Tag Archives: politicians

Muzzled by Freedom

Posted on May 26, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Today is suppose to be a national holiday in the United States, a time of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration.  However, as brave young men and women serve this country on foreign soil, the freedom they are fighting for is being muzzled.  As the summer heat begins to rise, certain states restrict the size of your beverage.  Meanwhile, activists, politicians and power hungry officials are trying to tell you what to eat, taxing and punishing the owners of popular restaurants.  If this trend continues, you’ll start being fined or arrested for freedom of speech.  Oh, that’s right; its already happening.

Like a high school administration that has lost control of their students, the innocent are being punished for the foolish sins of others.  Whether you drive a car, own a house or want to start your own business, ridiculous regulations and restrictions are taking the fun out of life.  Unfortunately, we live in a culture that is now treating citizens like little children who can’t stay out of trouble.  Perhaps this fall’s election will lift the malaise from the hearts, souls and minds of beaten down individuals.  If something doesn’t happen soon, the blood, sweat and tears of veterans will be forgotten.

On this Memorial Day, 2014, remember the words of John F. Kennedy, “don’t ask this country what it will do for you; rather, ask yourself what can I do for this country?”  When families, neighbors and young people begin to become doers of the word, Matthew 7:24, the chains of oppression will be unlocked.  Despite our best efforts, their is only One who is in control.  May the God of the dead transform the heart of the living so that freedom is no longer muzzled.

Please share your favorite war movie which inspires you to be proud of red, white and blue.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Tell Em’… Show Them

Posted on April 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

On Sunday evening following the Masters coverage, the Golf Channel debuted a 3 part documentary on the Relationships, Major Accomplishments and Legacy of Arnold Palmer.  Although I didn’t catch every second of the 3  one hour special presentations entitled Arnie, I was struck by one life lesson Arnold learned from his father.  Like a shrewd man unveiling a secret to life, “don’t tell people how good you are; show them.”  If you watched any of this program or you were one of Arnie’s Army, then you know this is exactly how he lived his life.

Modern politicians could learn from from Arnold Palmer’s actions during his professional career and retirement.  Fans were always acknowledged, the press was never dodged and this man gave back more to the game and community than anyone.  Perhaps, this is why Arnold was called the King, showing the crowds, his opponents and the television audience the proper way to carry oneself whether in victory or defeat.  Despite Arnold’s fame and fortune, he remains humble, remembering where he came from, who he is and what his father taught him about being a good man.

Though Arnold tries to be good daily, he learned the same truth that we all have to come to grips with, no one is perfect, Romans 3:23.  According to the Bible, there is only One who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin, Hebrews 4:14-15.  Today, on Maundy Thursday, we celebrate the man called Jesus.  On his way to the cross, He refused to tell others about his goodness.  Rather, he set the example, shining his light in a dark and dying world.  Before you go to sleep tonight, read Jesus’ words in John 3:16-17 so that you too may be inspired to let the light of Christ shine through you, Matthew 5:13-16.  Don’t tell em’ about Jesus; show them God’s love!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Not A Clue?

Posted on January 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

I’m not sure who has a worse track record: global warming predictions or the daily weather forecasters?  According to Al Gore, you know the guy who created the internet, polar bears were suppose to be near extinction due to the last of the polar ice caps melting by now.  Meanwhile, meteorologists have become so dependent on technology and weather models, they’ve overlooked common sense and God given instincts like Bill Paxton’s character in the 1996 film Twister.  I wish someone in either of these 2 groups would just be honest, professing to the world, “I don’t have a clue?”

Based upon actual scientific data, global cooling and warming is influenced by major volcanic eruptions or lack there of.  Temperature patterns going back to the early 1800’s reveal the world wide temperatures decline the year following a major eruption, decreasing between 1-4 degrees fahrenheit on average.  A modern example of this occurred following Mount Saint Helen’s explosion on May 18, 1980 as scientists began to suggest the world was heading toward its next ice age.  In the year’s following little or no volcanic activity, ocean temperatures often rise creating an El Nino affect.  However, computers can only make an educated guess on the future, often not having a clue to God’s daily forecast.

Having confidence in an ability, skill or talent is not a bad thing.  However, there is a growing trend in the media to avoid showing weakness unless you are a politician who has just been caught in a scandal.  Then, consultants will encourage individuals to go an Oprah, spill their guts and shed a tear or two to show the American people your sorry.  Yes, its important for college professors, guest analysts and professionals to be well informed, but what’s wrong with a little humility.  I want real people who aren’t afraid to proclaim “I don’t know,” instead of fake people hiding behind a facade.  Feel free to express your opinion or stand out up your soap box for a few minutes.

by Jay Mankus

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The Wizard of Ur

Posted on December 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

On August 25th, 1939 the Wizard of Oz opened in theaters across the United States of America.  This film is based upon the 1900 children’s book written by Frank Baum.  The wizard in this classic flick is portrayed like a modern day politician, promising the world, but unable to deliver anything.  Dwelling in his palace, the Wizard of Oz was haughty, too good for the average citizen, deceiving his people to support his luxurious lifestyle.

In Genesis 12:1, the Wizard of all wizards, introduces himself to a man from Ur.  Before physically building a kingdom, this wizard promises Abram a great nation, full of his offspring.  The only problem with this amazing offer is that the person on the receiving end was elderly and his wife barren.  Without any ruby slippers or good witches to make this couples’ dream come true, the power of God’s divine intervention changed the course of history.

Several hundred years later, this promised land was within reach for Abraham’s descendents.  The only thing standing in their way was a desert and a deserted faith, putting God’s plan on hold temporarily.  At this crossroads, God appears like the Great Wizard in Exodus 20:18-21.  These verses incite fear, prompting the cowards to run away and hide.  Yet, in the end, God has prepared a place, beyond the rainbow, John 14:2-3.  This paradise is not limited to the Jews; rather its for all who believe, John 20:30-31.  May the Holy Spirit make your eternal wishes come true, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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We’ve Never Done Things Like That Before

Posted on November 22, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One of my greatest attributes is the creativity that God has blessed me with in life.  Although I am not the most conventional communicator, I am able to apply Kindergarten Cop like principles on athletic fields, in the classroom and through my interactions with others.  Just when I was about to experience a breakthrough, I heard those 7 dreaded words: “we’ve never done things like that before!”  This narrow minded thinking cut me off at the knees, preventing me from achieving the heights God had intended.  Like Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society, we lost our teaching positions because others in administrative positions never saw the genius within a life application philosophy of education.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JM-MfwmzJo

Whether you are in business, communication or education, you will always encounter rugged individuals who will try to fit a square peg into a circular hole.  NFL coaches are notorious for similar practices, running a system that they know, without changing their style to fit or meet their rosters unique talent pool.  Thus, certain individuals remain anonymous today, being cut, injured or released by a team before the world was introduced to their special gift.  If only a coach would break away from the status quo, new stars might shine bright.  Unfortunately, power trips and stubbornness repeat the mantra all over again, “we’ve never done things like that before!”

Today’s world needs more Barnabas’, men who will humbly step aside so that the next apostle Paul won’t be thrown under the bus or suppressed by leadership trying to keep their jobs.  Despite their disagreement at the end of Acts 15, Barnabas was actually teachable, learning to think outside of the box.  Maybe politicians can take a cue from Barnabas by retiring from public service after 2 terms instead of trying to hold on to power for 20 years without helping the people who got them elected.  With God’s help and the prayers of the saints, may we flush this mentality down the toilet once and for all, saying goodbye to “we’ve never done things like that before!”  Instead, may a new generation of thinking begin today with, “let’s try it for a while and see what happens next!”

by Jay Mankus

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Inside Information

Posted on November 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Not much has changed since the days of Jesus: corruption, injustice and religious hierarchies still exist.  In the first century, tax collectors and prostitutes were tied at the top, labeled as the most immoral of all occupations.  While tax collectors stole money from individuals, overcharging hardworking citizens to create a private slush fund.    Prostitutes robbed husbands, wives and boys of their innocence, breaking the vows and unions of matrimony.

 
Luke 19:1-4 suggests Zacchaeus’ status as a tax collector provided some inside information to Jesus’ route through the city of Jericho.  Like a modern day politicians with access of an upcoming parade map, Zach was able to plan ahead, climbing a tree in front of the crowds to get Jesus’ attention.  According to Luke 19:5, his plan was executed flawlessly, earning a private meeting with Jesus.  Despite the negative stereotypes of his occupation, Zach had connections others weren’t privy to because of his service to Rome.

Inside his house, Jesus provided a spiritual message that transformed Zacchaeus business practices, Luke 19:6-8.  Although the specifics of their conversation is left unknown, Zach’s change of heart shines some light on this private meeting.  Jesus did not come to coldly judge sinners, pointing his finger in faces proclaiming, “oh no you don’t!”  Rather, Jesus has come into this world to seek and to save that which was lost in the garden of Eden, Luke 19:10.  This inside information gives hope to anyone looking for answers to the questions Nicodemus pondered in John 3:1-17.

by Jay Mankus

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Victim or Victory?

Posted on September 25, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Victimization has been present since life began in Genesis 1.  King Solomon confirms this by his statement in Ecclesiastes 1:9, “There is nothing new under the sun.”  Blaming circumstances for failures or mistakes instead of taking personal responsibility for your actions has been a way of life since Genesis 3 when life began in the Garden of Eden.

Eve was the first to rationalize her lack of obedience by saying the devil made her do it, Genesis 3:13.  Meanwhile, Adam had the gall to blame God for his failure to follow God’s only law, “the woman you put here corrupted me”, Genesis 3:12.  Unfortunately, this pattern continues today as people deflect attention to a scapegoat or group of people, passing the buck and blame like modern politicians.  Has society embraced the role of playing the victim or are there a few people remaining who have the perseverance to be victorious in life?

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, the apostle Paul reveals a secret scar from his life.  According to Romans 7,  this spiritual wart appears to be similar to an addiction, bad habit or an area of Paul’s life that he lost control of, Romans 7:15.  Instead of being content with being a victim of his own flesh, Paul fights through this condition like an athlete training for a race, 1 Corinthians 9:27.  Victory is not found in an actual contest, but through a spiritual state of mind, Romans 7:24-25.  Therefore, if you are like Paul, needing to be set free from a harmful craving of your flesh, look up to Jesus who has the power to rescue you from your situation, 2 Peter 1:3-4, giving you everything you need in life in the form of the Holy Spirit!

by Jay Mankus

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