Tag Archives: traditions

Tis the Season to be all about Me?

Posted on December 14, 2017 by expressyourself4him

There is this perception attached to Christmas that you can somehow buy someone’s love.  Whether it’s a brand new car sitting in the driveway with a giant bow on top, expensive jewelry which is suppose to symbolize love or a brand new phone that you can’t afford, what do all these commercials really mean?  Do retail shops want Americans to go into debt, a way to make up for all the wrongs of the past?  Are you judged by the size, quality and value of the gifts that you purchased?  Or is this simply a scam, another way of suggesting tis the season to be all about me?

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6.

In 2004, Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis starred in Christmas with the Kranks.  The premise of this film was to skip Christmas for a year.  Instead of spending all of their time and money on decorations, donations and gifts, the Kranks decided to be selfish, buying tickets for an all inclusive cruise in the tropics.  To afford these tickets, the Kranks needed to avoid the added expenses of Christmas, shunning the causes and people they associated with in the past.  Everything was going as planned until their daughter’s surprise phone call altered this plan.  A hectic rush to get their house decorations in place culminates by giving these tickets to a neighbor recently diagnosed with cancer.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth, John 1:14.

The hardest part about celebrating Christmas is breaking free from the traditions of your past.  The house you go to, what you eat and when you eat your Christmas meal is hard to deviate from especially if inlaws are involved.  Like the Kranks, there is an expectation to get a new tree, put up lights outside and throw a great party for family or the neighborhood.  The more you try to do, stress builds, often stealing the joy many have for Christmas.  If this holiday has become a burden to you, perhaps it’s time to change your perspective from me to thee, Jesus.  My parents decided to start going to a mass that ended at midnight, singing Christmas songs for thirty minutes or so.  This Christmas tradition helped me to see it’s not about me; it’s about Christ the king.

by Jay Mankus

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Beyond Tradition

Posted on November 26, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In order to keep with tradition, individuals will travel across the country if necessary to be with their family.  American minds have been programmed to gather for Thanksgiving and Christmas annually, getting stressed out and becoming broke in the process.  Is this cycle really worth repeating or has the meaning of these special holidays become lost in translation from one generation to the next?  Perhaps the meaning lies somewhere beyond tradition.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, Philippians 4:6.

As a former teacher,  I know Thanksgiving has become commercialized and stripped of its original meaning to avoid becoming politically incorrect.  Yet, if you search hard enough, you will find what really happened to celebrate this occasson.  Early on the Pilgrims initially tried communism, sharing the land and it’s harvests for the common good of the community.  However, when hard working individuals realized there was no reward for going above and beyond what was expected, production declined making that first winter difficult to survive.  Recognizing this flawed system, the following year families were allowed to keep any excess harvest, bartering and trading with Indians.  When the concept of this free market system took off, the Pilgrims and Indians came together after the fall harvest to thank God for providing enough food to get families through the winter.

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High, Psalm 7:17.

Unless you are homeless or poor, it’s hard to appreciate the effort necessary to collect, gather and store food for several months without a refrigerator or modern applicances.  Some nights, families went to bed starving, not knowing when or if another meal will be provided.  This desperate environment forces you to either work tiredlessly for food or develop a complete trust that God will somehow supernaturally provide.  Today, Americans have so much more than the Pilgrims ever did that many become spoiled, complaining about superficial aspects of life.  Sure, it would be great to be rich, buy family members lavish Christmas gifts and not have to worry about making a car or house payment.  Yet, it’s time to go beyond the tradition of Thanksgiving and Christmas to see life for what it is, a gift from God.  Don’t let earthly demands for these holidays steal your joy.  Rather, each time you wake up, look around at the blessings you have been given so that a spirit of gratitude will reign despite what others may do or say this holiday season.

by Jay Mankus

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O.C.D. in Religion

Posted on June 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a modern term to describe those who feel the need to anally repeat things over and over.  Activities can include locking doors, washing hands and thorough routines similar to a superstition.  This repetition serves as a method to ease anxious tensions.  Unfortunately, most individuals don’t rest until several minutes have past with some wasting an hour of their day displaying the same pattern of behavior.

The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles, Mark 7:3-4.

After reading through the gospels, Pharisees, religious leaders and teachers of the law in Jesus’ day appear to portray O.C.D. like tendencies.  Oblivious to their condition, Jesus brings this to their attention in Mark 7:6-9.  Somewhere along the way, these respected individuals began to over-emphasize human traditions by de-emphasizing God’s commands.  In the process, faith became legalistic, following a set of rules rather than purifying their hearts before a God full of grace.

Jesus replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ’These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, ” Mark 7:6.

Not much has changed since AD 30 as a segment of Christian churches are more concerned about being a watch dog than converting hearts and minds to follow Christ, Romans 10:9-10.  Using their places of worship like a bully pulpit, sermons are forcefully preached to control their congregations, trying to maintain power as well as squash those with contrary views.  Unfortunately, theology can be divisive, leading some pastors to follow in the same footsteps of the Pharisees.  May those who struggle with religious OCD, see the error of their way, come to the light and be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Passing on a Winter Tradition

Posted on January 30, 2014 by expressyourself4him

One of my most fondest memories as a child was playing in the snow.  My parents had a toboggan that  our family would pile on, going down steep hills on golf courses or at state parks.  When the snow was too high to drive any where, I created a luge slide off of our back steps or went across the street to Jeanette’s.  Although I never went as fast as I did on the toboggan, I always looked forward to building bigger and better courses each year.

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When my 3 children were still young, I began to make a short slope off the back deck.  Although my wife wasn’t initially thrilled with the idea, its become a winter tradition, that is of course when we get snow in Delaware.  Over time, this luge course has turned into extreme tubing, starting on top of a slide on the deck, continuing down the steps of my deck, guided by picnic table benches, winding around a U-shaped wall before ending some where near the back fence.  Who said adults couldn’t still have fun or be a kid at heart.

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Anyway, with my oldest son now in driver’s ed, it won’t be long until there’s an empty nest with no one left to entertain or raise.  Thus, I hope I cherish each snow day that I have with my children before they’re all grown up.  While my body isn’t what it use to be, I still enjoy playing hard and passing on an appreciation for life.  In the end, I pray that my children will develop their own winter traditions, thanking God each time it snows.

by Jay Mankus

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Is God Superstitious?

Posted on January 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Back in 2012, the National Football League and Budweiser teamed up for an ad campaign on superstitions.  As the writers became more creative, this slogan took on a local market feel geared toward all 32 NFL cities, “It’s only crazy if it doesn’t work.”  Whether its your favorite location to watch a game like Buffalo Wild Wings, a certain jersey you wear on game day or find a chair or place in your house where your team does the best, these traditions breed superstitions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubUTobPPP3o

This concept is nothing new as Tom Cruise illustrates a similar point in the 1992 film A Few Good Men.  Preparing for the defense of his 2 clients on trial for murder, Lieutenant Kaffee appears to think better when he is holding his baseball bat.  When Demi Moore cleans up after a long strategy session at Kaffee’s home, placing the bat in a closet, Tom Cruise freaks out, warning her to never touch his bat again.  While retrieving  the bat, Cruise has a flash back from the crime scene providing the perfect argument for the case.  One must ask the question; Was it the bat or the location the bat was in?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmuT-907oZ4

This morning while reading Exodus 28, I was left to ponder, “Is God superstitious?”  According to Exodus 28:15, the Lord gave Moses directions to make a special garment for priests.  Whenever a priest had to make an important decision about Israel or on their future, Aaron, Moses’ brother would put on this breastplate to improve his thought process.  In Jesus’ day, another notion developed about touching the tassels worn by rabbis.  According to legend, the tassels attached to a rabbis cloak contained special powers and if touched like the woman in Luke 8:43-48, healing would result.  Knowing this mindset, Jesus wanted to make sure this woman knew that it wasn’t his cloak, it was her faith that brought healing.

Despite this information, human beings are extremely superstitious.  I fell prey to this while playing professional golf.  I noticed that whenever I wore certain shirts, I played really good or horrible causing me to believe it was the lucky or unlucky shirt that dictated how I played.  Even today, I’m embarrassed to say that I may not wear a shirt to  church, sit in a certain place or go watch a game where failure and losses have occurred in the past.  When you want something to happen this badly, its probably not a good thing.

As for the question is God superstitious, I believe the Lord embraces obedience, order and special places.  Jesus found God’s voice easier to hear in a quiet place, free from earthly distractions, Mark 1:35.  Although some individuals may appear lucky on the surface, maintaining blessings from God is dependent upon obedience, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.  Finally, as I study the book of Exodus, I am beginning the realize God’s sense of order and purpose the ark of the covenant, tabernacle, temple and articles which enhance worship.  In the end, God is not superstitious, He is simply supernatural!

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section of my blog.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Thanksgiving

Posted on November 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

According to the Plimoth Plantation, 4 different states claim they were the site of America’s first Thanksgiving.  Florida, Texas, Maine and Virginia each have historical documents to support their claims.  Since Native Americans made it a tradition to hold celebration feasts whenever God had given their tribe a successful harvest long before the arrival of the Mayflower, its hard to know who’s right.  Thus, its not important who get’s the credit for this holiday, as long as individuals make it a point to display their gratitude to the Creator of life each Thanksgiving Day.

In ancient times, Moses records Israel’s first Thanksgiving, nearly 3 months following the miracle at the Red Sea, Exodus 19:1.  After Israel’s first triumph since their exodus from Egypt, husbands were reunited with their wives and children, Exodus 18:2-8.  As Moses shared all that God had done for Israel to his father in law Jethro, this statesman was moved to celebrate the great news.  Gathering the elders of Israel, Jethro organized the first recorded Thanksgiving feast, Exodus 18:9-12, offering burnt sacrifices to the Lord and breaking bread together.

The brother of Jesus urges modern believers to continue this tradition in James 1:17-18.  Instead of taking sole credit for the good things in life, James reminds Christians to thank God for the blessings bestowed upon us.  Although blessings are not always equally dispersed, your actions can influence the amount you receive, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.  Despite our sinful state, Romans 5:8, Jesus died so that we might become born again, John 3:3-5.  May the true meaning of Thanksgiving be revealed to you as you open God’s word, Romans 10:17, during this Christmas season.

by Jay Mankus

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Extreme Soul Makeover

Posted on February 22, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

For the past decade, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition served as a shining light in a dark and selfish world.  As one of the few family centered programs in prime time, this ABC hit show reached a broad audience through comedy, entertainment and music.  Ty Pennington, Paul DiMeo, Michael Moloney and Tracy Hutson made Extreme Makeover a Sunday night tradition for my family.  This reality program often touched my heart, brought tears to my eyes and made me proud to be an American.

Fading into the night on January 12th, 2012, this final episode is a reminder that all good things on earth come to an end.  Like a sheep without a shepherd, a new leader, group or ministry needs to replace this new void in society left by the end of this show.  While the cast and volunteers worked non-stop for one week to provide a new residence to a needy family or school, thousands more were passed over, still waiting for a helping hand and loving support.

 

If you want to make an eternal difference in life, Jesus reveals 3 essential conditions which must be met for an extreme soul makeover, Matthew 16:24.

1. Deny yourself by becoming a selfless servant, meeting the needs of the people whom you come into contact with on a daily basis.

2. Pick up Jesus’ cross by owning your faith, dedicating your life to God.  Unless you become born again, you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven, John 3:3.

3. Follow Jesus by walking in his footsteps, Matthew 20:27-28.  While what would Jesus do is cliche, its a starting point that leads toward a Galatians 5:25 mentality.

If you are thinking twice about this makeover, listen to Jesus’ warning in Matthew 16:26.

“What good will it be for a man (or woman) if they gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can a (person) give in exchange for their soul?”

May the words of the Bible, instill faith from within, Romans 10:17, to undergo this life changing procedure.  Sign up today, Romans 10:9-10!

by Jay Mankus

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