Tag Archives: God

Waking Up in the Wrong World

Posted on December 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In the not so distant past, complainers were once ignored.  As time was wasted by being petty, hard working individuals built this country, trying to earn a piece of the pie.  Dreams were acted upon, not just idle talk without action.  Like waking up in a daze, I now find myself stuck in the wrong world, trying to figure out how this happened so fast.

Unfortunately, atheists have led the way, convincing lawyers that being offended by God has to stop.  Thus, the minority is the majority, transforming the spiritual climate of the United States.  When you add in political correctness, education without morality and families without faith, the days of Father Knows Best and Leave It To Beaver are gone.

11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. – 1 Peter

While driving back and forth to work, I stumbled across House of Their Dreams by Casting Crowns.  These lyrics talk about people who come to the realization that their career and or life isn’t what they had in mind.  This stunning truth is like a prodigal who comes to their senses, Luke 15:17.  Whether its Christmas or the dawn of a new year, may the state of your soul inspire you to seek something more, John 10:10.  Although we all have to cope with a wrong world, apply the principles of 1 Peter 2:11-12 so that you don’t wake up in the wrong eternal destination.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Christmas from a Doctor’s Perspective

Posted on December 20, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Before the days of computers, data bases and technology, doctors relied on medical journals, other opinions and personal experiences to grow in their knowledge of the human body.  Prior to hospitals, children were born at home, accompanied by family members and the town physician.  As I read through Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth, 2 things stand out.

1) This doctor recognizes Mary’s conception to be supernatural, Luke 1:35.

2) There are things in life that occur which can’t be explain by science; made possible by God, Luke 1:37.

Unfortunately, Christmas from a modern day doctor’s perspective skews the miracle of Jesus’ birth.  Scientists would likely suggest Mary’s child was the result of a test tube baby, conceived from the sperm of another man.  Skeptics in the media might go further, creating fictional stories of a secret lover.  As faith has gradually become replaced by science, many of today’s doctors would rather develop outrageous theories than give God the credit He is due.

As Hollywood attempts to portray their own interpretation of Christmas, an old episode of the Bob Newhart Show is as close as anyone has come to capturing the events leading up to this miraculous day.  During a doctor’s convention, Bob’s inn has no vacancy when 3 wise men and a pregnant couple come looking for a place to stay.  Unsure what to do, Newhart decides not to turn this couple away to avoid future Inn Keepers from developing a bad reputation.  In the end, the doctor revel in the opportunity to help usher another human being into this world.

May this blog prepare your hearts to worship Jesus on Christmas Day.

by Jay Mankus

 

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It’s a Tough World Out There

Posted on December 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As I listen to the media’s so called experts, I have a hard time believing what they are trying to sell.  Reports of economic recovery, declining unemployment and a Stock Market’s all time high seem misleading.  As I try to slow down to observe the culture around, citizens are conveying a different story.

While driving in my car, a day usually doesn’t go by without seeing at least one homeless person at an intersection with a cardboard sign: will work for food.  The retired are coming out of retirement not because they want to, but out of necessity after their pension, 401K or both have disappeared.  Meanwhile, former students who are now college graduates are beginning to consider grad school since the jobs in their fields either aren’t hiring or don’t pay enough to make a better life.

I doesn’t take a PHD to recognize it’s a tough world out there.  Individuals are struggling to find a place to call home.  Others are downgrading their expectations, wondering if they will ever find a good paying job again.  Despite these circumstances, it’s time to put on your big boys pants, buckle up your chin strap and fight hard to the finish.  Whether you taste success or failure, remember that each day on earth is a gift from God.

by Jay Mankus

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And Then… It Was Night

Posted on November 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

There is something unusual that occurs as the sun goes down.  Perhaps people think that no one will see their actions, hidden by the dark.  This mentality is nothing new as even first century Christians fell prey to this flawed mindset, Romans 13:11-13.

When the night arrived, Judas Iscariot left the Last Supper.  Caught off guard by Jesus’ accusation of betrayal, a thought conceived in his mind was acted upon.  Unseen by everyone except God, Judas was exposed by his disingenuous kiss on Jesus’ check.

Whether you’re battling demons of addiction, bad habits or poor choices, don’t let the temptations of night knock your off track.  Although this is easier said then done, the environment you choose will be influenced by how well you listen and learn, Matthew 13:1-9.  Follow in the steps of Romans 13:14 so that when the night arrives, your soul will be prepared to ward off evil spirits of your past.

by Jay Mankus

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Those Were the Days

Posted on October 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Over the weekend, I got off the Exit called Reflection.  Trying to avoid an eat, sleep, work and repeat the same cycle over again mentality, I pulled off to take a breather, camping in the mountains with my daughter.  Subsequently, I was able to slow down enough to take my spiritual pulse.  Laying back in the wilderness, thoughts began to flood my mind.

Healed from most of the scars from losing my teaching position to a new management group, God allowed me to see positive images from my past.  Similar to the theme song from All in the Family, the Lord brought to recall memories that made me think, those were the days.  Skipping my planning period to partake in a gym class with juniors and seniors, participating in school fundraisers like Donkey Basketball, Dodgeball, Golf Megaathon & Volleyball and developing an Ultimate Frisbee class will always hold a special place in my heart.

Although, you and I may not be exactly where we want to be currently, there’s still time to change course.  Perhaps you need to pull over, take a break or spend time reflecting.  You can start by reading Philippians 4:8; then apply this principle like a scene from Polyanna, playing the good game.  If this exercise can become a habit or daily routine, you may reach a point in time when you can honesty say, “those were the days!”

by Jay Mankus

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Where Do Certain Thoughts Come From?

Posted on September 26, 2014 by expressyourself4him

At age 10, I began to experience a reoccurring nightmare.  Maybe I watched one too many scary movies, but each night I was awaken in the same manner.  Whether I was restless or enjoying a peaceful sleep, an image appeared out of no where.  First, I felt the sensation of slipping off a cliff.  Once I reached a free fall mode, I was at ease until the ground came into view.  Just before striking the canyon floor, my body shook, waking me up.  This went on for nearly 2 years.  Why, I’m not sure.  Perhaps, God allowed these thoughts to enter my mind to lead me toward the meaning of life.

A couple of years ago, I was driving my family home after vacationing in Chicago for a week.  It was getting late, the sun had set and everyone in the car was asleep.  I was traveling on the Ohio Turnpike, heading east toward the Maumee River.  As I was approaching the river valley, a whisper entered my mind, “drive off the bridge.”  Shocked initially, it didn’t take long to determine the origin of this thought.  Similar to the Dana Carvey’s Church Lady skit on Saturday Night Live, “could it be Satan?”

Over the course of a lifetime, the mind will become weary, bombarded with a plethora thoughts.  If individuals are careless, lazy or tempted, souls are vulnerable.  When you try to fight a spiritual battle with mental discipline, sooner or later you will lose.  Therefore, its essential to practice 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, by taking your thoughts captive.  Whether thoughts are from God, Satan or your own sinful desires, how you respond to them will dictate the path that you choose.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Thrills That Kill

Posted on September 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

One of my favorite summer pastimes is visiting amusement parks across the country.  Whether its  Cedar Point, Kings Island or one of the 6 Flags venues, there is nothing like the thrill of riding on a roller coaster.  This rush of adrenaline creates a sensation that makes you feel like you’re flying through the air.  However, for the paranoid, history serves as a notice that some rides can kill.

According to an NBC News report from July of 2014, most amusement accidents occur to children, roughly 4,400 per year or 20 per week during the peak season.  The most recent investigation on amusement park death found 52 individuals died over a 15 year people, with the latest victim a woman from Texas who fell out of a 14 story wooden coaster.  Despite strict safety regulations, there is no guarantee when the next malfunction will end in disaster.

From a spiritual perspective, there is a reason why God includes guidelines for life in the Bible.  If ignored, its easy to wander into trouble, just ask Eve.  Meanwhile, the acts of the sinful nature have been added for New Testament readers, warning people of the dangers of indulging in Turkish delights, Galatians 5:19-21.  Just as Peter explored Narnia, attractive to the promises of the White Witch, most human beings can’t resist the pleasures of earth.  Thus, if you’re not careful, you might develop a taste for thrills that can kill.

by Jay Mankus

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Not As We Deserve

Posted on September 21, 2014 by expressyourself4him

After weeks of public scrutiny, the National Football League has decided to change their policy on player conduct in regards to off the field matters.  Recent transgressions from Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy have caused corporate sponsors to begin to end their partnership with certain teams and perhaps the league itself.  However, when the next scandal rears its ugly head, will anyone remember names like O.J. Simpson, Rae Carruth or Aaron Hernandez?

Although the media can be cruel, praising you one day; then running you over the next, did you get what you deserved?  If you’re like Michael Sam, now a member of the Dallas Cowboys practice team, you really can’t do much to hurt the glowing reception you’ve received.  On the other hand, if you’re a Josh Gordon of the world, how many opportunities will you blow before your dream is taken away for good?  Regardless of where you find yourself on this spectrum, one thing is certain, you reap what you sow, Galatians 6:7-8.

Despite this reality, God has thrown a life line down to anyone who has blown it big time, messed up their life or screwed up someone else’s life.  According to Psalm 103:10, God does not treat us as our sins deserve.  While many individual’s will beat themselves up internally with guilt, resentment and shame, the Lord is only a prayer away, waiting with open arms of forgiveness.  May the promise of Psalm 103:11-12 help you overcome any time you fall from grace, as God continues to treat his creations not as we deserve.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Forgotten Commandments

Posted on July 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

History has a habit of uncovering relics from the past.  Caves hid the Dead Sea Scrolls until 1946 when 981 texts written in Aramaic, Greek and Hebrews were discovered over a 10 year period.  However, there are always things in plain sight which get overlooked, neglected by those too busy to slow down.

As I opened Leviticus 19 today, I stumbled upon an expanded version of the 10 commandments.  Although some of the passages are subtle reminders, God conveys to Moses the whys to keeping decrees and laws.  These biblical nuggets offer common sense, direction and a foundation for faith.  Nonetheless, unless you accept and practice these precepts, you will be vulnerable to straying off course.

There are several reasons why commandments are forgotten.  First, the Bible offends those comfortable with how they are living, reluctant to change.  Second, people don’t like to be told that they are wrong, especially if there are eternal consequences.  Third, since truth has become relative, everyone has their own take on right and wrong.  In the end, Leviticus 19 serves as a wake up call, to alert those sleep walking through life.  May the words of Scripture breathe life into sleepy, tired and weary souls.

by Jay Mankus

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Let’s Plow the Road

Posted on July 15, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In the final fight scene within Independence Day over the skies of a California desert, Bill Pullman plays president Thomas Whitmore.  America’s last hope, this former fighter pilot leads a cast of misfits to plow the road for the last jet with a missile hoping to bring down an alien ship about to destroy their underground hide out.  Without this cover, defeat was inevitable.  Who will risk their life today to plow the road for future generations?

Looking to politicians won’t find you much inspiration.  Nor do most professional athletics provide the type of consistent leadership the youth of this country need.  Unfortunately, the frozen chosen, church going believers often behave more like Pharisees than the body of Christ.  As a result, people of faith are putting up road blocks to God instead of demonstrating the love of Jesus.

In Luke 9:57-63, Jesus is trying to separate the lukewarm from truly devoted followers.  Setting the bar high, one by one, the wishy washy walk away, unable to met the standards set by God, disqualifying themselves.  Not much has changed today as individuals still struggle to live in the world without losing faith, Matthew 19:16-24.  Instead of plowing the road, storms have blocked the path Jesus blazed. 1 John 2:6.  Despite this reality, its never too late to change.  Therefore, one light at a time, Matthew 5:13-16, let’s plow the road for others to follow.

by Jay Mankus

 

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