Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Rise Like an Edifice

Posted on June 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

An edifice is an imposing building. This may be complex, elegant and or large in stature. In the passage below, edifice is like a city on a hill in Matthew 5:14. According to Jude, one of the best ways to rise like an edifice is to pray in the Holy Spirit. If the apostle Paul was correct in his assumption in Galatians 5:25, once you learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit your faith will rise like an edifice under construction.

 But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [[d]make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; Jude 1:20.

During a first century conversation with his disciples, Jesus introduces the concept of moving mountains through belief, faith and prayer, Matthew 21:18-22. According to Jesus, belief is the difference between living an ordinary life and rising like an edifice. Perhaps confidence is the key that distinguishes one Christians prayer life above another. The greater your faith, the larger the mountains you’ll move.

Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)—[which will bring you] unto life eternal, Jude 1:21.

Beside developing and strengthening your prayer life, Jude encourages first century Christians to guard and keep your lives in the love of God. Jesus’ earthly brother provides directions to obtain this spiritual state in James 4:7-10. As you draw near to God, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is possible, Galatians 5:25. If you want to rise like an edifice, listen to the instructions of God’s Word so faith continues to grow.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 131: Back to the Innocence

Posted on June 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

You don’t find many musicians with electrical and computer engineering degrees. Yet, this is Brian Becker’s education credentials as a student at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Perhaps this thirst for knowledge led Brian to compose some of the greatest Christian ballads of the 1990’s. Besides Back to the Innocence, Child of the Image highlights Brian’s gift for writing amazing lyrics based upon the Bible.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise, Jeremiah 17:14.

No Longer a Wayward Son contains today’s featured song Back to the Innocence. While today’s culture is extremely woke, Brian writes about a time in American history when things were hidden and swept under the rug. I’m not sure if Brian was abused as a child, but this song is for anyone who was forced to endure extreme circumstances as a child. May you pass this on to anyone who is haunted by the secrets of their past. May Back to the Innocence bring healing to those still struggling with their past.

by Jay Mankus

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What’s Boiling Over Inside the Church

Posted on June 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the things I learned from serving on a church board for 7 years is that Christians don’t lose the desire to be in control after entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. I remember being in a conference room until 2 in the morning on a school night as a few men tried to exercise a power grab. Not much has changed from the first century as human nature continues to raise its ugly head in the form of heated arguments and dissensions.

So when I arrive, I will call attention to what he is doing, his boiling over and casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language. And not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive and welcome the [missionary] brethren himself, and also interferes with and forbids those who would welcome them, and tries to expel (excommunicate) them from the church, 3 John 1:10.

If you read the Gospel of John and his epistles, love is a central theme. Yet, John has to break away from his normal tendencies to address what’s boiling over inside a first century church. Based upon 3 John, one man is behind this dissension, Diotrephes. Based upon John’s attempts to advise and counsel Diotrephes, he his taken control of this church and is using political pressure to remain in power, 3 John 1:10.

I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites and base desires, and by ingratiating and flattering speech, they beguile the hearts of the unsuspecting and simpleminded [people], Romans 16:17-18.

Acts 2:42-47 serves as the blueprint for all first century churches. Based upon the words of Luke, poverty was eliminated as the wealthy freely gave to those in need. While this is the ideal scenario, it’s far from reality as impure motives spur on modern day leaders to turn churches into their own private club. Paul claims that the love of money is the root of all evil, 1 Timothy 6:10. What’s boiling over in today’s church is a pursuit for power leaving many sheep broken hearted and sometimes excommunicated by the body of Christ they tried to save from corruption.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 130: Not Afraid

Posted on June 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If Stephanie Smith signed with a secular record label, she’d be a rising star and sex symbol. Yet, this woman from Greenville College decided to sign with the Christian label Gotee Records. Stephanie Smith’s first big break came on the Winter Wonder Slam tour with TobyMac. While Stephanie still hasn’t received the attention she deserves, I appreciate songs like Not Afraid.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection], 1 John 4:18.

Stephanie has the stage presence of Britany Spears in the attached video of Not Afraid. While the lyrics of Not Afraid isn’t overtly spiritually, it does allude to God. Perhaps, Stephanie is referring to not being afraid of peer pressure, willing to walk away from fame as long as she can get her life right with God. If you ever feel like you’re too consumed with pleasing others, don’t be afraid to walk away so that God is honored.

by Jay Mankus

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The Sum of Christian Belief

Posted on June 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Who Are You by the Who is one of those classic rock songs that make you think about life. Pete Townshend’s inspiration behind this song comes from personal experiences with Wino’s, Alcoholic’s, Drug addict’s and the homeless. This quest to figure what led to this lowly position in life is a good lesson for Christians. Who we are and who we can become in a new found faith is the sum of Christian belief.

Beloved, my whole concern was to write to you in regard to our common salvation. [But] I found it necessary and was impelled to write you and urgently appeal to and exhort [you] to contend for the faith which was once for all [a]handed down to the saints [the faith which is that sum of Christian belief which was delivered [b]verbally to the holy people of God], Jude 1:3.

Heresy is a belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religion. From a Christian perspective, there were numerous New Age ideas presented in the first century. As the original disciples of Jesus passed away, there weren’t many eyewitnesses remaining to refute these false claims. Subsequently, Jude was inspired by the Holy Spirit to address the sum of Christian belief.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([d]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him, John 3:16-17.

While theology is the science of God. some theologians make the Bible more complex and confuse young Christians searching for answers to questions in life. My spiritual mentor and high school swim coach encouraged me to start with John’s Gospel as well as 1 John. The passage above serves as the sum of Christian belief. The situation is human beings are fallen creatures. The task is who will save us from this condition. The action is to trust in Jesus, Romans 10:9-11. The result is eternal life, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 129: Pieces

Posted on June 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

From time to time, artists will change their name to appeal to a broader audience. Such is the case for Meredith Andrews whose birth name is Meredith Frances Sooter. I discovered Meredith on a compilation of up-and-coming female Christian artists. Although Meredith hasn’t gotten the notoriety like Mandisa who was also featured on this album, I was touched by today’s featured song Pieces.

The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent, Psalm 34:18.

The lyrics of Pieces speak to daily circumstances in life that wear people down. These trials often result in spiritual bruises and scars. If these wounds aren’t healed, you may walk through life trying to pick up all the broken pieces in your life. This is where God fits in who knows how to make your pieces fit back together. When you come to Jesus with your burdens, Matthew 11:28-30, God will bring rest to your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Multiply the Fruits of the Spirit

Posted on June 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The use of multiplication tables can be traced to ancient Sumerian civilizations 4600 years ago. The Egyptians built upon this principle of mathematics by practicing multiplication using hieroglyphics. Based upon the beginning of the last Catholic Letter, the author is an earthly brother of a disciple of Jesus. After a traditional introduction, Jude’s first biblical message is to multiply some fruits of the Holy Spirit.

May mercy, [soul] peace, and love be multiplied to you, Jude 1:2.

When I was applying for my recertification as a teacher more than a decade ago, I discovered that I was one class away from qualifying as a certified math teacher. Despite taking numerous Calculus classes as a civil engineer, I wasn’t passionate about math. Yet, when the Bible talks about math, I do get excited. Jude suggests that first century Christians were lacking in mercy, peace and love.

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[f]that can bring a charge], Galatians 5:22-23.

Rather than gloss over this spiritual deficiency, Jude longed to multiply the fruits of the Holy Spirit. In the passage above, the apostle Paul lists all of the benefits of having the presence of God’s Spirit in your life. One chapter later, Galatians 6:7-10 references the principle of sowing and reaping. Rather than get tripped up internally by acts of your flesh, Galatians 5:16-18, Paul urges Christians to invest their time by chasing after God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25. When you do, the fruits of God’s Spirit will multiply.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 128: He Knows My Name

Posted on June 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Francesca Battistelli is one of those young artists who came onto the Christian music scene like a young Amy Grant. While Francesca hasn’t achieved the legendary status of Amy, she has appeared in Woodlawn in 2015 and God’s Not Dead: We the People in 2021. Subsequently, you can add actress and musician to Francesca Battistelli’s rising career. One of my favorite songs from Francesca is He Knows My Name.

And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. [b]It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance]. 6 Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do? The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do, Acts 9:5-6.

One of my favorite sitcoms growing up was Cheers. The theme song of Cheers sang about a place where everybody knows your name. The lyrics of He Knows My Name sings about an invisible God who knows your name. Sometimes you may have an encounter like the apostle Paul or be still enough to hear the whisper of God speak to your heart. If you ever find yourself struggling with doubt, remember that God knows your name.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Be That Diotrephes

Posted on June 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Don’t be that guy is an expression that spread into the conversations of large gatherings a decade ago. This is what you say to someone who is annoying, preforming an act of stupidity or just plain lameness. While reading a letter written by one of Jesus’ former disciples, John mentions an individual who was stubborn. Despite being a member of Jesus’ inner circle, Diotrephes ignored John’s advice and input.

I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept my suggestions or to listen to me, 3 John 1:9.

A pet peeve is something that a particular person finds especially annoying. This could be any act, behavior, practice or quirk that simply gets underneath your skin. While the disciple whom Jesus loved is an old man at the time this letter was written, John is looking for a little respect. The same kind of courtesy that Colonel Nathan R. Jessup was looking for in A Few Good Men.

So when I arrive, I will call attention to what he is doing, his boiling over and casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language. And not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive and welcome the [missionary] brethren himself, and also interferes with and forbids those who would welcome them, and tries to expel (excommunicate) them from the church, 3 John 1:10.

Based upon the context of 3 John, Diotrephes was a control freak or as some may say today, a legend in their own mind. Whenever anyone feels like they have arrived, minds become full of narcissism. This is what likely prevented Diotrephes from being open and teachable. Remember that success is the process of arriving as learning on earth never stops. Therefore, don’t that guy or modern-day Diotrephes.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 127: The Beauty of Grace

Posted on June 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Krystal Meyers is one of those fortunate individuals who knew exactly what she wanted to do in life at an early age. While most high school students are preparing to attend their first prom at age 16, Krystal was finishing up her first album. At the present, Krystal has completed and released 3 albums so far in her musical career. My favorite song is the Beauty of Grace.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and[b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! – 2 Corinthians 12:9

The lyrics of the Beauty of Grace highlight the benefits of God’s grace. Despite how bad Christians may mess up and ruin an opportunity to serve God, there is freedom from the scars of your past. When you reach an emotional breaking point, broken and desperate for healing, confessing your mistakes opens the door for forgiveness. As we all struggle through life, may you experience the Beauty of Grace.

by Jay Mankus

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