Tag Archives: Robin Williams

Saving the Best for Now

Posted on November 8, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Attending weddings are often a family affair, seeing relatives that you’ve only heard stories of or seeing others you haven’t seen for years.  Whether you are on the bride or groom side, marriage is meant to publicly celebrate the union between a husband and a wife, where two individuals become one flesh, Matthew 19:4-6.  Although not mentioned in John 2:1-11, the rabbi overseeing the proceeding likely quotes Genesis 2:24 during the vows portion of the wedding in Cana that Jesus and his family attended.

Based upon the accounts in chapter 1, only 6 disciples had been selected by Jesus, with 6 more to complete his ministry team.  This passage also suggests Joseph, Mary’s husband and Jesus’ earthly father had been dead for sometime.  The final piece of the puzzle insinuates that Mary is a close acquaintance to the parents of the bride as she is concerned about how her friend would be perceived if they ran out of wine at the reception, with some carrying on for 3-4 days.  If this is true, these elements help explain Jesus’ comment, “my time has not yet come,” Joseph’s absence from the text and Mary’s anxious reply to her son.  An observer to all of these occurrences is James, the author of the Catholic Letter and younger brother of Jesus.

Although his earthly ministry was not suppose to start yet, Jesus felt compelled to obey 5th commandment, Exodus 20:12, “honor your father and mother.”  The perfect child, Jesus calls the servants at the party to listen to his instructions, John 2:6-8.  Knowing the miracle had been done from a distance, Jesus orders the master of the banquet to receive a cup from one of the 6 stone jars, filled with water.  Remaining in the background, Jesus allows the bridegroom to take credit for the choice wine created by the son of God.  The master of the banquet refers to his sip as, “saving the best til now!”

An eyewitness of this miracle, James probably never forgot what his oldest brother had done, a special memory etched in his mind.  Perhaps James 4:13-17 is a small glimpse of the lesson God taught him in Cana.  You may love your past or can’t wait for a future event, but all that matters is the here and now.  Therefore, don’t worry about what could of or should have been and avoid the temptation of what may be.  Rather, live out Colossians 3:17 today as you save the best for now!

by Jay Mankus

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Hunting for God’s Will

Posted on August 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In the 1997 movie Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams plays a psychology professor struggling to accept his wife’s death.  When a colleague stumbles across a raw specimen, an orphan played by Matt Damon who is gifted in advanced Mathematics, Williams is called in as a last resort.  Williams reluctantly accepts this challenge, searching for the good within Will, beyond the layers of evil, heart break and frustration stuck inside this young man.

Despite being a juvenile, with a long rap sheet in and out of prison, Will recognizes his God given gift.  Thus, he becomes a janitor at Harvard, cleaning the hallways just outside of an Advanced Mathematics classroom.  Will even goes as far as completing a problem, left by a professor in the hallway, seeing if any one could solve it.  During a lunch with his girl friend played by Minnie Driver, Will comes to a ground breaking conclusion.  Curious about Will’s unusual love for Organic Chemistry, Matt Damon responds to Minnie’s question.  Comparing himself to Beethoven, he confesses, “I don’t know anything about music, but when I see math’s equations, I can just play.”

A few years ago, I assumed that I would remain a Bible teacher until my youngest daughter graduated high school.  Since being laid off, I have been hunting for God’s will the past 2 years.   Currently, I have several hours to think to myself at work, forcing me to reflect upon where I am.  In response to my search, I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit, in a clear and direct reply this week, “you are a writing prophet.”  While I am not exactly sure what this means, I do feel a sense of peace knowing for the past 17 months I have been faithful to God’s calling.  Like Will in Good Will Hunting, I’m not exactly sure how or why I write what I do.  However, when I sit down in front of my computer, the power of the Holy Spirit takes over, leading me toward God’s will.  May this movie and my testimony inspire you to hunt for God’s will in your own life, Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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Living in Anticipation or Dying with Regret?

Posted on February 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In the days of my youth, I often longed for certain moments in time, excited about a specific day, event or weekend.  Like a student who lives for Spring Break and summer vacation, anticipation was building up inside, waiting to be satisfied.  However, recently, I haven’t had much joy living day to day.  As I was filling up my car at a local gas station, a song from the 80’s, piped through exterior loud speakers, convicted me of my blasé attitude.

Robin Williams communicates a similar message to his students in the film Dead Poets Society.  Instead of a boring first day of class with assigned seats, handing out books and going over a course syllabus, Williams wants his students to live English.  Quoting a Latin phrase from a poem, Carpe Diem, Williams challenges his class to seize each day!  Thus, the question remains; will you live the rest of your days in anticipation of what may occur or die with regrets?

One of the most intriguing passages of scripture is found in the gospel of John.  The red letters in John 10:10 indicate that Jesus is speaking, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  They refers to Jesus’ sheep, those people who know the voice of their shepherd and follow him.  The first portion of Jesus’ words focus on how Satan attempts to steal your joy for living, kill any dreams you may have and destroy your life.

Therefore, this battle is not only internal; finding motivation to make the most of each day, but it is also spiritual.  Thus, if you want to make the promise in John 10:10 a living reality, putting on the armor of God is essential, Ephesians 6:11.  Otherwise, you might die regretting your last years on earth.  As Andy Dufresne says in Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living or get busy dying,” the choice is yours?  Seize the day now before its’ too late!

By Jay Mankus

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How about them Apples?

Posted on September 8, 2012 by expressyourself4him

A classic line from the movie Good Will Hunting starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams.  While this title has nothing to do with today’s blog, the scene featuring the words, “how about them apples” refers  to taking chances, risking embarrassment to achieve a desired result or destination.  The story line of this movie is a juvenile, bouncing around several homes as an orphan, eventually realizing an amazing talent as a math genius.  Will, played by Matt Damon, gets a job as a janitor at M.I.T. so he can begin to activate this gift.

One of the college professors at M.I.T. places a problem on a white board outside his classroom, Applied Mathematics.  When Will finishes the problem during one of his shifts, the professor is dumbfounded that no one in his class completed it.  Will’s girlfriend asks him why he loves organic chemistry as they enjoy a meal together.  Not sure how to explain his gift, Will uses an analogy like a great musician, “I’m not sure how, but when it comes to math, I can just play.”

I believe each person is blessed with an unique gift, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.  Some have yet to discover this gift, others are not sure how to apply it and there are those like Will, who are afraid to use their gift initially.  Although math is not my gift, I can relate to Will’s analogy in his explanation of his special gift.  My gift is writing; it flows out of me, from my soul, through my mind and onto a piece of paper or computer screen naturally.  God has unveiled another world through the power of the Holy Spirit which oozes ideas out of me daily.

My dilemma is how can writing provide for the needs of me and my family.  What arena, avenue or resource do I need to unleash this gift?  I have poems, short stories, a musical, games, songs and 2 movies, yet I need the Lord’s help to open one or more of these doors.  So now I need to find that job like Will, which places me into direct access with the right people who can help me realize my full potential.  Go and do likewise!

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Watch; Make History

Posted on June 7, 2012 by expressyourself4him

As I was cutting my grass today after work, I received a rhema from the Holy Spirit.  The voice was clear, “Don’t watch other people on television, rather make history by taking risks.  If you fail you fail, at least you can say you tried.”  Immediately following this rhema, the Lord gave me a great idea for a new product to sell on Ebay.

Like most guys, I enjoy watching sports on television.  However, God has been convicting me to do other things beside watching a ball game, sporting event or golf.  There are times when it is enjoyable to watch history, like seeing the Phillies win the 2008 World Series.  Although, if you add up the number of hours per week you and your family watch television, it would likely be shocking.   Therefore, turn off the television and begin to make your own history.

The apostle Paul gives us a blue print of mistakes to avoid in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.  Some of these reminders are no brainers, yet some of his points bring life into its proper perspective.  In the movie Dead Poets Society Robin Williams introduces his students to the term Carpe Diem, Latin for seize the day.  As the American Economy continues to flounder, the spirit of entrepreneurs needs to be revived by stop being on the sidelines of life watching television and begin to make the history God designed you to do, Jeremiah 29:11.

by Jay Mankus

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