Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Engaging Our Culture: March 16-Coping with an Unexpected Death

Posted on March 16, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from E:60 featuring college basketball greats “Remembering Hank Gathers”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure,” Psalm 39:4-5.

Biblical Connection:

To college basketball fans, today is known as Selection Sunday. Sixty-eight teams will be invited to a tournament which commences March Madness beginning Tuesday evening. Every year a Cinderella team appears out of nowhere, becoming the darling of this year’s tournament. Unfortunately, when their magical run comes to an end, most of these players and teams are forgotten. Today’s clip honors Hank Gathers who died unexpectedly in the prime of his life.

Today’s passage is a Psalm of David, inspired by his struggle after being disciplined by God in 2 Samuel 12:7-12. This punishment includes the death of a new son born by Bathsheba. As a young, gifted basketball, Hank Gathers was destined to become a star in the National Basketball Association. Yet, when diagnosed with a heart condition, Hank was putting his life in jeopardy. Subsequently, the living should remember the words of James 4:14 as tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Closing Song:

Human beings tend to grieve in different ways. Kenny Marks sings about an individual who hid his pain. As I speak to teenagers each month at church, the more you verbalize your pain, the sooner healing will arrive. Yet, coping with an unexpected death might take years to recover. As you wrestle and wait for answers, remember the words of David and James.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 15-When College Basketball was King

Posted on March 15, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2011 ESPN Films “The Fab Five”

Bible Verse for the Day:

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips, Proverbs 27:1-2.

Biblical Connection:

The Fab Five is one of the greatest assembled class of freshmen basketball players ever to play for the same college. The only other class of freshmen that compares is the UNLV squad led by former NBA star Larry Johnson. What separates the Fab Five from all other groups of players is the cultural transformation and swagger these five young men brought to court each game. Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson were to college basketball what the Miami Hurricane players were to college football in the 1980’s. The Fab Five captivated Americans during an era when college basketball was king of this sport.

Despite all these accolades, this team never won a national championship. The closest the Fab Five came to winning was the national championship game where Chris Weber called a timeout when the Wolverines had no timeouts remaining. Former Philadelphia Phillies Chase Utley was taught a vital life lesson as a child by his father. This message was clear: “don’t tell people how great you are; show them!” King Solomon shares similar advice thousands of years ago. Avoid boasting and telling others about how great and talented that you are. Rather, let your actions speak for you. Perhaps, if members are the Five Fab were humble, we’d be talking about their national titles.

Closing Song:

Embarrassing moments in life have a way of forcing immature men to grow up quickly. May the words of Solomon and the lyrics of Man Up inspire individuals to follow in the footsteps of the apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 14-When Basketball Was Physical

Posted on March 14, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2014 ESPN 30 for 30 Documentary “Bad Boys”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline, 2 Timothy 1:7.

Biblical Connection:

Back in the 1980’s and early 90’s, the National Basketball League was one of the most physical professional sports in the United States. NBA officials were urged to let the players play. This era of basketball opened the door for a team from Detroit to push this physically to the limits. Subsequently, the Detroit Pistons built a team that was more aggressive, bigger and tougher than any team in the league. Thus, the Bad Boys were born, winning back-to-back titles in 1989-1990.

The apostle Paul writes a letter to a first century teenage pastor named Timothy. Paul focuses on 3 specific aspects of the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t make Christians timid. Rather, when young followers of Jesus tap into the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4, you have the ability to control yourself. While athletics may be tempted to try to get opponents off their games, God calls Christians to practice self-control and self-discipline.

Closing Song:

While there was a time when bullies were applauded, professional sports have become less physical in the past 30 years to protect players from harm and injuries. The lyrics of Urgency urge Christians to put their faith into practice, fanning the flame of the gifts and talents God has given you.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 13-Who Do You Walk With?

Posted on March 13, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor for 2014 Documentary “Iverson”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.21 Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things, Proverbs 13:20-21.

Biblical Connection:

I grew up on the East Coast when Big East Basketball was more popular than the National Basketball Association. When I returned to this region as a married adult, Allen Iverson led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. I spent two years working in Philadelphia when this blue-collar city lived and died with the outcome of every Sixers game. The success of Philadelphia’s NBA team overshadowed what was going on off the court in the life of Allen Iverson highlighted in the Iverson Documentary.

King Solomon writes the Book of Proverbs to give advice, insight, wisdom and understanding to a son. Throughout Allen Iverson’s life, he kept surrounding himself with questionable characters. Whether in high school, college or as a professional, Allen did not walk with the wise. Subsequently, trouble continued to plague Allen, wherever he went. No one ever questioned Allen’s athletic ability and desire. Yet, a lack of discipline, poor practice routines, and questionable decisions off the court prevented Allen from reaching his full potential as an athlete.

Closing Song:

Anytime I make a bad decision, it’s much harder to resist the next time. Therefore, the sooner you break away from bad influences, the closer souls will come to repentance, Romans 6:23.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 12-Winning and Losing

Posted on March 12, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2010 30 for 30″Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever, 1 Corinthians 9:25.

In every sport, there are rivalries based upon close proximity, divisional games, hated rivals, old friends and when top players clash. Within professional sports, non-rivals can form rivalries if certain teams end up playing each other in the playoff’s year after year. When these series turn into instant sports classics, winning teams survive and advance while the losers go home, thinking about what could have been. This is the inspiration behind Winning Time: the epic NBA playoff series between Reggie Miller’s Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks.

As a former competitive athlete, I’ve experienced the agony of defeat, losing a state title by the smallest of margins. Meanwhile, the game of golf can be just as cruel, sent packing after 36 holes, missing the cut and leaving without a paycheck. The apostle Paul addresses Christians who attend the non-Olympic year track and field games. Although all runners seek victory, only one receives a crown. Subsequently, Paul encourages first century Christians to focus on how you play the game. Win or lose, as long as you gave the Lord your best, you can walk away with eyes focused on eternity.

Closing Song:

I was introduced to today’s song over my years in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The lyrics of Destined to Win highlight the words of the apostle Paul in today’s Bible verse. When you struggle with confidence, turn your eyes toward eternity, claiming God’s promises of the Bible in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 11-For Better or For Worse

Posted on March 11, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2019 ESPN 30 for 30″For Better or For Worse”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son,” Hebrews 12:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

I had close friends who lived in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan when Dennis Rodman played for the Pistons. As a rookie on the team that became labeled the Bad Boys of the National Basketball Association, Dennis took on the persona of teammate Bill Laimbeer. In his early years, Dennis was a scrappy player who cared more about getting loose balls and rebounds than scoring. This defensive minded mentally allowed Dennis to become the perfect spark off the bench to ignite this team. Dennis’ high energy led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles.

Years later, I was running Michael Jordan’s Golf Shop in O’Hare International Airport when Rodman joined the Chicago Bulls. While attending Willow Creek Community Church, Lee Strobel began a sermon series on What Would God Say to Famous People? Dennis Rodman was one of these individuals. Strobel revealed that Dennis was never disciplined by anyone in his life until he stole something from a host family in college. Dennis cried like a baby as no one ever loved him enough to explain to him right from wrong. This is the backstory to ESPN’s For Better or For Worse.

Closing Song:

When individuals follow their human nature throughout life, they end up living a colorful life like Dennis Rodman. However, if you want to avoid the pain of making poor decisions day after day, reach out to help a friend to keep them from the error of their ways like Dennis, James 5:19-20.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 10-Lost and Stolen Talents

Posted on March 10, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 film “Space Jam”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path,” Matthew 13:18-19.

Biblical Connection:

 The amusement park planet Moron Mountain is desperate get new attractions. Swackhammer, the owner, decides that Looney Tune characters would be a great fit. Bugs Bunny devises a plan to recruit retired legend Michael Jordan to play Swackhammer’s team filled with stolen talent from current NBA players. Winning this game would release all Looney Tune characters from Swackhammer’s contract by earning their freedom on the basketball court.

Talents can be lost through injury, stolen by unforeseen circumstances or wasted by a lack of desire and effort. I was working for the Michael Jordan Golf Company in Chicago when Space Jam debuted. Michael Jordan’s greatness as a basketball player came from despising losing. When God given talent is enhanced with a passion for greatness, talents are maximized. Yet, according to Jesus, the Devil is working overtime behind the scenes setting to steal, kill and destroy lives. Setting up hedges of protection via prayer is your best option from having talents lost or stolen.

Closing Song:

The greatest threat to modern day faith is believing that the Devil isn’t real. Meanwhile, blaming God for all your problems is simply falling prey to the father of all lies, John 8:44. Although today’s video clip is from a cartoon, the spiritual war detailed in Ephesians 6:12 is no laughing matter. This is why gifts and talents continue to be lost or stolen today. When you feel broken, cry out to the Lord in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 9-You Reap What You Sow

Posted on March 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 film “The Winning Season”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life, Galatians 6:7-8.

Biblical Connection:

Defeat, embarrassment and failure often serve as a wakeup call to individuals who endure this cruel fate. In today’s scene, Sam Rockwell plays Bill, a novice girls’ basketball coach who addresses his team following a humiliating blowout loss. Trying to avoid a similar result in the future, Bill challenges his players to take basketball more seriously. Yet, from a human nature standpoint, a couple of players mention other things in life which are more important than basketball.

As a former high school basketball coach in Indiana, it’s easy to see who lives and breathes basketball from those with other priorities in life. In the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul writes to the Church at Galatia who allowed a religious sect known as the Judaizers to infiltrate and negatively influence their church. Whether you’re playing basketball or seeking to elevate your faith, you reap what you sow. Until you start taking something seriously, God will not honor half-hearted and lukewarm efforts.

Closing Song:

Improving in any area of your life requires dedication, discipline and self-control. While some individuals are more blessed than others, going through the motions will eventually catch up with you. May today’s devotion motivate you to start sowing the spiritual fruits in Galatians 5:22-23.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 8-From Harvard, to the NBA and into Ministry

Posted on March 8, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from 2012 ESPN mini documentary “The Jeremy Lin Phenomenon”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander, 1 Peter 3:15-16.

Biblical Connection:

Most Harvard students make six figure salaries shortly after graduating. After going undrafted, Jeremy Lin put a typical financial career on hold, taking a chance as a free agent in the National Basketball Association. The New York Knicks took a chance on Jeremy after a couple of injuries to players in their starting lineup. Serving as a reserve off the bench, something magical happened, a gift from above that opened the door for a craze known as Linsanity.

Following this Cinderella story book reality, playing 9 seasons with 8 different teams, Jeremy Lin has transitioned into an inspirational speaker, sharing his faith all around the world. Throughout Jeremy’s success, he remained humble, applying the words of one of Jesus’ disciples. Whether this was part of a post-game press conference or an interview for a media personality, Lin became a living ambassador for Jesus Christ. May Jeremy’s faith inspire you to have your own faith journey ready when the Holy Spirit gives you an opportunity to share your testimony.

Closing Song:

Every believer has a story to tell, Galatians 1:11-24. The apostle Paul breaks a Christian testimony into 3 parts: your life before entering a personal relationship with Jesus, how and why you entered into this relationship and how God has transformed your life since. This is a Christian’s blessed assurance.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 7-Learning to Trust Your Teammates

Posted on March 7, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2009 film “Mighty Mac”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—Psalm 1:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

Mighty Mac is the basketball equivalent of the classic film Sister Act. A tiny girls’ Catholic college without a gym and in danger of being sold is revitalized by basketball coach Cathy Rush. Immaculata College in Philadelphia finds their coach just before the season begins as Cathy leaves a truncated playing career for a new calling as a coach. Testing her players before practice, Coach Rush sends a clear message: success on the court comes from learning to trust your teammates.

College was designed as a place of higher education in the United States. When I was young, growing up in public schools, I was taught that if you wanted to be successful in life, you had to earn a college degree. However, the Psalmist corrects this ungodly belief. Knowledge comes from reading and studying the Bible, Proverbs 1:7. When people of faith begin to delight in the laws of the Bible, leaders are formed on and off the basketball court, resulting in spiritual blessings.

Closing Song:

Trusting people is one of those difficult aspects in life, especially if you’ve experienced disappointment and pain from former friends. May the lyrics of today’s song help you learn to trust your spiritual teammates at church, home and or school.

by Jay Mankus

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