Tag Archives: soul

Averting Disaster

Posted on January 30, 2017 by expressyourself4him

With all the recent debate about Obama Care, 2016 taught my the importance of possessing good healthcare.  Between my son Daniel’s four day stay in the hospital for Diabetes and my emergency eye surgery, we racked almost 100K in expenses.  If it wasn’t for Amazon’s great benefits, I might be homeless or in the process of filing for bankruptcy.  Sure, the 5,000 deductible set me back a couple of paychecks, but in the end I averted disaster.

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you! – Job 1:16.

Prior to the concept of healthcare, individuals were dependent upon their family, friends and relatives to provide for their needs.  What happened to Job in the Old Testament is like a scene out of a Science Fiction movie.  In a chain of accidents, bizarre events and disaster, Job loses his earthly possessions and his children.  Helpless, this man of God averts spiritual disaster by mourning, praying and worshiping the Lord.

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised,” Job 1:20-21.

When disaster comes knocking on the door of your life, there are various ways to react.  Anytime a series of events brings bad news, its easy to go negative, bitching and complaining about what has happened.  Yet, Job teaches people a vital lesson about life.  The human body is temporary, bound for the grave.  Therefore, don’t get caught up in all the earthly treasures you possess.  Rather, avert the destruction of your soul by remembering that the Lord gives and takes away.  According to Jesus in Matthew 16:25, life is found by giving it away.

by Jay Mankus

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What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

Posted on January 29, 2017 by expressyourself4him

No matter how blessed, gifted or talented you are, everyone will reach their summit, taking you as high as you can go.  While you may enjoy the view of accomplishments, success and victory, a time will come to reset by evaluating future dreams and goals in life.  The older you become, there’s one nugget of truth that will rise to the surface: what got you here won’t get you there.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:10.

The world refers to this as coming to a crossroads in life.  The confused may not know which path to take.  The exhausted need a break, a period of rest before starting a new journey.  Meanwhile, the aged have developed minor restrictions which make some directions impossible to achieve alone.  Subsequently, someone, something or divine intervention is necessary to climb the largest mountain you have ever faced.

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent, Exodus 14:14.

Deep inside my soul, God has placed upon me a desire to remain optimistic about the future despite whatever cliff I have to climb.  Yet, I know my limitations, lacking the energy of my youth.  Trying to ascend to the top would be foolish.  Rather, without faith in the God above and the power of the Holy Spirit, success is impossible.  However, in my weakness I firmly believe that God will be able to take me where I have previously been unable to get.  May the Lord use the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:7-12 as a source of inspiration to reach new spiritual heights.

by Jay Mankus

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Get A Little Closer

Posted on January 20, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In 1983, Arrid Extra Dry debuted this “Get a Little Closer ad” to promote their deodorant.  Like any corrupt mind, the context of this commercial can be perverted.  To avoid controversy Arrid’s marketing campaign promised consumers a long lasting product.  By applying deodorant, body odor would be hidden protecting individuals from embarrassment as you draw near the one you love.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water, Hebrews 10:22.

The biblical context of the expression “get a little closer” does not require any deodorant.  Smell does not derive from exercise or working out.  Rather, the presence of sin is passed down through generations and from within due to a sinful nature which creates a fowl stench.  Subsequently, human beings are in desperate need of a cleansing which can only be achieved when you get closer to God than you ever have before.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool, Isaiah 1:18.

This special deodorant does not have a price tag.  Nor does this need to be applied over and over again.  As individuals draw near to God with a humbled heart, sincere confession activates this spiritual cleansing.  Although future mistakes will bring you back to your knees, a graceful God longs to settle this matter quickly.  Therefore, don’t let another day go by without getting a little closer to the Only one who can purify your soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Faking Holiness

Posted on January 13, 2017 by expressyourself4him

If your life was placed on a chart or graph, there would be peaks and valleys with plateaus somewhere in between.  High points mark periods of success and victories within life.  The low areas represent failures where doubt and disappointment often attack your soul.  Unfortunately, human nature causes many to assign blame for their valleys rather than finding fault from within.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8.

Since salaries and wages are normally based upon the services or work provided, its easy to say, “look what I did.”  Yet, the apostle Paul reminds individuals that salvation is not based upon human efforts.  Rather, God’s grace opens the door to eternity, providing access to the undeserving like me.  Sure, I can put on a good face, pretending to be a godly Christian.  Nonetheless, I find myself going through the motions way too often, lukewarm and faking holiness.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8.

During my recent Daniel Fast, conviction of this fact has consumed me.  Despite my flaws, I am thankful for the passage above.  Jesus died for imperfect people like me, a demonstration of God’s agape love.  May those of you who reach a similar low point embrace biblical promises by accepting God’s free gift by faith.  Don’t pretend to have things all together.  Rather, confess your sins and pray for healing so that reconciliation will begin.

by Jay Mankus

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A Layer of Protection

Posted on January 11, 2017 by expressyourself4him

God designed human beings with a layer of protection known as skin.  Internally, the rib cage serves as a chest protector to protect life’s most vital organ.  Meanwhile, the skull surrounds the brain,  the think tank of the body.  Yet, there is an invisible layer of protection that few people talk about.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it, Proverbs 4:23.

While dreaming the other night, I began to think about all the things in life I want to accomplish but never have to date.  The longer my list became, the worse I felt, resulting in an overwhelming sense of remorse.  Before a state of depression filled my soul, God intervened with a layer of protection.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him, John 3:17.

One of the misconceptions individuals make about God is that He wants to punish people.  However, one of Jesus’ disciples reveals the truth about His visit to earth, to save mankind.  To prevent sinners from future nervous breakdowns, angels, divine intervention and supernatural forces are unleashed to serve as a layer of protection.  While powers of darkness may claim some victims, the Lord continues to offer a message of redemption.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Be Grateful For What You Have; Not What You’ve Lost

Posted on January 1, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In my first year as a high school teacher, I stayed up well past midnight preparing for the next day.  While attempting to create challenging lesson plans, I overlooked one important truth.  This quest for perfection often left me feeling empty as the good was overshadowed by negative reactions by parents and students.  Instead of being grateful for what I had accomplished, my heart, soul and mind spent most of the time focusing on what I had lost.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

A little more older and wise now, writing this blog has helped transform my perspective.  Rather than worry about the next issue, subject and topic I am going to address, the Lord has given me a sense of peace, knowing that somehow, someway God will provide new ideas.  Whether I’m reading an article waiting for my next eye doctor appointment, listening to talk radio or watching television, interesting concepts continue to flow.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive, Acts 20:35.

After not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve, I stumbled upon a documentary aired on the Golf Channel about former British Open Champion Darren Clarke.  Labeled as one of the best tour players not to win a major, Clarke faced something more important winning a golf tournament.  When Darren’s wife Heather was diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the second time, she succumb to this disease in 2006.  Always staying positive to the end, Heather left behind a message to visitor’s of her tombstone.  “Be Grateful For What You Have; Not What You’ve Lost.”  May these words inspire you to apply this mindset in 2017.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Finding Life This Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Christmas, Santa Claus and presents excite a children with exceeding anticipation for one day each year, December 25th.  Meanwhile, preparations for this same day can be overwhelming for grandparents, family and individuals trying to work as much as possible to pay for all these expenses.  On a day meant for Joy to the World, many struggle to find meaning and purpose for life.

Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead, Proverbs 21:16.

In a mad dash to please selfish and spoiled children, the reason for this season gets lost.  Crowded malls, congested roads and stress can suck the life out of positive people.  Subsequently, its easy to stray off the path of prudence, turning a joyful soul into Ebenezer Scrooge in a matter of weeks.  Unless you can snap out of this, you might end up at the end of the road, reserved for the company of the dead.

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor, Proverbs 21:21.

According to Solomon, there is a way to find life this Christmas and throughout the year.  Similar to Jesus’ words in the sermon of the Mount, Matthew 6:33-34, this transformation begins with seeking God first and His righteousness.  One of the byproducts of this journey involves love as a formerly cold heart is revived by the Holy Spirit.  When individuals begin to seek the Spirit of Christmas 365 days a year, honor and prosperity follows.  Like Bill Murray in Scrooged, may you find life this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

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A Congested Mind

Posted on December 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

At this time of the year 2 types of congestion appear, one that attacks our body and another which tries our patience.  The text book definition refers to being blocked up or too full of something.  As winter colds begin to develop within heads and sinuses, holiday traffic can elicit fits of anger or road rage.  Either one of these symptoms can result in a congested mind.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ, Colossians 2:8.

In the other 3 seasons of the year, the mind is under assault by opposing world views seeking to convert you to their ideology.  College professors do this through philosophy, challenging freshman to question their religious beliefs.  Unfortunately, a growing numbers of Christians abandon their faith before graduating, undoing the family values instilled by parents in less than 4 years.  Instead of dealing with this congestion, minds often cave into peer pressure.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

Today, if you’re healthy, just driving to and from work can give you a headache.  Whether its people with cell phones in their lap talking or texting, its miracle that more people don’t get into accidents.   Anyway, the apostle Paul urges believers to be sober-minded, aware of the schemes of the devil.  If not you will suffer from a congested mind, likely falling prey to an enemy seeking to devour lost and lonely souls.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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The Human Spirit

Posted on December 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When someone refers to the human spirit, they are usually talking about a combination of the heart, soul and mind.  While the heart is the life source of the body, the mind regulates our mental state.  Yet, the soul is the essence of human beings, setting one person apart from the next.

The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being, Proverbs 20:27.

According to Solomon, the human spirit is like an internal light that highlights who you are.  This lamp reveals what is in your heart.  This reflection comes out in the form of words.  If you are wounded by individuals in your past, your vocabulary will reflect this.  Subsequently, hurt people will hurt other people.

But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them, Matthew 15:18.

This built up angst is what defiles people according to Jesus.  Its no wonder that King Solomon urges Israel to guard your heart for it is the well spring of life.  The apostle Paul takes this concept one step further in Colossians 3:1-3, to set your heart and mind on things above.  If you want to preserve the human spirit, these instructions are vital to maintain health, life and the pursuit of happiness.

by Jay Mankus

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Gulping Down Evil

Posted on December 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Prior to 1955, a bottle of Coca Cola was 6.5 ounces.  If you pour 5 of these into a big gulp cup, the final one will spill out over the top.  Realizing the need for expansion, Coca Cola experimented with a 32 ounce cup supplied to 7 Eleven chains in Southern California.  By 1976, despite public pressure concerning obesity, the Big Gulp was conceived.

A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil, Proverbs 19:28.

Although 7 Eleven stores did not exist during the Old Testament, there were some individuals who developed reputations as heavy drinkers.  Since Jewish weddings could last up to a week, guests who traveled from out of town were wined and dined.  Participating in these festivities likely influenced the words King Solomon chose in the passage above.  Comparing drinking to corruption, there are some people who gulp down evil.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20

Almost 20 years ago, my friend and I both contradicted Lyme Disease in the same summer.  While my symptoms were caught early, his went overlooked for several months.  Unfortunately, he lost his sense of taste, unable to distinguish between that which is sweet or bitter.  The same can be said about individuals who can’t discern between good from evil.  Subsequently, its possible for a wayward soul to reach a place where one begins to gulp evil.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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