ExpressYourself4Him

Passage of the Day:

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. ² For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. ³ It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should learn to control your own body^[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; ⁶ and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.^[b] The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. ⁷ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. ⁸ Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8.

Reflection:

My high school swim coach poured 6 years of his life discipling me. When I look back at what Ken did for me, he was preparing me to become a teenage evangelist. Even when my parents moved to Cleveland, Ken’s house was only a 30-minute drive from the University of Delaware campus. Although I didn’t nearly spend as much time with Ken as in high school, I was invited to serve on numerous Lay Witness Mission teams. On one of these revival weekends at a church in Friendship, Maryland, the Lord revealed God’s will for my life.

Prayerful Action:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2.

Retracing Your Steps:

The structure of Lay Witness Mission is broken down into 3 days: Friday night, Saturday and Sunday morning. At the end of each session, one of the team members is asked to share their testimony, providing examples of how God is working in their lives. On the weekend in Friendship, Maryland, I was asked to give the sermon on Sunday morning. This message was entitled Stop Playing Games with God. As the Holy Spirit spoke through me, students literally ran to the altar. It was at this moment when I knew the Lord wanted me to become a youth pastor.

Song of the Day:

This is the song I played after my first sermon which moved people to come running to the altar. However, I do add this disclaimer, sometimes God’s calling changes or you decide to move in a different direction. Since moving to South Carolina, I continue to pray for God’s will for my new life. Currently, I’m still in the waiting stage, nearly two years and counting. Don’t become frustrated as when the Holy Spirit moves, you’ll know God’s next calling for your life. Keep the faith!

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples, John 15:1-8.

Reflection:

I was a follower for the first 15 years of my life. Due to sever stuttering, I didn’t have many friends so I followed anyone who would befriend me. While I didn’t know it at the time, one of my only roller-skating friends was the major drug dealer in my junior high. When I reached high school, most of my friends were athletes on the cross country and baseball team. However, after I became a Christian, my friendships shrunk. Although I was disappointed at the time, I slowly became more interested in abiding in Jesus.

Prayerful Action:

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.^[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:9-10.

Retracing Your Steps:

I learned in college that I have an addictive personality type. Whether it’s eating, drinking or sports, I have a bad habit of binging, unable to control or stop myself. After nearly dying of alcohol poisoning at a friend’s wedding reception, I made the decision to stop drinking. Rather than continue down this destructive path, I replaced the urge to drink with writing. While writing can be a lonely hobby, as I share stories of my faith journey, I sense the Holy Spirit urging me to abide in the abundant life of Christ.

Song of the Day:

The more I abide in the abundant life of Christ, the less I care about what other people think about me. Although it would be great to be loved by more people, my goal is the please the Lord, not the world. If you’re feeling down today, remember that you have Me and Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. ² For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. ³ Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. ⁴ Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. ⁵ Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”^[a] 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”^[b] (that is, to bring Christ down) ⁷ “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’”^[c] (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). ⁸ But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”^[d] that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: ⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”^[e] 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” Romans 10:1-13.

Reflection:

When I first heard the gospel message presented by Skip Wilkins, the emphasis was on asking Jesus to come into my heart. Since most of the audience at the Valley Forge Music Fair that night were high school students, I wasn’t asked to make Jesus the Lord of my life. I wasn’t ready for this kind of commitment anyway. Subsequently, I developed a personal relationship with Jesus as my friend and Savior. This was all I knew until I entered college.

Prayerful Action:

The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” ³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household,” Acts 16:27-31.

Retracing Your Steps:

I was in the basement of a building at James Madison University. I thought the winter retreat that I attended was over until one of the leaders provided a small room for what was deemed an open mic. Apparently, this was a time for college students to share what God did in their life and taught them. The chair I was sitting in felt like it was on fire so after there was a slight pause on who would get up next to share, I ran to the podium and began taking. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I wanted to let everyone know that I had decided to make Jesus the Lord of my life.

Song of the Day:

Whenever anyone makes the decision to make Jesus the Lord of their life, you will experience Carrie Underwood moments where you take the wheel back from Jesus. Human nature and temptation lurk around every corner encouraging you to head back to the broad road, Matthew 7:13-15. Resist this urge by holding on to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. ⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. ⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

Reflection:

I spent a decade as a member at a large church. During these years, I met one of the founders of the Church Growth Institute. Larry was a firm believer in Spiritual Gifts and donated his material to my Bible Classes. While there are different types of assessments and tests you can take to ascertain your own spiritual gift, your degree of confidence will influence your overall score. The more humble you are, the lower you will rate yourself. However, as you research the various gifts that exist, you will discern at least one which fits your abilities and personality type. However, this is just the beginning.

Prayerful Action:

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline, 2 Timothy 1:6-7.

Retracing Your Steps:

I attended a Discernment Seminar at a Vineyard Church on February 1st and 2nd of 2012. Prior to this interactive conference, I thought I possessed a special gift, but wasn’t sure if this was from God. Pastor Bruce identified this as Writing in the Spirit. As I listened to a song, heard something on the television or watched a clip from a movie, ideas would suddenly pop into my mind. Before I forgot what I was hearing from God and seeing in my mind, I started taking a journal with me wherever I went. After discerning this gift that I possessed, I began to fan this into flame, creating this blog 2 days later on February 4th, 2012. Twelve years later, I continue to share what the Holy Spirit whispers to me as I continue to nurture my spiritual gift.

Song of the Day:

If you don’t have a clue about your own spiritual gift or talent, search the internet for a free spiritual gift assessment. While it may take a while to ascertain a specific gift, seek discernment from friends or people at church so you can begin to nurture this talent.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” ¹³ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. ¹⁴ Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.¹⁵ Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.¹⁶ Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.¹⁷ Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” – Joel 2:12-17

Refection:

I recently worked a news documentary about Israel. Before the Coronavirus pandemic, Israel was in the middle of a drought during their rainy season. Rather than blame God for this crisis, priests and rabbis called their followers to fast and pray for rain. Thousands came to the weeping wall in Jerusalem to cry out to the Lord daily. While this event didn’t receive much worldwide attention, a few weeks after the call to wrestle with God through fasting and prayer rain fell upon Israel. This is a modern-day example of how the Lord responds to believers who take their faith seriously.

Prayerful Action:

They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. ²³ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders^[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust, Acts 14:21-23.

Retracing Your Steps:

Before any decision was made in the first century church, leaders spent time fasting and praying until a clear answer was received or revealed. Unfortunately, most Christians use prayer as a last second Hail Mary, always playing defense, trying not to fall prey to the same sin over and over again. The last Bible Study I attended in Delaware before moving emphasized the importance of creating a hedge of protection around your family using prayer. Imagine how powerful prayer could become in your life if you added fasting to this spiritual discipline? This is what it means to wrestle with God like the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8, not giving up until she received the verdict she desired.

Song of the Day:

Don’t wait for a State of Emergency before you start fasting and prayer. Go on the offensive by being proactive with fasting and prayer, wrestling with God as you seek God’s will and purpose for your life.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— ² although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. ³ So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. ⁴ Now he had to go through Samaria. ⁵ So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. ⁶ Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. ⁷ When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” ⁸ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) ⁹ The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.^[a]) ¹⁰ Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water,” John 4:1-10.

Reflection:

Every culture has a group of individuals which everyone else looks down upon. In the first century, Samaritans were considered half-Jewish. Subsequently, the strict religious practices of Judaism discouraged direct interactions with Samaritans. While the disciples went around Samaria, Jesus went straight through town looking for someone to minister to. Hanging at near a local well is a strategic place if you want to talk with one of the locals. This is the setting of Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman who has indulged in casual relationships with several men. Pursuing a heart like God’s means going places that no one else likes to or wants to go.

Prayerful Action:

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ¹² On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’^[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” Matthew 9:11-13.

Retracing Your Steps:

I have a heart for inner cities. When I was in college, I chose spending my final spring break in Philadelphia over a warm tropical vacation destination. When you walk off the beaten path of historic cities, poverty is all around you. Unfortunately, more and more churches are investing their mission funds into third world nations as American cities are becoming close to if not worse than these foreign countries. More than any time in our history, America needs Christians who pursue a heart like God so that the needy and poor also hear the good news about Jesus Christ.

Song of the Day:

The video of Heart of God shows Zach Williams checking into a hotel. With each step Zach takes, there are subtle interaction which people with the heart of God will take advantage of when given the opportunity. May the lyrics of this song inspire you to pursue a heart of God.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, ¹⁸ who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, ¹⁹ and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. ²⁰ Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.²¹ Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.²² Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.²³ “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets, Luke 6:17-23.

Reflection:

Rather than pursue a career in golf course design and maintenance, I chose to become a Summer Work Camp Coordinator for the Methodist Action Program and part-time youth director at Janes United Methodist Church. As I was hungering and thirsting after righteousness, things weren’t going as I had hoped and planned. I was broke, sleeping in the basement on my sister’s couch and my attempts to build two successful youth ministries was failing. This is when God introduced me to an organization called Tentmakers Youth Ministry. After reaching out and passing the interview process, I was accepted to become part of their 1993 Winter Trade School Class. A love offering from my home church, Cornerstone United Methodist, made this opportunity a reality.

Prayerful Action:

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty, ” John 6:35.

Retracing Your Steps:

When you take a leap of faith like I did back in 1993 and leave everyone you’ve ever known, it’s a huge transition. However, this Trade School was more like a Spiritual Bootcamp, from 7am in the morning to activities and homework each night. I became so entrenched into what I was doing that I didn’t have time to blink. I was stretched well beyond my comfort zone, forced to lead worship, gave daily talks, serve as an MC and talk to strangers each evening at local malls. At the end of this 40 day adventure, we spent a week at a wilderness camp, serving one another. The final day involved 24 hours of silence and meditation, reflecting upon where we are, what we’ve learned and where is God calling us to go following graduation. This is the most controlled and spiritual setting that I have ever experienced on earth where hungering and thirsting after God was a daily focus.

Song of the Day:

The attached song was one of my favorite songs as I became a full-time youth pastor. The lyrics of Fisher of Men detail what it means to hunger and thirst after righteousness. May today’s devotion inspire you to draw closer to the Lord in 2024.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” Matthew 28:16-20.

Reflection:

As a former high school coach, I know the importance of trying to recruit new and young players. When you only have players for four years, if you focus solely on your current team and forget to share, teach and make younger players interested, you won’t have a team in five years. This same concept applies to youth pastors. If leaders pour their hearts and souls into high school students and neglect upcoming junior highers, they’ll be out of a job. Jesus’ call to his disciples was to seize each day by sharing with other people who Jesus really is, teaching about Jesus’ vision in Acts 1:8 and train willing participants to go and do the same.

Prayerful Action:

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation, Mark 16:15.

Retracing Your Steps:

Evangelism is the spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching and living out your testimony. I tend to be more of the latter, leading by example so I can earn the right to be heard. More vocal individuals feel compelled to share the message of salvation wherever they go. If you have ever taken a spiritual gifts test, I encourage Christians to focus on their areas of strengths. The key is to be genuine, 1 Peter 3:15-16, and avoid being forceful. As Christians demonstrate the love of Jesus, open doors to share your faith will come in the future.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Evangelism tends to scare most Christians, unsure what to say and how to respond to tough questions. Perhaps attending Evangelism Explosion and studying under a more experienced Christian is what you need for now. However, to ensure the success of future generations of the Christian Church, don’t miss out in playing your role in sharing, teaching and making disciples.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved, Acts 2:42-47.

Reflection:

While I was raised within the Roman Catholic Church, most of the teaching I learned was based upon religious practices. The concept of meeting with likeminded Christians wasn’t introduced to me until I joined a Methodist youth group in high school. During my final two years of high school, some of these teenagers became like a second family to me. Just meeting on Sundays wasn’t enough for me so I joined an accountability group and started a Bible Study. While I was still young in my faith, these experiences shaped and strengthen my faith journey.

Prayerful Action:

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching, Hebrews 10:23-25.

Retracing Your Steps:

When I was an infant Christian as a teenager, I once asked, “why can’t I just attend church on Sunday? Isn’t that enough?” As a shy boy, afraid that stuttering would embarrass me, I kept to myself. Yet, when I witnessed how happy and joyful the Christians who attended the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study, I wanted what they had. I wasn’t sure what it was, but a spiritual hunger grew deep inside my heart. When I finally attended, I began to understand of importance of Luke’s words in Acts 2. While I did have some stuttering fits along the way, meeting with other Christians energized my soul. Don’t be like me for years by keeping to myself. Seek out a small group so you can experience the pleasure of meeting with Christ-minded believers.

Song of the Day:

My wife Leanne and I waited for over a year before finally finding a church. A few weeks later we joined a weekly small group that has helped us stay connected socially and spiritually. If you feel alone, seize this day so that tonight you’ll experience the joy of meeting with fellow Christians.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. ¹² We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. ¹³ If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. ¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin^[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.

Reflection:

The term ambassador refers to an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative when working in or visiting a foreign nation. Back in 1997, I became a Brand Ambassador for Michael Jordan Golf as the store manager at O’Hare International Airport. When travelers walked into this store, many asked, “what does Michael Jordan the basketball legend have to do with golf?” Just as I explained the vision for Michael Jordan Golf, the apostle Paul was calling members of the Church at Corinth to become ambassadors for Jesus.

Prayerful Action:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body, Philippians 3:20-21.

Retracing Your Steps:

As society transitions from facts toward a more politically correct opinionated based culture, disinformation about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is spread daily. Subsequently, unless modern-day ambassadors for Christ begin speaking up to correct these untrue statements, the next generation of Christian churches will accept, believe and embrace unbiblical doctrines. This is why the apostle Paul urged the Church at Rome to renew their minds with the Bible, Romans 12:1-2, so that their teaching will align with the first century church, Acts 2:42-47.

Song of the Day:

Learning to become an ambassador for Christ begins by serving in a local church or ministry. As you continue in this role or move up into a leadership position, elders and the Holy Spirit are your guide to fulfill the Great Commission, Acts 1:8.

by Jay Mankus