Author Archives: expressyourself4him

S.A.N.S. Episode 184: Even So Come

Posted on August 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

After 184 days of posting musically based blogs, Crystal Lewis may have the greatest voice of any Christian female vocalist, Additionally, Lewis is also a talented jazz singer, songwriter and actress. Over the course of her career, Crystal has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and has won multiple GMA Dove Awards. The song Even So Come is proof of her God given talent.

Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), Titus 2:13.

The lyrics to Even So Come is about Jesus’ second coming prior to the end of days. While Crystal writes about not doing everything in life that she feels like God has called her to do, she prays “even so come.” Several praise and worship groups have created their own version of this song in recent years. Nonetheless, I still prefer Crystal’s version. I hope you enjoy Even So Come.

by Jay Mankus

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An Eagle’s Perspective on Life

Posted on August 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who grew up 30 minutes from South Philadelphia, whenever an eagle is brought up, I immediately think of the National Football League franchise “the Philadelphia Eagles.” Meanwhile, the bald eagle became the iconic emblem of the United States on June 20th, 1782. While the eagle represents freedom in America, the Bible provides an eagle’s perspective on life.

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; 31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired, Isaiah 40:30-31.

Prior to the invention of drones, eagles would provide a bird’s eye of the earth. One Old Testament prophet compares the Lord to a mature eagle. Although young Christians become exhausted, tired and weak, the power of the Holy Spirit will rise you up by renewing your strength. The above passage serves as a promise from God whenever you feel like you don’t have the energy to take another step in life.

Then I [looked and I] saw a solitary eagle flying in midheaven, and as it flew I heard it crying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the rest of the trumpet blasts which the three angels are about to sound! – Revelation 8:13

Yet, the title of today’s blog comes from a vision from John the Revelator. Following the 4th of seven tribulations in the book of Revelation, John sees an eagle flying solo. After scanning the devastation from the first 4 tribulations, this eagle cries out in a loud voice. Like a news video after a natural disaster, this eagle’s perspective on life serves as a cautionary tale of the troubling times ahead in the end of days.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 183: Footprints

Posted on August 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Resurrection Band who also go by Rez for short formed their Christian rock band in 1972. Rez band members were part of the Jesus People USA Christian community in Chicago. The Resurrection Band is known as one of the forefathers of Christian metal. Yet, when you listen to their music, Rez blends blues-rock and hard rock. Today’s featured song Footprints pays homage to the famous poem.

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.

Footprints was initially ascribed to anonymous, reflecting upon times in life where Jesus carries you when you’re weak. One of Jesus’ disciples writes about one of Jesus’ speeches where he compares himself to a spiritual lifeguard. As people are struggling to stay afloat in life, Jesus asks a first century crowd to lay down their burdens. May the song Footprints inspire you to come to Jesus with your problems in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s as Hot as Hell Out There

Posted on August 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In my first summer as a South Carolina resident, I have endured a drought in June and severe thunderstorms in July. However, as August is about to begin, temperatures are expected to reach triple digits. When you add in the extreme humidity, some may suggest “it’s as hot as hell outside.” This idiom comes from an ancient proverb comparing the Bible’s description of hell with hot summer days.

Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! – Matthew 25:41

One chapter in the Gospels is devoted to what heaven will be like, Matthew 25. Yet, on the other side of heaven is hell. Jesus describes hell as a place of eternal punishment for those who were kicked out of heaven, Isaiah 14:12. This cursed destination is unlike any summer heatwave on earth. Like an active volcano, there is a river of fire which is filled with brimstone and Sulphur.

Then the fifth angel blew [his] trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth; and to the angel was given the key [a]of the shaft of the Abyss (the bottomless pit). 2 He opened the [b]long shaft of the Abyss (the bottomless pit), and smoke like the smoke of a huge furnace puffed out of the [c]long shaft, so that the sun and the atmosphere were darkened by the smoke from the long shaft, Revelation 9:1-2.

One of Jesus’ former disciples has a vision of what hell will be like. While looking through a shaft, John sees a bottomless pit. Based upon the description in the passage above, hell is like working in an old coal mine except you can’t leave. As for now, heatwaves will continue until September. While it’s never a pleasant experience to be drenched in sweat, make the best of summer until the cool winds of fall arrive.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 182: I Know You Know

Posted on August 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from the Christian Back Street Boys but a more mellow version. Beyond the Blue combines the smooth rhythm of blues with pop. When I listened to I Know You Know for the first time in years, a conversation from the Bible came to my mind. Jesus was having a conversation with a Pharisee when Nicodemus becomes sarcastic, triggering Jesus to share a famous passage from the Bible.

Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb again and be born? – John 3:3-4

The song I Know You Know is like a conversation with a stubborn friend. They know you’re right, but don’t want to admit it. The lyrics of I Know You Know suggests that an individual knows the truth about God but is afraid to verbalize it. If you want to live your life beyond the blue of depression, boldly proclaim that Jesus is Lord, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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Silence in Heaven

Posted on August 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Earth is filled with emotions that lift human beings up to new heights and plummet others to the depths of depression. While reading one of Jesus’ parables, I discovered what causes mood swings in heaven. Whenever a lost soul repents and turns their life back to God, there are immediate celebrations. The Parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates the power of God’s love and its influence upon wayward sinners.

And when he gets home, he summons together [his] friends and [his] neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 Thus, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one [[c]especially] wicked person who repents ([d]changes his mind, abhorring his errors and misdeeds, and determines to enter upon a better course of life) than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance, Luke 15:6-7.

Yet, one of Jesus’ former disciples writes about a side of heaven few people consider. According to John, there was 30 minutes of silence in heaven. Based upon the context of the passage below, this silence was due to anticipation and fear of what was about to occur. Perhaps, this time of silence was spent quietly praying for residents on earth, to prepare them for the tribulations to come.

When He [the Lamb] broke open the seventh seal, there was silence for about half an hour in heaven. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets, Revelation 8:1-2.

One of the things that causes me to become silent is being shocked. When something doesn’t go as I expect or takes an unusual twist that throws me for a loop, I’m speechless. Stunned by what just happened, I’m silent until I make sense in my mind why God allowed this to happen to me. Whether you’re watching a thrilling movie or sporting event, silence serves as a processing method to accept current events. May this blog help you consider what’s going on in your life through moments of silence.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 181: Soldiers Under Command

Posted on August 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

My brother-in-law took me to a local high school who was hosting one of his favorite Christian bands. At one point during the concert, Bibles were thrown into the crowd like a giveaway at a minor league baseball game. Between the outfits and stage set up, attending this Stryper concert was like watching one of the major secular metal bands of the 1980’s.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole, Isaiah 53:5.

Lead singer Michael Sweet shared his testimony that night. One of the things Michael mentioned was a pastor from his home church in Orange County, California who served as a mentor to keep Stryper on track spiritually while on tour. Soldiers Under Command is a byproduct of this accountability. While metal may not be for everyone, Soldiers Under Command is still a great tune to blast in your car.

by Jay Mankus

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The Waters of Life

Posted on August 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, water is among one of the most basic elements for human survival. God created human beings in such a way where completeness isn’t achieved until all five levels are reached, John 10:10. The physiological need of water is mentioned by a Psalmist. Yet, the passage below appears to be referring to Jesus’ words in John 4:13-15.

But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity], Psalm 1:2-3.

This living water is described by the apostle Paul in Colossians 2:6-7, building upon the words in the passage above. The concept is similar to the words of one of the forefathers of Israel in Joshua 1:8. As Christians mediate on God’s Word, day and night, this is equivalent to studying the Bible daily. The biblical truths that Christians extract from the Bible is like the waters of life mention below.

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun smite them, nor any [d]scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb Who is in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to the springs of the waters of life; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, Revelation 7:16-17.

Jesus spoke to Pharisees at the house of Levi in Matthew 9:11-13. The ideal goal of a Christian is to become solely reliant on the Word of God for answers in life. While the power of the Holy Spirit is detailed in 2 Peter 1:3-4, investing time reading the Bible is like bathing in the springs of living water. Anyone who exercises this spiritual discipline will be refreshed like the woman at the well in Samaria.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 180: Never Be the Same

Posted on July 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A Catholic friend in high school introduced me to Tony Melendez. Unless you see someone born without arms play a guitar with his toes, it’s truly an amazing feat. Tony received national attention for an unforgettable moment on September 15, 1987, playing his guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles. Tony chose to play Never Be the Same, today’s featured song.

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit, 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Tony could have blamed God for his unfortunate condition. Yet, Tony decided that he was going to learn to play a guitar whatever the cost. After years of discipline and hard work, Tony realized his dream to become a musician. When you add this passion to a man with a talented voice, Tony Melendez is a living example that God can do anything through Christians fueled by Jesus, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

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So Be It

Posted on July 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Charles Spurgeon preached about John’s first doxology on September 2nd, 1883. A doxology is a liturgical formula of praise to God. The disciple whom Jesus loved writes his first doxology which can be found in Revelation 1:5-6. Meanwhile, the word Amen comes from ancient Hebrew which when translated into English means so be it. Perhaps, this is a way to express that no matter what happens, God is in control.

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. [For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him.] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it), Romans 11:36.

The apostle Paul devotes an entire chapter in his letter to the Church at Rome to a doxology. If you have ever attended a traditional Roman Catholic Church, the above passage is spoken by the priest during a traditional mass. One of the churches I attended in Maine, the priest sang these words at the end of each service. While modern worship is more emotionally based, Paul’s doxology confirms what Christians believe.

Amen! (So be it!) they cried. Blessing and glory and majesty and splendor and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and might [be ascribed] to our God to the ages and ages (forever and ever, throughout the eternities of the eternities)! Amen! (So be it!) – Revelation 7:12

Another one of John’s doxologies is listed above. The context of this doxology is based upon angels who are overwhelmed by the holiness of God. All those present fell prostate before the Lord, moved by the Holy Spirit to honor the God of eternity. When you have an opportunity to experience the presence of God on earth, somebody say Amen, so be it.

by Jay Mankus

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