Author Archives: expressyourself4him

S.A.N.S. 321: The First Noel

Posted on December 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is seven days away. The older I get, the quick time seems to fly by. Rather to write about the 12 days of Christmas with a corresponding song, the final week of Advent will have to do. The artists selected for this week were a joint venture between my wife Leanne and I. I wanted to pay homage to famous singers who became icons in American culture. Holly Starr’s rise to acclaim began on My Space and has led to multiple top 25 songs.

For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! 12 And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [[c]after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, Luke 2:11-12.

Holly’s version of The First Noel sets the tone for the reason of this season. Noel comes from Latin which means birthday. While the birth of any child is a special occasion, Mary gave birth to the future Savior of the world, John 3:16-17. From a historical perspective, Jesus was born between 4 and 5 BC. When you consider the baby boys under two were slaughtered by Herod the Great’s edict. Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to seek refuge until his death in 4 BC. This First Noel’s life was saved by God.

by Jay Mankus

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Breaking Generational Sins Before It’s Too Late

Posted on December 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The first mention of generational sins in the Bible is found in Exodus 20:5. As God unveils the Ten Commandments to the Nation of Israel, Moses is urged to inform individuals of the sins of the father. This includes any addiction, bad habits, careless choices, unwholesome desires or any act of disobedience that is in direct conflict with God’s commands, decrees and precepts. Following Moses’ disclaimer about generational sins, the ten commandments are centered around loving God and loving your neighbor.

And Cain said to his brother, [b]Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. 9 And the Lord said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper? 10 And [the Lord] said, What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed by reason of the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s [shed] blood from your hand. 12 When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength; you shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth [in perpetual exile, a degraded outcast], Genesis 4:8-12.

After the act of original sin, a joint venture by Adam and Eve, who was right there with her while taking a bite from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge in Genesis 3:6, the second sin in the Bible is mentioned in the passage above. Just as Eve made a decision to break God’s only boundary in the Garden of Eden, Cain made up his mind to eliminate his competition and the source of his envy/jealousy. Cain’s act of murder was passed down to his children and grandchildren, up to four generations.

Lamech said to his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say; for I have slain a man [merely] for wounding me, and a young man [only] for striking and bruising me. 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech [will be avenged] seventy-sevenfold, Genesis 4:23-24.

Although I’ve read the book of Genesis on numerous occasions, I failed to see the confession made by Lamech to his two wives. Following some sort of altercation and dispute, Lamech admits to killing a young man who physically assaulted him. Lamech reflects upon what God said about Cain and his earthly punishment. When I heard Lamech’s confession, this is clearly a sign from God to break any generational sins in your family before it’s too late. Follow the apostle Paul’s advice in Galatians 5:16-25 to break this sinful pattern so you don;t follow in your father’s wayward footsteps.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 320: Drummer Boy / Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Posted on December 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Little Drummer Boy is one of those Christmas Classics which doesn’t get the attention it deserves. One of the Santa Claus cartoons has a scene when the Burgemeester bans Christmas in this one town. Every morning any Christmas decorations or gifts that are found are taken and burned int front of children. I believe one of the scenes has a boy whose snare drum is taken and destroyed. While Santa does come to save the day, in real life it’s Jesus who is the Savior.

So they went with haste and [[g]by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, Luke 2:16-17.

One of the ways modern musicians put a new spin on a Christmas classic is by blending a worship song that leads into a specific Christmas carol. Such is the case for the worship montage by Hillsong during a live Christmas program in London. While I prefer the originals that stand alone, the attached You Tube provides a different perspective on the Little Drummer Boy. Although this version may not be for you, I hope Sing A New Song prepares your heart to celebrate Jesus this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

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A Child Who Can Alter Your Legacy

Posted on December 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you haven’t learned this from watching cable news, it only takes one act to alter your legacy forever. When earth’s first couple participated in original sin by breaking God’s only boundary placed in the Garden of Eden (not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge), the sinful nature was conceived. Subsequently, when Cain, the first-born child on earth, had his own moral dilemma, a peptalk from God couldn’t alter the decision he had already made in his mind. Cain eliminated the source of his jealousy, Abel.

So Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod [wandering], east of Eden. 17 And Cain’s wife [one of Adam’s offspring] became pregnant and bore Enoch; and Cain built a [f]city and named it after his son Enoch, Genesis 4:16-17.

According to Jude 1:14, Jared’s son Enoch lived seven generations after Adam. When you take into consideration Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel, Eve gave birth to two girls. Each of these two were likely women Cain and Abel eventually married. Since Abel’s life was struck down before he was able to have children, Cain’s wife gave birth to the first Enoch. This is what I call a God instance, not a coincidence as Enoch would go on to alter Cain’s legacy as a man and a father.

When Enoch was 65 years old, Methuselah was born. 22 Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God after the birth of Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 And Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God; and he was not, for God took him [home with Him], Genesis 5:21-24.

Since the earth’s population was reduced from six to five people following Abel’s murder, God didn’t give Cain the death penalty. Rather than cut the earth’s population back to four, Cain was sentenced to a life as a vagabond. However, Moses does record his family’s lineage in the passage above. Instead of dwelling upon and being haunted by his grave error in judgment, Cain devoted his life to raising Enoch. Like Solomon in the book of Proverbs, Cain did all he could to point Enoch in the right direction by avoiding the same mistakes he made in life. As Paul Harvey would say, “and now you now the rest of the story” of how just one child can alter your legacy on earth. If a murderer can raise a godly child who Cain built a city to honor, anything is possible.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 319: King of Kings / Angels We Have Heard on High

Posted on December 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Whenever I hear or see the word angel in print, I’m reminded of the show It’s a Miracle on PAX Television. Before our second child Daniel arrived, my wife and I just watched the channels available with an antenna. We had five different stations to watch, but PAX was our favorite due to shows like It’s a Miracle and Hope Island. It seemed like every other episode of It’s a Miracle featured an encounter with an angel.

But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. 11 For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! – Luke 2:10-11

If you follow an Advent Calendar with your family or church, you’ll likely come across the passage above. Luke spoke to shepherds, eyewitnesses of this angelic encounter. Christian groups like David and the Giants dedicated an entire album to this topic entitled Angels Unaware. While you may feel left out if you haven’t had an encounter with an angel, may you be touched by the words of the worship montage entitled King of Kings/Angels We Have Heard on High.

by Jay Mankus

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A Moment Closest to Christ in the Face of Adversity

Posted on December 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I was in college, I attended a Walk to Emmaus Weekend. Following this amazing retreat with men, a group of us started an accountability group to keep the spiritual momentum going. Ed hosted this weekly get together on Monday night which was attended by Dave, D.R., Jack and me. The Reunion Group relied on an outline for sharing that included your moment closest to Christ. While at work today, the Holy Spirit opened by eyes and heart to a spiritual element that has been missing from my life.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— 17 The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you, John 16:16-17.

The emotions that I experienced were brought on due to my sister’s current battle with ovarian cancer. When I first moved to Delaware 25 years ago, I spent the first 10 years getting together on Friday nights for a combination of cards and games. While these nights at her house were often competitive and intense, this time brought our families together as my two oldest boys got to spend time with their older cousins Lizzy and Rachael. Unfortunately, over the past 15 years I’ve become so consumed with my own life that I haven’t spent enough time with the people I love.

I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you. 19 Just a little while now, and the world will not see Me any more, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. 20 At that time [when that day comes] you will know [for yourselves] that I am in My Father, and you [are] in Me, and I [am] in you, John 16:18-20.

My moment closest to Christ came in the form of a rhema, a message from the Holy Spirit. I was reminded of the song Wanting the Things You Get by Santa Fe. The message of the attached You Tube pierced my heart, flooding my soul with conviction of not investing my time on earth in relationships. Instead, I’ve wasted a decade on self-indulgence on my computer, phone and watching television. My pledge for 2023 is to begin focusing my life and time centered around getting to know and love my neighbors. As I continue to pray for the miracle of healing for my sister Kathie, seize every moment that you have with family this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 318: Take Courage

Posted on December 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I was a teenager, I was a daredevil. Perhaps, I watched too many Evel Knievel stunts on television. I once tried to jump the creek in my backyard only to miss the edge of the ramp I made flying into the air. That one year I was forced to try gymnastics as a child paid off as I went into a roll to avoid any injuries. As an adult, I don’t have the courage that I once possessed. Perhaps, listening to Kristene Dimarco’s song Take Courage will inspire you to take more chances by leaving your comfort zone.

Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go, Joshua 1:6-7.

As Israel was preparing to enter God’s promised land, Joshua gives a pep talk. After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, the time had arrived for Israel’s new leader to communicate God’s message of courage. While I didn’t include the entire context of this passage, Joshua suggests that courage comes from meditating on God’s Word day and night, Joshua 1:8. As you listen to Take Courage, may you think about memorizing scripture in 2023 to enhance a spirit of courage, 2 Timothy 1:7.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Punishment is Greater Than What You Can Bear

Posted on December 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was grounded a few times by my parents. My worst punishment as a student was being called to the principal’s office. When I gave up trying to improve as a saxophone player in 8th grade, I became a troublemaker. Subsequently, I was rolling up fake joints made out of oregano. However, our band director thought it was the real thing. After being dragged down to the main office like criminals, the boy who brought the oregano to school cracked under pressure. While I was cleared of any charges, my band director never forgave me.

Then Cain said to the Lord, My punishment is]greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, You have driven me out this day from the face of the land, and from Your face I will be hidden; and I will be a fugitive and a vagabond and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me. 15 And the Lord said to him, [d]Therefore, if anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark or sign upon Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him. 16 So Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod [wandering], east of Eden, Genesis 4:13-16.

In the case of Cain, he verbalized his concerns to the Lord in the passage above. Perhaps, nightmares of Abel’s death kept replaying in his mind. Cain’s overwhelming conscience brought conviction and regret to his heart and soul daily. Sensing that other members of his family would eventually hunt him down in revenge, Cain asked God for some sort of intervention. God’s solution is detailed above with a mark, a visible sign to avoid touching Cain. Yet, this doesn’t mean Cain lived happily ever after as a social outcast forced to think about what he had done to his brother.

But I say to you that everyone who continues to be [ad]angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be [ae]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be [af]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You [ag]cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be [ah]liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire, Matthew 5:22.

There’s a lesson in every crime as illustrated by shows like Cold Case Files and Forensic Files. No matter how careful the killer is, there is always at least one clue left behind at the scene of the crime. Although Cain denied any involvement, God saw right through Cain’s lie. Jesus indirectly mentions Cain in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. Jesus equates hatred with murder. The jealousy within Cain due to the prosperity of his little brother conceived a root of bitterness inside of Cain’s heart. When you give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:26-28, hatred can lead to murder. May Cain’s story serve as a warning for all people.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 317: Hope Has a Name

Posted on December 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I first heard today’s song while driving home from work. I wasn’t able to catch the name or who this was by, but I couldn’t wait to get home to see if I could find Hope Has a Name on You Tube. Depending upon the musician, everyone has their own opinion of how a certain song should be done. Some focus on the melody, others on keys and notes and song writers add their own two cents on how a song can be enhanced. Yet, when you sing about hope, Jesus is His name.

For in [this] hope we were saved. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For how can one hope for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure, Romans 8:24-25.

The passage above comes from one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. The apostle Paul begins Romans 8 by comparing and contrasting the sinful nature with the Holy Spirit. The middle focuses on hope and the source of salvation. Yet, the ending is the most powerful as Paul declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God. As you listen to River Valley Worship’s version of Hope Has a Name, may you be touched as I was the first time, I heard this worship song.

by Jay Mankus

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God’s Original Intent

Posted on December 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I was in college, theological discussions included debating the creation of Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Thirty years later, apparently men can give birth, you can self-identify as an animal or tree and everyday things that were once obvious have become clouded and confusing. According to Moses, God’s original intent for creating men and women was so that once you find a soul mate, you would leave your parents to start a new life with the love of your life.

Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man. 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not embarrassed or ashamed in each other’s presence, Genesis 2:23-25.

The words in the passage above were carefully chosen by Moses. When I reread this verse a week ago, I was reminded of the parallels made by the apostle Paul in Romans 10:9-11. Biblical marriage was designed as a unified relationship, where two adults become one body to produce offspring. Meanwhile, Paul writes about the relationship that Christians should have with Jesus. A personal relationship with God isn’t just a crutch like a get out of jail free card in Monopoly. Jesus should be Lord of your life.

He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate), Matthew 19:4-6.

One of the reasons Christian marriages continue to crumble is when one of the spouses seeks to take control by abandoning their vow to become one flesh. Like a creative student explaining why they couldn’t complete their homework on time, Christian adults have mastered rationalizing why divorce is the best option. As you read today’s passages, may you be moved to develop a will to love your significant other so that hardships and trials will not separate you from God’s original intent of marriage.

by Jay Mankus

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