Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The Departed

Posted on June 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

While the term departed usually refers to the deceased, depart has a slightly different meaning.  When you remove the ed, this word applies to an individual who abandons, deserts or exits the current path that they are on.  Thus, the question arises, what causes someone to deviate from the life they cherish.

Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk, 1 Timothy 1:6.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to distract the average person from vanishing off the straight and narrow.  Jesus refers to a broad road that leads to destruction.  Meanwhile, the apostle Paul takes a different angle.  As a believer begins to waver in their faith, conversation is an obvious indicator.  The longer someone goes without tapping into prayer or plugging into God’s Word, the sooner meaningless talk will approach.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it,” Matthew 7:13.

The point of this blog is to be careful that you don’t get lured into a false sense of security.  Whether you are currently standing tall or on the verge of indulging into sinful pleasures, it doesn’t take much to fall away.  Therefore, be wise in the choices and decisions that you make or you may be the next unlikely candidate to depart from the faith.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Keeping Your Heads Held High

Posted on June 5, 2016 by expressyourself4him

After a fairly successful coaching career over the past 20 years in youth sports, I find myself with my greatest task to date.  After a couple of coaches bailed, I have volunteered to help a developmental baseball team at the 13-15 year old level.  Unfortunately, every opponent so far has been much more advanced, leading to lop-sided results.  Thus, at this point all I can do is encourage the players to keep their heads held high.

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin, 1 Peter 4:1.

You don’t have to play sports to experienced being smeared or creamed.  Depending upon who you are, what you do or where you work, its not uncommon to come in contact with far superior individuals.  If these people carry an attitude, ego or pride, its easy to feel helpless, overwhelmed and unqualified.  Yet, even if you’re staring failure in the face, its essential to keep your head held high, knowing you gave your best effort.

As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God, 1 Peter 4:2.

The latter is the most crucial element in times of failure.  Knowing you are beaten is one thing.  However, the moment you give up mentally, its not worth even competing anymore.  Sure, human nature will tempt those who have gotten use to losing.  Nonetheless, those who cling to perseverance will be rewarded in the end.  You might not see progress right away, but the Lord will honor and lift up those who keep their head held high.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Graduating on to the Next Phase in Life

Posted on June 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Commencement refers to the time when something begins.  Thus, every spring colleges and high schools hand out degrees and diplomas for completing a required set of courses.  After these ceremonies end, its time for individuals to begin their next phase in life.  Subsequently, as my oldest son graduates today its time for James to prepare himself for Liberty University and possibly a spot as a pole vaulter at the Division 1 level.

When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom, Luke 2:42.

One of the 4 gospels suggests Jesus celebrated a bar-mitzvah after becoming a teenager.  The Jewish faith continues this tradition today, giving young men and women an opportunity to publicly share what they have learned about the Torah.  Thus, Jesus was able to teach about the Word of God at the synagogue for the first time in Luke 2.  However, Jesus waited 17 more years before beginning his three year ministry on earth.

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 put the ways of childhood behind me, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

Perhaps, the apostle Paul was reflecting upon his own bar-mitzvah in the passage above.  Regardless of the context, modern churches offer those who seek the Lord a chance to complete their confirmation.  Essentially, this year long process or longer in some denominations, encourages boys and girls to take ownership of their faith.  At the end of this process, like graduation, its time keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.  Whether someone is going off to college, participating in a mission trip or starting a new career, the time has arrived to graduate on to the next phase in life.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The DNA of Sin

Posted on June 3, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Deoxyribonucleic acid is the hereditary material within human beings.  These molecules provide genetic instructions for growth, development, function and reproduction.  Although each DNA is unique, genetics are passed down through parents from generation to generation.  However, this does not excuse behavior as free will is exercised for the good and bad decisions made.

You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned, Titus 3:11.

According to the apostle Paul, some individuals possess the DNA of sin.  Perhaps, some individuals possess a greater tendency to commits acts of disobedience than others.  Yet, like anything in life, the deeper you get attached or addicted to something, the further away from God you become.  Thus, whether its DNA or disobedience, be careful with the choices you make.

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9

One of the Old Testament prophets points to another factor.  Jeremiah reveals that the human heart can become like a poison that spreads throughout the entire body.  This disease is what the Bible calls sin.  Unfortunately, there is no known cure.  Nonetheless, the medication necessary to overcome this dire situation is the grace of God.  Therefore, whether you are walking in darkness, standing in the light or somewhere in between, may the power of the Holy Spirit help you overcome the DNA of sin.

by Jay Mankus

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The Hidden Blessing of Losing

Posted on June 2, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Over the last few decades, there has been a movement to shield young people from losing.  Whether its schools moving toward pass fail grading, youth sports attempting to not keep score or the idea that everyone should get a participation award, this notion is actually hurting children in the long run.  Whatever the reason for this trend, teenagers need to experience the hidden blessing of losing.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, James 1:2.

Losing often serves as a barometer, highlighting deficiencies that you possess.  Perhaps, you are not good enough.  Maybe, others wanted it more, worked harder than you or are simply more talented.  Either way, any type of loses provide life lessons to strengthen your character.  Some where between your last defeat and the next competition, time has a way of revealing what led to a loss and what you could do in the future to insure victory.

Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, James 1:3.

One year ago, my son James was heart broken after finishing 4th in the state in the pole vault.  Six months later, that pain reappeared, missing the medal stand once again by one place at the winter track state meet.  However, these loses fueled a desire to not let this happen again.  Thus, one week ago James not only reached the summit, winning the state pole vault title, he also led his track team to a state championship.  In the disappointment of defeat, individuals will find the hidden blessings of losing.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Putting in Order What was Left Unfinished

Posted on June 1, 2016 by expressyourself4him

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If you own a home or like to work on cars, you probably have some type of project that you haven’t gotten to.  Sometimes time is the issue.  Yet, other aspirations remain unfinished due to hidden problems, a lack of resources and technical difficulties.  Thus, situations will arise when you will have to rely on others to get the job done.

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you, Titus 1:5.

Unfortunately, some people tend to be Lone Rangers, enjoying the freedom of doing things their own way.  Meanwhile, others allow pride to get in the way, afraid, ashamed or too proud to ask for help.  The end result often leads to abandoned dreams, clutter and countless unfinished projects rusting away in attics, garages and sheds.

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you,” Ephesians 5:14.

When the raw emotions of being overwhelmed fade, its time to snap yourself out of it.  You might have to wait longer than you planned, but Jesus is waiting for you to call upon his name.  Therefore, don’t get bogged down by the mountain of unfinished work waiting for you to tackle.  Rather, pray that the Holy Spirit will send someone or something to help you complete that which is left unfinished.

by Jay Mankus

 

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God’s Appointed Season

Posted on May 31, 2016 by expressyourself4him

According to one the wisest people to walk the face of the earth, there is a time for everything.  Solomon learned this during his reign as king of Israel.  Whether you are talking about planting, war or the harvest, God’s appointed season exists to maximize productivity.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Unfortunately, those individuals currently in a holding pattern, struggle to find hope.  Any type of wait can be painful, but those who endure extended arid seasons tend to grow impatient, causing some to lose their faith.  However, this is when you need to cling to the promise within Ecclesiastes.

And which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, Titus 1:3.

The apostle Paul refers to a different moment in time.  This occurs when people are introduced to the Bible’s teaching.  Whether its an evangelist, preacher or student of the Word, the Holy Spirit awakens souls.  Thus, when the timing is right and hearts are ready to receive the gospel’s message, God’s appointed season has arrived.

by Jay Mankus

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The Hope of Eternal Life

Posted on May 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Hope can be a dangerous thing.  Yet, without hope, there’s nothing to look forward to.  This is what kept Andy Dufresne going during his life sentence at Shawshank State Penetenuary in the film Shawshank Redemption.  Subsequently, Andy foresaw beyond the bars in front of him, envisioning a life beyond prison.

In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, Titus 1:2.

As a Christian, the same concept applies.  For some, life on earth can be a prison, trapped by an unforgiving world.  While some moments may be treasured, the Bible promises another world free from sin, death and pain.  Therefore, hope waits in eager expectation of eternal life in heaven.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life, 1 John 5:13.

One of Jesus’ disciples suggests this isn’t an empty promise.  Rather, eternal life is something you can embrace and plan for before you die.  Like making a will, Romans 6:23 details the process that is involved.  Therefore, don’t wait until its too late.  Instead, accept God’s free gift so that the hope of eternal life becomes real.

by Jay Mankus

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Put it Down and Turn if Off

Posted on May 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As I was about to pray this morning, I began to remember several things I needed to do.  This and that and oh by the way became one distraction after another.  Before I went any further I heard a whisper that grabbed my attention, “put it down and turn it off.”

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed, Mark 1:35.

Maybe I am the only one who struggles with this, but if I don’t start the day off by reading the Bible and prayer, my schedule usually fills up quickly.  Thus, the moment I start a project around the house or turn on the television, time with the Lord becomes a distant memory.

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come,” Mark 1:38.

Perhaps, this may explain the events of Mark 1.  Jesus recognized the distractions awaiting individuals each day.  To avoid getting sidetracked, following the crowd or failing to go where God wants you to be, a quiet time is a great way to become plugged into the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, the next time you feel the urge to put God on hold, put what you’re doing down, turn off the television or your phone and be still before the Almighty God.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Best Place to Start

Posted on May 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When you know someone experiencing or going through tough times, its hard to know where to stop.  In most cases, the best thing to do is ask questions and listen.  If you are the type of individual who tries to fix people, you can only do so much.  According to the apostle Paul, the best place to start is with forgiveness.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, Colossians 3:13.

During his earthly ministry, Jesus developed a pattern prior to healing someone.  First, Jesus wanted to know if a person in need wanted to get better as some tend to embrace the victim card.  Second, after probing patients, taking an assessment of the situation, Jesus turned his attention toward forgiveness.  During a dispute with Pharisees, Jesus tried to prove a point using logic.

Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? – Matthew 9:5.

In the Lord’s prayer, a condition is placed upon forgiveness.  If you forgive others, you will be forgiven.  However, if you hold grudges and fail to forgive others, God’s won’t forgive you.  Nearly 2000 years later, this concept still applies.  Therefore, if healing, restoration or recovery is what you seek, the best place to start is with forgiveness.

by Jay Mankus

 

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