Tag Archives: the narrow path to heaven

The Runner’s Guide to Life

Posted on January 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever run in a 5K, race officials usually offer one of two options: a walk thru to see the course or provide a map that highlights the route of the path you are going to take.  Without one or the other, there is always a chance of getting lost along the way.  Therefore, if you don’t know which way to go, you either have to catch up to the participants in front of you or slow down to follow runners who pass you.

I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. – Psalm 119:32

This same principle applies to life.  When you hit a fork in the road, decisions have to be made regardless of whether you are sure or uncertain.  According to the Psalmist, those who remain teachable throughout life will stay on track until the finish, Psalm 119:33.  On the other hand, individuals who lean on their own understanding often end up on the wrong course, Matthew 7:13.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us – Hebrews 12:1.

During his years as a shepherd, David learned the importance of good footing, Psalm 18:36, achieved by trusting in God.  The apostle Paul takes this one step further, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide his steps, Galatians 5:25.  While visiting the avid sports town of Corinth, the apostle Paul began to understand that mindset necessary to become a successful runner, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  Whether you choose to support a local 5K as a runner or walker, make sure you are seeking after a crown that will last forever to ensure the runner’s guide to life.

by Jay Mankus

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From One Shepherd to Another

Posted on March 8, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The older you get in life, your chances increase that someone close to you will die.  Thus, most people will attend a funeral at sooner or later.  One of the most common passages read during funerals is Psalm 23, often quoting the entire chapter.  When my mom’s father passed away several years ago in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, my family was at his side as he breathed his last breath.  My sister Cindy, read to him Psalm 23:1-6 over and over again to ease his pain.

According to 1 Samuel 16:11, David was a shepherd boy, tending his father’s sheep.  In Psalm 23, David uses imagery, possibly recounting his own experience as God’s Spirit inspired him to write about a heavenly shepherd.  Knowing the daily requirements of a seasoned shepherd, David pours out his heart, placing his faith in God’s hand.  Meanwhile, John, the disciple whom Jesus loved shares a similar account in chapter 10 of his gospel.  John quotes Jesus in 17 of the first 18 verses, explaining there is only one way into heaven, through the gate of the Shepherd, who know and follow his voice.

In reality, human beings are dumb creatures like sheep, like the blind leading the blind.  When things are going well, its easy to navigate through life, whether you have a GPS or not.  However, as you encounter canyons, valleys or wastelands, relying on a shepherd may be the difference between life and death.  When push comes to shove or where faith meets fire, who will you call to come to your aide?  From One shepherd to another, come back to the pen before its too late, John 10:17.  The Great Shepherd is calling you home, retreat now to be by his side, Psalm 23:6.

by Jay Mankus

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Blazing A New Trail in 2013

Posted on January 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Pencader, Glasgow, St. Georges, Chritiana, Delaware State Atlas 1868

A few years ago, my 2 sons James and Daniel, went through a mountain bike phase.  To encourage this new interest as a father, I began to invest an hour a day riding bikes with my boys after school.  Over a period of 6 months, the 3 of us discovered several miles of trails surrounding our development in Newark, formerly known as Purgatory Swamp during the Revolutionary War.

The main trail was clear and worn down by ATV’s, local residents walking their dogs and fellow bike riders.  Popular side trails were still intact with a couple of overgrown areas in need of pruning and trimming, a good project for a long weekend.  The deeper we explored into the thick forests and swampy conditions, we discovered a dozen other paths that faded away, hidden by fallen debris, exotic overgrown sticker bushes and piles of trash left by teenagers.

Like a Lewis and Clark expedition or Land of the Lost television series, my crew investigated these ruins for 2 years, mainly during the summer.  We unearthed an ancient shooting range, paths to no where vanishing into thin air and an inner chain of short cuts connecting the outer loop by 2 distinct inner section of trails.  Left for dead by a generation of young people addicted to cell phones, game systems and the internet, we revived as many paths as we could for future voyagers to enjoy.  Today, these meandering walkways are marked with spray paint every half mile forming 2 cross country courses of 2.1 and 3.1 miles.  While fads come and go, the path to heaven remains a constant, Matthew 7:13-14.

With 2013 fresh in people’s minds, its time to blaze a new trail.  Whether its in Delaware, another state in America or another country, the time is now to act.  My days of sulking are over with a new adventure, career and opportunity waiting for me and my family.  Like the classic Steven Curtis Chapman album The Great Adventure, its time to “Saddle Up Your Horses!”  As you begin your own journey in 2013, don’t forget the words of the prophet in Hosea 4:6, “people perish without knowledge and vision!”  Get plugged into the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:4-5 so that you will be able to endure any obstacles 2013 throws at you!  “Go with God and He will go with you,” Mark Lowry.

by Jay Mankus

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