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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

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A Bad Day for Lawn Care

Posted on July 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Open Up to Know the Living God

Posted on July 27, 2021 by expressyourself4him

In the opening scene of American Beauty screenwriter Alan Ball introduces Lester Burnham.  Played by Kevin Spacey, Lester shares that he has been dead inside for sometime.  Lester’s not sure how or when this happened, but something in his soul can’t stand the person that he has become.  This confession sets the stage for Lester to wake up from this spiritual slumber so that he can truly live once again.

In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [b]Himself.2 He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being, John 1:1-3.

Ten years ago, I was living a dream, teaching the Bible to high school teenagers and coaching golf.  While it took me nearly 40 years to discover God’s will for my life, I was blessed by God for a decade as spiritual fruits began to blossom.  Unfortunately, when Red Lion Christian Academy was sold and the church was disbanded, a part of me died.  After pouring my heart and soul into this institution, I was fired and left leaving like a failure.

In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. 5 And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it], John 1:4-5.

Like Lester’s character in American Beauty, joy returned to me in the midst of sorrow. While attending a memorial service for two members of the Hanson family over the weekend, spending time with my extended family brought a new appreciation for life. You never know when your time will be up; when your life will permanently expire. Therefore, it’s time to live by start taking chances and try to become all that God wants you to be. As I start to wake up from my spiritual slumber, join me by opening up to know the living God.

by Jay Mankus

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Educating Yourself Out of the Supernatural Realm

Posted on August 22, 2020 by expressyourself4him

As a former Bible teacher, I learned that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t reach everyone. Yet, this didn’t stop me from using a variety of teaching methods to relate to a broad audience. Like a farmer preparing their soil for another season, all I could do was sow spiritual seeds, hoping and praying for these to take root. However, even if you reach someone in high school, it doesn’t mean that individuals won’t become prodigals, drifting, leaving or venturing away from God for an extended period.

As for myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom; 1 Corinthians 2:1.

Unfortunately, after attending a semester or year of higher education, many students develop a superiority complex. According to Healthline.com, a superiority complex is a behavior that suggests a person believes they’re somehow superior to others. In the context of college, the more knowledge individuals absorb, this can go to their heads like first century philosophers. Upon visiting the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul was disappointed by many believers who put their faith in logic and science rather than God.

And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated, 1 Corinthians 2:13-14.

Based upon the passage above, it’s possible to educate yourself out of the supernatural realm. Every year, I receive word of former students who were convinced to reject God at some point before graduating from college. Like the movie God is Not Dead, sharing your faith with atheist professors can ruin any chances of getting a good grade. Maintaining your faith throughout your college experience is a difficult task. Although I wavered from time to time, I’m a firm believer in supernatural powers available via the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. May you overcome the temptations of the world’s wisdom to cling on to the truth that miracles still happen.

by Jay Mankus

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A Person of Evidence

Posted on May 8, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, several members of the media labeled president Donald Trump a science denier. The context of this accusation dates back to Trump’s skepticism of global warming. Whenever a researcher, study or well known scientist develops a theory that supports global warming, this becomes national news. However, the president states that you can’t cherry pick the data that supports your beliefs while rejecting evidence that doesn’t.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses], Hebrews 11:1.

While spending a decade as a high school, each class consisted of at least one individual who questioned what I was teaching. Some would challenge my sources, others doubted what I was saying and a few refused to believe parts of my lesson. In this age of instant information, students daily use their phones to double check the content they are being taught. If there is a discrepancy, the vocal will raise their concerns, causing others to doubt. Unless you become a personal of evidence, your message will fall upon deaf ears.

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.

While conversing with his disciples, Jesus unveils a secret weapon for Christians. Although invisible, the Holy Ghost serves as a guide to reveal spiritual truth on earth. If you want to become a man or woman of evidence, it’s essential that you learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. The apostle Paul uses the expression “walking in line,” a necessary practice to become a living vessel of God. If you want to become a spiritual person of evidence, the Spirit is a guiding light in an ever increasing dark world.

by Jay Mankus

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