Tag Archives: cell phone

Stand Back

Posted on March 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As an employee of Amazon the past decade; safety has been ingrained within me. Whether it’s using the freight elevator, a ladder or unclogging jams on a conveyor, each act requires specific training before you are permitted to perform this task. One of the expressions you might here is stand back and let someone who is qualified perform this duty.

But they said, Stand back! And they said, This fellow came in to live here temporarily, and now he presumes to be [our] judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them. So they rushed at and pressed violently against Lot and came close to breaking down the door, Genesis 19:9.

On the other hand, stand back may be a precursor to an altercation breaking out. The context of the passage above is that Lot is trying to diffuse a potential conflict. Unfortunately doing the right thing as a peacemaker isn’t easy. Once a mob of people make up their mind to act, providing an alternative is tough to sell. When Lot’s plan B is rejected, an angel intervenes.

For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and [d]pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and [e]seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. 6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that [f]comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. 7 [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot, Romans 8:5-7.

The last episode of Seinfeld was set up by Jerry’s friends filming a robbery instead of acting like a concerned citizen. This form of stand back by not getting involved is now considered normal with cell phones videotaping crimes daily. As long as human beings continue to feed their sinful nature, this trend will continue. May the passage above serve as a warning to step out in faith by following the convictions of the Holy Spirit.

By Jay Mankus

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It’s Time to Tune Out the News

Posted on July 8, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Whenever I pick up my phone or turn on my computer, current event stories appear. Some messages stream across my screen with a red headline, breaking news. Meanwhile, when I go to check my emails, I am bombarded by advertisements, headlines and news stories. While driving to work, every half hour, whether I like it on not, I’ll receive the latest on COVID-19 cases in Delaware on the radio. I don’t have to be a prophet to accurately speculate about what I will hear or see. The updated numbers of Coronavirus deaths in my state and the nation. This is followed by what President Trump did wrong today or some new offensive tweet.

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country, Proverbs 25:25.

I just returned from my first of two planned summer vacations with family. This time my wife and her sister rented a house in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While I am more of a beach person, there is something special about an unobstructed mountain view. Both floors of this RB&B Rental was designed to hang out, enjoy the view and play games. After taking a series of pictures, I barely picked up my phone. Despite having a new 4K television, the only thing watched were a couple of movies. Most of our time was spent eating, hanging out and playing cards. Whenever I go a few days without listening to or watching the news, I have a much more positive aspect on life.

He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord, Psalm 112:7.

Prior to cell phones and computers, a nightly news cast was necessary. However, with the advancements in technology, these days are coming to an end. As of today, there are more than 300 streaming services in the United States. The average American family subscribes to 3-4 streaming providers. If this trend continues, cable and it’s many news networks will become extinct. Sure, some news outlets will be forced to alter their approach or be limited to a headline news format. Nonetheless, if you tune out the news now, you’ll probably be a happier person. As news stories become more and more politically motivated, getting caught up in destruction, gossip and slander of people you probably don’t know personally is a waste of time. The choice is yours but as for me, I’m ready to tune out the news. When I do, my phone will give me the updates I need.

by Jay Mankus

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How Do You Make Money Last?

Posted on June 2, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of the most famous passages in the Bible pertaining to money is found in 2 Kings.  An apprentice of Elisha dies, leaving behind a widow and two sons in debt.  As creditors are eager to collect the overdue interest, this woman seeks out wisdom from the prophets.  Probably feeling foolish initially, she follows their directions, filling up jars of oil one at a time.  In fact based upon Elisha’s words, this oil would flow until she ran out of jars.  Although not money, the Lord supernaturally provided oil until her debts were paid off in full.

When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing, 2 Kings 4:6.

My grandmother possessed similar wisdom as an immigrant to this country.  A survivor of World War II, she displayed frugality to her children despite how strange it may appear to today.  First, she placed plastic over every couch, sofa and mattress to ensure it would last.  Second, each spring she planted a large garden on the side of the house to lessen the cost of groceries.  Finally, to avoid going into debt, she opted to walk to work rather than drive a car, finding a nursing position at a hospital in town.  Looking back, my grandmother was the queen of stretching money as far as it could go.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it, Malachi 3:10.

Today, the times may not be as bleak, yet expenses continue to mount.  Added necessities such as cell phone bills, cable, the internet and insurances tend to suck up monthly pay checks before you or a savings account has a chance to enjoy it.  Subsequently, budgets are created to promote discipline and good spending habits.  Yet, even this can’t make money last.  Beside finding the dream job or a position with ample pay, the answer lies in the principle of tithing.  Somehow and someway, as individuals begin to give back to God the first fruits He deserves, an unexplainable miracle occurs, God provides.  Whatever your financial situation may be, may God reveal to you storehouses in heaven as you fully tithe.

by Jay Mankus

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