Category Archives: Uncategorized

We’ve Never Done Things Like That Before

Posted on November 22, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One of my greatest attributes is the creativity that God has blessed me with in life.  Although I am not the most conventional communicator, I am able to apply Kindergarten Cop like principles on athletic fields, in the classroom and through my interactions with others.  Just when I was about to experience a breakthrough, I heard those 7 dreaded words: “we’ve never done things like that before!”  This narrow minded thinking cut me off at the knees, preventing me from achieving the heights God had intended.  Like Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society, we lost our teaching positions because others in administrative positions never saw the genius within a life application philosophy of education.

Whether you are in business, communication or education, you will always encounter rugged individuals who will try to fit a square peg into a circular hole.  NFL coaches are notorious for similar practices, running a system that they know, without changing their style to fit or meet their rosters unique talent pool.  Thus, certain individuals remain anonymous today, being cut, injured or released by a team before the world was introduced to their special gift.  If only a coach would break away from the status quo, new stars might shine bright.  Unfortunately, power trips and stubbornness repeat the mantra all over again, “we’ve never done things like that before!”

Today’s world needs more Barnabas’, men who will humbly step aside so that the next apostle Paul won’t be thrown under the bus or suppressed by leadership trying to keep their jobs.  Despite their disagreement at the end of Acts 15, Barnabas was actually teachable, learning to think outside of the box.  Maybe politicians can take a cue from Barnabas by retiring from public service after 2 terms instead of trying to hold on to power for 20 years without helping the people who got them elected.  With God’s help and the prayers of the saints, may we flush this mentality down the toilet once and for all, saying goodbye to “we’ve never done things like that before!”  Instead, may a new generation of thinking begin today with, “let’s try it for a while and see what happens next!”

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Be So… Naive

Posted on November 21, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The essence of naive is lacking experience, judgment and wisdom.  Words like guileless, sucker and unsuspecting give a clear depiction of coaches, parents and teachers who are lost in another world.  This state of denial is afraid to openly profess that their child, favorite pupil or prized athlete has been corrupted by a world full of moral pollution.

Unfortunately, Moses didn’t get the memo in Exodus 19:23.  Based upon his own words, Moses assumed that everyone in Israel would just follow the rules because God said so.  Surely, everyone is going to listen to the Lord.  Yeah, the One who parted the Red Sea, defeated the Amalekites and brought manna, quail and water into a barren desert.  By the time his own people created a golden calf, shortly after they thought he died, Exodus 32:1-7, Moses became painfully aware of the truth spoken by the prophet in Jeremiah 17:9.

People are like cars, we all have blind spots, areas where we can’t see objects that are right next to or behind us.  Thus, when someone crashes into us, breaks your heart or lets you down, its shocking.  Yet, if you adjusted your rear view mirror, maybe you could have seen this coming or possibly warned your friend before it was too late.  If you have been like an ostrich with their head in the sand or a turtle hiding in their shell, wake up now and don’t be so naive!

by Jay Mankus

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When Israel Was Amoral

Posted on November 20, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The term amoral refers to someone who has never been taught right from wrong.  Based upon how people are raised, will determine their degree of innocence.  Strict parents attempt to clearly distinguish moral from immoral behavior, with some becoming too legalistic.  Meanwhile, a growing trend has parents treating their children like friends, overlooking discipline, trying to be liked instead of providing a moral compass for life.  As a former teacher, the moment you assume all your students know the basics, you’re thrown for a loop, scratching your head at all the diverse standards people use.

In the days of Exodus 18, Israel was amoral, not able to ascertain right from wrong on their own.  Before receiving the 10 commandments in Exodus 20, God only provided laws regarding to Himself, Exodus 15:26.  Therefore, when it came to being civil to one another, opinions and values varied.  As a result, Moses was the Supreme Court, the only judge in Israel working from sunrise and sunset 6 days a week, Exodus 18:13-18.  As a shrew man of wisdom, Jethro knew that Moses would not be able to keep up this pace, on the fast track to burn out.  Before he crashed and burned, Jethro gave Moses a vision for the first court system, elevating his own burdens by training others to oversee easy disputes, Exodus 18:19-22.

Based upon the location of this passage in relation to the 10 commandments, one might suggest God’s introduction of the last 6 commandments is directly related to Israel’s amoral state in chapter 18.  Unfortunately, as states in America continue to ban court houses from publicly displaying the 10 commandments, citizens of this country appear to be just as confused as the Israelites many years ago.  If schools and work places had Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37-40 in plain view for everyone to see, maybe just maybe, amoral people would learn and be persuaded to treat others as they want to be treated.  May God use these passages in the Bible to transform Americans from amoral citizens into law abiding and loving individuals.

by Jay Mankus

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All or Nothing

Posted on November 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

From my own life experiences, people usually fit into 1 of 3 categories: those that don’t care, people who are somewhat committed and individuals who give everything they have.  If  you change  the subject, topic or give incentives, degrees of seriousness will likely increase.  However, in the end, God has provided human beings with freewill, allowing each to set their own level of commitment.

Exodus 19:5-6 contains a promise for anyone willing to give the Lord 100% of their attention.  Anything less than being all in and the carrot at the end of the stick will be null and void.  The prize for fully obeying God and keeping the covenant of Circumcision and Passover is out of this world.  According to Exodus 19:5, the Lord will make Israel his treasured possession on earth.  Yet, words mean nothing unless action is inspired by faith, James 2:14-26.

A similar promise is made to those believers exiled from Rome during Nero’s persecution of Christians near the end of the 60’s AD.  One of the disciples from Jesus’ inner circle expresses the following within 1 Peter 2:4-10.  Although Peter mentions predestination, you can’t use this as a cop out or disclaimer.  Rather, just like the days of Israel wandering in the wilderness, the choice is yours: all or nothing, Deuteronomy 30:15.

by Jay Mankus

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Finding A Place Beyond the Rainbow

Posted on November 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As a child, watching the Wizard of Oz was an annual event, terrifying at times, haunted by the wicked witch.  Yet, I always hung in there for the finish, expecting the fairy tale ending.  However, I wonder if any other grown ups still think there a better place some where over the rainbow.

According to King David, this place does exist, like heaven on earth, Psalm 23:6.  Once an individual is able to place their sole trust in the divine shepherd, access to a life beyond the rainbow is attainable.  Though gold is not mentioned, happy days are here again and again, staying in daily fellowship with God.  This spiritual anointing is symbolic of rebirth, living life to its fullest, John 10:10.

Unfortunately, life deals out more nightmares than fairy tales.  Sure, from time to time, miracles do happen, but its hard to have faith in a world full of people falling apart at the seams, oozing a trail of sin in their rear view mirror.  This negativity serves like a bad after taste you can’t get rid of with gum or mints.  Rather, hope lies in the beholder, seeing beyond the current shower into what is ahead, the rainbow.  May you experience this joy before you die, Luke 23:43.

by Jay Mankus

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Green Pastures of Prayer

Posted on November 17, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Psalm 23:2 implies several things about the relationship between a sheep and his shepherd.  The expression “makes me lie down” suggests a sheep has submitted to his master.  This commitment yields an individual’s power of control over to their shepherd, acknowledging total surrender.  Like an act of faith, this decision essentially communicates that you have embraced God’s ways, a sign you have turned over a new lease on life to the Lord of heaven and earth.  In return, Jesus promises a future which contains green pastures.

Mark 1:35-39 is a real life example of Psalm 23.  Jesus models an ideal prayer life, early in the morning, in solitude, without the distractions of the world to interrupt your connection with God the Father.  Although some may claim there know exactly what they want to do and where they expect to go on a specific day, the Shepherd knows best.  While praying, the Holy Spirit showed Jesus where to go and what to do, Mark 1:38.  As a result, the disciples experienced the green pastures of prayer during their 3 years with Jesus before his death, resurrection and ascension.  The only question remaining is, can modern followers of Jesus find similar blessings?

Although opinions vary, I believe beyond the walls of doubt exists a lush oasis, waiting for your arrival.  However, daily obstacles often keep you from day dreaming of such a place.  Nonetheless, once you wade through the stresses of life, a shepherd stands guard at a gate.  This entrance to a promised land, illuminates the truth of the Word of God.  Accessible by prayer, may you see for yourself the green pastures awaiting for God’s children.  When prayer inspires tithing, the floodgates to heaven on earth will open, Malachi 3:10-12.  Come now will the grass is still green…

by Jay Mankus

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Quiet Waters

Posted on November 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Words like silent, tranquil and undisturbed seem so far away from reality.  While America was sleeping, peace has been replaced by violence, slipped into minds full of mush through video games.  Those who are too busy to care, indulge or play, find their amusement is movies, pop culture and the latest car chase on television.  A life full of distractions, interruptions and noise drowns out the serenity of God’s quiet waters.

This promise of Psalm 23:2 may be a flashback from the image portrayed in Psalm 1:1-3.  Those blessed souls who are able to outran the wicked, flee from the presence of careless sinners and avoid joining a crowd full of mockers find their way through the jungle of life.  Beyond the temptations, lies a bubbling brook, full of love, joy and peace.  This living water offered by Jesus in John 4:10 produces conifers, trees that stay green 365 days a year.  Prosperity is like the morning dew, a subtle reminder of God’s presence in this sacred place.

Once you experience this hidden spring, its hard to find enjoyment in the ways of the world.  Sure, temporary pleasures abound, yet nothing satisfies, quickly losing its allure.  The old Southwest Airlines’ commercials have it partially right.  Yes, you’ve got to get away.  However, where you need to arrive is upon the shores of God’s quiet waters.  Like Kokomo, its a mythical destination that only a few find, Matthew 7:13-14.  May the spirit of God, guide you, step by step, until you reach the healing pool, John 5:1-7.  It doesn’t matter why you came or what state you’re in, as long as you believe entering quiet waters will leave you transformed, once and for all.  Get fulfilled today, Matthew 5:6.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Touch Down Celebration

Posted on November 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Although Notre Dame often takes credits for their Touchdown Jesus mural directly behind the north end zone in Irish Stadium, there is another celebration that takes precedent.  Before the game of football, war was the main sport, battling for survival on open fields to see who was superior.  Yes, even prior to Goliath’s surprise collapse to David’s slingshot, there was a noteworthy day not to be forgotten.

According to Exodus 17:8-15, the Israelites met the Amalekites in the valley at Rephhidim.  Similar to a civil war battle, swords replaced muskets and canons.  High above the action, stood Moses, Aaron and Hur, praying for God’s side to be victorious.  As long as Moses’ hands were held high, Israel stayed in the lead, Exodus 17:11.  The moment he lowered his hands, the Amalekites began to take back momentum.  Unable to lift his hands high on his own, Moses called on Aaron and Hur to prop his arms up in a steady position.  By night fall, Israel delivered the knock out punch, spurred on to victory by the prayers and lifted hands of 3 men.

No, this isn’t a beer commercial about superstitions.  Nor is this a football game that ended on a last second field goal in overtime.  This is simply the first touchdown celebration, 2 hands held up high to the heavens, thanking God for today’s victory.  The Lord thought so much of this day that he urged Moses to write an account of this event so that those not in attendance could one day marvel at the power of the Almighty God, Exodus 17:14-15.  Instead of creating a statue like Touchdown Jesus, Moses built an altar for Jehovah Nissi, which means, “the Lord is my Banner!”  The next time your favorite team scores a field goal or touchdown, remember to lift your hands high like Moses, thanking God for the good things on earth, James 1:17.

by Jay Mankus

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Trust vs. Want

Posted on November 14, 2013 by expressyourself4him

I’ve heard Psalm 23 read several times at funerals that I’ve attended.  However, this morning the first verse struck a cord within my heart.  “I shall not be in want,” jumped off the pages at me as if God was trying to get my attention.  Will I trust the Lord to fully provide for my needs or will wants inside my sinful nature force me to take back control of my life?

The prophet Isaiah makes another comparison with sheep, claiming each person have moments in life when they reject their shepherd, turning toward their own way, Isaiah 53:6.  While the great shepherd is patient, stubbornness has driven many far from green pastures.  Instead of relying on shepherd’s crook to get back on track, selfish steers countless toward a path of destruction, Matthew 7:13

Nonetheless, the words of Jesus in Luke 15:11-16 are much closer to reality than the average person wants to admit.  If only I could came to my senses, then I would hand over the keys to my lord.  Yet, a long Christmas list of wants has brought me to a spiritual pig pen, stuck in the mud of empty promises of this world.  May the rod of the great shepherd knock some sense into you before another innocent victim enters the grave.  I pray that the valley of the shadow of death will prompt you to trust Jesus, yielding your wants on earth for a greater cause, Luke 15:7.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Lonely at the Top

Posted on November 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Whenever you earn any type of leadership position, a cultural change occurs.  Instead of being one of the girls or guys, now you are forced to make decisions which impact co-workers and friends.  In other words, you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.  This social climate makes it lonely at the top.

 
Such is the case of Moses in Exodus 17:1-4, as he finds it impossible to please the same people he freed from 400 years of slavery.  After a few days in the desert, a spirit of ungratefulness snowballs into endless complaints.  Like a bunch of spoiled brats, Israel can’t find contentment, only panic, Exodus 14:10-12.  Despite witnessing one of the greatest miracles of all time, the parting of the Red Sea, Israel whines for water, food and real meat.  By the time Exodus 17:4 rolled around, Moses felt like his life was in danger.

According to James 3:1, those who teach will be judged more strictly than blue collar workers.  In view of this, those who receive positions over others, whether in administration, coaching or instructing, you must be mindful of God’s principles.  Matthew 18:1-6 makes it painfully obvious, “don’t lead a child astray by your actions, behavior or words.”  Therefore, keep a tight rein on your tongue, James 3:3-6, as you seek to become a source of salt and light, Matthew 5:13-16, in a world looking for answers.

by Jay Mankus

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