Tag Archives: hope

Finding A Place Beyond the Rainbow

Posted on November 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As a child, watching the Wizard of Oz was an annual event, terrifying at times, haunted by the wicked witch.  Yet, I always hung in there for the finish, expecting the fairy tale ending.  However, I wonder if any other grown ups still think there a better place some where over the rainbow.

According to King David, this place does exist, like heaven on earth, Psalm 23:6.  Once an individual is able to place their sole trust in the divine shepherd, access to a life beyond the rainbow is attainable.  Though gold is not mentioned, happy days are here again and again, staying in daily fellowship with God.  This spiritual anointing is symbolic of rebirth, living life to its fullest, John 10:10.

Unfortunately, life deals out more nightmares than fairy tales.  Sure, from time to time, miracles do happen, but its hard to have faith in a world full of people falling apart at the seams, oozing a trail of sin in their rear view mirror.  This negativity serves like a bad after taste you can’t get rid of with gum or mints.  Rather, hope lies in the beholder, seeing beyond the current shower into what is ahead, the rainbow.  May you experience this joy before you die, Luke 23:43.

by Jay Mankus

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On the Other Side of the Door

Posted on November 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Deep inside a broken heart, desperation moves an individual to a closed door.  On the verge of change, an action is required to remove the burden from an unclean woman.  Contemplating what to say, faith leads her to turn the knob, hoping to leave the nightmares of the past behind, outside for good.  With a jar of perfume in hand, she risks embarrassment, passing shocked faces on the way before approaching Jesus.

by emilysincerely.wordpress.com

Inquiring minds begin to gossip in the corners of Lazarus’ house.  Dressed to invoke sinful thoughts, this prostitute opens up a pint of pure nard, kneeling beside Jesus.  Oblivious to judgmental hearts and wandering eyes, this woman came to do what she felt compelled to do, wash Jesus’ feet.  Using her long hair as a towel, she humbles herself before the son of God, adding fuel to an already tarnished reputation, giving religious leaders enough justification to put their plans for crucifixion into motion.

This encounter in John 12:1-11 is like a scene from a play, lived out every day in communities, schools and the workplace throughout the country.  When a person wants to change their identity, God is willing, yet his people often allow prejudices to keep their hearts from forgiving and forgetting, Matthew 6:14-15.  Although freedom exists on the other side of the door, Revelation 3:20, welcoming arms may not be receptive to your conversion.  May the Barnabas’ of this generation serve as a voice of reason, greeting anyone who turns the knob to get to the other side of the door, Acts 9:26-28.

by Jay Mankus

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Shut Up and Dance

Posted on October 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

My wife and I attended a wedding reception last weekend.  Following the typical bridal party introductions and special dances, the other guests were invited to join the dance floor.  Despite music changing from decade to decade, DJ’s tend to provide the perfect mix of oldies, classics and the best of today.  Thus, when I approached the stage, I felt right at home.

As I began to shake my booty, memories of the past raced through my mind.  Although I was never one for words, the beat of the music created an ideal environment to shut up and dance.  Since going to my first dance, homecoming of my sophomore year of high school, I was good at imitating other people’s movements.  Once my fears of embarrassment subsided, dancing became one of my favorite past times.  Whether it was going to a nightclub like Pulsations, school events or weddings, I found my comfort zone, moving and twisting all night long.

Believe it or not, Psalm 37:7 contains a similar message with a much deeper meaning.  The Hebrew word used to describe rest and be still actually means to shut up.  Meanwhile, the word in Hebrew for wait patiently refers to dancing in a circle, similar to a slow down except own your own.  The context of this passage involves God trying to teach David and current believers a lesson about following directions.  Essentially, the message implies that if life isn’t going the way you expect, hope or wanted, “shut and dance.”  When the dance is over, God will direct, guide and lead you like a dance partner to where you need to go, Psalm 37:23-24.

by Jay Mankus

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Expiration Date

Posted on October 25, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Beginning in the summer of 2005, I was under the gun, forced to complete the requirements for my teaching certification if I wanted to keep my job at a local high school.  Once I had finished the initial steps, jumping through all of the hoops, I was expected to reapply every 2 years.  The only hurdle I had to endure was a graduate level Methods course during the odd numbered years.  Thus, I took 3 classes over 6 summers, where I needed to incorporate the principles of each subject into my current curriculum.  Prior to submitting my final paper, I had to give an honest assessment of my strengths and weaknesses.  This report served as a guide, fine tuning my classroom management skills as well as providing cutting edge ideas to assess students.

 

The occupation of teaching is unlike any job I have had before.  There is an emotional connection with students, especially those whom you see traces of yourself in them.  When you leave the property, you are still working, talking to parents at sporting events, calling back others about concerns or responding to emails about a question on an upcoming assignment.  Instead of clocking in and out, teaching is non-stop for 9 months.  However, in the summer your work is never done as classes change, curriculum needs to be updated and material is constantly in a state of flux.  Despite being one of the most rewarding positions I have ever held, its by far the most draining, a perfect cure for those struggling to fall asleep.

 

Nonetheless, on October 31st, 2013, Halloween Night, my teaching certification will finally expire.  Part of me hoped something would come up, opening a new door so I didn’t throw away 10 years of experience.  However, the realist in me saw the writing on my financial wall, unable to support a family on a Private School’s teaching salary.  If life is a set of stages, at the end of this month I will exit stage left like Bugs Bunny in an episode years ago, using my abilities in a new arena at Amazon.  As for now, all I can do is apply the principles of Romans 12:1-2, expecting God’s will for my life to come into clear focus.  Before time runs out on your current position or status, make sure you take a deep breath, reflecting upon the words of Philippians 3:8-9.

by Jay Mankus

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Hold Yourself Together

Posted on October 20, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

Before comedy movies like Airplane used satire to elevate stress, the phrase “hold yourself together” has been a battle cry to help people overcome trying times in life.  However, when the world around you is falling apart, how can any soul pretend as if nothing is wrong?  Maybe this is why the scene below makes a mockery out of someone who has lost control of their emotions.

Modern dramas have a new message, one of hope and self-determination with a fairy tale ending unless of course their show get’s cancelled mid-season.  The opposite sex is used as a carrot at the end of a stick, motivation to hold yourself together.  Science fiction, the afterlife and an allure of the dark side have created series like the Vampire Dairies.  Tyler Ward’s song puts a new spin on the familiar expression, “Keep Yourself Together.”

From a spiritual point of you, holding yourself together is impossible.  While the world may call followers of Jesus weak, he is the crutch which props believers up, Matthew 11:28-30.  Sure, faith inspires action, James 2:26, but Jesus is the glue that ultimately holds people together.  Despite resembling cracked vases composed of clay, Jesus is the only substitute which makes people whole, 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.  If you want a permanent solution, Jesus is the answer, John 14:6.

by Jay Mankus

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So What… Nobody Cares Anymore

Posted on October 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

Last week I interrupted a conversation between 2 co-workers.  As I was passing through an aisle, I overheard a gal say, “nobody cares anymore!”  Feeling compelled to interject hope, I responded, “I care.”  Unfortunately, this young lady is right, as apathy, complacency and self conceit has hardened the hearts of many Americans.

 

In the days of Pharaoh, God allowed a similar behavior to take hold of the king of Egypt.  Despite seeing Moses perform miracle after miracle, he refused to let the Israelites leave for 3 days to hold a festival in the desert.  As a result, Pharaoh punished the Hebrews, making their workload more difficult and beating foremen whose crews did not meet their daily quota, Exodus 5:4-14.

 

The pessimists will turn to passages of the Bible like 2 Timothy 2:1-5, claiming the end is near.  Meanwhile, optimists will highlight others verses like 2 Peter 1:3-4. proclaiming victory over evil desires is possible.  However, the negativity which persists throughout the world often creates a wave that knocks over good intentions.  Thus, harmful attitudes pollute the air, making it difficult to influence minds.  Therefore, if you want to break this trend, you will need spiritual intervention to break the regional strongholds that exist in the spiritual realm, Ephesians 6:12.

By Jay Mankus

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From A Distance

Posted on August 20, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Julie Gold wrote the song From A Distance after receiving the piano she played as a kid for a 30th Birthday gift.  When the movers informed her not to play it for 24 hours due to the cold conditions during the shipping process, this anticipation inspired the lyrics to the 1990 hit sung by Bette Midler.  From a Distance holds a certain sentimental value in my heart as it was the “theme song” to the first week long mission trip I ever attended.  During a hot summer week on St. John’s Island, South Carolina, I served on the worship team as the male vocalist, singing the chorus of From A Distance to close out each evening.  Although Julie Gold intended to construct a song about the way things seem and the way things actually are, she touches on an important biblical teaching.

Known as the Matthew 18 principle, Jesus introduces readers to how to properly handle any sort of grievance you may have against another person within Matthew 18:15-18.  When an agreement is made between 2 parties, God is watching, serving as a witness from a distance according to Matthew 18:19-20.  In other words, if a handshake is made to settle a previous conflict, God serves as an invisible notary to bind 2 individuals to resolve their matter once and for all.  Unfortunately, modern worship leaders are changing the context of this passage, adding worship into this equation, twisting scripture to make it say what they belief.  When you reflect upon Julie Gold’s lyrics in From A Distance, one is steered back in the right direction, freed from heresy that exists in modern day churches.

The words of the final stanza are posted below.

From a distance
You look like my friend
Even though we are at war
From a distance
I just cannot comprehend
What all this fightings for
From a distance
There is harmony
And it echoes through the land
And its the hope of hopes
Its the love of loves
Its the heart of every man

Beneath the surface, friendships are tested daily by envy, selfishness and regretful words spoken in the heat of the moment.  As long there is a willingness to comply with the regulations and standards mentioned with Matthew 18, peace is attainable.  However, the minute someone holds a grudge, refuses to let go of the pain deep inside their soul and give the devil a foot hold by going to sleep angry, hope disappears.  In view of this, remember that God is watching, from a distance, urging the world to forgive others as Christ Jesus forgave you, Colossians 3:12-15.

by Jay Mankus

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The Video Game Mentality

Posted on July 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Young people have become experts in the video game realm.  Whether its XBox, Play Station, Wi or online gaming, their hours spent learning how to play, reading books on short cuts and mastering each level of their favorite game is impressive.  Yet, if I asked these same people if they knew what the King James, Living, NAS or NIV was, most would struggle to comprehend why there are so many different versions of the Bible.  However, if I combined the 2, maybe I could reach a common ground to speak on their level, with a video game mentality.

One of my favorite passages of the Bible is Colossians 3:17 and 3:23.  The New International Version  says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, verse 17a.”  Or with a similar concept, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, verse 23.”  If there was such a thing as the New Video Game Translation, this is my best interpretation of this passage.  Put all your effort and focus into each game, hitting the reset button if necessary.  Keep on trying until you reach the next level.  Don’t stop there.  Rather, keep going until you know every move, every aspect and every secret of each game.  Pass on your knowledge and move on to the next adventure, challenge and further versions.

If young people dedicated their lives to Christ like they do with video games, the next great awakening would commence.  Likewise, if prayer replaced countless hours in front of a computer, game system or television screens, endless lives could be transformed.  However, living in the world and not being lead by it is another story.  Achieving balance in life is crucial, maximizing your time with fun, pleasure and work.  When these games become the Lord of young people’s lives, behaviors often change for the worse as an addictive nature engrosses their minds.  The only way to crack this video game mentality is through the giver of life, James 1:18.  Don’t ever stop believing that young men and women can change, Romans 12:1-2.  Place your requests before the Lord so that this mindset can be broken, 2 Corinthians 4:4.

by Jay Mankus

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Investing in Your Future

Posted on July 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Five months ago, I was aimless wondering in a spiritual wilderness, not sure what my future held.  In this emotional state, I began to seek counsel from a higher authority, placing my future in God’s hands.  What I discovered during this journey may motivate others to begin a similar endeavor.

While listening to a sermon back in February, my pastor challenged his flock to read one Psalm a day, a 150 day challenge.  Since what I had been doing wasn’t working, I gave this a try, hoping my situation might change.  Initially, nothing happened so I shifted my attention to the words I was praying.  Gradually, through studying the Psalms of David, an appreciation for his honesty, being blunt with God, redirected my prayer life.  By the middle of March, God was moving internally, healing my heart and externally with a vision for the future.

Yet, my heart was troubled, uncertain if the position I had accepted was a good fit.  Thus, I began the process of thin slicing, a psychological term that moves an individual to make a quick decision based upon the initial feelings within their heart.  While risky, I quit recognizing this career path did not fit the direction I wanted to pursue.  Despite a few set backs in May, the Holy Spirit led me back on track in June, toward a future with an upside, Romans 12:2.  If it were not for the biblical principles I encountered within the book of Psalms, I would probably still be unemployed.  Therefore, if you are seeking progress in life, invest your time practicing the prayers of David.  In the end, you will find a bright future, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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From Water Into Wine

Posted on July 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As in the movies, every human being, regardless of their super natural powers has a weakness, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.  Super Man had his kryptonite, the Wicked Witch of the West water and Eve her apple.  When the lights go out on life, sin is the only thing preventing individuals from the miracle of eternal life.

Unfortunately, doubt, first impressions and stereotypes keep most from living the life God intended, Ephesians 2:10.  The doubting Thomas’, Debbie downers and preconceived notions people pick up from their surroundings create a dome, void of any biblical miracles.  Thus, the devil truly does steal your dreams, kill remnants of hope and destroy the desire to fulfill God’s will for your life, John 10:10.

Where O Lord are the days of your miracles?  Why can’t we see another instance of water turned into wine?  If you are like me, desperate for answers, glimpses of progress or hungry for results, you’ve turned to the right place.  Behind the scenes, God is at work, serving as the God of the living, John 11:38-44.  While you don’t hear of many modern day Lazarus’, the Holy Spirit is alive and active, Hebrews 4:12.  The spiritually dead are being revitalized, raised up by the Word of God, John 3:16-17, turning tears of water into everlasting wine, John 4:13-14.  Taste and see how good the Lord is, Psalm 34:8!

by Jay Mankus

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