previous working condition.  Yet, statistics suggest there is only a three percent chance of this miracle occurring.  Subsequently, I am wrestling with what could be through the power of prayer and what is based upon science.  As a believer I don’t want to ignore past answered prayers, but I don’t want to set myself up for disappointment with the odds of healing stacked against me.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1.

One of Hollywood’s best examples of this dilemma can be found in an episode from Lost entitled Man of Science, Man of Faith.  In the season 2 debut, Dr. Jack Shepherd has a flash back of a previous surgery.  A woman named Claire is being prepped for major back surgery following a car accident.  Talking with her fiancee, Jack is bluntly honest suggesting there is little hope of ever being able to walk again, likely paralyzed for the rest of her life.  However, upon examination of Claire after the surgery, Jack realizes that science lost and faith won.  Whatever trial stands in your way, may the power of the Holy Spirit lift you up as you await answers to your concerns and troubles in life.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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What’s Behind Blessings and Curses?

Posted on August 27, 2016 by expressyourself4him

There is something fascinating behind the lives of the rich and famous.  If you have ever had the opportunity to visit resorts, visit wealthy neighborhoods or vacation in exquisite destinations, its amazing what money can buy.  Yet, one has to wonder, what has led to the accumulation of mass possessions?  While the answers vary, discipline, hard work and persistence are involved.  However, at some point the blessing of God must be considered.

The LORD‘s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous, Proverbs 3:33.

During my 10 years as a high school teacher, I spent numerous hours developing curriculum.  One of the most intriguing chapters I taught was based upon an 18th century case study.  A pastor’s family and criminal were placed side by side, examining the descendants of each for 2 generations.  The findings revealed the pastor’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren went on to pursue higher education, serve the military and become self-sufficient.  Meanwhile, this alcoholic turned criminal gave birth to needy individuals, costing local, state and the federation government over 1 million dollars.

You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, Exodus 20:5.

Few people fail to recognize the conditional relationship crafted into the 10 commandments.  Growing up Catholic the verse above was omitted from CCD, similar to Sunday School in evangelical churches.  This passage suggests that God will not allow those people who chose to ignore God’s principles to prosper.  Unfortunately, modern sermons highlight the loving God of the New Testament, often canceling out the teachings of the Old Testament.  Yet, behind blessings and curses, you reap what you sow, leading to one or the other.  In view of this truth, choose obedience today.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Heroes Journey

Posted on August 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In 1949, the concept of the Heroes Journey was introduced by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces.  While this narrative pattern commonly appears in films, this outline can also be found in mythology, psychology and religion.  Campbell’s outline involves 12 stages which takes a character from the ordinary world to the special world and back.

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things, Hebrews 13:8.

The reason why people watch the same movies year after year is that the heroes journey enables individuals to identify with certain actors and actresses.  As fictional characters reveal their flaws, imperfections and weaknesses, people can relate to similar trials in their own life.  Subsequently, deep down inside viewers root for their favorites to reach to top of the mountain after facing adversity.

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness, Romans 12:6-8.

For someone who struggled with stuttering the first 20 years of my life, I always knew what I wanted to say, but rarely expressed what was in my heart and mind.  As an amateur screen writer, the Heroes Journey provides a valuable resource to make my aspirations come true.  However, before I proceed, I must study these 12 stages like trying to ace a test.  Once I fully grasp the Heroes Journey, I can begin to craft films that may one day end up on your favorites list.  Until then, I need to keep plugging away with an unyielding resolve to make my dreams come true.

by Jay Mankus

 

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