Tag Archives: finding peace

S.A.N.S. Episode 121: Everything

Posted on June 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song is a favorite for drama teams throughout the nation. Lifehouse’s Everything is a modern version of Curious Fools’ classic song Pull which was a popular dramatization when I was in youth ministry back in the mid 1990’s. The attached video uses Matthew 11:28-30 to illustrate how everything in life begins to pile up and subsequently overwhelm burdened and troubled souls.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([r]relief and ease and refreshment and [s]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [t]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne, Matthew 11:28-30.

Recognizing this internal struggle, Jesus calls anyone who is overburdened to come to Him. While human nature may make you think you can carry all of this on your own, you won’t be able to find rest or peace. This is the context of what the apostle Paul was going through in 2 Corinthians 12:7-12. The next time you find yourself swept away by stress, in your weakness trust Jesus to become your strength to lift you up on wings of eagles, Isaiah 40:29-31.

by Jay Mankus

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Making An Emotional Connection

Posted on January 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether its a person, place or thing, when you make an emotional connection, experience a breath taking view or recognize an unique talent, a special place opens up in your heart.  I can recall moments in life when I went to a conference, attended a retreat or met someone on vacation that I never knew, yet an instant connection occurred.  Like twins separated from birth, a long lost cousin you never met or divine intervention, there are certain types of people who click with your personality.  Despite a lack of history, some aspect, character or trait unites 2 souls together, making an emotional connection.

Last January, my wife and I returned to the place of our honeymoon for the first time, Palm Springs, California.  Yes, any day as a newly wed is special, but the landscape of the desert, mountains and vegetation of this region became etched into my mind.  Whether you’re visiting Hidden Canyon in the Joshua Tree National Forest, taking the Aerial Tram to the top of the mountains overlooking Palm Springs or hiking along the trails in Indian Canyons, there is so much to do in this section of California.  One week isn’t enough to see the sights with golf destinations, shopping and of course the Salton Sea to explore.

Finally, if you are teachable, every now and then God will reveal to you a gift you never knew you had.  Periodically I dabbled into forms of writing beginning with poetry.  From here I moved on to song writing and short stories as well as trying to write articles for various publications.  While serving as a journalist for Travel Golf Media for 2 and a half years, I began to ponder my connection with writing.  What I’ve learned is that when I take the time to be still, reflect and put into words what you’ve feeling and thinking, a sense of peace fills your soul.  Thus, this emotional connection with writing continues to stir my heart, inspiring me to be a faithful writer for Express Yourself 4 Him.  May you encounter several good emotional connections in 2014.  Have a blessed day!

by Jay Mankus

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Refreshment

Posted on December 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The average adult might associate refreshment with their favorite alcoholic beverage.  Meanwhile, a typical child will likely imagine their favorite soft drink, shake or slurpee.  After working 12 of the last 13 days, refreshment for me is laying in my hydrotherapy tub and relaxing until its time to go back to work.  As for Sunday’s, my only day off in December, God has given me a new appreciation for the day of rest.

While woman across America will shop until they drop in December, men tend be distracted by sports on the Sabbath.  Although I don’t intend to know why God chose to create the heavens and earth in 6 days, I understand the need to recharge your batteries.  Thus, if you want to experience spiritual refreshment, investing time in prayer, worship and a quiet time studying the Bible on Sunday is a step in the right direction.

At the end of Romans 11, the apostle Paul places a doxology to complete this chapter.  A doxology is a liturgical formula of praise to God like Romans 11:33-36.  By practicing worship, it appears that God rewards those who master this art with divine knowledge from the Lord, Romans 12:2.  A modern form of worship includes soaking in the Spirit, where some churches play non-stop praise and worship music as believers can rest and recline while absorbing and reflecting on the lyrics.  If you want to experience true refreshment, this is a great place to begin.

by Jay Mankus

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Holding on to Misery

Posted on December 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When a person is depressed, its hard to lesser their pain.  In fact, its only takes one negative individual to suck the life out of a room.  Before you know it, doom and gloom hovers over this place, like a dense spiritual fog influencing the behavior of others in a negative manner.

Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah was not a bull frog; rather he was a servant of God who was given mostly bad news to convey to Israel.  In a letter called Lamentations, Jeremiah pours out his heart to God.  Wrestling with questions such as why me God, this distraught man let’s his emotions out through the writing of this biblical book.  Lamentations 3:17 gives a quick snap shot of Jeremiah’s misery, “I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.”

Despite what the present may bring you, holding on to misery is the wrong choice.  Yes, a sad face is good for the heart, but endless complaining is not a healthy solution, Philippians 2:14.  May you follow after the example of Mary in John 12:1-3, as she demonstrated Jesus’ own advice in Matthew 11:28-30.  Whatever burdens are rocking your world, may you find rest for your soul at the feet of Jesus.  Hope is waiting for you on the other side of the door, Revelation 3:20.

by Jay Mankus

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