Author Archives: expressyourself4him

What’s Your Distinguishing Mark?

Posted on April 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are 96 verses in the Bible that refer to being set apart. Jesus makes a specific distinction in His Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:43-47. A follower of Jesus is called to higher standards than an unbelieving heathens. Perhaps, this is why one of Jesus’ disciples asks first century Christians, what’s your distinguishing mark? As you are forced to reside in a world of darkness, how are you making a difference?

What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may [d]realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a [e]distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 4 And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and [f]your joy may be complete], 1 John 1:3-4.

The apostle Paul alludes to a distinguishing mark while writing a letter to a teenager pastor. When you add Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 1:6 with 1 Corinthians 12:1-7, each Christian possesses a hidden talent known as a spiritual gift. As individuals begin to switch their allegiance from the world to the Lord, minds can be transformed by the Word of God, Romans 12:1-2. When faith is nurtured by the Holy Spirit, knowing what God’s will for your life becomes achievable.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:9-10.

Your distinguishing mark should align your spiritual gift with God’s will for your life. Unfortunately, this process often takes decades to sort through to figure out what works and what doesn’t. For example, I set out to be a social worker, changed to a youth pastor and ended up being a high school Bible teacher. When I lost my job a decade ago, I had to start over from scratch. Like an ongoing work of art, each day serves as a fine-tuning process to magnify your distinguishing mark as a member of the body of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 78: Devastation and Reform

Posted on April 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s features song is from a group that formed in Canton, Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I first discovered Reliant K back in 2011, shortly before I became unemployed. Several of Reliant K’s songs spoke to during this difficult time in my life. Yet, Devastation and Reform comes from the Five Score and Seven Years Ago album.

Trust not in the lying words [of the false prophets who maintain that God will protect Jerusalem because His temple is there], saying, This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord. 5 For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly and truly execute justice between every man and his neighbor, Jeremiah 7:4-5.

I could have chosen one of a dozen different songs from Reliant K. However, the beat and lyrics of Devastation and Reform combine a classic sound with a moving message. Since no one is immune from devastation, everyone has the opportunity to bounce back from disappointment. The next time you find yourself on the verge of self-destructing, play Devastation and Reform so that you will be inspired to overcome trials and tribulations that life throws at you.

by Jay Mankus

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Unsullied Minds

Posted on April 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The United Negro College Fund recognized in 1972 that a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Just as an athlete stretches and trains to improve, minds need to be challenged and pushed daily to learn. One of Jesus’ disciples made it his objective to stir up unsullied minds. This was accomplished by reminding first century Christians of Jesus’ teaching over the course of his earthly ministry. Yet, if idleness sets in, minds will forget the biblical truths in the Bible.

Beloved, I am now writing you this second letter. In [both of] them I have stirred up your unsullied (sincere) mind by way of remembrance, 2 That you should recall the predictions of the holy (consecrated, dedicated) prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior [given] through your apostles (His special messengers), 2 Peter 3:1-2.

From time to time, I’ll stay up way past midnight writing until inspiration fades and words disappear. If I try to press on, it’s not uncommon to hit a wall mentally. When your body and mind grow tired, recalling important details that you want to communicate come to a grinding halt. There are 253 different passages in the Bible to call readers to remember a specific message of the past. This large number of reminders suggests that human minds are forgetful.

If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God, Colossians 3:1-3.

Perhaps this explains the words of the apostle Paul in the passage above. The only way to maintain sincere and unsullied minds is by participating in a spiritual exercise. Like a form of mediation, dwelling on God’s Word day and night, Joshua 1:6-8, provides spiritual clarity. When you set your heart and mind on things above, your perspective on life and this world will change. If you want to stay focused, daily Bible Study and prayer will result in unsullied minds.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 77: Get It Right

Posted on April 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a group that began in Brainerd, Minnesota. Silverline is one of those Christian rock bands that have been overshadowed and replaced with soft rock that Christian radio stations prefer to play. I initially discovered Silverline while searching for new music online. However, their lyrics on ballads like Too Far Gone from Silverline’s Lights Out album have moved me to listen more.

A wise man’s heart turns him toward his right hand, but a fool’s heart toward his left, Ecclesiastes 10:2.

Back when Chip Kelly became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, he intergraded music into drills and practices. This inspired me to create 4 different mixes which I played at baseball practices. Get It Right was one of the first songs on mix number one. Instead of getting it right spiritually, I spent time in between drills to instill proper techniques. If you want to get your life back on track, Get It Right is a good place to start.

by Jay Mankus

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Abiding in Love

Posted on April 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are three common Greek words that appear in the New Testament of the Bible. Eros is a romantic and sensual form of love. Phillia refers to a brotherly love in the context of friends and family. Agape is God’s unconditional love that offers grace, forgiveness, and mercy to undeserving human beings. Yet, in a letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul refers to charity as the greatest spiritual force in 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Whoever loves his brother [believer] abides (lives) in the Light, and in It or in him there is no occasion for stumbling or cause for error or sin, 1 John 2:10.

Romans 6:23 is known as the Gift Illustration in Evangelism Explosion. There are three ways that people respond to a gift. The first is to accept this as your own by taking it home with you. The second is to receive a gift only to return this or regift it at a later time. Finally, the bitter will reject someone’s offer and leave without it. To abide in love refers to accepting, conforming to, and following the source of love who is Jesus.

But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations], 1 John 1:7.

One of Jesus’ former disciples provides a check list to see whether you are abiding in God’s love. John uses light and darkness as a way to evaluate your own current life. Those who abide in Jesus display fruits of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. Yet, if these fruits are overshadowed by acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21, you’re likely abiding in darkness. Like Jesus’ words in John 13:34-35, you will know Christians by their love. Therefore, abide in God’s love so that any darkness in life will quickly fade.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 76: Holy War

Posted on April 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him


The Christian Metal group Whitecross was formed in 1985 in Waukegan, Ilinois. Whitecross won three Dove Awards as well as the Christian Metal Band of the year in the 1990’s. While I bought several Whitecross albums in college, In the Kingdom is by far my favorite. While I usually feature a worship song on Sunday’s, I made an exception today with Holy War.

And now, Lord, observe their threats and grant to Your bond servants [full freedom] to declare Your message fearlessly, Acts 4:29.

Holy War combines rap with metal to highlight the ongoing spiritual war that is taking place is another dimension. The rap portion of this song sounds like Rocky Balboa minus the south Philly accent. Meanwhile, the lyrics of the chorus calls Christians to become bold and passionate followers of Jesus. When you put everything together, Holy War remains an inspirational song to enjoy today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Roman Rumor

Posted on April 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Fake News isn’t something that former President Donald Trump invented. Rather, there have always been rumors that have evolved over time like children playing the telephone game. Each listener passes on this information with a new twist that deviates from the original message. The plot to cover up Jesus’ resurrection began with a Roman rumor that continues today by revisionist historians.

While they were on their way, behold, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had occurred. 12 And when they [the chief priests] had gathered with the elders and had consulted together, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers, Matthew 28:11-12.

The apostle Paul writes about a time when people will reach a point where they will believe what their itching ears want to hear, 1 Timothy 4:1-2. This passage reminds me of a group of teenage girls sitting at lunch, gossiping about the latest rumor in school. Unfortunately, gossip can become like a drug to some, getting cared away by words like “did you hear about what so and so did?”

And said, Tell people, His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we were sleeping. 14 And if the governor hears of it, we will appease him and make you safe and free from trouble and care. 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this story has been current among the Jews to the present day, Matthew 28:13-15.

While many Christians around world will gather together to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this Easter Sunday, the Roman rumor spread 2,000 years ago is still passed on today. As a former Bible teacher, I was forced to address this lie with facts and biblical truths. Perhaps the same demons and deceiving spirits that Paul wrote about still exist today. Whatever the reason for rumors, may resurrection Sunday inspire you to confront the father of lies with the light of truth found in the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 75: You’ve Only Got One Life

Posted on April 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I first became a Christian, I struggled to let go of secular music. Since I only knew a few people who listened to Christian music, I didn’t have many options. My brother-in-law introduced me to the artist who sings today’s featured song. Rick Cua’s You’re My Road album was playing in the background. I wasn’t impressed until You’ve Only Got One Life started.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:10.

While the lyrics of You’ve Only Got One Life doesn’t directly mention the Parable of the Prodigal Son, there is a parallel. When you live for the moment, you’ll end up wasting a good portion of life serving your own needs. Just like the young prodigal, when your wealth disappears, common sense returns as you hit rock bottom. If you want to make the most of your life, pursue the abundant life that Jesus promised in the passage above.

by Jay Mankus

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Conducive to the Soul’s Safety

Posted on April 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Conducive is making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible. This is the context of the passage below as Peter is seeking to protect the souls of first century Christians. While there are no guarantees in life, you can put safeguards in place that are advantageous, beneficial, and useful for favorable results. If the soul is the essence of who you are, your heart is the well spring to life, Proverbs 4:23. This is why it’s necessary to consider the safety of your soul.

And consider that the long-suffering of our Lord [[e]His slowness in avenging wrongs and judging the world] is salvation ([f]that which is conducive to the soul’s safety), even as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the spiritual insight given him, 2 Peter 3:15.

Safety protocol are procedures and policies that are put in place by businesses, companies, and organizations to ensure that a safe environment exists and is maintained. Federal and state officials rely on OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to oversee the safety of workers. Yet, one of Jesus’ former disciples appears to be more concerned with spiritual safety in light of an enemy that is on the prowl, 1 Peter 5:8.

What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna), Matthew 10:27-28.

Jesus compares this threat to a spiritual thief in John 10:10. Like a protective shepherd guarding their flock from wolves, Jesus doesn’t want anyone of his followers to get hurt. Unfortunately, the careless will fail to heed the warnings in the Bible. The Devil isn’t a fictional character who is powerless to harm you. Rather, this fallen angel possesses supernatural powers as the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2. Therefore, don’t flee in fear, but trust in the Lord and lean on the Spirit’s understanding to keep your soul safe.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 74: Don’t Believe It

Posted on April 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the first Christian rock bands that I found that was as good as popular secular music is Legend. The release of Legend’s debut album Legend Seven coincided with my senior year of college. I can recall a couple of Friday afternoons when I rolled down my windows and blasted Don’t Believe It as I drove down Main Street to unwind. Don’t Believe It was inspired by a warning from the apostle Paul.

Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:11-12.

This song refers to ungodly beliefs, lies planted inside the thought life of human beings. One of the greatest weapons of the Devil is convincing individuals that other people are to blame. Yet, behind the scenes in the spiritual realm, the Devil is serving as the mastermind of all evil. Subsequently, the message of Don’t Believe It still applies today with a call to stop believing the liar and chief, the Devil.

by Jay Mankus

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