Tag Archives: life

Engaging Our Culture: April 9-Giving to a Friend in Need

Posted on April 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 film “Sandlot”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done, Proverbs 19:17.

Biblical Connection:

As a former baseball player and coach, Sandlot is one of those classic baseball movies to pass down to the next generation of ball players. While James Earl Jones plays Mr. Mertle, he is the owner of Hercules, the baseball eating dog who the boys in Sandlot refer to as the Beast. After Scotty Smalls accidentally takes his father’s ball signed by Babe Ruth to play with the boys, it ends up in Mr. Mertle’s backyard which sets the scene for today’s video clip.

The older I get, the more I realize that I don’t need the things that I have amassed and collected over the years. As I’m about to move for the second time in three years, I find myself willing to give away some of my collections. Perhaps, this is what went through James Earl Jones’ mind playing Mr. Mertle. Realizing the trouble that Scotty was in with his father, Mr. Mertle was willing to let go one of his prized possessions. In return, all Mr. Mertle requested was companionship talking baseball.

Closing Song:

When you give out of the goodness inside your heart, there’s not many better feelings like this in life. While the Bible, church and your parents may have encouraged you to give, this I something that I’ve learned through the tugging on my heart. The next time you have the opportunity, give to a friend or stranger in need.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 11-For Better or For Worse

Posted on March 11, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2019 ESPN 30 for 30″For Better or For Worse”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son,” Hebrews 12:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

I had close friends who lived in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan when Dennis Rodman played for the Pistons. As a rookie on the team that became labeled the Bad Boys of the National Basketball Association, Dennis took on the persona of teammate Bill Laimbeer. In his early years, Dennis was a scrappy player who cared more about getting loose balls and rebounds than scoring. This defensive minded mentally allowed Dennis to become the perfect spark off the bench to ignite this team. Dennis’ high energy led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles.

Years later, I was running Michael Jordan’s Golf Shop in O’Hare International Airport when Rodman joined the Chicago Bulls. While attending Willow Creek Community Church, Lee Strobel began a sermon series on What Would God Say to Famous People? Dennis Rodman was one of these individuals. Strobel revealed that Dennis was never disciplined by anyone in his life until he stole something from a host family in college. Dennis cried like a baby as no one ever loved him enough to explain to him right from wrong. This is the backstory to ESPN’s For Better or For Worse.

Closing Song:

When individuals follow their human nature throughout life, they end up living a colorful life like Dennis Rodman. However, if you want to avoid the pain of making poor decisions day after day, reach out to help a friend to keep them from the error of their ways like Dennis, James 5:19-20.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 2-Avoid Repeating the Mistakes of Your Past

Posted on January 2, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2000 film “Remember the Titans”

Passage of the Day:

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

Biblical Connection:

The context of today’s video takes place in dormitories near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The T.C. Williams High School football team is the middle of training camp, away from their home in Alexandria, Virginia. This decision was made to avoid the distractions of desegregation taking place in the early 1970’s as T.C. Williams began the integration process. An all-black school and all-white school were consolidated to become one, T.C. Williams High School. As Coach Yoast played by Will Patton is demoted from head to assistant coach, this only increases the racial tension as Denziel Washington, Coach Boone, is elevated to the top position. The early morning jog followed by Denziel’s emotional plea is designed to bring his team together before racial divide tears it apart.

The Biblical connection to this video comes from the apostle Paul who wrote letters to the Church at Corinth. These first century epistles were sent to help new churches grow or get back on track if Paul received news of Christians reverting back to their former way of life prior to entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. The context of 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 is a brief history of past errors, mistakes and sins committed by the nation of Israel. Just as Denziel Washington addresses bigotry, hatred, and stereotypes in his speech, each choice that you make leads to either life or death, Deuteronomy 30:15-18. As 2025 begins its second day, strive to learn from your past mistakes. Don’t continue down a path of self-destruction. Rather, take a lesson from the dead, learn from their past failures so that living the abundant life that Jesus promised is possible this year.

Closing Song:

An interactive blog to engage our culture in 2025 by Jay Mankus.

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S.A.N.S. Episode 96: How You Live

Posted on May 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Point of Grace started out as a female quartet in 1991. The current trio consists of Shelley Breen, Denise Jones, and Leigh Cappillino with Terry Jones leaving in 2003 to spend more time with her family. Point of Grace had a run of success as one of the top female Christian bands for a decade. While I don’t own many of their albums, Life, Love and Other Mysteries is by far my favorite.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:10.

Today’s featured song How You Live reminds me the words of Jesus in the passage above. When you’re feeling down and need a little something to boost your energy, many turn to music for inspiration. Like my ride home from work on a Friday afternoon, blasting the radio as high as possible is a great way to blow off steam. May the lyrics of How You Live encourage and motivate you to draw closer to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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I’m Sick of It

Posted on April 18, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Every once in a while a song will speak to me.  The timing is perfect, preparing you for the lyrics about to be sung.  Whether its a coincidence, divine intervention or fate, this message connects with your soul.  Such is the case of Skillet’s song Sick of It.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10.

The opening stanza speaks to people struggling with life.  This appeals to those who keep trying to make there life better without any signs of improvement on the horizon.  Like a boxer on the verge of giving up training for a big fight, progress will determine if you continue.  Anyone who is tired of losing often throws in the towel before letting things play out.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 2 Peter 1:3.
In the film Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne played by Tim Robbins has a I’m sick of it moment.  Frustrated by the injustice he has endured, Dufresne finds himself at a crossroads in life with one of two choices to make.  “Either get busy living or get busy dying.”  This same question must be addressed by anyone sick of their current situation.  May you choose life.

by Jay Mankus

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Just Another Part of Life

Posted on April 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Christopher Bullock was one of the first Americans to coin the phrase, “there are 2 certainties in life: death and taxes.”  In a letter written by Benjamin Franklin following the creation of the United States Constitution, Franklin relayed this painful reality in 1789.  Thus, every April Americans scramble to collect paperwork to meet the filing deadline.  Yes, taxes is just another part of life.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it, Ecclesiastes 12:7.

Modern quotes have added one more element: life, death and taxes.  Unfortunately, death is one of those topics most people shy away from talking about.  The idea of never being able to see or talk to someone for the rest of your life is scary.  This fear places future conversations on hold until accidents, illness or old age arrives unexpectedly.  Funerals force the issue as human beings return to the same dust from which God created Adam.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also, John 14:3.

The older you get, it seems like weddings are replaced by funerals, bringing the reality of death to the forefront.  Yet, if you listen to the clergy who perform these ceremonies, there is an assumption that everyone goes to heaven.  I guess celebrating eternal damnation doesn’t draw a large crowd so the other choice is a better option.  While death is a certainty, heaven is not guaranteed.  Therefore, before you leave this earth, make sure your reservation is secured, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Constitutional Crisis

Posted on March 31, 2017 by expressyourself4him

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”

The words above were crafted by the founding fathers of the United States of America.  Unfortunately, as times have changed worldviews have challenged citizens to reconsider their beliefs.  Subsequently, a constitutional crisis has arisen.  Do you hold to the originalists of the the past or view the constitution as a living document, open to interpretation?

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come, John 16:13.

This current dilemma is creating a divide, splitting people into one of two categories.  Individuals either seek to uphold the law and do what’s right in their own mind.  This progressive mindset is causing some representatives within cities, counties and states to embrace illegal aliens, trying to establish sanctuary areas.  Although the motives may be pure, these leaders are actually aiding and abetting some criminals in the name of social justice.

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit, Judges 17:6.

Any time laws and regulations are seen as optional, chaos often ensues.  This sort of arbitrary enforcement can lead to confusion, favoritism and loopholes.  In some cases, police officers are viewed as the enemy, an obstruction to freedom.  If this social climate spreads, hope for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness fades.  As America struggles to get back on track, may God help us all before a constitution crisis destroys the future of this land of opportunity.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Slowing Down to Serve

Posted on July 20, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The concept “eye of the tiger” was introduced by the Rocky Series of movies.  Meredith Burgess plays Mick, Sylvester Stallone’s boxing trainer.  When Rocky becomes focused, he develops an eye like a tiger on the prowl.  Thus, in the 1982 film Rocky 3, the group Survivor creates a theme song that highlights this concept.  Unfortunately, I find myself way too often in the zone like this song’s lyrics.  Obsessed with a project or task at hand, this state prevents me from slowing down to serve others.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side, Luke 10:31-32.

One day some religious leaders had a busy schedule to keep.  There were places to go, people to meet and lives to touch.  During their travels, some bystanders were overlooked, passed by and skipped over.  Thus, the beggar on the street corner was neglected again, not willing to change their course.  While Jesus refers to a priest and a Levite in the passage above, I see myself as a weekly offender, too busy to recognize the Samaritan in need of help.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him, Luke 10:33-34.

The other night at work, I listened to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  In the hour that followed,  I was amazed at the opportunities that God brought my way.  Before I knew it, I helped an associate with a scanner problem; then another with a question about life, love and marriage.  On any other evening, I wouldn’t have noticed these people.  However, whenever you slow down enough, its much easier to see how God can use you to serve others.

by Jay Mankus

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Something Made to Last

Posted on July 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you are a purest, its hard to find anything today that is built to last the test of time.  Somewhere over the last hundred years, a younger generation has chosen cheaper prices over reliability.  Subsequently, most of the items for sale are temporary, often breaking much sooner than promised or before their warranty is up.

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  They will come in and go out, and find pasture, John 10:9.

In 1970, Coca-Cola began an advertising campaign claiming that their soft drink Coke was the real thing.  Essentially, executives were trying to convince consumers that Pepsi Cola and RC Cola were artificial, unlike their product.  Today, other manufacturers are making similar boasts.  Unfortunately, unless you are willing to pay a premium price, rarely will you find something made to last.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:10.

Remedy Drive sings about this topic in their 2012 song Something Made to Last.  One of the issues they address are things in life that promise satisfaction, but end in disappointment.  Since every life has the same finale, death, its vital to find something that is eternal.  This is where Jesus enters the picture, promising an abundant life to those who chose to believe.  Therefore, don’t allow yourself to settle for a life void of meaning.  Rather, step out in faith by taking the hand of Jesus, who has left you the Holy Spirit which gives you something made to last.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Beyond Redemption

Posted on April 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Wherever you go in life, you will find signs.  Some contain mistakes, others confusing messages and a few will make you laugh.  Yet, there is one that is profound, Beyond Redemption.

God sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! – Psalm 111:9

If you have ever visited Niagara Falls, this sign serves as a final warning.  At the point of no return, where help can not arrive soon enough, the sign Beyond Redemption has been placed.  Just as the Niagara River plummets 325 feet before it flows north to Lake Ontario, this sign assumes death is inevitable.

In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:14

Today, individuals consume, drink and eat things which will harm their bodies.  Subsequently, nearly every package contains a warning label, usually describing a worst case scenario, especially if you suffer from this or that.  In view of the frailty in this life, please consider the redemption offered by life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ before you reach a point of no return.

by Jay Mankus

 

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