Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Treasures Beneath The Surface

Posted on February 8, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Ric Savage is living proof that sometimes real treasure exists in your own backyard.  This former professional wrestler is now the star of Spike TV’s reality show, American Digger.  Using history like a treasure map, Ric’s team travels across the country in search of valuable pieces of Americana.  However, before he can dig, Ric must receive permission from home owners, offering to split his profits.  The rest of a typical episode contains the quest to uncover hidden gems using medal detectors or modern technology to locate treasures behind the surface.

Unfortunately, most treasure stories don’t have a happy ending.  Such is the tale of a farmer who sold all his possessions to search for diamonds.  Like a gold rush, this man was inspired to leave his family behind in America to fulfill a lifelong dream of striking it rich.  Tired of just making enough to survive, he longed to provide a better life for his wife and children.  Thus, off he went, first to South Africa, then to India and finally to a mine is Spain.  In a moment of despair, he jumped into a raging river, drowning; never tasting success.

[image of Conwell sitting]

Meanwhile, the man this farmer sold his property to continued to farm, yet he began to uncover a rocky patch of soil.  To protect his plow, this man placed the larger rocks on his mantel, above a fireplace.  When a local priest paid a visit to the new resident, welcoming him to the community, he was shocked by these large rocks.  After an initial exchange, the priest asked the man where he had found these unusual rocks.  Nonchalantly, he replied, “they are all over this property”.  Astonished, the priest replied, “do you know what you have?”  Curious, the man answers, “No, what are they?”  As a former jeweler prior to attending seminary, the priest responds, “you have unearthed acres of diamonds!”  This story inspired Russell Conwell’s famous speech, Acres of Diamonds.  Russell’s success as a minister and writer led him to found Temple University in Philadelphia.

Life often plays cruel tricks on us, like this dead farmer.  The one thing he longed for in life was right in his own backyard, beneath the surface.  Sometimes, before you make rash decisions, you have to consider the cost, Luke 14:28-33.  While Satan may lead you to believe the grass is greener on the other side of your fence, God has surrounded you with living treasures: family, friends and possessions.  Therefore, don’t leave your land until the Holy Spirit has helped you unearth treasures within, 1 Corinthians 12:11.  As I continue to search for full time employment, I pray that God will help me dig deep enough to find that diamond in a rough economy.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Fool Yourself

Posted on February 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Hebrews 4:12 refers to the Bible as containing living and active words.  This unique characteristic sets the Bible apart from all other books ever written.  Ranked as one of the top selling books annually, the Bible has become the greatest seller of all time.  However, when you open this book to read it, don’t fool yourself like a narcissist by thinking you are better than you actually are.

When I opened Proverbs 26 today, God gave me a revelation, new insight to what King Solomon is trying to communicate to readers.  Solomon devotes this particular chapter to qualities of a fool.  Like a Litness Test to assess your degree of foolishness, chapter 26 contains over 20 traits of a fool.  Though you may rate yourself low, similar to a golfer who is under par, Romans 3:23 suggest everyone possesses at least one of these foolish attributes.

The apostle Paul gives new meaning to the term fool in the New Testament.  In his epistle to the educated citizens of Corinth, Paul makes being a fool not so bad.  According to 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16, wisdom does not come from schooling, which encourages students to trust in themselves.  Rather, wisdom is obtained through the power of the Holy Spirit, leading one to put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus.  While the world will continue to emphasize intelligence, becoming a fool for Christ will have the last laugh.  Therefore, don’t be a fool by following Jesus, – 1 Corinthians 1:27-31.

by Jay Mankus

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What Have You Done For Me Lately?

Posted on February 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A week ago, I was standing at a podium, preaching the message God had placed on my heart for a local congregation.  For one of the first times in a year, I was exactly where God wanted me to be.  However, after the accolades, encouraging words and thanks faded, the Holy Spirit put a new thought on my mind.  Christianity is not about one experience; its about the journey which leads you to heaven.  Therefore, don’t think you have arrived!  Rather, ask yourself, what how you done for God lately?

Beginning in Matthew 24, Matthew devotes 2 chapters to Jesus’ teaching on End Times Theology.  Jesus concludes his lesson with a series of parables, stories that illustrate a biblical truth.  The final one is entitled, The Sheep and the Goats, based upon the Old Testament principle of clean and unclean animals, Matthew 25:31-46.  As I reflect upon the words of verses 41-43, I am guilty as charged.  I pass by homeless people weekly, turning my head, ashamed that I don’t have any spare money to give.  Meanwhile, I am surrounded by sick people in my neighborhood, yet the busyness of life has prevented me from fulfilling this passage.  Jesus’ words pierce my heart, haunting me by my lack of action to the least of these.

Instead of following the Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-36 blueprint, many churches have deviated from this model.  While the elderly, ex-cons, homeless and ill have been pushed aside, many churches are pouring their money into extravagant facilities.  This latest version of Christianity is cleaner, leaner and in some cases, meaner, failing to provide for the needy.  Although the easy answer is to automatically believe you are a sheep, watch out that pride doesn’t leave you like a goat, on the outside looking in.  As judgment day approaches, Matthew 10:32-42, prepare yourself for life’s final exam now.  With just one question to study for, Jesus’ words will echo throughout this room, “What have you done for Me lately?”

by Jay Mankus

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Sit Down and Shut Up or Get Up and Speak Out?

Posted on February 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

1 day ago
While 71,024 spectators were eyewitnesses of Sunday Night’s Super Bowl 47, won by the Ravens 34-31, at the Superdome in New Orleans, another event was overshadowed.  The Waste Management Open at the T.P.C. of Scottsdale held a crowd that would make a We Are The World Concert jealous.  More than 550,000 fans came out over 4 days to support the PGA of America and local Arizona charities.  This crowd had front row seats to Phil Mickelson’s 28 under par score, 2 shots shy of the PGA Tour record held by Tommy Armour III.

Although golfers are often teased by other professional athletes, this PGA event features stadium golf and the infamous 16th hole, a short par 3 surrounded by 177 sky boxes and 15,000 seats.  This arena creates a non-typical golf setting.  Instead of being told by marshals to sit down and shut up, spectators are encouraged to get up and let golfers know how you really feel.  Between the cheers and boos for shots either making or missing the green, caddies race to the green with 75 pound golf bags over their shoulders, winning by being the first to step foot on the green.  For one week each year, a circus like atmosphere comes to Scottsdale, hosted by the Thunderbirds, a local group of volunteers which is responsible for growing this tournament into what it has become, a 4 day pre-Superbowl party.

2 days ago

Though the world of golf is changing for the better, the arena of ideas has been muffled for Christians, stifled by political correctness.  When it comes to the Bible, Christian symbols, prayer and religious freedoms, the government is regularly telling Christians to sit down and shut up with your Jesus talk.  Facing a similar threat in Acts 5:12-42, the apostles took a different route.  Risking jail, flogging to a point near death and hatred from religious leaders, led my Peter, these 12 men, got up, went to the temple and meeting places to boldly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Despite daily persecution, God blessed the faithfulness of these leaders.  When you get your opportunity, my only question is, will you sit down and shut up or get up and speak out for Jesus?

by Jay Mankus

For a better understanding of the 16th hole, check out Peter Jacobson’s new song on itunes.  Jake & the Ball Washers song debuted Saturday, February 2nd on NBC during the live PGA telecast.  NBC Sports also owns the Golf Channel.

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Living Under A Curse?

Posted on February 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Cursed Picture? "The Crying Boy"

Since I first began attending church as a toddler, I was led to believe that I could earn my way into heaven based upon my own works.  As I grew older, attending a different youth group in high school, I become exposed to other theological positions.  As an adult, serving as active member and participant of a church, I have searched the Bible to affirm what I ultimately believe today.  However, this morning while listening to a few sermons on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, I discovered that I might be living under a curse.

According to scripture, curses can occur through words, after experiencing emotional trauma, by making wrongs judgments or vows and acts of disobedience.  When a person one says, “you’ll never do this or you won’t succeed,” a word curse is initiated according to Ephesians 4:29-30 and James 3:9.  Meanwhile, Deuteronomy 28:20-22 suggests accidents, disease or illness can be attributed and linked to curses.  Ecclesiastes 5:6 and Deuteronomy 28:5 each claim poor decisions result in curses.  Finally, Jesus himself reveals that unless you forgive others, God will not forgive you, Matthew 6:14-15.

After contemplating pastor Ron Phillips’ message, the Holy Spirit opened my heart to the possibility my unemployment is curse related.  First, its been difficult to completely let go of all the pain I endured while living in the Red Lion soap opera.  Although, I thought I had forgiven all parties involved, God convicted me of some bitterness I am still holding onto within my heart.  Second, when failure becomes the norm in your life, its difficult to purge your mind of negativity and pessimistic thinking.  Lastly, no matter where you are in your faith journey, there is always room for improvement: areas of compromise, complacency and sinful tendencies.

Whatever your own current situation consists of, I know God wants to break any curse or pattern of failure which exists.  Thus, God longs to create a hedge of protection around you, your family, church and nation.  These hedges consists of 5 major components: prayer, leadership, unity, angels and revival.  Breaking and renouncing any curse always begins and ends with prayer, claiming God’s promises.  Prayer also energizers church leaders as well as gives people the motivation to be the head of their house.  Building upon prayer and leadership, unity is the fulfillment of both these elements.  Angelic protection increases when belief in God’s power in verbalized in prayer.  When a vision of ushering in heaven on earth is grasped by a community, revival often breaks out.  While watching the Super Bowl is nice, I long to see a spiritual super bowl, where curses are broken, saints rejoice and Christians experience victory daily!

by Jay Mankus

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Take My Hand

Posted on February 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As a youngster, I recall wrestling with other kids from my neighborhood in Delaware.  These matches continued until someone said uncle, often resulting in complaining, cursing or cries for help afterward.  The losers remained on the ground for several minutes, needing a hand to get back on their feet.

Today, Christians across America are fighting a similar battle with sin.  Unfortunately, instead of finding a helping hand, their friend has joined them, caught in the grasp of  addictive habits.  These spiritual headlocks are leaving believers choking, wheezing and nearly unconscious.  Knocked to the mat, taken down and pinned by their sinful nature, Galatians 5:17, lost and weary souls are running out of time.

Jesus steps in as the chief official of this match in Matthew 11:28-30.  Calling time up, Jesus lends his hands to the fallen.  With a promise of rest, Jesus isn’t forcing anyone to get up.  Yet, this offer is an open invitation, “if you are willing, take my hand?”

To be continued…

by Jay Mankus

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Thy Way; not My Ways

Posted on February 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Lately, I feel like a white rat being used for a psychology experiment.  Lab Technicians are observing my progress as I work my way through a labyrinth.  As I attempt to get from point A, unemployment, to point B, a full time position which utilizes my God given talents, I keep running into dead ends.  The moment I think I have arrived, God puts up another road block similar to Acts 16:6-7, whispering, “this is not the path I have chosen for you.”

Befuddled, clueless and dumbfounded, I am running out of options.  Though I am becoming an expert in writing cover letters, my percentages of interest these emails have generated makes me feel like an amateur fisherman who is being toyed with by smarter fish.  Since my ways are failing daily, Proverbs 19:21, I hope the growing pains I am encountering end soon as I move aside toward Yahweh’s way.

As my trial nears a full calendar year tomorrow, the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12-13 have a deeper meaning for me.  Trying to work out your salvation is a grueling process, a clear indication that sanctification is a long way from completion.  Despite my best efforts, I am still a sinner in desperate need of a Savoir, Romans 6:23.  Therefore, while I currently attend the school of hard knocks, I long to graduate soon, seeking to become a Rhode scholar on Thy Way!

by Jay Mankus

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The Continuum of Sin

Posted on February 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In the film, Behind the Devil’s Door, still in its infant stage, I am attempting to unravel the allure and subtleness of sin.  James, the brother of Jesus uses first century fishing terminology to address the power of sin, James 1:13-15.  Like a fish in hiding, a specific bait get’s their attention, similar to a momentary lapse in judgment.  It only takes a minuscule compromise to get hooked, setting in motion the continuum of sin.

The human mind is like fertile soil, ready to prosper with the right balance of the Son and living water, John 4:13-14.  Unfortunately, this ground is surrounded by fields of weeds, influenced by the flesh, world and spiritual realm.  Winds of temptation blow seeds of self, pleasure and rebellion, seeking to take root in your thought life.  Once implanted, this foreign root system can over ride your will, leading you toward a series of choices near the road called sin.

When detours are taken and U-Turns back toward God aren’t executed, your choices form a cycle of sin, also known as bad habits.  If these habits continue, without holding them in check, unusual behavior results due to a loss in control, forming addictions.  Empowered by a lack of self-discipline, addictions grow into an internal bondage, becoming enslaved to a specific sin or sins, Romans 7:15.

Every month, another minister is exposed by the continuum of sin.  Even if one is not discovered or found out, this pattern continues without public confession or purging sinful elements which produces your desire to sin.  The longer one strays from the narrow road of eternity, Matthew 7:13-14, the more difficult it becomes to escape this bondage and the demonic forces feeding your flesh.  Evil super naturalism then creates a spiritual stronghold, making it impossible to break free on your own.

The James 5:16 principle is the first of many steps toward a path to recovery.  A weekly accountability partner is essential, intervention is highly recommended and divine help through people praying for you can unravel this stronghold.  As for the time, it varies depending upon your degree of sin.  The apostle Paul gives believers further insight in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 to help you in your battle with the continuum of sin.  Never give up hope as you wrestle to take back control of your heart, soul and mind!

by Jay Mankus

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We Got Duped

Posted on January 31, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Julia Roberts and Mel Gibson starred in the 1997 film Conspiracy Theory.  Gibson plays a New York City cab driver named Jerry Fletcher who is not afraid to share his theories based upon The Catcher and the Rye.  Fletcher spends most of his days telling anyone who will listen, including Julia Roberts, played by Alice Sutton, a Department of Justice attorney.  When I first watched this movie, I thought Gibson was crazy.  However, the older I become, the more I am beginning to think, we are getting duped.

For instance, back in the 1970’s, a scientist from Canada claimed he had discovered the cure for cancer.  After contacting the local media, he was scheduled to have a press conference the next day, telling the world of his findings.  That evening, according to reports, he died in a house fire, destroying all of his research, 12 hours before this disease would have been eradicated from mankind.

When I was young, I remember my teachers telling students about America’s ingenuity.  I recall reading and seeing shows on how buildings, canals and roads were completed as corporations and from time to time the government did whatever was necessary to finish their project.  Today, it takes road agencies a year to fix local pot holes or 10 plus years to finish road construction and expansion.  Meanwhile, scientists which once were in the business of developing cures appear to make more money on temporary medicines which usually doesn’t completely heal you.  I hope I am wrong, but recent trends support the notion that Americans are being duped.

Based upon eye witnesses and personal encounters, King Solomon is often credited as one of the wisest people to ever live, second to Jesus, the son of God.  Kings, queens and anyone who could afford the journey, traveled to catch a glimpse of Solomon’s wisdom, 1 Kings 3:16-28.  One of the wisest men I have ever met had a PhD from an Ivy League institution, a guest speaker at the school where I taught at for a decade.  During his lecture and slide show, he exposed the fraud of the missing link, revealed complete skeletal remains of early woman to explain the curse in Genesis 3:16 and evidence to support the biblical belief that snakes once had legs.

One of the points this professor was trying to communicate was if the media could convince society that the earth was created by some other means than creation, mankind could do what they want without any consequences.  In fact, many in the liberal media continue to seek to discredit Jesus, like the Roman soldiers in Matthew 28:11-15, claiming he didn’t rise from the dead.  Rather, they believe his disciples secretly stole Jesus’ body in the middle of the night, burying his remains in an undisclosed location.

Don’t take my words in this blog as gospel.  Instead, test everything I have said and search for other facts on your own, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.  If you want the truth, may your own quest be beneficial and fruitful, setting you free, John 8:32.  Education is a life long journey, not just a piece of paper you keep framed on your wall after graduation.  Therefore, if you are diligent in your research to uncover the facts of life, you will avoid being duped by anyone or any conspiracy theory.  Enjoy the journey!

by Jay Mankus

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Note to Tweeters: Think Before You Tweet

Posted on January 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Yesterday, January 28th, 2013, Lesean McCoy, star NFL running back for the Philadelphia Eagles was burned by the world of Twitter.  Initially, claiming someone hacked into his account, (I’ve heard that one before) he publicly apologized for airing his dirty laundry.  In an exchange with his ex-girl friend, Lesean acknowledged that he lost control of his temper and should have been more mature, dealing with this matter face to face like a man during an interview on CSN, the Comcast Sports Network.


Unfortunately, Lesean was not aware of Solomon’s words in Proverbs 21:23. “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from calamity.”  A womanizer in his own right, King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, 1 Kings 11:3, before he settled down.  Solomon recognized that woman often bring out the worst in a man as detailed by his words in Proverbs 21:19.  “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.”  In case you forget, Solomon repeats these warnings throughout Proverbs like the version in Proverbs 21:9.

According to C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, anyone can acquire prudence and temperance, within his chapter on the Cardinal Virtues.  Lewis defines prudence as practical common sense, thinking about what you are about to do or say and the likely outcome of it.  Temperance on the other hand is learning to go or take something to the right distance, but no further.  You don’t have to be religious to apply these basic principles.  Rather, one must have an inner desire to better themselves, to maintain a good reputation and leave a legacy that is honorable.  Therefore, the next time you think about tweeting when you are angry, reflect before making  your words public!  Then, you might make this world a better place.

by Jay Mankus

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