Tag Archives: disappointment

The One That Got Away

Posted on February 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

My father was an avid fisherman, taking the family to Maine each summer to go bass fishing and Nags Head, North Carolina during Spring Break to catch blues coming up the Atlantic coastline.  Sure, golf was always on the agenda, but his quest was trying to catch the big one.  Now retired and residing on a golf course with several lakes, my own children enjoy nightly excursions to catch bass, perch and sunfish.  While success usually followed his line, I often wonder about the big one that got away.

Three years ago, there was a 10 pound bass spotted periodically along a canal.  Many had seen it, but no one was successful in reeling this behometh on to dry land.   Over a 3 day weekend, my oldest son James and I appeared to have something large bite our lines, only to have the line snap shortly thereafter.  As I was reeling in a small sunny, I felt a tug, like a snapping turtle had grabbed ahold of my line.  For roughly 10 minutes I battled this unseen creature, hoping it was the beast.  However, just as I was sensing victory, the line went dead.  One minute later, the only thing remaining was an empty hook.  Since there were no visible signs of a turtle, whatever attacked my rod must have ripped the sunny off the hook, swallowing it’s victim whole.  I’ve caught my fair share of fish, but I regret the 10 pounder that got away.

In athletics, Olympians’ shake their head over the gold that slipped from their reach.  Meanwhile, the scholar will analyze why an elite college or graduate school passed over their application.  The student ponders what went wrong to lose their high school sweetheart and the unemployed struggle to find the explanation behind why they did not receive a job offer.  Disappointment is a subtle reminder of an imperfect world, filled with empty promises and broken dreams.  Despite how painfully it is to start over in life, you need to let go of the one that got away, learning from this loss so that it doesn’t happen again.  May the truth of James 1:2-4 strengthen you to press on, to stay beat and hopeful of a date with destiny to celebrate the day the big One didn’t get away!

by Jay Mankus

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Drifting Off Course

Posted on January 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

It’s hard to believe that after a first weeks, most of my New Year resolutions have gone up in smoke as I drift off course, not following several of my goals for 2014.  My workout sessions didn’t last a week, eating healthy never got off the ground and others high hopes faded from the enthusiasm of a clean slate.  As I drove to work this morning, my biggest disappointment is the lack of leadership I have displayed in charting out a new course for the future.

Life as many of you know, involves ebbs and flows, highs and lows and periods of coasting where I find myself presently.  Caught in a state of transition, I’m not sure what I should commit to, where to invest my time and how my current financial position will be impacted by Obama Care and an economy propped up by a mirage.  In moment’s like this, true leaders blaze a new trail, see light beyond the darkness and become a rock of faith for their family.

In my current condition, this is impossible.  Fortunately, history reveals a message of optimism for those of you who have drifted off course.  Matthew 19:16-20 shares a story about a young man who on the surface appeared to have his act together.  Jesus, realizing this individual was trying on his own to earn eternal life, throws a curve ball sending the man away sad and causing his own disciples to question their own faith.  However, the point of this encounter is to teach the masses that with God, all things are possible, Matthew 19:25-26.  May this news turn your day and year around!

by Jay Mankus

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The Author of Disillusion

Posted on January 16, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In life there are daily winners and losers based upon an outcome, performance or results.  However, no one is exempt from disillusion, tasting the disappointment connected to the reality that someone or something is not as good as you thought or were promised.  Beyond the pages of the Bible is Eve, the first to experience this painful truth, likely kicking herself for falling prey to the author of disillusion.

According to David, God revealed further insight into this mysterious figure.  Psalm 7:14 describes someone who is pregnant with evil, suggesting a similar outcome to James 1:13-15.  Once this author implants this desire into your mind, its attaches like a leech, conceiving an act of sin.  If this spiritual disease expands like a cancer cell, disillusion can cut someone’s life short.  Although a victim may seek professional hurt, only the Doctor of Love can restore that which was lost, Luke 19:10.

Modern leaders are committing plagiarism, copying off the author of disillusion with thoughts like “it takes a village to raise this generation.”  If this mindset persists, convincing the masses, government officials will be playing right into the hands of the author of disillusion.  As the traditional family continues to crumble, crippled by the ideals portrayed on television, only time will tell whose message will be embraced.  May the God of the past, present and future rescue souls like Eve from a paradise lost.

by Jay Mankus

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Abracadabra

Posted on December 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In a world where self gratification is in a tug of war with reality, a growing trend is emerging which is disappointing, but not unexpected.  Like the old Steven Miller Band song, Christians are waiting for God to snap his fingers, to magically make all of life’s problems vanish from thin air.  Instead of pulling a rabbit of a His hat, God has taken a back seat, allowing Satan to temporarily be the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2.

Today’s white magic was foretold by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 as the devil himself masquerades as an angel of light.  I am not sure if the Hollywood rumors are true, yet some insiders claim that a few desperate for fame, power and success have sold their soul to the devil in return for what he offered Jesus in Matthew 4:8-9.   Jesus went far out of his way to convince people in his day to avoid falling for this trick, Matthew 16:26.  Unfortunately, the impatient seek alternative measures that include the dark side of life.

Rather than say Abracadabra, God’s ways are different from man’s plans or vision of life, Proverbs 19:21.  Open from the beginning, the Lord seeks to move individuals, little by little, Exodus 23:30.  Perhaps this may explain Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the desert prior to entering the Promised Land, as there weren’t mature or ready enough to handle success.  Persuaded by humility, the Lord slowly brought his children along until the time was right, Ecclesiastes 3:11.  May we all learn this difficult lesson as we seek to fulfill John 10:10 and Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Never Too Late for a Failure

Posted on November 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A failure reaches this status when one does not attain success, failing to meet their goal or objective.  Once expectations go unfilled, disappointment consumes individuals, often leaving souls in a state of depression.  Effort is good, but sooner or later a team has to win, proving they have what it takes.  If not achieved, coaches and individuals will begin to doubt their God given abilities.  Like a lowly carp, bottom dwellers are left to feed on the scraps, the leftovers other fish don’t find appealing.

 
In Luke 23:32-43, Jesus finds himself stuck between 2 failures.  Placed in the middle of 2 criminals, subject to a cross due to evil deeds such as being a murderer or robber, Jesus couldn’t leave, nailed to a cross listening to their insults, Matthew 27:38-40.  However, one of these wicked man had a change of heart after Jesus’ words of forgiveness, Luke 23:34.  While one failure continued to hurl hurtful comments Jesus’ way, the other began to contemplate his life, Luke 23:40.  The more this man thinks about his life, God begins to work a miracle in his life, Luke 23:41.  With time ticking away on his life, this humble failure throws up one final request to Jesus, Luke 23:42, hoping for the best, with nothing to lose.

The words of Luke 23:43 should give hope to any failure who still has time on their side.  “Today you will be with me in paradise” is proof that someone about to die can receive Jesus into their heart, obtaining eternal life despite living a life full of sin.  Hebrews 10:26-27 indirectly suggests someone who fears the judgment of God can be swayed from hell to heaven like the criminal mentioned in Luke.  Therefore, if you’ve been deceived by the devil to believe that you’re damned, remember the promise of Luke 23:40-43.  In Jesus’ eyes, it’s never too late for a failure to receive eternal life, John 3:16-17.

by Jay Mankus

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Sending Blessings into a Deserted Faith

Posted on October 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

On March 2nd, 2010, the residents of Lajamanu, Australia must have felt like they dreaming when perch began to fall from the sky.  Located 400 miles south of Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, this remote desert town is several hundred miles from the nearest body of water.  However, on this day, a water spout likely collected these fish, sending them up into the atmosphere.  When the high winds finally died down, hundreds of spangled perch fell back to earth, most of them still alive.  This bizarre occurrence conjures up images of Jesus feeding 5,000 people in John 6:1-15.  Perhaps a similar weather system brought fish to the mountains of Israel after Jesus prayed.

According to Richard Shears, this might not be as far fetched as once thought.  Pliny the Elder wrote about storms that brought frogs and fish to the Middle East during the first century.  In 1794, near Lille, France, French soldiers witnessed toads falling from the sky during a heavy rain storm.  An unique weather front in Lake County, California brought 2 days of sugar crystals as big as quarters 60 years later.  Meanwhile, other reports include meat tasting like venison falling to earth over Kentucky in 1876, a Russia tornado raining coins from the 16th century and the most recent, raining blackbirds and pigeons over the skies of San Luis Opisbo, California during a 2 day storm in 1976.  Although, these events may not be entirely God ordained, it does give people hope that the Lord has the power to bring blessings into a deserted region.

 

The expression “all good things must come to an end on earth” is inaccurate, especially for those individuals who have not experienced or tasted goodness to this point in life.  Thus, misery loves company as the disappointed, failures and unfortunate revel in their negativity, suffocating anyone who wishes for sunny days ahead.  Maybe this is why the apostle Paul adds 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 to middle of his chapter on the resurrection.  If you surround yourself with doubting Thomas’, you will likely desert your beliefs.  Therefore, the best way to turn disbelief into faith is by coming to your senses, flee from sin and acknowledge the signs of a living God.  When this process is complete, the Lord has the power to send blessings into a previously deserted faith.

by Jay Mankus

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To Hell With You

Posted on October 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The other night at Bible Study, an impromptu discussion broke out about how hypocritical Christians can be.  In fact, every year people who are seeking God become turned off by churches, pastors and modern day Pharisees who care more about traditions than displaying the love of Jesus.  Instead of continuing their search, hurt people have decided to stay at home, finding other things to do on Sunday.

In business, there was a an old principle called the 3/10.  For every good experience an individual has, they will tell 3 other people.  However, whenever a customer encounters poor service, they reach out to 10 people, sharing their disappointment and frustrations.  Recently, a new ratio has replaced the 3/10 now known as the 11/4 principle, with the negative being the higher number.  Since first impressions often have lasting affects, if you’re not careful, someone might say, ” to hell with you and your religion!”

 

Unfortunately, the reality in life entices most people to get a little too comfortable, caught off guard by unknowing observers.  As a result, Christianity becomes less and less attractive to Americans due to the bad taste of judgmental believers.  In the end, something has to give, either the offended will give God another try or immature followers of Jesus will grow up by starting to resemble the son of God.  Whenever you are on the road of life, Matthew 7:13-14, may God nudge you back in the right direction.

by Jay Mankus

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Extraordinary Faith

Posted on September 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One day, Jesus’ disciples were ease dropping, listening to him talk to a rich young ruler, Matthew 19:16-22.  Although books don’t often mention facial expressions like the movies or television, I get the feeling Peter was shaking his head in disbelief as this righteous man went home disappointed by Jesus’ response.  In fact, Matthew tells us that all 12 disciples began to question their own faith, wondering if they could be saved? – Matthew 19:25

Based upon this passage, without Jesus, everyone is ordinary.  The apostle Paul is even more blunt in Romans 3:9-12.  Yet, one verse changes the mood of all of those in attendance, Matthew 19:26.  According to Philippians 4:13, what was once thought improbable is now possible through Jesus, God’s son.  This sudden change or “Hail Mary,” a football term for last ditch effort at victory is illustrated by the song, When God Ran.

Tomorrow night, I am beginning a 12 week adventure, a Bible Study series called Extraordinary Faith.  I am not sure who is going to show up at my house from 8-9 pm, but I am trusting God to bring those individuals He has called.  This reinvention or revolutionary glimpse at discipleship will transform hearts ready to serve.  While demons of doubt are likely already at work, trying to spoil this event, I believe in an extraordinary faith that can and will demolish strongholds in the end, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  This Study will be made available through Google Docs for those interested in bringing it to your home town.  Contact me on Facebook if the Holy Spirit places on burden on your heart to lead or host this study.

by Jay Mankus

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Brought to Tears

Posted on September 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

From time to time, even the stoic have moments where they can’t hold back their tears.  Depending upon how you were raised as a child, you are either less or more likely to cry based upon the principles instilled within you by parents.  However, when confronted by the past, death or disappointment, any of these elements of pain can trigger the flood gates to open.

I tend to go through arid periods, numb to the emotions deep inside my soul.   Although, I do experience an annual rainy season, when the lyrics to a song, a touching scene or I am moved by a conservation, unleashing a steady flow of tear drops.  May be this is why the Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to say “a sad face is good for the heart” within Ecclesiastes, made famous by the Choir’s 1988 song from their Chase the Kangaroo album.

This is where we find Joseph, son of Israel in Genesis 45:1-2.  Moved by Judah’s plea,  suggesting that coming home without Benjamin, the youngest boy in the family, will likely result in the death of his father, Genesis 44:18-34.  Afraid that his childish act of toying with his brothers out of vengeance will cause his own father to die of a broken heart, Joseph finally relents.  Possibly holding a grudge, mistreated by them 20 years earlier, wailing aloud serves as a source of healing.  Once he composes himself, Joseph conveys God’s plan to his brothers in Genesis 45:3-8, brought to tears by God’s providence.

by Jay Mankus

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Striking It Rich

Posted on September 9, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The advent of reality television has spawned a different kind of gold rush as contestants, individuals and a select few are willing to risk everything, even their reputation to strike it rich.  According to the Writers Guild of America in an article written by Charles Slocum, Allen Funt can be credited as the founder of reality television through his 1948 series Candid Camera.  One year prior, Funt’s radio project entitled Candid Microphone has inspired the recent rage in reality programing featured on nearly every cable channel.  Whether this new fad fizzles out soon is unclear, yet one thing is certain, people will continue to endure embarrassment as long as a pot of gold exists at the end of the rainbow.

The Bible provides an alternative perspective on striking it rich.  Prior to his death, the apostle Paul shares words of wisdom to a young pastor in a chapter to Timothy.  Paul’s first advice is to develop the right mindset, 1 Timothy 6:6, focusing on what you have rather than allow envy to steer your attention toward what others have acquired.  Next, Paul urges this teenager to listen to the right voice, 1 Timothy 6:9.  The Greek word used for desire means to have an unshakable thirst for more; thus Paul recommends the message he shared to believers in Rome, Romans 8:5-13.  Finally, if you are blessed with money in this life, maintain the proper attitude described in 1 Timothy 6:17.  By doing this, you can strike it rich spiritually.

Unfortunately, applying these words takes sacrifices, time and a world of adjustment.  While some may be called to a life of poverty like Mother Teresa, others have squandered their wealth like the prodigal son, Luke 15:13-17.  Meanwhile, many have simply buried their talents, afraid of disappointment, failure or rejection, Matthew 25:24-28.  The words of Moses still ring true today, a guide for those hoping to strike it rich, Deuteronomy 30:15-16.  If beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, then riches dwell in the hearts of those who store up treasures for the after life, Matthew 6:19-21.  Begin your pursuit today!

by Jay Mankus

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