When Mistakes Last a Life Time

Posted on August 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on former NFL wide receiver Randy Moss entitled Rand University, this feature focuses on how hard it is for minorities to make it in professional sports.  Two high school teammates of Moss, Sam Singleton Jr. and Bobbie Howard refer to a generation curse, causing most talented athletes from Rand, West Virginia to end up drinking in the 7 Eleven parking lot every weekend wondering what might have been.  Whether its drugs, poverty or giving into temptation, sometimes poor choices result in mistakes that last a life time.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire, James 1:14.

While Bobbie Howard received a football scholarship to Notre Dame and later went on to play a few seasons for the Chicago Bears, Bobbie is one of the exceptions to this Rand rule.  Sam Singleton Jr. is more like the norm, unable to ditch his addiction to alcohol and pot.  After being drafted by a Major League Ball club, Sam was on his way to becoming a professional baseball player.  Unfortunately, despite showing great promise, one failed drug test sent him packing, released by an unnamed team.  At the conclusion of this film, Sam breaks down in tears, claiming his life is an example of when a mistake lasts a lifetime.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

What people seek and what individuals often receive are usually 2 different things.  At some point, people can become their own worst enemy.  Like a prodigal in denial, life often takes a downward spiral, reaching a new bottom floor with each passing year.  Most don’t get a second chance like a teenage I knew at my first church as a youth pastor.  The first time he ever drove drunk was his last, dying instantly after colliding with a tree.  If only souls could break out of their spiritual funk before its too late?  Perhaps, the sad story of  Sam Singleton Jr. may serve as a wake up call or reality check before one more mistake lasts a lifetime.

by Jay Mankus

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Accusations Without Reason

Posted on August 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Over the last 23 years, more than 2000 inmates have been exonerated after being falsely accused of a crime.  Unfortunately, these individuals spent more than 10,000 years combined before the truth set them free.  This time away from family, friends and void of freedom can never be returned.  Yet, this statistic serves as a remainder to never make accusations without reason.

Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm, Proverbs 3:30.

Exaggerations, lies and untruths are nothing new.  Perhaps, Solomon came to the conclusion that the sinful nature serves as a defense mechanism.  Whenever accusations, blame or indictments come your way, human nature’s first reply is usually “I didn’t do it!”  Nonetheless, DNA tests, lie detectors and modern scientific devices have been created to prevent further injustices from occurring.

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers, Proverbs 21:15.

Following their exoneration of rape charges, Duke Lacrosse players David Evans, Reade Seligmann, and Collin Finnerty have joined the Innocence Project.  This organization files appeals on behalf of individuals wrongfully punished for crimes they never committed.  When an innocent poor person can’t afford a good defense team, this group and others like it fight for the little guy.  May this blog inspire you to defend and stand up for those falsely accused in your spheres of influence.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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If You Rush To Judgement… Someone’s Life Might Be Ruined

Posted on August 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

After watching a rerun of ESPN’s 30 for 30, Fantastic Lies, I received a new perspective.  During this documentary, I missed an important statement the first time around.  One of the journalists who believed the Duke Lacrosse players raped an African America woman provided an insightful comment.  When asked about why the nation felt like these three players were guilty, he responded, “If you air opinions over and over again in the media, these fantastic lies become fact.

Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 1 John 2:4.

This observation applies to our daily life.  Every day blogs, cable news networks and news papers publish exaggerations, take comments out of context or with hold information to make liberals look great and portray conservatives as liars.  This rush to judgment often ruins the lives of those who receive negative press.  Just examine or do a fact check of political ads and you’ll find a willful attempt to smear their opponents.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The apostle Paul speaks of a moment when you have the chance to decide “do I do the right or wrong thing?”  At this place in time, Paul learned that you don’t always have to give into temptation.  Rather, the Lord does provide an escape route, an option that does not lead to guilt, shame or regret.  Therefore, the next time you have an urge to condemn, trash or verbally assault an individual’s character, ask the Lord for discernment.  Or else your quick rush to judgement may result in the demise of a strangers reputation.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Traumatized

Posted on August 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

 

One of the medical websites I researched lists 5 specific categories of trauma.  Complex, Early Childhood, Medical, Refugee and Traumatic Grief.  The actual definition of this term refers to any experience that inflicts deep distress or is emotionally disturbing.  This state is often induced by accidents, injuries or witnessing someone die.  Anyone who endures such an event can be traumatized for hours, days, weeks or months.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you, 1 Peter 5:7.

Anyone alive during the life of Christ may have seen one of the most brutal ways to die.  After receiving up to 39 lashing in the public square, Jesus carried a cross until Simeon took over and then was crucified.  Even those who despised Jesus’ message, must have felt pity or remorse at some point.  Despite his innocence, Herod followed Jewish tradition, setting the criminal Barabbas free as a mob demanded Jesus to die in his place.  If those who have seen this gore in the Passion of the Christ struggle to watch, image the trauma exhibited by those who were disciples and followers of God’s son.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron, Psalm 107:13-16.

One of the difficult signs of trauma is that its often invisible.  Sure, body language, facial expressions and posture reveal someone who is mourning.  Yet, wounds to the soul go unnoticed, lingering for months, years or in worse case scenarios, a lifetime.  In certain cases, guilt causes some to remain traumatized until they forgive themselves.  This situation is played out in Good Will Hunting where Robin Williams playing a psychologists tells Matt Damon, an orphan its not your fault.  If you find yourself trying to recover from a traumatic events, may the prayer of the Psalmist above provide the words to receive the healing that you seek and strive to achieve.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Someone Will Always Have It Worse Than You

Posted on August 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Last week I spent a few days at A.I. Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.  This is one of the premiere facilities on the East Coast for young people struggling with crippling illnesses.  When my son Daniel arrived at the hospital, his blood sugar level as at 1000, the highest A.I. had ever received was 700.  Anything over 300 is considered dangerous.  Thus, despite all my family went through last week at least my son is alive.

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven, James 5:14-15.

Passing by several rooms, I encountered children in much worse shape than Daniel.  While diabetes is life altering, at least it can be treated.  There are countless battling for their lives, not knowing if and when their condition will worsen.  I guess the last 7 days has helped me put life into its proper perspective.  I learned that someone will always have it worse than you.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul, 3 John 1:2.

One of the benefits of working at Amazon is that I engage several generations on a weekly basis.  Some associates are fresh out of high school, others trying to find their place in life and others forced out of retirement to receive healthcare.  Although everyone has good, bad and indifferent days, if you open your eyes you will always find someone worse off than you.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Abducted by Technology

Posted on August 20, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The definition of abduction refers to someone being taken away by force or through deception.  When most people think of the term abducted, its usually in the context of kidnapping.  The 1996 movie Ransom starring Mel Gibson and Rene Russo uses this story line as the back drop for this film.  Yet, the second description of abduction can not be denied as individuals can be abducted through deception.

But God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die,’ Genesis 3:3.”

This past week a couple from Michigan filed a law suit against the creators of Pokemon Go.  These parents claim their quality of life has been infringed upon since this popular app has been introduced in the United States.  Furthermore, communities and neighborhoods are no longer safe with followers of this game walking the streets at all hours of the day and night.  Essentially, what these concerned citizens are suggesting is that teenagers have become abducted by technology.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them, Proverbs 11:3.

At some point in time, this generation has chosen apps, games and social media over relationships.  Fueled by the great deceiver, Satan is relying on the old argument which caused Eve to ignore God’s only law, “do not eat from the tree of knowledge.”  Unfortunately, many don’t know the Word of God like they should.  Thus, when challenged by temptations in life, we all fall hard, wondering what happened to lead us to this place.  If this abduction of technology has already occurred, bear down, purge yourself from this environment of sin and cry out to the Lord for divine intervention.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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All Out of Sorts

Posted on August 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Sort isn’t one of the sexiest words in the English language.  Yet, its synonyms reveal a wide array of meanings.  Arrange, categorize and grouping items enables individuals to bring order to their lives.  However, it doesn’t take much until complacency, laziness or unexpected trials leaves you all out of sorts.

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 1 Corinthians 14:33.

After my son was rushed to the hospital last Tuesday, my routine schedule was thrown out the window.  One week later, dazed, exhausted and in dire need of sleep, I find myself hanging by a thread.  All out of sorts, I’m trying to leave the land of confusion for the peace promised in the Bible.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves, Romans 15:1.

During a visit to the church of Corinth, Paul witnessed several believers all out of sorts.  Subsequently, Paul called on godly leaders to be patient with those failing in their faith.  While its nice to have others focused on your own well being, hurting individuals receive much more by serving others.  Therefore, despite your current situation, reach out to someone less fortunate to help the body of Christ heal.

by Jay Mankus

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Conditions of God’s Favor

Posted on August 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The expression “knowing just enough to be dangerous” applies to the Bible as well.  Whether its a casual reader, individuals who like to study the Bible occasionally or a young student of the Word, its easy to make false pretenses.  One of the more common mistakes occur when people think they can bow their head without confession or repentance, snap their fingers as if to say abracadabra and expect God favor’s to immediately arrive at their door steps.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity, Proverbs 3:1-2.

As king of Israel, God blessed Solomon with infinite wisdom, after pleasing God with his response in 1 Kings 3.  This discernment and insight is the foundation for Proverbs 3.  Solomon urges his son to do more than listen; rather keep biblical commands in his heart.  In addition, the spiritual fruit of love and faithfulness must be displayed, adorned like fine jewelry.  These core fruits of the spirit must take hold inside your heart until God’s favor falls upon you.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man, Proverbs 3:3-4.

For those in the process of this journey or just beginning, this does not mean God’s won’t answer prayers or reveal himself to you.  Rather, the conditions must be right for favor to be released.  When a soul embraces the steps below, God’s favor is no longer a wish; its reality.

1. Put Jesus words into action daily after your reading the Bible each day.

2. Meditate day and night on God’s commands so your heart absorbs them.

3. Put to death any aspect of the sinful nature preventing you from love.

4. Resolve to follow Jesus through thick and thin, displaying faithfulness.

by Jay Mankus

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Ignoring Covenants

Posted on August 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Any agreement, bond or contract is similar to making a covenant.  The most common are marriage vows made between couples at a wedding.  Yet, others include chastity, faith and oaths to serve a country.  Unfortunately, time has a way of changing individuals, causing many to reconsider their initial promise.

Who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God, Proverbs 2:17.

The phrase never say never is like an escape clause.  Thus, if adults continue to break promises made to their children, a spirit of hopelessness will ensue.  When words spoken are not carried on to completion, there is a tendency for these disappointments to lower one’s standards.  Inevitably, covenants are ignored, giving into temptation within the mind like Eve several thousand years ago.

None who go to her return or attain the paths of life, Proverbs 2:19.

Many of the proverbs written by Solomon are inspired by his fall from grace, allowing himself as king of Israel to marry 700 women.  Looking back upon his decisions, Solomon realizes the error of his way.  Evidently, the demands of his wives caused him to ignore his vows made to the Lord.  Therefore, if you are on the verge of ignoring your own covenants, may the testimony of this king serve as a warning to get back on track by trusting in the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

 

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I Choose to Believe

Posted on August 16, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of the names ascribed to Lucifer in the Bible is the angel of music or song.  This nick name has led Bible scholars to claim the Devil uses secular music to corrupt the hearts and minds of countless individuals.  While this may be true to a certain extent, there are plenty of wholesome songs that I have come across which do just the opposite.  Several of these contemporary artists either elevate the faith of Christian or encourage some to believe.

You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.  You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you, Ezekiel 28:14-15.

In my life, music plays a vital role in the ebbs and flows that I experience.  Although I go through periods of disappointment, unable to find the right song for the difficult stretch in life, artists, ballets and songs can arrive just in the nick of time.  As I struggle to come to grips with my son’s Diabetes diagnosis, I was reminded of an album I purchased earlier in the year.  When I heard this Phillips, Craig and Dean’s song on my birthday, I knew just what to do.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”  “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin,” John 8:11-12.

The ballet “I choose to believe” talks about how one phone call can change your life.  One day everything is fine and the next your world is turned upside down.  Yet, within the emotions of the trial standing in your way, everyone has a decision to make.  In the case of a woman caught in adultery, she was on death row, about to be executed when a young lawyer named Jesus intervened.  I don’t think she was hopeful early on, yet at the end her life was saved.  In the same way, I still have my health and my family.  While I may not have the money to cover all the added expenses, I simply choose to believe.

by Jay Mankus

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