Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The Reason to Forgive

Posted on March 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Everyone has been burned, disappointed with or hurt by a close friend. Whether this was due to betrayal, growing apart or temptation bought on by human nature, there is no one righteous, not even one, Romans 3:9-12. When the shoe is on the other foot and you are the guilty one, remember the principle you reap what you sow. When you add this to Jesus’ teaching in the passage below, this is the reason to forgive.

And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 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 6:13-15.

As a child, forgiveness is a daily ordeal. Someone hurts your feelings, said something mean to you or as you get older, breaks your heart. If the words of Jeremiah 17:9 are any indication, life is filled with anguish, frustration, and pain. This is where children learn the hard way that it’s better to forgive rather than holding a grudge. The sooner you mend fences with friends, the better you’ll feel. Unfortunately, stubbornness often blocks the path toward peace.

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.

The words of the passage above might have been conceived in John 21:15-17. Peter is confronted by Jesus following his public denial. This conversation serves as a form of reconciliation as Jesus forgives Peter for his past sin. While the Lord’s Prayer is a basic prayer children learned in Sunday School classes, this is a great aid for forgiveness. As you reflect upon the past day, week, month or year, forgive those who have trespassed against you. If you want God to forgive you, this is the reason to forgive others.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 37: Breakdown

Posted on March 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the last albums I purchased before my local Christian bookstore went out of business was Group One Crew’s Outta Space Love. At this time, I was still teaching Bible at Red Lion Christian Academy so I was looking for a hip hop artist who could reach teenagers. According to my students, the music I had shared up to this point in class was too Christian and not cool enough.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might. 6 And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then] Deuteronomy 6:5-6.

While driving my kids to school, my oldest son James connected with the opening song on Outta Space Love entitled Live It Up. However, my younger son Daniel and I both felt that one other song was slightly better. Breakdown is not your typically Christian song, but it’s great for rolling down your windows and blasting the volume for others to listen. When you add solid lyrics to this beat, Breakdown is one of the best Christian hip hop tunes that I have found.

by Jay Mankus

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Pursue Peaceful Relations

Posted on March 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the most eye-opening experiences in my life was teaching a semester at a boarding school in West Virginia. The High Scope Institute for Ideas was located in the Monongahela National Forest. This setting was a great place for career underachievers living in broken homes to escape the distractions in life that were holding them back academically. As I got to know these teenagers as a counselor and teacher, I began to understand the importance pursuing peaceful relations.

Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!] – 1 Peter 3:11

Staying positive in the midst of any stressful predicament is difficult. Yet, when you’re a child and one or both of your parents are living in denial of an addiction seems like a no-win situation. If you apply Peter’s advice in the passage above, tough love is necessary to shun wickedness living inside of someone you care about. Whether you are currently dealing with an agitating individual or a series of moral conflicts, the quest for peace can bring forth harmony.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

The apostle Paul takes Peter’s instructions to the next level. Whether before, during or after enduring this chaos in your life, pray. Don’t just lift up your voice to the Lord in a casual manner or with a hopeless heart. Rather, thank God for the little things in life and long for a new perspective so that you can begin to see life as Jesus did. In the meantime, as you wait for answers to prayer, unload any burden, concern or pain that you’re still carrying, Matthew 11:28-30, and place it at the foot of the cross.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 36: Much Afraid

Posted on March 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

 Illinois’ Greenville College is where singer and songwriter Dan Haseltine met keyboardist Charlie Lowell in 1993. Guitarist Stephen Mason and Matthew Odmark on rhythm guitar were soon added to complete the band known as Jars of Clay. Following their debut album Flood, Jars of Clay’s acoustic-oriented music fit perfectly into the pop wing of alternative rock radio. This contemporary Christian group was one of the first to be embraced by both a Christian and secular music audience.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection], 1 John 4:18.

While I own several of Jars of Clay’s albums, my favorite is Much Afraid. Although the sound is more mellow than a typical collection, the lyrics of Much Afraid provide a topic that speaks to my heart. Anyone who is having a bad day or struggling with depression can relate to the opening stanza of Much Afraid. “Empty again; Sunken down so far; So scared to fall; I might not get up again” is like reading someone’s thoughts. When you add a smooth sound to Much Afraid, it’s a classic song that has stood the test of time.

by Jay Mankus

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Watch Your Step

Posted on March 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was founded in 1971. Congress enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to help protect the Nation’s workers on the job. This bill led to the creation of OSHA one year later to set and regulate safety standards. OSHA is the reason why signs like Watch Your Step exist today. Unfortunately, when the government is allowed to micromanage every step you take at work, human beings aren’t able or allowed to freely exercise common sense.

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same ([g]identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world, 1 Peter 5:8-9.

I don’t see myself as clumsy, but I sure do find my share of dips, holes, and roots that I trip over and fall into every month. When I was 16, falling into one particular hole altered my athletic career and changed my life. I was running cross country against the two boys that finished one two in the state meet my senior year. This hole was hidden by a pile of leaves, making it invisible to me. Just behind the lead pack with a mile to go, I twisted my ankle, kept running and ripped my ankle bone out of its socket.

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. 18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law, Galatians 5:16-18.

Following my surgery, I was forced to wear a soft cast for 4 years to protect my ankle. While I did recover physically, I never reached my full potential as an athlete. In college I stumbled upon Psalm 18:33 that I turned into a prayer every time that I went running. This one incident makes me cautious every time I visit a park. Watch your step has a new meaning to me as I have suffered the consequences of talking a bad step. If you want to avoid future holes and pitfalls in life, incorporate these verses into a daily prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 35: Cup

Posted on March 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Serene Campbell and Pearl Barrett are musical sisters from New Zealand and California. This duo was formerly known as Serene & Pearl. However, by the mid 1990’s, these women changed their name to Considering Lily. At this same time, I was looking for a different sound, something fresh and new. When you add wholesome lyrics to a distinct sound, I became a big fan of Considering Lily in the late nineties.

Blessed and fortunate and happy and[g]spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God [h]enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be [i]completely satisfied! – Matthew 5:6

Today’s song was inspired by the passage above along with several songs of the past about filling our spiritual cup with living water, John 4:13-15. Like the Samaritan woman in the middle of a desert on a hot summer day, thirst is a natural craving of the human flesh. Yet, when Christians turn their thirst toward righteousness, God has the ability to satisfy your soul. May today’s song touch your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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Who is There to Hurt You?

Posted on March 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While anxiety is less intense than fear, stress tends to be a more sustained emotional response than phobias. Although human beings may be threatened by overreaching and power-hungry individuals, inner demons are often your own worst enemy. Anyone who has ever experienced an anxiety attack, know the overwhelming feeling you endure and how it can interfere with your daily life.

Now who is there to hurt you if you are [d]zealous followers of that which is good? – 1 Peter 3:13

Since my days at Hanby Junior High School in Wilmington, Delaware, I’ve turned to music to find comfort and hope. Whenever I was sad, I’d listen to Air Supply or Chicago which made me even more depressed. Perhaps this empty feeling eventually drew me to only listen to Christian music. While in college, a friend introduced me to punk rock and a group called the Altar Boys. The emptiness I once experienced was replaced by a quiet confidence thanks to the song “When I’m with God.”

But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed (happy, to be envied). Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition], 1 Peter 3:14.

No matter how big, tall or old you may be, there is always someone faster, stronger and smarter. Despite all of the new threats that you may experience, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has eased many of my anxieties in life. Like the words of one of Jesus’ disciples in the passage above, who is there to hurt you if you are passionately following the Lord? No one likes hardships, persecution or trials, but when I’m with God my fears tend to fade away. Place your hope in Jesus today, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 34: Faded Blues

Posted on March 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in my life where I wore blue jeans every day. This high school fad was great during cold winter months and perfect with a turtleneck and sweater. However, the type of faded blues I’m talking about today is from David Mullen. Not to be confused with Rich Mullins, David started out his career in Blues before switching over to more of a pop rock sound.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent, Psalm 34:17-18.

Today’s feature is the title of an album and a hit song when it was released in 1991. Faded Blues serves as a prayer and reality when a Christian is able to overcome tough times in life. Just as a washing machine and dryer slowly fades blue jeans to a shade of white, God wants all human beings to have their anxieties, burdens, and concerns disappear. Yet, trials continue to challenge Christians to mature, James 1:2-4. Enjoy this classic sound of the nineties.

by Jay Mankus

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Truth, Justice, and the American Way

Posted on March 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The expression “truth, justice, and the American way” comes from a 1942 radio program. This episode of the Adventures of Superman, a radio series, was the first program to use truth, justice, and the American way. However, it wasn’t until the Adventures of Superman television series which ran from 1952-1958 that made this a synonymous phrase.  The weekly introduction revealed Superman’s weekly purpose: truth, justice, and the American way.

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free, John 8:31-32.

The context of truth, justice, and the American way relates to what was going on in the world at this time.  On December 11, 1941, Adolf Hitler declared war on the United States. When you put the words of Superman into a real-life war, it was as if America was searching for a superhuman being to become the world’s peacekeeper. During World War II and the post-war years, Superman’s motto became a way of life which united Americans under one common goal based upon truth and justice.

Learn to do right! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool, Isaiah 1:17-18.

Unfortunately, if Superman was introduced today for the first time, the woke media would likely cancel this superhero. Times have changed and truth is now relative as opinions have become elevated to fact status. Meanwhile, justice is racist if you talk to liberals and progressives. However, if you currently reside in a large metropolitan city with district attorneys who refuse to prosecute lawbreakers, chaos now reigns. If America could only return to the Superman of 1942, truth, justice, and the American way might still have a chance. Perhaps, the 2022 midterm elections can repair what has been broken? Vote your conscience.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 33: Invisible Man

Posted on March 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jag was my bird name during my only summer serving as a camp counselor. Jag is short for Jaeger with the Pomarine Jaeger being the largest among these three types of birds living in North America. When I was a college student I discovered a new Christian band with the same name JAG. However, the band is an acronym for the band’s founder and lead singer, John Allen Garies.

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 14:26.

The Invisible Man is my favorite song from JAG’s Fire in the Temple Album. Based upon the lyrics of Invisible Man, this song refers to your human conscience. John Allen Garies asks an open ended question to see what you are going to do? As a Christian, will you go with the flow and blend in or will the Holy Spirit spark a burning fire on your soul to take action? I hope you enjoy listening as you reflect upon the lyrics.

by Jay Mankus

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