Tag Archives: television

Things That Break Your Momentum

Posted on January 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

1. Television

Direct Television’s Settler’s commercial uses a play on words, claiming that if you don’t have their package you are settling for second rate customer service.  During my recent fast, television was the first thing that broke my spiritual momentum.  After a long week of work, I thought I’d indulge in a few hours of viewing pleasure.  In return, I was in a funk for the rest of the weekend, sluggish, unmotivated and felt like I wasted valuable time.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:12.

2. Technology

Little Caesar’s recent ad campaign about going off the grid illustrates that you don’t need technology to order a pizza.  All you have to do is show up and its hot and ready.  Having unlimited access to the worldwide web has caused many to binge, soaking up as much as possible.  Unfortunately, people have become hooked, unable to drive, walk or eat without texting, tweeting or view the latest trending video.  Instead of conversing, opening up their hearts or sharing serious issues, individuals are content with staring at a screen.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand, Ephesians 6:13.

3. Attitudes, Annoyances and Mood Swings

The other night at work, I was in the zone, in a good state of mind when I was bombarded by a series of emotions.  I came into contact with bad attitudes and was poked by several annoying situations.  As I mumbled my displeasure, the momentum of the evening was broken by a myriad of mood swings.  Whenever you let your guard down or aren’t prepared for spiritual attacks, your soul can take a beating.  Thus, whether its television, technology or trials, make sure you arm yourself with the armor of God, Ephesians 6:12-20.  If not, don’t be surprised when the things of this world break your momentum.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Going Back in Time to Move Forward

Posted on July 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Disney’s animation movie Cars premiered at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 26th of 2006.  Lightning McQueen, the star and voice of Owen Wilson, illustrates what happens when an individual seeks to do whatever it takes to reach the top of their profession, the Piston Cup for McQueen, whatever the cost.  Just before reaching his goal, Lightning accidentally stumbles upon Radiator Springs, a once booming town on Route 66.  Forced to fix a portion of the road he destroyed, McQueen is taught a series of life lessons before moving on to his final race of the season.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Over the weekend, I spent a portion of 4th of July weekend in Amish country.  Spending the night at a bed and breakfast, I felt like I was transported back in time to life without technology.  There was no television, internet or bars to make a call.  Instead, there were books, nature and others to converse with.  Spoiled by distractions in life, it became painfully clear during my visit that my communication skills have deteriorated.  Tuning out others with technology had become a way of life for me, a misguided attempt to hide my inadequacies.  Thus, going back in time has created a thirst for conversations in the future.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Today, emails, Facebook and Twitter are flawed forms of communication.  While you may be able to express what you feel or think, often this form of expression is self-centered, void of any genuine face to face interaction.  Although emails may be convenient, they are superficial, not offering time for questions and answers like good old fashion meetings.  Perhaps, this generation has become too dependent on technology.  Sure, any information you desire is only a click away, but people are what makes the world go round.  Therefore, everyone needs time to get away, slow down and cruise the streets of a real life Radiator Springs.  Only when you go back in time for some rest and relaxation will you be ready to move forward.

by Jay Mankus

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When Donkey Knows Best

Posted on January 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As television evolves, the more preposterous ads, shows and slogans become.  Look no further than a time machine powered by Doritos, cologne that serves as a chick magnet and cars that cause a baby to speak their first words.  By the time Sunday evening rolls around, Super Bowl XLIX commercials will likely push the envelope further to a new low.

But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. – Numbers 22:22

The Bible contains its own version of improbable events.  A serpent that walks and talks, seas that turn to solid ground then swallows up an entire army and a man who rises from the dead.  While post-modernists may tend to believe Hollywood more than the authors of the Bible, one of my favorite passages is when a donkey knows best.

Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” – Numbers 22:28

According to a 2013 study, more than 164 million households own a pet.  Although cats and dogs get most of the attention, its not uncommon for country folks to own a donkey.  Own his way to curse Israel, Baalam travels on a donkey with Moabite officials.  However, his donkey encounters an angel of death.  Unseen by Baalam, he begins to beat his donkey, a shocking sight to those who support PETA.  After the third attack, the Lord enables Baalam’s donkey to speak.  Opening the eyes of his master, God allowed Baalam to realize that sometimes donkeys and all animals alike know best.

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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Empty Again

Posted on October 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” first appeared in 1602, published within Francis Davison’s Poetical Rhapsody.  This expression applies to several aspects in life.  Thus, while working nights since July, I began to miss some of the television shows I use to watch with my family.  Until Saturday, a marathon to check up on a few of my favorites, I forgot how empty entertainment can leave a soul, void of any significant meaning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWiQdb8vIMQ

Although spending an entire day as a couch potato sounds appealing, boredom is a likely destination despite how many channels your cable or dish company provides.  According to Philippians 2:4, every human does need to be refreshed, before they can be of any benefit to others.  Yet, indulging in comedies, movies and sitcoms provide temporary pleasure before fading fast.  If you choose this path, emptiness is unavoidable.

Subsequently, individuals need to look in a different direction to experience a complete restoration.  Emptiness can be replaced by practicing Romans 12:1-2, leading to a transformed mind.  Depending upon your own desire, devotion and discipline, the timing on this change varies.  Whether you’re listening to or reading the Bible, Romans 10:17, faith will not disappoint, making the empty feel whole once again.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Soul Surfing

Posted on March 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

On a long car ride, families scan AM, FM and satellite radio to find the perfect station to meet their listening needs.  During the day, individuals search the world wide web to check up on emails, Facebook messages and find important information for their jobs.  Meanwhile, after a hard day’s work, most people feel entitled to channel surf until they find something that will help them relax and unwind.  As this surfing commences, have you ever considered what exactly is your soul searching for?

King David talks about purity within Psalm 24.  According to verse 4, a pure heart does not lift up their soul to an idol.  To lift means to elevate or raise something up.  An idol refers to any deity, god or icon.  Unfortunately, most soul surfers don’t consciously worship music, the internet or television.  However, soul surfing is subtle, gradually taking hold of you while you are in a bored, idle or vulnerable state of mind.  Thus, before you expect it, a wave of temptations come crashing down on top of you, flipping your world upside down, often knocking you spiritually unconscious.

Jesus refers to soul surfing in Mark 8:34-38.  Spiritual soul surfing requires 3 essentials: a servant’s heart, an unswerving commitment to faith and emulating Jesus.  Like a beginner trying to learn something completely new, spiritual soul surfers must forget their past by focusing on their new life in Christ, Galatians 2:20.  All the money in the world is not worth the price of forfeiting the human soul, Mark 8:36-37.  Therefore, the next time you turn on some music, click on the computer or turn on a television, make sure your soul is surfing on things above, Colossians 3:1-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Mere Images

Posted on February 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The expression “you are what you eat” is nothing new.  Nor is practice what you preach.  However, the prophet Hosea brought me something fresh and poignant this morning.  According to Hosea 9:10, you become a mere image of that which you worship.

If you study time management theories, you will stumble across the Pyramid Theory, which attempts to break each day into 24 one hour time slots.  Since the average individual sleeps roughly 8 hours a day, every person has 16 hours to invest their time.  If work consumes another 8-10 hours per day, people may only have 6 hours for their own personal use.  Thus, how you treat these precious hours will reveal your character, interests and priorities.

Israel had wasted their free time indulging in self gratifying practices during the days of Hosea.  This decision caused most of the Jews to become like grapes rotting in the desert heat.  As a result, their hearts shifted toward corruption, radically transforming their lives.  Instead of dedicating their bodies to the God of Abraham, most desecrated their flesh to shameful idols.  Looking into a mirror, their witness became just as vile as the images they worshiped.

Today, golden calves have been replaced by the internet, television and twitter.  While Jesus calls people to go into the world to tell others what God has done for you, Mark 5:19, the real question is, are you living in this world or of the world?  When people look into your day planner, where are you investing your time?  Do people see Jesus living in you or in something else center stage?  May the month of March serve as a transition, a restoration project to erase sin from your life by allowing Abba Father, to mold and shape you into the precious image of Jesus his son, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6.

by Jay Mankus

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