Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Closing Your Heart to Compassion

Posted on April 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my former pastors regularly preached about hurt people, hurting other people. Whenever you are betrayed, deeply hurt, let down and wounded, it takes time to heal. If someone rubs you the wrong way or is unrelentless about pressing you on an issue, you may reach a breaking point before exploding. This may explain why people close their heart to compassion.

But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and[m]fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him? – 1 John 3:17

If you watch enough movies or streaming services, you will find a character who is jaded about a past experience. This one event may cause someone to develop barriers that prevents them from ever becoming vulnerable again. This fear of being hurt shows up in Matt Damon’s character in Good Will Hunting. Yet, the Bible is calling readers to open their hearts to compassion.

For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [g]reckless and willful sins, [h]leaving them, letting them go, and [i]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [j]reckless and willful sins, [k]leaving them, letting them go, and [l]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses, Matthew 6:14-15.

Jesus provides a good reason to open your heart to compassion in the passage above. In the middle of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus unveils a condition for forgiveness. Like the Sowing Principle, if you forgive others, God will forgive you. However, if you close your heart to compassion, God will withhold his compassion from you. May these words bring healing and inspire you to open your heart to compassion.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 87: Pray

Posted on April 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In case you were wondering, there is such a thing as Christian rap music in Canada. This is courtesy of Chris Greenwood a.k.a. Manafest who is from Toronto, in the province of Ontario Canada. One of the inspirations behind Manafest’s music ministry was Chris losing his father to suicide at age five. In today’s featured song Pray, the lyrics tell a story about Chris’ brother who he is praying for.

Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

One online site claims that they are 527 songs that use Pray as the main title. I’m not sure if this is an updated number or lumps in songs with pray in the title, but this suggests that praying is not dead. While Manafest’s version of Pray may not be as memorable of Michael W. Smith’s Pray for Me, I am moved by the lyrics each time I listen to Chris’ song.

by Jay Mankus

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Unrestrained and Unregulated

Posted on April 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Light and darkness often appear together in the Bible. These common terms are designed to illustrate one’s spiritual condition. Anyone who walks with God by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, is considered a child of the light. Those who exercise their own freewill by choosing to indulge their sinful nature live in darkness, unrestrained and unregulated from God’s commands.

Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God’s law by transgression or neglect—being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will), 1 John 3:4.

Over the course of my life, I’ve met thousands of individuals. There is one particular individual that I can recall who was unrestrained and unregulated. This person was unfiltered, saying and doing whatever came to his mind. While going down the beach with a friend, I made the mistake of getting into this guy’s car. This was the most uncomfortable and scariest car ride I have ever experienced.

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do, Galatians 5:16-17.

The apostle Paul refers to the spiritual aspect of being unrestrained and unregulated. These individuals choose to be led by sinful cravings. Rather than respond or be guided by the Holy Spirit, temporary pleasures become their sole focus. The only way to break this lifestyle is by putting to death your old self as described in Colossians 3:1-9. While making any type of change takes time, but with God anything is possible, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 86: Music Box Superhero

Posted on April 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Like the 1996 film That Thing You Do starring Tom Hanks, life is filled with one hit wonders. These may not all be bands who disappeared overnight. Some are athletes who have that one amazing playoff run before turning into an average professional the rest of their career. Such is the case of the Julianna Project and their only memorable and notable song Music Box Superhero.

Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [[e]and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, Ephesians 5:19.

Back in the days when Christian Bookstores were in vogue, record companies put the best song they could find from obscure artists and compile these hits into compilation albums. The hope was that if you liked a specific song you would purchase the entire album on your next visit. Since the Sonshine House never carried the Julianna Project’s album, this is the only song worth listening to. I hope you enjoy it.

by Jay Mankus

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Treasuring God’s Word

Posted on April 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One author of the Bible compares the Old Testament with a lamp for your feet and light to guide your steps, Psalm 119:105. Jesus compares the Bible to living water in John 4:13-15. Building upon the concept first introduced in Psalm 1:2-3. When I began to treasure the words in the Bible in college, a transformation started to begin. While I still have plenty of blots and blemishes, finding life in God’s Word will result in eternal treasures.

But he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive (know, recognize, and be sure) that we are in Him: 6 Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as [d]a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself, 1 John 2:5-6.

One of the members of Jesus’ inner circle, learned to treasure God’s Word. However, in the first century, John only had parts of the Old Testament available to read. Despite this lack of access, John must have clinged to all everything that Jesus taught him. This explains the words in the passage above as those who abide in God follow that same Spirit that guided Jesus.

Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good [b]success, Joshua 1:7-8.

The concept of treasuring God’s Word began with one of Israel’s forefathers. As Moses passed the torch to Joshua, the passage above provides the instruction for all of the Israelites to follow as they prepared to enter into God’s promised land. To avoid going astray spiritually, Joshua called everyone to meditate on God’s Word day and night. If you follow Joshua’s advice today, you will treasure the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 85: God of this City

Posted on April 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

You won’t find many Christian songs written in a local brothel. However, during a mission trip to Thailand, the words to God of this City flowed out of this sinful place. This practice fits into the mission statement of featured song from: “Bluetree believes we are to live integrated, whole lives – where worship invades all we are and do – so we can begin to experience the wholeness of life God intends for us.”

 Keep awake then and watch at all times [be discreet, attentive, and ready], praying that you may have the full strength and ability and be accounted worthy to escape all these things [taken together] that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man, Luke 21:36.

This Praise and worship band that originated in Belfast’s Christian Fellowship Church adds an electronic element to their songs. This is clearly present in Life’s Noise also on the God of this City album. Following the release of God of this City, many inner-city churches were inspired to reach their own urban communities. Wherever you live, remember that God is in control and can become the God of your city.

by Jay Mankus

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How is the Seeker Service Experience Going?

Posted on April 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

It’s been almost fifty years since Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois introduced the concept of a Seeker Service Experience. As someone who got married right down the street, I know the history of this youth group that began meeting at Willow Creek Theater in Palatine, Illinois. If you have ever visited the Willow Creek Campus, it’s an amazing sight to see. Yet, whenever any leader reinvents church by deviating from the first century blueprint listed below, there will be spiritual consequences that often go unnoticed.

And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord’s Supper] and prayers. 43 And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers), Acts 2:42-43.

Carey Nieuwhof recently put together several telling church statistics for the United States in 2021. The total attendance is only at 36% of what it was prior to the Coronavirus restrictions. Today, only 52% of church-goers want primarily in-person services. To be honest, church attendance in this country has been on a steady decline since September 11th, 2001. The Sunday after 9/11 saw the largest attendance at churches in American history. Whenever human beings are confronted by death or tragedy, there is a natural response to consider life after death. Or as 1 John 5:13 states, to secure your eternal destiny.

And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; 45 And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need. 46 And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord’s Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts, 47 Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death], Acts 2:44-47.

The reason why so many Willow Creek Association Churches have failed to duplicate the success of the original is their failure to possess the same spiritual hungry. Willow Creek began as a youth group who fasted and prayed for their lost teenage friends. Like the words of Nehemiah 1:4-7, this was the spiritual force that produced a mega church. A spiritual revival in this western suburb of Chicago led to the formation of this massive church campus. While Seeker Services may get the unchurched into your building, becoming part of the body of Christ occurs by following the apostles teaching which ultimately produces Christ followers who are eager to come back week after week to serve the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 84: Faith Like That

Posted on April 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jonah 33 is one of those sneaky good Christian rock bands that hasn’t gotten the airtime that they deserve. Based out of the college town of Fayetteville, Arkansas Jonah 33 combines hard rock with metal mixed in with biblically based ballads. Today’s featured song is Jonah 33’s most popular, Faith Like That, from their self-titled debut album in 2001.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses], Hebrews 11:1.

From a spiritual point of view, Hebrews 11 is known as the Bible’s Hall of Faith. Spiritual giants of the past are recognized for specific faithful acts that are highlighted in this chapter. If you want to possess a faith like these godly men and women, study how these individuals lived their lives. While none of these people mentioned are perfect, their faith is worthy to be emulated.

by Jay Mankus

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Sorting Out the Details

Posted on April 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Whenever you plan a weekend getaway or vacation, one member of your family has to sort out all the details. If you’re flying, what’s the best day and time to get the cheapest deal? Where are you going to stay and how close is this to the main attractions? During one trip early in my marriage, I forgot about all the Nascar fans in town for the race at the Monster Mile in Dover. My oversight made it impossible to find a hotel on our way back, ending up in a dive in the middle of nowhere.

If you know (perceive and are sure) that He [Christ] is [absolutely] righteous [conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action], you may also know (be sure) that everyone who does righteously [and is therefore in like manner conformed to the divine will] is born (begotten) of Him [[r]God], 1 John 2:29.

One of Jesus’ disciples writes about sorting out all the necessary spiritual details to conform to God’s will for your life. The apostle Paul starts this process by developing the right mindset in Romans 12:1-2. While reaching out to a teenager pastor in the first century, Paul encourages this spiritual leader to daily apply his gifts and talents, 2 Timothy 1:6-7. As Christians begin to ascertain their spiritual gifts and adopt the mind of Christ, sorting out God’s will for your life begins to fall into place.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.

However, sorting out all the details of conforming to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action will vary for each Christian. Some who come to a personal faith in Jesus late in life often have a clear vision of God’s calling. Young followers may have to explore for a couple of years or a decade, going through their own prodigal experience. Or if you’re like me you have to reinvent yourself at a stage in life to transition into a new job or calling. Whatever steps God takes you through, remember that success is the process of arriving until the Lord calls you home.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 83: Thank God I’m Not Jesus

Posted on April 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I’ve never been a big fan of country music, but from time to time I’ll come across an inspiration song. When I first bought the Beautiful Thing Album by Crossway, I didn’t know what I was getting. To my surprise there were a number of country/worship songs that appealed to me. Yet, my favorite by far is entitled Thank God I’m Not Jesus.

For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [g]reckless and willful sins, [h]leaving them, letting them go, and [i]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [j]reckless and willful sins, [k]leaving them, letting them go, and [l]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses, Matthew 6:14-15.

The lyrics follow in the footsteps of Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty. Rather than create a film to illustrate what it would be like to be God, Crossway members imagine how they would react and respond if they were Jesus. To avoid any spoiler alerts, you have to listen to the entire song to truly appreciate Crossway’s message. However, as you do, the passage above reminds every one of the importance to forgive those who trespass against you. This is Jesus’ call and expectation so that you will be forgiven.

by Jay Mankus

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