Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Promote Your Progress and Joy

Posted on April 29, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Advance, boost, contribute to, develop, encourage, and further are words associated with promote. While modern promoters often serve as agents for professional athletes, one of the basic responsibilities for a Christian is to promote faith. Although this sounds easy to do, sharing the Bible with individuals who are hostile to God, Romans 8:7, can be thankless. However, if you see the big picture, winning souls, joy overflows when you lead someone into a personal relationship with Jesus.

Since I am convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and stay by you all, to promote your progress and joy in believing, Philippians 1:25.

While writing to a church that he helped build, Paul expresses his allegiance to Philippi. This commitment involves promoting their spiritual progress and joy of believing in Jesus. To an apostle, preaching and sharing the Gospel is the most important thing in the world. While there are other sources of good news that exist, to Paul, nothing compares to Jesus. This concept inspired the words of Philippians 4:6-7, as the peace of God surpasses all understanding.

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope, Romans 15:13.

The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in a letter to the Church at Rome. As faith is promoted, God fills Christians with hope, peace, and joy. As individuals begin to discover and fulfill God’s will for your life, this joy can overflow, bubbling over out of an abundance. Yet, when progress is put on hold, joy can quickly disappear. Like a car put in neutral, idle Christians lose their spiritual momentum. Therefore, if you want to get back on track, promote spiritual progress and the joy from faith in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Above and Beyond the Call

Posted on April 28, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The backdrop of the New Testament takes place during the Roman Empire. Unless you were a Roman citizen, you had to do a little extra to get noticed. Scholarly versions of the verse below refer to a practice of impressment by the Roman law on Jews. Therefore, when Jesus urges listeners of the Sermon on the Mount to go the extra mile, this action serves as a plea to go above and beyond the call.

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles], Matthew 5:41.

As a parents of 2 boys who ran cross country and a girl who does spring track, I haven’t met many teenagers who love to run. There were a few on St. Georges track team that won back to back state titles, but runners appear to be a dying breed. Running is one of those hobbies that you have to work at, requiring discipline, focus, and mental toughness. When asked to run an additional mile, few have the energy to be up for this challenge.

Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit], 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.

In the passage above, Paul is appealing to athletes and sports fans. As a home of the Isthmian Games, Corinth would host this Track and Field Event every two years. This would run opposite of the ancient Greek Olympic Games. To win at this level of competition requires commitment, dedication, and resolve. The average person is content to do what is asked of them. However, if you want to step up your game, going the extra mile will persuade Christians to go above and beyond the call.

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Sharpen or Shy Away

Posted on April 27, 2021 by expressyourself4him

King Solomon compares relationships to the work of a blacksmith, Proverbs 27:17. Just as iron sharpens iron so that a farmer’s plow can dig through arid soil, human relationships need the same kind of attention. No one likes their flaws, imperfections, and weaknesses exposed, Romans 3:10-12, but if you want to reach self actualization, this painful process is necessary.

If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses, Matthew 18:15-16.

One of Jesus’ disciples builds upon this concept in the context of a church. Whether you are wronged or a friend sins against you, the most mature manner to handle this is to meet privately with this individual. If you do and this person doesn’t listen, bring two responsible believers into this situation. If this rebellious soul isn’t willing to change, take this situation to your church so that a resolution can be found.

If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven, Matthew 18:17-18.

Unfortunately, most people shy away from conflict. Instead of being used by God to sharpen one’s faith, wayward offenders become dull, drifting away from God. If you really love someone, correcting and disciplining wrong actions is beneficial for both parties. Thus, each day you have the choice to sharpen or shy away. The next time you have the opportunity to act, remember the words of James 5:20.

by Jay Mankus

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When Everyone Else Has Given Up on You

Posted on April 26, 2021 by expressyourself4him

White Cross released In the Kingdom in 1991. One of the singles from this album is No Second Chances. The context of these lyrics refer to when you die, there isn’t a second chance to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, Romans 10:9-10. However, the Bible does suggest that some Christians will just barely get into heaven, Hebrews 10:26-27. If this is true, what does the Bible say when everyone else on earth has given up on you?

You are to deliver this man over to Satan for physical discipline [to destroy carnal lusts which prompted him to incest], that [his] spirit may [yet] be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus, 1 Corinthians 5:5.

In the city of Corinth, a member of the church who is either a teenager or young adult has taken his father’s wife for himself. This act of incest angered Paul and inspired the words above. Just as Jesus handed over Judas Iscariot over to Satan, Paul does the same for this man. Despite the tone of Paul’s letter, there is a sliver of hope that severe church discipline will somehow save this lost soul.

For it is impossible [to restore and bring again to repentance] those who have been once for all enlightened, who have consciously tasted the heavenly gift and have become sharers of the Holy Spirit, 5 And have felt how good the Word of God is and the mighty powers of the age and world to come, 6 If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance—[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

Meanwhile, the author of Hebrews points to a Christian struggling with addiction. While there is no description of this bad habit or habitual sin, there isn’t any sign of contrition or a willingness to change. Coaches, parents, or teachers encounter individuals like Hebrews 6:6 every year. Unfortunately, these prodigals haven’t reach rock bottom or come to their senses. My prayer to anyone who thinks they are too far gone, remember the words of Luke 15:18 because God never gives up on lost sheep.

by Jay Mankus

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Wrestling with Salvation

Posted on April 25, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The origins of wrestling can be traced back to ancient cave drawings. Babylonian and Egyptian wrestlers displayed similar holds known in this present-day sport. This history suggests that wrestling represents one of the oldest forms of combat. Thus, it’s not surprising that one of Israel’s founding fathers wrestles with God throughout one long night. This draw (tie) served as a call for change from a swindler to a contender for God.

And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 And when [the Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! 28 And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed, Genesis 32:24-28.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul refers to a spiritual wrestling match. Paul urges members of the Philippians Church to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. In the passage below, the Amplified Version provides a clear explanation for what Paul is talking about. The goal for apostles was to fulfill the Great Commission, Acts 1:8. Rather than become complacent as a Christian, believers should cultivate and carry out God’s will for their lives.

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), Philippians 2:12.

If you have lived long enough, you know that some days you have it and some days you don’t. When you don’t have your A game or the energy to succeed, wrestling with salvation is essential. When desire is lacking, use prayer as a crutch to keep on fighting. If your faith starts to slide, hang in there by clinging to the promises of the Bible. Whether you have to wrestle for hours, days, months or years, keep hope alive by working out your weaknesses.

by Jay Mankus

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Advance

Posted on April 24, 2021 by expressyourself4him

As a teenager, the board game that I played the most was Monopoly. I can recall several Monopoly marathons that went late into the night until someone finally won. My favorite Community Card was “Advance Directly to Go and Collect $200.” If I was losing and about to go broke, I didn’t mind picking up the Chance Card “Go Directly to Jail.” Like this classic game, life is about advancing and falling back.

Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. 4 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others, Philippians 2:3-4.

Advance refers to moving forward in a purposeful way. Unfortunately, I have days, weeks, and months where I forget to set a clear goal. Instead of moving forward, I tend to wander along aimlessly. This is what one Old Testament prophet calls the reason for destruction, Hosea 4:6. If you are not advancing, you will likely become idle before slipping away spiritually from God.

For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (the Messiah), Philippians 2:21.

In a letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul provides a plan for advancing. If you neglect your own needs, you probably won’t be any good to other believers. Therefore, first you need to get your own life in order, Matthew 7:5, by removing that which is keeping you from growing. Once this is accomplished, then you can advance and proceed with carrying out God’s will for your life, Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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Holding Out the Word of Life

Posted on April 23, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The Psalmist is one of the first authors of the Bible to refer to this book as words for life. In the passage below, this portion of the Old Testament serves as a flashlight in the dark, pointing out the right direction to go. When you receive amazing advice, it’s like food for hungry souls. Meanwhile, each time you open the Bible, spiritual percepts provide tangible understanding to unveil truths that were previously hidden from you.

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, Psalm 119:103-105.

In the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul compares the Old Testament to a book of life. Inside of these pages, you will find a spiritual presence, Hebrews 4:12. This author suggests that these words jump off the pages, living and active to inspire souls to change for the better. Meanwhile, Paul uses the second coming of Jesus as motivation to hold up the Word of Life to whoever he comes in contact with daily.

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 2:16.

In a letter to a teenager pastor, Paul explains how to correctly handle this spiritual book, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible serves as a spiritual guide to life as it convicts, corrects and disciplines those who stray off course. Although the original text of the Bible does not contain chapters or individual verses, John 3:16-17 points to salvation, not judgement. When you do hold out the Word of Life, make sure you do this with gentleness and respect.

by Jay Mankus

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Not In Your Own Strength

Posted on April 22, 2021 by expressyourself4him

According to Levi, the disciples left the Last Supper singing a hymn as Jesus led these men to the Mount of Olives, Matthew 26:30. In the hours that followed, Jesus unveiled a powerful message to those who were listening. “The Spirit is willing, but the body is weak, Matthew 26:41. The context of this comment helps explain why the disciples couldn’t stay awake to pray for an hour late at night. Each of these disciples were relying on their own strength.

[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while 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 delight, Philippians 2:13.

While writing a letter to members of the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul appears to point to this spiritual principle. As a former Jewish zealot, Paul understood his own human limitations, Romans 3:10-12. Old Testament prophets spoke of man’s sinful tendencies, a nature that no one is immune. Rather than develop ungodly beliefs, Paul is clear that it is God who is the source of your desire and energy.

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency], Philippians 4:13.

Two chapters later, the apostle Paul repeats himself with slightly different terminology. Instead of focusing on external actions that are visible, Paul concentrates on the internal. If human bodies are willing, it is Jesus living side of human hearts that empowers Christians to change for the better. Therefore, the next time you hear “it is Christ who gives you strength,” it is not you, but the Lord who is the human energizer.

by Jay Mankus

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Kindred Spirits

Posted on April 21, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Amy Bruni and Adam Berry visit people who believe their homes are haunted as part of a Travel Channel reality show. This team attempts to contact spirits and obtain evidence of a paranormal presence. The encounters form the series Kindred Spirits which will start it’s fifth season in 2021. While Kindred Spirits focuses on the supernatural, the Bible refers to a different kind of kindred spirit.

When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own life. 2 Saul took David that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own life, 1 Samuel 18:1-3.

Kindred refers to allied, connected, parallel, and related. The context of kindred often refers to a family or friend who share a close or intimate relationship. In the passage above, the prophet Samuel writes about the common bond between David and Jonathon. Like twins separated from birth, these two men appear to have been in one accord, developing strong ties.

For I have no one like him [no one of so kindred a spirit] who will be so genuinely interested in your welfare and devoted to your interests, Philippians 2:20.

In the passage above, kindred spirit is used by the apostle Paul to describe a valuable missionary partner. This individual named Timothy is a teenage pastor who demonstrated numerous godly qualities. Based upon his previous service, Timothy was a spiritual rock who was genuinely interested in the welfare of others. As co-workers, family, and neighbors watch you from afar, may the fruits of the Holy Spirit be present in you so that kindred spirits will impact the lives of others today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Utmost Freedom of Speech

Posted on April 20, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Oswald Chambers named his daily devotional My Utmost for His Highest. Following his death in 1917, Chambers’ widow published this collection of sermons designed to reach students and soldiers in 1927. Prior to modern technology, you could find a copy of My Utmost for His Highest in churches across the country. Whether at a Church Office, Foyer or Welcome Center, free copies were often made available to guests to deepen the spiritual growth of believers.

This is in keeping with my own eager desire and persistent expectation and hope, that I shall not disgrace myself nor be put to shame in anything; but that with the utmost freedom of speech and unfailing courage, now as always heretofore, Christ (the Messiah) will be magnified and get glory and praise in this body of mine and be boldly exalted in my person, whether through (by) life or through (by) death, Philippians 1:20.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul refers to “the utmost freedom of speech.” Paul isn’t referring to the Bill of Rights or the United States Constitution. Rather, this expression is based upon the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of apostles eager to share the Gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ. Fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20, conceived in Paul a desire, expectation, and hope to tell the world about Jesus.

For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity], Philippians 1:21.

Out of this utmost freedom of speech spawned one of the most famous sayings in the New Testament. Moved by the Holy Spirit, Paul proclaims to live is Christ and to die is gain. Like a foreshadowing of his future death as a prisoner of Christ, this utmost freedom fueled Paul’s spiritual intensity. In today’s age of Cancel Culture, many Christians are muzzled, afraid of the blow back from social media. Instead of becoming a prisoner of fear, snap out of it so that you too can experience the utmost freedom of speech.

by Jay Mankus

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