Tag Archives: peace

Reruns, Rewind and Revive

Posted on July 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The summer tends to be a season for reruns.  As students and teachers take a break until the fall semester begins, there is time for late night binge watching.  While most use On Demand, Netflix or DVR’ed programs, the older generation still rely on television guides to plan their viewing pleasures.  Classic movies have a way of grabbing your attention.  Although you know the story, desires from within carry you away for hours at a time as a distraction from the stress and worries in life.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3.

For those of you who don’t spend much time watching television, perhaps you prefer reflection.  Either during a jog, walk or while doing yard work, its nice to rewind, taking an inventory of where you’ve been, where you are or where you want to go.  This practice is like setting goals in your mind, providing direction for the future.  One of the things I enjoy pondering about are those things in life which bring me the most joy.  Listening to music, playing sports, writing and working on projects around the house fill me with a sense of accomplish along with purpose and meaning in life.

Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others, Philippians 2:4.

One of the final activities I engage in involves food for the soul.  Beyond a dose of daily Bible reading and prayer, hearts and minds need to be revived and refreshed to make it in life.  Thus, I have days where I soak in music while I rest.  Sometime I find a book on a topic that interests me, giving me a broader perspective on life.  Although I waste just as much time as the average American lounging around on a couch or sofa, I experience peace that surpasses understanding when I rewind my direction and revive my soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Soul Tormented by Lawless Deeds

Posted on May 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you turn on a news cast, at some point you will witness something disturbing, shocking or sad.  Unfortunately, many have been desensitized by a barrage of extreme videos.  Thus, as the average citizen become comfortably numb, a soul tormented by lawless deeds is either overlooked or forgotten.

For that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard, 2 Peter 2:8.

Ever since public education has de-emphasized moral absolutes, the line between right and wrong has been turned to gray.  Subsequently, hearts and minds can become confused, unsure what’s acceptable and what’s frowned upon.  In this politically correct climate, the law breaker can be excused if they hold a socially acceptable worldview.  Yet if the shoe is on the other foot, a conservative will be verbally crucified for a similar transgression.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28.

Lost in the shuffle are those individuals wounded by lawless deeds.  When television cameras move on to the next city, disaster or scandal, those left behind must begin to pick up the pieces of their lives.  Beyond these scars, an invisible voice calls out to the bruised and broken-hearted.  May the hope of Jesus bring peace to souls tormented by lawless deeds.

by Jay Mankus

 

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God’s Role for Hardship

Posted on April 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Back in the days when the rod of correction was a useful parenting tool and not child abuse, I remember what my parents said a few times.  I don’t remember the exact words but it was something like, “this is going to hurt me more than you” just before the spanking began.  In the years that followed, I was a quick learner, only needing a couple of paddles to straight me out.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it, Hebrews 12:11.

As an adult, things aren’t as clear for me and it was for my parents.  More analytical now, I wonder how God uses events like hardships as a form of discipline.  Are there certain things we deserve for past transgressions?  Is the current storm one faces some sort of a generational curse brought upon by ancestors?  Until a friend brought these theological terms to my attention nearly a decade ago, I didn’t have a clear understanding of hardship.

You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, Exodus 20:5.

Sometimes I feel like life is some sort of spiritual boot camp.  Pushed to the brink at times, just when I am about to quit, Jesus gives me the strength to carry on.  However, there are still plenty of unanswered questions, things that I may need to wait until heaven to comprehend.  Yet, for now, I know there is a reason for the trials I endure.  I just hope that I learn quickly like my days as a child so I don’t have to spend more time suffering.  Through the ups and downs in life, may the Lord give you wisdom to persevere and overcome.

by Jay Mankus

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The Energy Necessary for Making Peace

Posted on April 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes who you are and how you are perceived can be miles from the truth.  Yet, anyone who seeks to leave a lasting legacy may be surprised by the impressions that you make.  Such was the case for chemist Alfred Bernard Nobel who spent most of his earthly life pursuing patents, the most famous of which is dynamite.  When a premature obituary was published in a local paper, Nobel was shocked by the comments summarizing his life.  This moment of conviction gave birth to the Nobel Peace Prize investing his accumulated wealth into the formation of this annual award.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord, Hebrews 12:14.

The author of Hebrews sets a similar high standard, urging readers to do everything in their power to make peace.  This includes what I call extra grace individuals who have the gift of gnawing away at your patience.  No exceptions are made as everyone is included.  The target to aim for is holiness, imitating the life and love of Jesus.  Despite whatever human emotions you may experience, the Holy Spirit is the energy necessary for making peace.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world, John 16:33.

I wish I could say that I have arrived or am well on my way, but that would be a lie.  Unfortunately, disappointment, frustration and pain from the past has a way of developing into holding or keeping grudges.  This current place doesn’t take any effort nor is it holy.  And yet, there is one who has overcome the world.  Therefore, I take comfort in knowing God still forgives.  My job is not complete nor is the journey finished.  So I press on, praying and searching for the energy necessary for making peace.

by Jay Mankus

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The Rhymes and Reasons in Life

Posted on April 9, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every story includes a beginning, middle and end.  For the impatient, wanting to fast forward to know the conclusion, important details are skipped.  Subsequently, chapters and pages don’t make sense, void of any rhyme or reasons.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere, James 3:17.

The same concept applies to life.  Sure, every human being starts with conception, but somewhere between childhood and adolescence, life gets complicated.  As an adult, the complexities increase, causing many to be confused by the rhymes and reasons in life.  Thus, when you stop to reflect about where you are, how you got there and what do next, clarity is often hard to find.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9.

If you are like me, you have experienced periods of uncertainty in life.  When you find yourself in these moments of doubt, prayer is one of the best solutions.  As you pray your way through life to make sense of rhymes and reasons, God promises to give individuals knowledge and insight.  Therefore, don’t quit before God finishes the story He has written.  In the Lord’s time, rhymes and reasons will be unveiled as you draw near to God.

by Jay Mankus

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Buying Memories

Posted on March 31, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you are a parent, there is a fine line between celebrating special days and spoiling your children.  Birthday parties, Christmas presents and surprises always make some sort of impact on kids.  These events leave an imprint, a way of expressing your love.  However, is there ever a time when buying memories becomes superficial, fake or over the top?

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever, 1 Timothy 5:8.

As a son of an immigrant, I was always taught to be frugal.  From my grandmother down to my parents, wasting money on unnecessary splurges was frowned upon.  Thus, I’ve become a tightwad, careful to make what little I do have last.  Yet, during my oldest son’s last Spring Break as a high school senior, I let my guard down.  This moment of weakness led to an unprecedented spending spree in an attempt to buy memories for a life time.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous, Proverbs 13:22.

Although it was difficult to say goodbye to hundreds of dollars that is now gone, I am at peace with how the money was spent.  Several foul balls at the Phillies’ game were just in front of us or right over our heads.  The conversation over an expensive seafood meal was enjoyable and at times made me laugh.  When you add my daughter finding a whole sand dollar while snorkeling and my oldest son digging up a perfect shark tooth, our time together was priceless.  Therefore, if you ever have the opportunity in the future to leave a lasting impression, buying memories when the time is right will bring you unexpected joy.

by Jay Mankus

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An Unforgettable Fire

Posted on March 5, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the heart of the Pennsylvania coal country lies an ugly reminder of an unforgettable fire.  Underneath Centralia, Pennsylvania, one of the mine shafts caught fire in 1962.  With an unlimited amount of coal, enough to burn for a century, this town of about thousand was abandoned in 1982 due to health and safety concerns.   Though home owners were allowed to return to their properties on October 29th, 2013, flames from beneath still bring smoke to the surface today, a sign that this nightmare is not over.

For our God is a consuming fire, Hebrews 12:29.

Two years after residents of Centralia were forced to leave, the Irish Rock Band U2 released The Unforgettable Fire.  This album was inspired by an art exhibit about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.  Yet, the lyrics within these songs suggest another fire, the Holy Spirit.  Although this is never mentioned by name, traces of biblical themes can be found.  The Unforgettable Fire was the middle of three albums during U2’s Christian phase, book marked by Under A Blood Red Sky and The Joshua Tree.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope, Romans 15:13.

Fire represents life and judgment.  From a biblical perspective, fire also refers to trials, periods where God uses extreme events to mold and fashion individuals like clay.  While these periods of life can be painful, after you have endured these situations, perseverance and maturity are usually developed.  Therefore, the next time you find yourself in a physical or spiritual fire, ask the Lord to burn off any impurities that persist so that on the other side God will make you whole.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Boost of Encouragement

Posted on November 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Some time in the last century, the concept of encouragement has been replaced by criticism.  While traces of encouragement still exist, negativity has spread like a wild fire, often choking the joy within those trying to remain positive.  You don’t have to go far to see these signs, as twitter is littered with nasty comments seeking to attract more followers.

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers, Acts 9:31.

During the first century, similar obstacles existed.  Yet, in the face of adversity, an invisible force brought a sense of peace to the apostles.  I’m not sure who coined the phrase, but Luke, a well known doctor refers to this phenomena as encouraged by the Holy Spirit.  Despite persecution by Jewish religious leaders, staying true to their faith boosted their confidence.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

During a decade of teaching high school, it didn’t take long to recognize the attitude of each class.  It’s scary how the absence or presence of one negative student can transform a classroom for the good or bad.  The same holds true today within families, neighborhoods and the workplace.  In view of this, don’t let the Debbie Downers in life steal your joy.  Rather, boost the spirits of those around you with an extra dose of encouragement today.

by Jay Mankus

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What Did I Do to Deserve This?

Posted on November 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

On October 21st, the 2015 World Long Driving Champion was crowned on the Golf Channel.  However, there was one competitor who should have been there, but God had another plan.  One of my former students, the starting center fielder for Liberty University at the time, began to dabble in long drive competitions.  During a round I played with Joseph, he drove over the first green, a 380 yard par 4.  On the second hole, his tee shot plugged by the 150 marker on a par 5.  Joseph Feeley was destined to contend for this championship, but the Lord took him home before ever finishing college.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king, Daniel 3:17.

Another friend had just received a full time job at a local university.  This meant his daughter’s final two years of tuition would be free along with an opportunity to complete his masters.  After years of frustration, things were finally coming together.  Then, out of the blue, within a two day period, my Christian brother lost his job and father to a heart attack.  In the weeks and months that followed, one of his initial thoughts was “what did I do to deserve this?”

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” – Daniel 6:16

When Daniel was thrown to a lion’s den, I wonder what was going through his mind?  On their way to being thrown into a fiery furnace, did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego second guess their decision not to bow down and worship the god of Nebuchadnezzar?  At some point during a trial, human nature is bound to cause individuals to question God?  In the end, time is the great equalizer, providing insight to the how’s and why’s.  Yet, nothing is guaranteed, a waiting game until your last breath.  Thus, the next time you experience heartbreak hotel, seek the Lord for comfort, peace and understanding.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Prayers that are Electric

Posted on September 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There is something magical about prayer.  Whether you are praying with someone in person, over the phone or alone at night, answers, healing or progress may be invisible, but come to fruition over time.  Meanwhile, every once in a while prayers can be electric.

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering, Mark 5:27-29.

The first mention of a prayer producing electricity is found in the Gospel of Mark.  A woman spent 12 years of her life visiting doctors without ever seeing any results.  Broke and desperate, testimonies of the power of Jesus convinced this woman that Jesus was her last resort.  Thus, the moment she touched his cloak, power flowed out of Jesus’ body.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”  Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.  He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering,” Mark 5:30, 33-34.

In Sunday’s episode of Project afterlife, Freddy Vest recounts a similar story.  During a rodeo competition,  Freddy falls off his horse, exhausted by the Texas heat; dying of a massive heart attack.  Awestruck, the PA announcer tells the crowd to cry out to God in prayer.  Prior to his resurrection several hours later, Freddy witnessed flashes of lightning.  Each prayer lit up a dark room he briefly visited.  Eventually, these electric prayers brought Freddy back from the dead.  When all hope seems lost, don’t forget that sincere prayers of the heart can be electric.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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