Author Archives: expressyourself4him

S.A.N.S. Episode 365: Yours to Take

Posted on February 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Jesus didn’t force anyone to do anything in the first century. Rather, Jesus had high standards and expectations for anyone who followed him. Luke 9 provides a series of brief conversations of potential disciples Jesus passed over because He didn’t believe their commitment level was high enough. Jimmy Needham sings about this commitment in his song Yours to Take. As Jimmy matured in his faith, he came to the conclusion that it’s time to make Jesus the Lord of his life, Romans 10:9-11.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [[p]cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]. 25 For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting]. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed [q]life in the kingdom of God]? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his [blessed] [r]life [in the kingdom of God]? – Matthew 16:24-26

Jesus had 3 expectations for his twelve disciples: to deny yourself, take up the cross of Christ and follow Jesus. Like the disciples who willing followed this spiritual leader, modern Christians need to come to a similar point in their lives. Are you going to take the plunge by saying “I’m yours to take” or are you holding out for a better offer? May the lyrics of Yours to Take inspire you to make a deeper commitment to the Lord in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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A Mighty Hunter Before the Lord

Posted on February 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

History books speak to early civilizations as hunters and gatherers. While I have a green thumb from time to time with successful gardens, hunting is something I’ve never done. The closest thing I’ve done to hunting is catching fish in a net to stock the dammed creek in my back yard. Despite having relatives who are skilled deer hunters with bow and shotguns, I can barely hit the target at rifle ranges. Subsequently, it’s hard to relate to the man Moses refers to as a mighty hunter before the Lord.

Cush became the father of Nimrod; he was the first to be a mighty man on the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord, Genesis 10:8-9.

Perhaps, Nimrod was the Clint Eastwood of his day, able to shoot any moving target at a moment’s notice. Maybe this athletic ability skipped me and was given to my oldest son James who earned the honor of expert marksman at summer camp while in high school. All those years of playing video games as a child paid off for him. Yet, what qualities did a mighty hunter before the Lord possess and what exactly does that look like?

The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [in Babylonia], Genesis. 10:10.

I suppose that whenever Nimrod went out hunting to provide food for his family, he never came home without something hanging over his shoulder. As someone with the gift of writing in the Spirit, Nimrod likely had a sixth sense for hunting, able to track down animals like an American Indian who lives off the land. Just as Enoch habitually walked with God, Nimrod followed the Spirit’s leading until catching the game he set out on was completed. This is all we know about Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 364: Fight Another Day

Posted on February 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As I come down the final stretch, the last two songs of my yearlong project to present 365 different songs from 365 different artists, I wanted to make sure I finished strong. This search led me to Addison Road’s song Fight Another Day. After listening to the lyrics for the first time, I was reminded of the passage below. The author of Hebrews suggests that some Christians will barely get into heaven. Perhaps a last second warning, staring death in the face, will result in finally trusting in Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.

For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward]. 27 [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God], Hebrews 10:26-27.

For other people, life is a daily grind that can suck the joy out of you. This may be the target audience for today’s song, encouraging to fight another day like the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9-10. Paul’s call is to not give up hope, but to press on so you’re ready for any future opportunities to share your faith with others also on the verge of quitting. May today’s song inspire you to fight another day, fueled by faith in the promises of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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Waiting on Clarity

Posted on February 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Clarity has many meanings depending upon the context it is used in. The one definition I found which applies to spiritual clarity is the quality of being easy to see or hear; as in sharpness of image or sound. Unfortunately, I’ve found the beginning of 2023 to be similar to how I ended 2022, cloudy, foggy with low visibility. Like a physical famine sweeping through a third world country, sometimes you have to wait on clarity until the storms of life subside.

Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come. 21 Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand, Proverbs 19:20-21.

King Solomon adds a solid piece of advice in the passage above. Many are the plans in a man’s or woman’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails in the end. Upon my move to South Carolina, I had an idea of how things were eventually going to play out. Every time I thought God was about to open a new chapter in my life, this door slammed shut in my face. After a series of humiliating circumstances, I find myself once again waiting on clarity for my next phase in life to be revealed.

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; 31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired, Isaiah 40:29-31.

After complaining and moaning internally, I was reminded of the words from an Old Testament prophet. Isaiah uses a baby eagle learning to fly, leaving its nest for the first time. Like Tom Cruise’s classic line in Top Gun, “sometimes you crash and burn.” While I wait on clarity, I have to get up off the mat of disappointment to rise above how I feel. This is where faith is designed to take over, letting go of your life by letting Jesus take the reins, Romans 10:9-11. In God’s time, clarity will come.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 363: My Help Comes From the Lord

Posted on January 31, 2023 by expressyourself4him

In the early days of his life as the family’s shepherd, David had a simple life without many complications. However, following his victory over the giant Goliath, David was elevated, becoming a rising star in the eyes of the nation of Israel. Jews began to sing songs about David, becoming more popular than the current leader King Saul. As David’s life became more and more complex, he wrote the words below, coming to the conclusion that his help comes from the Lord.

I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings. 3 And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord, Psalm 40:1-3.

The Christian group which simply goes by the Musuem sings about this in their song My Help Comes from the Lord. Unfortunately, pride causes many Christians today to think that recent successes and victories was due in part from their own hard work and dedication. May the lyrics of My Help Comes From the Lord stir your heart and help you realize that behind-the-scenes angels and the Holy Spirit are providing all that you need in life, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Give God the glory in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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How Vision Can Keep You Going in 2023

Posted on January 31, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the traits engrained within me from the Youth Ministry Trade School that I attended in the 1990’s is to be vision oriented. My first full time job following college did not use a time clock Instead, I filled out a weekly Plan of Action for my upcoming week. Every activity, event, and meeting on my weekly calendar had a specific purpose which I highlighted in my End of Week Report that I gave to my Senior Pastor. Maintaining vision produced spiritual results week after week.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children, Hosea 4:6.

As I now try to figure out my place in South Carolina in 2023, vision is the only thing that keeps me from giving up hope on my future. During slow months at my current job, I have 3 days off a week which I fill with projects that I have planned out for the next two years. My immediate vision is completing a brick patio which will extend my front porch. My primary vision is completing the Improbable Escape, a true story which took place during World War II. God willing, this will be completed by May 1st so I can move on to a 3-tiered astroturf golf green with a nursey in the works for 2024.

 And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a [u]deserted place, and there He prayed. 36 And Simon [Peter] and those who were with him followed Him [[v]pursuing Him eagerly and hunting Him out], 37 And they found Him and said to Him, Everybody is looking for You. 38 And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out, Mark 1:35-38.

While physical structures are enjoyable to complete, I also have a vision for my spiritual well-being. This includes joining a small group, a writer’s group and become an active member in the Aiken Community. The best way I know how to turn visions into reality is by emulating Jesus. If I can only discipline myself to develop a permanent time with God daily, this will keep me going like the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 1:6. May this blog inspire you to make vision a guide for your future as “if you fail to plan; you plan to fail.”

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 362: Let the Waters Rise

Posted on January 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

While God promised not to destroy the earth as a form of punishment through a world-wide flood in Genesis 8, localized storms still do extreme damage to various cities and towns annually. Some people lose their cars, others personal possessions and the unfortunate may lose their entire house as it’s washed away from its foundation. Mikes Chair sings about this in their song Let the Waters Rise.

So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a [p]sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. 27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it, Matthew 7:24-27.

The fairy tale of the Three Little Pigs is based upon Jesus’ words above. As a homeowner of a property on sandy soil, a fast-moving rainstorm easily erodes portions of the ground in my steep backyard. While I have been proactive by protecting this soil with rocks and a brick wall, flood waters move whenever they want. However, when your foundation is built upon solid ground, where Jesus becomes the cornerstone of your faith, you can say to any storm “let the waters rise.” May these words stick with you in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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Only the Beginning

Posted on January 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As an aging parent, it’s hard to remember what it’s like to live each new day with the excitement of a child. Before the days of childcare, every summer day for me was an adventure. I spent hundreds of hours exploring the woods that run along Naamans’ Creek. One area is filled with giant boulders, more fitting for a mountain than the start of this small tributary. Some days I went fishing, catching eels and large fish for the dam my father constructed in my backyard. This was only the beginning.

And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 And the Lord said, Behold, they are one people and they have [a]all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them, Genesis 11:5-6.

Following the earth’s first and only global flood, this pioneer spirit existed in the days of Nimrod. As Noah’s children went off to the four corners of the world, the earth’s population was rebuilt as new frontiers were discovered. According to Moses, like minded individuals gathered at Babel to construct the largest tower on earth. As the Lord saw the determination in their eyes, this was only the beginning of what mankind could accomplish if united under one common goal.

Let your [a]character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor [c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor [e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!] 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? – Hebrews 13:5-6

Fearful that the earth would return to the sinful ways in the days of Noah, God sent a Spirit of Confusion upon Babel. This language barrier snapped the momentum the residents of Babel had built. Yet, this all happened for a reason, forcing human beings to spread out to every continent on earth. Acts 1:8 speaks of a spiritual reunion, but only when everyone in Jerusalem, surrounding towns, and every tribe in the world has an opportunity to receive God’s free gift, Romans 6:23. This is only the beginning is a new call today for missionaries trying to fulfill the Great Commission. Seize each day God gives you on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 361: God Gave Me You

Posted on January 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whether it was high school, college or in my adult years, every so often I met someone who I instantly connected with. These encounters occurred on missions’ trips and retreats. Following an ice breaker, an initial conversation began which helped me discover that this person was like finding a long-lost brother and sister. David Barnes sings about a similar topic, but Barnes gives the credit to God for his wife and daughter.

Every good gift and every perfect ([d]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse], James 1:17.

The earthly brother of Jesus also points in the correct direction when you receive an unexpected gift. According to first century historians, James believed his brother was a mere carpenter until Jesus died on a cross and rose from His grave three days later. This is the context and inspiration behind the passage above. Whether in the form of a new job, place to live or presence of a new friend, God is the giver of all gifts on earth. May you come to this conclusion in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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A Purpose to Press On

Posted on January 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Today was one of those hard days at work that makes you reconsider if you are where God wants you to be in life. The youngest child in the Parable of the Prodigal Son experienced a famine before he came to his senses in Luke 15:14-17. After being desperate enough to work at a pig farm, this rebellious son was so hungry that he longed to eat the slop that he fed the pigs under his care. Whatever crossroad that you’re facing, step out in faith with a purpose to press on.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you, Philippians 1:6.

The context of the passage above is referring to the Church at Philippi. This young church under the spiritual leadership of Lydia, who opened her home like modern day home churches, was in its infancy stage. Subsequently, Paul writes this letter to cast a positive vision for their future as this body of Christ. Other letters like the one written to a teenage pastor provides direction on how to grow a church, 2 Timothy 1:5-7, by fanning into flame your spiritual gifts and talents for the Lord.

Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. 13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward, Philippians 3:12-14.

According to Paul’s letter to the Church at Corinth, churches function their best, like a well-oiled machine, when every believer plays their part, 1 Corinthians 12:1-12. However, in order for this to become a reality, Christians need to first discover and develop their spiritual gift or gifts. As iron sharpens iron, Proverbs 27:17, mature Christians need to turn their attention toward God’s will for their lives, Romans 12:1-2. Pursuing spiritual gifts and God’s will provide a purpose to press on even when your current situation is extremely cloudy or dark. Whatever your circumstance, may Paul’s words above spur you to press on.

by Jay Mankus

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