Tag Archives: success

Designed for More

Posted on February 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. – Romans 12:11

Human beings are often creatures of habit, celebrating the highs and struggling through the lows.  Somewhere in between, joy, passion and zeal for life can be temporary lost.  For many, these emotions are never found except for periods of good news from time to time.  Despite what you encounter, God has designed you for more.

His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” – John 2:17

According to Matthew 5:48, Jesus wants his followers to strive for perfection.  Yet, despite this plea many coast through life, living pay check to pay check trying to survive.  Stress induced by financial strain can suck the energy out of the strongest.  Thus, people settle for the ordinary rather than seek the extraordinary will God has designed for you.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

The promise of Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me of God’s plans for prosperity and success.  Furthermore, the Lord’s work is not a waste of time.  Rather, Philippians 1:6 confirms the Holy Spirit will carry what we started, a life of faith, to completion.  Therefore, commit yourself to becoming a servant of the kingdom as you were designed for more than just an average life.

Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. – James 5:20

by Jay Mankus

 

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Where Does My Help Come From?

Posted on February 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The term apologetics in the context of theology (the science of God) is derived from expressing what you believe and why.  This process takes time to reflect, meditate and verbalize the rationale behind the beliefs you hold dear.  Thus, one of the areas a person may contemplate over the course of their life is this: where does my help come from?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? – Psalm 121:1

Those who claim to be rugged individuals, consisting of discipline, hard work and persistence, often give the credit of their success to how they were raised, trial and error and earning most of what they have received in life.  Meanwhile, victims are on the opposite side of the spectrum, learning to pass the blame for their failures on everyone or anything possible, creating an excuse for each loss, setback and unreached dream.  As for those somewhere in between, the divine, luck the family you are born into usually help to explain why help arrived or never came to the rescue.

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; Psalm 121:2-3.

Looking back on my own personal experiences, there have been too many occasions in the past to write off as mere coincidences.  During my sophomore year of high school, I first sensed the hand of God leading me.  Although I have endured periods where I felt abandoned by God, help eventually was provided by angels, conversations, letters, unusual encounters and whispers from the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, as for me and my household, our help comes from the Lord!

by Jay Mankus

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The Source of Wealth

Posted on January 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” – Deuteronomy 8:17

Upon their arrival and occupation of the promised land, Israel may have forgotten who provided for their needs.  Sensing a  spirit of pride among the ranks, Moses devotes an entire chapter to guard against forgetting the Lord.  After years of failure, the taste of success may have gone to some of their heads.

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. – Deuteronomy 8:18

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Moses sets the record straight, giving God the credit for Israel’s newly gained wealth.  Remembering the promise made to Abraham, Moses confirms the origin of their recent success, God’s covenant.  Perhaps the suffering Moses experienced in Egypt produced a grateful heart, thankful for the answered prayers.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. – Malachi 3:10

In modern times, an Old Testament prophet suggests an untapped potential of wealth can be found in tithing.  As current believers begin to practice giving a minimum of ten percent of their gross income to the church and needy causes, God unleashes financial blessings.  Although a prosperity gospel preached in numerous churches perverts this biblical principle, the more you trust in the Lord to provide for your needs, you will begin to believe God is the ultimate source of wealth.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Blinded by Loyalty

Posted on December 28, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Superman had kryptonite, Samson Delilah and for many coaches, loyalty blinds them from helping their team reach their full potential.  From the sidelines, I’ve seen professionals fail to win a title by filling in their rosters with their guys, not the most talented ones.  Meanwhile, travel ball squads often finalize the team with coaches kids, forgoing success to make everyone’s parents feel better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQtx9IYIQ3I

Like a student experiencing their first bout of puppy dog love, you can’t get through to these individuals until its too late.  Developing an affection, attachment or devotion is natural, yet seeing the big picture isn’t always possible.  The blinding forces of love make it hard to think straight, especially when an outsider points out certain flaws.  Out of loyalty, feelings prevent most from making the best decisions for the greater good of a team.

In life, sometimes you have to take chances even if it means ruffling feathers.  While you may not change the minds of those in charge, if you remain silent you are committing a sin of omission.  If things go bad, you might even lose friendships.  Nonetheless, if you want those you care about to reach their full potential, don’t be afraid to expose anyone blinded by loyalty.

by Jay Mankus

 

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It’s a Tough World Out There

Posted on December 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As I listen to the media’s so called experts, I have a hard time believing what they are trying to sell.  Reports of economic recovery, declining unemployment and a Stock Market’s all time high seem misleading.  As I try to slow down to observe the culture around, citizens are conveying a different story.

While driving in my car, a day usually doesn’t go by without seeing at least one homeless person at an intersection with a cardboard sign: will work for food.  The retired are coming out of retirement not because they want to, but out of necessity after their pension, 401K or both have disappeared.  Meanwhile, former students who are now college graduates are beginning to consider grad school since the jobs in their fields either aren’t hiring or don’t pay enough to make a better life.

I doesn’t take a PHD to recognize it’s a tough world out there.  Individuals are struggling to find a place to call home.  Others are downgrading their expectations, wondering if they will ever find a good paying job again.  Despite these circumstances, it’s time to put on your big boys pants, buckle up your chin strap and fight hard to the finish.  Whether you taste success or failure, remember that each day on earth is a gift from God.

by Jay Mankus

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Life Could Be Worse…You Could Be a 76er Fan

Posted on December 7, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Nobody likes to lose.  Although, some players and teams don’t have the talent to compete with the rest of their competitors, sooner or later a victory will arrive.  Unfortunately, fans of the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA might not see a win in 2014, 0-17 with little hope in sight.

The unemployed likely experience a similar feeling.  Despite perfecting resumes, nailing job interviews and becoming a finalist for a position, heart breaks come way too often.  The sad thing is when the offers do arrive, the pay is like a slap in the face.  In the end, job seekers wonder if they will ever get another job.

When things aren’t going your way, there needs to be something firm that you can trust in.  A refuge where you can find a peace that surpasses all understanding.  James 1:2-4 suggests losing builds character, leading to maturity over time.  If you can develop this mindset, perseverance can carry you until you taste success.  Therefore, whether you win, lose or draw, the Holy Spirit can transform your perspective to become a complete person in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Sunken Treasure

Posted on November 13, 2014 by expressyourself4him

After viewing ESPN’s latest 30 for 30 presentation Rand University featuring Randy Moss, I was struck by the mentality possessed by citizens of Rand, West Virginia.  According to Sam Singleton Jr, dreams stop after high school for those who call Rand home.  Regardless of how gifted you are, few make it pass the 7 Eleven, the only convenience store in town, known as Rand University.  This is where shining stars become sunken treasures.

Although Randy Moss and Bobbie Howard did overcome the odds to make it to the National Football League, they are the exception to this rule.  Enrollment at Rand University begins with a few 6 packs here or a joint there.  Once blinded by addiction, apathy or both, the students in Rand become stuck, unable to escape the grips of invisible demonic forces.  Subsequently, dreams sink to the bottom of the ocean, where hope is nothing more than fool’s gold.

From a spiritual perspective, there are many towns like Rand, places where aspirations die.  If you pull back the third dimension, you will find generational curses and sins of the father blocking success, Exodus 20:3-5.  Unfortunately. Sam Singleton is merely a casualty of this spiritual war, Ephesians 6:12.  If you want to avoid becoming a sunken treasure of untapped potential, make sure you are prepared, Ephesians 6:13-20, with the armor of God to shield yourself from future attacks.

by Jay Mankus

 

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From Songs of Praise and Promises to Doubt

Posted on October 15, 2014 by expressyourself4him
One of my favorite Vince Lombardi’s quote is”Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”  However, if Vince’s team, the Green Bay Packers, did not respond to the vision he cast, Super Bowls would have been lost and his fame erased from history.  In a flash, when success is not achieved, songs of praise and promises often turn toward doubt and in football cries for FIRE the coach escalate.
At the pinnacle of the Egyptian Empire, a new king forget what Joseph had done to save their citizens from 7 years of famine, Exodus 1:8-10.  Thus, 400 years of slavery ensued.  Once finally freed, the Jews witnessed of one the greatest miracles ever recorded, Psalm 106:9-11.  A spontaneous celebration of singing praises to God followed, inspiring a new devout belief.  Nonetheless, as time widdled away, promises of faith faded from the memories of those who saw the Red Sea part in two.
Not much has changed since the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years.  People still experience a roller coaster of emotions, drawing near to God, then falling away.  Perhaps, there is a lesson from the past, one which involves clinging to the promises of God.   Despite what you may endure, fight through or see, God’s faithfulness never ceases, Psalm 106:8.  Since the Lord does not let go, press on to sing songs of praise like the apostle Paul in Acts 16:26, until the power of the Holy Spirit breaks through any walls of doubt that remain.
by Jay Mankus

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A Picture From God

Posted on June 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The visual learner inside of human beings often struggle to believe in things that they can’t see.  Words are meaningless unless an image, thought or vision appears.  Sometimes a picture from God is what individuals are waiting for to breathe hope and life into their soul.

When the Lord slashed Gideon’s army from 22,000 to 300 men, he had his doubts about achieving victory.  To calm these fears, God provided a picture of success in Judges 7:9-15.  Peter had a similar experience in Luke 5:1-11.  As a professional fishermen, Peter wasn’t one to withhold his opinion.  However, after a humbling night on the water, a new kid on the block brought Peter to his knees, Luke 5:8.  These pictures from above empowered these followers to reach heights they never imagined.

Although its not mentioned, the men of Issachar likely received snapshots from the Holy Spirit.  While the world was distracted, these godly leaders stayed the course, keeping in step with the Lord, 1 Chronicles 12:32.  Today, this country and the world needs someone who understands the times.  May a picture from God engrave minds set on fulfilling Romans 12:2 so that the lost have someone to follow back home.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Pin the Detail or Be the Donkey

Posted on May 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a coach whose youth baseball team has lost 13 in a row without a win this season, I’ve run out of words to say.  Pregame, in game and post game speeches have been ineffective as the losses continue to mount.  Unless I point each player toward the details they are failing to address, I’ll be the donkey in pain.

Whether its running through first base, charging soft hit balls or following through on every throw, children will never develop the instincts to be a great ball player until they practice like they want to play.  Athletic talent only takes individuals so far.  Once you reach a certain age, repetition is necessary or hungrier teammates will surpass your God given ability.  Catching, hitting and throwing involves reps, technique and situational drills to prepare players for the heat of the moment during a game.  If you pin the details into the minds of youth, the less likely brain cramps will occur in the form of mental mistakes.

In the game of life, there are plenty of life skills absent from youth, adolescents and adults.  If knowledge isn’t applied, information will be lost and maturity will be stunted.  James 1:2-4 highlights the drive required to become a complete and all-around citizen.  Tests occur on the field of life to teach souls to persevere and not to give up despite how many times you lose.  These experiences produces life lessons that lead to maturity.  If you follow the words of Galatians 6:9-10, a harvest of success is waiting for you down the road.  Focus on the details or in the end you will be the donkey!

by Jay Mankus

 

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