Tag Archives: KIng Solomon

An Undeserved Curse

Posted on January 15, 2017 by expressyourself4him

The origin of curses have been recorded throughout history.  Curses come in three forms: conjured up by an individual, a consequence from breaking a biblical principle and self-inflicted through a self-fulfilled prophecy.  While some receive more attention than others, the saddest are undeserved curses.

Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest, Proverbs 26:2.

King Solomon uses an unique image to illustrate an undeserved curse.  According to Bible scholars this passage eludes to the invisible, yet powerful nature of curses.  After the birds leave the scene, the curse remains, not coming to rest.  Subsequently, no matter how hard someone tries, some curses take people to the grave.

Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow, 2 Kings 5:27.

Undeserved curses can take the form of a generational curse like the passage above.  Children, grandchildren and future descendants are sometimes dealt an unfair hand.  While generational curses can be broken as detailed in Deuteronomy 28:1-3, many don’t ever put two and two together.  Instead, attention, energy and thoughts are put in a different direction.  May anyone experiencing abnormal, bizarre or strange events seek answers from heaven to unlock any mystery and freedom from curses lurking over you.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Applying Your Heart

Posted on January 2, 2017 by expressyourself4him

One of the ways my former high school teachers attempted to motivate students was through the phrase, “you have to apply yourself.”  Somewhat sarcastic at the time, wondering to myself, “so do you want me to apply for a job?”  Based upon the definition, I guess these individuals wanted me to engage and utilize what I was learning at the time.

Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, Proverbs 22:17.

Fortunately, King Solomon explains this concept within 2 chapters of Proverbs.  Like a child being raised by godly parents, the Lord wants his followers to become more than listeners.  Rather than giving mere lips service, “I get it!”  God longs for his children to put God’s Word, the Bible into practice.  This is what it means to apply your heart.

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge, Proverbs 23:12.

Unfortunately, many people are jaded by disappointment, failure and trials in life.  Like the Aerosmith song Jaded, lead singer Steven Tyler wrote this song after feeling like he neglected his youngest daughter, missing most of her childhood while touring.  Those who reach this unwelcomed state often feel trapped, paralyzed and unable to change.  Therefore, if you sense things are beginning to slip slide away, may the Holy Spirit empower you to apply your heart.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Escaping Calamity

Posted on December 20, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Typically, the term calamity occurs in a negative manner.  However,  Martha Jane Canary was the exception to this rule, developing the nickname of Calamity Jane.  Making a name as a dare devil in the late 1800’s, Jane joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.  This new name stuck and transformed her reputation from a professional scout to a woman who showed compassion to the poor.

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity, Proverbs 21:23.

According to King Solomon, possessing strong opinions can be dangerous.  Some individuals tend to talk to much and others spit venomous words from within their mouths.  Subsequently, those who do not practice self-control will reap calamity upon themselves.  Anyone who talks all the time will try the patience of those who listen.  Meanwhile, people who apply an unfiltered tongue will make enemies along the way, causing listeners to react often in revenge.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things, Philippians 4:8.

The apostle Paul provides a blue print for escaping calamity.  The choice is simple, stay positive and turn enemies into friends by using uplifting words.  However, this must not be contrived or fake.  Rather, when you have a chance to encourage someone, be genuine and real.  When others around you try to put fuel on the fire with sarcasm or teasing, learn to control your tongue to escape calamity.  Or else calamity will find you, fulfilling the principle of you reap what you sow.

by Jay Mankus

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The Human Spirit

Posted on December 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When someone refers to the human spirit, they are usually talking about a combination of the heart, soul and mind.  While the heart is the life source of the body, the mind regulates our mental state.  Yet, the soul is the essence of human beings, setting one person apart from the next.

The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being, Proverbs 20:27.

According to Solomon, the human spirit is like an internal light that highlights who you are.  This lamp reveals what is in your heart.  This reflection comes out in the form of words.  If you are wounded by individuals in your past, your vocabulary will reflect this.  Subsequently, hurt people will hurt other people.

But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them, Matthew 15:18.

This built up angst is what defiles people according to Jesus.  Its no wonder that King Solomon urges Israel to guard your heart for it is the well spring of life.  The apostle Paul takes this concept one step further in Colossians 3:1-3, to set your heart and mind on things above.  If you want to preserve the human spirit, these instructions are vital to maintain health, life and the pursuit of happiness.

by Jay Mankus

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A Rare Jewel

Posted on December 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In a November 2015 Forbes article, the red diamond was the most expensive jewel, worth one million dollars per carat.  Meanwhile, True Facet claims the rarest jewel when its available is jadeite, costing more than three million dollars per carat.  Yet, one of the most famous jewels is the Hope Diamond due to a curse which followed those who possessed it resulting in several mysterious deaths.

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel, Proverbs 20:15.

While contemplating his own collection of wealth, King Solomon overlooked one rare jewel.  This unusual site involves individuals who provide encouraging and positive words.  These nuggets within conversations often uplift those who hear it.  Based upon the context of the passage above, it appears that even in the days of the Old Testament negative tones filled the local marketplaces.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen, Ephesians 4:29.

Depending upon your current environment at home, school or work, speaking words of knowledge can be difficult.  Overcoming waves of pessimism is a tough task, taking many under its current with each crashing remark.  In view of this climate, the apostle Paul urges his readers to rise above today’s culture of criticism.  Instead of joining the crowd to jump on the pile, change your tune by expressing beneficial comments.  In the end, you will avoid grieving the Holy Spirit by seeking to become a rare jewel with holy lips.

by Jay Mankus

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Gulping Down Evil

Posted on December 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Prior to 1955, a bottle of Coca Cola was 6.5 ounces.  If you pour 5 of these into a big gulp cup, the final one will spill out over the top.  Realizing the need for expansion, Coca Cola experimented with a 32 ounce cup supplied to 7 Eleven chains in Southern California.  By 1976, despite public pressure concerning obesity, the Big Gulp was conceived.

A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil, Proverbs 19:28.

Although 7 Eleven stores did not exist during the Old Testament, there were some individuals who developed reputations as heavy drinkers.  Since Jewish weddings could last up to a week, guests who traveled from out of town were wined and dined.  Participating in these festivities likely influenced the words King Solomon chose in the passage above.  Comparing drinking to corruption, there are some people who gulp down evil.

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

Almost 20 years ago, my friend and I both contradicted Lyme Disease in the same summer.  While my symptoms were caught early, his went overlooked for several months.  Unfortunately, he lost his sense of taste, unable to distinguish between that which is sweet or bitter.  The same can be said about individuals who can’t discern between good from evil.  Subsequently, its possible for a wayward soul to reach a place where one begins to gulp evil.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Thankfulness in the Midst of Adversity

Posted on November 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The human spirit can handle many things in life.  When knocked down by disappointment, failure or rejection, the hope of a better future enables individuals to get up.  Yet, at some point the psyche can only take so much.  Thus, if a spirit becomes crushed, its difficult to be thankful in the midst of adversity.

The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? – Proverbs 18:14

The passage above written by King Solomon summarizes 2016 for me up to this point.  Although the start of this year went well, the ending has been like a nightmare that you can’t get out of your head.  While my screen writing project failed to be embraced by Hollywood, a more serious situation developed.  In early August, my youngest son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes that has zapped his energy.  The hardest thing for a parent is wanting to do something to make things better, yet helpless and unable to intervene.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, Philippians 4:6.

The apostle Paul provides direction for those void of a thankful heart.  When you can’t make a difference, the Lord uses prayer as a vehicle for change.  Thus, I am thankful for the life that I have, not the one I want.  Perhaps, circumstances will turn around soon as I concentrate on prayer.  Even so, I can be thankful in the midst of adversity, especially when I consider my marriage of twenty one years with Leanne which I celebrate every Thanksgiving.

by Jay Mankus

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A Fool’s Eyes

Posted on November 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of my favorite quotes from Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks is “stupid is as stupid does.”  Sometimes its easier to recognize stupidity rather than go into specific details.  A common synonym for stupid is foolish.  This label is earned when an ill-advised act, choice or word is made.

A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth, Proverbs 17:24.

According to King Solomon, fools tend to get distracted.  Instead of thinking before you act, the world provides ample temptations to lose your way.  While the discerning keep wisdom in sight, fools wander off the straight and narrow.  The longer an individual indulges in the pleasures in life, the hardest it becomes to leave this wayward road.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world, 1 John 2:16.

People don’t wake up and decide I’m going to do something foolish.  Rather, a series of compromises places souls on a path toward destruction.  The naive believe they will be able to turn back whenever they want.  Unfortunately, the fool’s eyes often wait until they are on verge on death before coming to their senses.  May those struggling at this moment heed the verses in scriptures above to escape a fool’s eyes before its too late.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Fostering Love

Posted on November 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The concept of foster care in the United States was inspired by Charles Loring Brace.  In the middle of the 19th century, Brace’s heart was torn by the thousands of homeless children living in the slums of New York City.  Brace believed that these children would do much better if placed into a farm setting with Christian families living in the country.  Thus, the Orphan Train movement was born, transporting more than 100,00 children from 1853-1890.

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends, Proverbs 17:9.

In the Old Testament, King Solomon encouraged the Israelites to foster love.  Anyone can point out someone’s flaws.  Yet, when attacked human beings tend to go on the defensive. Whether words spoken are in the form of exaggerations, in gest or gossip, any brash decision usually divides and separates relationships.  Therefore, when push comes to shove, its better to foster love by overlooking any offense against you.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

The apostle Paul addresses a similar issue during the first century.  Unfortunately, love was becoming just another word, void of meaning.  In their prime, DC Talk sang above Love is a Verb.  Love is meant to be exercised through selfless acts.  Sure, family may verbalize their love but without any sincere demonstration these terms of endearment are empty.  In view of the negativity fueled by a press upset after their candidate didn’t become president elect, turn the other cheek by fostering love.

by Jay Mankus

 

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You Can’t Reason with Liars

Posted on October 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

 

In ancient Greece, it was common for philosophers to go to the marketplace to introduce new ideas.  This is where the teachings of Aristotle, Plato and Socrates were first embraced and passed down from one generation to the next, impacting and influencing Western culture since its inception.  While reason can be perverted by using a false narrative to justify wrong actions, reason must contain a cognitive understanding where individuals form judgments based upon a process of logic.

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips, Proverbs 14:7.

According to King Solomon, renown for his wise rulings, there are certain people who possess a mind of their own.  Thus, whether you are arguing, debating or trying to introduce a more efficient way of doing things, trying to convince a fool is a waste of time.  You will have a better chance of molding and shaping a child than change the mind of a stubborn adult.  Therefore, the next time you find yourself in a discussion on morals going no where, remember this: you can’t reason with liars.

For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you, Acts 17:23.

The apostle Paul provides a blueprint for engaging a non-Christian culture.  Calling people liars won’t win over an audience or keep minds open to what you have to say.  Rather, the best place to start is searching for traces within society that point to an unknown God.  Paul uses an inscription on an idol and later quotes a Greek poet.  These 2 pieces of information break down previous stereotypes held without knowing Paul and provided an open door where he was later asked to return to share more about this invisible God.  Whether you’re talking to a fool, liar or stiff necked individual, bridge these gaps by speaking the truth in love.

by Jay Mankus

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