Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Guaranteeing Your Place in the Book of Life

Posted on October 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There is a reason that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. Perhaps, reading pages that are described as living and active can be engaging and life changing, Hebrews 4:12. Yet, the one question I always wanted to know about as a child was what happens to human beings after you die? My question went unanswered for me until college.

I entreat and advise Euodia and I entreat and advise Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. 3 And I exhort you too, [my] genuine yokefellow, help these [two women to keep on cooperating], for they have toiled along with me in [the spreading of] the good news (the Gospel), as have Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! – Philippians 4:2-4.

Attending any funeral is depressing and sad. Yet, when you don’t know if the person who passed away is with Jesus in heaven can be crushing and gut wrenching. I remember attending a funeral at a strange church in high school after my friend committed suicide. The pastor kept saying “if there is God and if there is a heaven, we hope that Kevin is there.” This experience wanted me to know more about the Bible’s teaching on the Book of Life.

And if anyone’s [name] was not found recorded in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire, Revelation 20:15.

The apostle Paul mentions the Book of Life in today’s first passage. The context of this letter highlights why you should rejoice in the Lord. Perhaps, this is the same reason why angels rejoice in heaven whenever a lost sheep is found by the Shepherd, Luke 15:7. While 99 percent of funerals claim that the person who died is now in heaven, this isn’t consistent with Jesus’ teaching in Mattew 7:13-14. According to one disciple, you can know for sure, guaranteeing your place in the Book of Life, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 271: Gratitude

Posted on October 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a worship pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Brandon Lake is also a member of the Bethel Music and the Maverick City Music collective team. Since today’s song falls on the Sabbath, Brandon’s song Gratitude is fitting. Part of any worship service is raising your voice in song as a form as gratitude to God.

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 1 Thessalonians 5:18-19.

The context of the passage above comes the apostle Paul. Paul’s first impression of Thessalonica wasn’t a good one. Subsequently, Paul felt like this new church needed to focus on the positive aspects in life rather than the negative. As you listen to Gratitude by Brandon Lake, may you be inspired to take the time daily to thank God for all blessings in your life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Biblical Armageddon

Posted on October 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Politicians often use World War III as a talking point to convince voters that their opponent is far too extreme to get elected or too dangerous to remain in power. As mid-term elections continue to ramp up this month, advertisements and commercials will continue to demonize other candidates. While the 1998 film Armageddon is entertaining, there is one war that will occur known as the biblical Armageddon.

And I saw three loathsome spirits like frogs, [leaping] from the mouth of the dragon and from the mouth of the beast and from the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For really they are the spirits of demons that perform signs (wonders, miracles). And they go forth to the rulers and leaders all over the world, to gather them together for war on the great day of God the Almighty, Revelation 16:13-14.

According to a vision from God by one of Jesus’ former disciples, the final battle on earth, Armageddon, will take place at Megiddo. This former territory of the Tribe of Manasseh will serve as the scene of World War III. Despite all the lead up this this event in the Bible, John is vague about the actual details in Revelation 19:19-21. Instead of providing thrilling accounts like Saving Private Ryan, John summarizes this battle in a sentence: the beast was seized, overpowered, along with the false prophet who were defeated and judged by God. Spoiler Alert!

Behold, I am going to come like a thief! Blessed (happy, [a]to be envied) is he who stays awake (alert) and who guards his clothes, so that he may not be naked and [have the shame of being] seen exposed! 16 And they gathered them together at the place which in Hebrew is called Armageddon. 17 Then the seventh [angel] emptied out his bowl into the air, and a mighty voice came out of the sanctuary of heaven from the throne [of God], saying, It is done! [It is all over, it is all accomplished, it has come!] – Revelation 16:15-17.

Perhaps, this may explain why no famous movie writer has attempted to make a modern version of the biblical Armageddon. What John does provide in the passage above, Armageddon serves as the last piece of the puzzle of God’s plan on earth. This final event on earth will open the doors of heaven for eternity where all dead Christians will be reunited for a never-ending reunion. While I’m sorry there is no drama about the Armageddon, make sure you get your life right with God now, so you’re prepared.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 270: Speak to the Mountains

Posted on October 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from the son of youth pastor. While Chris McClarney was forced to move several times as a child due to the volatility of youth ministry, he now resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and children. One of my favorite Chris McClarney songs is Speak to the Mountains. Chirs’ lyrics remind me that God is bigger than my troubles in life.

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:33-34.

In the chorus of Speak to the Mountains, Chris sings with conviction of his belief that nothing is impossible with God on your side. I just wish I wasn’t shaken by the daily trials that I face in life. Perhaps, the more I listen to Speak to the Mountains I will be motivated to stop panicking and begin to trust in the Lord with all my heart and soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Halloween House Cleaning

Posted on October 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I was a teenager, I participated in a seance. I had a crush on the girl leading it, so I didn’t hesitate to join in this late-night summertime activity. I was in Junior High at the time, and I didn’t know what faith was, so I didn’t think about the spiritual consequences. At the time, I thought this was pretend, like Whoppi Goldberg’s character in Ghost. This is my Halloween house cleaning story.

But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any. 44 Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order, and decorated, Matthew 12:43-44.

In the years that followed these seances, I battled severe depression. During one restless night, I even planned my own suicide, jumping off my second-floor banister with a noose around my neck. Before I went through with this, my best friend from baseball actually hung himself a week later. I was an emotional wreck for the next few years until my high school swim coach introduced me to Jesus.

Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So also shall it be with this wicked generation, Matthew 12:45.

Halloween has become the second most celebrated holiday in the United States, a close second to Christmas. Halloween is the only time each year that children and parents come into your house, a great time to witness by sharing the love of Jesus. Unfortunately, if you participate in certain activities, there are spiritual doors that you may open like I did at seances. Though I don’t believe everything I see on television, there are many who speak about opening the door for the Devil to enter their life, Ephesians 4:26-27. May this blog prompt you to do your own Halloween House Cleaning this fall.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 269: I Believe

Posted on October 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jonathan David and Melissa Helser are a Christian couple who have released three studio albums with Bethel Music. The Helser’s projects include Endless Ocean, Bottomless Sea in 2014, On the Shores in 2015 and Beautiful Surrender in 2016. This worship-oriented couple have released one of my favorite versions of I Believe.

Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. 24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it], Mark 11:23-24.

One of the differences between a successful orayer life and an average one is belief. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus implores those in attendance to keep on asking God like the woman in the parable of the Persistent Widow. May today’s song challenge you to stop focusing on the mountains blocking you and start believing in the God of miracles.

by Jay Mankus

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The Age of Deception and Seduction

Posted on October 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The signs of this new age are everywhere. Advertisements, commercials. grocery store magazines, social media, and television. Sex sells went from a marketing plan in the 1980’s to a reality that has ushered in the age of deception and seduction. The American rock band Van Halen sang about a fantasy in Hot for Teacher in 1984 but this is now a weekly occurrence as female and male teachers are having sex with minors.

Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.] 44 You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false, John 8:44.

One of Jesus’ disciples’ points to the source of this deception and seduction. John remembers the day that Jesus blamed the Devil, giving this spiritual creature a nickname that still holds true: the father of all lies. Nonetheless, a second glance at the Tree of Knowledge is no different than any other daily decision to give into temptation. Like the prodigal son, the ecstasy of earthly pleasures replaces common sense.

And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his place of confinement, 8 And he will go forth to deceive and seduce and lead astray the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth—Gog and Magog—to muster them for war; their number is like the sand of the sea, Revelation 20:7-8.

Unfortunately, it takes reaching the bottom of the barrel to wake up, Luke 15:15-16, and snap out of deception and seduction. As one of my former pastors preached about, sin stays longer than you ever expected. Like breaking any bad habit, you have to develop a sense of urgency to break free from addiction. May today’s blog serve as a turning point so you escape the wrath of God, Hebrews 10:26-27.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 268: Believe

Posted on October 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Believe is one of those words that can serve as a stumbling block if your words aren’t backed up by actions. Anyone can believe when you’re winning in life, experiencing more victories than losses. Yet, when bad things happen to good people, following the advice of Journey’s classic song, “Don’t Stop Believing” isn’t easy.

But someone will say [to you then], You [say you] have faith, and I have [good] works. Now you show me your [alleged] faith apart from any [good] works [if you can], and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as [a]make a man’s hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]! – James 2:18-19

Today’s song is a collaboration, part of the Fearless Soul Collection. When I first heard this song on You Tube, I was reminded by words written by Jesus’ earthly brother. While demons believe in God, these fallen angels rebelled from God, following the arch angel Lucifer. In view of this passage, may your belief in God result in actions in the form of spiritual fruit.

by Jay Mankus

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What Do You Need Help with Today?

Posted on October 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jesus models how to seek help from God daily in Mark 1:35-39. Jesus first took a walk every in the morning to clear His mind. After finding a solitary place where He could concentrate, Jesus began to pray in this place, pouring his heart out to His heavenly father. While John Mark doesn’t mention the length of Jesus’ prayer time, apparently, He had just concluded praying when the disciples found Him.

I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you, John 14:25-26.

While I haven’t taught in a decade and coached in 7 years, I have developed an eye and ear to help those in need. As long as I don’t put blinders on, I recognize the needs of my co-workers. Unfortunately, a lack of motivation often causes me to commit sins of inaction, James 4:14-17. Rather than be the hands and feet of Jesus, selfish ambitions and my sinful nature prevent me from doing what I know is right, Romans 7:15-17.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] 26 Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another, Galatians 5:24-26.

According to the apostle Paul, the solution to human nature is keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. Just like Jesus fought off the desire to sleep in (hitting the snooze button today), the Spirit is willing but human bodies are weak, Matthew 26:41. Paul writes about willing your body like a professional athlete in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. If you’re like me, still struggling to constantly seek out those in need, pray verses Matthew 26:41 and Galatians 5:25 so God’s Spirit prevails, transforming you into a servant of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 267: Communion

Posted on October 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a Roman Catholic teenager, Holy Communion was served every Sunday. When I started attending a Methodist Church in college, Communion was only held once a month. One of my favorite songs that prepared me for Communion was One Bread, One Body. I was introduced to this song on a Walk to Emmaus Weekend. Yet, there are new songs like Communion by Brooke Ligertwood.

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread and, [e]praising God, gave thanks and asked Him to bless it to their use, and when He had broken it, He gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat; this is My body. 27 And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you; 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which [[f]ratifies the agreement and] is [g]being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins, Matthew 26:26-28.

When churches were forced to close during the Coronavirus, Christians were deprived of this special experience with other brothers and sisters of faith. Hopefully, as things have gotten back to normal now in 2022, Communion Sunday is much more appreciated. May Brooke’s song Communion prepare your heart for the next time you break bread and pass the cup in church.

by Jay Mankus

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