Tag Archives: trust

A Voice of Experience

Posted on December 26, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Confidence isn’t lacking in society today as narcissists can be found in nearly every work place.  However, a humble voice of experience is missing from many segments, replaced by pride and arrogance.  When absent, people can lose their way, often repeating the same mistakes that have led past empires to disappear.

 Psalm 118

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

The words of Psalm 118:8-10 sound like something King David would have said.  After calling for and taking a census of Israel’s tribes, a spirit of conviction falls upon David.  Failing to listen to his commander Joab, a voice of experience, God punishes Israel’s for David’s sin of pride, 1 Chronicles 21:1-8.  When given three options for his penalty, David opts for the hand of God, 1 Chronicles 21:9-15.

Although Public Service Announcements for the Boys & Girls Clubs are important, its essential for mentors to rise up to begin influencing a generation looking for positive role models.  On the other hand, its also vital for adults to remain teachable so that advice from the Joab’s in your life aren’t ignored.  May you take heed of the Psalmist by learning to take refuge in God rather than trusting the hands of men.

by Jay Mankus

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A Sitting Duck for Stupid Decisions

Posted on December 10, 2014 by expressyourself4him

An individual who is an easy prey, out in the open or vulnerable to an attack is considered a sitting duck.  Finding yourself in this predicament could be an accident, by chance or self induced.  Yet, anyone who speaks without filtering their thoughts is like a sitting duck for stupid decisions.

In this politically correct climate, the slightest slip of the tongue can be costly.  Unless you are a liberal comedian, no one else is exempt from public scrutiny.  Hank Williams Jr. spoke out against president Obama, Jimmy the Greek made an off-color remark and Mississippi State beat writer Matthew Stevens is the latest to lose their job for expressing their opinion.  Loose lips ship ships as well as open the door for becoming a sitting duck for the media to shoot down.

For those who fly under the radar, stupid decisions are a by product of the choices you make.  Words such as “trust me, I know what I’m doing or so and so said” often set the stage for humiliation.  As for me, the further I drift apart from the words of the Bible, the stupider I become.  Pride comes before the fall, Proverbs 16:18, is one of the most profound sayings of Solomon.  Thus, if anyone boasts, holds their nose up in the air or pumps out their chest, sooner or later the confident will become a sitting duck for stupid decisions, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Life Could Be Worse…You Could Be a 76er Fan

Posted on December 7, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Nobody likes to lose.  Although, some players and teams don’t have the talent to compete with the rest of their competitors, sooner or later a victory will arrive.  Unfortunately, fans of the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA might not see a win in 2014, 0-17 with little hope in sight.

The unemployed likely experience a similar feeling.  Despite perfecting resumes, nailing job interviews and becoming a finalist for a position, heart breaks come way too often.  The sad thing is when the offers do arrive, the pay is like a slap in the face.  In the end, job seekers wonder if they will ever get another job.

When things aren’t going your way, there needs to be something firm that you can trust in.  A refuge where you can find a peace that surpasses all understanding.  James 1:2-4 suggests losing builds character, leading to maturity over time.  If you can develop this mindset, perseverance can carry you until you taste success.  Therefore, whether you win, lose or draw, the Holy Spirit can transform your perspective to become a complete person in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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I Thought They Had It All Together

Posted on November 10, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether its in church, your own community or traveling on vacation, you’re bound to come into contact with an exceptional individual.  On the surface, this person possesses character, personality and wisdom.  Adorned by everyone, they seem too good to be true.

While on a week long mission trip in Jackson, Tennessee, I was introduced to one of the largest youth groups in the country.  Based out of Rochester, Michigan, this church took several buses across the country each summer to serve needy communities.  The president of this youth group appeared like he had it all together.  As I began to develop friendships in the area, only one person saw through his phony witness.  One year after losing touch, I  heard through the grapevine that this saint fell from grace, arrested for running an under age gambling ring.

Call it jaded or desensitized, but I am usually not surprised by people who live double lives.  Whenever you put others up on a pedestal, disappointment is a likely outcome.  Therefore, if you think someone has it all together,don’t worship one of God’s creations.  Rather, say a prayer for these individuals, hope for the best and trust in the Lord for a bright future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Up the Down Staircase

Posted on November 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Bel Kaufman’s novel Up the Down Staircase spent more than a year on the New York Times Best Seller’s List in the late 1960’s.  This success evolved into a movie and a play, the first one I ever saw in person.  However, as I try to bob and weave my way  through life, I often find myself going up the down staircase.

Humility and pride serve as ebb and flow, bringing me back to earth from past successes while lifting me up when I  fall.  On the days I leave my house thinking, “now I’ve got it all figured out,” trials flare up, knocking me off my feet.  Meanwhile, on the days I don’t want to get out of bed, with little strength to tarry on, a mysterious force carries me to places I never thought I could go.

From a spiritual perspective, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 illustrates what its like to go up the down staircase.  Ignorance causes individuals to repeat past failures daily.  A surely that won’t happen to me mentality breeds overconfidence, leading souls toward a moment of decision, 1 Corinthians 10:12.  In the end, there are only 2 logical choices: trusting God or yourself.  As you contemplate your current footing, may you place your feet on the solid rock of Christ, Psalm 30:1-3.  By doing so you will avoid of pain of going up the down staircase.

by Jay Mankus

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You Don’t Have to Wish Upon a Star to Make Your Dreams Come True

Posted on November 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

To most American children, visiting Disney World is like a rite of passage.  I still remember my first visit, seeing Snow White’s Castle, going on a steam boat and riding on “It’s a Small World.”  The fascination with this magical place continues today, enticing families with the promise,” if you wish upon a star your dreams will come true.”

When I started this blog back in February of 2012, I never imagined that I would write 1000 articles.  Initially, I wanted to keep my writing skills sharp in case I felt called to go back into teaching.  However, now this journey is preparing me of a dream to become a screen writer for Hollywood.  While this may years away, you won’t find me wishing upon a star.

When you open up the Bible, there are thousands of passages that contain hope.  Yet, few compare with Jesus’ words in Mark 11:24.  One of the crucial elements to make dreams come true is belief.  When doubt exists, prayers go unanswered.  Therefore, if you want your dreams to come true, don’t wish upon a star.  Instead, place your trust in the One who has the power to make all things possible, Luke 1:37.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

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Words of Healing

Posted on October 26, 2014 by expressyourself4him

When someone is down in the dumps, its hard to break through the shell holding in their misery.  Good intentions, kind words and loving attempts don’t always work to uplift downcast spirits.  Nonetheless, when all else fails, there is one source that provides words of healing, Psalm 107:20.

Growing up, I often experienced a wide range of emotions.  On the good days, I could lift others up, elevating their moods to my level.  Meanwhile, if depressed, I made sure no one had a smile on their face, bringing whoever I could down into my pit of despair.  Only a couple friends developed a few tricks to snap me out of these gloomy states.

Today, I have learned to become more self-reliant.  Not in my own abilities.  Rather, I trust in the power of God’s Word to infuse my soul with the strength to carry on, Isaiah 40:31.   Therefore, if you’re having a bad day, feeling hopeless or stuck in a rut, open up the Bible today to find words of healing, Matthew 11:28-30.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

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How Many Times Does God Have to Bail Us Out?

Posted on October 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon where you live, different phrases express the trouble that you are in.  Perhaps, you’re caught in a pickle, in the dog house, down the stream without a paddle or stuck in a precarious situation.  However you want to say it, it won’t be long before fate places you into a predicament where only God can bail us out.

Some of you may be like Joseph from the Bible, the envy of your family.  Thus, jealousy causes siblings to gang up on you, tease you or inflict emotional scars.  You press on only to find yourself falsely accused of someone else’s wrong doing.  As your reputation takes a hit, time and trust is the only thing you can do repair others opinions of you.  Despite the trials you endure, the Lord’s favor is upon you, showering you with blessings from heaven.

Unfortunately, most people fall into a different category, leaning more toward the prodigal son.  Curious, stubborn and unwilling to change, a series of poor choices results in a downward spiral.  By now, temptation is long gone, replaced by addiction, bad habits or cravings for temporary pleasures.  Call it human nature or self-realization, but until you come to your senses, Luke 15:17, you still think you can save yourself.  If this slide continues to the bottom of the barrel in life, your cries for help become more genuine, “help me Lord?”

How many times does God have to bail us out?   According to Matthew 18:21-22, forgiveness is suppose to be limitless.  If you reach out for help, God will extend hands of grace.  Therefore, whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, Romans 10:9-13.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A New Appreciation for Justice

Posted on October 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever been taken advantage of, wronged or violated, a part of you cries out for justice.  As for me I recall one of my final days in college.  While driving to see a friend play in a tennis match, a car went through a red light, side swiped my front end and took off my license plate.  Immediately, the driver apologized and told me it was his fault as a crowd of students gathered around the intersection.  Trusting this individual, I told the witnesses to go home.  Unfortunately, when the cops arrived, this man’s demeanor changed and so did his story.

Although there wasn’t significant damage to my car, the evidence suggested to the police that the man in the other car was to blame.  However, since I sent the eyewitnesses home before talking to the police, it was my word against his.  Could a college student be more honest than an adult with a flawless driving record?  This stalemate led to a trip to traffic court to see whether or not justice would be served.  Despite spewing out the biggest pile of manure during his testimony, aggravating the 2 officers I sat next to, the judge acquitted this postal worker of any wrong doing.

The frustration I felt was similar to some of the Psalms of David, questioning God when the wicked prospered.  Calming my emotions was difficult, wondering why this event had to occur to me.  Until you have something like this happen to you, justice is just another word.  Despite this setback, passages such as Psalm 9:1-7 provide a glimmer of hope, a day when the wrong will be made right.  A few years ago, I was the eyewitness who hung around so when the driver at fault tried to lie, I was there to inform the cops of what really happened.  Therefore, the next time you endure, feel or see injustice, ask the Lord to fill you with a new appreciation for justice.

by Jay Mankus

 

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How Many Lives Would Be Different?

Posted on September 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As sand in an hour glass empties to signify the end of a day, souls have a series of questions to ponder.  Did you accomplish your goals or place checks marks next to your to do list?    What impact did you have on others at home, school or work?  How many lives did you touch or turn off?

After completing a 6 week video series at church, the grand finale challenged individuals with a question.  How many lives would be different if you became a fully devoted follower of Christ?  Two days following this message, I’m afraid my actions have returned to normal.  The motivation I had walking out of church has faded like a setting sun.  Subsequently, my faith has been invisible, blending into the world like a chameleon in a jungle.

It shouldn’t take a life altering event to inspire people to follow Christ.  Yet, many of us are like the young man in Matthew 19:16-22, trusting in ourselves instead of the Lord.  Thus, disappointment, emptiness and frustrations often fill the lives of those unable to make a difference.  If you are struggling to see fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, may the words of 1 John 2:5-6 develop into a prayer so that the light of Jesus shines through in a loving and natural manner.

by Jay Mankus

 

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