Tag Archives: The West Wing

Taking the Peace from the Earth

Posted on July 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

God’s timing is one of those things in life that can’t be forced. When individuals try to make something happen like Sarah’s desperate effort with Hagar in Genesis 16:1-16 only made matters worse. The birth of Ishmael took peace away from the earth as this child would be become the father of the Arab nations which are still at war with Israel today, even if it’s only behind the scenes for now.

Therefore do not pray for this people or lift up a cry or prayer for them, for I will not listen when they cry out to Me in the time of their evil trouble, Jeremiah 11:14.

Following the events of 9/11/2001, writers of the West Wing, a drama series on NBC, took a break from their regularly scheduled show to create a standalone episode entitled Isaac and Ishmael. This secular interpretation actually did a good job of illustrating how peace has been removed from the earth due to Sarah’s attempt to take matters into her own hands.

And another horse came out, flaming red. And its rider was empowered to take the peace from the earth, so that men slaughtered one another; and he was given a huge sword, Revelation 5:4.

While studying the Book of Revelation, I found the second seal relates to current events in the United States. As crime and murder rates skyrocket to reach new and all-time high in major cities across the country, perhaps the end of days is near. If global warming advocates continue to make false predictions every 10 years, dating back to the 1980’s, why can’t I chime in as well? While the third seal is still years away, may this passage serve as a warning to get to know Jesus so you can experience internal peace.

by Jay Mankus

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Why Don’t Politicians Solve Problems?

Posted on June 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every year states hold city, county, and statewide elections. While the House of Representatives serve two-year terms, Senators remain in office for six until their reelection. When a candidate wins their party’s nominee, promises are made to persuade voters. When a candidate chooses to remain positive, campaign promises are highlighted in weekly television advertisements. Yet, when someone gets desperate or slip in the polls, politicians cast blame rather than attempt to solve societies problems.

Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source], John 18:36.

One of the reasons former President Donald Trump wasn’t embraced by members of Congress and the Senate was his obsession to work for the voters who elected him into office. While Trump made his wealth through working hard in his businesses, career politicians have become rich from tax payers. At some point in the last half century, American politicians began to leave certain problems unsolved so that they had an issue to run on for reelection. If politicians were honest, solving problems might improve.

Pilate said to Him, Then You are a King? Jesus answered, You say it! [You speak correctly!] For I am a King. [Certainly I am a King!] This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice. 38 Pilate said to Him, What is Truth? On saying this he went out to the Jews again and told them, I find no fault in Him, John 18:37-38.

Before I followed politics, I watched the West Wing every week with my wife. While this show was slanted in favor of Democrats, it was interesting to begin to grasp the mind of politicians. Following an assassination attempt on the show, Josh who is one of the members of president Bartlet’s staff is rebuked by their campaign manager. When Josh struck a deal on gun control, his decision took away a pivotal campaign strategy. This one episode revealed to me why politicians don’t want to solve certain problems.

by Jay Mankus

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The Age of Terror

Posted on November 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

History has a way of remembering periods of time in the past.  Whether you are referring to the Dark Ages, Age of Enlightenment or Age of Exploration, events influence and shape historical accounts.  If the trends of recent terrorist attacks continue, then this world may now be experiencing the Age of Terror.

The angel of the LORD also said to her: “You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery, Genesis 16:11.

Following the aftermath of 9/11, the drama series West Wing created an episode to explain why terrorism exists.  At the beginning of their special presentation entitled Isaac and Ishmael, each star appeared on camera, saying a few words, taking a temporary break from their normal programming.  As the cast endures a fictional crisis, their conclusion reveals terrorism was conceived when Hagar and Ishmael were abandoned by Sarah and Abraham.

Ishmael will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers,” Genesis 16:12.

Whenever the next act of terror takes place, Cable News networks will bring out their panel of experts, trying to shed light on how or why an act took place.  Some of these individuals may even provide fascinating insights.  Nonetheless, when everything is said and done, the root of terrorism lies in the fulfillment of Genesis 16:12.  The word brothers refers to Israel, yet in modern terms applies to Christians as well.  Thus, Ishmael, the father of Arab nations continues his hostility toward the brothers of Israel.  May God have mercy on us all as the Age of Terror has arrived.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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What’s Next?

Posted on August 2, 2012 by expressyourself4him

The West Wing aired for more than a decade, starring Rob Lowe and Martin Sheen.  This drama featuring a democratic president used a series of talking points to help illustrate the various scenarios an American president undergoes.  Jedd Barlett, played by Martin Sheen, had a famous saying after each staff meeting, “what’s next?”

The night after I proposed to my girl friend Leanne, I had a clear vision from God.  During the year we were dating, I left my youth ministry position in Indiana and was lost, without a vision of what’s next.  In a dream, God called me to play professional golf.  Therefore, I woke up, told my wife to be about this unusual message and dedicated the next year, 1995 to playing professional golf.  The Holy Spirit revealed to me what was next.

When I received a rejection letter last night, declining my movie script, I had a flashback to 1994, clueless about my future.  I spent 3 months in 2012 writing Express Yourself and 4 months waiting to hear back from Hollywood.  Now that I know what’s not next, I need another dream, insight or an open door to show me where to go.  As I wrestle with uncertainty, I am at the mercy of time, clinging to prayer so I will know “what’s next.”

by Jay Mankus

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