Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The phrase weeping and gnashing of teeth only occurs one time in the Bible.  Jesus is quoted by Matthew in chapter 8, verse 12.  In this context, Jesus is talking about being thrown outside of the kingdom of God.  In Luke’s gospel, he uses a similar expression to describe the suffering people will encounter in hell, Luke 13:28.  The imagery of weeping and gnashing of teeth can be understood by picturing an infant.

When babies cry, their facial expressions immediately change.  Some infants turn red, others shake violently and a few cry so hard they stop breathing, turning a shade of blue.  When our oldest child was upset, he would cry and scream so loud our neighbors could hear him.  Once a week, he would cry so hard that his face began to turn blue, unable to breathe and cry at the same time.  As he slowed down, his teeth began to gnash together in between crying spurts.  This is the visual I believe Matthew was trying to communicate in this passage.

Most people don’t get a second lease on life.  Once they die, its permanent, your eternal destination is secured in one place or the other.  After each person is judged, the finality of hell must be so overwhelming that adults revert back to their early stages of life, weeping and gnashing their teeth like an infant.  Regardless of where we have been and what we have done, the only things that matters is whether or not your name in written in the book of life.  Before its too late, choose life today, 1 John 5:13 by following Jesus, Matthew 16:24-26.

by Jay Mankus

For the second time in 3 years, I was summoned by the state of Delaware to serve as a member of the jury.  I have been summoned 5 times, excused from my first 3 tours of duty, but I have been unable to get out of my last 2 days of service.  In Matthew 5:25, Jesus says to settle matters quickly.  Fortunately, the 40 cases that were to appear in petite court today all settled before going before a jury.  Therefore, my day consisted of writing the first 20 scenes of my next movie, watching Let’s Make a Deal with Wayne Brady and The Price is Right.

This morning I read a passage from Proverbs 24:26 which applies to trials.  “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”  Exactly why Solomon uses this analogy is unknown, yet with 700 wives and 300 concubines, Solomon understood the gratification of the truth.  When honesty is heard within a selfish and wicked world, love is displayed by that individual.  Telling the truth is a sign of intimacy between 2 people or within the context of a family.

Finally, while most people despise jury duty, it is part of our civic duty as citizens of this country.  During my first time serving as a juror member, I was excused from the 12 member panel by the defense since I was a high school Bible teacher.  After being called to be in another jury pool, the case ran out of jury members before I was called so there was a mistrial until a new jury pool was selected.  Although the 2 cases I heard were somewhat gruesome in detail, I did enjoy my encounter and I look forward to serving one day again in the near future.  According to Proverbs 24:23-25, God blesses honest and upright jury members.

by Jay Mankus

Jesus uses the expression, the way in John 14:6, referring to the way to God the Father.  Luke adds to Jesus’ words in Acts 4:12 inferring that salvation is found in only one name, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  The apostle Paul takes this one step further, in his letter to the teenage pastor, Timothy.  According to 1 Timothy 2:5, there is one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ.

Prior to his conversion, Saul persecuted anyone who was known to follow the Way, Acts 9:2.  Steven was one of Saul’ victims, yet even in his death depicted in Acts 7:54-60, Stephen demonstrated the Way.  Stephen last words are nearly identical to Jesus’ last words on the cross, Luke 23:34.  After his conversion, Paul during his trial before Felix in Acts 24:14 confesses to be a follower of the Way.

Unfortunately, the Way has been cheapened, perverted and watered down.  Today, the Way is introduced as prosperity, the end of all suffering and a self help guide to life.  In reality, the simplicity of the Way, following in the footsteps of Jesus, has been over analyzed and under demonstrated by leaders.  What would Jesus do if he entered the Christian church today?  Jesus would likely remind people of his words in Matthew 18:1-9, if you want to follow the Way, humble yourself and have a faith like a child, who unswervingly trusts their father.  Show others the way by bearing spiritual fruit, John 15:8.

by Jay Mankus

To be unfazed means not to worry or be upset by something bad that happens.  As a baseball coach the past 2 seasons, I see players who get easily flustered, fazed by the littlest things.  Batters are shocked by an umpires big strike zone.  Pitchers are annoyed by a perfect pitch which is called a ball.  Infielders are stunned by an error as if they have never seen one before while outfielders each look at a pop fly that is falling right between them, hoping the other will catch it.

The Waiting’s song Unfazed is a reminder of James 1:2-4 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.  People who truly call on the name of the Lord and cling to His promises should be unfazed by the circumstances life throws at them.  As a Christian, to be unfazed means to expect trials, tribulations and trouble.  What makes someone unfazed by various situations is confidence in the Almighty God and faith in the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

Over the last 4 months, I must admit that I have been fazed by disappointments, failures and losses.  My life isn’t perfect, but I had a decade of success.  I was established, improving as a teacher and learning as a parent.  In the end, God has allowed these 4 months to occur as they did to help me see that I was trusting in my strength, not in Jesus.  As a result, I need to rebuilt, restore and revive my faith in Christ.  As a good friend shared last night, “failure is feedback and feedback is the breakfast of champions.”  With Christ, all things are possible, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

When I was younger, I often acted like an emotional roller coaster.  When I was up, everyone wanted to be around me.  Whenever I was in a bad mood, I sucked the life out of any room I entered.  While attending a youth ministry trade school shortly after graduating from college, this imperfection was brought to my attention.  Although I don’t remember the context, I do recall my friends advice.  “You have to try to stay even keeled, by keeping a level head.”

Solomon addresses one of his son’s in Proverbs 4:23-27.  After warning him about the role your heart plays in life, Solomon adds 4 things people can do to remain level headed.

1) Watch your language, put perversity away and keep corrupt talk from your lips.

2) Focus on the task straight in front of you, don’t get distracted by other things.

3) Make level paths for your feet and only talk steps that are firm.

4) Keep your feet from evil by following God’s commands.

Since the beginning of this year, I have found myself returning to my emotional roller coaster days.  Excited about potential jobs, then being devastated when things fall through.  It’s one thing to read the Bible, seeing that God is in control.  However, to let go and trust Jesus with each decision, moment and task is scary.  There are places I don’t want to move to and occupations I would rather pass on.  Yet, I am in dire straits, clinging to the Lord for answers and praying that I keep a level head regardless of what happens.  Truth faith is displayed in times of desperation and trials.

by Jay Mankus

Since I was introduced to Christian music by a girl from high school back in the mid 1980’s, I have been exposed to various artists.  While I am teased by close friends because of my unique collection of unknown musicians, I have been spiritual nourished by almost every cassette tapes and CD that God has allowed me to purchase.  One of my favorite artists of all time is Benny Hester, a famous yet fallen singer.

Back in the 1980’s, Benny Hester was well on his way to reaching Michael W. Smith like celebrity status.  With number one songs like When God Ran, Perfect,  and You Weren’t Meant to Live Your Life Alone Benny was the Stephen Curtis Chapman of the 1980’s.  Benny was able to write songs relevant to the times with a biblical message.  One of Benny’s few mistakes was getting divorced during an era when Christians weren’t allowed are suppose to do such a thing.

The consequence of Benny’s action was being excommunicated from nearly every Christian bookstore in the nation.  While only 3 out of 10 Christians ever enter a Christian bookstore, those who attempted to find one of Benny’s half dozen CD’s often went home empty handed.  Ten years later, Michael English followed in Benny’s footsteps, having an affair during a tour.  Although Michael came clean immediately, his wife divorced him, leading to several Christian retail chains to remove his albums from their stores.  If only these Christian companies could have been present in John 8:1-11, maybe then they would have dropped their stones, forgiven these 2 men and welcomed their music in their stores.  Although the fame of Benny Hester and Michael English vanished over night, God has forgiven them, but not forgotten their talents.

by Jay Mankus

As I read  Psalm 19 this morning, I am amazed at David’s understanding of God’s Word.  Since David had access to the Torah in his day, the first 5 books of the Bible, it is clear hearing the high priest read God’s Word out loud was inspirational to him.  Psalm 19:7 expresses the truth that God’s Word revives the soul.

There are days in my life, sometimes even weeks where I hardly take the time to read God’s Word.  During these periods, I find myself empty, quiet and void of an energy or excitement for life.  However, when I slowly read the Bible, meditate on the principles within God’s Word and begin to apply these truth to my life, I am a completely different person.  I have a bounce in my step, a smile on my face and a boundless supply of joy.

Like a charger for our phones, mp3’s or computer, the best way to revive your soul is by getting into the Word of God.  Five hour energy drinks, coffee, tea or sugar only have temporary affects, plugging into the Bible has an eternal impact.  According to Jesus, the only way to find your life is to lose it, Matthew 16:25.  Therefore, don’t let the sun go down today before you allow the Bible to revive your soul!

by Jay Mankus