Tag Archives: inspire

Battle Scars

Posted on January 17, 2018 by expressyourself4him

In 1998, a film brought the battlefields of war into movie theaters across the country.  Using the invasion on the beaches of Normandy during World War II as a backdrop, Saving Private Ryan graphically depicts the brutal nature of war during an extended battle scene.  Those who survived were haunted by images of splattered blood, cries for help and the silence of death.  Some of these individuals returned home with visible signs of this violent venture.  Others possessed emotional and mental scars, like a part of their soul was ripped out and left behind.

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

More than eighty years later, descendants have their own battle scars.  Survivors of the Holocaust have to live with the knowledge of what happened to innocent Jews.  Immigrants have the memories of the hell they went through just to make it to America.  Meanwhile, those living in crime infested areas stay awake at night wondering, who is going to be next?  There are many that express how unfair life is or could be.  Yet, blaming, complaining and denigrating others didn’t save the world from Nazi Germany.  Rather, victory is achieved by forgetting your own battle scars by coming together for a greater purpose and cause.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, Matthew 11:29.

Instead of making situations better, divisiveness by modern politicians is only adding scars, one soul at a time.  Words are cheap, a campaign slogan to help get elected.  Yet, what this world needs are leaders who inspire others to rise above their own battle scars to make the most of life.  My largest scar is three inches long, what’s left of an ankle surgery from high school.  Prior to this procedure, I was told by doctors that I would never run again.  My Christian friends refused to believe this fate, offering up prayers to the Most High.  In the end, these prayers of intervention proved science wrong, healing me to be able to compete in athletic competitions throughout my life.  While not every story has a happen ending, come to Jesus with the battle scars from your past so that you will find rest for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

I Don’t Know How He Does It

Posted on December 3, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The thought of patience is foreign to me.  I have a short fuse, easily enraged by obstacles that get in my way, slow me down or become a burden to me in any manner.  So when I read the Bible, the command to love, be patient and kind seems impossible to achieve.  The idea of forgiving and loving enemies is hard to comprehend.  Nonetheless, when religious leaders and the people who followed Jesus turned on him, shouting for death by crucifixion, this Man practiced what He preached.  Moments from death, Jesus cried out to his heavenly father, “forgive them for they know not what they do.”  I don’t know how He did this?

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

The context of the passage above shines light on the nature of God.  Anyone can talk a good game, pretend to be good person or use money to influence the general public.  However, if you don’t display love, all of your gifts and talents are meaningless.  The apostle Paul uses the analogy of a clanging symbol to prove his point.  You may be an amazing musician, but without love you are nothing.  Perhaps, people inside of church at Corinth were forgetting the purpose of being a Christian, becoming Christ like is all aspects of life.  Essentially, Paul was trying to prove a point, this is not how you do it.

Let all that you do be done in love, 1 Corinthians 16:14.

Today, many believers fail miserably, unable to love, display patience or be kind.  Part of this failure is due to a departure of complete trust in God.  Rather, the temptation to be self-reliant has trumped faith.  Instead of undergoing a subtle spiritual transformation, the world is winning, with compromise after compromise.  If the apostle Paul struggled to defeat temptation, Romans 7:14-18, everyone will face a similar fate.  In the meantime, yield to God, surrendering control of your life.  When you do, the mercy God displayed for you can flow outwardly toward others.  While I still don’t know how Jesus loved the unlovable, let all that you do be inspired by love.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Understanding Evil

Posted on November 11, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As someone who has grown to love history, you can likely predict what will happen in the future based upon previous events.  Although past civilizations may have possessed good intentions, the temptation for control, fame and power has a way to side track the most disciplined individuals.  Subsequently, enticement opens the door for evil to corrupt formerly innocent souls.  This shocking reality is where understanding evil begins.

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time, Genesis 6:5.

In the years leading up to the biblical flood, a spirit of wickedness spread throughout the earth.  While specific acts aren’t mentioned, murder, violence and war are assumed based upon the accounts within Genesis 4.  As human beings gave into every kind of inclinations, cravings, desires and feelings, hearts became set on evil.  Without any voice of truth holding people accountable, humanism was conceived by doing what’s right in your own eyes.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20

Today, a similar culture exists where absolutes are considered old-fashioned, stale and not worth the hassle to follow.  When rules become lax in any society, integrity, morality and values tend to decline.  If this trend continues for years or decades, you can easily recognize this in day to day interactions.  This environment allows evil to enter souls through compromise.  When confronted by an authority figure, evil is often discarded by justifying and rationalizing behavior.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs, 1 Timothy 6:10.

When it comes to explaining the New York City terrorist attack with a dump truck, some are inspired by extreme religious beliefs.  Mass shootings like in Las Vegas and the small church outside of San Antonio, Texas typically reveal some sort of troubled past.  Like a fuse waiting to go off, evil takes over at some point, paralyzing the human conscience.  This sets the stage for disaster.  Until conviction, truth and revival return, evil will continue to reign throughout segments of society.  Only when souls ask God to return can evil be defeated.  May the presence of evil today inspire individuals to open their hearts to Jesus, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The God Hypocrisy

Posted on July 6, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Earlier this week an elderly man destroyed a brand new statue of the ten commandments.  Initial media reports suggested that this might have been part of a car accident.  After further investigation it was uncovered that this destruction was posted on Facebook Live.  In fact this was the second religious statue this man had destroyed,  If this attack was aimed at any other politically correct religious symbol, the liberal media would have been outraged.  Unfortunately, the God hypocrisy caused this story to be buried or omitted completely.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! – Revelation 3:15

Prior to the attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. on September 11th, 2001, God was being pushed out of American culture.  The Bible, prayer and religious freedom were being kicked to the curb, discarded like old possessions at a garage sale.  Following 9/11, Major League Baseball decided to let God back in by singing God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch.  Meanwhile, more people attended worship centers on the Sunday after 9/11 than ever before or since.  Unfortunately, when good times return God is usually one of the first relationships to be placed on the back burner.

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth, Revelation 3:16.

If God would have a letter commissioned to the United States of America today it would be similar to the church in Laodicea.  At some point, individuals develop an on again off again relationship with God.  This unhealthy habit breeds a lukewarm spirit where people use God as a crutch leaning on Him in times of trouble.  Anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ yet exhibits an inconsistent faith results in another God hypocrisy.  Thus, unless individuals begin to live out the Christian faith, church attendance will continue to decline.  You shouldn’t have to wait until the next 9/11 like event to turn your life around.  May this blog or the Darryl Worley song Have You Forgotten inspire you to dial up your faith by trusting and obeying an invisible God.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Living in a Land of Unclean Lips

Posted on May 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Unless you are living in a bubble, it’s obvious cultural changes have impacted modern vocabulary.  Gone are the days of thinking before opening your mouth.  Rather, a new boldness have inspired many to verbalize whatever comes to mind regardless of who is listening including children.

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty,” Isaiah 6:5.

The concept of unclean lips is nothing new, referred to by a prophet several thousand years ago.  One of the byproducts of unwholesome language is that it often spreads like a cancer influencing previously innocent individuals.  In some cases, unclean lips can be passed from one generation to the next.

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving, Ephesians 5:4.

The apostle Paul came across some choice language as well.  Although he does not specify what defines unclean lips, Paul creates three categories: filthy, foolish and crude jokes.  During a visit to Ephesus, Paul urged church members to drown out negative words with an out pouring of thanksgiving.  While you may not change the people around you, may a spirit of thanksgiving inspire you to encourage, thank and uplift those in your spheres of influence.

by Jay Mankus

 

2 Comments

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Posted on March 24, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Last weekend was the first Bay Hill Invitational without its tournament host Arnold Palmer who passed away last fall.  Beside his banner career as a former major champion on the PGA tour, Arnold Palmer was a sports icon whose fans established an army of followers.  Palmer’s passion and vision gave birth to a 24 hour channel devoted to golf, the Golf Channel.  This network aired a week of programming to honor this special man by remembering the thousands of people he touched.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope, Romans 15:4.

One of the specials entitled Arnie and Me recounts stories and testimonials from letters Arnold Palmer wrote by hand himself.  Despite the temptation to change with the times by sending emails or texts, Arnold Palmer felt letters were much more personal.  Thus, in victory and defeat, Arnie spent half a century encouraging the heartbroken and praising the successful.  You didn’t have to be famous to receive a letter from Arnie.  Nor did you have to be a golfer.  Rather, if you touched his heart or was moved to compassion, a letter was sent.

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it,” Habakkuk 2:2.

After watching this show last weekend, a spirit of conviction fell upon me.  During my years in college, I wrote up to 100 people during one semester.  Yet, the cost of stamps, time and a lost interest caused me to end this hobby decades ago.  While I probably won’t restart writing letters, this experience has led me to journal my daily thoughts in this blog.  I’m not sure how long this will last or what direction I may go in.  Nonetheless, I believe the lost art of letter writing is something you may want to consider if you feel God is calling you to encourage, inspire or touch souls like the countless letters of Arnold Palmer.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Right Back Where I Started

Posted on December 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

About a year ago, I stood on a scale for the first time in a while.  Not believing the first number that appeared, I stepped off to reset it and tried once again.  Unfortunately, my weight remained the same, the heaviest I have ever been.  After the initial shock wore off, I vowed to dedicate 2016 to improving my overall health and fitness.

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls, Proverbs 25:28.

In January I lost 20 pounds, ecstatic by this early progress.  However, life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Perhaps, a little over confidence started subtle compromises, a regression back into bad habits.  I can’t identify the exact time when this downward spiral began, but my goals for the year faded from my memory.  Subsequently, I now find myself right back where I started.

Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, Titus 2:12.

Those fighting this losing battle are encouraged by the apostle Paul to renounce this vicious cycle.  Solomon compared a person without self-control to a broken city, vulnerable to outside attacks.  As the new year approaches, I have to pick myself up off the mat to turn my current health around.  I’m not sure how my daily routine will change, but I hope a clear vision appears as I prepare to fast for the month of January.  Until then, seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness to avoid giving into temptation.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

1 Comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Searching for a Sense of Worth or Sheer Fantasy?

Posted on October 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In this day and age, people will do almost anything to receive recognition.  This pursuit often causes individuals to cross the line between right and wrong.  In an attempt to please their bosses, employees at Wells Fargo opened 2 million fake bank accounts over a five year span.  It’s one thing to develop a sense of worth through working, but sometimes chasing fantasies perverts reality.  These acts are lost in translation, hidden by pressure to excel.

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense, Proverbs 12:11 – NIV.

The Bible was written in 3 languages: Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.  Since the entire Old Testament is Hebrew, there are words or verses that don’t translate well.  Subsequently, the verse above is confusing until you examine a more accurate version below.  The Hebrew language similar to Greek is a much more descriptive.  At first glance above, it appears Solomon is against chasing after fantasies, a waste of time and effort.  Unfortunately, the context refers to people attempting to cut corners and expecting the same productivity.

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless is void of understanding, Proverbs 12:11 – Darby Translation.

If you have ever attended a Christmas or company party, it can be a great time or an awkward experience.  This is where men tend to gather, tell others their occupation and brag about their sense of worth.  The most successful typically dominant the conversation while the humble and less important see their self-esteem slowly disappear when compared to everyone else.  When this evening is over, you have 3 logical choices.  First, stop wasting time and start doing what you love.  Second, become defensive and begin to gossip or re-evaluate where you are, set some goals and begin to incrementally chase after these fantasies.  May these words inspire you to press on, reach high and fulfill God’s plan in life.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Lost Words of JFK

Posted on September 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Beginning in 2008, Lost Tapes debuted on Animal Planet.  This horror series featured a combination of legendary creatures like Bigfoot as well as supernatural ones such as vampires.  Each episode begins with a presupposition, “what if researchers have a real life encounter, able to film their experience.”  These lost tapes are later found by some one who stumbles upon this evidence, serving as a warning to steer clear of specific places or regions.

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday, Isaiah 58:10.

In the real world, revisionist historians are now are work, trying to hide the Christian heritage upon which America was founded.  Most people don’t realize that many schools on the East Coast were created by churches to help educate children.  Tools such as the New England Primer introduced the alphabet with verses of the Bible that were memorized for each letter.  This is just one portion of history scrubbed from modern text books, teachings that are now lost and forgotten.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another, Galatians 5:13.

The media is also good at suppressing audio soundbytes, news stories and previous statements that are contrary to the progressive moment.  One of my favorites statements comes from John F. Kennedy, “ask not which this country can do for you; but what you can do for this country.”  These lost words could revolutionize this country if practiced.  Yet, modern politicians want to create needy citizens who can’t live without government.  Subsequently, a generation of “what’s in it for me” has crippled the progress of our culture.  May these forgotten words of JFK inspire individuals to a live a life of faith, service and patriotism.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Law vs. the Law

Posted on June 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the case Abington verse Schempp, the United States Supreme Court deemed the public reading of the Bible to be illegal.  Since this decision over fifty years ago, religious freedoms continues to be attacked, leaving new legislation which often contradicts New Testament teachings.  Subsequently, Christians are confronted with the dilemma, do I follow the law or the Law?

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching, 1 Timothy 4:13.

The 19th century is known as the era of the evangelist according to church history.  As revival spread throughout the east coast of the United States in the early 1800’s, churches began to hold services outside, often using tents.  Evangelist George Whitfield traveled to places like Pike Creek, Delaware and a town divided by the C & D Canal, now bearing his name, Saint Georges.  Whitfield was effective because he emulated 1 Timothy 4:13, using the Bible to convict, inspire and revive souls.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer, Acts 2:42.

The foundation which caused the first century church to explode in growth fueled the first and second great awakening.  Unfortunately, when a government creates laws which deny a believer from publicly displaying their faith, confusion and compromise often ensue.  Thus, a generation of politically Christians have veered from biblical teaching to please mankind.  This movement has watered down the gospel of Jesus Christ, leaving seekers dumbfounded.  This is the end result when man’s laws contradict God’s laws.  Perhaps this situation will turn around soon, but for now choose wisely.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →