Tag Archives: party

The Noise Inside of Heaven

Posted on November 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, Christmas Classics won’t be far behind, airing in the next month.  One of my favorites, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” tries to explain how angels can influence human beings.  Henry Travers, plays Clarence, an angel longing to earn his wings by helping George, played by Jimmy Stewart, see how great his life is despite the financial woes of the Great Depression.  This film portrays the noise inside of heaven, ringing bells, as angels complete their assignment thereby earning their wings.

According to the Bible, heaven is compared to a party, similar to a wedding reception, Matthew 22:1-14.  From an eyewitness, the son of God, rejoicing occurs every time a sinner repents, Luke 15:7.  While there are certain stereotypes linked to born again Christians, this doesn’t mean that a church service can’t turn into a football frenzy audience.  In additional, beyond the emotions of any celebration, there will be no tears in heaven, Revelation 21:4, wiped away by Jesus

On earth, the sound of gun shots, screams and violence make heaven seem like an eternity away.  Instead of letting a doom and gloom mentality cause you to give up hope, take advantage of the coming Christmas Spirit.  May believers bring Joy to the World as the sweet sound of worship music revive souls, bringing the noise inside of heaven down to earth.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Don’t Be Late to the Party

Posted on June 15, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Cinderella was held up, late to the ball due to jealous step sisters.  David wasn’t even invited, until a prophet passed on his brothers, getting a late invitation, 1 Samuel 16:10.   Today, many try to play it cool, arriving casually late to make a grand entrance.

In life, there is one party you don’t want to be late to or forget about.  The prodigal son became engrossed in his own sinful desires, seeking to indulge in the pleasures of this world, Luke 15:13.  This invisible force is one of the greatest distractions, 1 John 2:15-17, causing half of the 10 virgins to miss the party entirely, Matthew 25:10-13.

At a funeral, heaven is often assumed, whether you made your reservations or not, 1 John 5:13.  Some may get a second chance, surviving a near death experience.  Regardless of the cards you are dealt, the road you choose lies in the choices you make, Deuteronomy 30:15.  Don’t be late to the final party in life or else you’ll have eternity to regret it.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

R and R

Posted on April 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

From 1972 to 1983, the CBS television series MASH, short for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, brought the concept of R & R to prime time.  The phrase R & R is an abbreviation for Rest and Relaxation.  In MASH, doctors and nurses alike went to Tokyo to unwind from the stress of hour upon hour in an operating room.  Although Hollywood’s portrayal often included drunkenness and debauchery, everyone needs a little R & R monthly to recharge their internal batteries.

A season 1 episode of Joan of Arcadia entitled Recreation illustrates a similar point when God calls Joan played by Amber Tamblyn to through a party when her parents go away to celebrate their anniversary.  Initially skeptical, gossip spreads like wild fire at Arcadia High, causing a motley crew of students to show up.  Instead of closing in on a known drug operation, the police are called to Joan’s house to check on complaints called in by neighbors.  Subsequently, Joan’s party saves her father’s partner from an explosion at the stake out location.

The term recreation means to recreate.  After a 10 day vacation for the first time in 2 years, I feel like a new person, with a fresh mind set on making a difference in life again.  Part of me was caught in the grind of life, losing focus and desire.  However, as I start a new week, I am prepared to rise above the challenges I face.  Despite the hardships on the horizon, rest and relaxation has provided a rejuvenated soul.  When your own life becomes boring, stale or unfulfilled, make sure you seek a little R & R to break through the monotony in life.

Please share how R & R has helped you in the past.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Leave a comment

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

The Purging of Fools

Posted on February 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

According to Webster, a fool demonstrates imprudence, silly behavior and unwise acts.  Today, it doesn’t take much effort to recognize foolishness in our culture.  Idiots, imbeciles and morons are making millions as reality TV stars.  Whether its the annoying person on Survivor, the American Idol contestant who can’t sing a lick or drunks on Moonshiners, some where along the way being foolish is now cool, especially if you can amuse others with laughter.

If there was an uncensored version of the Bible, I’m sure Moses muttered numerous things under his breath as he tried to lead a nation of fools into God’s promised land.  As Moses and Joshua listened to God for 40 days, providing guidelines for life, Aaron was holding down the fort as the high priest of Israel until they returned.  Like the blind leading the blind, Aaron panicked, failed to demonstrate leadership and broke the first 2 commandments by creating a golden calf in Exodus 32.  While most pastors stop their sermons here, I’ve never heard anyone speak of the purging of fools.

When the principle enters a classroom unannounced, students usually settle down, putting on their best behavior to avoid getting in trouble.  Unfortunately, when Moses rolled back into camp in Exodus 32:25-28, thousands of Israelites ignored Moses’ entrance, partying like it was 1999.  Like a coach or teacher trying to see who’s paying attention in class, Moses makes a challenge that is answered by the Levites, the priestly tribe, seemingly the only group disturbed by Israel’s reckless behavior.  Subsequently, God purged Israel of 3000 fools, who were not willing to obey or respect God’s commands.

In the New Testament, we find a kinder, gentler God, who offers His grace to those who believe in Jesus, Ephesians 2:4-8.  However, not much has changed since the days of Moses as millions are still living for the day, partying each weekend and are redefining foolishness with acts that  would make Sodom and Gomorrah blush.  As a circus of fools spread throughout America and across the world, may God have mercy, open the eyes of the spiritually blind and transform their lives before foolish acts result in death and destruction.

by Jay Mankus

1 Comment

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

Watch Your Ways

Posted on March 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When I was a freshman in high school, I was privileged to be asked to attend my first party by a sophomore.  While I had a crush on this girl at the time, something in my heart told me not to go.  Thus, as half of this party was being arrested for under aged drinking, I was subbing for my parent’s Friday Night bowling league.  On this night, I could do no wrong like a blessing from above, bowling my best single game, 199 and three games series, 570.  I knew I was in the right place as my first poor shot of the evening hit 3 pins initially, before somehow turning into a strike.

Psalm 39:1 illustrates a similar principle with 3 directions for life.  First, King David shares the importance of watching your ways.  This includes how you spend your time, the friends you choose, places you go and entertainment decisions you make.  If I rejected my initial gut feeling, my entire high school experience and career path might have changed.  Fortunately, my parents had raised me up in the church, which has provided guidance and wisdom along the way.

Second, David warns others to keep their tongue from sin.  The most common temptation in schools and the workplace is gossip and or slander.  However, if you steer clear from this, anger can also encourage evil words to roll off your lips.  In addition, envy, jealousy and pride may inspire venomous words, attacking others, often in the form of a word curse.  Like the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:5, the best way to keep your tongue from sin is by taking your thoughts captive, making them obedient to Christ.

Finally, the king ends Psalm 39:1 by emphasizing the need to put a muzzle over your mouth.  Slightly different from the tongue, I believe David is referring to your conversation.  Jesus talks about adding flavor to others by what you say, Matthew 5:13.  Paul adds to Jesus’ words by stressing the need for grace in Colossians 4:6.  Even Peter, who struggled with this area throughout his life adds a reminder for gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15-16.  Therefore, whether you want to change your way, tongue or mouth, if you put God’s word into practice, Matthew 7:24, eternal blessings will follow.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Y.M.C.A.

Posted on February 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The Village People created a classic song in 1978, worthy of almost any celebration.  Short for Young Men’s Christian’s Association, Y.M.C.A. sold over 10 million copies and remains a favorite at discos, school dances and weddings.  One of the core values the Y.M.C.A. still holds today is to develop the body, mind and spirit.  This is achieved through activities, education and physical fitness at local facilities scattered across America.

The latin root of education is educatus which means to lead forth from within.  If the origin suggests education shapes an individual, then a nation’s future depends upon the quality of schooling it provides.  According to 2009 scores from the Programme for International Student Assessment, the United States education system continues to decline when compared with the other global leaders.  Out of 34 industrialized nations, the U.S. ranks 14th in Reading, 17th in Science and 25th in Math, falling to the middle of the pack.

While the National Education Association blames a lack of funding to explain these results, the truth of the matter is when the Bible and prayer were expelled from public education in the 1960’s, standards have plummeted every decade since.  The founders of the YMCA knew something that experts are overlooking today, the body and spirit must not be forgotten.  If schools were held to the same standards as Survival of the Fittest or like businesses which are forced to close when they continue to lose money, education would be back on a track toward success.

Unfortunately, too much government red tape, influences of labor unions and political correctness is crippling education is America.  Instead, the United States is following the playbook of past leaders like Che, Mao and Stalin, creating a generation of students programmed to believe everything they hear and read.  As a result, bodies have become heavier, minds lighter and spirits on the verge of death.  At moments in time like this, it is important to look to history for guidance or in this case reflect upon the words of a classic song.

Young man, Are you listening to me
I said, young man, what do you want to be
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams,
but you’ve got to know this one thing.

No man, does it all by himself
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf
And just go there, to the Y.M.C.A.
I’m sure they can help you today
(Lyrics from the 2nd stanza)

If you don’t have a local YMCA in your town, may you find help for your body, mind and spirit from a nearby  church.  The party is waiting for your arrival, Luke 15:7.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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