Tag Archives: cross country runner

Running Away from Temptation

Posted on September 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former long-distance runner, I understand that dangers that a cross country runner may encounter. Holes, roots, and rocks are the most common hazards. However, when you throw in rain and wet leaves, a competitor is one wrong step away from twisting, turning and or spraining an ankle. Yet, in the passage below, Moses is referring to spiritual running to escape temptation.

Then after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, See here, with me in the house my master has concern about nothing; he has put all that he has in my care. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am; nor has he kept anything from me except you, for you are his wife. How then can I do this great evil and sin against God? – Genesis 39:7-9

It’s not every day that an attractive woman flirts with a single guy. When that woman is your bosses’ wife and she attempts to make a pass at you day after day, running away from temptation is exactly what Joseph did. Although Moses jumps ahead in this story, Potiphar’s wife likely wore less and less clothing in Joseph’s presence so that he would finally give in and sleep with her.

She spoke to Joseph day after day, but he did not listen to her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 Then it happened about this time that Joseph went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the men of the house were indoors. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me! But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out [of the house]. 13 And when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled away, Genesis 39:10-13.

The apostle Paul builds upon the concept of running away from temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Whenever a Christian or anyone else is confronted with a tempting situation, Paul urges first century believers to look for a way out. Unfortunately, those who give into temptation are led astray by a second glance, 1 John 2:15-17. This glance is what the earthly brother of Jesus writes about in James 1:13-15. When temptation comes your way, avoid lusting by running away.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 14: The Kings of Punk Rock

Posted on May 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I was in eighth grade, certain rock bands possessed a cult following. Tee shirts from the most recent concerts were worn as a badge of honor, an allegiance to their fandom. Debates broke out daily about which band was the G.O.A.T., greatest of all time. As an entry level novice of music at this time, die hearts tried to persuade me with certain songs and classic albums to join their side. Unfortunately, I never really got excited about music until high school, using lyrics, rhythms and tunes to run faster as a cross country runner.

Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (a leader, an authority) among the Jews,2 Who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know and are certain that You have come from God [as] a Teacher; for no one can do these signs (these wonderworks, these miracles—and produce the proofs) that You do unless God is with him, John 3:1-2.

During college, one Christian band spoke to my heart like Jesus spoke to Nicodemus. When one of my college roommates introduced me to the Altar Boys, I was immediately drawn to their Punk Rock. The Altar Boys is like a combination of the Clash and David Bowe with their own unique style. The Altar Boys’ Gut Level Music album made me a fan for life. The attached You Tube provides a good mix of original, classic and hardcore songs from the Altar Boys. As you listen to their music this week, I pray that the lyrics will speak to your heart like Life Begins at the Cross. Enjoy this hang banging band.

by Jay Mankus

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Slip Proof

Posted on January 27, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The oldest surviving shoes date back around 10,000 years. Similar to these scandals made out of rope, Roman soldiers wore scandals with thick spikes on the bottom of their soles. These were designed to allow athletic soldiers’ to dig in and take a firm stance so that each could defend their position without slipping. Roman soldiers were each expected to defend a six foot perimeter. Without these spikes, charging attackers would be able to break through this line of defense.

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.

Depending upon your occupation, slip proof shoes are necessary to keep you safe, preventing potential work related injuries. Chefs, construction workers, and professional athletes have a wide variety of options of slip proof footwear to choose from today. Modern safety shoes are designed to prevent slips and falls. Each brand is rated by dry static coefficient, a ratio of the force of friction between two objects and the force that presses them together. As a former cross country runner, finding the right sneaker is crucial for preventing blisters.

He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber, Psalm 121:3.

The Psalmist writes about the spiritual element of slip proof. The first passage is written by David, reflecting upon the rocky terrain that he endured as a shepherd. David realized that when he put the Lord first, trusting solely in God, he never twisted or turned an ankle. The passage above is part of a song, giving thanks to the Lord for providing a firm foundation, slip proof. Although circumstances constantly change, trusting in the Lord provides a daily constant so that modern believers can feel slip proof for the rest of their lives.

by Jay Mankus

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The Road to Mental Toughness

Posted on September 28, 2018 by expressyourself4him

As an athlete, no one wants to be labeled soft.  This term can refer to being physically weak, emotionally unstable or immature mentality.  During my early years as a baseball pitcher, cross country runner and golfer, I let bad breaks rattle me.  When I was squeezed by an umpire, tired due to heat and experience a sudden wind gust blowing my ball into a hazard, I lost it.  Depending upon how I felt, I would cry, complain or become enraged by failure.  These setbacks exposed my lack of mental toughness, prompting me to start heading down this path to see what I was missing.

But as for you, continue in the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced [holding tightly to the truths], knowing from whom you learned them, 2 Timothy 3:16.

As a Christian, a trainer from Tentmakers Youth Ministry brought this weakness to my attention during a leadership training seminar.  To condense this observation, an advisor demonstrated how my emotions were influencing everyone around me.  When I was on fire for God, I lifted up everyone in the room that I walked into.  Unfortunately, whenever I was depressed, I didn’t want anyone to be happy, sucking the life out of a room.  This spiritual immaturity caused me to leave my youth ministry position in Columbus, Indiana after 16 months.  If I was mentally tough, I might still be in youth ministry.  Yet, I burned myself out after working 7 days a week for a year.

And how from childhood you have known the sacred writings (Hebrew Scriptures) which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus [surrendering your entire self to Him and having absolute confidence in His wisdom, power and goodness]. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 2 Timothy 3:15-16.

December 4th will mark my 34th anniversary of publicly proclaiming my faith in Christ.  The main lesson I have learned on the road to mental toughness is that the Bible plays a crucial role.  The apostle Paul details in the passage above the usefulness of God’s Word.  While there will always be areas of my life where I regress, the Bible has become a source of guidance, inspiration and wisdom.  The more I read, study and meditate upon God’s precepts, the stronger my mind becomes.  As I attempt to grow closer to the Lord daily, my prayers include a desire for my children to develop and display mental toughness.  May this blog encourage you to evaluate your own mind so that you too will strive to pursue the road toward mental toughness.

by Jay Mankus

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