Tag Archives: love

I Can’t Help You With That

Posted on October 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him
 The realist inside my heart has often led me to deviate from the script, persuaded by bored faces, uninterested glances and sleepy heads.  Perhaps, God has taught me that situations vary in life, different for each individual.  Thus, making a blanket remark or statement to anyone can be construed as inconsiderate, especially to a troubled soul.  Therefore, I have learned to be honest, saying to former students and peers, “I can’t help you with that” when I don’t know.

 

Unfortunately, Christians can come off cold as ice, unattached by responses like, “it must have been God’s will.”  When someone dies, gets diagnosed with a terminal illness or is left paralyzed by an accident, people need your love, prayers and support not a text book reply.  Maybe this is what the apostle Paul was eluding to in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.  You can have the best personality, multiple talents and good intentions, yet without love you are nothing.

 

Pride is likely involved, puffing someone up in their minds until the frailty of life comes knocking at their door.  When roles are reversed, I wonder how this person will feel if a fellow believer serves up a patented quote from the Bible.  As Job endured heartbreak, trial and betrayal from his friends, Job 8:1-4, I can’t imagine the loneliness and pain he experienced.  If only someone stood up, broke from tradition and sincerely confessed, “I can’t help you with that, but God can!” – Luke 1:37

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Take It Personally

Posted on October 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

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In an ideal setting, everyone would love to be admired, cherished and highly valued.  However, in a fallen world, with individuals daily carrying around dirty laundry and excess baggage, receiving a desired response is unlikely.  Therefore, if an act of kindness, gentle reply or word of encouragement goes unnoticed, don’t take it personally.  According to Exodus 7:3, sometimes God will harden a person’s heart, preventing individuals from being civil.

When Jesus first sent off his disciples in Matthew 10, taking off their preverbal training wheels, he tries to prepare these 12 men for what to expect in life.  Beginning in Matthew 10:17-23, you could probably hear a pin drop, likely caught off guard by the hatred Jesus predicted.  Maybe this is where Judas Iscariot began to get cold feet, thinking to himself, “I didn’t sign up for this!”  I guess you can assume Jesus is trying to separate the followers from leaders, using a similar strong message in Luke 14:25-27 to narrow down his core group.

Unfortunately, the old saying of “sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me” is a lie.  When I taught, I could have a dozen compliments from faculty and students, yet that one negative email from a parent is what I thought about, erasing all the good I received earlier in the day.  Criticism, harsh comments and tasteless remarks can get under your skin, leaving a heart torn in two.  When words feel like knife wounds, verbally poisoning your soul, take your burden to the Lord, Matthew 11:28.  May the words of Psalm 34:18-19 help you not to take future replies personally.

by Jay Mankus

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To Hell With You

Posted on October 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The other night at Bible Study, an impromptu discussion broke out about how hypocritical Christians can be.  In fact, every year people who are seeking God become turned off by churches, pastors and modern day Pharisees who care more about traditions than displaying the love of Jesus.  Instead of continuing their search, hurt people have decided to stay at home, finding other things to do on Sunday.

In business, there was a an old principle called the 3/10.  For every good experience an individual has, they will tell 3 other people.  However, whenever a customer encounters poor service, they reach out to 10 people, sharing their disappointment and frustrations.  Recently, a new ratio has replaced the 3/10 now known as the 11/4 principle, with the negative being the higher number.  Since first impressions often have lasting affects, if you’re not careful, someone might say, ” to hell with you and your religion!”

 

Unfortunately, the reality in life entices most people to get a little too comfortable, caught off guard by unknowing observers.  As a result, Christianity becomes less and less attractive to Americans due to the bad taste of judgmental believers.  In the end, something has to give, either the offended will give God another try or immature followers of Jesus will grow up by starting to resemble the son of God.  Whenever you are on the road of life, Matthew 7:13-14, may God nudge you back in the right direction.

by Jay Mankus

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Roxanne

Posted on September 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

The song Roxanne was re-released by the Police in Europe after the band’s popularity gained some traction.  The lyrics of this song was inspired during a walk Sting took through the red light district while visiting Paris.  Initially, the band thought their manager Miles Copeland would not like this non-typical song, imagining what it would be like to fall in love with a prostitute.  As history unfolded, American listeners were introduced to Roxanne 4 years later through Police’s Synchronicity album in 1983.

 

Sting was not the only person intrigued by prostitutes as Matthew 9:9-13 conveys the audience Jesus concentrated on during his 3 year ministry.  Jesus recognized that the healthy and righteous did not need his help.  Thus, he spent his time outside of the disciples meeting with sinners like a divorced woman in John 4, another caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 and 2 different prostitutes named Mary.  Although his own disciples did not understand Jesus’ reason for accepting prostitutes like  John 12:1-8, he was a living example of compassion, forgiveness and love.

 

More than ever, there is a great disconnect within American culture.  People dress differently, pierce multiple body parts and express themselves like never before in our lifetime.  As a result, walls of prejudice, stereotypes and a wide range of beliefs have separated people before you even get to know them.  Like a prostitute, who get’s strange looks from observers, preconceived opinions prevent strangers from ever exchanging words.  May the love of Jesus, John 3:16-17, inspire individuals to display genuine concern like Sting to the Roxanne’s you encounter in life.

by Jay Mankus

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Good Grief Charlie Brown

Posted on August 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Beginning in the early1950’s, the Peanuts Comic Strip became a main stay in American newspapers.  As the popularity of Charles Schultz’s creation grew, television brought this animation to life in the 1960’s, known as the golden era of Peanuts.  By the 1980’s, holidays and Charlie Brown specials became an annual tradition  for families.  This is where children first saw Lucy pull back a football that Charlie Brown was about to kick, causing him to fall to the ground in anguish.  Thus, the expression, “Good grief Charlie Brown” was born.

Today, there is a different kind of pain parent’s experience.  Unrelated to sports, this infliction is derived when their own children begin to date individuals who have a questionable reputation.  Despite their initial warning, teenagers have a mind of their own, often neglecting the advice of mom or dad.  Blinded by love, lust or self-fulfillment, most proceed into a relationship, doing whatever it takes to love or be loved.  In many cases, a person blends into this new environment, compromising who they are and want to be.  As a result, I can hear adults mutter, “Good grief, Charlie Brown!”

According to Genesis 26:34-35, Esau’s choice in a wife, Judith the Hittite caused Isaac and Rebekah great distress.  Instead of seeking someone with a similar beliefs, standards,  and values, Esau goes outside of God’s family.  Although her physical appearance is not mentioned, its likely that Esau choose external features over character.  Like distant relatives, Esau’s decision to marry a Hittite leads him away from God’s favor, corrupted by a nation full of idols.  Once stuck in this relationship, the only barometer left was his conscience, “good grief Esau!”  Unfortunately, its too late for those who are gone, dead and buried.  Yet, for those of you still clinging to life, break free of sin’s chains so that you will bring peace and not grief to your family.

by Jay Mankus

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Snuffing Out Life

Posted on August 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One of the largest and longest snakes known to exist on earth is the anaconda.  Native to the tropics of South America, some of these species have been discovered in the Florida Everglades over the last decade according to Animal Planet.  Similar to a reticulated python, this non-venomous snake uses its teeth to hold on before squeezing its victim to death.  The power of this beast essentially snuffs out the life of its prey through suffocation.

Lucifer or Satan is portrayed as a crafty serpent in Genesis 3:1 and Revelation 12:9.  However, the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2, known as the devil, only has one of his demons referenced in the New Testament.  While the term legion is used by John Mark in Mark 5:9 in context with a demon possessed man, the word actually refers to a number, commonly used by Roman military leaders.  This leaves Acts 16:16 as the only place an individual demon is named.  The King James version uses the phrase “spirit of python,” translated into most modern translations as a spirit of divination or foretelling the future.

The thought of money had blinded this girl’s owners from the internal struggle within her soul.  Upon seeing Paul in Acts 16:16-18, she cries out for help, a last ditch effort before having any chances of a spiritual life snuffed out.  Entangled by the grips of a demon, Paul saves her life while endangering his own.  The devil poisoned the minds of these greedy owners, convincing the towns people to place Paul, Silas and Luke in prison.  Immediately following one victory, Acts 16:19-24, Satan tries to squeeze out of the love of Jesus from these men.

Today, the devil is up to his usual tricks, using defeat, failure and trials to suck the life out of individuals.  John 10:10 isn’t just something written over 2,000 years ago that no longer applies.  Rather, every day is a spiritual war, a battle that won’t end until heaven and earth pass away.  Therefore, if you feel the presence of depression, stress or worry begin to wrap around your neck, use prayer to put on the full armor of God, Ephesians 6:13-18.  Fight fire with spiritual fire, 1 Timothy 6:12, to avoid having your life snuffed out prematurely.

by Jay Mankus

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Heavenly Dwelling

Posted on May 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Come as you are to the Most High Place

Where an invisible shield will provide a refuge

Safety and security serve as a blanket of protection

With angels waiting in the wings, ready to act on a moment’s notice.

Like a force field, harm and predators bounce out without leaving a mark

The life guard on duty relies on love as a weapon of defense

Whenever a swimmer cries out for help, afraid of incoming breakers

The giver of life will come to your aid in a twinkling of an eye.

Delivering you from the waves of circumstances, situations and trials

As long as you remain in the presence of the Lord Most High

Long life, salvation and satisfaction will accompany you the rest of your days

Why wait any longer, since an open pew is awaiting for your arrival!

by Jay Mankus

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Spiritual Kisses

Posted on May 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Steven Curtis Chapman once jokingly sang about being in love or having the flu bug during his Great Adventure Concert Tour.  Likewise, Psalm 85:10 describes 4 attributes, which when joined together develop chemistry.  When love and faithfulness connect, its as if righteousness and peace kiss.

Daily emotions rise and fall, leaving behind periods of ecstasy and agony.  While God’s love never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8, human love is similar to Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus by a kiss. Matthew 26:48-49.  The side effects of Genesis 3:17-19 has turned the love of many ice cold like Demas in 2 Timothy 4:10.  On the outside there are signs of warmth, but internally the heart has been corrupted, Jeremiah 17:9.

Beside the fallen nature of mankind, Romans 3:23, there are traces of this spiritual element.  Honest and truthful words are like a kiss on the lips, Proverbs 24:26.  Fellowship with other believers brings out a kindred spirit, Acts 4:32-35.  The theological virtues of charity, faith and hope, 1 Corinthians 13:13, make love possible.  Finally, the cherry on the top is Colossians 3:13-14, making spiritual kisses a reality through the power of the Holy Spirit!  On this Mother’s Day, be a vehicle of adoration, passing on the love of Jesus to all you encounter!

by Jay Mankus

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Infestation

Posted on April 20, 2013 by expressyourself4him

During the summer of 2004, a series of pop up thunderstorms hovered over portions of Newark, Delaware.  In a two week stretch, 27 inches of rain fell over my house, which happened to be undergoing a major makeover, adding a 3rd story.  While 3 separate waterfalls made it through to the first floor, my yard was a another story.

A new pond was added to our property, killing all the grass below.  Five truck loads of fill, 40 feet of drain tile and a retention pond was added to restore grass in my back yard.  Years of tilling, weeding and various applications brought a sense of pride back to my lawn.  However, like an episode of Animal Planet’s Infested, I woke up this morning to a weed infestation.

 

Living in the transition zone, between rye and bermuda  grass doesn’t help, yet there isn’t any grass remaining, except a few once plush sodded areas.  Dandelions, clovers and numerous aggressive weeds have erased 5 years of hard labor.  As in life, if you don’t keep up with daily maintenance, possessions begin to fall apart.  Likewise, if you don’t spend time in prayer, reading the Bible or in worship, a spiritual erosion washes your foundation away, Matthew 7:24-27.  Don’t wait any longer or your next infestation will drive you away from the people and things that you love!

by Jay Mankus

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It Doesn’t Mean A Thing!

Posted on April 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

This generation of Americans like to talk, boasting about their own greatness, often stretching the truth beyond reality.  Athletes tend to trash talk.  Students seek to publicly display their knowledge.  Socialites enjoy shooting the breeze.  Yet, words don’t mean a thing, unless others see you serving Christ the King!

Meanwhile, modern churches are gravitating toward theology.  In an honest attempt to maintain biblical accuracy, some are falling prey to paralysis by over-analysis.  Flaunting their intelligence, church leaders are missing the mark set by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40 and the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:6.  Likewise, theology doesn’t mean a thing unless the love of Jesus is in the tune you sing.

The apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 is a message many church goers are overlooking.  Sure, you should understand the context of the Bible.  Yes, theology is important to preserve the correct interpretation of God’s Word.  However, the world continues to be turned off by Christians who misrepresent followers of God.  Thus, love doesn’t mean a thing, unless action is seen, not spoken.  Shine the light of the king today, Matthew 5:13!

by Jay Mankus

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