Tag Archives: mind

Too Precious to be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted on December 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

I guess you can say there is something within me that tries to figure out why people behave in a specific manner.  A shy personality early on in life gave me time to people watch, pondering and narrowing in on traits others often overlook.  Although this thought never crossed my mind, deep down I believed all of God’s creatures are too precious to be flushed down the toilet.

As a teacher, I learned to notice subtle behavior changes in my students.  Death, divorce and unemployment were common denominators.  While no one responds to trials exactly the same way, mood swings typically give away the emotions young people endure.  Distractions, temptations and wanting to grow up too fast can devastate delicate souls.  One untimely comment, put down or word can push a distraught mind over the edge, staring suicide in the face.

Looking back as an adult, warts become more obvious, sticking out like a sore thumb.  Pessimism has contributed to society’s demise, creating a tsunami of anger, hatred and negativity.  This venom is expressed verbally each day through trash talking.  The byproduct of the tongue’s wrath is carnage, lies and tarnished reputations.  One of the few glimmers of hope is songs like Gold by Britt Nicole.  May the lyrics of this song touch your heart and remind you, life is too precious to be flushed down the toilet.

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Did God Really Tell Me That?

Posted on October 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 
Although its been thousands of years since Lucifer first planted the idea of questioning God within eve’s mind, Genesis 3:1, there is a new trend gaining traction.  Sure, there will always be doubters, haters and nay sayers who will claim God does not exist.  Yet, this latest fad might be more harmful, especially when their promises come up empty.  Like a page out of the Bible, more and more people are sharing stories about how God is speaking to them in an audible voice, either in dreams, during a prayer or while reading the Bible.  Before these phanatics get excited by telling anyone who will listen, maybe they should practice 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, asking the question, “did God really tell me that?”

The reason why I say this is that gullible and hurting people are often burned by optimistic news, taking what pastors, television evangelists or faith healers say as gospel, as if these words came straight out of Jesus’ mouth.  Back in February of 2012, I began to hear countless testimonies, people who reached out to the parents of Joseph Feeley, one of my former students who had been battling cancer for 2 years.  Though I believe each had good intentions, they were proved wrong when Joseph went to be home with the Lord on February 27th, less than a month after confidently proclaiming Joseph would be healed, traveling throughout the country as a motivational speaker.

Six months later, I received a similar message at a Christian bookstore in Delaware.  Since I was still searching for a full time job, I was vulnerable, grasping at straws for anything positive.  When I wrote a blog on this encounter in late August of 2012, I was hopeful the words of this prophet might come true, “God will reward you with a great paying job, surpassing your wildest imagination.”  Unfortunately, this grandois prophecy did not occur within the time table give but who knows, maybe my position at Amazon could turn into something special.  However, like the Feeley family, I am still in a lot of pain, disappointed by the outcome of my current path.

Instead of crying over spilled milk, I won’t give up on chasing my dreams of becoming a novelist, screen writer or both.  In future blogs, I will be careful not to exploit anyone with promises unless I am certain of a specific message, truth or word of insight people need to hear.  The lesson to be learned from this blog is to dot your i’s and cross your t’s, ensuring your words don’t inflict false hope to a world searching for answers.  May these words, stirring within my heart, strike a cord, helping you to reflect before blotting out any words in the future.

by Jay Mankus

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The Thorns of Life

Posted on September 27, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

When speaking to someone was impossible, Jesus became an engaging figure, using stories to captivate his audience.  Like tiny little morsels, Jesus’ parables contain a wealth of knowledge about life.  On this particular Sabbath in Matthew 13:1-9, the crowds grew so extensive that Jesus entered a boat just off shore, sitting down as his followers gathered around the beach to listen.

 

As he continued, Jesus had the farmers in the palm of his hands, speaking about the different terrains each encounters.  Since cursing the land in Genesis 3:17-18, finding ideal conditions was rare, leaving compacted, rocky and weed infested areas to grow crops.  God’s words in Genesis foreshadowed current conditions with painful toil resulting in thorns, thistles and some plants to eat, Matthew 13:22.

 

Within my own yard, I see the thorns of life more than ever before.  It seems like the older I get, briar patches of worry begin to choke the joy out of life.  Meanwhile, sticker bushes leave marks, wounds to my soul, often tearing my heart in the wrong direction.  Thistles have become like sand on the seashore, sticking like burrs, embedding within my body like a parasite.  If I don’t seek spiritual medical attention soon, even my mind is in danger of being poisoned like Peter, Matthew 16:23.

Unfortunately, these thorns aren’t going anywhere until Jesus returns.  Therefore, you must use your Bible as a spiritual Farmers Almanac, getting clued in daily about impending droughts, famine or trials.  Although you have no control over the soil, you can place yourself into a healthier social environment.  Change is hard, but its a step in God’s direction.  May the Holy Spirit serve as a spiritual Round Up to stop, thorns, thistles and weeds of life before they wrap around your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Reinvention or Revolutionary?

Posted on September 14, 2013 by expressyourself4him

K.I.S.S. is one of the first acronyms I was introduced to in high school, referring to the expression Keep It Simple Stupid.  Whether you are talking about a complex matter, difficult course or the meaning of life, individuals must be careful not to over analyze things.  As long you can narrow a topic down to its most basic ideas, the less confused you will be and if yourjob relies on explaining details to others, the clearer your message will become.

Jesus modeled K.I.S.S. by regularly talking to people on their level, using stories that a vast majority of citizens could relate to and understand.  Jesus wasn’t concerned about theology, emphasizing who God the Father is, their relation to one another and how you can enter into a personal relationship with the Creator of life, John 3:16-18.  In regards to discipleship, you don’t need a PhD to grasp how to grow a Bible Study, Church or Home Group.  Go into the world, where light is fading or snuffed out, take the gift or talent implanted within you, 2 Timothy 1:6 and go develop like minded believers just as Jesus invested 3 years of his life in 12 men.

Unfortunately, some where along the way, people have begun relying on self-help material, trying to reinvent the wheel instead of simply keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.  Book after book, theory after theory, video series and the like  claim to be revolutionary, yet are they?  If King Solomon claimed nearly 4,000 years ago there is nothing new under the sun, Ecclesiastes 1:9, why are many gullible people who are persuaded by their sales pitches?  I’m not sure what the answer is, but I do know this: Nike’s motto is noteworthy for those hungry for change, Just do It! – Matthew 28:19-20

by Jay Mankus

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The Conservative Conscience

Posted on September 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Conservative refers to holding firmly to traditional values.  From an American perspective, this means adhering to the biblical principles which the United States of America was founded upon.  Meanwhile, a conscience is an inner feeling or voice in your mind, serving to guide one’s behavior in the right direction.  Thus, the conservative conscience was designed by God, implanted within each soul, to impart prudence, temperance and fortitude to individuals.

An example of the conservative conscience is found in Genesis 42:21-23.  Reuben, the oldest of Joseph’s 11 brothers is steered away from blaming God for his trial.  Instead, Reuben’s conscience convicts him of throwing Joseph into an empty well, faking his death and lying to his father, by placing goat’s blood all over the special rob Jacob made for Joseph.  As long as a spirit of compromise does not enter your body, this conservative conscience is available to all human beings.

Unfortunately, the conscience has been under attack for more than 50 years in America.  Atheists convinced educators that God did not belong in public schools during the 1960’s.  Abortion made killing a children inside a mother’s womb legal in the early 70’s.  The Home Box Office brought nationwide cable television into homes by the 80’s.  Little by little, compromise by compromise, lie by lie, the conservative nature of the conscience has been lost.  Without many Reuben like role models, society has forgotten why the conscience exists.  May God has mercy on us, turn us back toward the Holy Spirit and rejuvenate the conservative conscience!

by Jay Mankus

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The Envy of Cain

Posted on August 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When envy is present within the hearts and minds of individuals, jealousy usually isn’t far off.  Envy and jealousy often feed off of one another breeding the other feeling.  Envy arises deep inside the human soul, aroused by someone else’s material possessions, personality or unique gifts resulting in a spirit of discontent and resentment.  On the other  hand, jealousy is the emotion one experiences when someone thinks they are about to be replaced by the flavor of the month, leading to apprehension and fear.  This is where you find Cain within the pages of Genesis 4.

Cain was the prized baby, the first born boy on planet earth.  As an infant, his mom and dad waited on every cry and whimper.  Like modern parents returning from a hospital, both are clueless, not sure how to handle or respond to this new creature who has entered their life.  As for Cain, every thing was peachy keen until Abel arrived onto the scene.  Cain was now longer the main attraction, forced to share time with his baby brother.  If this wasn’t enough to bear, Cain realized how much harder farming was compared to shepherding, Abel’s occupation.  Then, God had to go and play favorites, rejecting Cain’s weak offering, but extremely pleased by the fat portions brought by Abel, Genesis 4:3-5.  These ingredients conceived the envy of Cain.

Before I studied the definitions of envy and jealousy, I never imagined either of these 2 acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21, stirred inside my heart.  However, as I read the numerous definitions and examples of each on the internet, I saw signs of the envy of Cain within me.  Whether you are a coach, teacher or hard working employee, there is always someone quicker, smarter and more appealing than you.  Thus, you need to learn to be content in the areas God has gifted you.  If you don’t, you are giving the devil an open door for the envy of Cain to reside within you, Ephesians 4:25-27.  Therefore, lean on the the grace, forgiveness and mercy of God to purge yourself of any traces of envy or jealousy.

by Jay Mankus

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How Can I Know For Sure?

Posted on July 27, 2013 by expressyourself4him

An innocent child folds their hands in the dark, calling out to an invisible God, waiting for a reply.  As years go on, this teenager places a condition on their request, “if only my parents could get back together, then I will believe?”  Once college begins, this student is bombarded with Communism, Marxism and Political Correctness, pondering in the back of their minds, “how can I know sure, what is real and what is a facade?”

Like a locomotive, times steams down the tracks of life.  Adulthood brings responsibility, bills, more bills and potentially children.  This adult now wrestles with balance, questioning if they have done enough to provide for their family without neglecting their loved ones.  Before you know, times vanishes, leaving a glimpse of your glory days, pondering retirement and beyond.  Finally, on your death bed, as you breathe your last breaths on earth, you ask one more time, “how can I know for sure that God is real?”

This question was first asked by Abram in Genesis 15:8 as his life wasn’t working out as he had hoped or planned.  His wife Sarai had not be able to bear any children, he was nearing 80 and despite being able to talk to God face to face in the mountains, Abram still had doubt in the back of his mind.  The disciples had similar concerns in John 14:1-4, as Jesus reveals his plans to go ahead to heaven, preparing rooms for his followers.  Finally, the one whom Jesus loved, leaves one final piece of assurance.  The promise of 1 John 5:13 should provide the confidence you need as you fall asleep this evening in peace, knowing there is a God and you can spend eternity with Him, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

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The Original Indecent Proposal

Posted on July 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Still of Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson in Indecent ProposalIn 1993, Hollywood pushed the envelope further than most screen writers had gone before in the film Indecent Proposal.  As Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore lose their life savings gambling in Las Vegas, they encounter a billionaire who offers a selfish plan to solve their financial woes.  Robert Redford offers one million dollars to the couple if Woody allows him to spend one night with his wife.  Controversial at the time, this concept is an idea taken right out of the Bible.

Still of Robert Redford in Indecent ProposalFour hundred years following the flood, God called Abram to leave Haran and the comfort of his family, Genesis 12:1.  Traveling toward Canaan, Abram makes 2 altars to the Lord, dedicating his life to the Lord in the hills between Bethel and Ai.  However, like the 1993 movie, during the first sign of turbulence, a famine, Abram relies on himself, not the Lord.  Since it was common for kings to steal beautiful wives, killing their husbands, Abram came up with the original indecent proposal.

Located in Genesis 12:10-13, Abram encourages Sarai his wife to tell a little white lie to Pharaoh.  Compromise is so subtle, logically excusing ourselves from sin due to circumstance.  As this plan is carried out to completion, Abram becomes a hero, honored with sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels and servants.  In the process, Sarai is taken as Pharaoh’s wife, but curses follow his family immediately.  Like the sailor’s in the days of Jonah 1:8, Pharaoh quickly recognizes Abram as the source of his troubles.

Being duped by Abram, Pharaoh confronts him in Genesis 12:17-20, kicking this couple out of Egypt, left to fend for themselves during the rest of the famine.  While on  the outside, Abram might have felt like he got away with his plan, consequences follow.  Sarai becomes barren, she talks Abram into having a son with another woman, Genesis 16:1-2 and trials become a way of life for this couple.  If your life is a mess like this family or you are feeling burdened by the stress of life, call on the name of the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6.  If you do this, the Holy Spirit will keep you from going through with any indecent proposals that pop into your mind, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

by Jay Mankus

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Designated Driver

Posted on July 21, 2013 by expressyourself4him

During my second year of college, my father got transferred to Cleveland, Ohio.  To help ease this difficult transition, my mom joined a group called, New Clevelanders.  Meeting once a month in a socially setting, I was introduced to a handful of students in the same situation.  Eventually, a handful of us formed a tight circle, getting together for Karaoke, hanging at a Sports Bars or dancing at Night Clubs once a week.  From time to time, I served as the designated driver, meeting at a friend’s home and driving everyone to and from the Flats, a series of nightclubs along the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland.

One of the initial benefits of being a designated driver was free refills of soda while these friends drank pitures of beer.  Once they were tipsy, their fears of dancing in front of peers wore off.  Attending a high school with great dances, I gradually learned to become a decent dancer, not needing a beverage to do so.  However, I did not enjoy dancing with strangers, so one night I indulged, speeding up the process to get my friends to the dance floor.  One of my girl “friends” saw my pace and began to switch roles, becoming a substitute designate driver on the fly.

When you have multiple drinks, its no wonder that Liquor Stores contain billboards and signs with Wine and Spirits on them.  Once you partake in alcohol, something overcomes your body, causing you to say things you usually think, but don’t verbalize.  Neal McCoy illustrates this point in his song Beer Googles.  Unless someone is trying to use alcohol as a means to forget their misery, a normal person can only handle being  drunk so many times.  After working the next morning, feeling the side effects for nearly 24 hours, drinking lost its allure.  A few years later, alcohol poisoning nearly ended my life at a friend’s wedding, hugging a toilet for several hours in the middle of the night.

My body hasn’t consumed alcohol in nearly 20 years.  I can’t even bear any kind of food cooked in alcohol, often spitting it out right away or getting a headache from the slightest smell.  Though I tried to fit in, I have found my true identity as a designated driver.  I don’t need alcohol to have fun, laugh or enjoy an evening.  Therefore, when I do entertain friends who drink, I don’t mind offering my services.  While there was a time I fled from this atmosphere, I have learned that you have to meet others on their terms, in their comfort zone before you can make an impact like Jesus, Matthew 9:11-13.  Wherever you are, be the light and salt of the earth, adding flavor to the lives of those who do not know Jesus, Matthew 5:13-16.

by Jay Mankus

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Not So Far Fetched As I Once Thought

Posted on July 20, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One of the first jobs I applied to after losing my teaching position of 10 years was at a Christian College in Ohio.  Like submitting an application to attend a local university, several pages were involved, requiring hours of my concentration.  The last portion required a thesis statement based upon previous research on a biblical passage.  To save time I collected numerous power point slides from classes I had taught, rewrote a thesis from one of my honors courses and cross referenced my theory with scientific data.  Although I did not get this position, a rhema that I received  today from the Lord, makes me think my theory is not so far fetch as I once thought.

As I read Genesis 8:1 this morning, the Jet Stream popped into my mind.  The Jet Stream are upper level winds which are usually 5-7 miles above the earth’s surface.  These winds can blow as fast as 200 miles an hour, within a stream that is thousands of miles long and a few hundred miles wide.  This weather system flows west to east, but shifts north to south depending upon the season.  The Jet Stream exists in the tropopause, the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere of the earth’s atmosphere.  Based upon my gut feelings, I believe God created the Jet Stream to help dry the earth after the flood.  Once the Open Canopy was eliminated by God, the Jet Stream was necessary to circulate precipitation throughout the earth.  In the process, this new element also likely formed the first ice age, freezing mountains of water in the polar regions.

According to Genesis 8:3-4, Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, modern day turkey on July 17th.  The amount of water was so massive that it took until October 1st until all the mountain ranges of the earth were uncovered.  If you have ever seen the earth from an airplane, several areas over the United States have what appear to be ripples, traces of an ancient and worldwide flood which could have formed the Grand Canyon and Great Lakes.  By February 27th of the following year, the earth was completely dry based upon the accounts passed on to Moses in Genesis 8:14.  While I can’t say for sure this information is true, its plausible.  Just as the Discovery, History and Weather Channels speculate about past disasters, I felt compelled to share these notions with you.  Some may think I’m bizarre, others that I’s crazy, but maybe, just maybe a few will think this is not so far fetched as you once thought.

by Jay Mankus

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