Tag Archives: thank

Living in a Land of Unclean Lips

Posted on May 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Unless you are living in a bubble, it’s obvious cultural changes have impacted modern vocabulary.  Gone are the days of thinking before opening your mouth.  Rather, a new boldness have inspired many to verbalize whatever comes to mind regardless of who is listening including children.

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty,” Isaiah 6:5.

The concept of unclean lips is nothing new, referred to by a prophet several thousand years ago.  One of the byproducts of unwholesome language is that it often spreads like a cancer influencing previously innocent individuals.  In some cases, unclean lips can be passed from one generation to the next.

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving, Ephesians 5:4.

The apostle Paul came across some choice language as well.  Although he does not specify what defines unclean lips, Paul creates three categories: filthy, foolish and crude jokes.  During a visit to Ephesus, Paul urged church members to drown out negative words with an out pouring of thanksgiving.  While you may not change the people around you, may a spirit of thanksgiving inspire you to encourage, thank and uplift those in your spheres of influence.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Placing Your Hope in the Wrong Things

Posted on October 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

For students and workers, every weekend provides opportunities for hope.  Anticipation, confidence and expectation await hoping to maximize your free time.  Yet, sometimes in an attempt to reach your goals, people place their trust in the wrong things.

Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing, Proverbs 11:7.

In the days of King Solomon, hero worship was a major problem.  Instead of thanking the God who created these heroes, individuals placed their hope in mortal human beings.  This decision will always lead to disappointment, especially after athletes, celebrities and stars past their prime or pass away.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, Romans 12:12.

The apostle Paul provides useful advice for anyone who has made the mistake of placing your hope in the wrong things.  Rather, hope should be a source of joy.  While you wait, endure the trials and tribulations that confront you.  Finally, remain diligent in prayer, leaning on the Lord to guide your steps in the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Trying to Find a New Normal

Posted on September 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every day that you wake up brings its own blessings and curses.  You never know what to expect as uncertainty lurks around each corner.  Subsequently, one day Job lost his farm animals in a series of unexplainable events.  Before this day ended, his children were all killed by a tornado.  In response to this tragic news, Job makes a statement which still applies today, “the Lord gives and takes away.”

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 1:21.

When the grieving process comes to an end, individuals need to find a new normal.  Prior to August of this year, life was a lot less complicated.  However, now that my youngest son has been diagnosed with type one diabetes, every meal is like taking a math quiz to determine the total number of carbs.  Despite this recent trial, I can’t overlook all the blessings God has provided.  So when the Lord does begin to take some things away, don’t forget to praise and thank Him for the blessings in disguise.

His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”  He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said, Job 2:9-10.

When illness attacked Job’s body, his faith was once again put to the test.  At some point in his health scare, Job’s wife lost it, becoming angry and bitter at God.  Despite her advice, Job stood strong, accepting the trial God allowed to occur.  To make matters worse, 3 friends suggested some sort of hidden sin had brought God’s wrath upon Job and his family.  Nonetheless, over time Job found a new normal, remained faithful to the Lord and was rewarded with new children and possessions to replace that which was lost.

by Jay Mankus

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Remembering Those Who Refresh Souls

Posted on July 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Its unfortunate that most people wait until a funeral to thank someone for the imprint made of their life.  Instead of sharing an encouraging word, time has a way of distracting individuals from expressing how they really feel.  Thus, souls often perish without hearing or knowing the impact they had on others.

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 2 Timothy 1:16.

While writing a letter to one of his ministry partners, the apostle Paul urges believers to remember those who refresh souls.  To heed this call, I feel compelled to give a shout out for those people who have helped me along my faith journey.  The first was my high school swim coach, who also served as a science teacher and spiritual mentor.  To a student who was seeking for meaning in life, Ken Horne pointed me in the right direction as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader at Concord High.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone, Colossians 4:6.

After helping me develop a solid foundation, several college friends inspired me to further my faith.  My roommate Mike introduced me to contemporary worship music, Phil showed me how to live life to the fullest and Dave led me to see the importance of accountability.  There are others who deserve additional credit, but there will be other blogs to address their deeds.  For now, don’t let time slip away on this July 4th before you remember those who have refreshed your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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