Author Archives: expressyourself4him

I have spent more than a third of my life coaching sports.  I spent 10 years coaching high school golf, 3 working with an ultimate frisbee club, 2 years in youth baseball, 1 year  in basketball in Indiana and a season with middle school cross country.  One of my greatest experiences I have had is when I see the little things displayed by my teams.

This evening I found great pleasure in watching my 3 pitchers throw strikes, seeing my fielders catch the ball and then throw the ball to the right base.  After 3 months of practices, games and post games talks, I am finally beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.  When people begin to do the little things in life, great things follow.

The apostle, Paul talks about the little things in the book of Galatians.  According to Galatians 5:6, “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”  As gifted as each person is in the body of Christ, without love, we are nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.  Therefore, instead of theology, methodology or works, all the world needs to see from Christian’s is the little things, which is the love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

The Bible says in Hebrews 12:2 that Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith. Later on in verse 4, the author of Hebrews reminds readers that Jesus shed his blood to cover over our sins. The apostle Paul builds upon this by saying Jesus conquered sin and death on the cross, 1 Corinthians 15:53-57. On this Memorial Day weekend, we should memorialize Christ’s victory, disarming the powers and the authorities which stood oppose to us, Colossians 2:15.

In the original Webster’s Dictionary, the word authority does not exist by itself. Rather, the term authority is found under the definition for author. The root of authority comes from the term authorship meaning origination or creation. Once a fallen angel, Lucifer tried to obtain earthly authority by deceiving Eve, then Adam. In response to the fall, Jesus was sent as the second Adam, Romans 5:12-21, to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10.

As you relax over the course of this 3 day weekend, do not forget what the Lord has done. According to Romans 3, we all have sinned and have fallen short of God’s glory. The wages for this fall, our payment is death, Romans 6:23a. However, the reason why we should memorialize Christ is at the end of Romans 6:23b. “For the gift of God is eternal life, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

by Jay Mankus

Deo in this context is not what you think it is.  Rather, in a biblical context, deo is a Greek term.  Deo appears in Matthew 16:19, used by Jesus after Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ.  The term deo means to fasten or tie as with a chain or cord.

Deo can also be used in the context of law, referring to legally or contractually binding two parties.  Deo in this sense brings up the idea of authority.  Jesus is introducing the disciples to spiritual authority in Matthew 16.  Jesus wants to makes sure that his own disciples aren’t under the chains of another party, mainly the devil.

While not directly, the author of Hebrews is indirectly referring to the term deo.  In life, especially as people get busy, we all have a tendency to allow things to build up and accumulate.  Hebrews 12:1 is calling believers to unfasten those distractions, people or sins that are holding us captive.  Jesus alludes to this at the end of chapter 16, verses 23-27.  If we allow our own minds to be fastened to the world, we become a stumbling block to God.  Therefore, during this Memorial Day we should practice the words of Romans 12:1-2, renewing our minds, fastening ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anyone can say, “I love you,” but rarely does someone demonstrate love, especially in public.  When my wife and I started dating, I told her I would not tell her I love you until I meant it forever.  Like everyone, over the course of my life I have abused and misused the word love, saying I love you, yet disappointing people time after time.

Over the last 2 months, God has been teaching me about love.  The Lord has allowed me to see the flaws of people I hold near and dear.  My first reaction to these minor imperfections has led to reactions that have nothing to do with love.  As I have cringed, shocked by my lack of forgiveness, God has led me to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, my son’s Bible verse this week.

Love is patient, at least in the biblical sense, like our heavenly father who waits for his prodigal children.  My perfectionist nature causes me to struggle with patience loving people.  Often, the love I am suppose to demonstrate is replaced by a rude, self-seeking desire.  If biblical love never fails, Christians must remember Paul’s words to the Colossians in chapter 3, verses 13-14.  An extension of the Lord’s prayer, Matthew 6:14-15, true love bears with others and forgives whatever grievances you may have.  Love is more than a word when people forgive others as the Lord forgave you!

by Jay Mankus

Just as I thought the next phase of my life was about to clear up, interference has momentary put me in limbo.  I am still hopeful about this open door ahead of me, but I am mindful of Proverbs 19:21.  Solomon’s advice in Proverbs 3:5-6 is spot on for my situation, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.”

In Acts 16, the apostle Paul was also in limbo.  After healing a girl enslaved by a spirit, he was sent to jail for his act of kindness.  Instead of complaining, Paul and Silas began to worship and praise the Lord, Acts 16:25.  Paul could have allowed his experience in Philippi to develop into a root of bitterness.  However, Paul used an earthquake while in jail to lead a jailor and his entire family into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

As I wait in eager expectation for my next assignment from the Lord, I have to seize each moment and opportunity that God gives me to like the apostle Paul.  Whether it is the 11 ball players I see twice a week, writing this blog or making my next you tube, I need to demonstrate the love of Christ.  Limbo is not the place I want to be, but I need to remember James 1:18, bearing fruit regardless of where I am.

by Jay Mankus

Over the past few weeks, my family and I have had a series of unexpected events, failures, set backs and trials.  On Tuesday morning at work, I cried out to the Lord with a broken heart.  I claimed Matthew 11:28-30 and Psalm 34:18 as I walked, worked and prayed.

Last night, my first prayer was answered during our Little League Baseball game.  Each member of our team played up to their ability, put into practice things we have worked on over the season and played their best game of the season as a team.  The mood was so tranquil I even got along with the umpire, having two meaningful conversations with him during the game.

However, it wasn’t until last night, when God sent a friend from the past into my life.  This friend brought with her the answer I was looking for, a sign from God.  I asked God to bring clarity into my life in the form of an open door.  While I am in the process of walking through this door, one thing is certain.  I cried out to God in prayer and in less than 24 hours, He answered!

by Jay Mankus

Jesus invested 3 years of his life into 12 men, 3 of whom he discipled and equipped to become leaders after his resurrection and ascension.  In a sense, Jesus poured out his heart and soul into these men, living and traveling with them throughout the Middle East.  Yet, if anyone experienced true disappointment, it was Jesus.

During the last supper, Jesus had to confront one of his own friends publicly, urging Judas to do what he was thinking about.  A few hours later, in one of his greatest times of needs, Peter, James and John, the 3 disciples he trusted the most, fell asleep instead of praying for Jesus.  Finally, the most vocal of all the disciples, after swearing that he never betray Jesus, denied knowing Jesus publicly 3 times, afraid he might be arrested like Jesus.

Matthew 20:28 sums up the reason Jesus came to earth.  Unfortunately, we live in a world where servants get used and abused.  We also see daily examples of nice guys finishing last while the corrupt appear to prosper.  The author of Hebrews puts betrayal in its proper perspective in Hebrews 12:3-4.  While all of us have been betrayed from time to time by co-workers, friends or neighbors, no one gave more than Jesus who died on a cross.  The next time you go through a painful trial, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30.  Come to Jesus with your wounds of betrayal for He knows what it is like, yet Jesus has the power to bring healing and comfort to your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Many people have told me the Lord works in mysterious ways over the course of my life.  Yet, today’s devotion is a true story that testifies to this fact.  Fourteen years ago my grandfather asked my wife and I to play golf at Hershey Country Club.  Since my wife and I are avid golfers, this was an easy decision to make without any children at the time.  However, my wife was 5 months pregnant so she had to get permission from our doctor before we confirmed a date to play in the Spring.

Recently retired, my grandfather got a part time job as a starter at Hershey Country Club so he could play golf every day after work.  One of the perks of his job was having guests join him as we were happy to do.  Before our round, my grandfather proudly showed me his brand new Tommy Armour 845 Irons.  Although my wife and I didn’t play that well, we enjoyed 18 holes of golf on the Old East Course and 9 holes on the new West Course.  Shortly after this round, my grandfather began having foot problems.  One health concern lead to another, ultimately resulting in my grandfather’s death a few years later.

Before he died, my grandfather left his cherished clubs to me in his will, knowing I would appreciate and take care of them.  Thirteen years later, my son decided to try out for his golf team as an 8th grader.  Since I had lost my teaching position prior to the beginning of the season, I couldn’t afford new clubs so I decided to give my son my grandfather’s clubs.  After taking some time to adjust to the weight of steel shafted clubs, my son James, finished 5th in his preseason tournament, earning a spot on the varsity, the top 6 play each match.  In a season of up and downs, last week James’ team qualified for states and he came in tied for 5th in a team qualifier allowing him to play in the Delaware State Golf Tournament next Tuesday and Wednesday.

As for the title, Full Circle, my son was inside of my wife when we played at Hershey Country Club that day.  That round was one of the last rounds of golf my grandfather ever played.  His clubs are now being used in next week’s state tournament.  In closing. God knew I would need those clubs one day to give to my son so he would have a chance to excel at a sport that he loves.  A grandfather passed on a cherished gift to a grandson he saw before his death so that these clubs could make his dream a reality!

by Jay Mankus