Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Saving the Best for Now

Posted on November 8, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Attending weddings are often a family affair, seeing relatives that you’ve only heard stories of or seeing others you haven’t seen for years.  Whether you are on the bride or groom side, marriage is meant to publicly celebrate the union between a husband and a wife, where two individuals become one flesh, Matthew 19:4-6.  Although not mentioned in John 2:1-11, the rabbi overseeing the proceeding likely quotes Genesis 2:24 during the vows portion of the wedding in Cana that Jesus and his family attended.

Based upon the accounts in chapter 1, only 6 disciples had been selected by Jesus, with 6 more to complete his ministry team.  This passage also suggests Joseph, Mary’s husband and Jesus’ earthly father had been dead for sometime.  The final piece of the puzzle insinuates that Mary is a close acquaintance to the parents of the bride as she is concerned about how her friend would be perceived if they ran out of wine at the reception, with some carrying on for 3-4 days.  If this is true, these elements help explain Jesus’ comment, “my time has not yet come,” Joseph’s absence from the text and Mary’s anxious reply to her son.  An observer to all of these occurrences is James, the author of the Catholic Letter and younger brother of Jesus.

Although his earthly ministry was not suppose to start yet, Jesus felt compelled to obey 5th commandment, Exodus 20:12, “honor your father and mother.”  The perfect child, Jesus calls the servants at the party to listen to his instructions, John 2:6-8.  Knowing the miracle had been done from a distance, Jesus orders the master of the banquet to receive a cup from one of the 6 stone jars, filled with water.  Remaining in the background, Jesus allows the bridegroom to take credit for the choice wine created by the son of God.  The master of the banquet refers to his sip as, “saving the best til now!”

An eyewitness of this miracle, James probably never forgot what his oldest brother had done, a special memory etched in his mind.  Perhaps James 4:13-17 is a small glimpse of the lesson God taught him in Cana.  You may love your past or can’t wait for a future event, but all that matters is the here and now.  Therefore, don’t worry about what could of or should have been and avoid the temptation of what may be.  Rather, live out Colossians 3:17 today as you save the best for now!

by Jay Mankus

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Whole in One

Posted on November 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

I witnessed a hole in one for the first time as a caddy at Concord Country Club in Pennsylvania while in high school.  As a player, I came close several times, hitting the pin, lipping out and hanging on the edge of the cup without falling.  Finally, during my 10 year coaching career, I reached this dream during my team’s 4 day seeding tournament in 2006.  On the 3rd hole at Frog Hollow, a short par 3 playing about 135 yards, I hit a pitching wedge 3 days in a row.  Playing as a marker to insure no cheating took place, I hit the pin on one bounce, ricocheting 20 feet away during the first  round, making par.  On day 2, I hit a 3/4 wedge that landed just short, hula hooped around the hole, staying out, 2 feet away for an easy birdie.  The next day, I hit nearly the identical shot, but this one to my amazement dropped in for an ace.  The only draw back is I had to buy drinks, soda, for every member of my team and a few parent drivers.  Five years later, playing disc golf with all 3 of my children, I experienced another hole in one on the 18th hole at White Clay Creek State Park, buying slurpees for the family.

To be whole means to stay in one piece, unbroken or undamaged by people, obstacles or trials in life.  Synonyms of whole include complete, entire, intact and unabridged.  Though the thrill one receives from accomplishing a hole in one is exhilarating, this feeling quickly fades, especially when you hit your next bad shot.  On the day I had my one and only golf hole in one, I made double bogeys on 3 of the last 4 holes to shoot 40.  After a topsy-turvy round of golf, you get to start fresh with a brand new scorecard the next time you play.  Unfortunately, in life once you’ve become broken, scars remain deep within your soul.  These memories can haunt individuals like nightmares, serving as a barrier to prevent someone from becoming whole again.  When a sin or sins enters life as an impulse, one of the hardest things to do is to forgive yourself once you’ve indulged.  When the aftermath of 2 Samuel 11 is exposed by the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-17, King David had to pick of the pieces to his life and reputation.

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The words of Psalm 103:1-13 unveil a series of lessons God taught David on his journey to become whole again.  Beginning in verse 8, God’s nature is filled with compassion, grace and love.  Rather, than treat us as we deserve, God’s memory is erased of our wrong doing, fading into infinity.  All God asks is for those who seek his name is to fear Him, with reverence.  The apostle Paul shares a similar message in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, detailing the attributes of God, encapsulated by an agape love.  If you have tried on your own without success, like the woman in Matthew 9:20-22, cries out to Jesus, He is the only one who can make you whole.  Learn to let go like David did after committing adultery and murder, as you allow the giver of life to restore you back to where you belong, James 1:18, made whole in One God.

by Jay Mankus

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On the Other Side of the Door

Posted on November 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Deep inside a broken heart, desperation moves an individual to a closed door.  On the verge of change, an action is required to remove the burden from an unclean woman.  Contemplating what to say, faith leads her to turn the knob, hoping to leave the nightmares of the past behind, outside for good.  With a jar of perfume in hand, she risks embarrassment, passing shocked faces on the way before approaching Jesus.

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Inquiring minds begin to gossip in the corners of Lazarus’ house.  Dressed to invoke sinful thoughts, this prostitute opens up a pint of pure nard, kneeling beside Jesus.  Oblivious to judgmental hearts and wandering eyes, this woman came to do what she felt compelled to do, wash Jesus’ feet.  Using her long hair as a towel, she humbles herself before the son of God, adding fuel to an already tarnished reputation, giving religious leaders enough justification to put their plans for crucifixion into motion.

This encounter in John 12:1-11 is like a scene from a play, lived out every day in communities, schools and the workplace throughout the country.  When a person wants to change their identity, God is willing, yet his people often allow prejudices to keep their hearts from forgiving and forgetting, Matthew 6:14-15.  Although freedom exists on the other side of the door, Revelation 3:20, welcoming arms may not be receptive to your conversion.  May the Barnabas’ of this generation serve as a voice of reason, greeting anyone who turns the knob to get to the other side of the door, Acts 9:26-28.

by Jay Mankus

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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Posted on November 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The origin of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was conceived by author Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886.  Inside this novel, London lawyer Gabriel John Utterson investigates bizarre encounters between an old acquaintance and a man named Edward Hyde.  His research leads to an unusual discovery of a split personality, also known as multiple personality disorder.  Inside of Dr. Henry Jekyll lies paranormal activity, vastly different than his mild manner friend.

 
The rock group Holy Solider creates a modern version of this story in their song Virtue and Vice.  In their edition of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, strange occurrences lie within the human heart, Jeremiah 17:9.  Based upon an apostles account to the church in Rome,  Paul reveals a defect in his DNA, Romans 7:15-20.  The harder Paul tried to do right and follow God, something inside of him, intervened, preventing him from carrying out his good intentions.  This phenomena is known as the battle between the Holy Spirit and Sinful Nature, Galatians 5:16-18.

If America is a case study for the world, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are making a come back all over the nation.  However, Dr. Jekyll is being phased out as the evil Hyde is taking over as the dominant, alpha spirit.  While experts are trying to put a finger on why bullying and violent acts are escalating, the words of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are being fulfilled by media reports daily like the dissension within the Miami Dolphins locker room.  The only cure for this disease can be found in Romans 7:24-25.  May God’s spirit provide the antidote you need to override Hyde, thereby rescuing Jekyll from the chains of sin.

by Jay Mankus

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The Last Gift

Posted on November 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

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Since my father’s dad and mother’s mom died prior to my birth, I only knew 2 grandparents.  While my grandmother spoiled me with donuts and money, Grandpa Kautz and I developed a special bond through golf.  In his retirement, he worked part time at Hershey Country Club as a marshal and starter, able to play golf with his friends after each shift.  Before his health quickly faded, my wife and I were invited up for the day to play 18 holes on the East Course, a cherished memory I keep to this day.  A month following his funeral, my Aunt Marcia pulled me aside saying, “Paul wanted you to have this”, pointing to his set of Tommy Armour 845 irons.   Only a few years old, he knew I would appreciate them more than any other relative.  This was the last gift I received.

 
Beginning in John 12:20-36, Jesus pulled his disciples aside, revealing God’s plan for his life.  Trying to comfort their souls, Jesus conveys a message of hope, promising the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-31.  Jesus refers to a counselor who serves as a spirit of truth.  Continuing, Jesus makes a comparison to an orphan, vowing to provide relief to those who miss Jesus, John 14:18-19.  This promise became reality in Acts 2:1-4, as the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the apostle.  The man whom weeks earlier denied Jesus, afraid of being arrested or possibly meeting the same fate of Jesus, Peter is transformed by the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:14-39.  Jesus’ last gift provided a confidence his followers did not possess until after his ascension.

As time passed, some began to wonder if a Pentecost like Spirit was still possible.  The apostle Paul addresses this concern in Ephesians 19:1-6.  Verse 2 implies some believers had not even heard of the Holy Spirit.  However, when examining the original Greek text, the verse actually refers to receiving confirmation, a word from the Lord, on whether or not the Holy Ghost has ceased or continues to move as in the days of Pentecost.  Although this debate continues today, with most theologians clinging to the ceasing side, Joel 2:28 promises a mighty conclusion.  This prophet suggests that God’s last gift, will be poured out upon all people.  May you experience the presence of God like 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Never Too Late for a Failure

Posted on November 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A failure reaches this status when one does not attain success, failing to meet their goal or objective.  Once expectations go unfilled, disappointment consumes individuals, often leaving souls in a state of depression.  Effort is good, but sooner or later a team has to win, proving they have what it takes.  If not achieved, coaches and individuals will begin to doubt their God given abilities.  Like a lowly carp, bottom dwellers are left to feed on the scraps, the leftovers other fish don’t find appealing.

 
In Luke 23:32-43, Jesus finds himself stuck between 2 failures.  Placed in the middle of 2 criminals, subject to a cross due to evil deeds such as being a murderer or robber, Jesus couldn’t leave, nailed to a cross listening to their insults, Matthew 27:38-40.  However, one of these wicked man had a change of heart after Jesus’ words of forgiveness, Luke 23:34.  While one failure continued to hurl hurtful comments Jesus’ way, the other began to contemplate his life, Luke 23:40.  The more this man thinks about his life, God begins to work a miracle in his life, Luke 23:41.  With time ticking away on his life, this humble failure throws up one final request to Jesus, Luke 23:42, hoping for the best, with nothing to lose.

The words of Luke 23:43 should give hope to any failure who still has time on their side.  “Today you will be with me in paradise” is proof that someone about to die can receive Jesus into their heart, obtaining eternal life despite living a life full of sin.  Hebrews 10:26-27 indirectly suggests someone who fears the judgment of God can be swayed from hell to heaven like the criminal mentioned in Luke.  Therefore, if you’ve been deceived by the devil to believe that you’re damned, remember the promise of Luke 23:40-43.  In Jesus’ eyes, it’s never too late for a failure to receive eternal life, John 3:16-17.

by Jay Mankus

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Powerless

Posted on November 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

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Last night, my favorite lamp (if there is such a thing) and the only light source in our family room went out just before Bible Study.  After investigating for a few minutes, I discovered the main plug had begun to tear away from the cord creating a fire hazard.  Thus, I was forced to improvise, bringing a lamp from upstairs as a temporary solution.  Without an electrician at my immediate disposal, I was powerless, left in the dark contemplating another annoying hassle thrown into the equation called life.

On August 14th, 2003, 50 million residents of the Northeastern portion of the United States were powerless, forced to resume life without power during the largest power outage in U.S. history.  An aging electrical grid left residents from Ohio,  across to New York City and up as far as Ontario, Canada without power.  Like a bad practical joke, America didn’t have a choice except slow down, go back in time and make the best of life for 24 hours.  Fortunately, I had moved to southern Indiana in June or I would have spent my birthday in the dark.

Enslaved by technology 10 years later, this generation might have a hissy fit if a similar outage occurs, crying out for 4G, their favorite game systems and high definition television.  Blinded by the delicacies of life, many adults still act like spoiled children, complaining until they get their way.  Romans 8:3 refers to a spiritual blackout, where people are powerless, unable to save themselves from sin and its powerful grip.  In a pit of despair, Psalm 30:1-3, helpless to turn life around, God sent his son Jesus to be a sin offering, cancelling the debts we have accrued .  Therefore, the next time the lights go out for an extended time, grab a flashlight and find a Bible.  While you may be powerless, God provides the juice in Romans 5:8 to flip your life around for good.

by Jay Mankus

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Thirsting for the Wrong Things

Posted on November 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

I spent the first half of my life trying to gain weight, always shiny and frail.  Exercising was a way of life, running 5 miles and swimming 3 miles a day at my physical peak, resulting in only a 4 percent body fat.  However, once I stopped running a year after I got married, my weight ballooned for the first time in my life as I began to thirst for the wrong things.  Although I survived a near death experience of alcohol poisoning at a friend’s wedding after college, my gut now contains a 12 pack of soda.

 
Unfortunately, the days of burning off calories for me have subsided as my waist size is running out out belt loops.  Forced to a diet during my running and swimming days, the only time I pigged out was the spring, able to walk off any weight gain on the golf course.  Today, if I don’t limit my intake of snacks, soda or treats, my scale gives me the bad news at the end of the day.  While the message of Luke 12:19 sounds good, “take life easy, eat, drink and be mercy,” the context refers to a rich fool.  Thus, I am either looking in the wrong place for answers or I’ve lost my former discipline to abstain from things harmful to my body.

The 4th chapter of John records the longest conversation Jesus encountered in the Bible.  Like most modern struggles, a Samaritan woman began to thirst for the wrong things in life.  This unhealthy desire led to an unfilled life, chasing after love, never to be found in the 6 relationships she sought, John 4:15-18.  Unaware of who she was talking to, Jesus offered a cure to her dilemma, John 4:10-14.  Something inside of this woman’s heart spurred her on to tell others, John 4:28-30.  This hunger for the truth led this Samaritan and several others to believe, John 4:39-42.  Taste and see that the Lord is good, Psalm 34:8.

by Jay Mankus

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Let The Redeemed Say No

Posted on October 31, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Anyone can say yes, especially toward a proposition relating to sex.  In reality, it takes a strong man or woman to take a stand, going against the temptations of this life, 1 John 2:15-17.  Therefore, its essential for God’s children to walk according a different beat, Matthew 7:13.  The time is now for followers to proclaim, “let the redeemed say no!”

 

The fifth chapter of Galatians contains 2 great winds, pushing in opposite directions.  While one can guide you to safety, the other is set on pushing you over a cliff, causing your conscience to become disabled.  Compromise is rolling into town, with a gentle breeze of “can I get some?”  Meanwhile, common sense is holding its ground, like a trade wind, constantly whispering its motto to hearts and minds willing to change.  This spiritual weather system is on display in Galatians 5:16-17.

The ghost of Eve walks these streets, knowing what’s right, but curious, intrigued by the unknown.   Demons and evil spirits play Trick or Treat, handing out over-hyped Halloween Candy.  Inside these Turkish delights lie a cold heart, like a wicked witch with dishonest intentions.  Invisible to the naked eye, guardian angels intervene, trying to break the spell souls have fallen prey under.  With the conclusion of this tug of war no where on the horizon, the Holy Spirit provides one last message to ears that can hear, “let the redeemed say no!”

by Jay Mankus

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You Are What You Think: Champion or Loser

Posted on October 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Self fulfilling prophecy refers to one’s positive and negative expectations of an upcoming event which influences a person or group in a manner toward fulfilling their expectations.  The optimistic individual will tend to keep a good attitude regardless of the circumstance often resulting in a positive outcome.  Meanwhile, pessimists become flustered by the littlest trial, over acting like a drama king or queen, pushing pitiful souls toward disaster.  If you’re not careful, you can become what you think, unless of course the mind of Christ resides within you, 1 Corinthians 2:16.

One of the greatest examples of this theory goes back to 1993-94, coaching high school basketball in Indiana.  Except for our center, 6’4″ 250 pounds with hops, we didn’t have a team which intimidated others by our size.  However, each player grasped their defined role, shared the basketball and developed a hunger for victory.  During the regular season, we finished undefeated, never trailing for a second, tied at the outset of each game before taking a quick lead, usually by double digits.  In the city championship semi-final game, a last second 3 pointer by our opponent sent the game into overtime, before winning comfortably by 6.

 
However, the finals were a different story, disrupted by the host team’s fans, we never got into a flow for the game.  Facing our first deficit of the season, my team was down by 10 early, cutting the lead to 8 by halftime.  Like the locker room speech in Remember the Titans, our players wanted to remain perfect, without a blemish on their record.  Little by little, my team widdled the lead down to 2 points in the final minutes.  When we tied the game at 57, we needed one more defensive stand to have a shot to win.  After a solid defensive rebound and timeout, my team set up for one last shot.  Packing in their zone to take away our big man, we replaced our power forward with an extra shooter, our 6th man.  Though our best shooter missed with 3 seconds left on the clock, a long rebound to the weak side provided just enough room for our sub to float into the air to catch and tap in the miss before the buzzer sounded.  We believed and were crowned city champions.

In life, people are gifted in different areas.  Whether one is blessed in academics, athletics, drama, music or wisdom, you become a champion or loser within your mind.  Sure, there are various degrees and levels in each field, but the battle for success lies in your own mind, James 1:5-8.  The storms, waves and whitecaps in life will knock you down from time to time, leaving a sour taste.  Yet, don’t let a defeat or loss turn into a lifestyle.  Rather, guard your heart, Proverbs 4:23 and take your thoughts captive, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 so the memories of losing will be demolished.

by Jay Mankus

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