Tag Archives: Cross Country

The Crossover Connection Week 42: Reliving the Inspirational Ballads of the 1980’s

Posted on November 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Since I didn’t know how to dance as a freshman in high school, I tried to avoid embarrassing myself. However, I did attend all of the Concord High School dances with my friends from the Cross Country team. I decided to play it cool by sitting in the chairs along the dance floor waiting for the next slow dance. Stuttering didn’t make it easy to ask a girl to dance, but this is where I was introduced to the inspirational ballads of the 1980’s.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts, Colossians 3:16.

The Esterlyn Lamps album is one of the CD’s I listen to during my hour plus commute back and forth to work. As I was searching for the whole album, Esterlyn has a variety of soft rocks songs with inspirational lyrics. Back to the Start by Esterlyn is like an Eddie Money song just before the DJ slows it down with Careless Whisper, Hello and Is this Love?

While you can’t go back in time to relive these awkward moments in life, Esterlyn provides the sound of the 1980’s with great lyrics to uplift your soul. Listening to songs like Killing My Despair, Back to the Start, We All Need and Reveal Your Love will help you live out the apostle Paul’s prayer in Colossians 3:16. While I couldn’t find the whole album, I hope you enjoy Esterlyn this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Shine Like an African Impala

Posted on October 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was introduced to songs about deer and antelope. Mutual of Omaha aired wildlife documentaries featuring cheetah, ostrich, and giraffes. However, it wasn’t until a recent sermon that I was informed of the unique abilities of the African Impala. Despite being smaller than antelope, impalas possess a ten-foot vertical and long jump thirty feet with a running start.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

While the African Impala possess the physical talents of an Olympian champion, they have one flaw that limits their God given abilities. When enclosed inside a fence that blocks their ability to see outside this barrier, impala stay penned in. African Impala’s walk by sight, not by faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7. Like an athlete that loses their confidence, don’t let failure diminish God’s power to rise above from any set back in life, 2 Timothy 1:7.

My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. 24 Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. 25 Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. 26 Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright, Proverbs 4:20-26.

When I was sixteen, I was told that I would never run again due to a freak cross-country injury. While the science and subsequent surgery stood against my faith, I didn’t give up believing. Just like the African impala who forget their abilities, I couldn’t imagine a life without athletics or running. Thanks to members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who covered me with their prayers, this seemingly impossible barrier was removed so I could shine like the African Impala.

by Jay Mankus

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Jesus Belongs to You

Posted on January 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Belonging refers to an affinity for a group, place or situation. As a loner for most of junior high, the first group that welcomed me was the Concord High Cross Country team. Over a four-year period, my coaches and teammates become like a second family to me. As a junior in high school, a Methodist Youth Group provided the same sense of belonging. As I joined an accountability group and Bible Study, these teenagers became my spiritual family. Jesus made this possible by his selfless act in Romans 5:8.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the [latter] time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this, Isaiah 9:6-7.

According to a vision from an Old Testament prophet, a Savior would be born unto us. Speaking for Israel, this Savior would be for an entire nation. However, as the apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Rome, his ministry offered this same Savior to the Gentiles as well. While Jews in some cities tried to kill Paul, this didn’t stop him from extending God’s free gift to all nations, Romans 6:23. If I could condense Paul’s words to one sentence, Jesus belongs to you, for unto us a Savior was born.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([d]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him, John 3:16-17.

The passage above was spoken to a Pharisee named Nicodemus under the cover of darkness. Jesus’ inner circle, James, John in Peter, were likely somewhere in the vicinity, perhaps eavesdropping on this conversation. While it’s unclear if Jesus or the Holy Spirit revealed the full conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus on that night, these words to one man now applies to you as well. Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it as Jesus belongs to you as long as you freely accept God’s free gift into your heart, Romans 10:9-11. May this verse convince you that Jesus belongs to you.

by Jay Mankus

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Rapt in God’s Power

Posted on June 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I read the passage below last week, I was reminded of one special night in college. Earlier in the evening, I attended a night of prayer sponsored by one of the Christian groups on the University of Delaware’s campus. At first, I was hesitant, afraid I might stutter as I prayed out loud. Yet, with each passing hour I became wrapped in God’s power. After this time of prayer concluded, I was so spiritually pumped up that I went on a prayer walk with a friend, witnessing to anyone who passed by.

I was in the Spirit [rapt in His power] on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a great voice like the calling of a [i]war trumpet, Revelation 1:10.

Based upon the context of the passage above, John was rapt in God’s power. Similar to a student seeking to absorb every word of a professor like a sponge, John was fixated on the voice speaking, John describes a mental state which people refer to today as being in the zone. While training for the upcoming cross country season in high school, some nights I entered into a trance as my body went into cruise control. This intense concentration is similar to what the apostle Paul calls keeping in step with God’s Spirit,

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[d]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4 By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

One of the best ways to keep in step with the Holy Spirit today is by reading and studying the Bible. Like a body builder working on every muscle in their body, meditating on biblical principles taps into God’s promises to His followers. When I start writing my blogs for the week, I often receive rhemas. These thoughts flow from a verse or portion of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to my attention with application to a current situation or need. When you draw near to God as James 4:8 instructs, rapt in God’s power can become a reality.

by Jay Mankus

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The Walkers Prayer

Posted on April 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

From 1983 to 1986, I ran over 1,000 miles on grass and pavement. Over the summer to prepare for the upcoming Cross Country season, I averaged running 30 miles per week with 150 miles for months when I felt ambitious. After a friend from college introduced me to a section of Psalm 18, I turned this verse into a prayer before I went for a jog. Yet, the context of the passage below is based upon a shepherd approaching rocky terrain. These words serve as a prayer to avoid twisting an ankle as you walk.

For who is God except the Lord? Or who is the Rock save our God, 32 The God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect? – Psalm 18:31-32

Following a reconstructive surgery on my ankle during my junior year of high school, I was forced to wear a soft cast for five years. Whether I was going to school, off to practice or heading off for a run, this cast took a couple of minutes to slip on and tie the laces to secure my ankle. Before I finished tightening up this cast, I often said a silent prayer to God to protect my ankle from any major contact. If I ever overextended myself following my surgery, my left sock was soaked in blood at the end of the day.

He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places, Psalm 18:33.

There was a time when I took walking for granted. As a teenager and gifted athlete, I never thought about twisting my ankle unless I was going hiking on rocky terrain. Yet, my accident while running and subsequent surgery has forced me to place my faith and trust in the Lord whenever I go for a walk. If you do claim Psalm 18:33 as the Walkers Prayer before going outside, I can’t guarantee that you won’t slip. However, as you approach dangerous terrain, look down and watch each step so your feet are secure.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 53: Purify

Posted on March 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

During my first summer as a full-time youth director in Indiana, my church hosted 30 students from the Netherlands. One of my responsibilities was to give these teens a tour of downtown Columbus when their group first arrived. While playing tour guide for a day; I met a teenager who was desperately missing his European Techo Music. Today’s feature song comes from the group 65dBA who I discovered in a Christian bookstore on my quest to share Jesus with these Netherlanders.

And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless), 1 John 3:3.

One of my favorite pastimes in high school was going dancing. I first learned to dance at a Concord High School Homecoming with my cross-country teammates. Once I developed as a dancer, I went to a local disco night club called Pulsations. When I first listened to today’s song Purify by 65dBA, I felt like I was at a college nightclub. While today’s song may not be for everyone, if you appreciate modern dance, disco or techno music, this song is for you.

by Jay Mankus

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Intense and Unfailing Love

Posted on March 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

My parents took me to see Rocky I in the theaters in 1976. When Rocky III debuted 6 years later, this coincided with an inner desire to become a great athlete. The theme song Eye of the Tiger was a daily goal, striving to possess the same intensity of a prized fighter in each of my sports competitions. Two years later, I became a running machine while training for cross country just like Sylvester Stallone in Rocky IV. Unfortunately, my high school years were full of intensity but lacked love and understanding.

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and [e]disregards the offenses of others], 1 Peter 4:8.

Intense refers to an extreme degree, force, or strength in which you pursue something. While intense is often associated with competitions, Peter urges first century Christians to pursue their spiritual lives with the same passion. In the passage above, Peter appears to reference Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:14-15. At the end of the Lord’s Prayer, forgiving and loving others is essential for being forgiven by God. This is the purpose and reason for pursuing intense and unfailing love.

You have granted me life and favor, and Your providence has preserved my spirit. 13 Yet these [the present evils] have You hid in Your heart [for me since my creation]; I know that this was with You [in Your purpose and thought], Job 10:12-13.

Whether I like it or not, I have become more like my father as I grow older. My passion for sports has faded, put on hold to become a better father and spiritual life coach for my children. While I am far from the earthly father that God wants me to be, the missing ingredient is an unfailing love like Jesus. Regardless of what has happened in life, all bitterness, grudges, and pain must be released and let go of for good. If I can exchange my intensity for sports and replace it with God’s unfailing love, forgiveness and reconciliation will become a reality on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Watch Your Step

Posted on March 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was founded in 1971. Congress enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to help protect the Nation’s workers on the job. This bill led to the creation of OSHA one year later to set and regulate safety standards. OSHA is the reason why signs like Watch Your Step exist today. Unfortunately, when the government is allowed to micromanage every step you take at work, human beings aren’t able or allowed to freely exercise common sense.

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same ([g]identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world, 1 Peter 5:8-9.

I don’t see myself as clumsy, but I sure do find my share of dips, holes, and roots that I trip over and fall into every month. When I was 16, falling into one particular hole altered my athletic career and changed my life. I was running cross country against the two boys that finished one two in the state meet my senior year. This hole was hidden by a pile of leaves, making it invisible to me. Just behind the lead pack with a mile to go, I twisted my ankle, kept running and ripped my ankle bone out of its socket.

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. 18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law, Galatians 5:16-18.

Following my surgery, I was forced to wear a soft cast for 4 years to protect my ankle. While I did recover physically, I never reached my full potential as an athlete. In college I stumbled upon Psalm 18:33 that I turned into a prayer every time that I went running. This one incident makes me cautious every time I visit a park. Watch your step has a new meaning to me as I have suffered the consequences of talking a bad step. If you want to avoid future holes and pitfalls in life, incorporate these verses into a daily prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Embrace Holy Fervor

Posted on December 5, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Since I wasn’t a good student early on in high school, I poured my heart and soul into sports. Whether I was running cross country, swimming, playing baseball or golf, I developed a fervor for greatness. I may have not been the most athletic and physically gifted individual, but I wanted to win more than most of my peers. While I didn’t have much of a social life, I didn’t care as long as I improved daily.

But the just shall live by faith [My righteous servant shall live [f]by his conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, and holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with it]; and if he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in him, Hebrews 10:38.

This is the type of passion the Bible refers to in the passage above. Faith provides a similar adrenaline rush that I experienced as an athlete. However, this conviction comes from the power of the Holy Spirit. Rather than seek to become a winner in a competition, faith is a driving force to deepen my personal relationship with Jesus. When God becomes who you seek to delight, holy fervor is conceived.

A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers. 24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality), John 4:23-24.

During a conversation with a Samaritan woman, Jesus reveals how a desire for truth can give birth to holy fervor. Despite the flaws in this recently divorced woman’s life, a fire began to burn deep within her heart as Jesus spoke. This is the same sensation I experienced as a freshman in college when I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to make Jesus the Lord of my life. Regardless of what happens this holiday season, make room for Jesus so that you may embrace holy fervor.

by Jay Mankus

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When Death Lost It’s Grip on Me

Posted on November 9, 2021 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever walked through a Haunted House or Forest, one of the methods used to inflict fear is by being grabbed by an unseen hand. Part of this role play often involves taking and keeping a firm hold of your arm or leg without warning. Despite how scared you may be during this experience, it is only temporary. In the passage below, the apostle Paul explains why and when fear of death lost it’s grip on human beings.

For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death). 54 And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished [h]forever) in and unto victory, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54.

My junior high years were the lowest in my life. Despite attending church every Sunday, I struggled with depression daily. In my darkest days, I was suicidal, thinking of ways to end my life. Little did I know that God began to send loving Christians and mentors into my life to keep me alive. These individuals encouraged me to seek God not in a religious manner, but pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [i][upon the soul] through [j][the abuse of] the Law. 57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose], 1 Corinthians 15:56-58.

I resisted these offers until a nervous breakdown during a cross country practice. When a girl that I liked messed with my mind, this was the last straw before I lost complete control. Shortly after this experience, I was invited to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event. Following an inspirational speech my Skip Wilkins on December 4th, 1984, I gave my life to Jesus, Romans 10:9-10. The moment I made this decision, death lost it’s grip on me, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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