Tag Archives: mind

Blocking Yourself

Posted on March 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

On November 26th, 2013 something unusual was caught on film during an NCAA college football game between the University of Florida and Georgia Southern.  If it wasn’t bad enough losing to a I-AA football team, a replay revealed 2 Gator offensive lineman were actually blocking each other as if their eyes were closed on one play.  When the national media got a hold of this clip, these 2 players were further embarrassed, weekly making ESPN’s Not Top 10 low lights.  Blocking yourself or in this case you own teammate ranks up their with Mark Sanchez’s butt fumble, returned by the New England Patriots for a touchdown during the 2012 NFL regular season, a legendary not top 10 moment in sports.

In basketball, players are allowed to set picks, also known as screens to help others get open.  As long as an individual has set their feet without moving, the play is legal.  However, when someone get’s careless or sloppy with their body position, the play is deemed illegal as a foul is called resulting in a turnover or foul shots.  Unfortunately, life is filled with examples of blocking yourself.  The loud mouth often talks too much, ruining their reputation with uncalled for remarks.  The gossiper can’t resist the temptation of distorting the truth, caught up in a web of lies that will one day explode in their face.  Meanwhile, negative people will lose favor among co-workers, family and neighbors limiting their full potential on earth.

From a spiritual perspective, Christians and non-Christians alike regularly block God from pouring out his blessings.  According to Jesus’ earthly brother, complaining, grumbling and impatience serve as a barrier between God and mankind, James 5:8-9.  Furthermore, any unwholesome comment that comes out of your mouth grieves the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 4:29.  Instead of blaming God for your misfortune, get out of the way or you will continue blocking yourself from obtaining God’s promises in the Bible, Jeremiah 29:10.  Although its hard to admit, often I’m my worst enemy, getting in the Holy Spirit’s way with self conceit, Galatians 5:25-26.  May this blog inspire you to reflect, pondering if anything is causing you to block yourself from God?  Whenever something comes to mind, please leave a comment below to help others in life’s journey.

by Jay Mankus

       

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777: A Lucky Number, Merely Superstitous or Supernatural?

Posted on March 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In life, the human mind can become fragile, as psyche’s quickly question what went wrong, why did something bad happen and how can I reverse this misfortune?  While some search for their mojo, others cling to superstitious habits to insure a desired outcome.  Meanwhile, an unseen God is waiting as a bystander, hoping to be invited by individual’s to intervene of their behalf.

According to biblical numerology, the number 7 is symbolic of completion, fullness and perfection.  Three seven’s illustrates complete perfection.  Despite this information, human beings often fall back on worldly beliefs to make sense of the hands people are dealt.  Perhaps this explains why so many today turn to astrology, fortune cookies and psychics to find answers to life’s questions.

Like the golden calf made by Aaron for the Israelites, good luck and superstitions can become our gods. Something for people to wrap their hands around.  Since the invisible qualities of God feel so distant, others avenues are vying mankind’s devotion.  The disciple whom Jesus loved eludes to this in 1 John 2:15-17 as cravings, lust and pride try to deceive the masses from the truth, John 3:16-17.  On  judgment day only one will be proven right, will it luck, superstitions or the supernatural?

You’re invited to share your opinions in the comment section below.

by Jay Mankus

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Relocating Your Voice

Posted on March 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Freedom of Speech isn’t what it use to be in America.  Today, fear of public opinion is silencing many, afraid their beliefs will lead to a feeding frenzy in the media, falling out of favor like a fading star.  Thus, individuals are forced to relocate their voice, finding other avenues to express how they really feel.

In an episode called State of Grace, the writers of Joan of Arcadia present a show focusing on a junior in high school who stutters.  Though intelligent, he is unable to communicate what is in his mind without severe stammering.  Subsequently, he turns to writing to voice his opinions.  Joan played by Amber Tamblyn encourages her new friend to relocate his voice from the debate team to writing for the school newspaper.

As graduates enter the work force this spring, its harder than ever to discover where you can maximize your God given talents.  Though money is an important factor, failure to apply your gifts in a position can stifle your joy.  Until you locate a place that values your assets, people will continue to search for an ideal match.  May you enjoy the journey as you relocate your voice to find your place in this world.

Please share how or who has influenced you to stand up for your belief in the comment section below.

by Jay Mankus

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Never Satisfied

Posted on March 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Back in January, days before my sledding accident, I had planned on giving up watching television during Lent. I was going through one of those phases in life where I sought to make history, not watch it happen. Thus, I pressed on to complete the writing on my second movie script, Behind the Devil’s Door.  Everything was moving forward as schedule until that one fateful day, January 29th.

My initial rib injury prevented me from sleeping more than an hour or so at a time, leaving me exhausted, unable to receive the rest I needed.  Ten days later, the force of a sneeze at work altered the blood flow of my internal bleeding, unknown to me, leading to several weeks of bed rest after a 4 day visit to the hospital.  Distraught, I took the advice of a relative who suggested to relax and enjoy the 2014 Winter Olympics which had just begun.  Beside listening to music, reading and writing, I didn’t have many options stuck in my downstairs recliner to avoid steps.

I don’t care if you have 1000 channels to observe daily, sooner or later you’ll be bored out of your mind, never fully satisfied by the entertainment on the big screen.  As a relatively active person, staying idle at home left me craving something more meaningful in life.  After watching the entire first season of Joan of Arcadia, I became restless longing for traces of God in Hollywood, but I was left disappointed.  To fill this void, I won’t be satisfied until the vision God has given me for my second script is complete, Philippians 1:6.

What vision or dream has God given you? Please leave a comment.

by Jay Mankus
        

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Slip Proof

Posted on March 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you’re driving a car in wintry weather, trying to walk on a slippery surface or seek to keep a conversation clean with children ease dropping, its impossible to guarantee a slip proof day.  You may have good intentions, yet how can you be so sure that you won’t misstep, stumble and fall?  Daily obstacles await individuals, like potholes that can lead to blunders, errors or gaffes if you’re not paying careful attention.

Despite these odds, there was a king who suggested another way.  Psalm 37:31 contains a plan that is slip proof, demonstrated by a man after God’s own heart.  The key is to hide the words of the Bible in your heart, meditating on God’s laws as an honor student hungers for straight A’s, Psalm 119:7-9.  Once the mind is transformed, Romans 12:2, a slip proof day isn’t out of the equation.  This is the goal set out for people to strive for, Matthew 5:48.

Slipping often occurs in 3 ways: physically, mentally and spiritually.  Physically slipping could be an accident or a byproduct of poor judgment.  Perhaps, this may explain the apostle Paul’s warning to believers in Corinth, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  Compromise is conceived in minds, trying to convince souls to alter their values.  If an Eve like moment occurs, a mental weakness produces a spiritual slip known as sin.  Whenever you reach this point, go back to the drawing board, remember David’s words in Psalm 37:31 to regain a slip proof footing.

Do you have a stategy for avoiding “slips”? If so, please share.

 

by Jay Mankus

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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While God May Be Found

Posted on March 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you listen to the national media, forgiveness is dependent upon your political affiliation, with democrats, liberals and socialists often receiving a pass for their transgressions.  As long as you align yourself with the right people, are willing to play the game and refrain from politically incorrect topics, your mistakes will be glanced over.  However, if you speak your mind, hold to conservative principles and believe in biblical teachings, your worldview doesn’t fit the new America being established today.

Despite what history unveils, revisionists are erasing the footsteps of God in America.  Somewhere underneath the rug, the truth is being held captive, replaced by a more accepting and tolerant culture.  Colleges, institutions and schools once founded to introduce the Bible to inquiring minds have been highjacked by post-modernists and progressives blazing a new trail for education.  If this trend continues, there’s a chance God will remove himself from this nation, abandoning it like citizens who have fled from the way, John 14:6.

In the midst of his greatest rebellion, Israel’s king says something profound following his affair with Bathsheba.  “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; Psalm 32:6.”  If David continued down the road of lust, sexual immorality and murder, his time to repent would have expired.  Something in his soul warned him, instilling a sense of urgency to confess his sin.  Perhaps, the time for Americans is nearing an end, with God close to removing his blessing from this land.  With this in mind, seek God while He may be found to secure a seat in heaven, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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Not The Ending I Envisioned

Posted on March 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Gary Sinise played Lieutenant Dan, a Vietnam squadron leader who holds a grudge against Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, feeling that his destiny was stolen by Gump’s heroic efforts.   Lieutenant Dan believed he was meant to die with his army on the battle field.  Thus, he confronts Forrest, turns to alcohol to drown his sorrow, spending the rest of his life bound to a wheelchair, at least in his mind.

Meanwhile, all Forrest wanted was to be Jenny’s girl, his only friend growing up.  Wherever Forrest was, he thought of Jenny, writing letter after letter, hoping for a storybook ending.  Unfortunately, Forrest received these letters back, returned unopened.  After momma died, Forrest turned to running to clear his mind, tracking thousands of miles across the country.  Despite getting his girl, she dies of H.I.V. before they can grow old together.

Whether you are reading a book, watching a movie or living an act from your life, often the scene doesn’t conclude as you wish.  Instead, the curse of Genesis 3:16-19 provides an alternate ending such as death, paralysis or suicide.  Today, I feel like Lieutenant Dan in the shrimp boat during Hurricane Camille.  However, I’m not telling God “is that all you’ve got?”  Rather, I’ve surrendered, whispering “I can’t take anymore disappointment!”

Psalm 33:10-11 provides the answer to those befuddled by the direction their life has turned.  The Lord foils the plans of nation and thwarts the purposes of people.  I have become a causality of this truth, unable to comprehend the logic of God’s ways.  Yet, somewhere in the pages the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 exists.  Getting to this scene and waiting is the hardest part.  May God’s unfailing love rest on you as you trust the Lord to complete the work that He has begun in you, Philippians 1:6.

by Jay Mankus

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Stop Pouting and Start Leading

Posted on March 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

When someone is hurt, ill or sad, its easy to become distracted, absorbed by the painful reality of life.  One of the common reactions is to pout, a visible form of depression by expressing disappointment through your body language.  This pitiful state blinds individuals from those who need you the most, often resulting in isolation and withdraw.  Once you reach this point, its hard to snap out of this mindset.

Since my tubing accident, I guess you can say I lost or wasted the entire month of February.  I feel like I have been bewitched by the sorrow of my circumstances, similar to the church of Galatia who lost sight of faith, Galatians 3:1-5.  In my mental absence, my wife has tried to hold our family together as best as she could.  However, now its time for me to stop pouting and start leading.

“Compromise is the language of the devil,” according to one of Eric Liddell’s mentors in Chariot’s of Fire.  As a parent, if you allow your children to wear you down, compromise will become a way of life.  As my eyes have awoken from my spiritual slumber, its essential for me to lead my kids toward the less traveled road, Matthew 7:13-14.  However, words are meaningless unless I display the way.  Therefore, I need to experience a Chrysalis like the butterfly, 2 Corinthians 5:17, who enters as an inch worm and exits transformed on wings like eagles, Isaiah 40:31.  If people stop pouting and start leading, this generation can be saved one life at a time.

by Jay Mankus

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Dining Out

Posted on February 27, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The events of today can only be explained as a God instance, leading me to center of God’s will for a moment in time.  Stir crazy from not being cleared to go back to work yet, I spent 2 hours spring cleaning, purging my lame wardrobe.  After running an errand, I felt compelled to find a quiet restaurant to read and write for a while.  What followed next is best described as a Happy Meal at McDonald’s.

After enjoying a small treat from the dollar menu, I began reading a few chapters of the Bible, jotting down interesting details.  Before I started my prayer journal, a stranger approached with a few questions.  Noticing my Bible, his curiosity led to an hour long conversation.  Fifteen minutes later, a bystander joined the fray, adding to what I had begun.  To my surprise, this passionate woman was the mother of one of my former students.  When she departed, our discussion continued, reflecting on the temptations in life.

Although the conclusion wasn’t earth shattering, a seed was planted in a heart whose soul has been influenced by the hypocrisy of Christian leaders.  In life, God doesn’t force anyone to believe.  Rather, the apostle Paul suggests individuals are surrounded by visible and invisible qualities of a higher power, Romans 1:18-20.  Thus, anyone who is longing for a deeper meaning to life should start by soaking in the words of Christ, Romans 10:17, so that one day their minds will be renewed.  If you’re thinking about driving through or ordering take out, you might miss an encounter of a lifetime.  Therefore, slow down, kneel and ask the Holy Spirit for the words to share as you dine out.

by Jay Mankus

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Clinging to the Security Blankets of Your Past

Posted on February 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Charles Schultz conjured up in his mind a fictional character with real life tendencies in his classic comic strip Peanuts.  Linus was a boy who never wanted to leave his favorite blanket, finding comfort from this childhood possession.  Today, infants have similar habits, becoming attached to binkies, serving as a calming device to produce sleep.  Despite purging closets each spring, most adults aren’t willing to let go of sentimental items, keeping a few like a security blanket from your past.

Peter was a professional fisherman whose new acquaintance introduced himself as a carpenter.  Luke 5:1-11 recounts this first meeting as Peter listens to Jesus speak after a long night of work.   Despite his initial hesitation, Peter is willing to trust someone from another occupation, based upon a gut feeling within his heart, Luke 5:6.  Subsequently, Peter reached a point of conviction, guilty of holding on to traditions instead of faith.  By the end of this passage, each member of his crew was touched by God, leaving everything they knew behind, letting go of their security blankets.

I’m not sure if its my ego, pride or stubbornness, but I find it hard to completely change the routines I have set in life.  Sure, every New Year’s provides a tempest, the perfect conditions to rededicate one’s life.  Nonetheless, the fear of uncertainty prevents permanent transformation from occurring.  Thus, when the going get’s tough, people fall back on what they know instead of following the advice of strangers.  This reality of life fulfills the words of Proverbs 27:19, “as water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.”  May the example of these fishermen inspire others to forgo the security blankets of their past with a faith for the future.

by Jay Mankus

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