Tag Archives: Twitter

Respect This

Posted on May 25, 2017 by expressyourself4him

It’s been fifty years since Aretha Franklin introduced her version of Respect.  This hit song has been part of advertisements, commercials and movies.  One of my favorite synonyms for respect is reverence.  This is one of these terms which been forgotten, rarely practiced anymore.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor, Romans 12:10.

Unfortunately, the popularity of social media has gradually flushed respect down the toilet.  Every day Twitter wars disregard decency to bully, defame and lash out at those with whom you disagree.  While the Bible encourages individuals to outdo others in a positive manner, this message is either ignored or simply scoffed at.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you,” Exodus 20:12.

The reason why respect is vanishing can be found in one of the ten commandments.  When individuals begin to dishonor fathers and mothers, this decision opens the door to every area of life.  No one is immune resulting in a culture that trashes everyone or everything in sight.  Atheists helped kick God out of American public schools in the 1960’s.  Fifty years later respect is one of the casualties of this war on religion.  If you want to keep respect alive, start honoring fathers and mothers and maybe, just maybe respect will survive.

by Jay Mankus

 

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It’s a Yes or No Question

Posted on April 13, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In an ever expanding politically correct world, expressing your true feelings can be dangerous.  If honest, heart felt opinions are shared which don’t fit into the socially accepted ideology, expect Twitter to light up.  When human beings are verbally assaulted, its natural to become coy, hiding what you really believe.  This sets the stage for responses to be on the fence, often giving maybes to a yes or no questions.

All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one, Matthew 5:37.

In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus verbalizes his concern over people falling into the temptation to give lukewarm replies.  When asked a question, you shouldn’t confuse or lead people on.  Rather, just come out and keep the vows you make.  Anything that you can’t commit to, just say no.  Any other choice or option is inspired by the Devil.

Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that,” James 4:15.

The earthly brother of Jesus adds to this concept.  However, James encourages individuals to take life one day at a time.  Trying to please people can lead to disappointment or cause someone to be over extended.  Therefore, keep your life in the context of the Lord’s will.  Life is too short to promise this or that.  Rather, live each day as if the Lord is returning today.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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It Use To Be Called A Lie

Posted on December 27, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7N4aH0liBk

In the past few months, a new term has evolved from social media, fake news.  Whether its Facebook, Twitter or writers failing to confirm the accuracy of a story, false news is posted daily.  Before the truth comes out, many are believing and embracing that which is a lie.

Test all things; hold fast what is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

On November 14th, 2016, Tucker Carlson debuted in the 7PM time slot on the Fox News Network.  For years I tuned out cable news due to hosts allowing guests to say anything without holding them responsible.  To my surprise, Tucker Carlson is making lying political analysts squirm.  Words have consequences and fake news is finally be exposed as a lie.

Abstain from every form of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

Since the middle of the first century, not much has changed.  Despite good intentions, exaggerations, fabrications and interesting tales comes out of the lips of sinners.  In view of this reality, its essential to test everything to you hear and read.  If you don’t, you may be the next victim of fake news, which use to be called a lie.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When Loose Lips Sink Relationships

Posted on October 20, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of Billy Joel’s most profound songs Honesty debuted on the airways in 1979.  Part of the 1978 album 52nd Street, the chorus of this ballad suggests honesty is such a lonely word.  Perhaps, Billy Joel was on to something, prophetic, sharing a glimpse of what the future would hold.  Before gun or fist fights, human beings often talked out their differences, no matter how heated a conversation got.  Unfortunately, in this age of Facebook, texting and Twitter, loose lips expressed on social media can sink relationships.

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! – Psalm 141:3

Depending upon your personality, you will either seek confrontation or run away.  Texting has emboldened some former cowards by avoiding face to face encounters.  Yet, what is posted, typed or shared can create a wedge between friends.  Politics, religion and worldviews are factors that tend to divide neighborhoods.  When opinions are openly expressed on these topics, loose lips sink relationships.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear, Ephesians 4:29.

The apostle Paul provides a solution to those who have fractured relationships due to careless words.  Sure, all human beings are imperfect, prone to moments of weakness where the choice of language is inappropriate.  In view of this, the more positive you remain, the less likely you will offend friends and strangers.  Faking this will prove to be a waste of time so its essentially to be genuine and honest.  While no one will ever be 100% encouraging all the time, this is the goal to restore formerly loose lips to repair relationships.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Heart of this Matter

Posted on July 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Troubled souls watch in horror following the third act of terrorism in less than two weeks.  After the shock wears off, people are looking for answers, searching for the heart of this matter.  While the facts of the most recent ambush of police officers in Louisiana is unclear, there elements shine some light upon the darkness behind these evil acts.

1. Opinions have been elevated to truth status.

Whether you watch cable news, follow social media or read secular publications, public opinions go viral weekly.  Cable news uses talking points to define the narrative, filtering out the context by over-emphasizing what they want the low information voter to believe.  Facebook, Snap Chat and Twitter elicit emotions, creating an environment for anger, hatred and negativity to have a voice.  Meanwhile, a few elite members of the media daily spoon feed the American public, repeating ideologies, philosophies and worldviews until their opinions become what is good, right and true.

2. Political Correctness has replaced the Bible as genuine absolutes.

During my last year as a high school Bible teacher, our administration felt it was necessary to bring in a professional for an inservice day on sensitivity training.  As the black student population grew, a series of seminars was designed to equip teachers with a better understanding of the African American community.  Unfortunately, most of the time was spent regurgitating liberal beliefs void of any biblical principles.  When public schools kicked the Bible, prayer and God out of education in the 1960’s, the measuring stick for absolutes were eliminated.  More than fifty years later political correctness has now become the gospel of the twenty first century.

3. You can’t force people to act, believe or change.

One of the things I learned during my months in a youth ministry trade school is that you can’t change someone’s attitude.  However, once an individual takes ownership and responsibility for their actions, they can change themselves.  If God doesn’t force people to believe in Him, creating free will, why is the world trying to convince those who differ from their worldview to become open minded?  According to Jesus in John 16, the Holy Spirit is the only source that provides permanent change.  Discipline, good intentions and hard work are productive, but not eternal.  Therefore, if you want to start making this world a better place, begin with the heart of this matter by looking at the man, woman or child in the mirror.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When Someone Else Screws Up

Posted on April 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When someone else screws up, there is a dark side within human beings that tends to come out.  Anger, disappointment and frustration converge to form a lethal combination.  If you don’t believe me, just spend a few minutes on twitter or any other social media outlet.  Words filled with venom trash, trample and attempt to ruin the life of those at fault.

But no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison, James 3:8.

A few nights ago in Philadelphia this atmosphere played out at the Wells Fargo Center.  When the Flyers gave up 6 consecutive goals, three in the third period, some fans began to throw bracelets on to the ice used as a pre-game ceremony to honor their former owner Ed Snider.  This behavior led to a delay of game, allowing the Washington Capitals to play the final seven minutes of the game on the power play.  In the heat of the moment, people justify their reactions, blaming it on the person or team that screwed up.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear, Ephesians 4:29.

In life, we’ve all been on the losing side, the weakest link or the person to blame.  When the shoe is on the other foot, its not fun being the scapegoat, the one everyone despises.  Thus, whether you are the hero or the chump, its vital to remember the words of the apostle Paul.  Stay positive during periods of failure is crucial to surviving these difficult times in life.  May the encouragement of others build up and give those who screw up the grace to carry on.

by Jay Mankus

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Unpleasant, Painful but Productive

Posted on April 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In this age of social media, discipline often takes the forms of rants on twitter.  When shared among millions of followers, these words can be unpleasant, a strike to your heart.  Yet, if you acknowledge your own imperfections, any form of criticism can make you a better person if you are open to change.

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, Hebrews 12:5.

Like the famous court scene in A Few Good Men, sometimes people can’t handle the truth of an honest assessment.  Thus, many turn a deaf ear, unable to accept the painful reality that they are wrong.  This lack of openness often leads to stubborn hearts as well as a lack of progress in life.

Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son,” Hebrews 12:6.

According to the author of Hebrews, individuals need to change their perspective on discipline.  If careless acts result in embarrassment, face the music instead of running and hiding.  By embracing hardship as growing pains, character can blossom if you are open to self-improvement.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? – Hebrews 12:7

Discipline is one of those things which can be difficult to experience.  Yet, in the midst of adversity, God has a reason, to shape his children just as a potter molds their clay.  Therefore, the next time you are called out, it might be unpleasant or painful, but in the end I pray that you find it productive.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Power of Diligence

Posted on March 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

A couple of weeks ago, I listened to a talk show about the impact mojies and texting is having on the English language.  Initially, I was unfazed, not seeing the connection between the two.  However, the more I think about it, social outlets like Instagram and Twitter are enabling slang to steal the power of words.

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized, Hebrews 6:11.

Subsequently, dynamic vocabulary is fading away, becoming extinct like dinosaurs of the past.  One of these terms is diligence, referring to an attentiveness, motivated by vigor to carry something to completion.  This trait once made the United States a great nation, igniting the Industrial Revolution.  Yet for now, those who possess this quality is limited.

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised, Hebrews 6:12.

According to the author of Hebrews, those who lack diligence tend to fall prey to laziness.  The solution to this potential snag is to imitate the faith of Israel, willing to wait up to 400 years before finally possessing God’s promised land.  When diligence is exhibited in the hearts and minds of individuals, God’s promises don’t feel so far away.  Yet, when doubt causes God’s people to lose hope, the fruits of diligence disappear.  Therefore, the next time an urge to walk away from your dreams arises, fight back with the power of diligence.

by Jay Mankus

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The Boost of Encouragement

Posted on November 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Some time in the last century, the concept of encouragement has been replaced by criticism.  While traces of encouragement still exist, negativity has spread like a wild fire, often choking the joy within those trying to remain positive.  You don’t have to go far to see these signs, as twitter is littered with nasty comments seeking to attract more followers.

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers, Acts 9:31.

During the first century, similar obstacles existed.  Yet, in the face of adversity, an invisible force brought a sense of peace to the apostles.  I’m not sure who coined the phrase, but Luke, a well known doctor refers to this phenomena as encouraged by the Holy Spirit.  Despite persecution by Jewish religious leaders, staying true to their faith boosted their confidence.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

During a decade of teaching high school, it didn’t take long to recognize the attitude of each class.  It’s scary how the absence or presence of one negative student can transform a classroom for the good or bad.  The same holds true today within families, neighborhoods and the workplace.  In view of this, don’t let the Debbie Downers in life steal your joy.  Rather, boost the spirits of those around you with an extra dose of encouragement today.

by Jay Mankus

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