Tag Archives: the light of Christ

Another Friday Night

Posted on January 28, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://http://www.invubu.com/music/show/song/Kenny-Marks/Hope-for-a-Broken-Heart.html

According to my former high school students, I possess one of the most eclectic collections of music.  I think this was just a nice way of saying you have a strange taste in music.  A large portion of the artists I enjoy can’t be found on Pandora or other internet sites.  Subsequently, I have to convert cassette tapes into CD’s before downloading them onto my computer.  Recently, I stumbled upon a graveyard of forgotten favorites.  The one with the best lyrics is Hope for the Broken Heart by Kenny Marks.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit, Psalm 34:18.

Written and recorded in 1989 on the Another Friday Night album, this song addresses high school students coping with friends who party each weekend.  Instead of trying to fit in, the individual within the song stays home on Friday night, trying to make sense of why teenagers turn to alcohol to have fun.  After another lonely night on Saturday, this student seeks refuge in church, praying for the people she loves.  During this time in prayer, the Lord provides a message, “there is hope for the lonely and broken-hearted.”

God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds, Psalm 147:3.

Not much has changed since 1989.  In many ways, this issue has gotten worse as the idea of clean fun is foreign to many.  I’m no saint by far, making bad decisions and giving into temptation throughout my life.  Yet, the last time I was drunk was over 20 years ago.  After a wedding reception, I nearly died of alcohol poison.  Call it common sense, but I can’t imagine ever drinking again as the desire within is dead.  May anyone caught in the habit of drinking away another Friday night see the light of Christ, thereby ceasing their addiction.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Deep Darkness

Posted on August 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The title deep darkness suggests a place exists that is so dark, pitch black, that no one can see.  Typically, an evening sky provides moon light or stars in the country to help the human eye to adjust to the night.  On the other hand, Solomon who coins this term may be referring to a spiritual condition.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble, Proverbs 4:19.

A narcissist is defined as an individual who is excessive in their self-absorption.  This character trait tends to be egocentric, extremely independent and wrapped up with one’s self.  Perhaps the passage above inspired C.S. Lewis to create a state known as diabolical pride.  Those who reach this phase in life are blinded from reality, unable to recognize that which is causing them to stumble.

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

According to Solomon, the key to escaping deep darkness involves placing a shield of faith around your heart.  The apostle Paul takes a different approach, calling for the breastplate of righteousness in Ephesians 6.  In view of the powers of darkness that are a clear and present danger, the human heart is the last line of defense.  Once poisoned, souls begin to embrace evil.  Thus, the only way to overcome deep darkness is through the light of Christ.  Take measures today to safe guard yourself with the Sword of the Spirit to ward off future attacks and temptations that seek to lure you back into deep darkness.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Who is this Masked Man?

Posted on May 28, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The name Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla probably doesn’t ring a bell.  However, the legendary stories past down after his death in 1810 gave birth to Zorro.  By 1919, author Johnston McCulley created the character of Zorro causing a generation to wonder, “who is this masked man?”

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” – Mark 4:38

By AD 30, another individual was blowing the minds of his followers.  While traveling by boat, Jesus and his disciples were confronted by a white squall.  Fear spread throughout this vessel except for Jesus, taking an afternoon nap.  Disappointed by the panic of grown man acting like scaredy cats, Jesus awoke confronting their situation.  With a few words, the storm ceased.  Looking at each other in shock, twelve men began to murmur, “who is this masked man?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. – Mark 4:39

Unfortunately, people continue to doubt God today.  Despite generational blessings, modern miracles and unexplainable events, faith continues to fade.  Disappointment, hard luck and troubled souls have become beaten down, losing the spirit of optimism.  Perhaps, society needs church leaders to shine the light of Christ so that those in the dark may began to ponder, “what’s different about that person?”  May the legend of Zorro and the Son of God inspire souls to reach their full potential in Christ, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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