Tag Archives: escape

Pinocchio Politicians

Posted on February 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

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

Every so often a commercial portrays a message that is sad but true.  Such is the case of the satire Geico ad when a dad tells his son, “did you know Pinocchio was a bad motivational speaker?”  If an individual’s nose grew each time something was embellished, exaggerated or lied about, people would be held accountable for their loose lips,  Unfortunately, most of the media is asleep at the wheel, allowing liberals, progressives and radicals to proceed as Pinocchio politicians.

A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. – Proverbs 26:28

The Bible uses a different strategy to insure honesty is upheld.  Rather than using the term reputation, authors of Scripture refer to keeping a good name.  Back in biblical times, promises, words and vows meant something.  Thus, the degree upon which you fulfilled what was spoken attributed to your name, either good or bad.  Perhaps, this measuring stick needs to be reintroduced today to prevent another generation of Pinocchio politicians.

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? – Numbers 23:19

In the film A Few Good Men, Tom Cruise as Lt. Daniel Kaffee is interviewing witnesses after a marine is apparently murderer by two soldiers in his room.  Upon questioning Keifer Sutherland’s character Lt. Jonathan Kendrick, Kaffee is surprised by the logic from this squadron leader, “Private William Santiago had no code and God was watching!”  While Hollywood will continue to serve as a land of make believe, God is real and will hold souls accountable for their actions on earth.  Although many escape initial consequences today, Pinocchio politicians will be exposed on the day of judgment.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

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If the Lord had Not Been on My Side

Posted on February 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If human beings could catch a glimpse of the spiritual dimension, a preview of what lies behind the scenes in life, perhaps souls would have a greater appreciation for divine intervention.  An individual loses their keys momentarily, only to escape a fatal car crash.  Someone wakes up with an uneasy feeling, deciding not to go to work at the World Trade Center on the day of 9/11/01.  A sluggish woman has a premonition to go to a doctor, finding a deadly disease in its infant stage, saving her life through early prevention.  Looking back on numerous miracles, if the Lord had not been on my side, I wouldn’t be alive today to write about it!

We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. – Psalm 124:7

The Bible would be just another book if the boat God told Noah to build didn’t float.  If the flood waters of the mighty Nile decided to break as Israel was crossing upon dry land, Moses wouldn’t have survived to complete the Pentateuch.  Meanwhile, if Mary choose to abandon her new born babe before the Magi arrived, the Savior of World would be like all the aborted babies, a distant memory of what could have been, but never was.  Despite all of these scenarios, somehow, someway and for unforeseen purposes, the Lord of the heavens and earth choose to protect his people.

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, – Psalm 124:8

Like a scene from Groundhog Day, lives have been altered forever.  Unfortunately, not everyone has been saved, spared or protected.  Many have become victims, dealt a knock out blow, sending any hopes for life to the grave.  Many of those left behind on earth never recover, bitter at God for months, years and decades.  Feeling betrayed, few overcome the heartbreak and suffering of seeing wonderful souls eliminated from society by accidents, bloodshed and demonic influences.  May this piece give readers a new appreciation for life and faith to overcomes moments in time when God doesn’t appear to be on our side.

by Jay Mankus

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Misreading the Road Signs in Life

Posted on January 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2uKQi1Q4_8

I guess you can say I’ve always been geographically challenged the first time I drive to a new place.  Once I find it, my photographic memory will bring me back time after time.  However, sometimes the anticipation of arriving causes me to jump the gun, misreading road signs, causing me to regularly get off on the wrong exit.

For we live by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7

The night before I met my wife for the very first time, I was on my way to a regional conference in Chicago.  Unfamiliar with the area, I wasn’t sure which exit to take.  Not afraid to ask for directions, I got off trying to find a convenience store or gas station to point me in the right direction.  Instead, I drove into what I thought was a development, actually one of the projects.  Before I could roll my window down, I found myself in the middle of a movie, about the get car jacked.  Whether it was the Holy Spirit or mere instincts, I gunned my engine, almost took out 2 people and fled as fast as I could back to the main highway.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105

Fortunately for me, I escaped a life altering experience, similar to the events of Robert Allenby’s brush with death last weekend in Hawaii.  Every know and then, we all happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Subsequently, death can result like an incident bystander struck by a drunk driver.  Thus, trying to make sense of life’s bizarre circumstances is nearly impossible.  Nonetheless, when roadblocks send you in an alternate or different direction, open life’s road map, the Bible, to help you get you back on course.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Substitute for Reality

Posted on December 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a student, whenever a substitute was standing up front or sitting in a chair, it was like a holiday.  Although plans were passed on, most periods turned into a study hall, a break from the normal routine.  Whether this lasts for a day, week or longer, this individual serves as a substitute for reality.

Stressed out by the events of a week, human beings often turn to their televisions to escape.  Whether its a favorite channel, show or sporting event, this time mends the broken and heals wounded souls temporary.  However, if this habit becomes a life style, entertainment can become a substitute for reality.

Perhaps  the breakdown of the American family started with different viewing interests.  Once on, there isn’t a need for communication as the big screen turns into an alternate reality.  If this pattern continues, minds zone out, numb to deadening relationships inside their home.  As soon as the number of televisions increase to multiple rooms, the stage is set for a divided house.  May those on the verge of falling into this trap, awaken before this idol becomes a permanent substitute for reality.

by Jay Mankus

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What Did You Expect?

Posted on August 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Eleanor Porter’s book Pollyanna was first published in 1912.  Nearly 50 years later, Walt Disney brought this little girl to life in the form of a movie bearing her name.  In a world of pessimism, Pollyanna saw circumstances through rose colored glasses, focusing her attention on the good things in life.

Seventy years wiser, Pollyanna’s are nearing extinction, killed by negativity.  Instead, a new age is dawning, starring, “What did you expect anyway?”  Debbie downers have set fire to optimism, extinguishing hope with self-fulfilling prophecies of failure.  This attitude is breeding a generation of despair, void of expectations.  The blame game, put downs and trash talking are leaving the masses to settle for mediocrity.

To escape this mentality, one must arm themselves with the mind of Christ, 1 Peter 4:1-2.  Sometimes debating others until you are blue in the face is a waste of time.  Rather, rid yourself of negative influences, Colossians 3:8-10, replacing these with the practices of Jesus, Colossians 3:12-15.  Although you won’t have many fans along the way, be doers of the Word, not doubters, Matthew 7:24.  In the end, through thick and thin, you can expect a room in heaven, John 14:2.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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There is No One Else to Blame

Posted on July 8, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes, if you don’t succeed initially, the second time you attempt it is a charm.  Such is the case for Howard Jones, whose rerecording of the song No One is to Blame produced by Phil Collins peaked at #4 of the Billboard Hot 100.  If failure causes you to quit prematurely on any goal or task, there is no one else to blame but yourself.

Despite this reality, people are still following in the footsteps of Adam, looking for someone to be the scapegoat.  “Surely its someone else, not me,” brushing off responsibility by passing the buck to God and his wife, Genesis 3:12.  Subsequently, lame excuses linger, grasping at straws to point the blame in another direction.

In the end, there is no escape clause as the Bible is clear, Romans 1:18-20.  Between sunrise and sunset, God’s invisible qualities are on display.  Thus, the onus is on you, to take ownership of the choices you make.  Therefore, the next time you make a mistake, don’t look around to pass judgment for there is no one else to blame.

by Jay Mankus

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The Greatest Closer of All Time

Posted on March 21, 2014 by expressyourself4him

To close refers to someone or something that is finished, like turning a page, closing the door or finalizing a deal to complete what you started.  In baseball, a closer is suppose to end a game, seal the deal and hold the lead so that victory is preserved.  Names such as Mariano Rivera, Dennis Eckersley and Lee Smith come to my mind as the greatest ever.  However, you don’t have to play baseball to be the greatest closer of all time.

According to Psalm 37:39-40, the Lord must be considered into this conversation.  Although distant at times, God fulfills His promise to deliver, rescue and save those who trust in Him.  The Bible is filled with testimonials of the Lord’s attributes as a closer, Philippians 1:6.  One unidentified witness claims faith is the main obstacle which is preventing many from coming to this conclusion, Hebrews 11:6.  Just when you thought Jesus was going to let you down, He escaped the grips of death to save all of mankind from sin, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.

In this current age of instant information, negative stories often steal the headlines, highlighting the demise of a once famous star.  When the spotlight is turned off, passing the torch to the next best candidate, father time has a rather cruel way of pushing elite individuals to the curb.  Despite this harsh reality, Jesus remains the same, Hebrews 13:8.  Therefore, if you’re tired of letting victories slip through your fingers, turn to the greatest closer of all time, who has secured an eternal place for His followers, John 14:1-3.

Please feel free to share anything you need a “closer” for or a prayer request.

by Jay Mankus

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Diabolical Pride

Posted on February 21, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The phrase pertaining to the devil was developed in the early 1500’s to define diabolical.  Forty years later in 1540, befitting the devil was added to complete modern definitions of this term.  In the 1667 classic Paradise Lost, author John Milton linked diabolical with Satan.  The Greek word diabolos is used by Jews and Christians today to describe the Devil or Satan.

In the 1940’s, C.S. Lewis began to air a sermon series on the radio, known as his Broadcast Talks.  By 1944, this content was published into 3 separate books, eventually forming Mere Christianity.  The second book, Christian Behaviour, completed in 1943, contains one of the most intriguing chapters on pride ever written.  Entitled The Great Sin, chapter 7 addresses the dangers of pride mentioned by Solomon in Proverbs 6:16-19.

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While pride refers to arrogance, conceit and haughtiness, diabolical pride has a darker meaning.  According to Lewis, this type of pride can spiritually blind individuals to the point “you look down on others so much that you do not care what others think.”  Similar to the owner on last week’s episode of Bar Rescue, this man never heard a word that Jon Taffer said.  Despite being a world renown expert in saving bars, night clubs and restaurants from going out of business, this owner of Metal & Lace in Austin, Texas was oblivious to Jon’s constructive criticism.

Escaping the grips of diabolical pride isn’t easy.  The proud have trained themselves to discount any idea, suggestion or thought that doesn’t come within, causing heart felt advice to fall upon deaf ears.  Meanwhile, prideful heads are stuck so high in the sky that unless someone from their inner circle questions them, no change is likely.  Thus, humility through defeat, failure or rejection is the only pathway toward transformation.  Yet, narcissism often lingers like an addiction, deceiving minds from the truth.  Love, time and prayer may be the only factors to rescue an arrogant soul from the chains of diabolical pride.

by Jay Mankus

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