Tag Archives: weaknesses

Shut Up and Listen for a Minute

Posted on October 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my greatest weaknesses is listening. This is likely due to my intense nature, completely focused on what I am doing. I must confess that when I meet someone for the first time, I rarely remember new names. Instead of taking off my blinders to pay attention to this individual, my mind is still fixated on what I’m doing or what I’m about to do. Therefore, shut up and listen is directed at my own life, but you may have a similar issue or struggle.

Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! – Psalm 46:10

Whether you’re a child sitting at a lunchroom table in school or an adult meeting new people at a social gathering, you’ll find a few people who will try to dominate the topic of conversation. If you listen intently, you may even hear two individuals wrestle for control, trying to one up the other. From time to time, I refer to this as a pissing match. This occurs when two or more talkers try to convince the group or table who’s the best or wisest.

There he came to a cave and lodged in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah? 10 He replied, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I, I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 11 And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice, 1 Kings 19:9-12.

When God places me into humbling situations, I tend to shut down socially. I may feel compelled to speak, but I usually spend the rest of the day listening and observing others. If you get too carried away talking, you may miss the lesson God is trying to teach you through disappointment and failure. Although I rarely have something special like Elijah happen to me, when I open the Bible to study, God’s still small voice in the form of the Holy Spirit pierces my heart and rings my ears. When I shut up and listen for a minute, I’m always amazed by what the Lord teaches me by simply reading the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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One Thing People Lack

Posted on July 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you’re not careful, people can get snippy when you point out one of their weaknesses.  Whether its a defense mechanism or a way in which individuals bend the truth, few want to hear about their imperfections.  However, there is a famous conversation where Jesus reveals one thing people lack.

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” – Mark 10:17

One day, a rich young ruler humbly falls at the feet of Jesus.  Desperately wanting reassurance of his spiritual quest to reach heaven, this ruler asks, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  While most teachers would seize this teachable moment, Jesus pauses to redirect the topic.  Despite being the son of God Jesus responds with the words, “why do you call me good?”  Essentially, the Lord proclaims that no one is good but God.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Mark 10:21

Using the ten commandments as a measuring stick, this benchmark serves as a guide as you interact with members of society.  In a sense, this is expected, what any follower of God should do.  Thus, when Jesus adds one final requirement, this ruler leaves Jesus’ presence heart broken.  Though other gospel writers vary their details of this encounter, it appears that this ruler trusted in his money rather than placing his sole faith in God to provide.  This same expectation applies today.  Do you lack complete trust in the Lord or fervently rest in Jehovah-Jireh?  May your reply to this question motivate you to draw closer to Christ.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Refine or Refuse

Posted on February 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you want to admit it or not, each individual craves affirmation, encouragement and a pat on the back.  Yet few experience, hear or sense that they are appreciated.  Rather, negativity often rules, pointing out each mistake you make.  Depending upon your personality type, each responds to criticism differently.  Some use it as motivation, others turn a deaf ear and the fragile let these words eat away at their soul.  Such moments provide two options, refine your ways or refuse someone’s advice.

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. – 1 Peter 1:7

Prior to last week, I sought out people to pump me up, telling me how great I was.  However, one embarrassing evening under the microscope last week allowed me see the importance of exposing obvious weaknesses.  Unless you know what to fix, you might continue throughout life never reaching your full potential.  However, once imperfections are brought to the surface, you can begin to make strides, asking God to smooth over your rough edges.

My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. – Proverbs 5:1-2

Change is hard, especially for the stubborn who think they have it all together.  Nonetheless, until you begin to embrace the refining process of trials, you won’t be able to become transformed like Peter in John 21:15-18.  If you are comfortably numb, continue to refuse advice.  However, if you want to reach new heights beyond your wildest dreams, let the refining process commence.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Leave in Haste… Or You Might Become Deceased

Posted on August 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

On Monday, August 11th, 2014, America lost one of its icons in Hollywood.  Whether it was playing Mrs. Doubtfire, Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society or a psychologist in Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams was a star brighter than life.  However, deep inside his soul, riches, fame and fortune couldn’t replace a heart of depression that only Christ can fill.  Subsequently, this talented actor took his own life, unable to leave in the haste sinful thoughts.

Moses makes an interesting observation in Psalm 90:8-9.  Apparently, God uses supernatural measures to bring secret sins into the light.  Whether you’re a leader of a nation like Moses, head of your household or superstar such as Robin Williams, the truth about your bad habits, flaws and weaknesses will rise to the surface.  Don’t wait to be found out, Psalm 90:9.  Rather, leave your sinful desires in haste, James 4:7 or groans of regret will keep you in the dark on the verge of death.

I won’t speculate on why Robin Williams committed suicide, but I do know countless individuals have moments where death is entertained as a viable option.  Unfortunately, sin has a way of corrupting one’s mind, polluting a person’s rationale thinking.  If you stay in this mental state too late, the pawns of the Devil will steal any joy that remains, kill hope and make self-destruction seem like a good idea.  Fight back these urges now, leave in haste or you too might become deceased.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Expiration Date

Posted on October 25, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Beginning in the summer of 2005, I was under the gun, forced to complete the requirements for my teaching certification if I wanted to keep my job at a local high school.  Once I had finished the initial steps, jumping through all of the hoops, I was expected to reapply every 2 years.  The only hurdle I had to endure was a graduate level Methods course during the odd numbered years.  Thus, I took 3 classes over 6 summers, where I needed to incorporate the principles of each subject into my current curriculum.  Prior to submitting my final paper, I had to give an honest assessment of my strengths and weaknesses.  This report served as a guide, fine tuning my classroom management skills as well as providing cutting edge ideas to assess students.

 

The occupation of teaching is unlike any job I have had before.  There is an emotional connection with students, especially those whom you see traces of yourself in them.  When you leave the property, you are still working, talking to parents at sporting events, calling back others about concerns or responding to emails about a question on an upcoming assignment.  Instead of clocking in and out, teaching is non-stop for 9 months.  However, in the summer your work is never done as classes change, curriculum needs to be updated and material is constantly in a state of flux.  Despite being one of the most rewarding positions I have ever held, its by far the most draining, a perfect cure for those struggling to fall asleep.

 

Nonetheless, on October 31st, 2013, Halloween Night, my teaching certification will finally expire.  Part of me hoped something would come up, opening a new door so I didn’t throw away 10 years of experience.  However, the realist in me saw the writing on my financial wall, unable to support a family on a Private School’s teaching salary.  If life is a set of stages, at the end of this month I will exit stage left like Bugs Bunny in an episode years ago, using my abilities in a new arena at Amazon.  As for now, all I can do is apply the principles of Romans 12:1-2, expecting God’s will for my life to come into clear focus.  Before time runs out on your current position or status, make sure you take a deep breath, reflecting upon the words of Philippians 3:8-9.

by Jay Mankus

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From Water Into Wine

Posted on July 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As in the movies, every human being, regardless of their super natural powers has a weakness, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.  Super Man had his kryptonite, the Wicked Witch of the West water and Eve her apple.  When the lights go out on life, sin is the only thing preventing individuals from the miracle of eternal life.

Unfortunately, doubt, first impressions and stereotypes keep most from living the life God intended, Ephesians 2:10.  The doubting Thomas’, Debbie downers and preconceived notions people pick up from their surroundings create a dome, void of any biblical miracles.  Thus, the devil truly does steal your dreams, kill remnants of hope and destroy the desire to fulfill God’s will for your life, John 10:10.

Where O Lord are the days of your miracles?  Why can’t we see another instance of water turned into wine?  If you are like me, desperate for answers, glimpses of progress or hungry for results, you’ve turned to the right place.  Behind the scenes, God is at work, serving as the God of the living, John 11:38-44.  While you don’t hear of many modern day Lazarus’, the Holy Spirit is alive and active, Hebrews 4:12.  The spiritually dead are being revitalized, raised up by the Word of God, John 3:16-17, turning tears of water into everlasting wine, John 4:13-14.  Taste and see how good the Lord is, Psalm 34:8!

by Jay Mankus

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