Author Archives: expressyourself4him

S.A.N.S. Episode 6: Carry On

Posted on February 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you are old enough, everyone has the favorite time of their lives. For me this was 1993 as I ventured west from Delaware to Minnesota to attend a youth ministry trade school. This 7-week intensive training program transformed my life and gave me an inner confidence that I could do anything. The friendships that I made along the way were a blessing. When my initial interview at a church in Rapid City, South Dakota didn’t go well, I spent a semester teaching at a boarding school in West Virginia.

O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples! 2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devoutly praise them, Psalm 105:1-2.

Little did I know that teaching Communications and Poetry would ignite a desire to write. I created an album entitled A Simple Confession with 12 songs and wrote a book of poems. Before the year was over, I was offered a full-time youth ministry position in Indiana and met Leanne, my wife at a national convention. Before leaving Minnesota, I came across an obscure band named Shadow Wings. After listening closely, I discovered Pat Benatar is a lead vocalist on the Carry On Album. While the attached link isn’t the greatest, I wanted to introduce you to the song Carry On by Shadow Wings.

by Jay Mankus

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Guarded by God’s Power

Posted on February 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A guard can come in many shapes and forms. Bars rely on bouncers, schools recruit chaperons, athletic competitions use defenders and Roman Soldiers pick up a shield before going into battle. In the passage below, one of Jesus’ disciples uses the imagery of God guarding Christians. This invisible force is fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit who provides everything we need for life.

Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God’s power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that [c]final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time, 1 Peter 1:5.

Depending upon the country that you live in, you may be forced to serve in the military or simply register for the draft if there is one. From a spiritual point of view, Romans 10:9-11 reveals how individuals can join the army of God. Romans 10:17 gives a brief glimpse of what a spiritual boot camp encompasses. The more Christians begin to learn and apply the Bible, you increase God’s protection for your future.

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[d]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4 By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

From a practical point of view, the best thing that individuals can do today is pray for God to guard you daily. Job spoke of placing a hedge of protection around your home and family, Job 1:10. The Psalmist writes about dwelling in the shelter of the Most High God, Psalm 91:1. Yet, don’t forget the words of one of Jesus’ disciples in 1 Peter 5:8, as the devil is like a predator lurking in the distance, waiting to pounce upon a weak Christian. Therefore, lift your voice up to heaven in prayer to ask God for protection.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 5: Secret Ambition

Posted on February 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I didn’t even know that Christian music existed until I asked Jesus to come into my heart, Romans 10:9-10, in the middle of my sophomore year of high school. I met Mindy at a FCA Bible Study. She was the only person I knew in high school who was an advocate for Christian music. Mindy made different mixes for me so I could figure out which artists I liked before purchasing an album. Mindy’s parents drove me and a couple of friends from Concord to my first ever Christian concert.

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, 20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father, Ephesians 5:19-20.

If you haven’t already guessed by today’s song title Secret Ambition, Michael W. Smith gave me a good first impression of Christian music. While I barely recognized any of the songs that were sung that night, I went on to buy every one of Michael’s new albums over the next 5 years. The week i2(Eye) Album was released, I attended a youth convention in Salisbury, Maryland. This was the most fun I ever had on a retreat as a seed was sown to become a youth pastor. Thanks to Secret Ambition, this became a reality.

by Jay Mankus

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The Prayer of Faith

Posted on February 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Do you have an active prayer life? Are you seeing answers to prayers that you lifted up to the Lord? Or does God seem distant and unresponsive to your requests? Perhaps the one element that is missing is a belief that God can do the impossible? Matthew 19:26 and Luke 1:37 serve as reminders that the prayer of faith must be void of doubt. Whenever doubt creeps in, prayer becomes nothing more than wishful thinking.

Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord’s name. 15 And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven, James 5:14-15.

From my own personal experiences, the mindset I bring to prayer will influence whether or not my requests will be answered. Sometimes I will write down a prayer, but I question if this is realistic enough. Instead of boldly entering God’s presence in prayer with confidence, I tend to exhibit a lame and timid prayer life. When belief and faith are compromised, you won’t be able to move mountains like Jesus in the passage below.

And as He saw [k]one single leafy fig tree [l]above the roadside, He went to it but He found nothing but leaves on it [[m]seeing that in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. And He said to it, Never again shall fruit grow on you! And the fig tree withered up at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled greatly and asked, How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once? 21 And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a [n]firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done, Matthew 21:19-21.

Perhaps part of the problem of an average prayer life is that Christians haven’t experienced or seen the power of God personally. As the disciples witnessed this fig tree wither, a light likely went on in their minds. As if to say, “this is what a prayer of faith looks like.” If you’re tired of going through the motions of prayer, it’s time to spice things up with a firm reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform your prayer life in 2022.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Volume 4: All the Darkness

Posted on February 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song dates back to my wedding in 1995. I was put in charge of two specific details: the disc jockey at the reception and the music played at our wedding. The week of our wedding, I got a call from my friend who had his van stolen with all of his music inside. Fortunately, our DJ was able to borrow enough music so that the reception was saved. Yet, this doesn’t excuse All the Darkness that occurs throughout the world on a daily basis.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts, Colossians 3:16.

As for the wedding music, I asked my best friend from Ohio to sing Steve Wiggins’ song All the Darkness. Phil was a youth pastor in Springfield while I was at a church in Columbus, Indiana. Every Monday we met at a mall in Cincinnati for lunch. Phil taught me how to have fun while serving the Lord with competitive games of Laser Tag and mini-golf. Phil nailed the song as Leanne’s and my mother lite the unity candle. May the lyrics of All the Darkness stir and touch your soul as it did for me more than 25 years ago.

by Jay Mankus

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A Season of Suffering

Posted on February 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Most people think of a season in terms of winter, spring, summer, and fall. During this 4 month time period, there are often fluctuations in the temperature. Each season provides a distinct and unique trait such as snow, blooming flowers, warm weather and falling leaves. Yet, the seasons mentioned in the Bible do not how a defined time table. One may last a month while others could go on for years.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, 3 A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away, Ecclesiastes 3:1-6.

During the exodus out of Egypt, a trip that should have taken 3-4 months ended up becoming a 40 year journey through the wilderness. Just like the Israelites who didn’t obey God’s commands and Moses’ instructions, modern day human beings rarely travel from point A to point B in a straight line. Rather, unforeseen traffic causes human beings to get impatient, changing course to try to find a shortcut.

[You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7 So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed, 1 Peter 1:6-7.

Yet, sometimes you can follow God faithfully and end up getting lost along the way. My wife and I moved to Delaware in 1997 so that I could attend Seminary, earn my masters and become a college professor or pastor. A rare eye disease ended this quest shortly after I started, leading me on my own 25 year journey in the wilderness of Delaware. Therefore, whatever season you may have to endure in 2022, hold on to faith until the Lord clears the way for your future.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Volume 3: For Annie

Posted on February 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song was introduced to me by my spiritual mentor in high school. When I first met Ken Horne, I was a dirtbag, drifter and a loner. Just like the girl in Petra’s song, I was suicidal and didn’t think anyone would miss me if I ended my life. Yet, Ken was my science teacher for two years in a row, a positive influence and consistent source of encouragement. Ken was also the Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader at Concord High School, a group that changed my life.

Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—be in high spirits and glory before Him! – Psalm 68:4

Ken played For Annie on one of the first retreats I ever attended. Following the song, Ken spoke about the need for teenagers to reach out to friends struggling with depression. This message hit home when one of the swimmers on our swim team committed suicide. While you can’t save the people who have already taken their lives, you can become diligent to make sure no one’s pain goes unnoticed. Although some groups and music don’t age well, For Annie is a ballad that remains inspirational today.

by Jay Mankus

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Experiencing the Fullness of God

Posted on February 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I met the parents of my students for the first time, I developed an active learning exercise using a glass of water, a paper towel and a sponge. Since the desks in my room were shared with 2-3 other students, there were low areas on each one. I poured water on a desk in the middle of the room, let it sit for a moment, added a paper towel and then a sponge. Each scenario represents one of the three choices that students make daily.

For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him [p]permanently. 20 And God purposed that through ([q]by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled [r]back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross, Colossians 1:19-20.

Like a parable of Jesus, the table is symbolic of a heartened heart with the water the information I share with students daily. When students don’t care, the water just stays in the room. However, when a piece of information catches a student’s attention, the paper towel absorbs what they want to hear. This half-hearted nature picks and choices when students want to listen and when they tune out. The final option and ultimate goal is to become a sponge by pouring your whole heart into learning every day.

For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature]. 10 And you [f]are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power], Colossians 2:9-10.

Until Christians develop a whole heart for the Bible by making Jesus the Lord of your life, Romans 10:9-11, you only receive a portion of the abundant life, John 10:10. This is like reading the Cliff Notes version of a book to study for a test rather than the actual book; taking the path of least resistance. While we all stumble and fall short of God’s glory, Romans 3:9-12, God is searching for men and women who are willing to put their whole heart into faith. When you become all in for Jesus, you will begin to experience the fullness of God.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Volume 2: You Need to Know

Posted on February 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every song has a story of when you first heard it, what you were doing at the time and how this song impacted your life. The second new song I want to introduce you to is one I discovered in Cleveland, Ohio. When my father was transferred during my sophomore year of college, I needed to find a new place that sold Christian music. A friend from church gave me directions and when I arrived, it was the largest Christian Bookstore that I have ever encountered.

The Lord is my strength and my [impenetrable] shield; My heart trusts [with unwavering confidence] in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I shall thank Him and praise Him, Psalm 28:7.

The selection of music took up an entire section of a large warehouse as I entered Christian Music Heaven. You were able to select from a section of sample cassettes before purchasing a brand new one. I spent countless hours listening to music with headphones on. This is where my vast collection of genres began. Visiting this store gave me the idea of creating a cross over list of Christian artists who are similar to secular music stars. Today’s song is by Bob Hanson: a Bob Dylan sound mixed with a feel of the Doors. You Need to Know serves as a remainder to tell others what their relationship means to you.

by Jay Mankus

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The Journey Toward Maturity

Posted on February 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Maturity is one of those traits where there is always room for improvement. Depending upon the situation, you never know when tantrums from your childhood may rear its ugly head. There is something about pressure and stress that often brings out raw emotion. Whenever you fail these social pop quizzes, it’s a painful reminder that you still have a long way to go on the journey toward maturity.

As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving, Colossians 2:6-7.

The apostle Paul compares maturity to planting a tree in a good location. The Psalmist writes about the ideal environment down by a river side so that roots can get fresh water daily, Psalm 1:1-3. Jesus tells a story about 4 basic soils, 3 of which have limitations that will hamper and stunt your growth, Matthew 13:18-23. Only when you plant yourself in a fertile environment will maturity begin to blossom.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

The earthly brother of Jesus refers to opportunities for growth in the passage above. Despite how frustrated and irritated you may become, trials and temptations serve as a way to work out your rough edges. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ disciples compares difficult situations to proving grounds where your faith is tried and tested. The more things that are thrown at you, your journey toward maturity will be accelerated as long as you cling to faith in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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