Tag Archives: September 11th

The Broken Road

Posted on September 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Rather than get depressed by watching old footage of the events of September 11th, 2001, I decided to listen to Christian music Sunday morning. The album in my car CD player just happened to be Geoff Moore and the Distance. Before exiting my vehicle, the song God Bless the Broken Road began. The lyrics helped me realized If it wasn’t for 9/11, I would have never become a High School Bible Teacher.

Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads and look; and ask for the eternal paths, where the good, old way is; then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it! 17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hear and obey the sound of the trumpet! But they said, We will not listen or obey, Jeremiah 6:16-17.

Prior to September 11th, I was working as an Independent Contractor and serving as a Staff Writer for Travel Golf Media. Due to the restrictions on air travel following this terrorist attack, my writer position was the first broken road to lead me to consider teaching. When my bank contracts were reduced at the end of 2001, this was the second broken road, leading me to interview for a open position in 2002.

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14 But the gate is narrow (contracted [k]by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it, Matthew 7:13-14.

Whenever you endure hardships like death or tragedy, God uses these events to get your attention. After working nights for 2 years, I took the leap of faith when I received a call from Red Lion Christian Academy out of the blue asking, “can you start at the beginning of the second semester?” While the images of September 11th, 2002, are heard to forger, God uses broken roads to lead you toward God’s will for your life. I spent 10 wonderful years as a golf coach and teacher all because of a broken road.

by Jay Mankus

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How is the Seeker Service Experience Going?

Posted on April 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

It’s been almost fifty years since Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois introduced the concept of a Seeker Service Experience. As someone who got married right down the street, I know the history of this youth group that began meeting at Willow Creek Theater in Palatine, Illinois. If you have ever visited the Willow Creek Campus, it’s an amazing sight to see. Yet, whenever any leader reinvents church by deviating from the first century blueprint listed below, there will be spiritual consequences that often go unnoticed.

And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord’s Supper] and prayers. 43 And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers), Acts 2:42-43.

Carey Nieuwhof recently put together several telling church statistics for the United States in 2021. The total attendance is only at 36% of what it was prior to the Coronavirus restrictions. Today, only 52% of church-goers want primarily in-person services. To be honest, church attendance in this country has been on a steady decline since September 11th, 2001. The Sunday after 9/11 saw the largest attendance at churches in American history. Whenever human beings are confronted by death or tragedy, there is a natural response to consider life after death. Or as 1 John 5:13 states, to secure your eternal destiny.

And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; 45 And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. 46 And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, 47 Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death], Acts 2:44-47.

The reason why so many Willow Creek Association Churches have failed to duplicate the success of the original is their failure to possess the same spiritual hungry. Willow Creek began as a youth group who fasted and prayed for their lost teenage friends. Like the words of Nehemiah 1:4-7, this was the spiritual force that produced a mega church. A spiritual revival in this western suburb of Chicago led to the formation of this massive church campus. While Seeker Services may get the unchurched into your building, becoming part of the body of Christ occurs by following the apostles teaching which ultimately produces Christ followers who are eager to come back week after week to serve the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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Tell It How It Is

Posted on July 2, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Every month businesses, media sites and television networks preach to the masses about Black History, Woman’s History, Gay Pride and so on as the calendar year unfolds. Whether you’re attending school, walking into a retail store or work for a large corporation, monthly themes often take on the form of propaganda. Advertisements, commercials, internet pop up ads and posters bombard individuals with a specific message or spotlight every week.

Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God’s law by transgression or neglect—being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will), 3 John 4.

While many great people have been overlooked or omitted from history, who you are and what you become is based upon the choices that you make in life. If you come out of the closet to profess a desire to be recognized as homosexual or transgender, these individuals are now celebrated and praised by the national media. Meanwhile, if you speak up about being a devout Christian or Trump Supporter, you’ll probably be labeled a bigot, narrow minded or be accused of being a racist. Freedom of Speech appears to only apply to those who hold a progressive worldview.

Who of you convicts Me of wrongdoing or finds Me guilty of sin? Then if I speak truth, why do you not believe Me [trust Me, rely on, and adhere to Me]? 47 Whoever is of God listens to God. [Those who belong to God hear the words of God.] This is the reason that you do not listen [to those words, to Me]: because you do not belong to God and are not of God or in harmony with Him, John 8:46-47.

The world is like a series of cycles which go up and down and back and forth. In the days following September 11th, 2001, more people went to church than ever before in the United States. However, in the last 20 years, a sense of urgency has been lost as individuals have found other hobbies, things and ways to replace God. The apostle Paul says it best about maintaining a biblical worldview in Galatians 1:10. The choices that you make will reveal if you’re pleasing God or pleasing others. You reap what you sow whether good or bad. This is how it is. Choose wisely, Deuteronomy 30:15-18.

by Jay Mankus

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Wouldn’t You Want to See What God Has to Say?

Posted on August 29, 2018 by expressyourself4him

A famous college professor starts his first day of class the same way each year.  According to former students, getting into this course limited to 300 requires planning and a quick trigger to sign up as soon as possible.  For those able to get in the door, students are asked a series of questions about the Bible.  The professor encourages class participation, urging students to raise their hands if in agreement.  The first question asks, “how many of you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God?”  After a majority of the class raises their hand, the next follows, “do you believe the Bible is applicable and relevant today, useful for everyday living?”  Again, students proudly raise their hands in agreement.  One final question shakes up the classroom, “how many of you have read the Bible from cover to cover?”  Year after year, less and less students raise their hands causing this prof to reply, “wouldn’t you want to see what God has to say?”

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite., Isaiah 57:15.

I began teaching at a Christian High School the semester following the events of September 11th, 2001.  In the weeks after this terrorist attack on America, church attendance hit an all time high as souls to began seek a higher power for answers to the meaning of life.  Thus, as I began teaching, I expected to see a certain level of faith.  However, as I listened to my homeroom talk about the movies they regularly watch, the overall content of conversations spoken and weekend video gaming marathons, I felt like a teacher in a public school.  Minus a few godly individuals who daily lived out their faith, the majority of the students I taught lacked a spiritual hunger and zeal for God.  When you expect to encounter a certain type of character and go an extended period time without interacting with Christ minded students, I had a similar reaction like the college professor mentioned above.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

This spiritual climate gnawed at my soul, inspiring me to begin creating a series of life application Bible classes.  Over the summer, a couple of students attended one of the first Acquire the Fire conferences.  This core group of upperclassmen ignited a movement throughout Red Lion.  Several of these students enrolled in my Biblical Leadership class, based upon the concepts and principles from a youth ministry trade school called Tentmakers Leadership Training.  While the Bible urges readers against having favorites, I couldn’t wait for this class to begin daily.  Nearly every class was a slice of heaven as the Holy Spirit moved within the hearts of these young men and women.  Some classes were like a reenactment of the Great Awakening as students publicly confessed their sins.  Others were highlighted by visionaries confidently revealing what God wanted them to do with their lives.  While there are plenty examples of young people failing to live out their beliefs, God always rises up a remnant of believers who can’t wait to hear and see what God has to say daily.

by Jay Mankus

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The Real Heroes Didn’t Make It Home

Posted on May 28, 2018 by expressyourself4him

A father recently brought his daughter to visit Washington D.C. to see the National Mall and the various monuments throughout the city.  During a stop at the Vietnam Memorial, a man in full dress uniform decorated with medals stood by a wall.  This girl turned to ask her father, “daddy is that man a hero?”  Curious, the father replied, “let’s go find out.”  A few minutes later, this girl pulled on this stranger’s arm, “excuse me sir, are you a hero?”  Pausing for a moment, this solider responded, “No, the real heroes didn’t make it home.”

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” Mark 10:45.

In response to the horrific events of September 11th, 2001, Pat Tillman was cut to the heart.  As a member of the Arizona Cardinals, this rising star in the National Football League felt compelled to serve his country.  Thus, in 2002 Pat Tillman retired from professional football to enlist in the United States Army.  After basic training, Tillman joined the Army Rangers serving several tours of combat while serving overseas.  Unfortunately, Pat Tillman was killed during an incident in the mountains of Afghanistan.  This hero never made it home alive.

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” Joshua 24:15.

Last week, the National Football League introduced one of their new rules changes for the 2018-2019 season.  After a series of players began to kneel during the National Anthem last season, fans began to boycott causing a drastic decline in viewership.  Thus, owners decided to fine players in the future for kneeling as all players must now stand.  Players can opt to remain in the locker room until after the anthem is completed if they wish.  Perhaps, some of these millionaires need to be reminded of Pat Tillman’s story.  The least these current athletes can do is honor and respect one of their own.  As the United States of America celebrates Memorial Day, make sure that you remember that most of the real heroes never make it home alive.

by Jay Mankus

 

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You Survived for a Reason

Posted on February 11, 2018 by expressyourself4him

On the evening of November 14, 1970, the plane carrying members of the Marshall University football team crashed just before landing in Huntington West Virginia.  This tragedy took the lives of 37 football players, 25 boosters, 5 coaches, 2 athletic trainers, the athletic director and 5 members of the flight crew.  When assistant coach William Dawson played by Matthew Fox switches places with another coach to drive home from East Carolina to recruit future players, he is filled with a sense of guilt.  Instead of reflecting upon why he was alive, Coach Dawson struggled to cope with this ordeal.  This event inspired the 2006 film We Are Marshall.

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure, Psalm 18:32.

If a cat has 9 lives, some people has escaped death multiple times throughout this life.  Some circumstances are less obvious like losing your keys momentarily before passing a fatal car accident that you may have been part of and killed.  On September 11th, 2001, documentaries have revealed individuals who didn’t go to work at the World Trade Center that day or cancelled their flight last second due to a sudden emergency.  When I was in college, I was part of a head on collision where my car was pushed backwards 25 feet or so after contact.  If it wasn’t for my God given quick reflexes, my friend and I may have died before graduating from college.  Thus, I am forced to ponder, you survived for a reason.

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way, Psalm 18:36.

Perhaps, the Lord knew that I would forego a career as a golf course architect to become a youth pastor, high school Bible teacher and inspirational writer.  I know that I have ignored, missed or skipped over other callings, but there is one reason why God has kept me alive, to highlight meaningful truths from the Bible.  The passage above doesn’t reveal much unless you have run cross country or trained for long distance races.  Twisting your ankle is easy to do when terrain is uneven, holes are hidden or the ground gives way.  Yet, David, a shepherd wearing the equivalent of cheap scandals all day covering various topographies, trusted God to protect his ankles and feet from harm.  The more Christians begin to read, reflect upon and starting claiming God’s promises within your own life, the Holy Spirit will help you understand why you are still here on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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The God Hypocrisy

Posted on July 6, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Earlier this week an elderly man destroyed a brand new statue of the ten commandments.  Initial media reports suggested that this might have been part of a car accident.  After further investigation it was uncovered that this destruction was posted on Facebook Live.  In fact this was the second religious statue this man had destroyed,  If this attack was aimed at any other politically correct religious symbol, the liberal media would have been outraged.  Unfortunately, the God hypocrisy caused this story to be buried or omitted completely.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! – Revelation 3:15

Prior to the attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. on September 11th, 2001, God was being pushed out of American culture.  The Bible, prayer and religious freedom were being kicked to the curb, discarded like old possessions at a garage sale.  Following 9/11, Major League Baseball decided to let God back in by singing God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch.  Meanwhile, more people attended worship centers on the Sunday after 9/11 than ever before or since.  Unfortunately, when good times return God is usually one of the first relationships to be placed on the back burner.

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth, Revelation 3:16.

If God would have a letter commissioned to the United States of America today it would be similar to the church in Laodicea.  At some point, individuals develop an on again off again relationship with God.  This unhealthy habit breeds a lukewarm spirit where people use God as a crutch leaning on Him in times of trouble.  Anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ yet exhibits an inconsistent faith results in another God hypocrisy.  Thus, unless individuals begin to live out the Christian faith, church attendance will continue to decline.  You shouldn’t have to wait until the next 9/11 like event to turn your life around.  May this blog or the Darryl Worley song Have You Forgotten inspire you to dial up your faith by trusting and obeying an invisible God.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When Timing Really is Everything

Posted on July 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the hours following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, Major League Baseball and the National Football League felt it was inappropriate to play games while bodies were being pulled from beneath remnants of the World Trade Center.  Subsequently, baseball commissioner Bud Selig cancelled all games for the rest of the week.  Meanwhile, Paul Tagliabue postponed a weekend slate of NFL games, citing regrets of playing two days after president John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

While civil unrest is apparent, citizens unhappy with how some Americans were killed and treated by law enforcement, perhaps now is a good time for a season of trueths.  If timing really is everything, what good will further protests do in the wake of the deadliest day for police officers since 9/11.  Where is common sense, decency or social etiquette to let people mourn and remember those whose life have been snuffed out?  If individuals don’t learn from history, America will not escape the same fate fallen civilizations have endured.

There is time to kill and a time to heal.  A time to tear down and a time to build up.  A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:3-4.

Regardless of your stance on racial relations, there should be one common bond that unites, that we are one nation under God.  The political correct crowd can not deny the founding of religious principles established by our forefathers.  Thus, everyone must make an important decision: are you going to be part of the problem or a piece to the solution?  Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes are profound.  Yet, if these words are ignored, I’m afraid healing will never arrive.  In the future, don’t let your emotions get the best of you.  Rather, ask God to help you see what you can do to make America great again!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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