Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The Unreasoning

Posted on April 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you like to meet new people, it won’t be long before you experience a one-sided conversation. If you enjoy politics, cable television is full of panel discussions with at least one stubborn individual who doesn’t listen to what other people are saying. One of Jesus’ disciples compares this personality type to unreasoning beasts that are uncontrollable. Not matter how hard you may try, the unreasoning won’t budge.

But these [people]! Like unreasoning beasts, mere creatures of instinct, born [only] to be captured and destroyed, railing at things of which they are ignorant, they shall utterly perish in their [own] corruption [in their destroying they shall surely be destroyed], 2 Peter 2:12.

Jesus’ earthly brother offers one likely scenario to help explain why people end up becoming unreasonable, James 1:13-15. If your mind is already made up, you may listen to advice that is offered but will ultimately follow what your heart is set on doing. For example, my dog is a husky who is friendly and kind. However, when Akira senses that there is a rabbit or squirrel in the back yard, she transforms into an unreasoning beast who follows her instincts.

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 2 Timothy 3:1-2.

The apostle Paul sets the stage for why people will become unreasoning beasts in the last days prior to the second coming of Jesus. Stress and trouble affect human beings in various ways, often changing their behavior. As these situations in life intensity, desperation sets in along with self-preservation. According to Paul, extreme conditions will push human beings over the edge to become unreasoning. If you find yourself falling prey to the Cancel Culture and wokeness, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to find your way back to God, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 60: Carmen

Posted on April 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song combines a biblical story with music. After getting married in Chicago, my wife Leanne got a position as a youth director in Bolingbrook, Illinois. For nearly two years, we served as partners in youth ministry. One of the first events I attended with this youth group was a Carmen concert at the Rosemont Horizon. Between the dancers, props and overall production of this show, I was blown away.

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him through Jesus those who have fallen asleep [[h]in death], 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

While my high school mentor and swim coach introduced me to Carmen, seeing these stories of the Bible live come to life in a song was amazing. Following this concert, I purchased nearly all of Carmen’s albums. While Carmen has dozens of famous songs, the athlete in men has made the Champion my favorite. This song is like a scene from one of the Rocky movies that turns into a worship service. I hope you enjoy the Champion.

by Jay Mankus

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The Walkers Prayer

Posted on April 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

From 1983 to 1986, I ran over 1,000 miles on grass and pavement. Over the summer to prepare for the upcoming Cross Country season, I averaged running 30 miles per week with 150 miles for months when I felt ambitious. After a friend from college introduced me to a section of Psalm 18, I turned this verse into a prayer before I went for a jog. Yet, the context of the passage below is based upon a shepherd approaching rocky terrain. These words serve as a prayer to avoid twisting an ankle as you walk.

For who is God except the Lord? Or who is the Rock save our God, 32 The God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect? – Psalm 18:31-32

Following a reconstructive surgery on my ankle during my junior year of high school, I was forced to wear a soft cast for five years. Whether I was going to school, off to practice or heading off for a run, this cast took a couple of minutes to slip on and tie the laces to secure my ankle. Before I finished tightening up this cast, I often said a silent prayer to God to protect my ankle from any major contact. If I ever overextended myself following my surgery, my left sock was soaked in blood at the end of the day.

He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places, Psalm 18:33.

There was a time when I took walking for granted. As a teenager and gifted athlete, I never thought about twisting my ankle unless I was going hiking on rocky terrain. Yet, my accident while running and subsequent surgery has forced me to place my faith and trust in the Lord whenever I go for a walk. If you do claim Psalm 18:33 as the Walkers Prayer before going outside, I can’t guarantee that you won’t slip. However, as you approach dangerous terrain, look down and watch each step so your feet are secure.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 59: Overcomer

Posted on March 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

About five years ago, I discovered a couple of Christian music mixes on You Tube. One collection was Electronic Praise, another Hip Hop, and the final one was Dance. This search on the internet for quality Christian music introduced me to today’s artist. Mandisa followed a song by Capital Kings. As soon as Overcomer started to play, I made an instant connection with the lyrics.

 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you,] John 16:33.

No one likes to endure disappointment and failure. As a former professional athlete, practice doesn’t always result in improvement. If progress is stunted or you start to regress, you need an overcomer spirit that Mandisa sings about in her song. If you ever find yourself down and out, doubting that you will ever achieve your dreams and goals in life, use Mandisa’ Overcomer to ignite and spark hope.

by Jay Mankus

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Outcasts by a Forced Quarantine

Posted on March 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the reasons the Book of Leviticus was written is to provide an instruction manual to keep Israel pure and live in holiness before God. Moses was commissioned by God to inform Israel of a priest’s life and their precise work to represent an earthly example of obedience to God for Israel. Just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set guidelines and protocols for Covid-19, Leviticus clearly defines God’s standards for future outbreaks. Lepers in the Old Testament experienced one of the first forced quarantines ever recorded on earth.

Then the priest shall examine him, and if the diseased swelling is reddish white on his bald head or forehead like the appearance of leprosy in the skin of the body, 44 He is a leprous man; he is unclean; the priest shall surely pronounce him unclean; his disease is on his head, Leviticus 13:43-44.

As the creator of man and woman, God understood how vulnerable human bodies would become after sin entered the world in Genesis 3. While Leviticus is a tough read, any doctor or nurse would find the medical protocols fascinating. The goal of this book is to educate individuals on how to stop the spread of disease. If you go back to March of 2020, some of the health standards implemented by the CDC come straight out of the Bible. Although washing your hands regularly and staying six feet apart may seem like a drag, it plays an important role in keeping people healthy.

And the leper’s clothes shall be rent, and the hair of his head shall hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry, Unclean, unclean! 46 He shall remain unclean as long as the disease is in him; he is unclean; he shall live alone [and] his dwelling shall be outside the camp, Leviticus 13:45-46.

If you’ve ever contracted Covid-19, the chicken pox or any other contagious disease, you understand what it feels like to be quarantined. As for first century lepers who had encounters with Jesus, each was responsible for following the rules listed above whenever someone passing by got too close. Lepers were forced to live outside of the city limits until a priest gave them a clean bill of health to return to society. Until healing occurred, lepers could not be held or touched. This was deemed unsafe like those family members were who prevented from visiting hospitals and nursing homes to see their loved ones. As the spread of the Coronavirus appears to have faded, I pray that 2022 allows the outcast to be reunited soon.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 58: Changed Forever

Posted on March 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

For a decade, I drove my children to school every day. When my older son James entered Junior High, I began to try to find Christian music to play on our ride to Red Lion. One of my high school Bible students led me toward Toby Mac. While I was never a fanatical fan of DC Talk, their former lead singer, Toby Mac’s Tonight album came at a perfect time. James connected with several of the songs on this album.

Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 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, Joshua 1:6-7.

Today’s featured song Changed Forever was one of those tunes that was repeated at least once each day. When I drove my golf team to away matches, Toby Mac stayed in my CD player without any objections. The lyrics of Changed Forever reminds me of the words of Joshua as he was preparing Israel to enter into God’s Promised Land. When you make the decision to follow Jesus, the Bible is a valuable resource to make sure you continue to be changed forever.

by Jay Mankus

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Feeling Invisible to the Outside World

Posted on March 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Ten years ago, I was forced to reinvent myself after losing my teaching position at Red Lion Christian Academy in the middle of the school year. After a couple of stints on unemployment, I landed back on my feet at Amazon. This June will mark the beginning of my 10th year at this company. Yet, my only option for a promotion was switching to the graveyard shift. While the benefits and pay have been a blessing to my family, it has come at a cost. Working nights for the past 8 years has made me invisible to the outside world.

Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, [i]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). 13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while [j]effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and [k]delight, Philippians 2:12-13.

There are many things in life that don’t show or reveal dividends right away. While I have always dabbled in creative writing, writing screen plays has coincided with the last decade. Despite countless hours crafting, planning and typing, all I have is 3 completed manuscripts. There is no book deal, notoriety or agents knocking down my door to produce one of my films. My efforts are invisible to Hollywood. Sure, I have ideas for a 10-episode sit-com and a drama based upon a grown-up Joan of Arcadia, but for now I feel invisible to the outside world.

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:14-16.

The passage above provides advice for anyone who feels invisible. Whenever you set out to cultivate and fulfill a goal, this process can be exhausting. As I listen to weekly screenwriting podcasts to keep my dream alive, the Bible contains instructions for the here and now. Complaining and grumbling about a lack of success doesn’t solve any problems. Instead, the apostle Paul urges believers to rise above your circumstances in life. Hold out hope by presenting yourself like a bright star piercing the darkness of the unknown. Fan into the flame the gifts and talents that God has given you to see what happens. Do your best and let God do the rest until your hard work is rewarded.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 57: The Lost Get Found

Posted on March 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was first introduced to Britt Nicole by one of my former students at Red Lion Christian Academy. Since I often incorporated music into my lesson plans, Rachel realized that my Christian music was out of date. She gave me a couple of CD’s with single songs from multiple artists. After listening to the song Glow, I became a fan of Britt and have bought three different albums and counting.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10.

There are a couple of different versions of today’s featured song The Lost Get Found. While I purchased both versions, the remix combines solid biblical lyrics with an upbeat dance/hip hop sound. When I listen to the chorus of the Lost Get Found, I am reminded of a conversation that took place nearly 2000 years ago. After inviting Jesus into his home, Zacchaeus vows to transform his life as a perfect example of how the lost get found by God.

by Jay Mankus

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Learning to Ignore Outside Distractions

Posted on March 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

No matter where you go or what you do, there will always be someone who rubs you the wrong way. Whether this is a clash in personalities, a power struggle or a pushy individual who annoys you, staying cool in the heat of the moment takes practice. In the first century, Jewish religious leaders became the itch in Jesus’ craw. One after another approached Him daily trying to catch, deceive and trick Jesus into saying something that he’d regret. The passage below serves as a lesson to ignore outside distractions.

This they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge on which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger. 7 However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. 8 Then He bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger, John 8:6-8.

As Jesus strolls into town, community leaders are in the process of following Deuteronomy 22:22. To set the stage, a woman caught in the act of adultery has been brought to the center of town. As citizens begin to gather stones to throw at this woman likely tied to a post, religious leaders ask Jesus for advice. Rather than fall for this trap, Jesus begins writing in the ground (a mix of dirt and sand). Following a series of questions, Jesus stops writing and addresses the crowd with a reflective statement.

They listened to Him, and then they began going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court. 10 When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? 11 She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more, John 8:9-11.

Jesus ignores all the outside distractions by continuing with his message, writing in the sand. What did Jesus write? Why did everyone in the neighborhood drop their rocks and quietly go home? When the sound of footsteps and closed doors disappear, Jesus looks up to an abandoned town square. Jesus doesn’t let her off easy, addressing this woman with a call to action. As you leave this place alive, escaping death, go now, turn away from lust and abandon your sinful lifestyle. Learning to ignore outside distractions will take practice, but Jesus has set the tone for how you should live your life.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 56: God’s Not Dead

Posted on March 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Newsboys was one of those groups that always had a distinct sound. This is due to Peter Furler and George Perdikis who are native Australians. The Newsboys began way back in 1985 in their hometown of Mooloolaba, Australia. Seventeen albums later, this Christian rock band still tours today with former DC Talk member Michael Tait. Tait’s addition as lead vocalist has helped the Newsboys evolve and remain popular today.

Martha replied, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; John 11:24-25.

What first attracted me to the Newsboys was their drum set up. Once strapped in, the lead drummer would rotate 180 degrees like a looping roller coaster and still play the drums. When I taught at Red Lion Christian Academy a decade ago, the school would host one to two major concerts annually. During my final concert at Red Lion, I served on the stage crew and my job was to put together and take apart the drum set for the Newsboys. This tour just happened to feature today’s song God is Not Dead. Enjoy!

by Jay Mankus

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