Tag Archives: wisdom

Do You Not Recognize This Voice?

Posted on September 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

To detect, notice, observe and spot are all words associated with discern.  Yet, when you don’t have your A game, get distracted or are tired, its easy to miss the obvious.  If you neglect your mind, you just might fail to recognize the advice and direction your conscience want you to take.

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? – Proverbs 8:1

King Solomon writes many of his proverbs to sons struggling to make sound decisions.  When you are young, discernment hasn’t been fully developed.  This sense takes time to acquire, often learned through the school of hard knocks.  Therefore, sometimes you need a Eli to come along your side to point you in the right direction.

A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.  So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place, 1 Samuel 3:8-9.

In modern days, Jesus left the Holy Spirit as a voice of reason.  According to the apostle Paul, as soon as you begin to keep in step with God’s Spirit, you can avoid the urge to indulge the sinful nature, Galatians 5:25.  By developing a keen awareness, souls can keep their feet on the straight and narrow.  If you reach a moment of indecision or come across an unrecognizable voice, test it with the 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 principle.  May you find your wisdom along the way in this journey called life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Discovering Talents Within

Posted on May 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Few people know that I wanted to be an artist in 9th grade.  Earlier on in high school, my electives were drawing courses to see if I had potential to pursue this desire.  Unfortunately, the older I became, my artistic gift vanished.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them, 1 Corinthians 12:4.

While doing yard work today I had an epiphany.  The artist within still exists, just in an unlikely form.  Although I may be one of the worst Pictionary drawers of all time, landscaping has become my new tapestry.  Thus, I have turned my back yard into a nine hole par 3 course with 6 different pin locations.  After re-sculpting a pot bunker, I can enjoy this with my children all summer long.

To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,1 Corinthians 12:8.

According to the apostle Paul, each individual possesses talents within.  However, the Holy Spirit is the vessel that helps people reveal these hidden gifts.  Time, trials and a willing heart will eventually bring spiritual gifts to the surface.  Therefore, if you’re growing impatient or feel like the Lord can’t use you, pray for insight to discover your talents within.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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No Where to Go but Up

Posted on April 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the middle of his junior year, my oldest son James suffered from chronic hip pain, derailing any chance of running winter track full time.  When a need arose for a new pole vaulter, James gave it a shot.  Despite enduring meets of failing to clear the starting height, he persisted.  Fifteen months and twelve feet later, James has no where to go but up, already surpassing the mark he set last summer.

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent, 2 Peter 3:9.

Last weekend, I spent an entire night, six hours straight, finishing the final edit of my latest screen play Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door.  Over the past 11 months, there were times when I didn’t feel like writing, researching and studying similar films.  However, I set a firm goal to complete this project by May 1st.  While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the future success and production of this film is now in God’s hands.

My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me, Hosea 4:6a.

One of the translations of the verse above suggests people perish for a lack or wisdom and knowledge.  For me, sometimes its hard to believe that God is actually going to answer my prayer or fulfill my dreams.  Yet, Jesus himself said to followers in his day, “you do not have because you have not asked.”  Therefore, if you reach a goal, obtain new heights or don’t know where to go next, look up to heaven with an expecting heart in faith because there is no where to go but up.

by Jay Mankus

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God’s Role for Hardship

Posted on April 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Back in the days when the rod of correction was a useful parenting tool and not child abuse, I remember what my parents said a few times.  I don’t remember the exact words but it was something like, “this is going to hurt me more than you” just before the spanking began.  In the years that followed, I was a quick learner, only needing a couple of paddles to straight me out.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it, Hebrews 12:11.

As an adult, things aren’t as clear for me and it was for my parents.  More analytical now, I wonder how God uses events like hardships as a form of discipline.  Are there certain things we deserve for past transgressions?  Is the current storm one faces some sort of a generational curse brought upon by ancestors?  Until a friend brought these theological terms to my attention nearly a decade ago, I didn’t have a clear understanding of hardship.

You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, Exodus 20:5.

Sometimes I feel like life is some sort of spiritual boot camp.  Pushed to the brink at times, just when I am about to quit, Jesus gives me the strength to carry on.  However, there are still plenty of unanswered questions, things that I may need to wait until heaven to comprehend.  Yet, for now, I know there is a reason for the trials I endure.  I just hope that I learn quickly like my days as a child so I don’t have to spend more time suffering.  Through the ups and downs in life, may the Lord give you wisdom to persevere and overcome.

by Jay Mankus

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The Rhymes and Reasons in Life

Posted on April 9, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every story includes a beginning, middle and end.  For the impatient, wanting to fast forward to know the conclusion, important details are skipped.  Subsequently, chapters and pages don’t make sense, void of any rhyme or reasons.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere, James 3:17.

The same concept applies to life.  Sure, every human being starts with conception, but somewhere between childhood and adolescence, life gets complicated.  As an adult, the complexities increase, causing many to be confused by the rhymes and reasons in life.  Thus, when you stop to reflect about where you are, how you got there and what do next, clarity is often hard to find.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9.

If you are like me, you have experienced periods of uncertainty in life.  When you find yourself in these moments of doubt, prayer is one of the best solutions.  As you pray your way through life to make sense of rhymes and reasons, God promises to give individuals knowledge and insight.  Therefore, don’t quit before God finishes the story He has written.  In the Lord’s time, rhymes and reasons will be unveiled as you draw near to God.

by Jay Mankus

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Living Off the Grid, Unplugged for a Week

Posted on April 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the advent of cell phones and internet, conversational skills were an important part of life.  While technological advances often enhance society, these two inventions are killing intimate relationships.  These modern devices are distracting individuals from bonding with other human beings whom they share a lot in common with, but haven’t taken the time to find out.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12.

During a vacation over Spring Break, I spent a week without wi-fi.  Thus, posting my blogs was a difficult challenge as even some of the restaurants I ate at did not offer free access to the internet.  Despite this challenge, I survived, spending more time with my family and children than normal.  Swimming in the day and playing pool at night provided a healthy climate for communication.

Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:16.

Although you probably won’t find me on a reality show like Survivor, living off the grid and unplugged for a week was a blessing.  Since I’ve always been a doer, with a drive to experience the outdoors, visiting new places this past week has given me a new appreciation for life.  Sure, you do need money to travel, but if you limit your access to the social media, you will discipline yourself to make the effort to go and do things you have always talked about, but never done.  Seize each new day while it lasts!

by Jay Mankus

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What a Waste of Time

Posted on March 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every weekend, depending upon your work schedule, most Americans have 48 hours to recover before starting a new week.  Sure, there are things you need to do around the house, check up on or complete before Monday morning arrives, but you have plenty of time.  Unfortunately, the older I get, the better I become at finding ways to waste time.  In fact, my time off is like a blur, a mist that appears for a while, then disappears just as quick.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes, James 4:14.

Although I’m not distracted by cell phones or computers, once I plop down on my recliner time flies, often losing half a night in one sitting.  At least I’m not alone.  According to the Bible, time has always been a struggle.  I guess if you get too focused on the future, you lose sight of the here and now.  Yet, wanting to get some thing important done and have it actually happen are two different things.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12.

One of the solutions to stop wasting time is provided by a Psalmist.  Seizing the moment or simply prioritizing your time is a good place to start.  By concentrating on the here and now, wisdom can be achieved.  Yet, prayer, fasting and reflection will lead individuals in the right direction.  As you wrestle with your own time management issues, may the Holy Spirit guide you to make the most of the free time that you possess.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Re-Aligning Your Faith

Posted on February 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have a car long enough, sooner or later it will have to go into the shop for service.  Whether you have your own dealership, mechanic or repair center, this maintenance must be completed if you want your vehicle to last.  Beside regular oils changes and tire rotation, you may need to get your car re-aligned.  Symptoms include drifting to one side, vibrations in your steering wheel or a steering column which shifts to a side despite driving straight.

Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living, Luke 15:13.

Depending upon the roads you travel upon, crumbling pavement and pot holes can speed up this process.  Hitting one bad spot can do severe damage or lead to a blow out.  Unfortunately, these events usually occur at the worst time, resulting in accidents, delays or pricey fixes.  Those who use public transit don’t have these same concerns.  However, anyone who drifts off course, experiences heart break or becomes crooked needs spiritual healing.

There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one, Romans 3:11-12.

Looking to the world for answers to life’s problems is like going to a mechanic who doesn’t know your car or don’t know what they are doing.  However, the apostle Paul isn’t afraid to state the obvious, everyone is imperfect.  Thus, everyone needs to get their faith re-aligned, back in accordance with the Bible.  Therefore, don’t try this on your own.  Rather, reach out to others for prayer, support and wisdom until the Holy Spirit helps re-align your life.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Come and Give Me Wings

Posted on February 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

At my age, I don’t wake up with the same fire and passion that I once possessed.  Beyond the spiritual realm, I find inspiration from music.  One of the more recent artists which touched me is Set My World on Fire by Britt Nicole.  On her Neon Feather Remix album, this song combines a great beat with moving lyrics.  The chorus asks God to come and give her wings to help fulfill her dreams in life.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, Psalm 91:11.

According to the Psalmist, this isn’t as far fetched as you think.  However, what does it mean to command the angels and what method ensures that you will be able to usher angels into action?  Based upon the words of Moses, obedience to God is a major factor depending upon how careful you are in following the Lord’s commands.  Yet, asking angels to come and give you wings seems more like fantasy rather than reality.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them, Psalm 34:7.

Perhaps, holy fear is the missing link, preventing Christians from seeing their prayers answered.  David is not the only one who made this connection.  King Solomon claimed fearing God is the beginning of wisdom.  Although I can’t recall a time I experienced angelic intervention, Jesus once said,”you don’t have because you haven’t asked.”  While this topic is foreign to me, in your time of need, don’t be afraid to cry out to God to come and give you wings to overcome the mountain standing in your way.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When Life Get’s in the Way of Your Plans

Posted on February 5, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The older you become, the more likely it is that one phone call will radically change your life.  Bad news has a way of stealing joy as well as altering any plans that you have previous made.  Just before Christmas, my wife’s mom was rushed to the hospital.  In the week’s that have followed, there have been ups and downs, resulting in a series of trips to Chicago to see her mother.  In the end, everyone will pass, but preparing for the inevitable is like riding a roller coaster in the dark.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.

In moments like these, the wisdom of Solomon shines light on what’s truly important.  Sure, developing goals are helpful to create a five or ten year plan for prosperity.  Yet, beyond a man’s or woman’s heart, the Lord will throw an occasional curve ball to keep you off balance.  Subsequently, if your steps aren’t in alignment with God’s calling, a detour will likely be coming, drawing you back to where you need to be.  Whether that’s taking care of an ailing parent or pursuing a promotion to keep get your children through college, only time will time.  Yet, for now life is like a wheel of fortune, around and around it goes, where it stops nobody but God knows.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them, Ephesians 2:10.

So what do you do when life get’s in the way of your plans?  First, praying can serve as a vehicle for healing as well as a source of comfort.  Second, seek counsel from those who have already gone through a similar situation.  This provides prospective as well as the ability to avoid making the same mistakes as your predecessor.  Finally, cling to the promises of the Bible, memorizing these passages to instill in you hope that God is not finished using and working through you.  May the Holy Spirit guide your steps the next time life get’s in the way of your plans.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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