Author Archives: expressyourself4him

How Great is Your Love?

Posted on October 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my first nights as a college freshman, a girl in my dorm opened up about a traumatic experience that happened over the summer. Her parents’ house backed up to one of the major interstates in New Jersey. While hanging out in her backyard, she heard a large explosion. Something inside of her moved her toward this massive pile up. Moments later, she helped drag a child from a burning car. This instinct was something she couldn’t explain, but it was a sign of love deep inside her heart.

This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do, John 15:12-14.

As God’s plan for His life was a few days from being fulfilled, Jesus began to open up to His disciples. Passion Week served as a way to prepare these twelve men for life after His ascension into heaven. Looking back, it’s clear that Jesus is pointing to his death on a cross in the passage above. Yet, most of the disciples thought that Jesus was merely introducing another expectation for his followers. To someone like Peter, this is an extension of Matthew 16:24-27, a call to prove your love for God.

Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die. 8 But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us, Romans 5:7-8.

Alain de Lille is a French theologian and poet who referred to the apostle Paul’s letter to Rome as the Road to Romans in 1175. This first century epistle is considered one of the most theological books in the New Testament. The passage above along with Romans 6:23 play a crucial role in Evangelism Explosion, a course I took at a local Methodist Church in Delaware. Paul illustrates the greatness of Jesus’ love. Nearly 2000 years after his death and resurrection, Jesus wants to know how great is your love on earth?

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 256: Where I Wanna Be

Posted on October 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As the sun rises on a new day, there are two questions that Christians should consider prior to leaving for the day. The first is where does God want me to go beside school or work? The second is like it: what opportunities will God give me to be at the perfect time and in the perfect place? The group Vienna sings about this in their song Where I Wanna Be.

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.

Jesus didn’t leave this up to chance in the passage above. Rather Jesus goes for a walk early in the morning, finds a quiet place to focus and calls out to his heavenly Father to provide insight on what to do today. While Jesus’ disciples each had their own ideas and plans on what to do, Jesus knew the exact place to go, ministering to others along the way. May the song Where I Wanna Be inspire you to attempt to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

by Jay Mankus

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When Justice is Celebrated by Heaven

Posted on October 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

At some point in my lifetime politicians have decided to experiment with law and order. Rather than keep the current judicial system which was established by America’s founding fathers, democrats, liberals, and progressives want to close down prisons throughout this country. In the process, individuals formerly found guilty in court are being released back into society with many not being reformed internally.

How much worse (sterner and heavier) punishment do you suppose he will be judged to deserve who has spurned and [thus] trampled underfoot the Son of God, and who has considered the covenant blood by which he was consecrated common and unhallowed, thus profaning it and insulting and outraging the [Holy] Spirit [Who imparts] grace (the unmerited favor and blessing of God)? 30 For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people, Hebrews 10:29-30.

There 93 references in the Bible to the expression “Vengeance Is Mine saith the Lord.” When a topic is mentioned this many times, one can make the assumption that a day will come when God does as He promised. Yet, human nature has a tough time comprehending this concept. Turning the other cheek seems too old fashion to not do something in response in the heat of the moment.

After this I heard what sounded like a mighty shout of a great crowd in heaven, exclaiming, Hallelujah (praise the Lord)! Salvation and glory (splendor and majesty) and power (dominion and authority) [belong] to our God! 2 Because His judgments (His condemnation and punishment, His sentences of doom) are true and sound and just and upright. He has judged (convicted, pronounced sentence, and doomed) the great and notorious harlot (idolatress) who corrupted and demoralized and poisoned the earth with her lewdness and adultery (idolatry). And He has avenged (visited on her the penalty for) the blood of His servants at her hand. 3 And again they shouted, Hallelujah (praise the Lord)! The smoke of her [burning] shall continue to ascend forever and ever (through the eternities of the eternities), Revelation 19:1-3.

Yet, the disciple whom Jesus loved has a vision of what this day will look like when justice is celebrated by the residents of heaven. According to John, there will do a mighty roar, something that you might hear at a riveting sporting event. However, on this day God fulfills His promise in the Bible by condemning all those who has transgressed against God’s people. Like a guilty verdict in a modern-day court room, law and order will prevail in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 255: Follow Your Dreams

Posted on October 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you’re in the mood for a little pop music, today’s your day featuring Follow Your Dreams by Raze. This Christian group from Tulsa, Oklahoma was formed by vocalists Donnie Lewis, Ja’Marc Davis, J.D. Webb, and Mizzie Logan. Raze have made their mark with number one singles on the Christian contemporary hit radio charts: “Always and Forever” and “More Than a Dream.”

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. 12 Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you, Jeremiah 29:11-12.

Rather than go with the obvious, I wanted to give people hope in this current recession. If you don’t have a dream to follow, make goals in life so that you have a target to aim for in life. The passage above is one of my favorite Old Testament passages. This message goes along with the lyrics of Follow Your Dreams. As you listen to this Raze song, may you be inspired to never stop following your dreams regardless of your age,

by Jay Mankus

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The Stuff Mart of the Bible

Posted on October 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When my children were young, Veggie Tales was at its peak in popularity. As my niece’s outgrew this Christian cartoon series, my oldest sister Kathie passed on her videos to me. One of these was entitled Madame Blueberry. This episode features a store called Stuff Mart. This was well before Amazon became the dominant online Super Store. Yet, Revelation speaks of a Stuff Mart of the Bible in the last days on earth.

And earth’s businessmen will weep and grieve over her because no one buys their freight (cargo) any more. 12 Their merchandise is of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet [stuffs]; all kinds of scented wood, all sorts of articles of ivory, all varieties of objects of costly woods, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 Of cinnamon, spices, incense, ointment and perfume, and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, fine flour and wheat; of cattle and sheep, horses and conveyances; and of slaves (the bodies) and souls of men! – Revelation 18:11-13.

John has a vision of either what Amazon will become or speaks of a global conglomeration where all merchandise is bought online. As an Amazon employee, it’s ironic how many items mentioned by John in his vision are already available. While I haven’t watched Madame Blueberry in 20 years, it appears that John describes the Stuff Mart of the Bible.

The ripe fruits and delicacies for which your soul longed have gone from you, and all your luxuries and dainties, your elegance and splendor are lost to you, never again to be recovered or experienced! 15 The dealers who handled these articles, who grew wealthy through their business with her, will stand a long way off, in terror of her doom and torment, weeping and grieving aloud, and saying, 16 Alas, alas for the great city that was robed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, bedecked and glittering with gold, with precious stones, and with pearls! 17 Because in one [single] hour all the vast wealth has been destroyed (wiped out). And all ship captains and pilots, navigators and all who live by seafaring, the crews and all who ply their trade on the sea, stood a long way off, Revelation 18:14-17.

In the tenth video of Veggie Tales, Madame Blueberry is a French blueberry who likes having anything she wants. This cartoon addresses materialism while highlighting a poor family who has developed an attitude of thankfulness for what little they do possess. While Americans daily struggle between needs and wants, third world nations are struggling to survive. May today’s blog help you realize that while stuff is nice, only Jesus will satisfy your soul, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 254: My Redeemer Lives

Posted on October 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you want to follow your dreams, sometimes you have to attach yourself with or serve as an underling to finally break through. Such is the case for Nicole Mullen. If you haven’t heard of her, she’s worked behind the scenes with some of the icons of Christian music. Nicole worked as a vocalist with Michael W. Smith and the Newsboys, a songwriter for Jaci Velasquez, and dancer and choreographer with Amy Grant.

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God, Isaiah 44:6.

Nicole puts her own spin on the classic hymn My Redeemer Lives. The prophet Isaiah was one of the first to speak of a calling Messiah to redeem God’s people of their sins. Unfortunately, anyone born with or acquires a perfectionist spirit, tends to try to save themselves by striving for perfection. May the lyrics of My Redeemer Lives remind you to take any burdens to the foot of Jesus’ cross, Matthew 11:28-30.

by Jay Mankus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvX4CwSmwY

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The Cost of Sacrifice

Posted on October 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Prior to taking a walk with his disciples, Jesus rebukes James and John for their worldly mindset in Luke 9:54-56. This verbal admonishment appears to have gotten all of the disciple’s attention. Rather than say something stupid, the disciples listened intently to Jesus’ interactions with three individuals who were eager to become one of Jesus’ disciples. What they all heard was the cost of sacrifice.

And it occurred that as they were going along the road, a man said to Him, Lord, I will follow You wherever You go. 58 And Jesus told him, Foxes have lurking holes and the birds of the air have roosts and nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head. 59 And He said to another, [v]Become My disciple, side with My party, and accompany Me! But he replied, Lord, permit me first to go and bury ([w]await the death of) my father. 60 But Jesus said to him, Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and publish abroad [x]throughout all regions the kingdom of God, Luke 9:57-60.

Jesus wasn’t being rude to these young Christians hoping to join His ministry team. Rather, Jesus was like a spiritual drill sergeant trying to expose the flaws and weaknesses of their faith. In the classic film Hoosiers, Gene Hackman tells parents of his basketball team that his players have to be stripped down before he can build them back up the right way. This is what Jesus was doing in today’s passage.

Another also said, I will follow You, Lord, and become Your disciple and side with Your party; but let me first say good-bye to those at my home. 62 Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God, Luke 9:61-62.

I’ve spent the last decade of my life in a comfortable place. My move to South Carolina this summer taught me about the cost of sacrifice. While I gave up a great paying job that was an ideal fit for my talents, family is more important than making money. Sure, good paying jobs provide luxuries in life. In the end, you have to solely trust in the Lord to provide, Matthew 6:33. May today’s blog help remind you of the cost of sacrifice.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 253: Free

Posted on October 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Freedom has been a constant struggle for lower class citizens, peasants and slaves through history. Israel spent 400 years under the oppressive rule of Pharaohs in Egypt. Yet, when Moses finally led Israel out of this state into the wilderness, it didn’t take long for bickering, complaining and grumbling to begin. Ginny Owens sings about joy the freedom brings in her hit song Free,

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

Ginny is best known for her song “If You Want Me To.” Meanwhile, she also recorded a song called Blessed with Cindy Morgan which also gained national recognition. Despite these songs, I decided to select Free as all Christians wrestle with some sort of unhealthy addiction, bad habit or sinful craving. May Ginny’s song and the apostle Paul’s advice in Galatians 5:7 help you to finally break free to a better place in life.

by Jay Mankus

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A Dwelling Place for Demons

Posted on October 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Despite best-selling books like This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti, the topic of demons remains one of those issues that churches fail to properly address today. While there are a few dominations that overemphasize the Devil and demons, most mainline churches ignore demonology completely. If the apostle Paul refers to the Devil as the ruler of the Air, Ephesians 2:2 and highlights the influence of demons to a teenager pastor, there should be more teaching on this taboo topic.

But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, 2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

One of the first mentions in the Bible of demonic forces takes place in Daniel 10:13. Daniel writes about the prince of the kingdom of Persia who spiritually fought him for three weeks. While Daniel withstood this spiritual attack, he lost precious time in doing so. Meanwhile, some of my friends in college who spent summers on missionary trips overseas told me about an oppressive force. Whenever they reached the dwelling place of demons, two of them compared this to suffocation, struggling to breathe in an area.

Then I saw another angel descending from heaven, possessing great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his radiance and splendor. 2 And he shouted with a mighty voice, She is fallen! Mighty Babylon is fallen! She has become a resort and dwelling place for demons, a dungeon haunted by every loathsome spirit, an abode for every filthy and detestable bird. 3 For all nations have drunk the wine of her passionate unchastity, and the rulers and leaders of the earth have joined with her in committing fornication (idolatry), and the businessmen of the earth have become rich with the wealth of her excessive luxury and wantonness, Revelation 18:1-3.

The last reference to demonic strongholds occurs at the end of Revelation. While the apostle Paul paints the picture of a third fold wave in Ephesians 6:12: demonic powers, master spirits and spirit forces of wickedness, John mentions Babylon as a resort for demons. I don’t think John is referring to demons going on vacation, but a specific region, modern day Iran where demonic activity flourishes. If you put two and two together, this might explain Iran’s stance and support of terrorism. As Americans prepare for another Halloween, there are numerous demonic influences that law and order don’t want to consider.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 252: I Am the Way

Posted on October 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a former coach, one of the most overused sayings is that “there’s no I in team.” This expression is designed to highlight that a true team is composed of a group of individuals working together for a common goal. Unfortunately, in this age of social media, there is always at least one athlete who believes they are bigger and greater than their team. This is the complete opposite when you become a member of God’s team, Romans 10:9-11.

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me, John 14:6.

Mark Schultz sings about this concept in the passage above. The context of Jesus’ words “I Am the Way” occurs during Passion Week, days before his own death on a cross. Mark started his career as a member of the group Up with People before pursuing a solo career. Jesus isn’t bragging about being God’s One and only son. Rather, Jesus is attempting to comfort his disciples by showing the way as a spiritual leader. May today’s song remind you to turn to Jesus to find truth and life.

by Jay Mankus

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