Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Does God Know that You Fear the Lord?

Posted on October 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As September ends today, October transitions from fall to a month of horror movies. One of my former co-workers tries to watch a scary movie once a day for the entire month. These types of movies are designed to inflict fear, crafted in such a way to scare the hell out of you. While this may be a good way to pass the time, does God know that you fear the Lord?

And Isaac said to Abraham, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. [Isaac] said, See, here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice? 8 Abraham said, My son, [b]God Himself will provide a lamb for the burnt offering. So the two went on together, Genesis 22:7-8.

While children are introduced to Abraham as the guy in that funny song “Father Abraham,” this man of God had his own internal struggles. When placed into an awkward situation, Abraham had a tendency to exaggerate, stretching the truth. In other words, when push came to shove, Abraham lied like a politician on the campaign trail. This sinful pattern went on out for years until God forced Abe to make a change.

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there; then he laid the wood in order and [c]bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar on the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took hold of the knife to slay his son. 11 But the [d]Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. 12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son. 13 Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son! – Genesis 22:9-13

Sometimes God will place you into a situation where you are forced to choose your allegiance. Abraham was asked to sacrifice his one and only son Isaac. Rather than look for a way out, Abraham got up earlier in the morning before the sun rose. Abraham had three days to make a decision if he wanted to go through with this. In the end, Abraham chose to fear the Lord. May this blog challenge you to prove to God that you truly fear Him in October.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 241: The God Who Stays

Posted on September 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a child, it’s easy to feel alone and abandoned. The Father of Lies, John 8:44, has a way of convincing human beings that God is to blame. Yet, Matthew West in his song The God Who Stays seeks to correct and stop any ungodly beliefs from spreading. It’s not God who leaves us. Rather, individuals exercise freewill and, in the process, end up taking a break from God like the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants. 20 So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [[j]fervently], Luke 15:18-20.

The apostle Paul writes an entire chapter about real love in 1 Corinthians 13. The purpose of this chapter is to correct any false assumptions about God’s unconditional love. Unfortunately, this world is filled with fallen and flawed human beings that don’t emulate fruits of God’s Spirit. In view of this fact, may the lyrics of the God Who Stays serve as an encouraging message of hope to anyone who wanders off in life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Cure for a Troubled Mind

Posted on September 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A troubled mind is like being a parent at a little league game. One error leads to another as a ground ball in the infield ends up becoming an inside the park homeroom. Great for the hitter who never stops running and gut-wrenching for the fielding team. As a former coach, I once watched my catcher not know the rule for a dropped third strike with the bases loaded. Electing to throw the ball to first rather than step on home plate, he airmailed first by 10 feet. As my right fielder loafed to the ball, all 4 runners scored.

Remember [earnestly] also your Creator [that you are not your own, but His property now] in the days of your youth, before the evil days come or the years draw near when you will say [of physical pleasures], I have no enjoyment in them—Ecclesiastes 12:1.

King Solomon suggests that troubled minds are a byproduct of forgetting God. I find this to be true in my own life when a go a few days without reading the Bible or praying. Rather than keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, I begin to feed my earthly desires, Romans 8:5-8. The apostle Paul goes on to explain in chapter 8 that a carnal mind can’t not please God. This points to the spiritual frustration within Cain in Genesis 4:5-8. Cain’s troubled mind made him to act out rather than submit to fruits of the Spirit.

Nevertheless, God was not pleased with the great majority of them, for they were overthrown and strewn down along [the ground] in the wilderness. 6 Now these things are examples (warnings and admonitions) for us not to desire or crave or covet or lust after evil and carnal things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:5-6.

The apostle Paul uses history as a way to prevent yourself from making the same mistakes over and over again in life. Providing a brief summary of Israel’s past failures, Paul claims that these serve as warnings to not crave, covet or indulge your sinful nature. Denzel Washington uses a nearby field in Gettysburg in the film Remember the Titans to communicate to his players, “if we don’t learn from this battle, we too will be destroyed.” Thus, the cure for a troubled mind is seeking daily reminders from the Bible on how to live.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 240: Bigger Than Me

Posted on September 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Humility is one of those traits looked down upon in society but applauded by the Bible. John the Baptist was a first century spiritual leader who demonstrated humility. When asked to baptize Jesus, John felt unworthy, not good enough. John served as a forerunner to prepare the way for Jesus. Like Louis Tomlinson’s song, John realized that God was Bigger Than Me.

Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. 13 Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart, Jeremiah 29:12-13.

Louis Tomlinson first rose to prominence as a member of the boy band One Direction. Louis also participated on the British Reality competition the X-Factor. After being eliminated, Louis was able to turn this opportunity into an open door to join One Direction. As you listen to Bigger Than Me, may the lyrics help you realize that you’re merely a piece of a puzzle living in a world bigger than you.

by Jay Mankus

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More than Just a Golden Bowl

Posted on September 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone with a healthy appetite, I prefer to place my dinner into a bowl, often mixing everything together with Cajun spices before taking a bite. Since blue is my favorite color, the bowls in our new kitchen are either blue or white with blue designs. When I think of golden bowls, that’s a color reserved for a China set, a typical item you’ll find on an online wedding present registry.

And one of the four living creatures [then] gave the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath and indignation of God, Who lives forever and ever (in the eternities of the eternities), Revelation 15:7.

However, one of Jesus’ former disciples has a vision of seven golden bowls. These elegant and shiny bowls are each held by seven different angels in heaven. Yet, these golden bowls first appear in the hands of an unique living creature described early by John in the Book of Revelation. This isn’t your typical golden bowl from a China cabinet. Each bowl represents one of seven plagues.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse, Romans 1:18-20.

Similar to the ten plagues poured out upon Egypt to force Pharoah to release Israel from following 400 years of slavery, God chose seven bowls in Revelation. These seven bowls unleashed God’s wrath and indignation upon individuals who bowed down to the Anti-Christ by receiving the mark of the beast, 666 stamped upon their right hand or on their forehead. This is more than just a golden bowl, a warning to everyone around the world that it’s better to repent than rebel.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 239: Build a Boat

Posted on September 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the greatest feats in the Bible is Noah’s quest to build a huge boat. What makes this remarkable is rain didn’t exist at this time on earth. An open canopy atmosphere covered the earth with a tropical climate as underground springs known as aquifers watered the earth. Colton Dixon used the passage below to craft a modern song as a means to challenge Christians to God’s call for their own life.

And God looked upon the world and saw how degenerate, debased, and vicious it was, for all humanity had corrupted their way upon the earth and lost their true direction. 13 God said to Noah, I intend to make an end of all flesh, for through men the land is filled with violence; and behold, I will [a]destroy them and the land. 14 Make yourself an ark of gopher or cypress wood; make in it rooms (stalls, pens, coops, nests, cages, and compartments) and cover it inside and out with pitch (bitumen), Genesis 6:12-14.

In the film Evan Almighty, Steve Carell plays Evan Baxter who is called by God to build a similar ark. Like anyone who tries to compromise, fight God or look for a way out, full obedience doesn’t come easy. The lyrics of Build a Boat are designed to prepare Christians for when God calls. May this song prepare you spiritually so that you may become open to God’s will for your life, Romans 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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Indignation

Posted on September 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As Cancel Culture and the Woke Movement alter and erode the English language, one word is rarely mentioned or used today. Indignation occurs 87 times in the Bible with 12 different translations based upon the biblical context. You may hear someone say “indignant,” but what this individual is trying to express is anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.

 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God, Hebrews 10:26-27.

Anyone who fails to fully receive God’s free gift as their own as detailed by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:23 and Romans 10:9-11 disappoints the Creator of the universe. Romans 1:18-20 points to God’s invisible nature and attributes that are on display daily. God doesn’t force anyone to believe. Rather Revelation 3:20-21 describes the concept of freewill which ultimately determines your eternal destination.

Then I heard a mighty voice from the temple sanctuary saying to the seven angels, Go and empty out on the earth the seven bowls of God’s wrath and indignation, Revelation 16:1.

According to one of Jesus’ disciples, in the last days on earth, God’s wrath and indignation will be poured out in the form of seven calamities. John mentions God’s wrath and indignation together twice in one statement, a byproduct of His own frustration. John 3:16-17 reveals the goal of Jesus, God’s one and only son. God gives everyone a lifetime to believe, settling for your own death bed if necessary. If you want to avoid God’s indignation, make your decision today, 1 John 5:12-13.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 238: There’s Gotta Be More To Life

Posted on September 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from one of five children of Christian missionaries. Stacie Orrico’s family moved to Denver, Colorado from Seattle, Washington where she was born. This new location gave Stacie her first chance to display a gifted voice at the Estes Park Christian Artist Seminar. After receiving first place in the vocalist category, Stacie realized she had the talent to pursue her own ministry.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:10.

The title of Stacie’s song There’s Gotta Be More to Life reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s classic tune More to This Life. While the genres are completely different, the message is the same. Perhaps, Stacie was struggling with the old age question, “this sounds too good to be true,” Romans 6:23. May the lyrics and vibe of More to Life struck a chord with your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Neglect What is Natural

Posted on September 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul devotes two chapters of his letter to the Church at Rome to what is natural. Romans 7 provides a personal confession by Paul of what he knows is right but getting his body to do this is a completely different story, Romans 7:15-18. The next chapter reveals the internal struggle between your fleshly desires and God’s Spirit, Romans 8:5-8. When your mind wanders, you’ll end up doing what’s natural.

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], Matthew 16:24-25.

Frank Peretti introduced me to the spiritual realm through his series of books on what life would be like if we could see the ongoing battle between angels in demons. Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness opened my mind to this tug of war between the natural and supernatural, Galatians 5:16-18. The apostle Paul likely provided Peretti the inspiration for his books in Ephesians 6:10-20. When prayers cease, the Devil takes the upper hand.

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]? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory (majesty, splendor) of His Father with His angels, and then He will render account and reward every man in accordance with what he has done, Matthew 16:26-27.

Based upon the passage above, Jesus expects his followers to neglect the natural, any fleshly desires. Jesus set the example in Philippians 2:5-9, laying down his life to take away the sins of the world. Turning the other cheek when someone hits or hurts you isn’t natural. Nor is forgiving someone who transgresses against you over and over again, Matthew 6:13-15. Nonetheless, until you are born again spiritually, John 3:3-5, neglecting what is natural will be a losing proposition. Success is the process of arriving to faith.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 237: Closer to Love

Posted on September 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Long distance relationships are one of those difficult decisions that people who are in love make. Sometimes these relationships survive, and others end up failing due to a lack of trust. Today’s song Closer to Love by Mat Kearney is based upon how one phone call can change your life forever. While distance makes the heart grow fonder, loneliness opens the door for temptation.

For there is no good (healthy) tree that bears decayed (worthless, stale) fruit, nor on the other hand does a decayed (worthless, sickly) tree bear good fruit. 44 For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramblebush. 45 The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks, Luke 6:43-45.

My wife Leanne and I dated for a year living 8 hours apart. We tried to meet in Chicago once a month which was the halfway point. Yet, military families don’t have this option unless some sort of leave is granted over the holidays. While Closer to Love isn’t a spiritual song, it’s a topic that many people can relate to. I hope you enjoy today’s ballad.

by Jay Mankus

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