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When Your Mind Wanders…Worry Can Take Over

Posted on September 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who is dabbled in meteorology, I’ve always been fascinated by brewing storms in the distance. Sometimes these systems are unstable, breaking up before they reach your town. Yet, other storms intensify, catching residents off guard by its severity. When I take my eyes off of Jesus, my mind wanders and if I’m not careful, worry can and will take over quickly as another storm in life approaches.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do, James 1:6-8.

Since four of Jesus’ disciples were fisherman, the New Testament contains several references to water and waves. The passage above is from Jesus’ earthly brother. Perhaps this disbelief is a public confession as first century historians suggest that James didn’t believe that his brother was the promised Messiah until after Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter Sunday. James’ words serve as a warning that when your mind wanders, worry can take over.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Up until recently, my motto was “control what you can control and let God take care of the rest.” Yet, as my confidence reaches an all-time low, I’m worrying about things that I rarely thought of in the past. As my confidence slides, my mind wonders “what’s going on and when will this bad streak end?” The apostle Paul gave advice to an anxious church in the passage above. The moment your thoughts wander out of control, pray immediately and spend time giving thanks to God for what you currently have.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 197: Shake the Dust Off

Posted on August 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s artist began his music career as a founding member of Florida Christian rock group Bellarive. Yet, when Sean Curran joined Passion as a featured artist in 2017, he received national recognition. While scanning the internet, I found Shake the Dust Off as part of a worship music collection. This title reminds me as Jesus’ words shared to disciples who are sent out two to two to share the Good News about Jesus.

Then if indeed that house is deserving, let come upon it your peace [that is, [b]freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin]. But if it is not deserving, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive and accept and welcome you nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or town, shake the dust [of it] from your feet, Matthew 10:13-14.

Yet, Shake Off the Dust could refer to individuals who have fallen, trip or were knocked down by someone or something. If you land in grass, anyone who is O.C.D. will immediately brush off their clothes to remove any dirt or grass clippings. Depending upon how you view this expression, you could have a positive or negative impression. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy listening to Shake the Dust Off.

by Jay Mankus

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A Nagging Sting that Doesn’t Go Away

Posted on August 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

My first bee sting came as a child in a blue berry patch. Fortunately, my mom was an EMT at the time. As a teenager, I ran over a hornet’s nest while cutting grass resulting in multiple stings. Despite being young, the pain from these stingers lingered for a month. In the last days on earth, a creature will arise that will be leave stung victims with a nagging pain for five months.

The locusts resembled horses equipped for battle. On their heads was something like golden crowns. Their faces resembled the faces of people. 8 They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9 Their breastplates (scales) resembled breastplates made of iron, and the [whirring] noise made by their wings was like the roar of a vast number of horse-drawn chariots going at full speed into battle, Revelation 9:7-9.

You don’t have to have an encounter with a bee to get stung in life. Maybe you lost an important friendship, endured a heart-breaking divorce or were betrayed by someone you trusted. Whenever a relationship ends badly or has been permanently damaged, this can be like a nagging sting that doesn’t go away. With just the sight of this individual, phone call or text, this pain you tried to hide remerges.

They have tails like scorpions, and they have stings, and in their tails lies their ability to hurt men for [the] five months, Revelation 9:10.

The disciple whom Jesus loved has a vision of what life will be like in the last days on earth. Following a series of tribulations, locusts with a stinger most powerful than a scorpion will inflict devastation over the earth for five months. While no one will be killed by these locusts, the pain will be too much to bear. As you endure present trials on earth, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 so that you will find rest for troubled and weary souls.

by Jay Mankus

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Enjoy Your Walk

Posted on October 22, 2020 by expressyourself4him

When I normally give my dog Akira a walk, it’s before the sunrise, guided by the street lights in my neighborhood. Since I’m usually in a hurry, rarely do I enjoy the walk, thinking about everything that I have to do. With my wife out of town, I was able to see the smile on Akira’s face today. This is her favorite time of the day, eager to get out, explore and see other dogs. Akira’s joy made me think about a different kind of walk.

Now He Who has fashioned us [preparing and making us fit] for this very thing is God, Who also has given us the [Holy] Spirit as a guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]. 6 So then, we are always full of good and hopeful and confident courage; we know that while we are at home in the body, we are abroad from the home with the Lord [that is promised us], 2 Corinthians 5:5-6.

The Bible uses walk in the context of a personal relationship with God. Some authors refer to this relationship as a journey or a race. The apostle Paul takes life one day at a time, walking by faith along the way. Faith serves as a thermostat, regulating Christian lives through beliefs and convictions. Trusting God combined with holy fervor enables modern day believers to enjoy their walk with Jesus.

For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance. 8 [Yes] we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord, 2 Corinthians 5:7-8.

The closer you get to God, the more enjoyable your walk will become. Yet, like anything in life, some days are good, others are fair and there will be bad days. Instead of walking in sunshine, storms, wind and rain will pour down upon weakened and troubled souls. If you’re not careful, you will allow your environment to dictate your faith. Therefore, walk by faith so that you will begin to enjoy your walk, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

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Juggling Your Way Through Life

Posted on July 1, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The oldest known depiction of juggling was discovered in the Beni-Hassan tombs. Images of woman juggling were found among acrobats and dancers on a crypt wall that dates back to the middle-kingdom of ancient Egypt. The modern word for juggling was derived from the English term jogelin. This refers to entertaining others by performing tricks. Contemporary jugglers have perfected this physical skill by throwing objects in the air, catching them and throwing them back up.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls, Matthew 11:28-29.

After watching an episode of Joan of Arcadia that features juggling, today’s blog was conceived. Although the Season 2 Episode 8 is entitled Friday Night, Judith persuades Joan to use juggling as a Physics project. During this show, Joan meets a man who shares a parable. A man who weighs 190 has to carry three 10 pounds boxes over a bridge. The only problem is that this foot bridge has a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds. The only way this man could make it across in one try was by juggling these 3 boxes.

For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne, Matthew 11:30.

Using a story line from this episode, life has a way of throwing many things at you. Sometimes unexpected trials come in bunches, overwhelming souls with multiple burdens. Unless you have a friend to share this load, pain and weight, individuals are forced to juggle what they can. If you are alone, the weight of circumstances, ordeals and situations can suck the life out of you. When you reach this point or stage in life, you need to learn how to unload unexpected burdens. In the passages above, Jesus provides a blueprint to release these burdens as a form of prayer. When anxieties, concerns and worries don’t go away, keep juggling.

by Jay Mankus

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What Kind of Sign are You Holding Up?

Posted on June 2, 2020 by expressyourself4him

A newly married couple once came across a dense fog. As other vehicles slowed to a crawl, the husband attempted to make a pass on a two lane highway. While passing the final car, creating this traffic jam, their car is clipped by a truck heading in the opposite direction. The newlyweds flip end over end, traveling several hundred feet before coming to rest in the parking lot of a local business. Since the fog was so thick, other vehicles continue to pass by, unable to see their totaled vehicle.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, Matthew 5:13-14.

After being knocked out for a few minutes, the man comes to, seeing his wife lying in a pool of bed. Compelled to act quickly before the woman he loves bleeds to death, this man frees himself from the wreck searching for help. To his surprise, this couple landed in a doctor’s parking lot, kicking on the door with his foot fervently with his still wife’s body in his hands. As an elderly man opens the door, the doctor replies, “I’m sorry I stopped practicing years ago.”

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:15-16.

If you are observant, every day you will cross paths with someone in need of help. A co-worker going through a series of trials, a neighbor coping with a death of a relative or friend looking for a source of hope. According to a recent study, 240 million Americans claim to Christians. However, many of these believers have stopped practicing what they believe. Instead, few portray signs of spiritual life like the salt of the earth or light of the world. When the wounded come to your door steps, what kind of sign are you holding up? May this story that I recently heard motivate you to put your faith into action.

by Jay Mankus

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Far from Oppression

Posted on May 2, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The term fear is mentioned more than 500 times in the Bible. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous. When fear is left to linger without confronting, this invisible force can ravage hearts and minds. When ideal conditions are present, oppression is conceived. Oppression is the prolonged cruel and unjust treatment that often debilitate souls.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you,] John 16:33.

While speaking to his disciples, Jesus revealed a plan to be far from oppression. After telling these 12 men that he would be killed, a spirit of fear likely hovered over their minds. Sensing this attack, Jesus comforts these individuals with a promise, sending a counselor following his departure. Encouraging these individuals, Jesus calls for acts of courage, to be undaunted in the face of fear.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection], 1 John 4:18.

Apparently, this message got through to at least one of the disciples. The passage above suggests that you too can be far from oppression if you do not fear. The key is seeing Jesus’ role in conquering fear. Perfect love drives out fear, expelling any traces of terror. As you mature spiritually, fears that once held you down, slide quickly to your side. The ultimate goal is to reach full maturity of love so you steer clear of oppression.

by Jay Mankus

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If You Can Not Stand the Heat…Get Out of the Kitchen

Posted on March 31, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Harry S. Truman coined the phrase “if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen” in 1942. The context of this expression refers to heat as those things in life that bother you. The kitchen is symbolic of the entire situation, the source of the heat, prone to boiling over. Over the years, stand has been replace with handle, yet the overall meaning hasn’t changed.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

Perhaps, Jesus relayed a similar message to first century believers. The passage above was written by Jesus’ earthly brother, likely quoting something said or taught. Life isn’t designed to remain in a cool, air conditioned unit. Rather, God uses the heat provided by hardships to stretch your comfort zone. These difficult encounters provide opportunities for growth, exposing your flawed, vulnerable and weak areas in life.

[You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7 So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed, 1 Peter 1:6-7.

One of Jesus’ disciples compares life to a furnace, serving as a purifying process, like a kiln to a potter. If you aren’t tested by out of control circumstances, you won’t know what you were capable of or can handle. Thus, as unpleasant as these events may be, trials and tribulations play a big part in life, serving as mechanisms to build character, endurance and a steadfast spirit. Therefore, the next time God turns up the heat on you, embrace the moment until your assignment is complete.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your World Has Been Shaken

Posted on March 28, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Some reporters have compared the Coronavirus to the millennials 9/11. Since my youngest two children were born after September 11th, 2001, I understand this comparison. For me, I remember exactly where I was when I first received news of two airplanes crashing into the Twin Towers. At this time in history, I was an independent contractor and regional staff writer for Travel Golf Media. Both of my positions were impacted as air travel ceased until new safety standards were implemented. Yet, as the Coronavirus continues to reap havoc throughout America, life as we know it has been disturbed and shaken.

There he came to a cave and lodged in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah? 10 He replied, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I, I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away, 1 Kings 19:9-10.

The Old Testament details a story about a prophet whose own world had been shaken. According to the passage above, the Israelites had turned their back on God, turning a deaf ear to Elijah. Beside feeling useless, altars dedicated to the Lord were discarded from mountain tops. In addition, Elijah’s friends were all killed at the hands of Jezebel. Without any signs of improvement, this former spiritual leader had lost the will to live, giving up hope that God could alter his situation. As a way to get Elijah’s attention, a series of natural disasters struck the land. Taking notice, Elijah did not see the Lord as the source behind the tornado, earthquake and fire. Yet, after these storms, Elijah was ready to hear God’s still small voice.

And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice, 1 Kings 19:11-12.

Well, if you live in a state like Delaware, you are now under a stay at home order. Normal outdoor sports are now out of the equation, on hold until the Coronavirus fades or dies out. Sure, you can go to the grocery store, get gas and take a walk around the block, but that’s it. So… what is one to do with their life when your world has been shaken? Well, after you binge watch your favorite show or series, dusting off the Bible would be a step in the right direction. The great aspect of free will is that God doesn’t force you to anything. The choices that you make throughout life will shape who you become. May this forced time at home due to the Coronavirus draw you near to God as the world around us continues to be shaken.

by Jay Mankus

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Time for Moving On

Posted on February 27, 2020 by expressyourself4him

In my preparation to write this blog, I found with link with 2974 quotes about healing. There is an old saying that “time has a way of healing all wounds.” Unfortunately, not everyone recovers from an accident, addiction, broken relationship or painful experience. According to a recent study, nearly 15 million Americans struggle with various degrees of depression. These individuals aren’t ready to move on.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, 3 A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, Ecclesiastes 3:1-3.

As a judge, King’s Solomon’s rulings on cases are filled with insight, strategic genius and wisdom. The most famous was a dispute between two woman claiming to be the rightful mother of a living child. After a baby dies in the middle of the night, an awake woman takes a nearby infant and replaces him with her dead child. This case is brought before Solomon, making what appears to be a strange ruling to have this baby cut in two. However, this decision is merely a plan to reveal the true mother, 1 Kings 3.

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live], Ephesians 2:10.

Even when you experience a positive outcome following a trial, life can be emotionally draining. Instead of going from point A to point B in a straight line and so on, each week is full of dead ends, detours and road blocks. Trying to stay hopeful, optimistic and upbeat while undergoing hardships is difficult. Yet, with God’s all consuming love by your side, God wants you to let go of the past by setting your sights on the future, Ephesians 2:10.

by Jay Mankus

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