Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Sink or Swim?

Posted on December 21, 2012 by expressyourself4him
Jesus walking on water jesus-and-peter-walking-on-water.jpg photo

I believe God has blessed each person born onto this earth with various gifts and talents.  Some of these are obvious while others take time to develop before you see the fruits of your labor.  Since I stuttered from birth, God endowed me with a competitive spirit, physical abilities and a love for all sports.  However, I only tasted failure in one sport, basketball.  After being one of only 2 white players to make my 6th grade elementary team in inner city Wilmington, I was cut twice in Junior High.  Afraid of rejection for a 3rd consecutive year, I decided to skip tryouts, too scared to find out if I could sink or swim?

If there is one thing you could say about the disciple Peter, he certainty was a character.  God blessed Simon with personality, probably the loudest and most out-spoken of the 12 disciples based upon the 4 accounts of the gospels.  This strong will led Peter to try things that the other disciples were either terrified of or unwilling to the take risk.  Such is the case in Matthew 14:25-33 as Jesus walks on water toward a boat filled with disciples.  Peter trusted Jesus enough to speak up, get out of the boat and for a moment actually walk on water. However, as soon as he began to take his eyes off Christ, focusing on a gust of wind, he quickly sank into the rough waters.

Its only fitting that I tried out for my high school swim team as a sophomore.  Though I had experience swimming, I was only proficient in breast stroke.  Since free style was the main stroke stressed in practices, I never completed a full practice all season.  I spent more time sucking wind, choking on water I kept accidently swallowing and gasping for air after the warm up, let alone all the sprints.  Despite the initial embarrassment, by the time I graduated I swam in nearly every high school event.  In fact, my senior season I actually won a 100 yard butterfly race.   Like Peter, I overcame my fears to get out of the boat and try something new.

C.S. Lewis devotes 2 chapters to faith in Book 3 of Mere Christianity, emphasizing proper Christian Behavior.  Chapter 11 defines faith and chapter 12 illustrates practicing faith.  Lewis uses an analogy of a child learning to swim to help visualize genuine faith.  First, beginners need to see other children actually swim.  This affirms within them, “hey, I can do this.”  Second, learning how to swim takes practice by developing the key fundamentals to float and guide through the water.  Finally, faith comes into play, believing that once your instructor lets go of you, you will swim and not sink.  In life, the Holy Spirit is our spiritual swim coach, counseling our heart when we sink and sending angels to lift us above the wake left by trials.  Each new day is like being on the starting block, waiting for the alarm to go off.  Don’t be like the other disciples; get out of your comfort zone and take a leap of faith for Jesus!  Sink or swim; the important thing is being obedient to God’s calling.  Let me know how it goes.

by Jay Mankus

Just for laughs, I thought I would include my best but slow swimming times.

200 Individual Medley, 2:39 (somehow I won)

100 Free, 58 seconds (in practice)

100 Back, 1:09 (I don’t think I even placed)

100 Fly, 1:11 (I think the leader got DQ’ed to allow me to win)

100 Breast, 1:12 (This is the only event I qualified as an individual for states)

I swam 33 seconds for 50 breast, my leg of the 200 IM Relay which finished 3rd in states.

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Fatalistic Thinking

Posted on December 20, 2012 by expressyourself4him
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Current events often prompt a raw emotion within individuals that results in over reactions.  Despite your political or religious affiliations, when something like the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings strikes a nerve by touching your heart, its extremely difficult to think rationally.  Like a runaway train, thoughts race through your mind trying to make sense of this tragedy.  Meanwhile, lawmakers are flocking to Congress attempting to ban guns and develop plans for impenetrable schools.  While their motives may have good intentions, this is an example of fatalistic thinking.

As parents struggle with fear over the safety of their own children, America has discovered in 2012 that there is no such thing as a bullet proof mall, movie theater or school.  Though countless people continue to ask “where is God,” I have yet to hear an accurate biblical response to who is in charge of this world.  According to Ephesians 2:2, Satan is the ruler of the air.  The apostle Paul is simply restating the Devil’s own words from Matthew 4:8-9.  When Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3, there was a transition in authority over the earth from Adam to the Devil.  The serpent’s motives for tempting Eve was to acquire control over the kingdoms of the world as revealed in Luke 4:6.  In the same way, politicians are making a similar power grab, endeavoring to seize control of every aspect of your life, eliminating freedoms in the name of protection.

If I’ve ruined your day or made you even more depressed, I want to conclude this piece with a ray of sunshine.  After warning people of the dangers of the flesh in Romans 7, the apostle Paul brings a message of hope in chapter 8.  The climax of this great news occurs in Romans 8:37-39.  Neither death, nor demons or whatever the future holds can separate God’s children from the love of Jesus.  Not even the powers of the Devil himself can thwart any reservation you have made for eternity, 1 John 5:13.  Therefore, clear your mind from the confusion of evil by taking a dose of God’s precious promises found in the Bible.  The pain from Newtown will linger, but in the end, Christ’s victory over the cross will lead to triumph, Colossians 2:13-15.

by Jay Mankus

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Recapturing Joy

Posted on December 19, 2012 by expressyourself4him

On December 3rd, 1984, I began my personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-10.  Although I was still immature in many ways, there was something different about my spirit.  Two years later, during my senior year of high school, I felt compelled to get involved by volunteering for various things.  Thus, I became the program director for my Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Bible Study, co-leading with my swim coach, Ken Horne.  Despite my stuttering, God used me.  Meanwhile, I decided to be an advocate for the Methodist youth group I attended, reaching out to shy people and inviting others to join.  My life wasn’t transformed overnight, but serving God filled me with a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding, Philippians 4:7.

While this joy grew periodically during my 5 years of college, somewhere along the way this ecstasy faded, becoming stale.  During the Honeymoon period of my faith, delight, elation and happiness were ever present.  I guess in many ways my child like faith has wilted, falling out like my hair.  Instead, adulthood has caused me to drift into a spiritual coma, forgetting what it is like to have a heart of a servant.  Like the woman in Luke 15:8-10, retracing her steps to find a valuable and sentimental coin, I am in the process of recapturing joy.

The priest Zechariah had experienced a life time of silence, beginning with the Malachi’s last words and lasting for 400 years.  In his old decrepit body, God ended this silence, sending an angel to Zechariah while he was performing his priestly duties in the temple, Luke 1:10-17.  However, like Sarah many years prior, Zechariah doubted God, resulting in muteness for 9 months.  Like me, Zechariah had lost his joy until God performed the first of many miracles, Luke 1:23-25.  Still speechless, Zechariah had 9 months to contemplate what God was in the process of doing.  When he does finally speak in Luke 1:67, its no surprise that Zechariah gives us 2 things people can do to recapture joy.

First, according to Luke 1:74, we should serve God without fear.  When you let go of what others think about you and resolve to serve God and God alone, Galatians 1:10, joy returns to your soul.  This is why I am so fond of high school.  I spent 3 years serving God in the classroom, on the sports field and in my neighborhood.  Although, joy is not complete until you apply Luke 1:76.  As you begin to tell others what God has done for you, Mark 5:19-20, a spiritual fervor rushes through you like goosebumps.

Despite all of this, there is no magic potion or self help book to recapture joy or else I wouldn’t be writing this blog.  The devil still exists with his sights set on stealing your joy, John 10:10.  Thus, you need to arm yourself with a Christ-like attitude, 1 Peter 4:1.  Use prayer as a daily covering, Mark 1:35, the Bible as a sword, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and the shield of faith to keep joy inside of you, Ephesians 6:16.  The rest involves the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4, as you hold on to God’s precious promises each day.  As Michael W. Smith once sang, “Pray for Me and I’ll pray for You” so that joy will be recaptured!

by Jay Mankus

 

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Belittling

Posted on December 18, 2012 by expressyourself4him

A pet peeve is an annoyance, infers complaining or results in an irritating experience caused by someone else’ actions, habits or mannerisms.  To belittle means to deride, disparage or put down another person in order to make your point or to build up your own self esteem.  Since a series of demeaning events led to infuriation within me last week, I have added belittling to my personal list of pet peeves.

One of Jesus’ pet peeves while on earth was also belittling.  Let’s just say that Jesus didn’t take too kindly to seeing adults belittle others, especially children.  In Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus even corrected his own disciples for their lack of concern for the human psyche of young people.  Meanwhile, Jesus didn’t hold back his true feelings, publicly exposing the legalism of the Pharisees in Luke 6:1-11 by healing and helping others on the Sabbath.

When I taught high school, students complained to me from time to time, upset how other teachers had treated them earlier in the day or week.  At the time, I could not relate, see or understand their point of view.  However, now that I too am undergoing what they went through as a student in a new position, I see the light.  I recognize now that no one, teachers included like to be belittled by another individual.  Therefore, I refuse to sit back, allowing others to be talked down to.  I won’t turn over the tables like Jesus in Mark 11:12-17, but I will rebuke and reveal to these people how you should talk to others, Matthew 19:14.  Follow the golden rule and things will go well for you, Matthew 22:39.

by Jay Mankus

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The Axis of Evil

Posted on December 17, 2012 by expressyourself4him

As I tuned in periodically to inquire about the motive behind the December 14th school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, I heard a common denominator on cable news networks.  Whether it was a pastor, politician, priest or psychologist, each so called expert or guest panelist mentioned the presence of evil as the cause or reason.  During his State of the Union Address on January 29th, 2002, President George W. Bush used the expression “axis of evil” to describe the forces and powers that contribute to the existence of terrorism in our world.  The Bible breaks down this axis of evil into 3 distinct areas which is vital to fully understand how a 20 year old could commit such a heinous crime.

According to Dr. Ed Murphy, an associate professor of Bible and Missions at San Jose Christian College in California, there are 2 kinds of evil that exist on earth: natural and moral.  Natural evil results from natural elements of the universe like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.  Moral evil occurs when man or woman exercise their freewill, resulting in crime, drunk driving deaths, road rage and behaviors mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21.  However, evil exists on 3 levels: within our own sinful nature, the temptations and darkness of the world and in the spiritual realm through demons and evil spirits.

The prophet Jeremiah first spoke about the first level of evil in the Old Testament within Jeremiah 17:9.  Since the origin of sin in the garden, Genesis 3, hearts have been poisoned due to the curse, as everyone born since has been born into a sin nature.  Thus, Adam Lanza’s heart  was vulnerable to deceit.  In fact, Jesus equates murder with hatred in Matthew 5:21-22, making it conceivable for Adam to fall prey to jealousy and hatred like Cain in Genesis 4.

The second level of evil consists of all the distractions which pull you away from God.  While visiting Athens, Greece, the apostle Paul was greatly distressed by the idols which blinded people from knowing the one true God in Acts17:16-23.  Unfortunately, the era of Happy Days is long gone as most Americans have turned away from following God with their whole heart.  Instead of the church influencing the culture, this post-modern society is weakening many believers, resulting in a luke warm Christianity.  It’s likely, no one demonstrated the love of Christ to Adam while he was alive which led him to fall in love with the ways of the world, 1 John 2:15-17.

Finally, the parable of the Sower suggests that the Devil or demons can snatch away the seed of the gospel sown into an individual’s heart, Matthew 13:18-19.  The apostle Paul believes that the god of this age, Satan, Ephesians 2:2, has blinded the minds of unbelievers, preventing know from knowing God, 2 Corinthians 4:4.  Furthermore, Ephesians 4:27 opens up the possibility of allowing the devil to have a foothold in your life.  If this is true, then Adam could have been ensnared into a real life James 1:13-15 situation.  Once these evil thoughts entered his mind, he reached a point of no return.

I don’t claim to know what happened.  Only God knows the answers to this tragic event.  However, I just wanted to illuminate a possibility, using scripture as a road map to show others how the sinful nature influences the heart, which yearns for the world and can come under the influence or possession of unseen forces, leading someone to do the illogical described in Romans 7:14-20.  May this event serve as a spiritual wake-up call, like 9/11/01 did for many, to lead people back on the straight and narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14.  Continue to pray for the Newtown community as they wrestle with God, trying to come to grips with what just happened.  In this time of darkness, remember the promise of Romans 8:38-39.

by Jay Mankus

A student who is continuing to learn about the spiritual realm.

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Perpetua and Felicitas

Posted on December 16, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Despite the events which took place in Connecticut yesterday, America is a civil place compared to the storehouse known as history.  Acts of brutality, savageness and violence were a daily occurrence in the days of the Roman Empire.  According to From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, a riveting book written by Ruth Tucker, sanity went amuck under the leadership of Emperor Septimus Severus.  Beginning in A.D. 202, this tyrant leader launched the first empire wide attack on Christianity.

Inspired by his religion, worshipping Serapis, the Egyptian god of the dead, Emperor Septimus was convinced by fear that Christians poised a major threat to the existence of his own religion.  As Christianity began to grow in Carthage, North Africa, persecution was unleashed in this area to quench the faith of believers.  As a result, 6 individuals were arrested and sentenced to death for failing to renounce their faith.  This group consisted of 4 men and 2 pregnant women.  Their leader, a deacon named Saturus, along with the other 3 men were the first to be publicly executed.  While not quite Pay Per View, Romans gathered in an arena to see these individuals get mauled by a bear, leopard and wild boar before having a gladiator behead each man with a sword.  Let’s just say that civil rights have come a long way since the second century.

Meanwhile, the 2 woman, Perpetua and Felicitas were given multiple chances to recant.  In fact, Perpetua’s father begged and urged his daughter to deny her new found faith, getting beaten himself for being too aggressive with the prison guards.  Having her child just prior to being thrown in jail, Perpetua was allowed to spend her last few days on earth with her baby.  On the otherhand, Felicitas gave birth to her child while on death row, saying good bye prior to their joint execution.  Two mothers, with one faith, were willing to never see their children grow old, making a statement of faith to the crowd which looked on in disbelief.

In their last days on earth, Perpetua and Felicitas faced the 7 life challenges the apostle Paul addresses in Romans 8:31-39.  Tribulations, check.  Distress, check.  Persecution, check.  Famine was experienced by being given just enough food to be kept alive each day.  Four down, 3 to go.  As these 2 women were led into the arena, they were stripped of their clothes, naked and humiliated.  With peril and the sword, 6 and 7 just around the corner, a mad heifer was released, trying to trample each to death like a rodeo clown without a barrel to hide in.  Finally, the crowd reached a breaking point, crying out in unison, ENOUGH!  The only thing remaining were the eyes of a gladiator staring at his sword, ready to put Perpetua and Felicitas out of their misery.  Three strikes later, each breathed their last breath, all because of Jesus.

Like a Hollywood ending, these acts of faith, inspired a generation of Christians in the city of Carthage.  Instead of killing Christianity, faith exploded throughout the northern Mediterranean.  Churches that exist today can be linked to the faith of these 6 individuals.  For further details, check out Ruth Tucker’s book for yourself.  Though you may think Perpetua and Felicitas had strange sounding names, their testimony, like Galatians 1:11-24, motivated a generation to acquire their fire for Jesus.  Go and do likewise!

by Jay Mankus

Amazing stories of faith also exist during the 3rd century during the Diocletian persecution, who commanded the burning of Bibles and churches.  The fact that Bibles withstood these burnings is a testimony to the amount of Bibles which initially existed.

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15 Minutes of Fame

Posted on December 15, 2012 by expressyourself4him


Due to the events which transpired today in Newtown, Connecticut, I have postponed Friday’s scheduled post for a day to share my insights on another tragedy in American schools.  As cable news networks cancel their regularly scheduled programs to run with this story around the clock, I will try to avoid creating a media frenzy.  Meanwhile, politicians in Washington D.C. are in ambulance chase mode once again, trying to ban guns, blaming the weapon not the shooter, jumping to conclusions before the facts of this school shooting become public.  In my humble opinion, this is another example of a copy cat killing, inspired by the attention the Portland Mall shooting drew, attempting to gain 15 minutes of fame before their death.

I wish the cable news networks would begin to follow the example of live sports productions.  In sports, when a drunk, streaker or someone trying to seek attention jumps onto the field or court, broadcasters have now decided to avoid showing this individual.  I am not saying to avoid this crime of violence, only to handle stories like these with kid gloves and not like the O.J. Simpson freeway pursuit back in the 1990’s.  Essentially, cable news networks are exploiting the students, their families and the town of Newtown to increase their viewership.  Unfortunately, positive news does not earn ratings so networks continue to press the envelope by highlighting crimes, death and violence each evening on the local news.

When experts begin appearing on television throughout this next week, revealing their spin on why school shooters occur, maybe they should consider the following reasons.  If there is so much hatred in our world, why not read a different Bible verse each day over the public address system, urging students to love one another.  If there is bitterness, division or fights within schools, why not get together to pray for a spirit of unity.  Instead of blaming others, why not hold students accountability, making each sign a contract to be responsible for upholding the rules within their school.  As a former teacher, if you expect much from your students, often they will rise to the occasion.  However, when individuals don’t have any goals, objective or standards, little results will follow.

Finally, I believe there are more factors involved than just a gun.  First, will the media consider the influences of music which breeds hatred and violence toward public officials like the police?  Second, will psychologists recognize the impact shoot-em up video games like Black Ops, Halo and Modern Warfare has had on diminishing the value of life?  Third, will experts tie violence to a lack of religion or religious beliefs?  The sad thing about today’s events is that 20 people as of now, have had their life cut short.  May God send his angels upon these families, to this school and community to minister to them in their time of need, Matthew 4:11.

by Jay Mankus

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Christmas?

Posted on December 14, 2012 by expressyourself4him

As a new age approaches, a time is coming when children in America will not know God’s meaning of Christmas.  A little carol here, another Santa there and presents everywhere under a Christmas tree?  While Christians have taken this holiday for granted, the unchurched is drinking eggnog trying to comprehend the significance of this day.

Call it complacency, being out of touch or a lack of true ambassadors for Christ, something has gotten lost along the way.  The only Bible some people may open up is the example of Christ inside of believers.  Until this is displayed, the reason for this season will continue to be blurred by a double vision of the Word of God and what they see in followers of Jesus.

Is it just an illusion or a foregone conclusion that Santa Claus has become the Savior of Christmas?  Between the lines, there are no signs that the church can undo the lies of commercialism.  Drawing the masses to his side, with sleigh bells inside, at malls all across this country.

Tis the season to be jolly, except when you are driving or exchanging gifts that didn’t quite fit.  In the race to get great rates, what price are you still willing to pay as you try to appease your children every year.  Well, soon it will be all over, just a mass to make you feel good, then you can go back to behaving as you were.

What once was a holy night, is now great to catch a flight or stay at home to watch some bowl games on the tube.  It doesn’t matter who will be playing as long as Christmas music is airing in the background to get you in the spirit.  Meanwhile, angels are shaking their heads overseeing homes in disarray, urging you to quickly flip the channel.

Another rerun, another night, what happened to a wonderful life, lonelier than you have ever been before.  Is their any joy left in your hands or has quick sand penetrated this land, sweeping Christmas off its foundation?  I still believe peace can dwell on earth as long as there is something more behind the words, “Have a very Merry Christmas today!”

by Jay Mankus

Member of the International Society of Poets, 1994-1995.

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Sometimes…You Have to Do What You’ve Got To Do

Posted on December 13, 2012 by expressyourself4him

When I entered 2012, I never imagined I would spend the days leading up to Christmas working 6 days a week on the night shift.  I drive to work in the dark, come home in the dark and sleep in the dark during the day, Sunday-Friday.  Thank God I’m not a vampire.  Yet, when you find out you will be losing your job on New Year’s day, sometimes you have to do what you’ve got to do.

This morning the Lord reminded me of the Kurt Warner story.  While trying to keep alive his dream to play professional football, he began bagging groceries for a store in Iowa during the day.  Since his Arena League Football salary didn’t pay for all of his bills, Kurt was forced to find another job.  Deep down inside, I believe the Lord is using this time of transition to motivate me to revise my script so that like Kurt, I’ll receive that call, email or letter informing me that a producer wants to make Express Yourself into a movie.  Until that day arrives, I need to do what I’ve got to do to provide for my family.

Sacrifices are a part of every day life.  This is something God revealed to the apostle Paul following his conversion on the road to Damascus mentioned in Acts 9.  Churches didn’t have enough money to pay for Paul’s missionary journeys.  Thus, Paul became a tentmaker, making and selling tents to supplement his income,  If Paul didn’t obtain a do what you’ve got to do attitude, he might not of ever visited half the areas he did.  Instead, Paul demonstrated Colossians 3:17 and 3:23 throughout his life.  Wherever you are or whatever you do, don’t view your current situation as the end of your story.  Rather, fight through any adversity by doing what you’ve got to do until the Lord leads you to exactly where you need to be!

by Jay Mankus

In case you don’t know the Kurt Warner story, he went from the AFL, to the St. Louis Rams, to the Superbowl, winning the game and MVP honors.  I’m sure the NFL network has youtubes available to watch.

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A Revolutionary Notion

Posted on December 12, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Although high school is long gone, in my rear view mirror, cliques still exist, especially in the work place.  Human nature draws you toward others you share a common interest with, enjoy being around or simply connect.  Within these groups, you find comfort or like the show Cheers,  a place where everyone knows your name, with whom you freely socialize.  Yet, you have to be cautious that the people you hang with don’t create an us verses them mentality.  This leads to divisiveness and tends to persuade you to develop opinions of others you don’t even know.

During his life, Jesus always had a way with words, a keen ability to talk to people all on levels of life, unlike certain college professors and theologians.  In Matthew 5:43-47, Jesus introduces a revolutionary notion.  Stating the obvious, we tend to love those that love us, especially those who annually give you great Christmas presents.  However, Jesus warns the crowd he is speaking to, urging them to avoid the clique mentality.  By giving into peer pressure, you are no better than a pagan.  According to Jesus, true love occurs when a person begins to love and pray for their enemies.

Unfortunately, most things are easier said than done.  All of us have a person who gets under our skin, irritates us or annoys us like no one else.  Praying for them and others you dislike is extremely difficult, unnatural and the last thing on our minds.  In this weakness, the Holy Spirit has given us everything we need for life, 2 Peter 1:3-4.  Therefore, as you learn to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit, this notion can result in a revolutionary love.

by Jay Mankus

Check out the lyrics of the David Crowder Band’s song called Revolutionary Love or download it from itunes.

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