Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The Legacy of Harrison Mayes

Posted on June 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As a teenager, Harrison Mayes was a coal digger at Fork Ridge, Tennessee.  During a mining accident in the hills of Middlesboro, Mayes cried out to the Lord, “if you save me, I’ll dedicate the rest of my life to you.”  Staying true to this vow, Harrison became an evangelist at age 20.  The path that he took forever altered highways in the south.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up, Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

Apparently, some of Moses’ words in the Old Testament gave Harrison an idea for an unique ministry.  Trying to create a way for his generation to be reminded of what Jesus did for them, Mayes become known as the highway cross evangelist.  These wooden crosses were initially placed along roadsides in Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia.  Before the end of his life, crosses were placed in all 48 continental states.

Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 6:8-9.

If we can learn one thing from the legacy of Harrison Mayes, you don’t have to be an eloquent speaker to touch countless individuals.  Rather, if you use a little bit of creativity along with your God given talent, you too can leave behind subtle signs of God’s love.  Therefore, don’t delay in fanning into flame your spiritual gift.  When you do, you will begin to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for being born.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Too Many Vehicles to Pull Over

Posted on June 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

My house lies a quarter of a mile from Interstate 95 in northern Delaware.  Residing in the I-95 corridor, an hour north of Baltimore and hour south of Philadelphia, I regularly travel this busy highway.  In recent trips, its seems like the average speed now exceeds the 65 limit by nearly 20 miles per hour.  Thus, police officers are often faced with the dilemma of too many vehicles to pull over.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days, 2 Timothy 3:1.

Perhaps this aggression is a sign of end times.  The apostle Paul receives a vision, a glimpse of the moral decline within society.  As this culture leaves absolutes for politically correct stances, selfish individuals will continue to commit transgressions against innocent citizens.  Subsequently, road rage is causing impatient drivers to take their frustrations out on anyone who infringes upon their lane or space.

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3:2.

There was a time when driving was a leisure activity, exploring back roads for fun over the weekend.  Yet, as a growing number of people are in a hurry, friction leads some to explode emotionally.  While there are many prophecies that still need to be fulfilled before the end of days arrives, recent acts of terrorism suggest this isn’t too far off.  Before this occurs, may those struggling to make sense of our fallen world slow down enough so that police won’t be overwhelmed with too many vehicles to pull over.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Bring Us Back to Life

Posted on June 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Time has a way of taking its toll on the human body.  The prophet Isaiah lets Israel know that even young people are not immune to this reality.  Thus, whether you are old, young or somewhere in between, a common prayer asks the Lord, “bring us back to life.”

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; Isaiah 40:30.

While father time is undefeated, there are factors that speed up the aging process.  Anxiety, depression and a lack of positive influences can suck the life out of human souls.  If you allow yourself to become isolated, void of encouragement, the will to live can fade.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer, Psalm 32:3-4.

Another element that saps the strength of individuals like heat and humidity from the summer sun is sin.  Whenever you hurt yourself or others by a careless act or word, conviction can weigh heavy on your heart.  This spiritual condition requires a boost to revive the joy you once had in life.  Thus, if you ever reach this state, don’t forget to cry out to the Lord.  Lean on his grace and mercy and perhaps you will be brought back to life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Law vs. the Law

Posted on June 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the case Abington verse Schempp, the United States Supreme Court deemed the public reading of the Bible to be illegal.  Since this decision over fifty years ago, religious freedoms continues to be attacked, leaving new legislation which often contradicts New Testament teachings.  Subsequently, Christians are confronted with the dilemma, do I follow the law or the Law?

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching, 1 Timothy 4:13.

The 19th century is known as the era of the evangelist according to church history.  As revival spread throughout the east coast of the United States in the early 1800’s, churches began to hold services outside, often using tents.  Evangelist George Whitfield traveled to places like Pike Creek, Delaware and a town divided by the C & D Canal, now bearing his name, Saint Georges.  Whitfield was effective because he emulated 1 Timothy 4:13, using the Bible to convict, inspire and revive souls.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer, Acts 2:42.

The foundation which caused the first century church to explode in growth fueled the first and second great awakening.  Unfortunately, when a government creates laws which deny a believer from publicly displaying their faith, confusion and compromise often ensue.  Thus, a generation of politically Christians have veered from biblical teaching to please mankind.  This movement has watered down the gospel of Jesus Christ, leaving seekers dumbfounded.  This is the end result when man’s laws contradict God’s laws.  Perhaps this situation will turn around soon, but for now choose wisely.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What Good is that Doing Anyone?

Posted on June 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

After failing to show the attitude necessary for being a good team mate, our coaching staff benched one of our starters last week.  The only problem is by doing so, this decision left us with only 8 players on the ball field.  However, sometimes you have to take a stand, hold your ground and send a message to a specific individual.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones, Proverbs 17:22.

In the film Hoosiers, Gene Hackman plays legendary coach Norm Dale.  Based upon a true story, this former college basketball coach running from a tainted past, tries to send a message to his new high school team.  As parents try to sway his coaching style, Dale disciplines a student who begins to play outside of his system.  When Hickory’s last remaining bench player fouls out, Dale decides to play the rest of the game with 4 players.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, Colossians 3:17.

When one person becomes bigger than their group or team, people notice this.  However, in an age starving for leadership, few have the guts to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow.  This might explain why certain college programs are either under investigation or on probation for ethics violations, doing whatever it takes to win.  What good is this doing anyone unless truth prevails.  There is something far superior than instant gratification.  May the conviction of the Holy Spirit lead you to make the right decisions in the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Lost Art or a Ceased Power

Posted on June 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When you study history, centuries are remembered by the movements within each age.  Whether you are talking about the Renaissance, Industrial Revolution or Nuclear Age, culture. technology and trends shape the next generation.  As philosophers like Plato once proclaimed, these shifts have caused human beings to turn their faith from above to within.

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you, 1 Timothy 4:14.

During periods of spiritual Dark Ages, individuals wandered away from the truth.  As access to the Bible was limited to priests and spiritual leaders, saints were unable to fully practice the apostles teachings.  Thus, the notion of laying hands on individuals was likely a foreign concept.  It wasn’t until the 15th century when Johan Gutenberg’s printing press provided Bibles for the masses, making sure there no excuses from here on out.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress, 1 Timothy 4:15.

Within one of the apostle Paul’s letters is an interesting concept, spiritual gifts are conceived following the laying on of hands by elders of a church.  In fact in the next verse, spiritual progress is attributed applying spiritual gifts and laying hands on needy people.  This leads me to ponder, is this a lost art or a ceased power limited to the Pentecost generation?  While theologians will tend to lean toward the latter, perhaps this lost art is the difference between a dying church to one on the verge of revival.  Whatever you believe, the next time you have an opportunity to reach out, say a prayer and release the power of the Holy Spirit, just do it!

by Jay Mankus

 

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Attitude is Everything

Posted on June 20, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I remember hearing teachers address specific individuals during class, taking time outside of their scheduled lesson plan.  In the form of an exhortation or rebuke, growing concerns were verbalized.  Subsequently, whenever a student was out of line, the adult in the room proclaimed, “my child you need an attitude adjustment.”

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, Philippians 2:14.

Today, attitudes are displayed through one’s feelings, postures and stances taken.  If you listen to someone’s comments, its easy to ascertain the good attitudes from the bad ones.  Unfortunately, the Me first movement in this age is poisoning souls.  Thus, the selfish will whisper under their breath, “I’ll show them,” turning to revenge over repentance.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things, Philippians 4:8.

As a lack of responsibility is passed down from this current generation to the next, excuses override the truth.  Instead of receiving a harsh talking to or a spanking, parents often ruin life’s teachable moments blaming the critic rather than their child.  It’s no wonder that coaches and teachers are fighting a losing battle.  Attitude is everything, but if maturity isn’t taught to young people, parents will continue to justify and rationalize wrong behavior.

by Jay Mankus

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Savor the Moments

Posted on June 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As a parent, I have a tendency to fast forward to the future.  It’s natural to want to skip diapers, the terrible twos and questioning stage.  Yet, if you avoid these difficult phases, its hard to appreciate the little things in life.  Thus, as my oldest son James starts his freshman year of college at Liberty University in the fall, all I can do is savor the moments.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” – Luke 10:40

Most people fall into one of two categories, possessing a personality like Mary or Martha.  Martha’s tend to be worry warts, usually serious, struggling to slow down.  Thus, in the passage above, Martha’s tunnel vision prevents her from enjoying Jesus’ visit.  Frustrated by the lack of concern by her sister, Martha’s words are played out in countless households daily.  Unfortunately, this character flaw steals the joy Martha should possess at this moment.

But few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her,” Luke 10:42.

Those of you who are carefree tend to fall into the Mary category.  Sure, she might not be task oriented like her sister, but she longs for conversations.  Eager to find out where Jesus has been, the people he’s met and progress the ministry has made, this explains the compliment Mary receives.  Although it may be difficult to alter your personalty, you don’t want to miss out on the blessings God has in store for you.  Therefore, with the help of the Holy Spirit, may you learn to savor the moments.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Mercy Rule

Posted on June 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The Mercy Rule was developed for youth sports to prevent a competitive team from further humiliating a less talented group of athletes.  This phrase is often used in baseball when a team is losing by 10 after 4 innings or 20 when the 3rd is completed.  Essentially, this is like waving the white flag, throwing in the towel or surrendering to a far superior team.  Thus, to save time and further embarrassment for the losing side, umpires invoke the mercy rule.

And David said to Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man, 2 Samuel 24:14.

This weekend I endured the worst inning ever as a player or coach.  Although I once lost an opening day baseball game 31-19, at least my team fought back from a 20 run deficit.  Unfortunately, this night to forget involved double digit walks, errors and mental mistakes, enhanced by a shrinking strike zone leading to a two hour and thirty minute 4 inning game.  As I watched several self-inflicted blunders, I wanted someone to put me out of my misery.

For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on you, Psalm 86:5.

In 2014, the film Mercy Rule debuted starring Kirk Cameron.  Using lessons from baseball, family and life, Cameron has produced a film which attempts to build character for those who endure helpless moments.  Whether its coping with issues at work, struggling to watch a child’s less talented team or coming to grips with your own fatal flaws, there are always life lessons waiting to be revealed.  When you’re pushed to the brink, unable to take anymore pain, God has a way of showing you mercy.  In return, may you forgive and show mercy upon deserving and undeserving souls.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Lost?

Posted on June 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The hit series Lost ran for 6 seasons on ABC beginning in 2004.  When a plane crashes off a mystical island in the South Pacific, passengers hoping to arrive in Los Angeles are forced to struggle to survive.  While many are eager to find a way off this island, others are grateful to have a new leash on life.  Whenever anyone reaches a cross roads in life, you might wonder, “am I lost or merely in uncharted territories?”

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?” – Luke 15:8

Though most people think getting lost is for those directionally challenged, there are two other possibilities.  In the film Top Gun, after Goose dies, Maverick played by Tom Cruise becomes mentally lost, unable to concentrate while trying to fly his fighter jet.  Meanwhile, if anyone has ever endured a painful childhood, you might suffer from soul spirit hurts like Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting, trying the understand why he was abused.

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him, Matthew 4:11.

Whether you are physically, mentally or spiritually lost, its essential to receive the support that you need.  After overcoming the Devil’s temptations, angels came to Jesus’ aid.  During a counseling session, Robin Williams playing the role of a psychologist lets Will know, “it’s not your fault.”  Finally, when everyone gave up on Maverick, his Flight Commander Viper provided the boost he needed to tarry on.  In the same way, all believers should extend a helping hand to anyone who looks or seems lost.

by Jay Mankus

 

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