Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The Secret to Unity

Posted on September 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every year authors and self-help guru’s release new books and or videos. To bring attention to their new products, claims are made that if you read or watch this, you will finally know the secret to this or that. From time to time, there are breakthroughs and theories presented. Yet rarely do these initial claims shine new light on the secret to unity.

Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another, Ephesians 4:2.

The apostle Paul starts Ephesians 4 with a disclaimer. While unity isn’t mentioned, Paul does refer to God’s service. In the words that follow, Paul lays out the secret to unity. Similar to the content of Philippians 2:1-5, unity begins by taking on the same attitude of Christ. A series of qualities and traits follow. When you clothe yourself with fruits of the Spirit, unity appears to be possible.

Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. 4 [There is] one body and one Spirit—just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received—Ephesians 4:3-4.

One of the reasons unity doesn’t last is due to a lack of persistence. Just as King Solomon warned one of his sons to guard your heart above all else, Proverbs 4:23, this is designed to create a sense of urgency. Without any leaders from church keeping watch for impending opposition, unity is broken. Therefore, if you want to know the secret of unity, start keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 214: Singing in the Rain

Posted on September 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from north of the border. Brothers Michael and Shawn Cavallo formed Manic Drive back in 2004. This Canadian Christian rock band is living their dream as children as each began singing at an early age. Today’s song is Singing in the Rain, which mixes pop with soft rock. The lyrics serve as a reminder to not let the weather dictate your mood.

I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field yield their fruit, Leviticus 26:4.

As a child living in Delaware, I remember singing in the rain as drops from the sky cooled off the summer heat for a short time. Rain is one of those things that farmers rejoice while Little Leaguers are forced to wait another day to play their game. Regardless of the time of year, rain is provided by the Lord in due season to give life to plants every spring. May today’s song bring joy to your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Reverse Engineering Politics

Posted on September 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Reverse engineering is the reproduction of another manufacturer’s product following detailed examination of its construction or composition. I was first introduced this term while watching a documentary on Aera 51. According to firsthand accounts from scientists, the technology found in crashed spaceships have been applied to designs of modern aircrafts.

Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. 2 Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them], Romans 13:1-2.

Whether you believe in Unidentified Flying Objects or not, social media giants are being used to reverse engineer politics. Google, Facebook, and Twitter have been allowed and given the power to control the daily narratives of current events. If a story didn’t fit their ideology, it is buried, disregarded or suppressed by global elites. Political searches on conversative and liberal political candidates demonize one side while only displaying the positive on the other. These are the algorithms Elon Musk wanted to uncover before attempting to buy Twitter.

For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation. 4 For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer, Romans 13:3-4.

Jesus told his disciples to expect to be hated by the world, John 15:19. As Peter writes to first century Christians scattered following Nero’s persecution, we are aliens and strangers in this land, 1 Peter 2:11. The only person you can control is yourself. Therefore, while you may be lumped in with a group of people who you voted for, your main goal is to be a servant for good. Although you may not be successful is convincing others to your point of view, use history, 1 Corinthians 10:1-7, as a resource to steer people in the right direction, 1 Peter 3:15-16. Yet, do this with a humble and graceful heart.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 213: Let Me Drown

Posted on September 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

We As Human formed in Nashville, Tennessee in the mid 2000’s. Like any hungry musician passionate to share their music, We as Human toured relentlessly, building a loyal following in Nashville and around the United States. Over the years, lead singer Justin Cordle, guitarists Jake Jones and Justin Forshaw, bassist Dave Draggoo, and drummer Adam Osborne has been a success with songs like Let Me Drown.

But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and[a]acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better ([b]more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea, Matthew 18:6.

After listening to the lyrics for the first time, I thought of Jesus’ words in the passage above. Yet, the lyrics point to someone who doesn’t feel worthy to live. While Justin sings about the fate of drowning, it’s up to God whether or not he survives the crashing waves and water. Whatever is going on in your life, make sure you don’t cause a little child to stumble or fall by the life that you live.

by Jay Mankus

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Is Winning Everything?

Posted on September 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When you’re not a good student as a child, you try to find one aspect of life where you excel. As for me, stuttering prevented me from receiving positive recognition in class. The only thing I seemed to be good at was running. As my stick figure, skinny bones body began to fill in, winning little league games became a habit. Subsequently, I got addicted to winning as it became everything to me.

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]? – 1 John 5:4-5.

This winning is everything attitude stuck with me until college. During my first semester at the University of Delaware, I rejected God like Peter who publicly denied knowing Jesus following his arrest, Mark 14:66-72. Although older neighbors warned me of the temptations on campus, I thought I could handle it. Indulging myself in the college party scene taught me a valuable lesson about the Lordship of Christ.

And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life. 13 I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [c]the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, [d]yes, eternal life, 1 John 5:11-13.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes brought me back to God. During a spiritual retreat on the campus of James Madison University, a burning conviction penetrated my heart. This gnawed at me all weekend until I jumped out of my chair at an open mic in the wee hours of Sunday morning. During this moment of public confession, I exchanged winning is everything for a will to make Jesus the Lord of my life, Romans 10:9-11. True inning on earth is making your eternal reservations for heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 212: Breathe Into Me

Posted on September 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are a country artist or Christian band, Nasville, Tennessee tends to be a common destination. This music hub is where Red, an American Christian rock band formed. Brothers Anthony Armstrong and Randy Armstrong joined up with lead vocalist Michael Barnes to form the distinct sound of Red. Depending upon the specific song, Red has an alternative sound with a mix of metal or rock.

So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). 18 But I ask, Have they not heard? Indeed they have; [for the Scripture says] Their voice [that of nature bearing God’s message] has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the far bounds of the world, Romans 10:17-18.

The video of Breathe into Me begins with a woman lying on a hospital bed. When you add the lyrics to the video, you get the sense Michael Barnes is praying to God for a miracle. Yet, you can interpret more than one meaning. Whenever a crisis arises, people respond with desperation. As a Christian, we all need to be revived and renewed. May this song challenge you to rely on the Lord for all your life and vigor.

by Jay Mankus

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Family and Faith

Posted on September 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Some people may blame the death of two family members a week a part on bad luck. Others may point to destiny or fate for this rare occurrence. Yet, for me as a participant in the burials of Dick and Barb Wagner (my wife’s mother), I saw this as an opportunity for family and faith. Pastor Shawk’s message at Barb’s funeral, the day before her burial, was entitled Faith and Family. As I listened to Carl reflect upon his father’s life (Richard’s son), family and faith appear to be the legacy of the Wagners.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2 For by [faith—[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report, Hebrews 11:1-2.

Following the burials, those in attendance spent a few hours at one of Barb’s favorite restaurants. Meanwhile, conversations continued all afternoon long. Between golfing, playing disc golf and having leftovers in the hotel lobby, the deaths of Barb and Dick has brought everyone closer together than ever before. There is something about breaking bread together that sets an ideal environment for relationships to grow stronger. Perhaps, this explains Luke’s words in Acts 2:42 with fellowship as one of the core practices of the apostles.

By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible, Hebrews 12:3.

The author of Hebrews lays out how belief and faith work hand and hand. Part of faith is trusting that God is in control, Proverbs 3:5-6. Subsequently, when circumstances in life causes doubt to enter your mind, remember the victorious Christians of the past who are mentioned in the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11. Each one was challenged and tested, but as each matured, their faith stood tall. Yet, in times of death, families are needed to lift you up from sadness. May this blog inspire you to center your life around faith and family.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 211: All of Me

Posted on August 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from an American Christian rock band, formed in 2001. Ashes Remain is based in Baltimore, Maryland, close to where I spent the past 25 years of my life. Josh Smith and Ryan Nalepa are the two main forces behind Ashes Remain. The lyrics of All of Me begin with a struggling Christian who is afraid of letting others know what’s going on in their life.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([r]relief and ease and refreshment and [s]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls, Matthew 11:28-29.

While listening to All of Me for the first time, I was reminded of Jesus’ words in the passage above. Unfortunately, too many people try to take care of their problems on their own. When pride causes individuals try to take on their own burdens, it’s only a matter of time before your life fall apart. May this song nudge you to come as you are so that you can lay your burdens on the foot of the cross.

by Jay Mankus

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Right, Wrong or Evil?

Posted on August 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Nearly twenty years ago, I taught a World Religion Course. One of the terms this class covered was Relativism. At this time in America’s history, following the events of September 11th, 2001, right, wrong, and evil was able to defined without being Cancelled or offending someone in the Woke Community. However, now the age of relativism has arrived, altering our language and vocabulary.

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord, Romans 12:18-19.

One of the best sermons I ever heard on this topic was by Lee Strobel. Strobel was doing a sermon series at Willow Creek on What would God say to. This particular message was about the life of Dennis Rodman was who playing for the Chicago Bulls at the time. Lee spoke about the first time Dennis was disciplined in life, as a sophomore in college by the father of his host family. Dennis stole something from the farm and was spanked to teach him right from wrong, defining evil for the first time in his life.

But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. 21 Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good, Romans 12:20-21.

In today’s politically charged world, discipline is considered racist according to CRT, critical race theory. Rather than use the words of Hebrews 12:5-7 to define earthly boundaries, a generation of children raised in public schools aren’t being taught the difference between right, wrong or evil. Like a politician caught doing the exact opposite of the policy they forced their voters to follow, excuses are made to exempt them. May God send a spirit of revival worldwide so that right, wrong and evil is clearly understood.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 210: The One I’m Running To

Posted on August 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The One I’m Running To is from a band from Mount Vernon, Kentucky. 7eventh Time Down debuted in September of 2011. In the past decade, 7eventh Time Down has released 5 albums along with two special Christmas EP’s. I discovered this Christian rock band on You Tube. The One I’m Running To uses the stress of paying bills to push people to trust an invisible God when their money runs out.

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.

The second stanza focuses on personal temptations and the emotions these daily trials bring. Rather than run away and hide, 7eventh Time Down suggests it’s time to start running toward the Lord. Sometimes all you need is to comes to your senses, Luke 15:17-20, that leads a parable back home to their heavenly Father. May the words of The One I’m Running To inspire you to draw closer to the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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