Tag Archives: heart

A Reservation with Darkness

Posted on May 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The Stand by Stephen King initially was released as a novel in 1978.  The movie was then introduced as a mini-series on ABC in 1994 after a longer second version was completed.  One of the telling scenes in this drama occurs during a conversation between Harold Lauder and Nadine Cross.  After each exercise free will to follow Flagg, the character symbolic of the devil, each come to the realization, “we’re damned.”

These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them, 2 Peter 2:17.

At the end of chapter 2, Peter uses an interesting analogy.  I think the point of his words refers to God’s creations which are meant to serve a specific purpose.  Sometimes due to extreme or rare conditions, nature does not provide what it was designed for.  Thus, springs can dry up and mists can hide a powerful storm.  Likewise, whenever someone chooses to be a vessel of devil, a reservation with darkness is secured.

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies, John 8:44.

I’ve heard various projections of what heaven and hell will be like in sermons over the last 30 years.  One of the common threads of these messages is that you will be surprised by who is in heaven and who is not.  During a confrontation with religious leaders, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their hypocrisy.  Sometimes even people you look up to can let you down, falling from grace.  Yet, in the end, be careful that you are not just following a legalistic set of rules.  Rather, may the words of the Bible transform your heart, soul and mind to become disciples of Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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A Soul Tormented by Lawless Deeds

Posted on May 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you turn on a news cast, at some point you will witness something disturbing, shocking or sad.  Unfortunately, many have been desensitized by a barrage of extreme videos.  Thus, as the average citizen become comfortably numb, a soul tormented by lawless deeds is either overlooked or forgotten.

For that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard, 2 Peter 2:8.

Ever since public education has de-emphasized moral absolutes, the line between right and wrong has been turned to gray.  Subsequently, hearts and minds can become confused, unsure what’s acceptable and what’s frowned upon.  In this politically correct climate, the law breaker can be excused if they hold a socially acceptable worldview.  Yet if the shoe is on the other foot, a conservative will be verbally crucified for a similar transgression.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28.

Lost in the shuffle are those individuals wounded by lawless deeds.  When television cameras move on to the next city, disaster or scandal, those left behind must begin to pick up the pieces of their lives.  Beyond these scars, an invisible voice calls out to the bruised and broken-hearted.  May the hope of Jesus bring peace to souls tormented by lawless deeds.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What Happens Here Stains Eternity

Posted on May 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

A couple of times a year I put on a brand new shirt or sweatshirt for the first time, proudly seeing how it looks in the mirror.  Unfortunately, a careless bite later often produces a stain.  The only thing worse is putting a new outfit in the dryer without catching this blemish.  Once dried, there’s nothing you can do except donate or throw this piece of clothing out.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

If you watch a lot of television, you are probably beginning to see commercial blitzes for travel destinations.  This is the time of year that cities and states are trying to sway you to plan a summer vacation or visit during a long weekend.  Perhaps, I’ve never given it much thought before, but Las Vegas’ calling card, “what happens here stays here,” got under my skin recently.  In the spiritual realm, what happens here stains eternity.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings, 1 Peter 5:9.

In this day and age, no one is immune from embarrassing moments.  Friends may even bring up painful remainders of the past to keep you humble.  Yet, even Peter who denied Jesus in public three times learned from his previous mistakes.  Although what happens here on earth stains eternity, this portion of Peter’s letter highlights the importance of faith.  Thus, the next time you’re tempted to do something your heart or soul is telling you is wrong, resist this urge.  Rather, be alert and keep in step with the Spirit of God.

by Jay Mankus  

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No Where to Go but Up

Posted on April 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the middle of his junior year, my oldest son James suffered from chronic hip pain, derailing any chance of running winter track full time.  When a need arose for a new pole vaulter, James gave it a shot.  Despite enduring meets of failing to clear the starting height, he persisted.  Fifteen months and twelve feet later, James has no where to go but up, already surpassing the mark he set last summer.

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent, 2 Peter 3:9.

Last weekend, I spent an entire night, six hours straight, finishing the final edit of my latest screen play Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door.  Over the past 11 months, there were times when I didn’t feel like writing, researching and studying similar films.  However, I set a firm goal to complete this project by May 1st.  While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the future success and production of this film is now in God’s hands.

My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me, Hosea 4:6a.

One of the translations of the verse above suggests people perish for a lack or wisdom and knowledge.  For me, sometimes its hard to believe that God is actually going to answer my prayer or fulfill my dreams.  Yet, Jesus himself said to followers in his day, “you do not have because you have not asked.”  Therefore, if you reach a goal, obtain new heights or don’t know where to go next, look up to heaven with an expecting heart in faith because there is no where to go but up.

by Jay Mankus

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The Energy Necessary for Making Peace

Posted on April 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes who you are and how you are perceived can be miles from the truth.  Yet, anyone who seeks to leave a lasting legacy may be surprised by the impressions that you make.  Such was the case for chemist Alfred Bernard Nobel who spent most of his earthly life pursuing patents, the most famous of which is dynamite.  When a premature obituary was published in a local paper, Nobel was shocked by the comments summarizing his life.  This moment of conviction gave birth to the Nobel Peace Prize investing his accumulated wealth into the formation of this annual award.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord, Hebrews 12:14.

The author of Hebrews sets a similar high standard, urging readers to do everything in their power to make peace.  This includes what I call extra grace individuals who have the gift of gnawing away at your patience.  No exceptions are made as everyone is included.  The target to aim for is holiness, imitating the life and love of Jesus.  Despite whatever human emotions you may experience, the Holy Spirit is the energy necessary for making peace.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world, John 16:33.

I wish I could say that I have arrived or am well on my way, but that would be a lie.  Unfortunately, disappointment, frustration and pain from the past has a way of developing into holding or keeping grudges.  This current place doesn’t take any effort nor is it holy.  And yet, there is one who has overcome the world.  Therefore, I take comfort in knowing God still forgives.  My job is not complete nor is the journey finished.  So I press on, praying and searching for the energy necessary for making peace.

by Jay Mankus

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When Bitterness Leads to Violence

Posted on April 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

There are certain events in life that leave a taste of bitterness.  Such is the case of Samson when his father in law gave the woman he loved to another man.  While the rock group Def Leppard sings about how love bites, Samson’s experience brings a whole new perspective to this saying.  Subsequently, Samson verbalizes his displeasure vowing to seek revenge.

Samson said to them, “This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them,” Judges 15:3.

In the heat of the moment, justifying your actions is easy to do.  Like Samson, certain offenses make individuals believe that they have the right to retaliate.  Thus, this selfish act by a father ignited anger with Samson to get even with the Philistines.  Without anyone around to calm him down, Samson lived the rest of his life with a heart set on violence.

The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence, Psalm 11:5.

When freewill is exercised on a daily basis, there are innocent victims.  Caught in the cross hairs, these unfortunate souls are left to wonder, “what did I do to deserve this?”  How these people respond will dictate their final destination?  Therefore, guard yourself against the root of bitterness.  Rather, pray that the love will give you a spirit of forgiveness to prevent you from lashing out at those whom do you wrong.

by Jay Mankus

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Unpleasant, Painful but Productive

Posted on April 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In this age of social media, discipline often takes the forms of rants on twitter.  When shared among millions of followers, these words can be unpleasant, a strike to your heart.  Yet, if you acknowledge your own imperfections, any form of criticism can make you a better person if you are open to change.

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, Hebrews 12:5.

Like the famous court scene in A Few Good Men, sometimes people can’t handle the truth of an honest assessment.  Thus, many turn a deaf ear, unable to accept the painful reality that they are wrong.  This lack of openness often leads to stubborn hearts as well as a lack of progress in life.

Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son,” Hebrews 12:6.

According to the author of Hebrews, individuals need to change their perspective on discipline.  If careless acts result in embarrassment, face the music instead of running and hiding.  By embracing hardship as growing pains, character can blossom if you are open to self-improvement.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? – Hebrews 12:7

Discipline is one of those things which can be difficult to experience.  Yet, in the midst of adversity, God has a reason, to shape his children just as a potter molds their clay.  Therefore, the next time you are called out, it might be unpleasant or painful, but in the end I pray that you find it productive.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Living Off the Grid, Unplugged for a Week

Posted on April 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the advent of cell phones and internet, conversational skills were an important part of life.  While technological advances often enhance society, these two inventions are killing intimate relationships.  These modern devices are distracting individuals from bonding with other human beings whom they share a lot in common with, but haven’t taken the time to find out.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12.

During a vacation over Spring Break, I spent a week without wi-fi.  Thus, posting my blogs was a difficult challenge as even some of the restaurants I ate at did not offer free access to the internet.  Despite this challenge, I survived, spending more time with my family and children than normal.  Swimming in the day and playing pool at night provided a healthy climate for communication.

Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:16.

Although you probably won’t find me on a reality show like Survivor, living off the grid and unplugged for a week was a blessing.  Since I’ve always been a doer, with a drive to experience the outdoors, visiting new places this past week has given me a new appreciation for life.  Sure, you do need money to travel, but if you limit your access to the social media, you will discipline yourself to make the effort to go and do things you have always talked about, but never done.  Seize each new day while it lasts!

by Jay Mankus

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Reasoning with God

Posted on April 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As I read a portion of the Bible known as the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, there is a common characteristic found within many of these individuals.  In times of uncertainty, when life’s circumstances did not make sense, these historical and spiritual figures reasoned with God.   Instead of turning toward doubt, each trusted in God’s ability to resolve their situation with a Hollywood ending.

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death, Hebrews 11:19.

Take for instance, Abraham who waited most of his life to have a son with his wife Sarah.  Shortly after receiving this promised child, God asked him to sacrifice Isaac.  Within Abraham’s heart, soul and mind, the concept of resurrection was conceived.  Thus, despite his confusion, Abraham took out a knife in faith, hoping and trusting that the Lord would provide a substitute, a replacement sacrifice for his son.

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict, Hebrews 11:23.

In modern times, life can be just as complex, not sure how or why God allows acts of terrorism, deadly diseases and failure to continue.  Yet, when trials arrive, Hebrews 11 exists to help people learn from models of faith.  Reasoning with God is a natural response, crying out to Him in prayer for understanding.  Although, answers may not come right away, don’t give up hope until God provides a solution for your latest dilemma.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Song for the Season

Posted on March 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every so often I will hear a song that touches my heart or stirs my soul.  The artist who sings and or writes these special songs have everything fall into place.  In some cases its as if the hand of God, divine intervention or angelic inspiration led to the final result.  When it comes to Easter, I can’t think of a better song that summarizes this special season than Forever by Kari Jobe.

The moon and stars they wept
The morning sun was dead
The Saviour of the world was fallen
His body on the cross
His blood poured out for us
The weight of every curse upon him

If you had to give a sunrise sermon, a condensed message, the lyrics of Forever highlight the death and resurrection of Jesus and what it means for you and for me.  You don’t have to listen to a 30 or 60 minute sermon to understand what this day means for Christians. Although every song has its time and place, Forever has become an instant classic for me, now a popular worship selection for Sunday mornings.

One final breath he gave
As heaven looked away
The son of God was laid in darkness
A battle in the grave
The war on death was waged
The power of hell forever broken

Instead of trying to come up with a new angle, I thought the words of Forever would suffice.  It only takes three stanzas to summary Good Friday through Easter Sunday.  While the words vary slightly from the actual Bible verses, Forever nails it, so to speak, touching core principles about what Jesus’ victory over death means.  The final portion of the third stanza quotes 1 Corinthians 15, concentrating on verses 55-57.

The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting?
Our resurrected King
Has rendered you defeated

Wherever you are on this Easter Sunday, may the song Forever remind you of the greatest sacrifice ever made.

by Jay Mankus

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