Author Archives: expressyourself4him

How to be a Man

Posted on August 31, 2018 by expressyourself4him

In March 2009 The Rick and Bubba Show was heard on XM Radio channel 158.  Today, Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey appear each weekday morning on their flagship station WZZK-FM along with several other radio stations in 15 different states.  Last week, Rick and Bubba were guests on Fox and Friends to promote their new book entitled How to be a Man.  The content is based upon the Bible, using biblical principles to highlight how to become a spiritual man of God.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

If you listen to college professors or pay attention to recent trends at higher education institutions across the country, manhood is under attack by feminists.  Courses on losing your manhood, white privilege and becoming gender neutral is confusing young men.  Unfortunately, recent college graduates are rejecting the values taught to them by their upbringing.  As post-modernism and secularism humanism is being embraced by millennials, the Bible is no longer considered a credible source for how to become a man.

For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God], 1 Corinthians 13:12.

The apostle Paul became a spiritual father to thousands of converts to Christianity.  Some of these believers lived in the city of Corinth.  In the passage above, Paul refers to times in life when things are blurry.  Perhaps, Paul is referring to boys who are struggling to become a man.  Since perfection does not come quickly, learning to become a man takes time and years of practice.  Therefore, if you find yourself stuck, confused by the enigma of manhood, take time to study the book of Proverbs.  These godly instructions should give you the information you need to transition from a boy into a man.

by Jay Mankus

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Overcoming an I Don’t Care Anymore Attitude

Posted on August 30, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Care refers to the provisions of that what is necessary.  Synonyms include alertness, attentiveness, cautious, guidance, management, protection, safe keeping and watchfulness.  As I reflect upon my early days as a father, I recall hearing the word “no” often.  This expression reveals human nature at work within the lives of children.  Before infants learn the English language, no is code for I don’t want or I don’t care.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, Philippians 2:4.

In 1974, Harry Chapin collaborated with his wife Sandy to compose the song Cat’s in the Cradle.  The lyrics of this classic convey a sad but true story about extreme dedication to work and its negative impact on a family.  Those who are workaholics place a higher priority on their career, leaving little or no time at home.  Spouses left at home with the kids regularly will likely begin think their significant other does not care anymore.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:32.

Those who develop an I don’t care anymore attitude often become jaded.  This process occurs gradually as disappointment erodes hope.  If negative conditions persist, optimism will be replaced by sarcasm, expecting bad things to continue.  Thus, if you sense this mentality beginning to take over, the apostle Paul provides useful advice in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  To break free from the temptation to not care anymore, you need to take spiritual measures to protect your mind.  Only when you begin to take your thoughts captive by making them obedient to Christ can you overcome an I don’t care anymore attitude.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Wouldn’t You Want to See What God Has to Say?

Posted on August 29, 2018 by expressyourself4him

A famous college professor starts his first day of class the same way each year.  According to former students, getting into this course limited to 300 requires planning and a quick trigger to sign up as soon as possible.  For those able to get in the door, students are asked a series of questions about the Bible.  The professor encourages class participation, urging students to raise their hands if in agreement.  The first question asks, “how many of you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God?”  After a majority of the class raises their hand, the next follows, “do you believe the Bible is applicable and relevant today, useful for everyday living?”  Again, students proudly raise their hands in agreement.  One final question shakes up the classroom, “how many of you have read the Bible from cover to cover?”  Year after year, less and less students raise their hands causing this prof to reply, “wouldn’t you want to see what God has to say?”

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite., Isaiah 57:15.

I began teaching at a Christian High School the semester following the events of September 11th, 2001.  In the weeks after this terrorist attack on America, church attendance hit an all time high as souls to began seek a higher power for answers to the meaning of life.  Thus, as I began teaching, I expected to see a certain level of faith.  However, as I listened to my homeroom talk about the movies they regularly watch, the overall content of conversations spoken and weekend video gaming marathons, I felt like a teacher in a public school.  Minus a few godly individuals who daily lived out their faith, the majority of the students I taught lacked a spiritual hunger and zeal for God.  When you expect to encounter a certain type of character and go an extended period time without interacting with Christ minded students, I had a similar reaction like the college professor mentioned above.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

This spiritual climate gnawed at my soul, inspiring me to begin creating a series of life application Bible classes.  Over the summer, a couple of students attended one of the first Acquire the Fire conferences.  This core group of upperclassmen ignited a movement throughout Red Lion.  Several of these students enrolled in my Biblical Leadership class, based upon the concepts and principles from a youth ministry trade school called Tentmakers Leadership Training.  While the Bible urges readers against having favorites, I couldn’t wait for this class to begin daily.  Nearly every class was a slice of heaven as the Holy Spirit moved within the hearts of these young men and women.  Some classes were like a reenactment of the Great Awakening as students publicly confessed their sins.  Others were highlighted by visionaries confidently revealing what God wanted them to do with their lives.  While there are plenty examples of young people failing to live out their beliefs, God always rises up a remnant of believers who can’t wait to hear and see what God has to say daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Look to the Book

Posted on August 28, 2018 by expressyourself4him

If you asked a series of highly regarded professions, what’s the most important thing in life, answers would vary.  The 1991 film City Slickers sought to address this question, using a man played by Billy Crystal who is going through a mid-life crisis.  After running with the bulls in Spain, a friend suggests an excursion out west, reliving the cattle drives of old like a cowboy.  On this vacation with the guys, Crystal meets Jack Palance who plays Curly Washburn, their trail guide.  During a two week trip from New Mexico to Colorado, Crystal and Palance develop an unlikely friendship before his sudden death.  Left in the middle of no where without a leader, friends played by Bruno Kirby and Daniel Stern step up to lead the herd back to the ranch.  Rejecting an initial offer to finish what they started, Crystal has a change of heart, applying the knowledge Curly bestowed upon him.  When a calf born during their journey is swept away by a raging river, Crystal risks his life to save this animal.  Following a dramatic rescue, Crystal comes to understood what Curly meant by the most important thing in life.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts], Psalm 119:9.

My youngest child Lydia started high school today.  As a parent, I don’t know where the time has gone, flying by without any signs of stopping.  Thus, if I could bestow one simple suggestion to my daughter and others like her, its look to the book daily.  When you read the passage above, the Psalmist claims that the only way keep a young person pure is by mediating on the Bible.  As a former student and teacher, I understand the desire to pursue good grades.  Yet, there is a temptation to do whatever is takes to obtain an A, even if it means saying or writing things contrary to what you believe.  After receiving a poor grade on my first college English paper, I brushed aside my convictions to construct a paper acceptable, entertaining and popular in the world’s eyes.  While I received an A, bringing my overall average up to a B, I betrayed the precepts of the Bible.  I guess what I am trying to say is that there is a fine line between being the best that you can be and staying true to your beliefs.

With all my heart I have sought You, [inquiring of You and longing for You]; Do not let me wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience].  Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You, Psalm 119:10-11.

The concept of meditating on the word of God may be awkward or overwhelming for a millennial.  However, what the Psalmist eludes to in the passage above is that the Bible serves as a filter for human minds.  As individuals look to this book, the more you become aware of God’s desire and expectations.  As you examine, inquire and study how the Bible applies to life, the Bible serves as a flashlight, shining light into formerly unknown areas.  Unfortunately, when Bibles begins to collect dust, minds can forget the difference between right and wrong.  As gray areas expand, human nature will rationalize acts, behavior or words that stray from God’s commandments.  This is why I pray that all my children develop the habit of looking to the book, the Word of God.  If the Bible can change and transform my life, then these living words, Hebrews 4:12, still possess the power to revive souls today.

by Jay Mankus

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Wake Me Up

Posted on August 27, 2018 by expressyourself4him

In the summer of 2009, Staples created a witty back to school shopping advertisement.  This commercial compared children going back to school to the most wonderful time of year for adults.  Using a Christmas carol, parents are jubilantly placing school supplies into a shopping cart while both kids are dazed and depressed.  From time to time, everyone needs comic relief to bring laughter and joy into your life.

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins,” Isaiah 43:25.

When it comes to the spiritual realm, you need more than a funny show to snap you out of a spiritual funk.  This unhealthy state usually begins with distractions from the world, preoccupation with other priorities and simply forgetting to invite God into your daily life.  Those that continue down this road, allowing busyness to take over will begin to experience the early stages of spiritual amnesia.  Symptoms include memory loss in terms of biblical application, failing to pray, a tendency to forget to read the Bible and lost desire to attend church weekly.

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more,” Hebrews 8:12.

The only known cure to spiritual amnesia is confession.  According to the Old and New Testament of the Bible, God pours out his grace, mercy and forgiveness to those who acknowledge their shortcomings.  Unfortunately, the hardest part of spiritual amnesia is breaking free from its numbing powers.  In my younger years, I went off to a retreat to revive my soul.  Yet, as an adult with a busy schedule, you have to search harder than ever to find opportunities to regain spiritual momentum.  Although recovery does not happen overnight, if you seek God like the persistent widow, Luke 18:1-8, your faith will be restored.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Believing in a Move of God

Posted on August 26, 2018 by expressyourself4him

When I am depressed, frustrated or find myself falling into bad habits, I cry out to God.  This prayer in the form of a Hail Mary, a sports related phrase, doesn’t always work.  The best way to explain this lack of response from God is that I have already made up my mind, not open to applying God’s advice.  Until I reach the point of a contrite heart, turning 180 degrees from sin toward God, the Lord isn’t ready to take me serious.

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved! – Psalm 80:19

During periods of the Old Testament, Israel was waiting on a movement of God.  The Bible refers to this process as a revival, where God resuscitates, restores and relaunches souls back on track toward God’s will for your life.   However, Individuals must display acts of contrition before a move of God will commence.  An Old Testament prophet eludes to this principle in Isaiah 1:15-20.  Isaiah talks about a time when God will not answer your prayers.  According to Isaiah, until you wash yourself by purging evil from your life, God will not bless your life or move in a mighty way.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? – Psalm 85:6

The author of Hebrews adds one key step to jump starting a move of God, belief must come first.  This first century apostle states that you can’t please God unless faith in God is acted upon.  This is why many Christians end up falling short of experiencing the abundant life of Christ, John 10:10.  Hebrews 11 serves as the Bible Hall of Fame as each candidate is recognized by the faith they displayed.  If this blog finds you like me, frustrated and hopeless, may these promises in the Bible revive you so that a move of God will uplift your soul and re-energize your life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Intrinsically Good and Evil

Posted on August 25, 2018 by expressyourself4him

One day Jesus was disturbed as he observed religious leaders judging other individuals.  Outraged by this display of self-righteousness, Jesus compares unfair judgments to the principle of sowing and reaping.  Warning the Pharisees in the crowd, Jesus explains that the standard by which you judge others will be measured, applied to you in return.  Immediately following this statement, Jesus transitions into a discussion about what is intrinsically good and evil.

For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit. For figs are not picked from thorn bushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a briar bush, Luke 6:44.

Using a parable to prove his point, Jesus refers to humans beings as fruit bearing trees.  Essentially, what Jesus is saying in paraphrased form, “if you want to encapsulate who someone is, pay attention to the fruit which they bear on a daily basis.”  Some will produce excessive fruit, others will have sporadic growth seasons and a few won’t bear anything at all.  As you interact with society, brushing up against, coming in contact with and experiencing what different people have to offer, reputations will be developed and formed either good or bad.

The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart, Luke 6:45.

The climax of Jesus’ teaching comes in the passage above, mouths speak out of the overflow of human hearts.  Thus, if you listen carefully, you can hear for yourself what is intrinsically good or evil.  The next time you listen to a conversation, observe a discussion or watch a report on cable news, your ears should be able to pick up something based upon the content.  Are these words good, honorable and moral?  Or has a bruised and wounded heart spewed depravity, hatred and wickedness?  While you can’t control what others say, you can cry out to Jesus to mend any part of a broken heart.  As this healing process begins, you should begin to recognize subtle changes in your vocabulary.  May the Holy Spirit transform your life to display that which is intrinsically good.

by Jay Mankus

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One Down,Two to Go

Posted on August 24, 2018 by expressyourself4him

My oldest son James will be leaving on Saturday to begin his junior year of college.  Yet, as I began to think about his departure, this will likely be his last summer in our home.  Required to do an internship before his senior year, James will likely spend his final summer in Lynchburg, Virginia.  When you consider a seriously relationship with his girl friend Emma, marriage is not out of the realm of possibility.  Thus, as a parent, I guess its one down and two to go.

Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.

If anyone could provide insight on the do’s and don’ts on parenting, its Solomon.  A husband of 700 wives and an additional 300 concubines, this former king of Israel was a father to over one thousand children.  Reflecting upon his role as a dad, Solomon uses Proverbs as a guide to help raise godly children.  This Old Testament book urges children to listen to their parents.  The key principle to pass on to daughters and sons is the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, Ephesians 6:4.

The apostle Paul adds further advice to fathers hoping to raise godly children in the New Testament.  During his visit with members of the church at Ephesus, Paul noticed that some dads were being too tough on their kids.  This observation inspired Paul to encourage parents to avoid exasperating youth.  Instead, Paul reminds future parents to display (TLC) tender, love and care while exercising discipline.  Whether you are a former, current or want to be a parent, apply the principles of the Bible so that children will not depart from God’s will for their life.

by Jay Mankus

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Living in a Shade of Gray

Posted on August 23, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The term gray refers to a color intermediate between black and white.  This description highlights the distinction between right and wrong.  Some variations of gray may be closer to black with others leaning toward white.  However, when the sunsets and darkness emerges, determining one from the other becomes increasingly more difficult.  These conditions leave many today living in a shade of gray.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin, James 4:17.

The earthly brother of Jesus introduces the concept of sins of omission in the passage above.  Likely taught to him by his big brother, James adds a new level to what it means to sin against God.  While the Old Testament points to the ten commandments, the New Testament stresses becoming a doer of the Word of God.  Knowing the Bible is one thing, but if you don’t apply Jesus’ teaching, the apostle Paul refers to you an annoying distraction.  Thus, if you know what is the right thing to do and fail to do it, you are just as guilty as a blatant sinner.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-2.

In her song Strangely Dim, Francesca Battistelli sings about how thoughts influence your perspective on life.  When you dwell on the negative, hope becomes strangely dim.  Yet, when you look to God by fixing your eyes upon Jesus, everything seems to fall into place.  Yet, temptation does not give up, using justification and rationalization to deceive you with shades of gray.  May this attached you tube and the words of my blog guide you through confusing times by clinging to God’s Word when you can’t distinguish between right and wrong.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Breaking Free from Depression

Posted on August 22, 2018 by expressyourself4him

There are seven common symptoms of depression.  Notable signs include crying spells, irritability and fatigue, withdrawing from loved ones.  The longer misery, sorrow and unhappiness persist, individuals lose hope that this condition state will ever improve.  While declines, recessions and slumps are a common pattern within society, breaking free from depression can be exhausting as you struggle to cling to the thought of improving.

 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation], Matthew 11:28.”

According to a 2015 study, 350 million of the world’s population is affected by some form of depression.  Eleven percent of adolescents will develop a depressive disorder by age 18.  Women are 70 percent more likely to experience depression in their lifetime than men.  Over 16 million Americans have had at least one major depressive episode.  Thirty percent of college students have reported feeling depressed which has disrupted their ability to function at school.  Finally, the estimated cost of depression in terms of loss of productivity at work and healthcare related costs in the United States is 80 billion dollars.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light,” Matthew 11:29-30.

If depression is this big of a deal, how can people break free?  Jesus encouraged first century followers to not hide their feelings.  Rather, let your emotions out by openly sharing how you feel to Jesus.  Those who remain silent, keeping everything within, build up tensions as this mounts like a heavy burden growing more intense with each passing each day.  Therefore, those who publicly confess their depression to God and others if available will begin to experience a comforted soul.  While some may need to seek professional help or make an appointment with a pastor, the sooner action is taken, the lighter your burden will become.

by Jay Mankus

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