Author Archives: expressyourself4him

S.A.N.S. Episode 234: Blink

Posted on September 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes Christian groups have to ride the coat tails of more popular bands. Such is the case for Revive who opened for Third Day on a national tour in January 2007. This Christian rock band based out of Atlanta, Georgia, consisted of Dave Hanbury, Rich Thompson, Tyler Hall, and Michael Wright. Today’s featured song Blink is one of many songs I incorporated into a Bible lesson as a high school teacher.

Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. 14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]. 15 You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that [thing], James 4:13-15.

The message of Blink is based upon the passage above. While the opening stanza quotes the Psalmist learning to count every day that the Lord gives you, the chorus focuses on the pace of life on earth. As an adult, I feel like time speeds up as my summer suddenly vanished. Rather than speculate, may the lyrics of Blink inspire to live your life one day at a time.

by Jay Mankus

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Afraid of the Silence

Posted on September 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The pastor of the church Leanne and I attended on Sunday did a ten second experiment in the middle of his sermon. After reading Psalm 46:10, he glanced at his watch, not saying a word. This awkward silence felt longer than ten seconds, but he was trying to prove a point. The next portion of his message illustrated how most adults are afraid of silence, drowning it out with noise from some form of electronics.

My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him, Psalm 62:5.

Back in high school, silence was never a good thing on a date. Despite my fears of stuttering, I tried to say something funny to keep a conversation going. From a relational point of view, silence is either a sign of boredom or a lack of compatibility. As an adult, my own silence is usually a byproduct of shear exhaustion. While I enjoy talking, I don’t mind the silence as much as it gives me time to reflect upon life.

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips, Psalm 141:3.

According to the Psalmists, a collection of chapters written by different authors, silence is symbolic of a mature faith. When you don’t like your job or work, anyone can become great at procrastinating. Yet, the more time you kill in idle adventures, the less time you have to connect with and stay in tune with God. When you’re talking over someone, it’s hard to listen. Even if you’re afraid of the silence of being alone like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, when the Holy Spirit speaks God’s message, it’s clearer in the silence.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 233: I Refuse

Posted on September 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I think of El Dorado, I’m expecting some sort of Western movie or town. Yet, today’s musician is from El Dorado, Arkansas. Josh Wilson’s song I Refuse addresses individuals who try to live their lives with blinders on. While trying to drown out all the noise in life is helpful, Josh refuses to ignore situations and people who need God in their lives.

So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin, James 4:17.

Jesus’ earthly brother addresses this topic in the passage above. James is referring to sins of omission. Based upon what James learned from his older brother, sins of action or just as bad as sins of inaction. Therefore, as Josh sings about in I Refuse, knowing what’s right and failing to act is equal to a sin of commission. May the words of I Refuse inspire you to act today when you see an opportunity.

by Jay Mankus

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Faithfulness Verses Forgetfulness

Posted on September 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Whenever I listen to music, there are certain expressions or lyrics that I overlook. Such is the case for the attached song which talks about God’s faithfulness and our forgetfulness as imperfect human beings. This Geoff Moore song reminded me of something the apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Rome. God shows his faithfulness in the passage below, willing to send Jesus to die for forgetful sinners.

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. 9 Therefore, since we are now justified ([f]acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ’s blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God, Romans 5:8-9.

Meanwhile, all Christians have had their own Garden of Eden moment. A time when you were clearly introduced to and knew what God expected of you. And yet, a clouded mind, tempted and caught off guard by a supernatural Devil caused you to do just the opposite of what God desires. The apostle Paul speaks to this point in Romans 7:15-18, baffling one of the godliest men to walk the face of the earth.

And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. 4 But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity, Genesis 3:2-5.

Subsequently, every day there is an internal war that takes place, faithfulness verses forgetfulness. Paul not already considered himself one of the greatest sinners of all time in 1 Timothy 1:15 but explains this tug of war between our own sinful nature and Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:16-18. Therefore, if you want to avoid senior moments of spiritual forgetfulness, keep in step with God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 232: Never Enough

Posted on September 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Lead singer Chris Cleveland headlines the group Stars Go Dim. While this band is known for its pop sound, Never Enough slows down the pace with a classic ballad. My initial impression of the lyrics is of a person who is never satisfied, always wanting more in life. Subsequently, I was led to Jesus’ words in the passage below. When you start to seek God first, all your needs will be met.

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, Matthew 6:33.

Unfortunately, people like me possess a perfectionist spirit that seeks the unattainable. Anyone who tends to be a workaholic also struggles with the empty feeling of never being satisfied. May the lyrics of Never Enough speak to unhappy Christians who need an attitude adjustment. When your priorities begin with seeking God’s first and His righteousness, everything else will fall into place.

by Jay Mankus

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The Tent of the Testimony

Posted on September 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you asked me what a testimony was in high school, I would point to the court room. Likely quoting a scene from Law and Order which was popular back in the day. Yet, as I began to attend spiritual events like camps, conferences and retreats, my ears were introduced to the biblical meaning of a testimony. The classic hymn In the Garden compares a testimony to your own personal story like taking a walk back through time.

After this I looked and the sanctuary of the tent of the testimony in heaven was thrown open, Revelation 15:5.

During one of his many visions that comprise the Book of Revelation, John sees a sanctuary. However, this place is a tent, perhaps something like the tent of meeting detailed by Moses in Leviticus 1:1-17. Yet, John doesn’t focus on the physical dimensions. Rather, John’s attention is focused on what’s going on inside this tent, testimonies of believers up in heaven. This is the Tent of the Testimony.

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed, Mark 5:18-20.

The Christian artist who simply goes by the name Carmen attempts to describe this heavenly place in his song Lazarus Come Forth. The context of Carmen’s song is based upon the shortest verse in the battle, Jesus wept, John 11:35. Carmen compares the Tent of the Testimony to a Tent Revival from Great Awakenings of the past as believers take turns sharing stories of how each entered into a personal relationship with God. May today’s blog inspire you to share your own testimony with a friend today.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 231: Never Alone

Posted on September 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I first listened to today’s featured song, I was reminded of a Psalm of David. Known as the Shepherd’s Psalm, David compares God’s nature to a loving shepherd who provides comfort to anyone who feels alone. Tori Kelly first gained recognition after posting videos on YouTube as a teenager. In today’s song Never Alone, Tori joins Kirk Franklin to sing this comforting ballad.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me, Psalm 23:4.

The lyrics of Never Alone speaks to individuals who have fought through difficult seasons in life. Whenever someone is forced to endure a series of trials, crying and pain often ensue. Like the realization of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, at your weakest point opens the door for Jesus to be strong. May Never Alone encourage any souls that need to be uplifted today.

by Jay Mankus

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A Toast to Friends in Life

Posted on September 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The concept of a Wedding Toast can be traced back to ancient societies. Beside wishing the best for a new couple, a toast was symbolic for passing the torch like a prayer to receive God’s blessings in the future. Last weekend, my oldest son participated in a White Coat Ceremony as he pursues his doctorate in Physical Therapy. To celebrate this occasion, I made a toast at dinner to the future Dr. Mankus.

The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Proverbs 18:24.

On the way home from Lynchburg, Virginia, I just happened to be listening to an old Geoff Moore and the Distance album which was in my car CD player. As the song Best Friends God’s Love and Great Times started playing, I was inspired to give another toast. This time to all of my friends of the past and present who have helped shape the person that I have become.

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 15:13-14.

The final speaker at James’ ceremony spoke about the importance of family. While you may not be brothers or sisters by birth, God has brought people into my life over the years who served like a close family. From a few key friends growing up in New Jersey, my Tonbridge Drive crew in Delaware, the Cross Country Team, FCA Huddle and youth group, here’s a toast of thanks for touching my life in many ways. As for the present, I have my wife Leanne, Spencer Saints and the Smiths to toast; this Bud’s for you!

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 230: Butterfly Kisses

Posted on September 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Like an actor or actress who was born to play a certain role in a movie, today’s artist is best known for one song, Butterfly Kisses. Bob Carlisle began his music career as part of the group Allies and Billy Thermal. Like many artists with a thirst to do more, Carlisle received national recognition as a solo artist, touching Christian and secular audiences with a song about his baby girl growing up.

Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.

Following the release of Butterfly Kisses in 1997, Carlisle was a regular guest on several talk shows. As popularity of Butterfly Kisses spread, this song became a regular selection for Daddy Daughter dances at weddings. Butterfly Kisses joined and surpassed Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman for this special dance. If you’re a father with a daughter, hopefully you’ll consider this song for your daughter’s wedding.

by Jay Mankus

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There’s Nothing Like A Father’s Love

Posted on September 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

My high school swim coach introduced me to Benny Hester, one of his favorite Christian artists. Hester’s greatest achievement is writing the lyrics to the famous song When God Ran. The inspiration behind this song was the Father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. When this man’s son collected his inheritance, the father waited in a rocking chair on his front porch every day, hoping to be reunited with his son.

Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger! 18 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, Luke 15:17-19.

One of my college roommates, John, had a famous cousin who is also a Christian musician. Billy Crockett expounds upon God’s nature as a heavenly father in his song A Father’s Love. This song along with Best of Friends stirred my heart and introduced me to the spiritual father detailed in the Bible. Billy’s opening line to A Father’s Love refers to the end of a play, signaling a conclusion to the night.

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]. 21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]! 22 But the father said to his bond servants, Bring quickly the best robe (the festive robe of honor) and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet. 23 And bring out [k]that [wheat-]fattened calf and kill it; and let us [l]revel and feast and be happy and make merry, 24 Because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to [m]revel and feast and make merry, Luke 15:20-24.

The first stanza refers to a special time, likely a weekend retreat, as participants have to go back to reality on Monday morning. While human beings may not be reliable, Jesus describes the character of a patient and loving God in heaven. Rather than respond with, “I told you so,” in a snarky tone, God is waiting for you and me to return so that our relationship can be reunited. May this blog serve as a reminder that there’s nothing like A Father’s love.

by Jay Mankus

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