Tag Archives: desire

Empty Again

Posted on October 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” first appeared in 1602, published within Francis Davison’s Poetical Rhapsody.  This expression applies to several aspects in life.  Thus, while working nights since July, I began to miss some of the television shows I use to watch with my family.  Until Saturday, a marathon to check up on a few of my favorites, I forgot how empty entertainment can leave a soul, void of any significant meaning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWiQdb8vIMQ

Although spending an entire day as a couch potato sounds appealing, boredom is a likely destination despite how many channels your cable or dish company provides.  According to Philippians 2:4, every human does need to be refreshed, before they can be of any benefit to others.  Yet, indulging in comedies, movies and sitcoms provide temporary pleasure before fading fast.  If you choose this path, emptiness is unavoidable.

Subsequently, individuals need to look in a different direction to experience a complete restoration.  Emptiness can be replaced by practicing Romans 12:1-2, leading to a transformed mind.  Depending upon your own desire, devotion and discipline, the timing on this change varies.  Whether you’re listening to or reading the Bible, Romans 10:17, faith will not disappoint, making the empty feel whole once again.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Prayers of Change

Posted on August 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

For the  helpless, hurting and poor, change is something that can’t come soon enough.  These desperate souls are searching for the secret to getting God’s attention to alter their circumstances.  When waiting becomes excruciating, what should you say to obtain prayers of change?

In the days of the Old Testament, the heart and its spiritual condition directly influenced God’s response to mankind, Isaiah 1:15-18.  Meanwhile, the mind is a terrible thing to waste, especially when doubt blocks faith from taking root, Matthew 21:18-22.  If you don’t believe God can transform your situation, miracles will cease to exist.  Thus, what can I do to be heard?

History provides a benchmark, a series of success stories in life.  When you desire wisdom, pray to possess the knowledge of Solomon.  If discernment is what you need, ask for the insight of the sons of Issachar.  Is it faith that you lack, claim the double portion the Lord gave Elisha.  Do you struggle to love?  Lean on Jesus to fill this void.  Finally, if the favor of God seems distant, persist in prayer to experience the blessings of Joseph.  May the words of Matthew 7:7-12 inspire you to offer up prayers for change.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Making a Difference One Text at a Time

Posted on June 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Early in the 2013-2014 school year, a high school senior became fed up with the persistent negativity bombarding her hallways.  Searching for a simple solution, this silent leader began to fight back with kindness.  Determined to leave a positive mark on her classmates, this glimmer of optimism began to make a difference, one encouraging, yet anonymous text at a time.

This principle is nothing new, passed on by the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:29.  The best way to battle bullying, criticism and put downs is with uplifting words.  In the end, it doesn’t matter who gets the credit as long as the desire to do good tarries on, Galatians 6:9-10.  As this girl’s twitter handle began to light up with compliments to friends, faculty and staff, establishing hope for broken hearts.

Perhaps, this young woman will start a movement to love your neighbor as yourself, Matthew 22:39.  Whether you think before you act or look at someone else’s life before you judge or make an assumption, randoms acts of kindness can make a difference.  Therefore, instead of giving up on a cruel world, set your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-3, so that the light of Christ will be passed on to the next generation.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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R and R

Posted on April 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

From 1972 to 1983, the CBS television series MASH, short for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, brought the concept of R & R to prime time.  The phrase R & R is an abbreviation for Rest and Relaxation.  In MASH, doctors and nurses alike went to Tokyo to unwind from the stress of hour upon hour in an operating room.  Although Hollywood’s portrayal often included drunkenness and debauchery, everyone needs a little R & R monthly to recharge their internal batteries.

A season 1 episode of Joan of Arcadia entitled Recreation illustrates a similar point when God calls Joan played by Amber Tamblyn to through a party when her parents go away to celebrate their anniversary.  Initially skeptical, gossip spreads like wild fire at Arcadia High, causing a motley crew of students to show up.  Instead of closing in on a known drug operation, the police are called to Joan’s house to check on complaints called in by neighbors.  Subsequently, Joan’s party saves her father’s partner from an explosion at the stake out location.

The term recreation means to recreate.  After a 10 day vacation for the first time in 2 years, I feel like a new person, with a fresh mind set on making a difference in life again.  Part of me was caught in the grind of life, losing focus and desire.  However, as I start a new week, I am prepared to rise above the challenges I face.  Despite the hardships on the horizon, rest and relaxation has provided a rejuvenated soul.  When your own life becomes boring, stale or unfulfilled, make sure you seek a little R & R to break through the monotony in life.

Please share how R & R has helped you in the past.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Note to Tweeters: Think Before You Tweet

Posted on January 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Yesterday, January 28th, 2013, Lesean McCoy, star NFL running back for the Philadelphia Eagles was burned by the world of Twitter.  Initially, claiming someone hacked into his account, (I’ve heard that one before) he publicly apologized for airing his dirty laundry.  In an exchange with his ex-girl friend, Lesean acknowledged that he lost control of his temper and should have been more mature, dealing with this matter face to face like a man during an interview on CSN, the Comcast Sports Network.


Unfortunately, Lesean was not aware of Solomon’s words in Proverbs 21:23. “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from calamity.”  A womanizer in his own right, King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, 1 Kings 11:3, before he settled down.  Solomon recognized that woman often bring out the worst in a man as detailed by his words in Proverbs 21:19.  “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.”  In case you forget, Solomon repeats these warnings throughout Proverbs like the version in Proverbs 21:9.

According to C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, anyone can acquire prudence and temperance, within his chapter on the Cardinal Virtues.  Lewis defines prudence as practical common sense, thinking about what you are about to do or say and the likely outcome of it.  Temperance on the other hand is learning to go or take something to the right distance, but no further.  You don’t have to be religious to apply these basic principles.  Rather, one must have an inner desire to better themselves, to maintain a good reputation and leave a legacy that is honorable.  Therefore, the next time you think about tweeting when you are angry, reflect before making  your words public!  Then, you might make this world a better place.

by Jay Mankus

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