Author Archives: expressyourself4him

S.A.N.S. Episode 174: This Side of Heaven

Posted on July 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from an artist who didn’t take long to become popular. Keith Brown is the first Christian artist to go number one in Europe as a debut performer. This Side of Heaven is the album which put Keith on the map. While there are 5 different quality songs to highlight, This Side of Heaven is a great representation of Keith Brown’s sound and style.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away, Revelation 21:4.

This Side of Heaven could have alternate interpretations depending upon how you view the lyrics. Stephen Curtis Chapman sings about Heaven in the Real World on earth. Keith Brown sings about the place we call home which appears to be based upon the apostle Pail’s words in Philippians 3:13-21. Whatever the inspiration was behind this song, I know you will enjoy this Side of Heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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CRT and Discipline: Can Both Coexist?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Critical Race Theory is one of those hot button issues that many people try to avoid. As a former high school teacher, I try to keep up with trends in education. As I looked for an article explaining CRT so I could grasp its premise, the majority of online posts are politically one-sided. After several search requests, I discovered that CRT is built on the intellectual framework of identity-based Marxism.

Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.

Critical Race Theory has evolved over the past hundred years as educators have adapted and progressed with changing societal trends. One aspect of CRT claims that discipline is racist. Perhaps, this is the motive behind the recent political move to close prisons, eliminate cash bail, and for district attorneys to stop prosecuting criminals. If CRT continues to spread in America, CRT and discipline can’t co-exist.

For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness—in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God], Hebrews 12:11.

As a former educator, I struggled with classroom discipline in my early years. When disruptions are allowed to occur daily, chaos reigns and education is stunted or ceases completely. While I don’t claim to be an expert on CRT, I do know the importance of discipline inside a classroom and in the real world. According to the passage above, discipline is used by God to shape and mold individuals into the people the Lord wants us to become. Without discipline, prodigals will continue down their wayward journeys.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. 173: The Next Time You See Johnny

Posted on July 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

 Kenny Marks is a popular Dutch born singer who is like the Kenny G of Christian music. I was introduced to Kenny by his hit song the Party’s Over. However, Kenny’s song writing ability kept me purchasing his albums through the years. I could have chosen from a number of hit songs, but one of my favorites is about a boy coping with his parents’ recent divorce.

And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:32.

The Next Time You See Johnny is a prayer for boys who grow up without a father in their home. When the boy’s mother hears her son pray for his absent father, the lyrics stir my soul to compassion. Other Kenny Marks songs that may interest you are Graduation Day and White Dress. I hope the Next Time You See Johnny touches your heart like it has for me.

by Jay Mankus

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The Altar of the Souls of Martyrs

Posted on July 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

John Foxes’ Book of Martyrs was first published in 1528. While attending Seminary part time back in the late 1990’s, one of my classes studied martyrs not mentioned in the Bible. Men and women of faith suffered horrific deaths during Nero’s persecution of Christians. These tragic deaths intensified in early 300 AD under the oppressive Roman Emperor Diocletian. These individuals will be rewarded by their ultimate sacrifice.

When the Lamb broke open the fifth seal, I saw at the foot of the altar the souls of those whose lives had been sacrificed for [adhering to] the Word of God and for the testimony they had borne, Revelation 6:9.

As John witnessed Jesus break open the fifth seal in the book of Revelation, there was an altar dedicated to the souls of martyrs. At the foot of this altar, the souls of dead Christians who were killed for not compromising their faith began to share their testimonies. While most of these individuals aren’t mentioned in the Hall of Faith found in Hebrews 11, this scene reminds me of the lyrics of the hymn Blessed Assurance, “This is my story, this is my song.”

They cried in a loud voice, O [Sovereign] Lord, holy and true, how long now before You will sit in judgment and avenge our blood upon those who dwell on the earth? 11 Then they were each given a [b]long and flowing and festive white robe and told to rest and wait patiently a little while longer, until the number should be complete of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed as they themselves had been, Revelation 6:10-11.

The apostle Paul devotes the opening chapter of his letter to the Church at Galatia to promote sharing your faith. Paul uses a teachable moment to express why Christians should strive to please the Lord and not other people, Galatians 1:9-10. Paul then transitions to three keys parts of any testimony: Galatians 1:11-24. The first step is conveying how you lived prior to entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. This past leads to what event(s) led you to trust Jesus as Lord and conclude with how Jesus has transformed your life. May the altar of the souls of martyrs inspire you to share your own testimony.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 172: What You Need

Posted on July 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Joe English is an American musician, vocalist and songwriter for the English Band. Prior to this solo career, Joe played drums in Paul McCartney’s band Wings and in the rock band Sea Level. Yet, at some point Joe began to sing for a higher purpose. This is reflected in the England Band’s song What You Need. Based upon the lyrics, what you need is Jesus.

And my God will liberally supply ([i]fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19.

The apostle Paul came to a similar conclusion in the passage above. Paul builds upon the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33-34. Human nature encourages individuals to figure out things on your own. However, if you develop a belief, confidence, and trust in Jesus to provide your daily bread, you will come to the same conclusion as Joe English. Jesus is what you need in life, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

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The Angels of the Four Corners of the Earth

Posted on July 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the visions by John that makes up the book of Revelation alludes to archangels. Bible scholars agree that archangels are assigned to the Four Directions, ” “Four Corners” or “Four Winds of the earth”. After doing some research, Uriel oversees the north, Michael watches the south, Raphael concentrates on the east, and Gabriel is the guardian of the west. These are the angels of the Four Corners of the Earth.

After this I saw four angels stationed at the four corners of the earth, [a]firmly holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind should blow on the earth or sea or upon any tree, Revelation 7:1.

The archangels continue to reside in the supernatural realm today. While most people have never seen an angel, you may feel or sense one’s presence. Perhaps you were delayed for a few minutes so that you avoided that major accident on your way home from work. Unfortunately, I tend to be so busy and consumed with my own weekly schedule that I don’t take time to consider these angelic warriors.

The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers, Psalm 34:7.

According to King David, the angel of the Lord surrounds those who fear, revere and worship God. Bible scholars believe David is either referring to commissioned agents of God, a celestial court, manifestation of Divine presence or Jehovah Himself. While certain regions are controlled by powers of darkness, Ephesians 6:12, archangels delegate other angelic servants to help maintain order in their corner. As you read today’s featured passage, may you begin to appreciate what goes on in the spiritual realm.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 171: Love Will Find a Way

Posted on July 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you’re a fan of beach music, then you’ll appreciate Mal Pope who is the Christopher Cross of Christian music. When I listen to Mal Pope, I have flashbacks of the 1970’s sitting in the back of my parents’ car listening to Sailing and Ride Like the Wind. Mal is short for Maldwyn. I could only find one of Mal’s song online which is also the title of his album Love Will Find a Way.

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and [e]disregards the offenses of others], 1 Peter 4:8.

One of Jesus’ former disciples reveals how love will find a way in the Bible. Similar to the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love covers over a multitude of sins. Despite all the flaws of human nature, when individuals begin to love God and love their neighbor as themselves, love does find a way to cancel out out rough edges. I hope you enjoy Mal Pope’s soothing voice.

by Jay Mankus

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The Unleashing of the Seven-Fold

Posted on July 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Over the past 30 years, I have been introduced to theology which is the science of God. After attending seminary for a couple of years, the deeper you get, the more confusing the spiritual realm becomes as you’re introduced to various theologians with opposing views. During a recent study of the Book of Revelation, I discovered a new concept that John calls the seven-fold Holy Spirit.

I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you, John 14:25-26.

John was first introduced to the Holy Spirit during a conversation with his spiritual mentor. Jesus’ last week on earth has been given the title Passion Week. As His death on a cross approached, Jesus turned to the future when his presence would be replaced by an invisible counselor. Jesus compares this spiritual entity as an advocate and intercessor when you are in need or uncertain of what to do.

Out from the throne came flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne seven blazing torches burned, which are the seven Spirits of God [[c]the sevenfold Holy Spirit]; Revelation 4:5.

Acts 2 describes the unleashing of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. A first century doctor is like a reporter on the scene explaining this as a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, Acts 2:2. As great as this encounter was for Jesus’ followers, John has a vision of the sevenfold presence of the Holy Spirit. This unleashing of the Holy Spirit provides a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 170: Pray in the USA

Posted on July 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Morgan Cryar’s breakout album Fuel on the Fire jump started his rise as a Christian artist. When Pray in the USA was released as a single on this album, this song reached the top of contemporary music charts. By the end on the 1980’s Cryar made his mark as a songwriter and producer. If there was ever a time for prayer to make its return to the United States, now is the time.

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand), Jeremiah 33:3.

The attached video reminds me a young Billy Idol, sitting in a classroom where prayer was banned in the early 1960’s. The lyrics of Morgan Cryar’s Pray in the USA is similar to Pete Hegseth’s latest book The Battle for the American Mind. When you read Pete’s book, it serves as a history lesson of public education in the United States and illustrates how and why God and prayer was been kicked out of class.

by Jay Mankus

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Coming Out of the Closet to Show Others the Way

Posted on July 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In the past century, liberals and progressives have taken symbols and terms from the Bible. Rather than highlight the biblical context of being happy and the Old Testament symbolism of a rainbow, new meanings have been ascribed. Perhaps, it’s time to flip the script by coming out of the preverbal closet to honor the words of Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, Matthew 5:13-14.

When I turn on cable news or search the internet for what’s going on in the world, headlines seem to be turning darker and darker every day. If there was ever a time for the Christian Church to be a City on a Hill and the Light of the World, now is the time. If God is love, sirens of love should be blaring throughout places of worship to show others living in darkness the Way of Jesus.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:15-16.

Unfortunately, many Christians are like high school cliques shining the light and love of Christ at each other. Meanwhile, prodigals and wayward souls continue to walk around in darkness without most churches doing anything to help. If you have similar concerns and thoughts, come out of your spiritual closet to show others the way to the love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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