Category Archives: Uncategorized

The 16 Minute Man

Posted on September 21, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As I entered my teenage years, Lee Majors starred in the television hit The 6 Million Dollar Man.  This show featured Steve Austin, an astronaut who undergoes reconstructive surgery to save his life.  As a result, he becomes the world’s first bionic man.  Doctor’s promised to make him bigger, stronger and faster after the operation.

Although this show did not inspire me to run, I developed an unusual desire to run like Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire.  According to the film, when Eric ran, he could feel God’s pleasure.  I never did achieve this sensation; nor did I enjoy running everyday.  However, the competitor in me longed to break the 17 minute mark for 5K or 3 miles.

During my senior year of high school, I achieved this feat twice.  The first time occurred in my team’s only loss of the season as I allowed 2 runners to pass me in the final portion of the course.  The second time was much sweeter as God enabled me to run 16:30 for 3 miles on a hilly course.  Out of 207 runners, I was 20th, collapsing at the finish line, giving all that I had for the first and only time in my life.  Despite being told by doctor’s a year earlier I would never run again following a horrific ankle injury that ended my junior cross country season, God empowered me to become a 16 minute man.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Pawn Star

Posted on September 20, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Prior to 1950, pawning was the leading form of credit for consumers in the United States of America.  While chess players refer to  a pawn as the least valuable piece on their board, pawning is when someone exchanges an object or possession for cash, used as collateral in case this person can’t pay back a broker or business owner.  The History Channel’s hit show Pawn Stars, starring 3 generations of the Harrison family’s Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, has popularized this ancient practice.

As I read Genesis 47:13-26, I realized that Joseph, governor of Egypt during the great 7 year famine, became the first pawn star on earth.  When the Egyptians ran out of money after the first few years of this drought, Joseph began to barter food in exchange for cattle, donkeys, goats, horses and sheep.  Once residents had pillaged all of their possessions, land and labor were offered up for food.  Ahead of his time, this shrewd business man developed a plan, similar to a tax, pawning grain at a 20% interest rate, expecting to be repaid once their fields were restored.

Whenever you think you’ve had it tough in this economy, please read Genesis 47:13-19.  After hearing this sad story of poverty, may God help you see how blessed you truly are today.  This passage serves as a reminder to be prepared for a rocky future by saving as much as you can now.  If God didn’t give Joseph a vision for the future, Egypt would have been caught off guard.  Therefore, take this message as a wake up call, ready to bare down, living a frugal life so that when famine returns you and your family will survive.

by Jay Mankus

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The Media’s Double Standard

Posted on September 19, 2013 by expressyourself4him

While the scene was different, the Navy Yard in Washington DC, Monday’s mass shootings follow the patterns of Columbine High, Virginia Tech and Fort Hood.  Unfortunately, this tragedy will likely inspire Congress, nudged by the media, to take drastic measures to restrict or take away more freedoms of Americans.  Based upon the initial coverage, the gun or guns used are to blame, not the individual, Aaron Alexis, who has been portrayed as nice and quiet with a few instances of hearing voices in his past.

New York Daily News

Meanwhile. the media appears to have no problem with reality shows like Amish Mafia that promotes revenge and violence, displaying several of these acts on camera, with a few containing guns.  In response to the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting last December, the Discovery Channel did cancel American Guns despite regularly promoting gun safety and offering self defense classes for women.  Nonetheless, when the latest frenzy over gun control subsided, the History Channel has since added God, Guns and Automobiles.  As long as it continues to have good numbers and makes the network money, this show will remain until the next crisis.

I wish networks could apply the same principles they portray in horror movies into real life massacres.  Saturday Night Live had a regular skit with Dana Carvey playing the Church Lady with the famous quote, “could it be Satan?”  Well, if Aaron Alexis did hear voices before planning this and eventually pulling the trigger, why isn’t anyone in the media talking about Genesis 4:6-7.  Cain allowed envy and jealousy to build up within him until it exploded, resulting in murder.  Demons and the Devil is real, not just something from Friday the 13th flick.  May God convict the media of their ignorance and open their eyes to the powers that push individuals toward evil acts, Ephesians 6:12.

by Jay Mankus

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An Angel and The Shepherd

Posted on September 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

There are some amazing true stories in the Bible, especially those who encountered Jesus like a date with destiny.  However, I stumbled across a new one this morning, intriguing yet mysterious.  According to Genesis 48:15-16, Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, shares a story of 2 people who protected him.  On his deathbed, Israel briefly mentions a shepherd and angel, possibly one and the same.

Israel refers to God as his shepherd, safely leading, protecting and providing for him like the promise within Psalm 23:1-4.  In fact, one may go out on a limb, claiming that David’s words may have been part of oral tradition, a reminder of God’s provisions of his forefathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Either way, Israel clearly recognizes God’s providence over his life, delivering his family from starvation during the 7 year famine when his son Joseph becomes governor of Egypt.

The second character is more difficult to understand due to the lack of information in this passage.  An English teacher will look at the capital A in Genesis 48:16, suggesting that this angel is likely God.  However, theologians might conclude Moses wanted to include God’s head angel, possibly the archangel Gabriel or Michael.  Although it would be nice to know who Israel means, one thing is clear.  This angel saved him from Esau’s anger, being wronged by his Uncle Laban and guided Israel throughout his life like a guardian angel.  Thus, whether you or young or old, don’t forget about the God who serves as both an angel and shepherd.

by Jay Mankus

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Three is All I Can Handle

Posted on September 17, 2013 by expressyourself4him

While this blog could refer to the exact amount of children my wife and I decided to have, its not.  This is a quote from one of my students, complaining about writing a 5 paragraph composition for homework.  As a zealous teacher, searching for perfection, I was quickly disappointed when I discovered only 30% of my class regularly turned in their essays.  Grasping at straws, I turned to teenagers to see where I verged off course.  To my surprise, their response was almost unanimous, “three paragraphs is all I can handle.”

Prior to this decision, I spent a week working with Dr. Vito, who held a PhD in Curriculum from Penn State University.  His knowledge of rubrics transformed each of my assignments, concept of ungraded work altered my philosophy of teaching and explanation of scope and sequence led me to delete any units that didn’t fit into my courses.  Once I added “the Voice,” an individual within each of my classes who served as the pulse of their student body, I received instant feedback.  This leadership position became the eyes, ears and heart of classmates, providing an honest, yet realistic view inside the minds of students,  Their input revolutionized my communication with young people, making my last 2 years a success.

Before exiting teaching, conversations with English teachers convinced me to limit 9th grade assignments to 3 paragraphs, 11th grade to 5 and Honors to 6 total.   These experiences helped me recognize that long winded writers can quickly lose their audience.  Thus, I try to compress my thoughts to a 3 paragraphs.  On occasion, 4 or 5 paragraphs may be necessary for complex issues, but for now I will continue to practice KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid.  I want to thank everyone who has shared, visited or commented on my blog.  Since I am more than half way to a thousand, I will continue to write until the Lord moves me in a different direction.

by Jay Mankus

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Extraordinary Faith

Posted on September 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One day, Jesus’ disciples were ease dropping, listening to him talk to a rich young ruler, Matthew 19:16-22.  Although books don’t often mention facial expressions like the movies or television, I get the feeling Peter was shaking his head in disbelief as this righteous man went home disappointed by Jesus’ response.  In fact, Matthew tells us that all 12 disciples began to question their own faith, wondering if they could be saved? – Matthew 19:25

Based upon this passage, without Jesus, everyone is ordinary.  The apostle Paul is even more blunt in Romans 3:9-12.  Yet, one verse changes the mood of all of those in attendance, Matthew 19:26.  According to Philippians 4:13, what was once thought improbable is now possible through Jesus, God’s son.  This sudden change or “Hail Mary,” a football term for last ditch effort at victory is illustrated by the song, When God Ran.

Tomorrow night, I am beginning a 12 week adventure, a Bible Study series called Extraordinary Faith.  I am not sure who is going to show up at my house from 8-9 pm, but I am trusting God to bring those individuals He has called.  This reinvention or revolutionary glimpse at discipleship will transform hearts ready to serve.  While demons of doubt are likely already at work, trying to spoil this event, I believe in an extraordinary faith that can and will demolish strongholds in the end, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  This Study will be made available through Google Docs for those interested in bringing it to your home town.  Contact me on Facebook if the Holy Spirit places on burden on your heart to lead or host this study.

by Jay Mankus

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To Be Somebody

Posted on September 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

American sitcoms feed on a hidden desire within the human soul, everyone wants to be somebody.  This sense of desperation often causes young people to force the issue, pretending to be someone on television rather than come to grips with reality.  As a result, immaturity extends into the twenty somethings, seeking approval instead of developing the person inside.

The group Thousand Foot Krutch sings about this topic in their song Be Somebody, appearing on their 2012 album The End is Where We Begin.   These lyrics indirectly mention the  apostle Paul’s image of a boy looking into a mirror, hoping to grow out of childish ways, 1 Corinthians 13:11-12.  Like anything in life, change takes time, especially if ignorance, peer pressure or rebellion lead you down a path you didn’t want to follow.

The Bible provides an alternative road for those who seek a greater meaning and higher purpose in life.  Psalm 1:1-3 paints a picture of an evergreen tree, staying green year long, not changing colors like a chameleon to blend into their environment.  Jesus offers a fresh start, John 8:10-11, as long as you are willing to leave your life of sin.  If you truly want a legacy, to be somebody beyond your wildest imagination, your first step is to become born again, John 3:3-5.  The choice is yours.

by Jay Mankus

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Reinvention or Revolutionary?

Posted on September 14, 2013 by expressyourself4him

K.I.S.S. is one of the first acronyms I was introduced to in high school, referring to the expression Keep It Simple Stupid.  Whether you are talking about a complex matter, difficult course or the meaning of life, individuals must be careful not to over analyze things.  As long you can narrow a topic down to its most basic ideas, the less confused you will be and if yourjob relies on explaining details to others, the clearer your message will become.

Jesus modeled K.I.S.S. by regularly talking to people on their level, using stories that a vast majority of citizens could relate to and understand.  Jesus wasn’t concerned about theology, emphasizing who God the Father is, their relation to one another and how you can enter into a personal relationship with the Creator of life, John 3:16-18.  In regards to discipleship, you don’t need a PhD to grasp how to grow a Bible Study, Church or Home Group.  Go into the world, where light is fading or snuffed out, take the gift or talent implanted within you, 2 Timothy 1:6 and go develop like minded believers just as Jesus invested 3 years of his life in 12 men.

Unfortunately, some where along the way, people have begun relying on self-help material, trying to reinvent the wheel instead of simply keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.  Book after book, theory after theory, video series and the like  claim to be revolutionary, yet are they?  If King Solomon claimed nearly 4,000 years ago there is nothing new under the sun, Ecclesiastes 1:9, why are many gullible people who are persuaded by their sales pitches?  I’m not sure what the answer is, but I do know this: Nike’s motto is noteworthy for those hungry for change, Just do It! – Matthew 28:19-20

by Jay Mankus

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A Spiritual Flotilla

Posted on September 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The term flotilla is Spanish, referring to a fleet of boats or ships.  From a naval perspective, a flotilla consists of a minimum of two squadrons of small warships.   The old adage of “there’s power in numbers” often prevents other nations from attacking a flotilla, intimidated by a demonstration of size and fire power.

From a biblical point of view, a city on a hill is similar to a flotilla, as the light of Christ inside members of the church reveal traces of an Almighty God, Matthew 5:13-15.  When united, this body of believers is like an impenetrable force, able to bring glimpses of heaven to earth, Matthew 6:10.  Regardless of the persecution, setbacks or trials this spiritual flotilla endures, the Holy Spirit’s power turns weakness into strength, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

In an ideal world, this flotilla can’t be stopped.  However, division, factions, pride and stubbornness are sinking the churches flotilla.  Theology is one of the major stumbling blocks today, as debate continues over baptism, predestination and spiritual gifts.  Like survivors of the Titanic, fighting for a limited number of life boats, Christians are kicking their fellow brethern overboard, not wanting to lend a helping hand to drowning souls.  Casting Crowns illustrates this truth in their song City on a Hill.  May Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13 serve as conviction to reunite this broken and dying spiritual flotilla.

by Jay Mankus

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Brought to Tears

Posted on September 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

From time to time, even the stoic have moments where they can’t hold back their tears.  Depending upon how you were raised as a child, you are either less or more likely to cry based upon the principles instilled within you by parents.  However, when confronted by the past, death or disappointment, any of these elements of pain can trigger the flood gates to open.

I tend to go through arid periods, numb to the emotions deep inside my soul.   Although, I do experience an annual rainy season, when the lyrics to a song, a touching scene or I am moved by a conservation, unleashing a steady flow of tear drops.  May be this is why the Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to say “a sad face is good for the heart” within Ecclesiastes, made famous by the Choir’s 1988 song from their Chase the Kangaroo album.

This is where we find Joseph, son of Israel in Genesis 45:1-2.  Moved by Judah’s plea,  suggesting that coming home without Benjamin, the youngest boy in the family, will likely result in the death of his father, Genesis 44:18-34.  Afraid that his childish act of toying with his brothers out of vengeance will cause his own father to die of a broken heart, Joseph finally relents.  Possibly holding a grudge, mistreated by them 20 years earlier, wailing aloud serves as a source of healing.  Once he composes himself, Joseph conveys God’s plan to his brothers in Genesis 45:3-8, brought to tears by God’s providence.

by Jay Mankus

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