Category Archives: Uncategorized

Shredding the Envelope

Posted on August 14, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The expression “to push the envelope” became a common phrase in English speaking circles following the publication of Tom Wolfe’s book The Right Stuff in 1979.  The context of this term is derived from taking space travel to the next level with technology, pushing the outside of the envelope to reach new heights never experienced before.  Today, innovations take performance beyond previously accepted boundaries through apps, electronic devices and household luxuries.

Unfortunately, these societal advances have created a few negative side affects.  Self indulgence, instant gratification and materialism has placed God on the back burner in life.  Like the days of Babel, Genesis 11:3-4, commercialism is attempting to bring heaven to earth through a mere click of your mouse.  Thus, by leaping ahead, this once pure envelope has experienced a gradual decline, shredding the values of America.

I am not sure where or when this initial tear began, but I don’t think there are enough pieces remaining to restore a nation founded on biblical principles.  Adult bookstores, drugs or immorality are no longer an isolated occurrence.  With roughly one quarter of the internet URL’s pornographic in nature, the world is more than ever surrounded by evil.  Everyone wants to get better as a person, yet are people willing to compromise what they believe?  May God have mercy on this nation, turn wicked hearts toward prayer and mend those who have been shredded by the gravitational pull of sin.

by Jay Mankus

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Imagination in Captivity

Posted on August 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As a child, everyone has moments where one day dreams of an ideal career, goal or vision of a bright future.  Something about the energy of youth, inspires one to climb the ladder of success, striving to be the best you can be.  Unfortunately, somewhere between adolescence and adulthood, a Debbie downer, glass half empty person or realist brings you back to earth by reminding you of all the obstacles standing in your way.  It is here, where imagination becomes imprisoned, held captive by fear.

On the corner of Average and Great, at the crossroads in life, choices dictate the path you follow.  Will failure lead you to turn around toward the Lane of Shame?  Does money inhabit your chances to reach for the stars?  Or do you suffer from paralysis by analysis, standing on the curb, still trying to decide?  My imagination has designed 2 dozen golf courses, composed nearly 20 songs, several games, a complete movie script and a novel in the works.  However, currently, my imagination is in captivity, with a few disks, documents and notebooks full of potential, yet void of success.

At these moments in life, one must call on the wisdom of Solomon, 1 Kings 3:4-9.  If I am to rescued from these chains, I need God to send me wise men or women to show me how to display the potential I possess.  When patience is tested like Abraham, waiting 18 years for God to give his wife a child, the true heart of man is exposed.  If Thomas Edison can attempt 9,999 ways how not to make a light bulb, I guess I can endure a few more days, weeks, months or years in captivity.  May God grant me a spirit of perseverance so that one glimmer of hope will lead to a spiritual light within me for the world to see.  In my mind, I can see freedom, faith and a finished product.  Until then, “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!”

by Jay Mankus

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Just Once Lord

Posted on August 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him
Thumbnail of Quincy Jones 

In 1981, James Ingram provided the vocals for the song Just Once on Quincy Jones’ album entitled The Dude.  This song appeared in many movies during the 1980’s, often portraying heart break to close out a scene.  The context of these lyrics reveal just how fragile earthly relationships are, falling apart over the course of time.  However, indirectly, this song also touches on several biblical truths about mankind’s severed connection with God.

“Just Once” lyrics in BOLD print.

I did my best
But I guess my best wasn’t good enough

According to the Bible, there is nobody good enough, not even one, Romans 3:9-12.  Thus, no matter how hard I or you try to be good, it’s impossible not to sin.   Whatever good intentions you might have as you get up each and every day will fade when anger, disappointment or frustration comes your direction.

Cause here we are
Back where we were before
Seems nothin’ ever changes
We’re back to being strangers

The conception of sin has alienated individuals from God, banished from God’s presence just like Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:23-24.  This separation is what the Bible refers to as spiritual darkness, like Nicodemus in John 3:1-9, blind to the spiritual reality Jesus was trying to communicate.
Wondering if we ought to stay
Or head on out the door

For 10 years as a Bible teacher, I heard students ask, “why has God abandoned me?”  While I wasn’t exactly sure how to answer each person with gentleness and respect, most leave God, not vice versa.  The devil uses bitterness to shift the blame toward God, not themselves.

Just once…

Can’t we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong                                                                                                                                                   Why we never last for very long
What are we doin’ wrong
Just once…

The apostle Paul illustrates a similar struggle in Romans 7:15-17.  Until he added Jesus into this equation, Paul kept committing the same mistakes, over and over again.

Can’t we find a way to finally make it right
To make the magic last for more than just one night

Humanly speaking, effort is not what most people lack.  The wages of sin result in the payment of death, Romans 6:23.  Although some call it magic, what Jesus did on the cross is a miracle, Colossians 2:13-15.

If we could just get to it
I know we could break through it
(Hmm hmmmm)

The only way to break through is by becoming born again, Galatians 2:20.  Any other attempts to enter God’s gates through another route will fail, John 10:7-10.

I gave my all
But I think my all may have been too much
Cause Lord knows we’re not gettin’ anywhere
Seems we’re always blowin’
Whatever we’ve got goin’
And it seems at times with all we’ve got
We haven’t got a prayer

Whenever you pull a Hagar, by forcing a relationship without God’s assistance, Genesis 16:2, negatives consequences follow.  Just ask the Israelites, as Ishmael became the father of the Arab nation, which ultimately wants to destroy the Jews today.  However, with God, everything is possible, Matthew 19:26.  Therefore, Lord, just once, on this day, make your presence real to those searching for true meaning and a higher purpose in life.

by Jay Mankus

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Voice of America

Posted on August 11, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In 1981, the progressive rock band Asia came onto the music scene.  Four years and 2 albums later, Asia produced Astra in 1985, releasing the hit song Voice of America.  Known as the official external broadcast of the United States Federal Government, Voice of America is the radio name established back in the early 1940’s.  Based on a 1976 law, this radio program was initially intended to be accurate, objective and comprehensive.  However, like anything in life, time, politics and power have corrupted this once highly esteemed program.

If you read the major newspapers of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and or watch the major cable news networks you will find 2 common occurrences.  First, the introduction of talking points has caused collusion, with the most politically correct or incorrect stories receiving the most hype, often over blown.  Meanwhile, the human interest or positive stories like guns actually saving someone’s life are swept under the rug, withheld from Americans.  Thus, sites like the Drudge Report, the Blaze or other unbiased online sites provide the whole context of these stories, not just the clips or snippets the media wants you to hear.

Unfortunately, the Voice of America is close to becoming the new moral authority in the nation, replacing the Bible.  Instead of following passages like Ephesians 5:3-5, the government is producing their own politically correct guidelines which appear to override the Bible.  If the Riley Cooper racial slur is any indication, the Voice of America has forgotten about God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.  Don’t get me wrong, words are powerful, containing venomous poison like a snake bite, James 3:6.  Comments like Riley Cooper’s, any angry parent or someone filled with hatred may take years for a wounded soul to heal.  Yet, the one thing missing from the Voice of America is God.  If “in God we trust” is on our money, why can’t we invite the Lord back onto our public airways.  Welcoming God back into public education might even eliminate the need for medal detectors, drug sniffing dogs and suicide counselors.  Mr. Radio man, if you can hear me, let God back in, Revelation 3:20.

by Jay Mankus

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Angel #9

Posted on August 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever seen something that defies logic, you might rationalize this occurrence due to chance, coincidence or dumb luck.  However, when similar events begin to multiple, echoes of the supernatural must be brought into your discussion.  Such is the case of my experiences in youth ministry, with one particular encounter, early on a Monday morning in the fall of 1993.

As a result of the mini-revival taking place in Columbus, Indiana, during the summer of my first year there, students requested several ministry opportunities to grow their faith.  A leadership team and weekly training began, an accountability group started in the fall as did a Life Application Bible Study at the local McDonald’s near school.  One student leader mentioned the importance of starting off each week on the right foot with God’s Word.  Like anything, the crowds were higher in the beginning, squeezing 20 students in the back corner of this restaurant.  However, time whittled the group down to 6-12 regular attenders.  This core had the honor to encounter the woman I call angel number 9.

At this point of the year, student’s had begun to fall back into bad habits, struggling to find time for God.  Thus, like a reality show with weekly eliminations, only the true believers stuck it out til the end.  Roughly halfway through my lesson, a woman in her late 40’s politely asked if she could interrupt me for a moment.  With a heavenly voice, full of joy, she commended each student for their commitment to studying the Bible.  Although her message lasted only a minute, the encouraging words she shared lifted up those in attendance.

After the study, a few students students stayed behind for a few minutes taking about this woman.  No one had ever seen her, strange for a small town of 25,000 people.  Before I left a year later, no one that I know had scene her since.  This dilemma led several to question, was she real or a messenger from God?  Out of no where, 9 minutes past of the hour, these teenagers were blessed to receive a divine message.  Who else could this stranger be except for Angel #9.

by Jay Mankus

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The Gift of Intercession

Posted on August 9, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One of the best ways you can demonstrate your love for someone is by praying for them by name.  The term intercession in the context of prayer refers to relying on God to supernaturally intervene bringing about change, healing or transformation.  According to Genesis 24:67, not only did Isaac love his wife, he refused to accept that Rebekah was barren, interceding on her behalf for God to preform a miracle, Genesis 25:21.  Whether you are married, dating someone or unattached, when you enter into God’s presence, Ephesians 6:18-19, intercession can have everlasting results.

Something struck me when I read Genesis 25:21 today.  Instead of focusing on his wife’s situation, like a woe is me attitude, Isaac took action by praying to the Lord.  Whether he learned this from his father Abraham or realized his father did not practice intercession like he should have, God exceeded his prayer with 2 children, not just one.  Sure, Isaac and Rebekah had their faults, lying just as his father and mom did, Genesis 26:1-7.  Yet, a faithful pray-er, especially one who consistently lifts up their spouse to the Lord night after night, spurs the Holy Spirit into action.

For most of my life, prayer has been a struggle, not one of my gifted areas.  However, as I read the prayers of David and see the example of Isaac, I am motivated to pray more than ever for my family and friends.  Join me in this quest, fanning into flame the gift of intercession, 2 Timothy 1:6.  May all those who apply this biblical principle begin to see the fruits of time on their knees.

by Jay Mankus

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Hyperreality

Posted on August 8, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Candy bars that can dance, roller coasters that make you feel like you can fly and water rides that defy the laws of gravity.  Just another day of living in America’s hyperreality.  A term used by post-modern philosophy, hyperreality hinders one’s ability from distinguishing reality from that which is manufactured.  Behind the surface of fame, glory and riches, lies empty hearts, void of true fulfillment and purpose in life.

Hyperreality has turned Martin Luther King Junior’s I Have a Dream message upside down.  Instead of focusing on the character of someone’s heart, society has turned their attention toward dress, fashion and image.  The Material Girl can say whatever she wants as long as her physical appearance keeps up with the Joneses.  Reality television adds to this delusion as film edits, political motives and the great puppet master pulls the strings to falsify what you see.  Once again, behind the scenes, people aren’t who they appear to be on the big screen.

Peter began to see hyperreality in his day based upon comments made in 1 Peter 2:11-12.  His solution recognizes the obvious, you can’t control the world, but you can control how you respond.  Thus, the more one is able to follow the words of Joshua 1:8 and Colossians 3:1-3, the greater one’s ability is to detect truth from fiction.  Don’t be deceived by hyperreality.  Rather, be transformed by the Word of God, Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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A Night the Lord Spoke to His Children

Posted on August 7, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In the summer of 1993, I made my first of several treks to Kings Island, formerly a Paramount themed amusement park just east of Cincinnati.  Today, its owned and operated by Cedar Fair, known as the sister park of Cedar Point which is located in Sandusky, Ohio, on the north shore of Lake Erie.  My first visit was as a youth pastor of a large church in Columbus, Indiana, taking a bus load of teenagers and foreign exchange students from the Netherlands.  To minimize the side effects of long lines, I began to play Euchre, the card game of choice in the mid-west.  Throughout the course of the day, I played more than a dozen full games, forming special bonds with several young people.

These shared experiences on roller coasters and playing games together, set the scene for one of the most memorable evenings I can recall.  During my 15 years in youth ministry, I have discovered that certain individuals have an aura around them, which draw you in their direction.  Thus, on the 90 minute ride home, I was led to a specific seat on the bus.  Initially, 3 girls and a guy began talking about wanting more, not satisfied with mere Christianity.  However, before the night was over 2 individuals, Cathy and Jackie, began sharing a vision for a special event.  This June conversation inspired a night in July where the Lord spoke to his children.

Once the logistics were worked out, acquiring a few rooms in the church, the multiple purpose room and prayer chapel, the 12 Hours of Power was conceived.  Receiving input from my core leadership group, we decided to split those in attendance up into 3 groups, rotating time praying in the chapel.  Those not praying participated in games, deep conversations and lots of Dew, the mountain variety.  For 12 hours, students fought the urge to sleep by shifting their attention toward the heavenly realm.  Unlike any other Lock In I’ve been a part of, the power of the Holy Spirit fell upon these youth.  In the days, weeks and months that followed, a mini revival broke out in Columbus, Indiana, driven by the love of Jesus within teenagers.  Idle talk was replaced by impromptu Bible Studies, students began breaking down, openly confessing sins among their peers and the spiritual climate rose to heights I have never seen since.  This is what has, can and will happen again when the Lord speaks to His children.

by Jay Mankus

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Snuffing Out Life

Posted on August 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One of the largest and longest snakes known to exist on earth is the anaconda.  Native to the tropics of South America, some of these species have been discovered in the Florida Everglades over the last decade according to Animal Planet.  Similar to a reticulated python, this non-venomous snake uses its teeth to hold on before squeezing its victim to death.  The power of this beast essentially snuffs out the life of its prey through suffocation.

Lucifer or Satan is portrayed as a crafty serpent in Genesis 3:1 and Revelation 12:9.  However, the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2, known as the devil, only has one of his demons referenced in the New Testament.  While the term legion is used by John Mark in Mark 5:9 in context with a demon possessed man, the word actually refers to a number, commonly used by Roman military leaders.  This leaves Acts 16:16 as the only place an individual demon is named.  The King James version uses the phrase “spirit of python,” translated into most modern translations as a spirit of divination or foretelling the future.

The thought of money had blinded this girl’s owners from the internal struggle within her soul.  Upon seeing Paul in Acts 16:16-18, she cries out for help, a last ditch effort before having any chances of a spiritual life snuffed out.  Entangled by the grips of a demon, Paul saves her life while endangering his own.  The devil poisoned the minds of these greedy owners, convincing the towns people to place Paul, Silas and Luke in prison.  Immediately following one victory, Acts 16:19-24, Satan tries to squeeze out of the love of Jesus from these men.

Today, the devil is up to his usual tricks, using defeat, failure and trials to suck the life out of individuals.  John 10:10 isn’t just something written over 2,000 years ago that no longer applies.  Rather, every day is a spiritual war, a battle that won’t end until heaven and earth pass away.  Therefore, if you feel the presence of depression, stress or worry begin to wrap around your neck, use prayer to put on the full armor of God, Ephesians 6:13-18.  Fight fire with spiritual fire, 1 Timothy 6:12, to avoid having your life snuffed out prematurely.

by Jay Mankus

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Hunting for God’s Will

Posted on August 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In the 1997 movie Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams plays a psychology professor struggling to accept his wife’s death.  When a colleague stumbles across a raw specimen, an orphan played by Matt Damon who is gifted in advanced Mathematics, Williams is called in as a last resort.  Williams reluctantly accepts this challenge, searching for the good within Will, beyond the layers of evil, heart break and frustration stuck inside this young man.

Despite being a juvenile, with a long rap sheet in and out of prison, Will recognizes his God given gift.  Thus, he becomes a janitor at Harvard, cleaning the hallways just outside of an Advanced Mathematics classroom.  Will even goes as far as completing a problem, left by a professor in the hallway, seeing if any one could solve it.  During a lunch with his girl friend played by Minnie Driver, Will comes to a ground breaking conclusion.  Curious about Will’s unusual love for Organic Chemistry, Matt Damon responds to Minnie’s question.  Comparing himself to Beethoven, he confesses, “I don’t know anything about music, but when I see math’s equations, I can just play.”

A few years ago, I assumed that I would remain a Bible teacher until my youngest daughter graduated high school.  Since being laid off, I have been hunting for God’s will the past 2 years.   Currently, I have several hours to think to myself at work, forcing me to reflect upon where I am.  In response to my search, I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit, in a clear and direct reply this week, “you are a writing prophet.”  While I am not exactly sure what this means, I do feel a sense of peace knowing for the past 17 months I have been faithful to God’s calling.  Like Will in Good Will Hunting, I’m not exactly sure how or why I write what I do.  However, when I sit down in front of my computer, the power of the Holy Spirit takes over, leading me toward God’s will.  May this movie and my testimony inspire you to hunt for God’s will in your own life, Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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