Author Archives: expressyourself4him

When the Truth Remains Inside of You

Posted on May 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Star Wars uses the force as a means to find the truth. Using imagery similar to that found in the Bible, light and darkness determine the side that you will choose. The apostle Paul illustrates this internal tug of war in Galatians 5:16-23. From a Christian perspective, truth is signified by acts of God’s Spirit. Any act of disobedience is considered a form of rebellion like Star Wars expression of giving into the dark side.

Because of the Truth which lives and stays on in our hearts and will be with us forever: 2 John 1:2.

Before I decided to become a Christian, I started to hang around people in high school who always seemed to be happy. These individuals attended a monthly Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study. Although I didn’t attend until the midway point of high school, there was something hidden inside of them. After attending an off-campus event as a sophomore, Skip Wilkins introduced me to this Truth.

Because of the Truth which lives and stays on in our hearts and will be with us forever: 3 John 1:4.

Every human being has their own story of success and failures in life. For me, learning was never easy. As a student, I had to fight for B’s and C’s. As a new Christian, I got involved in as many church related activities that I could fit into my sports schedule. While Accountability Groups, Bible Studies, Service Projects and Retreats were great, it was the Bible that transformed me from the inside out. If you meditate on God’s Word like Joshua 1:8, the truth will remain inside of you through the living years.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 117: Pressure

Posted on May 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Paramore is another group that I was introduced to due to the music algorithm used by You Tube. After listening to a series of songs by FireFlight, a female Christian rock band, Pressure by Paramore followed. As someone who grew up as a fan of and attended numerous Philadelphia Flyers game, lead singer Hayley Williams is wearing a Flyers shirt in the attached video. This common trait led me find out more about this group from Franklin, Tennessee.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death, James 1:13-15.

Perhaps the title Pressure brought me back to my youth and Billy Joel’s version of Pressure. Human beings throughout the world understand pressure. Whether it’s a mother desperately searching for baby formula or a poor college student who doesn’t have enough money to fill up their car to drive home, pressure is that invisible force that overwhelms souls. May Paramore’s version of Pressure remind you to turn to the Lord as pressure escalates so that you’re not tempted to sin.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Walking in Love

Posted on May 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Walking on Sunshine is a song written by Kimberley Rew. This original piece was created for Katrina and the Waves in 1983 for their album. The Bible has their own version of walking on sunshine. However, according to one of Jesus’ disciples, walking is symbolic for living in love. Just as a Christian should learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, love for live should be a daily motivating force to spread sunshine.

And what this love consists in is this: that we live and walk in accordance with and guided by His commandments (His orders, ordinances, precepts, teaching). This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you continue to walk in love [guided by it and following it], 2 John 1:6.

When I was a teenager, I wore my feelings on my sleeves. When I was in a good mood, I wanted everyone that I came into contact to celebrate and feel the joy inside of me. However, as depression set in which was 75% of the time, I didn’t want anybody in the same room with me to be happy or smile. I did the opposite of walking in love, trying to drag everyone down to feel my pain.

And so faith, hope, love abide [faith—conviction and belief respecting man’s relation to God and divine things; hope—joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love—true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

The apostle Paul devotes an entire chapter of the Bible to love. The final verse of this passage is listed above. According to C.S. Lewis, faith, hope, and love are considered theological virtues. Yet, these spiritual qualities are only accessible through the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Subsequently, if you want to learn to walk in love, Romans 10:9-11, a personal relationship with God is essential. Once this journey begins, walking in love involves keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 116: All Around Me

Posted on May 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When you listen to music sites like You Tube, there are algorithms that continue to play music based upon your initial request. If your first request is a Christian artist, this doesn’t guarantee that Christian music will continue to play. This is how I stumbled upon the group Flyleaf which is a rock band that formed in Belton, Texas, back in 2002 with Lacey Sturm as lead vocalist. 

By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source]; 1 John 4:2.

Flyleaf is one of those secular bands that features lyrics with biblical themes beneath the surface. While All Around Me doesn’t refer to anything spiritual, there are many days where people feel trouble all around them. When I recently listened to this song, the passage above came to my mind. As trials surface in your life, who do you turn to? If you’re not sure, turn to Jesus so you’re not overwhelmed by fear.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Root of All Wrongdoing

Posted on May 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Wrongdoing is a common term used in the court of law. Defense attorneys set out to prove to the jury and judge that their client is not guilty of any wrongdoing. The Bible uses the imagery of light to illustrate what is right and true. Meanwhile, darkness is associated with wrongdoing. One of Jesus’ disciples doesn’t beat around the bush categorizing all wrongdoing as sin.

All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin which does not [involve] death [that may be repented of and forgiven], 1 John 5:17.

In this age of passing the buck, blame is deflected to circumstances and situations. Meanwhile, if anyone tries to through you under the bus, justification and rationalization will begin to kick in. This natural defense mechanism is on display daily in talk shows as prominent figures make excuses to protect famous friends. Instead of being honest and open, the act of wrongdoing is swept under the rug.

But as it is, you boast [falsely] in your presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong. 17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin, James 4:16-17.

The earthly brother of Jesus uses the passage above to confront wrongdoing. You maybe one of the most creative individuals who can come up with an excuse for anything in life. Yet, James places sins of omission in the same classification as sins of commission. Wrongdoing isn’t merely an act, behavior or choice. Rather, failing to intervene when you know you should is also a sin. The root of all wrongdoing is disobedience or as in the days of biblical Judges, doing what’s right in your own eyes.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 115: Rescue

Posted on May 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Since my two boys have attended Liberty University, there are exposed to a variety of Christian artists who are featured at weekly convocations and concerts. Today’s featured song was introduced to me by my son Daniel. Although Lauren Daigle’s mellow worship music isn’t his typical style, Rescue is one of the many songs Daniel downloaded onto his phone that he has shared with me.

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.

From a spiritual point of view, the portion of the Parable of the Prodigal Son in the passage above is the type of rescue Daigle sings about. While human nature influences many people to try to save themselves, the apostle Paul gives readers of the Bible the bad news in Romans 3:9-12. May the words of Daigle’s Rescue uplift your spirit and remind you of the God of second chances.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

This Isn’t a Game… It’s a Choice

Posted on May 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Imitation Game is based upon Alan Turing’s biography. During World War II, this English mathematical genius tries to crack the German Enigma code featured in the 2014 film. One of Jesus’ former disciples refers to a choice, not a game. John calls first century Christians to imitate good rather than imitate evil acts. The choices you make in life reflect who you are and what’s deep inside of you.

Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen (discerned or experienced) God [has enjoyed no vision of Him and does not know Him at all], 3 John 1:11.

As a child, you tend to imitate the actions, behaviors and vocabulary of the people that you admire. I remember saying “shit” really loud once, not knowing any better. Unless you’re parents of a newborn baby, few adults realize that this imitation game is ongoing. Yet, it’s not just words that little children hear. Bad habits like picking your nose and unhealthy food addictions are also passed on.

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 2 And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a [a]slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance, Ephesians 5:1-2.

Rather than elevating human beings to hero status on earth, the apostle Paul points first century Christians toward who you should imitate. Besides the obvious of imitating good, fix your eyes upon God’s Son. Jesus set the tone early, living out love as a caring healer. When his disciples got carried away or fell off the rails, Jesus used parables to bring God back into focus. Life isn’t a game; it’s a series of choices that determine your eternal destiny, Matthew 7:13-14. As Moses suggested, choose wisely.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 114: Perfect Day

Posted on May 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Manchester, England is often associated with football, a.k.a. Europe’s soccer. However, today’s song comes from a group based in Manchester. LZ7 was founded by Lindz West in 2005. LZ7 uses Christian electronic dance to share their faith through hip music. While there are a couple of different versions of Perfect Day on You Tube, I selected the one with Lauren Olds.

And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out. 39 [So] He went throughout the whole of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons, Mark 1:38-39.

When you wake in the morning, everyone has aspirations for having the day of your life. Movies like Dead Poets Society point to the Latin expression Carpe Diem: seize the day. This is exactly what Jesus does in the passage above. Beginning his day with a walk and time in prayer, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus to the exact place where God wants his disciples to go. The rest is history and the first of many Perfect Days. Unfortunately, when a human being exercises their own free will via a school shooting, days and lives are forever ruined. May a spirit of prayer lift up all families impacted by today’s tragedy in Uvalde.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Keeping Your Soul Well

Posted on May 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

To an ordinary person, the soul is an immaterial part of a human being. Yet, once an individual becomes spiritually enlightened, souls become the essence of who you are, and the person God wants you to be. At the beginning of a first century letter, John prays for the prosperity of bodies and the wellness of souls. Building upon the words of Proverbs 4:23, John is concerned with protecting the wellspring of life.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers, 3 John 1:2.

The prosperity movement in the church has left countless souls feeling disappointed and empty. The idea that if you give x amount of money to this cause, you will receive a bounty full of blessings is not accurate. This concept taken from Malachi 3:8-10 is based upon tithing. When Christians reach a point in their faith of complete trust in God to provide, there is a promise to open the storehouses of heaven. To avoid a long-drawn-out biblical debate, these blessings come in many shapes and forms.

Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord]. 5 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might, Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

Jesus quotes Moses words in the passage above in Matthew 22:37-40. One way to keep your soul well is by making God your top priority in life, Matthew 6:33-34. As Christians mature and reach an understanding of God’s daily bread from Israel’s days of wandering in the wilderness, human effort is taken out of this equation. Somehow and someway as Christians seek God’s righteousness first, mysterious and unexplainable things begin to happen. Some may never reach this degree of faith, but if you do, you’ll be eager to protect and guard your heart so that your soul remains well.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 113: Alone

Posted on May 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a former contestant on American Idol. Holly Marie Wilson used season 12 as her coming out party using the stage name of Hollyn. Like yesterday’s artist, I discovered Hollyn while listening to an Electronic Dance mix on You Tube. Hollyn was featured in a couple of the songs in this montage. One of those is Alone which has a couple of versions you can chose from.

Casting the [c]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [d]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you [e]watchfully. 8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour, 1 Peter 5:7-8.

The lyrics of Alone point to how sin separates Christians from God. When right and wrong becomes clouded by a sea of gray, human beings tend to dabble with temporary pleasures. When the ecstasy of sin fades away, guilt and shame often result in loneliness. If you ever find yourself with a similar feeling, follow the advice of James 5:16 so that you can be reunited with the Lord, basketing in God’s grace.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →