Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Barriers to Living a Normal Life

Posted on December 30, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Whether someone wants to admit it or not, every individual has 3 distinct aspects to their life.  According to Dr. Ed Murphy, not the comedian, each person has strengths, limitations and flaws.  These strengths can include gifts, intelligence, personality and special talents.  However, when you allow these positive attributes to go to your head, pride can negate or derail any hopes of living a normal life.  As soon as a spirit of haughtiness enters your soul, your mind can balloon to disproportionate heights, creating a wall of separation between you and most of your true friends.

Meanwhile, limitations are created within you by God to prompt you to learn how to work as a team with other people, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.  If you have ever seen an episode of the reality television show Survivor, a few leader type personalities usually clash, attempting to gain control over the entire tribe.  While the followers in the group get behind the person who least offends them, communication barriers are built within a day or 2 of their arrival.  This friction often gnaws away any glimmers of faith or trust within the tribe, creating a dysfunctional living atmosphere from the outset.

Finally, each male and female born onto this earth has a unique collection of flaws.  These weak areas of the flesh are where individuals are most vulnerable to the temptations of the Devil.  One may be easily seduced by sex, another is prone to drink themselves into oblivion, some may allow curiosity to lead them to experiment with drugs and still others let envy influence them to steal.  Whenever you feed these sinful desires, isolation impedes any progress you have made to quench these urges.  Like a monster inside of you, these flaws cripple your ability to have stable meaningful relationships in life.

Despite the power these barriers have on hindering your ability to have a normal life, there is hope and answers to break through to the other side.  First, you need to come to grips with who you are and why you were created?  According to the Old Testament, God created each person to praise Him, Psalm 150:6.  In addition, 2 Corinthians 5:21 contains a clue to our identity in Christ.  Once this connection is made and embraced, people can begin to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.  As you begin to take steps of faith, the Bible provides light for our feet, to guide the way toward good decision making, Psalm 119:105.  When darkness sets in along the narrow path of life, Matthew 7:14, become an active participant so that those going in the wrong direction can be stopped before its too late.  The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few, Matthew 9:36-38, so get involved in 2013!

by Jay Mankus

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No Bull

Posted on December 30, 2012 by expressyourself4him

In an age of excuses, lies and a lack of personal responsibility ability, its refreshing to hear a professional athlete be honest and forthright.  During an interview with David Feherty on the Golf Channel‘s show Feherty, John Daly addressed questions about his alcohol addiction and circus act life on the PGA tour.  When asked about his failed 3 marriages, numerous stints in and out of rehab and Jerry Springer Show like meltdowns, John didn’t dodge any question.  Instead, he faced the facts and simply stated, “its the poor decisions that I’ve made in life!”

As a former mini-tour player and Canadian PGA Qualifying School participate, the game of golf can drive even a sane person over the edge.  One awful day on a golf course can stir emotions resulting in flying clubs, f-bombs or a jerkish attitude that no one wants to be around.  I am not minimizing the mistakes John has made; rather I am merely expressing the impact competition, stress and failed expectations have on someone’s behavior.  Like the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 3:23, to say you have never lost control or made a mistake is another way of telling a group of people you are full of it!

Unfortunately, too many people have these façades, walls they built to hide their imperfections.  Instead of letting those who love them see their flaws, fear prevents many individuals from opening up to others.  I’d rather meet an honest liar than someone who is living a lie.  Although John Daly continues to live a troubled life, at least what you see is what you get, a genuine human being in need of a Savior.  May these words strike a cord with your heart so that the truth in God’s word will set you free from any lie you are living, John 8:31-32.

by Jay Mankus

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Beyond the Clouds and Darkness

Posted on December 29, 2012 by expressyourself4him

During the extended hours of darkness each winter, depression can arise in the form of seasonal affective disorder, better known as SAD.  When the sun is suppose to shine, grey clouds sprinkled with an occasional flurry often dim the light of day until evening turns the sky black.  Beyond these clouds and darkness, a promise is revealed within Luke 1:78-79.

In the silence of his vocal cords, Zechariah was given 9 months to consider the wonders of the Almighty God.  Amidst this foggy period, a childless father and barren wife struggle with the reality that their joint prayers has gone unanswered by God.  A stationary front hovers over their cries, dashing any hopes of seeing a lifelong dream come true.  Just when age seemed to make this impossible, the Son broke through their darkness.

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Lamentations 3.  Jeremiah writes about the hardship he endured in the first 20 verses of chapter 3.  As bad as I thought my 2012 went, Jeremiah’s year appears to take the cake so to speak.  Yet, like the promise of God’s tender mercy in Luke 1:78-79, there is hope beyond the clouds and darkness according to Lamentations 3:21-24.

One of the biggest mistakes Christian’s make is when they tell a hurting person they know exactly how this person is feeling or understand what they are going through.  Each individual handles trials and tribulations differently.  Thus, instead of opening up our big mouths, the best response is a silent hug, with open ears of support.  In the shadow of death or fear of isolation, God’s tender mercy is just a prayer away.  Once the clouds of darkness dissipate, God will guide your feet onto the path of peace.  As Solomon once said, “God will make everything beautiful in His time,” Ecclesiastes 3:11.

by Jay Mankus

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Polar Opposites

Posted on December 28, 2012 by expressyourself4him

When you travel the country like I did during the 1990’s, you become exposed to various cultures, expressions and traditions.  As I pursued my dreams by following my heart, God led me to nearly one hundred different churches that I attended here and there.  One met in a house, another in a barn, some met in gymnasiums and schools and the most impressive had its own little city.  However, what I soon discovered, their biblical messages were polar opposites.

On one extreme, I heard remnants from the Fire and Brimstone sermons of the 1970’s.  These churches still believed that all dancing and music was from the devil.  Pastor’s preached about burning any idol from your past, severing relationships with all non-Christians and do everything humanly possible to escape the gates of hell.  This view of the Bible eliminates personality and the ability an outgoing person can have on reaching out to lost souls like the apostle Paul in the book of Acts.  Meanwhile, this perspective emphasizes the Old Testament nature of God’s judgment by diminishing the love of Jesus in the New Testament.  In a sense, this is just one side of the story.

On the other side of the aisle, I was introduced to the prosperity gospel.  This theological position merely stresses the positives of God, neglecting any reference to failure, setback or trial.  I quickly found that this rosey picture of life professed by pastors from their pulpits did not exist in my world.  When I gave money in the offering plate, I didn’t receive back one hundred or one thousand fold like a few television evangelist promised.  In addition, their altar call message, “just come to Jesus and everything will go well for you” was hallow.  It’s no wonder that when Ghandi was alive he once said, “I like your Christ, but I don’t like your Christians.”

Unfortunately, these 2 polar opposites miss the mark of properly explaining the message of the gospel.  This good news or good tidings, depending upon your translation of the Bible, can be condensed by a few verses like Romans 5:8.  The baby Jesus fulfilled His purpose by dying for sinners.  John 3:16 provides the answer to how people should respond to Jesus’ sacrifice.  Finally, Galatians 5:6 narrows down life to own thing, “faith expressing itself through the love of Jesus.”  As you travel down the bumpy road called life, test everything you hear in church with the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 so that you can stay along the Equator, in the center of God’s will!

by Jay Mankus

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Mind Over Matter

Posted on December 27, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Over the last few decades, the Name It and Claim It movement has gained traction, permeating into mainstream Christianity.  This theological position combines the bible with metaphysics, using faith as a force to speak the truth within an individual’s mind into existence.  Unfortunately, this view fails to address obstacles such as generational sins and sins of the father, Exodus 20:4-5, ungodly beliefs like John 8:31-38, soul spirit hurts in Matthew 11:25-30 and demonic influences, Ephesians 6:12.  In addition, some of these churches now encourage members not to seek a doctor when sick, claiming if they had genuine faith, they would be healed.

I tend to lean toward what I call a Read it and Believe it view of Christianity.  In other words, as you read and study the Bible, you begin to learn God’s precious promises.  As you examine how the Israelites and first century church leaders claimed these promises, you can apply these same principles into your own prayer life.  During trying moments, you might want to use prayers of King David or Jesus himself as an outline for prayer.  Faith in this context is in the word of God, not your own mind.  Belief is exercised through the power of the Holy Spirit as described in 2 Peter 1:3-4.  According to this passage, God has given us everything we need for life in the form of the Holy Spirit.  In my mind, this is a more realistic and accurate view of a biblical life.

During my tenure as a high school Bible teacher, I slowly began to see how weak individual minds were.  Not in an intellectual sense, but in their belief, confidence and power of God to change their current situation.  Many of my students had given up hope that their circumstances could ever improve.  Divorce, heartbreak and trials poisoned their minds with doubt, leading many to dwell on matters beyond their control.  This mindset can develop into a defeatism mentality, creating Christians who never successfully take their minds captive, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  This is likely why the name it and claim movement has become attractive to so many Christians today.

To my knowledge, there are only 2 clear examples of mind over matter in scripture.  The first is used by the apostle Paul in the context of an athlete training for the Corinthian Games, similar to the modern day Olympics.  Runners must force their minds to overcome the pain they are experiencing so that one can push their body beyond a normal limit, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.  Practice and training prepares a runner for the various competitions in life.  Meanwhile, the disciple Peter is referring to having a certain mindset, one like Jesus in 1 Peter 4:1.  This use of the mind relates to the thought process which helps you endure your current state, enabling you to reach the goal or end result you desire and seek to obtain.  This mindset is accessible when Christ is Lord over all areas of your life.  Therefore, as 2012 draws to a close, my prayer for 2013 is that people begin to scratch the surface of the love and power of God, Ephesians 3:14-21.

by Jay Mankus

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From Chapel to an NBA Title

Posted on December 26, 2012 by expressyourself4him

When you watch a sporting event, either live in person, at a local establishment with friends or in the confines of your own home, certain players stick out.  Commentators like Dicky V uses the expression PTPers, meaning a person who rises to the occasion, preforming like a prime time player.  Meanwhile, professional analysts and announcers have their own unique vocabulary.  Words like ACTIVE, ENERGY, HUSTLE and LIFE are compliments to players who make their team better.  Former Philadelphia 76ers Bobby Jones fits this description, winning 6th Man of the Year Honors for his selfless dedication to the game of basketball.

However, there was an invisible force, which motivated Bobby to give 100 percent every night on the court, diving, laying out and fighting for any loose basketball.  During his initial experience in the NBA as a Houston Rocket, the team chaplain began to hold chapel services prior to each game.  This spiritual pre-game pep talk inspired Bobby to play hard every time he walked out onto the court.  In a trade from Houston to Philadelphia, Bobby only made one request, for the 76ers to start a chapel service.  Once each side agreed to this condition, the rest is history.

Sixer stars Dr. J and Mo Cheeks had come close to winning a title, but either the Boston Celtics or L.A. Lakers annually ended their season prematurely before they reached their goal.  NBA writers credit the Moses Malone addition to the 76ers prior to the 1982-83 season as the final piece to the puzzle.  In fact, like a prophet of old, Moses predicted Philadelphia would win the NBA title in 4, 4, and 4.  This meant the Sixers would go undefeated, 12-0 in the playoffs, sweeping each 7 game series.  Instead, Philly went 4-0, 4-1 and 4-0, beating the Lakers in L.A. to win their first title since the days of Wilt, not bad for a modern day prophet.

Bobby Jones disagrees with this perspective.  From outside the locker room, Moses’ play was a no brainer, a dominant figure who carried the 76ers in the playoffs.  Yet, from within, pre-game chapels began to unify this team as one body.  This spiritual bond helped put everything together: coaching, talent and victories.  While the world saw a dynamic team win a championship, to this day Bobby Jones still believes this title started with the chapels and ended in L.A.  During this Christmas season, give thanks and praise to the one who has made everything possible, Jesus Christ our Lord.

by Jay Mankus

Don’t let the NBA’s quadrople header on Christmas Day distract you from baby who was born to save us from our sins!

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Christmas Traditions

Posted on December 25, 2012 by expressyourself4him

When my father was transferred from Delaware to Cleveland, Ohio, our family had to begin a new set of Christmas traditions in a foreign land.   As snow fell the first 21 out of 23 days of December during our initial winter, change was needed.   Since my sister Cindy was born on Christmas Eve, our first new tradition began by going out to dinner.   A devote Chinese food lover, Cleveland had a local restuarant that my sister adored, one of the few places open on Christmas Eve.   Similar to a Hibachi, the architecture, ambionce and service made this a decade long tradition.

After the ride home, last second Christmas details were finished before our next new tradition.   As devout Catholics, my parents attended a modern church with a Hippie priest, if there is such a thing. This 33 year old man of God actually looked like portraits of Jesus, with long wavy black hair, manicured with a pony tail.  Willing to try new things, this priest created a special mass which ended exactly on midnight, Christmas morning.  Beginning at 10:30 pm, the congregation sang Christmas carols for 30 minutes before an hour service focused on preparing hearts with the biblical meaning of Christmas.  This became my favorite way to keep Christ the Lord of Christmas Day!

Once my parents retired, nearly 7 years ago, they returned to Delaware, near Bethany Beach, to spend the rest of their days living in a golf course community.  Beside a Christmas Day 2 hole scramble, weather permitting, a wetland adjacent to a long par 5 provided an ideal setting for an annual golf ball hunt.  The final tradition provides multiple facets: exercise, fellowship and my favorite, free golf balls for life.  Thus, as you experience another Christmas in 2012, do something wiht your family that will leave healthy, long lasting memories.  Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night!

by Jay Mankus

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A Merry Mess

Posted on December 24, 2012 by expressyourself4him

In recent years, major retail chains have urged their employees to replace Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays as they greet and or say goodbye to shoppers.   Meanwhile, cities across America continue banning Nativity Scenes from town squares, hoping not to offend anyone.   All of this can be linked to greeting card manufactures, trying to save money by eliminating Christ with an X, not the actual Greek symbol.   If you can’t talk about Christmas, can’t express the true meaning in a re-enactment and struggle to find a card that communicates the reason for this season, we are left with a merry mess.

At the conclusion of Scrooged, Bill Murray risks getting fired to save his company’s production from excluding the message of this sacred day.  Convicted by his own selfishness, Murray goes from the production booth to the set, interrupting the live show to share what’s on his heart.  Although, this is just a movie, its a depiction of how the Holy Spirit can and does fill people with a story that must be told.  Unless average Americans intervene, I feel as if Christmas will become just another day on the calendar, filled with ignorant shoppers, rude drivers and a merry mess of trash around a dying tree.

According to Matthew 2:1-12, 3 Magi, experts in the stars, came from the East to follow a special star.  Aware of Old Testament prophecies, these 3 men, along with their caravan, traveled hundreds of miles across a desert to follow this unusual sign from God.  Bearing gifts, these 3 paid tribute to the promised Messiah, freely giving valuable offerings to Joseph and Mary for their babe.  Each Magi was so overwhelmed, they dropped to their knees and worshipped the baby Jesus, whose name means, he will save his people from their sins, Matthew 1:21.  This is the hope of Christmas.

If you want to save December 25th from commercialism, its time to speak up and speak out with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:13-15.  Cleaning up this mess won’t happen over night, yet Peter has the right idea in 1 Peter 3:8-9.  As you repay insults with blessings, the promise of Proverbs 25:21-22 will ensue.  When people see examples of Jesus in others, they will begin to understand the meaning of the mass of Christ.  Give God your best and let the Holy Spirit do the rest!

by Jay Mankus

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We’re Still Here

Posted on December 23, 2012 by expressyourself4him

One hour specials on the Apocalypse, Mayan Calendar and 12/21/12 have aired regularly on Discovery and the History Channel the past few years.  Hollywood tried to put their latest spin on what the end of the world will look like based upon the accounts of Nostradamus, ancient writings and the Bible.  Like false prophets of old, the Mayans were wrong, as the world survived yet another predication and we’re still here.

It’s naive of anyone to think that they are the only one or ones who received a message from God on the exact day civilization as we know it will end.  Once you read His own words in Matthew 24:36-42, Jesus is crystal clear that not a single soul will know the time of His return.  Unfortunately, at least once every decade, gullible Christians are convinced by the latest end of days book which attempts to explain using the Bible why the rapture of Jesus, His second coming, will occur on a specific date.  When proven wrong, these authors go into hiding, take 8-10 years to edit their document and have the gaul to reproduce nearly the identical book under a new name and set of theories.  Most of these writers are also still here as well.

One of the greatest pieces of evidence left behind by Jesus is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, less than a chapter following Jesus’ quote from above.  This story illuminates any misconceptions about who will know the exact year, day and time of His return.  In fact, Jesus ‘ account of 3 different servants is crafted in such a way to demonstrate how those who are still alive on earth should live their final days.  Like I said yesterday, God has a plan for each individual, Jeremiah 29:11.  The Lord has created you with a distinct skill set, talents God has specially prepared for you, Ephesians 2:10.  Therefore, don’t get caught up in the hoopla of the last few years.  Rather, devote the rest of your days on earth while you are still living, like a faithful servant, working for the Lord, Matthew 25:21.  Make Jesus, your master, proud of your final days!

by Jay Mankus

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Carrying You

Posted on December 22, 2012 by expressyourself4him

In the famous Footprints poem, Carolyn Joyce  Carty uses a dream of a man walking along a beach barefoot with the Lord.  Looking back, this man sees only one set of footprints at times, not two.  Like the countless who have been touched by this piece, during the difficult times in life, the Lord carries us until we have the strength to walk again.  Nonetheless, I have discovered in 2012 from personal experience, there is so much more involved when God sends angels to carry you.

Prior to this year, I was filled with pride based upon my accomplishments and somewhat stellar career.  Athletically, I have been able to play professional golf, coach for a decade at the high school level and received an invite to play for a professional Ultimate Frisbee Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  From a business sense, I was a manager of the Michael Jordan Golf Shop in O’Hare International Airport, on pace to do 1.1 million in sales under my leadership before I left and a production manager for a prominent Christian company.  Finally, during 15 years of service in youth ministry as a pastor and teacher,God used me to impact the lives of young people.  Yet, in the good times, I took most of the credit, leaving God off stage.  Thus, all of these accolades were stripped away a little over 12 hours into 2012, creating a desperate, humble and weakened man.

Most of my days in 2012 began with a similar prayer, “Lord, I can’t do this without you!”  While I talked a good game the past 25 years, I was forced to daily practice Jesus’ own words in Matthew 11:25-30.  From an emotional sense, I had become like the man in Acts 3:1-5, crippled by broken promises, shattered dreams and unemployment.  Peter didn’t come to my rescue like his words to the beggar in Acts 3:6-7.  Instead, God sent numerous friends at appointed times, facebook messages, phone calls and the occasional angel to lift me up, until I could walk on my own once again.  If you are feeling helpless like I have for most of 2012, exercise the authority available in Christ, Luke 10:19.  This will serve as spiritual physical therapy until God renews your strength, Isaiah 40:30-31.

by Jay Mankus

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