Tag Archives: teaching

An Extra Cautious Parent

Posted on September 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Shortly before I began serving as the Youth Director for First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Indiana, one of my future junior high students was accidentally run over by her father. Apparently, she was one of the top female tennis players in town and was stretching in her family driveway. In a rush to get to work, her father backed his car up running over her knee. This careless mistake caused her father to become extra cautious in the future, struggling to forgive himself.

Then they took Joseph’s [distinctive] long garment, killed a young goat, and dipped the garment in the blood; 32 And they sent the garment to their father, saying, We have found this! Examine and decide whether it is your son’s tunic or not. 33 He said, My son’s long garment! An evil [wild] beast has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned many days for his son. 35 And all his sons and daughters attempted to console him, but he refused to be comforted and said, I will go down to Sheol (the place of the dead) to my son mourning. And his father wept for him, Genesis 37:31-35.

According to Moses, Jacob experienced similar emotions after receiving the news that his favorite son Joseph had been mauled by an animal, ( fictional account). Subsequently, when ten of his sons tell Jacob that he must send his youngest son Benjamin to Egypt, he refuses to do so. Moses describes Jacob as a parent thinking about the worst-case scenarios if he were to allow Benjamin to travel to Egypt. Jacob became extremely protective of Benjamin, wanting to keep him safe from any harm.

Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die. 3 So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Benjamin, Joseph’s [full] brother, Jacob did not send with his brothers; for he said, Lest perhaps some harm or injury should befall him, Genesis 42:1-4.

When I was a young parent raising three kids with my wife Leanne, I was consumed with my new teaching position at Red Lion. However, after I became aware of an issue with one of James’ baseball coaches, I was prompted to become more active in my children’s lives. This one incident led me to become an extra cautious parent. The following year I became an assistant coach for James’ team and coached Daniel’s team four years in a row. While it’s natural to become an extra cautious parent, at some point you have to let go and allow the Lord to be in control, Proverbs 19:21.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

When Your Perspective is Poisoned

Posted on July 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former teacher, there were certain students that could do no wrong in my eyes. From time to time, I would visit the teacher’s lounge during my free period. If the timing was right, I asked other teachers for their perspective on a student to see how they behaved in their classroom. After listening to the insight of my peers, I began to see these imperfections for myself.

Jacob heard Laban’s sons complaining, Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s; he has acquired all this wealth and honor from what belonged to our father. 2 And Jacob noticed that Laban looked at him less favorably than before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, Return to the land of your fathers and to your people, and I will be with you. 4 So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock, 5 And he said to them, I see how your father looks at me, that he is not [friendly] toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me, Genesis 31:1-5.

Based upon the words of Moses, Jacob had developed a good work ethic as a herdsman and shepherd. Despite not being athletic, Jacob learned from others, adopting and using successful practices. Like a mechanic who could fix any vehicle, Jacob’s breeding practices where cutting edge. Unfortunately, as Jacob’s herd prospered, envy and jealousy poisoned Laban’s relationship with his son in law.

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:14-16.

If you allow yourself to become surrounded by negative people, it won’t be long before individuals you once looked up to will lose their shine. As bitterness, complaining, and grumbling alter your perspective, guard yourself from having your mind and soul poisoned by negativity. The next time you find your perspective poisoned, remember the words of Colossians 3:12-14, so that love will conquer all, and forgiveness will lead to second chances, Matthew 6:13-15.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Case Study of Women Rushing to Have Their Own Child

Posted on April 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school teacher and youth pastor, I’ve observed the beginning and end of many relationships. Some of these couples ended up getting married and are still together today. Some ended abrupted with others resulting in the birth of a child out of wedlock. Whenever I talk with others about this topic, I am reminded of the classic Kenny Marks song “the Party’s Over.”

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, See here, the Lord has restrained me from bearing [children]. I am asking you to have intercourse with my maid; it may be that I can obtain children by her. And Abram listened to and heeded what Sarai said. 3 So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her Egyptian maid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his [secondary] wife. 4 And he had intercourse with Hagar, and she became pregnant; and when she saw that she was with child, she looked with contempt upon her mistress and despised her, Genesis 16:1-4.

While studying the Book of Genesis to begin to 2023, a pattern began to develop with women rushing to have their own child without thinking about the consequences. As a desperate barren woman, Sarah thought it was a good idea to give his husband, Abraham, a second wife. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, the father of the Arab nations, an enemy that Israel is still dealing with today.

And Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him, for he feared to dwell in Zoar; and he lived in a cave, he and his two daughters. 31 The elder said to the younger, Our father is aging, and there is not a man on earth to live with us in the customary way. 32 Come, let us make our father drunk with wine, and we will lie with him, so that we may preserve offspring (our race) through our father. 33 And they made their father drunk with wine that night, and the older went in and lay with her father; and he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she arose. 34 Then the next day the firstborn said to the younger, See here, I lay last night with my father; let us make him drunk with wine tonight also, and then you go in and lie with him, so that we may preserve offspring (our race) through our father, Genesis 19:30-34.

Meanwhile, if the Jerry Springer Show existed back in the days of the Old Testament, Lot’s two daughters would have definitely been asked to appear. Jerry begins with a simple question, “what were you thinking when you had sex with your old man?” This leads to intimate details, bickering over who was better in bed. As bouncers break up this cat fight, Lot’s daughters gave birth to the fathers of the Moabites and Ammonites, pagan countries who fought with Israel in the Old Testament. Today’s passages serve as a case study of women rushing to have their own child, not an ideal outcome, past or present.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

What Do You Need Help with Today?

Posted on October 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jesus models how to seek help from God daily in Mark 1:35-39. Jesus first took a walk every in the morning to clear His mind. After finding a solitary place where He could concentrate, Jesus began to pray in this place, pouring his heart out to His heavenly father. While John Mark doesn’t mention the length of Jesus’ prayer time, apparently, He had just concluded praying when the disciples found Him.

I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you, John 14:25-26.

While I haven’t taught in a decade and coached in 7 years, I have developed an eye and ear to help those in need. As long as I don’t put blinders on, I recognize the needs of my co-workers. Unfortunately, a lack of motivation often causes me to commit sins of inaction, James 4:14-17. Rather than be the hands and feet of Jesus, selfish ambitions and my sinful nature prevent me from doing what I know is right, Romans 7:15-17.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] 26 Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another, Galatians 5:24-26.

According to the apostle Paul, the solution to human nature is keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. Just like Jesus fought off the desire to sleep in (hitting the snooze button today), the Spirit is willing but human bodies are weak, Matthew 26:41. Paul writes about willing your body like a professional athlete in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. If you’re like me, still struggling to constantly seek out those in need, pray verses Matthew 26:41 and Galatians 5:25 so God’s Spirit prevails, transforming you into a servant of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Bad Day for Lawn Care

Posted on July 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUSsEo52-a0

When I lost my teaching position more than a decade ago, friends from church offered me a position for a season. From March to October, I served as an assistant superintendent at the Middletown Veterinarian Hospital and Horse Farm. In other words, I cut grass, weed wacked and provided daily maintenance for two different properties. Similar to my college internship instead of working on a golf course.

The [a]grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever, Isaiah 40:8.

One of the first to comment on lawn care in the Bible is an Old Testament prophet. Isaiah speaks of the seasonal aspect of grass. At some point in a year, grass will wither, and flowers fade. From my own experience working for a local land and hard scaping company, winter months are often spent doing snow removal to help pay for monthly bills like insurance.

The first angel blew [his] trumpet, and there was a storm of hail and fire mingled with blood cast upon the earth. And a third part of the earth was burned up and a third of the trees was burned up and all the green grass was burned up, Revelation 8:7.

Whenever I read the Bible, I usually learn something new daily. Earlier this week, I continued my study of the final book in the Bible. According to John, there will be a great hailstorm mixed with fire in the last days. John’s vision includes the aftermath of this storm. When the dust settles, all of the green grass on earth will be burned up. This will be a bad day for the lawn care, signaling the end of this business.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 80: The Words I Would Say

Posted on April 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a writer, the Sidewalk Prophets and I think along the same lines. While I was teaching High School Bible at Red Lion, The Words I Would Say became a big hit. Like the lyrics to this song, this was my daily prayer for my teenager students. My goal was to try to make the Bible cool and relative in an age where skeptics believed that God was dead. One of the reasons I got into teaching was to help my students avoid the same mistakes that I made when I was a teenager.

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it, Ephesians 4:29.

Finding hope in a world that is falling apart is a hard sell. Yet, when you make a decision to be a source of encouragement, spiritual progress is possible. Dreaming and setting goals in life provide a glimpse of what may be attainable with God on your side. You don’t have to become a member of a band to be a sidewalk prophet. Rather, you need to be plugged into God’s living and active Word, Hebrews 4:12, so that when God puts something on your heart, you’re willing to be a messenger and voice for Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

You Can Only Serve One Lord Faithfully

Posted on March 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Between telling stories of parables, teaching at local synagogues and preaching to the masses, Jesus visually connected with his audience. While Jesus never told anyone the answers outside of his disciples, illustrations were shared in public to make people think. This style of teaching created a spiritual hunger deep inside of many of Jesus’ followers. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made it clear that you can only serve one master faithfully. Depending upon what you treasure dictates your final decision.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is sound, your entire body will be full of light, Matthew 6:21-22.

Unfortunately, theology (the science of God) is used by some modern-day preachers to speak down to members of their congregation. This is not consistent with Jesus’ first century teachings. Your eyes are designed by God to be the lamp of your body. However, if your eyes start to deteriorate, darkness will enter your life. If this darkness is not addressed, you might find yourself trying to serve God and money.

But if your eye is unsound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the very light in you [your [r]conscience] is darkened, how dense is that darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be [s]against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon ([t]deceitful riches, money, possessions, or [u]whatever is trusted in), Matthew 6:23-24.

At some point over the past 50 years, the fire and brimstone preaching of the 1970’s has become water downed with positive and politically correct sermons. Instead of focusing on hard-hitting messages that confront darkness living inside of Christians, mainline churches prefer themes that promote increased giving. While the apostle Paul is clear that no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, your priorities and time dictate who you’re serving, Matthew 6:33-34. Who and what you seek first will determine who you will serve in the future.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 41: This is a Call

Posted on March 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

During my last couple years of teaching at Red Lion Christian Academy, the school started an Activity Period so that athletes wouldn’t miss as much class time for away competitions. One of the most popular activities was Ultimate Frisbee. When the weather was too cold or raining, my class met inside the gym. When the weather was nice, the school had a turf field where we had several memorable games. One of the students in this class introduced me to Thousand Foot Krutch who sings today’s featured song.

 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore, Psalm 16:11.

My favorite Thousand Foot Krutch album is The End is Where We Begin. The majority of the songs on this album are upbeat with a couple of ballads. Yet, the Thousand Foot Krutch song that touched my heart the most comes from the 2003 Phenomenon album. This is a Call contains a series of trials that people are going through. The lyrics begin with a girl whose mother is battling cancer. If you can’t relate to this, there are two other scenarios that may stir your soul. I hope you enjoy This is a Call.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

To Teach or Not to Teach?

Posted on January 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While growing up in high school, teaching was considered one of the lowest paying occupations. Most of the teachers I grew to admire coached multiple sports or had another job in the summer to pay their bills. Without realizing it, the majority of my friends in college went on to major in Education. Something about teaching attracted me, leading me to eventually become a youth pastor and Bible teacher. Almost 10 years have passed since I taught my last class so as I look toward the future the question is to teach or not to teach?

Not many [of you] should become teachers ([a]self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation], James 3:1.

I don’t miss the countless hours creating Power Point Presentations for my next lecture. Nor do I miss all the emails and phone calls from disgruntled parents wondering why their child didn’t receive a certain grade. Ditto on mind numbing hours spent grading homework assignments, quizzes and tests every weekend. Yet, when you connect with a student or begin to get through to someone that you almost gave up on is what I miss most about teaching. Shaping the minds of future leaders is why I was called to teach in the first place, a form of giving back to society.

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Yet, the Bible has high standards for anyone called to teach. Whether you’re leading a small group, filling in as a substitute or make teaching your career, are you ready to be held accountable? I was fortunate to leave education before Common Core was enforced. Based upon my interactions with a few teachers still in the field, Common Core hinders an individual’s ability to be creative. The older I get, the less likely I would consider a return to the classroom, but never say never when God is involved. All I can do now is keep in step with the Holy Spirit to see what the future holds, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Clear the Board

Posted on December 28, 2021 by expressyourself4him

One of my favorite parts of teaching was using a white board. I tried to find as many colors as possible to write down crucial points that I wanted my students to remember. Prior to creating Power Point presentations for all of my lessons, the board contained everything I wanted my students to know for upcoming quizzes and tests. At the end of every class, I cleared the board as students cried out “wait!”

He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us, Psalm 103:10-12.

God had another thing in mind when talking about clearing the board. The beginning of the Old Testament speaks of a God of wrath and punishment for those who disobey. Yet, the Psalmist in the passage above provides a picture of forgiveness. Instead of keeping of list of who have been naughty and who has been nice this year, God clears the board of any wrong you’ve ever committed or done. These transgressions are erased as far as the east is from the west for infinity.

For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [g]reckless and willful sins, [h]leaving them, letting them go, and [i]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [j]reckless and willful sins, [k]leaving them, letting them go, and [l]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses, Matthew 6:14-15.

During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides more of a personal approach to clearing the board. While the Psalmist shares something that sounds too good to be true, Jesus introduces the conditions placed upon forgiveness. If you’re willing to clear the board by forgiving those who have done wrong to you, God will forgive you. However, if you can’t forgive and forget, you won’t be forgiven by God. Therefore, the next time you feel like holding a grudge, let go of any past pain by clearing the board.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→