Tag Archives: writing

Engaging Our Culture: February 13-The Language of Love

Posted on February 13, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden,” Matthew 5:13-14.

Biblical Connection:

Dead Poets Society was filmed at nearby St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware while I was a student at the University of Delaware. As a former Poetry teacher at the High Scope Institute for Ideas in West Virginia, this movie holds a special place in my heart. Robin Williams is John Keating who returns to the prestigious boarding school that he attended. Rather than teach from a book, Keating leaves these hallowed halls to instill poetry as a way of life. Keating’s cutting edge active learning techniques inspire some of his students to restart the legendary Dead Poets Society.

Today’s scene urges students in Keating’ Poetry class to reflect upon what verse of poetry do they want to leave behind as their legacy. Jesus teaches a similar concept to a first century audience. However, the Sermon on the Mount begins with attitudes and qualities valued by God. When these beatitudes are demonstrated and lived out, God blesses those individuals who encapsulate specific biblical traits. Today’s featured Bible passages serve as a transition in Jesus’ sermon. As the salt of the earth and light of the world, love should naturally flow out of a Christian’s life. If a mouth speaks out of the overflow of one’s heart, Luke 6:45, let your heart be filled with God’s love.

Closing Song:

As you prepare for Valentine’s Day, take some time to fill your heart with God’s Word so that the love of Jesus will begin to naturally flow out of your heart via encouraging and uplifting words.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Engaging Our Culture: February 7-Celebrating the Perfect Day

Posted on February 7, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2006 film “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that,” James 4:14-15.

Biblical Connection:

The Ultimate Gift is a movie based upon the book written by author Jim Stovall. In the screenplay, Drew Fuller plays Jason Stevens, a grandson of a dead billionaire who leaves him with an unusual inheritance. As Jason pursues this inheritance, he crosses paths with a single mom, Alexia (Ali Hillis) and her daughter Emily (Abigail Breslin). During one of the assignments given to Jason, he relies on Emily who befriends him. However, when Emily’s medical condition worsens, Jason does everything in his power to help Alexia and Emily through this trying time.

The author of today’s passage is one of Jesus’ younger brothers, one of a few children born by Mary not mentioned in the Bible. According to first century scholars, James aligned with first century religious leaders, not believing that Jesus was the Messiah and Savior of the world. Realizing the error of his way, James urges first century Christians to live one day at a time. While human beings may have aspirations and dreams for the future, no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Therefore, celebrate today while you are still alive. If you’re fortunate enough to see tomorrow, enjoy it when the sun rises. As for now, be thankful for the friends and family currently in your life.

Closing Song:

Take sometime today to look around, pause, and reflect upon all the good things God has given you in this life. Make gratitude a part of every new day the Lord grants you.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Engaging Our Culture: January 23-Seize the Day

Posted on January 23, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1993 film “Rudy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is, Ephesians 5:15-17.

Biblical Connection:

Daniel Eugene “Rudy” Ruettiger spent two years of his life studying and working harder than ever before. At this point in the movie, Rudy had gotten his GPA up high enough to be accepted at the University of Notre Dame. Upon arriving on campus, Rudy punishes his body day after day, making the football as a walk on. Yet, Rudy’s life didn’t turn out the way he had planned so he quit his lifelong dream. This sets the stage for a mentor to speak truth into his life. Charles Dutton plays Fortune who shares advice to encourage Rudy from making the same mistake as he did in the past.

In a letter to the Church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul is trying to impress upon first century Christians a sense of urgency. The Greek word Paul uses in verse 16 translates into redeeming time. Although Carpe Diem, seize the day, is not found in this passage, Paul alludes to this principle. Every day human beings are faced with choices and decisions that need to be made. According to Moses, choices either lead to life or death, Deuteronomy 30:15-17. Therefore, don’t let emotions dictate your decisions. Instead, be wise by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit to see God’s will out.

Closing Song:

As you renew your mind with the words of the Bible, Romans 12:2, God’s will for your life will begin to come into focus. Resist the urge to quit as progress in your faith journey is the process of arriving.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Engaging Our Culture: January 15-Facing the Unknown

Posted on January 15, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2015 film “My All American”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me, 2 Corinthians 12:6-9.

Biblical Connection:

Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock) with the help of his father Fred, Michael Reilly Burke, go into strict training to develop the skills to play football at the college level. Attacking this game like Rudy Ruettiger, Freddie gets noticed by University of Texas coach Darrell Royal played by Aaron Eckhart. After rising up the depth charts, Freddie suffers an injury that leads to a shocking diagnosis. This is the context of today’s scene as Freddie faces a condition beyond his control.

Outside of Jesus, the apostle Paul is the most successful leader in the New Testament. However, during a trying period, Paul opens up about some kind of physical ailment that he’s dealing with. This unknown medical condition is described as a thorn in Paul’s flesh. Whatever debilitating ailment Paul was battling, this kept him humble. Therefore, if you ever find yourself facing the unknown, in your weakness lean on Jesus to be strong to get you through this trial in life.

Closing Song:

Whenever you face a medical emergency, cry out to the Lord to get you through the unknown.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

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.

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 284: Who I Am

Posted on November 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Mirrors provide a reflection to help you remember what you look like. If you look close enough, you’ll begin to see all of your imperfections. While writing a teenager pastor, the apostle Paul opens up about how he sees himself. Despite Paul’s spiritual transformation on the Road to Damascus, Paul saw himself as the greatest sinner of all. Perhaps Paul was haunted by overseeing the death of the apostle Stephen. This is the topics Ben Fuller sings about in his song Who I Am.

The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost. 16 But I obtained mercy for the reason that in me, as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might show forth and display all His perfect long-suffering and patience for an example to [encourage] those who would thereafter believe on Him for [the gaining of] eternal life, 1 Timothy 1:15-16.

In this age of self-help books, many people try to hide their flaws from others. Yet, Christians are called to higher standards, Matthew 5:48. One of the first images in the attached video, Ben picks up a Bible. According to Hebrews 4:12, this book is living and active. Another passage speaks about how to use and operate the Bible, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. May the lyrics of Who I Am speak to you and encourage you to be honest and open with the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

My Helper and Keeper

Posted on November 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

After taking my last graduate level teaching class, I made some radical changes in my teaching style. My Classroom Management course taught me to seek out a responsible individual in each of my classes. This person served as the heartbeat and pulse of their peers. The purpose of this leadership position was to help and keep me aware of any learning difficulties within each unit. These unclear areas were then addressed prior to each unit test. While this system wasn’t perfect, it did help and keep me on track.

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth, Psalm 121:2.

The passage above was written during a climb or walk to the summit of a mountain in Jerusalem. This Psalmist remains nameless but was inspired to sing and write during this special stroll. One of the best ways to clear my mind in high school was to take a late-night jog while listening to my Walkman cassette player. One of my favorite music mixes was the soundtrack from Rocky IV. As each song began, adrenaline would cause me to run faster and faster.

 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield], Psalm 121:5.

According to the Psalmist, God gives you something greater than adrenaline. While specific details are left up to your own interpretation, the Psalmist credits God for helping each day and keeping him near. Moses speaks about this in Deuteronomy 28:1-3. Moses believes God’s presence as a helper and keeper is a form of blessings for being obedient to the Lord. Meanwhile, the Psalmist compares God to a spiritual warrior who shields the unarmed from danger. May you begin to see God as a helper and keeper.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Who or What is Your Inspiration?

Posted on October 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a former professional athlete, part of my DNA is to find a way to improve daily. Sometimes this occurs naturally through trial and error, learning from the mistakes I make in life. While I rarely play video games anymore, I treat each day at work like a game, attempting to earn a new high score. This mentality was first conceived in me at a Youth Ministry Trade School that I attended in Minnesota back in 1993.

 [Yet] first [you must] understand this, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal or private or special interpretation (loosening, solving). 21 For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so—it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:20-21.

One of the methods Tentmakers incorporated was called “In What Ways Can We.” Using a tool called Green Light Thinking, students were given a few minutes to write down whatever came to your mind. Following this exercise, you would re-evaluate your list by adopting the best and most practical solutions. Since this 7-week training program transformed my life, this is who I’ve become, using writing as my ministry as I work to provide for my family.

I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future], John 16:12-13.

The term Tentmakers comes from the apostle Paul who became a tentmaker to pay for his mission trips in the first century. While some churches did support Paul and his ministry team, making tents allowed Paul to follow God’s will for his life. Although I’d love to write full time as a screen writer or streaming service, my calling from God and inspiration is to share my faith through this blog, Express Yourself 4 Him.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

What Will You Be?

Posted on October 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Americans spent $10.14 billion on Halloween in 2021. A majority of this amount is centered around one question: what will you be for Halloween this year? Die hard Halloweener’s plan a year ahead, trying to outdo their costume from the previous year. For one night every year, kids and adults roleplay the creature, individual or superhero they dress up as. Yet, the Bible speaks of a spiritual costume.

And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. 5 So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God), Colossians 3:2-5.

The apostle Paul writes about the mental preparation involved in being a biblical follower of Jesus. Once Halloween is over, as you leave your home daily, who will you be today? Will you put on your happy face, drag down your co-workers with criticism or lead by example? Just as Galatians 5:16-18 speaks of the internal struggle between the flesh and God’s Spirit, your thought life will dictate who you will be on any given day.

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. 13 Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony], Colossians 3:12-14.

After writing about putting to death your old self, Paul transitions to putting on Christ like qualities. Unfortunately, maintaining a positive perspective on life when things don’t go your way isn’t easy. What will you be can change in an instant if prayer and daily Bible Study becomes part of your routine. Therefore, if you want to be Jesus the other 364 days of the year, put an end to bad habits of your past and start putting on the love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 89: Two Pennies

Posted on April 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s feature song comes from a Christian musical group that formed in Dallas, Texas in 1990. The name of this group is very appropriate for this Easter Season “Between Thieves.” The lyrics of Two Pennies gives Christians another alternative to any homeless individuals that you many come in contact with. While handing a buck or two is easier, sharing your faith with the poor is a golden opportunity.

Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He [b]takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving], 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Everyone has certain God given gifts that are unique to you. One talent may be talking, another writing as well as the boldness to evangelize. My own two cents is that God has a plan and a place for all of us to serve. Unfortunately, barriers, obstacles, and time prevent many from giving to the world what they need which is love in action. May the melody and lyrics of Two Pennies inspire you to love others in 2022.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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