Tag Archives: heart

Vanishing Point

Posted on June 25, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In a world fueled by controversy, negativity and pessimism, its easy to lose sight of the positive.  Affirmations, encouragement and uplifting words often vanish from memories, erased by daily criticism that wound hearts.  This isn’t the only thing to recede, disappearing like the tide going out to sea.

Despite this harsh reality, there is one truth that never vanishes.  According to Psalm 139:13-16, you were knit together in your mother’s womb.  In fact, Jesus takes this one step further, reminding Nicodemus of God’s perfect plan.  According to John 3:16, the expression “so loved” in the Greek refers to from vanishing point to vanishing point.  In other words, before you were born and until your death, God’s love extends throughout time.

When idividuals become aware of this aspect of God’s nature, revival can begin.  Unfortunately, an invisible enemy has blinded the minds of unbelievers, 2 Corinthians 4:4.  All the while, believers are under a difficult kind of attack, pulled in different directions by the world, Galatians 5:16-18.  If this wasn’t enough, the devil is busy stealing, killing and destroying souls.  As the sun sets on another day, don’t allow your thoughts to forget the promises within God’s word, Joshua 1:8, from vanishing point to vanishing point.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Star Saved a Nerd

Posted on June 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

It was Friday afternoon as high school students began to filter out of the front entrance.  As Tim, the starting quarterback of the football team, began to think of his weekend plans, an unusual site got his attention.  Walking down the main sidewalk, a nerd was trying to carry all of his books home for the weekend, stacked 9 high.  Meanwhile, one by one, other students began to bully and tease this studious boy, causing him to drop his books.  Laughing initially, the second and third time this occurred, Tim became enraged.

Inspired to act, Tim moved out of his comfort zone, introducing himself to this boy with a ghostly face.  Before he finished talking, this nerd faintly responded, “I know who you are, everyone does!”  Feeling awkward, Tim began to make small talk, asking where he lived, how old he was and what he liked to do.  Realizing he lived a few blocks away, Tim suggested, “why don’t I walk you home, I live right around the corner so nobody else gives you a hard time?”  Afraid to reject this offer, they began to pass time in conversation.  As they approached the nerd’s home, Tim humbled himself, asking if his new friend could tutor him in Algebra.  Shocked by this request, this was the beginning of an unique, yet special friendship.

Two years later, this nerd went on to become valedictorian, nominated by Tim to give a speech at graduation.  Shy and afraid, this boy trembled at the podium, staring at his note cards for a moment.  Suddenly, the boy put his cards away, proclaiming, “I can’t do this!”  Sharing from his heart, this nerd dropped a bomb shell on those in attendance.  “Two years ago, I was on my way to commit suicide.  On a Friday afternoon, I brought all my books home so my mom wouldn’t have to clear out my locker.  On my way home, I started thinking about how I was going to do this until a stranger intervened.  Bullied for the last time, I wanted to make these cruel people feel bad.  Yet, Tim stepped in, befriended me and stopped me from carrying out my plan.”   With not a dry eye in the house, this was the day when the star quarterback saved a nerd.

by Jay Mankus

 

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To the Next Generation

Posted on June 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

When I was your age, I had to walk to school both ways up hill.  This mantra is repeated to each new generation, worded slightly different to drive home the point, “you have it so much easier than I did.”   Whether this is exaggerated, somewhat true or simply a ploy to illicit guilt, the next generation is waiting for a positive message.

A humble shepherd understood this concept, passed over as an after thought by his own father, 1 Samuel 16:2-11.  If there is one lesson everyone can learn, don’t judge someone based upon their physical features, impressive or not.  Rather, the heart holds the key to greatness, 1 Samuel 16:7.  However, unless you speak from the heart, Luke 6:45, no one will know for sure who they should follow.

David verbalizes his beliefs in Psalm 71:14-18.  Recognizing that not everyone shares the same faith, the king felt led by God to express what his eyes have seen.  Instead of regurgitating the same old mantra, David was inspired to pass onto the next generation a message of hope.  Therefore, if you know the truth, don’t withhold this information.  Rather, boldly proclaim the marvelous acts of a risen Messiah to the next generation, 1 Corinthians 5:54-58.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Necklace Called Pride

Posted on June 13, 2014 by expressyourself4him

I’m not one to wear bling, yet there is something invisible beyond the gold chains adorned by celebrities and stars.  Beneath the surface, a powerful spirit has risen up, taking hold of human hearts.  Although disguised by many characters and personalities, the necklace called pride is real.

According to an eyewitness known as Asaph, the arrogant proudly display this attribute, Psalm 73:6.  Pride is like a confidence that gets out of control, leading to cockiness, conceit and diarrhea of the mouth.  This necklace is contagious, spreading to the heart, mind and soul.  If left on, side affects could lead to diabolical pride according to C.S. Lewis, permanent blinding one’s perspective of truth.

As the gang culture increases, energized by rap music, the decay of families and morality on the decline, pride is the new source of power.  Just as Naturalism replaced Theism during the Renaissance, pride has surpassed faith in modern circles.  Attitude, behavior and words are being swayed daily from necks full of pride.  May the words of Proverbs 15:31-33 unlock the chains of pride holding individuals back from God.  In time, may the promise of Proverbs 11:2 use disgrace as a vehicle 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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No Reason to Pretend

Posted on June 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In order to put on a happy face, some individuals feel compelled to hide their misery from co-workers, family and neighbors.  Like a Halloween masquerade party, many profess to be fine all the while anguish, grief and pain collect.  Although the motto “fake it until you make it” sounds logical, there is no reason to pretend.

From a mere vocational point of view, the last 5 years of my life have been like a hurricane, causing flood waters to break through levy’s.  As the storm surge continues to rise, my heart, soul and mind cling to promises of the Bible, hoping the trials subside soon.  When success reigned supreme, life was a piece of cake.  However, as turmoil entered my life through the winds of change, I’m not the same person.

Sure, I try to stay upbeat, but I am a mirage of my younger years, a piece of drift wood transformed by time, wind and water.  Water logged, especially around the waist, I long for dry land, a beach to call home.  Footprints along the shore are obvious signs that God has been carrying me.  When the waves calm, I will arise, perhaps wiser than before.  Like a work in progress, a strand of clay in the molding process, there is no reason to pretend it isn’t well with my soul.  Yet, I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me, Philippians 3:12-14.

Don’t be afraid to be transparent; real so that a hurting world can see the only thing holding believers together, Romans 5:5.

by Jay Mankus

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Things That Break the Heart

Posted on June 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If the words of King Solomon in Proverbs 4:23 hold true today, the heart is vulnerable to numerous attacks.  Beyond physical ailments, there are various trials which can upset, puncture or wound this precious organ.  As women lose a child to complications, a miscarriage or still born death, one can only imagine the grief experienced by this poor soul.  Beside the obvious, accidents, illness and shattered relationships can bombard an innocent heart, leaving pain that lasts a lifetime.

According to King David, another element inflicts jabs to the heart, Psalm 69:19-20.   Scorn is like a deadly weapon, poison on the tips of human tongues which derides a bystander, resulting in a sense of worthlessness.  In an attempt to get ahead in life, words cut like a knife using contempt, disdain and mockery.  When thoughts become verbalized, the Holy Spirit grieves, Ephesians 4:29, recognizing that a heart has been bruised by sticks and stones with names that do leave a scar on one ‘s soul.

Beside watching what you eat, it’s impossible to control or predict the circumstances in life.  Thus, it’s essential to guard your heart with the word of God, Psalm 119:9-11.  No matter where you live or work, unless you’re prepared for the future, you will likely fail,   Hosea 4:6.   Although heartbreak may be a way of life for some, you don’t have to accept this negative mindset.  Yet, when a piece of your heart does break, remember the promise of Psalm 34:18.  In God’s timing, He will mend your broken heart.

by Jay Mankus

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It Could Be Worse

Posted on June 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whenever the frailty of life comes knocking on your door, its never a good feeling.  In the wee hours of the morning, as a routine surgery takes a turn for the worse, fear often grips unsuspecting souls.  A doctor doesn’t need to say much before one discerns a dire situation.  Nonetheless, as long as the heart is beating, hope remains alive.

Prior to my mother being rushed to the hospital, I read a passage from Leviticus 13:45-46.  As bad as my current trial appeared, this passage gave me an unique perspective, it could be worse.  You could become a social outcast, banned from entering the city gates, due to an untreatable disease.  Once pronounced unclean by the priest, hugging, touching or kissing was prohibited.  Like solitary confinement, individuals spent the rest of their days in isolation, stripped of the relationships they once held dear.

Today, I have a new appreciation for the words of James 1:2-4 and James 4:13-14.  Seeing, feeling and experiencing pain is humbling, opening your eyes to the simple things people take for granted daily.  However, despite the ups and down in the hospital the last 24 hours, I know it could be worse.  While I pray for my mother’s condition to improve, the truth in Luke 1:37 serves as a source of strength.  Although it could be worse, with God all things are possible.

by Jay Mankus

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When Dreams Fade Away

Posted on May 31, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Children tend to grow up with wild imaginations, dreaming of becoming a doctor, professional athlete or a wealthy entrepreneur.  However, as time ticks away, ambition is often replaced by more realistic goals.  Sure, dreams still exist in your mind, but negativity, pessimism and tough luck cause dreams to fade away from your memory.

A few years ago, I was passionate about completing my first novel.  Before I typed a word, vivid ideas rushed into my head, inspiring my will to complete this May 15th, a deadline for a major contest in Hollywood.  Unfortunately, a long cold spring, filled with racing to see all 3 of my children play sports has drained my desire to do anything.   With May in the rear view mirror, a spark for finishing this book needs to be rekindled before my thoughts vanish.

Sometimes, the Bible seems too good to be true, as readers silently murmur, “yeah right?”  Nonetheless, a weeping prophet writes of a special day in Jeremiah 29:11.  When the day of doubt sets, there is hope of prosperity.  If you’ve lost the will to carry on, don’t quit yet.  Cling to the promise of Galatians 6:9-10 so that like Walt Disney once said, “one day your dreams will come true!”

by Jay Mankus

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A Pedestal of Disappointment

Posted on May 21, 2014 by expressyourself4him

There are certain individuals which possess gravitas, tempting family, friends and followers to place them up on a pedestal.  These dynamics personalities make it hard not to jump on the bandwagon as some become held in high regards as a cultural hero.  However, when you choose to place someone up on a pedestal, its a matter of time before you will experience disappointment.

According to Romans 3:23, no one is perfect.  Regardless of your efforts and motives, sooner or later will you fail, mess up or make a mistake.  This blunder often shatters the image of your fans, causing many to jump ship.  In the aftermath of sin, its difficult to come with terms with the failures of leaders.  The painful reality of this disappointment will make you think twice before placing another treasured soul on a pedestal.

The relational aspect of life makes people vulnerable to pain.  Perhaps, a growing number of adults are forgoing marriage to avoid the heartbreak of unfilled vows.  While you may believe this is a good idea, there is only One who is worth placing up on a pedestal, Hebrews 4:14-16.  Don’t blame the creator for imperfect people.  Rather, lift up the only One who is worthy to be praised, Romans 5:8.

by Jay Mankus

 

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