Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Does Your Church Have an Angel?

Posted on June 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I think of angels, I usually imagine guardian angels who watch over an individual’s life. Yet, according to John, one of his visions that makes up the book of Revelation, there were 7 specific churches in Asia Minor who possessed an angel. Based upon the passage below, John compares these angels with spiritual messengers who guided the leaders of these 7 churches.

As to the hidden meaning (the mystery) of the seven stars which you saw on My right hand and the seven lampstands of gold: the seven stars are the seven angels (messengers) of the seven assemblies (churches) and the seven lampstands are the seven churches, Revelation 1:20.

As someone who has attended various churches throughout the United States, there are certain places where you sense the power of the Holy Spirit as you enter. Meanwhile, other church buildings seem strange, often giving me an uneasy feeling as I sit down. Is the difference between these churches the presence of an angel or the power of the faith within the members of a congregation?

For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service], Psalm 91:11.

One of the Psalmists writes about an angels ability to accompany Christians. Yet, God uses angels to defend and preserve the faith of those who believe. However, if Lucifer and 1/3 of the angels were kicked out of heaven, whether or not freewill is exercised will dictate the spiritual climate of a church. If angels are like modern day spiritual guides, the more church leaders keep in step with the Holy Spirit will set the culture and spiritual tone of modern day houses of worship.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 136: Another Time Another Place

Posted on June 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If I had to put together a list of the godmothers of Christian music it would be Amy Grant, Twila Paris, and Sandi Patti. Rather than select a song from Sandi, I picked a duet with Wayne Watson. The song Another Time Another Place is a common phrase when it comes to relationships. While two individuals may have similar feelings, the timing of when you meet someone doesn’t always work out.

Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand, Proverbs 19:21.

Sandi’s commitment to Jesus Christ provides the faith, motivation and perseverance in her music career. Perhaps the words of King Solomon in the passage above influenced the lyrics of Another Time Another Place. “Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.” You may have ambitious goals for the future, but God’s ultimate purpose has a way of quickly changing your plans.

by Jay Mankus

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Clues to the End of Days

Posted on June 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every year someone makes a bold declaration about the End of Days. Environmentalists blame global warming annually, projecting that the earth only has X number of years remaining. Meanwhile, prophets in the Bible provide clues to the end of days. These subtle signs point to a time when society deteriorates so much that it’s only a matter of time before Jesus returns in an event known as the Second Coming.

They told you beforehand, In the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. 19 It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions—merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life, Jude 1:18-19.

Jude suggests that civility in society will gradually decay over time. Meanwhile, scoffers will take center stage as if Jude had a vision of social media. When filters are removed and people begin to express whatever come to their minds, end times are quickly approaching. The apostle Paul compares later times to gullible Christians who are deceived and end up abandoning their faith, 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

And then many will be offended and repelled and will [e]begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred. 11 And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. 12 And the love of [f]the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity, Matthew 24:10-12.

Meanwhile, Jesus refers to the end of days as a pregnant woman dealing with labor pains. As a child is about to be born, these pains intensify. From a historical perspective, apostles and disciples of Jesus believed that the Lord would return in their lifetime. Despite their misinformation, every Christian should live their life as if today is their last day on earth. As more clues to the End of Days drop, make the most of every opportunity that you have on earth, Ephesians 5:15-17.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 135: There She Goes

Posted on June 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I discovered Sixpence None The Richer during my final year of college. Songs like Kiss Me appeared on Christian and Secular Radio Stations. This bands name comes from C.S. Lewis as Sixpence None The Richer appears in Mere Christianity. Today’s featured song There She Goes speaks of a woman’s intuition which allow thoughts to race through their minds.

Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude]. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me, Revelation 3:19-20.

While There She Goes doesn’t contain life altering lyrics, this song reminds me of freewill. One of Jesus’ disciples compares freewill to a door that only has a handle on your side of the door. God doesn’t force His way into your life. Rather, it’s up to you to let God into your life. Instead of following feelings and your emotions, let God into your life so as she goes, God will go with her.

by Jay Mankus

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Snatching Souls Out of the Fire

Posted on June 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A snatch and grab is a new phrase associated with the recent crime wave due to the elimination of cash bail. As more and more district attorneys stop prosecuting shop lifters, criminals are no longer afraid of getting caught. Yet, in the passage below, Jude calls Christians to snatch souls destined for eternal damnation in hell. When you care for and love sinners, there is hope for real change to occur.

[Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality. 24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]—Jude 1:23-24

Whenever I attend a funeral, most of the clergy approach the podium with confidence that the person who has just passed away is now in heaven. In the passage above, Jude refers to individuals who are teetering on the edge. Any soul on the verge of being destined for hell can be snatched out of these eternal flames. However, action must be quick and swift before it’s too late, Hebrews 10:26-27.

My] brethren, if anyone among you strays from the Truth and falls into error and another [person] brings him back [to God], 20 Let the [latter] one be sure that whoever turns a sinner from his evil course will save [that one’s] soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins [[a]procure the pardon of the many sins committed by the convert], James 5:19-20.

Meanwhile, Jesus’ earthly brother writes about the spiritual rewards for those individuals who steer anyone from the error of their ways. In the parable of the Lost Son (prodigal), Jesus highlights God’s love who waits patiently on their front porch for the wayward children to come back home. Therefore, as you wait for Jesus’ second coming, look for ways daily to help Christians make u-turns away from sin and turn back to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 134: Standing on the Edge of Night

Posted on June 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from Element 101, not a compound on the Periodic Table but a Christian band. Element 101 is made up of vocalist Crissie Verhagen, guitarists Chris Mizzone and Danny Papa, bassist Sal Ciaravino, and drummer Nick Acocella. Standing on the Edge of Night by Element 101 is one of those finger snapping tunes that is great for keeping you awake at night.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather, Psalm 1:1.

Standing in the Bible is symbolic for getting behind someone or something. Whether you’re walking, standing or sitting, temptation has a way of convincing you to stand on the edge of night. Rather than join in with sinners, set a spiritual tone daily by seeking God’s counsel daily. If you keep in step with the Holy Spirit, blessings and good fortunes will follow.

by Jay Mankus

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Inveterate Murmurers

Posted on June 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In the 2004 film I Robot, Bridget Moynahan plays a robotic scientist who uses big words that Will Smith struggles to understand. While reading the book of Jude, I came across the term inveterate. This refers to having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change: Based upon the context of the passage below, this behavior has become a way of life.

These are inveterate murmurers (grumblers) who complain [of their lot in life], going after their own desires [controlled by their passions]; their talk is boastful and arrogant, [and they claim to] admire men’s persons and pay people flattering compliments to gain advantage, Jude 1:16.

During the first century, a few decades following the ascension of Jesus into heaven, the joy of many Christians had faded. According to Jude, too many church going individuals began to complain about their life. Rather than find a reason to celebrate life, negativity began to blind Christians from seeing their lives as half full. Subsequently, gossip and murmurs spread like gangrene within Christian communities.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them], Philippians 4:8.

In a letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul provided a solution for inveterate murmurers. Instead of allowing your soul to become consumed by anxiety and stress, focus on the positive aspects of your life. While the current economy and price of gas may be hard to overlook, fix your minds on whatever is true and pure. As you meditate upon the good things in your life, you can break free from the bad habits of your past. May this blog lift your spirits and point you in the right direction.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 133: Wishing

Posted on June 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Puller is one of the few alternative Christian rock bands still leaving a mark today. Three of Puller’s members were once part of For Love Not Lisa back in the 1990’s. I was introduced to Puller by a compilation disc created by Tooth & Nail Records. Puller possesses the sound of a secular band, but has released songs like Wishing that contain a deeper meaning inside their lyrics.

If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and [h]advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and [i]advantageous things to those who [j]keep on asking Him! 12 So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:11-12.

Too many times in life I find myself wishing for something to happen rather than pray for and believe in God’s power to perform a miracle as I pray. The context of the passage above relies on asking, seeking and knocking on God’s door until you receive answers to your prayers. When you listen to Wishing by Puller in the future, make sure your prayers are based upon belief and faith, not just a wish.

by Jay Mankus

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Why Don’t Politicians Solve Problems?

Posted on June 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every year states hold city, county, and statewide elections. While the House of Representatives serve two-year terms, Senators remain in office for six until their reelection. When a candidate wins their party’s nominee, promises are made to persuade voters. When a candidate chooses to remain positive, campaign promises are highlighted in weekly television advertisements. Yet, when someone gets desperate or slip in the polls, politicians cast blame rather than attempt to solve societies problems.

Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source], John 18:36.

One of the reasons former President Donald Trump wasn’t embraced by members of Congress and the Senate was his obsession to work for the voters who elected him into office. While Trump made his wealth through working hard in his businesses, career politicians have become rich from tax payers. At some point in the last half century, American politicians began to leave certain problems unsolved so that they had an issue to run on for reelection. If politicians were honest, solving problems might improve.

Pilate said to Him, Then You are a King? Jesus answered, You say it! [You speak correctly!] For I am a King. [Certainly I am a King!] This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice. 38 Pilate said to Him, What is Truth? On saying this he went out to the Jews again and told them, I find no fault in Him, John 18:37-38.

Before I followed politics, I watched the West Wing every week with my wife. While this show was slanted in favor of Democrats, it was interesting to begin to grasp the mind of politicians. Following an assassination attempt on the show, Josh who is one of the members of president Bartlet’s staff is rebuked by their campaign manager. When Josh struck a deal on gun control, his decision took away a pivotal campaign strategy. This one episode revealed to me why politicians don’t want to solve certain problems.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 132: All Is Well

Posted on June 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

It’s rare for any musical group to stay together for an extended period. At some point, individuals tend to want to do their own thing by pursuing a solo career. Yet, for Philips, Craig and Dean, they have stuck together for 30 years. This group is comprised of three pastors: Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, and Dan Dean. Over the past 3 decades, Philips, Craig and Dean have sold more than 3 million records.

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]? – Matthew 16:26

Today’s song is a remix of the classic hymn “It is Well with my Soul.” The Philips, Craig and Dean version is simply entitled All is Well. On the surface, your life may be falling apart. Yet, when you reach a place in your relationship with God with complete trust and assurance, Jesus becomes the Lord of your life. While things may not be going well externally, internally all is well with your soul. May this song inspire you to get your life right with God so that healing and peace will flow within your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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