Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The Dispensation of the Spirit

Posted on October 24, 2020 by expressyourself4him

From a theological point of view, dispensation is a distinctive arrangement; a period in history that forms the framework through which God relates to mankind. The traditional definition is an exemption from a rule or usual requirement. In the context of the church, dispensation is permission to be exempted from the laws and or religious observances. As spiritual leaders, pastors, and teachers share the gospel message each week, peace, pardon, righteousness and salvation, spiritual joy and comfort are expressed.

Why should not the dispensation of the Spirit [this spiritual ministry whose task it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit] be attended with much greater and more splendid glory? – 2 Corinthians 3:8

According to the apostle Paul, this dispensation of the Holy Spirit is done in accordance with his church planting ministry. As spiritual seeds are sown by explaining the mystery of faith, people are drawn to gain access to this living water, John 4:11-14. As individuals make decisions to become born again, John 3:4-6, new believers take baby steps, Galatians 5:25, as they learn the process of being governed by the Holy Spirit. However, making a transition from the flesh to the Spirit doesn’t come easy, Galatians 5:16-18.

For if the service that condemns [the ministration of doom] had glory, how infinitely more abounding in splendor and glory must be the service that makes righteous [the ministry that produces and fosters righteous living and right standing with God]! – 2 Corinthians 3:9

The passage above eludes to sanctifying grace, the transitional process while participating in a new divine lifestyle. This transformation does not occur overnight. Rather, this progression takes a lifetime as you learn to discard your old self by putting on Christ, Colossians 3:1-5. The passage above refers to the ministration of doom. Paul mentions the condemnation which awaits transgressors who live according to Old Testament law. Thus, as Jesus fulfills the promise of a Messiah, the Savior of the world in the New Testament, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit is now available to those who believe.

by Jay Mankus

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The Fight to Survive

Posted on October 23, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The song I Will Survive was written and composed by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris. The first recording of this song was done by Gloria Gaynor in 1978. As a top-selling song, I Will Survive became a popular disco anthem. The lyrics just prior to the opening chorus reads “Did you think I’d crumble? Did you think I’d lay down and die?” This line leads into “Oh, no, not I, I will survive. Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive.
I’ve got all my life to live, I’ve got all my love to give and I’ll survive, I will survive, hey, hey.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10.

Over the past 9 months, the fight to survive has taken on a new meaning. Between the Coronavirus, the lock down designed to flatten the curve, wearing masks in public and the stress to keep up with your bills has worn down countless souls. Meanwhile, as individuals have been stuck inside their homes, addiction, abuse, depression and suicide has skyrocketed. All it takes is just one more setback to push people over the edge, losing the will to live and survive. While I’ve probably been more fortunate than most in 2020, I too have known individuals who have lost their battle with COVID-19.

In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—Ephesians 2:2

While some have blamed God for this worldwide plague, the Bible points to a spiritual enemy. Jesus calls this character a thief, seeking to kill your dreams, steal your joy and eliminate the concept of hope. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul eludes to the spiritual dimension where Lucifer reigns, commanding demons to attack at a moments notice. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 provides advice, directions and insight to deal with these dark powers. The only way to fight back is by using spiritual weapons. May this blog encourage you to not lose hope so that you will survive your next trial.

by Jay Mankus

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Enjoy Your Walk

Posted on October 22, 2020 by expressyourself4him

When I normally give my dog Akira a walk, it’s before the sunrise, guided by the street lights in my neighborhood. Since I’m usually in a hurry, rarely do I enjoy the walk, thinking about everything that I have to do. With my wife out of town, I was able to see the smile on Akira’s face today. This is her favorite time of the day, eager to get out, explore and see other dogs. Akira’s joy made me think about a different kind of walk.

Now He Who has fashioned us [preparing and making us fit] for this very thing is God, Who also has given us the [Holy] Spirit as a guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]. 6 So then, we are always full of good and hopeful and confident courage; we know that while we are at home in the body, we are abroad from the home with the Lord [that is promised us], 2 Corinthians 5:5-6.

The Bible uses walk in the context of a personal relationship with God. Some authors refer to this relationship as a journey or a race. The apostle Paul takes life one day at a time, walking by faith along the way. Faith serves as a thermostat, regulating Christian lives through beliefs and convictions. Trusting God combined with holy fervor enables modern day believers to enjoy their walk with Jesus.

For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance. 8 [Yes] we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord, 2 Corinthians 5:7-8.

The closer you get to God, the more enjoyable your walk will become. Yet, like anything in life, some days are good, others are fair and there will be bad days. Instead of walking in sunshine, storms, wind and rain will pour down upon weakened and troubled souls. If you’re not careful, you will allow your environment to dictate your faith. Therefore, walk by faith so that you will begin to enjoy your walk, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

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Christ is Greater Than

Posted on October 21, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The greater-than sign dates back to the 1560’s. This mathematical symbol denotes an inequality between two values. The widely adopted form of two equal-length strokes connecting in an acute angle at the right was first discovered in documents in the 16th century. Yet, there is a first century book that uses an analogy rather than the greater than symbol.

He then goes on to say, And their sins and their lawbreaking I will remember no more. 18 Now where there is absolute remission (forgiveness and cancellation of the penalty) of these [sins and lawbreaking], there is no longer any offering made to atone for sin. 19 Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus, 20 By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh, Hebrews 10:17-20.

The author of Hebrews refers to Jesus as the Great High Priest. Using a reference from the Old Testament, Jesus is linked to the order of Melchizedek, Genesis 14:18-20. When you add these nicknames with someone who became a living sacrifice, 2 Corinthians 5:21, this is what makes Christ greater than any other god, rising from the dead.

And since we have [such] a great and wonderful and noble Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, 22 Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water. 23 So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. 24 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Hebrews 10:21-24.

The passage above serves as a calling to respond to God’s gift, John 3:16-17. The thought of God’s demonstration through Christ should elicit and stimulate souls to act, Romans 5:8. If modern day Christians could simply love others as God has loved us, Matthew 7:12, a revival would begin. If it only takes a spark to get a fire going, Christ could become greater than ever if hearts illuminate love, grace and mercy.

by Jay Mankus

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Where is the Spirit of the Lord?

Posted on October 20, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the New Testament, the Spirit of the Lord is described as a presence that takes over your body. Similar to a momentum swing during a sporting event, an inner confidence spreads as teammates begin to believe that victory is on the way, 1 Samuel 16:13-14. However, the Spirit of the Lord also has the ability to depart as well, like it did for King Saul. If God’s Spirit can come and go, learning to keep in step with the Holy Spirit is essential, Galatians 5:25.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom), 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Yet, the apostle Paul adds another element to the Spirit of the Lord in the passage above. Similar to his words on the fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, Paul explains what the Holy Spirit can do for you. First and foremost, the Spirit of the Lord brings freedom to those formally held hostage by addictions and cravings of their flesh. When the Spirit of the Lord is present, liberty is made possible through repentance.

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit, 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The Bible serves as a spiritual mirror for all human beings. If you are not reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis, God’s reflection slowly disappears. Thus, the Bible serves as a wardrobe, the entrance to the Holy Spirit like C.S. Lewis’ the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The more you open this living book, the greater your chances increase for accessing the Spirit of the Lord, Romans 10:17. As you draw near to God, the Spirit of the Lord will come close to you, James 4:7-8.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Time to Bring Back an Ancient Tradition

Posted on October 19, 2020 by expressyourself4him

In ancient days, tearing your clothes was a common expression upon receiving news of a tragic event. The Old Testament contains several examples of ripping off garments, religious leaders tearing their cloaks or putting a sackcloth over heads after witnessing death, shock or shame. This unusual course of action is first recorded in Genesis 37:29, “when Reuben found out that his brothers had sold Joseph off as a slave, he was shocked, ripping his clothes apart in disgust.” This response serves as an act of disappointment to demonstrate how far souls have deviated from God.

While he was yet speaking, there came also another and said, Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, 19 And behold, there came a great [whirlwind] from the desert, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 20 Then Job arose and rent his robe and shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and worshiped 21 And said, Naked (without possessions) came I [into this world] from my mother’s womb, and naked (without possessions) shall I depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed (praised and magnified in worship) be the name of the Lord! – Job 1:18-21

Instead of having an emotional outburst, making a scene in public or ranting on social media, Job came to a painful reality upon receiving the news of his children’s deaths. Human beings came into this world naked and will leave in a similar manner, returning to the dust of the earth. Job 1:21 inspired the Catholic tradition known as Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. From dust man was created and to dust mankind will return. This is why Catholics receive ash on their foreheads once a year at masses across the country and throughout the world.

But he who is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured and who is consecrated to put on the [sacred] garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose or rend his clothes [in mourning], Leviticus 21:10.

According to Moses, the only member of the Jewish community who was not allowed to tear their clothes was the high priest. Everyone else was able to express their displeasure and frustrations of others in this manner. However, this doesn’t mean you should expose yourself in public like the woman in New Hampshire who voted topless after the political shirt she was wearing went against voting rules. My generation was taught if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t open your mouth. Thus, what I am suggesting is to replace daily tirades with the ancient practice of an inward and upward release of emotions.

by Jay Mankus

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Let Light Shine Out of Darkness

Posted on October 18, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The term light appears 272 times in the Bible. Meanwhile, there are 433 instances where light is eluded to as being “a lamp unto our feet,” Psalm 119:105. Beyond the physical element of light, the Bible uses light as a spiritual illumination of the truth. Thus, when the apostle Paul writes about letting light shine out of darkness, truth stands out in a dark and fallen world.

For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah), 2 Corinthians 4:6.

The expression to beam forth suggests that this light has supernatural powers. Instead of illuminating darkness so that human eyes can see, God’s light shines straight into our hearts, Romans 10:9-10. Similar to Jesus’ analogy in his Sermon on the Mount, spiritual light is designed to shine within your house and throughout your city, Matthew 5:14-16. According to Jesus, shining light via actions are more persuasive than words.

However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves, 2 Corinthians 4:7.

Jesus foretold of a time when you could worship God face to face, not just in a temple on the Sabbath. The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in a letter to the Church at Corinth, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. Paul compares human bodies to a spiritual temple. While there are always glimpses of darkness within every soul, Matthew 6:23, eyes are the lamp of bodies. If your eyes remain stay focused on God, light can still shine out of darkness.

by Jay Mankus

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Acts that Men Hide

Posted on October 17, 2020 by expressyourself4him

One who aids or accompanies someone in nefarious actions is considered a partner in crime. Another idiom uses the expression, “it takes two to tango” based upon the 1952 song by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning. Meanwhile, Theodore Edward Hook first used the saying “thick as thieves” in his 1833 book The Parson’s Daughter. Each of these slang terms suggest that when confronted, guilty parties will hide their sinful acts due to shame.

We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience, 2 Corinthians 4:2.

During a visit to the region of Galatia, the apostle Paul was made aware of a religious sect that infiltrated the church. Perhaps unwilling to let go of their Jewish heritage, the Judaizers began to add requirements to salvation. The art of deceit involves persuasion, using former practices to form new beliefs. According to Galatians 2:11-13, the Judaizers were so convincing that even Barnabas and Peter were led astray.

You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? 8 This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]. 9 A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church], Galatians 5:7-9.

Frustrated by this charade, Paul wanted to know why members of the Church at Galatia began to withdraw from Gentiles. This form of legalism was poisoning the message of the gospel. Likely referencing Deuteronomy 4:2, Judaizers added and subtracted from the apostles teaching. When caught in the act of wrong doing, most try to hide, following in the footsteps of Adam and Eve, Genesis 3:7-8. If you want to avoid a similar fate, look for the way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13 to find victory; not defeat.

by Jay Mankus

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A Penny is Worthless Until Someone Begins to Value It

Posted on October 16, 2020 by expressyourself4him

A slight defect in the 1995 penny went unnoticed until an inspector realized that “In God We Trust” was slightly blurred. This caused the mint to shut down production until this issue was fixed as these coins received a double die. For those of you who have an area in your house or vehicle to collect spare change, you might want to check if you possess one of these flawed coins. The latest retail value of these rare pennies is $255.

Or what woman, having ten [silver] drachmas [each one equal to a day’s wages], if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and look carefully and diligently until she finds it? – Luke 15:8

In recent years, there is a movement to eliminate pennies. One reason for this change is due to the cost of production. Each modern penny costs 1.5 cents to make which results in a losing proposition. United States Representative Jim Kolbe of Arizonia introduced the Price Rounding Act of 1989, H.R. 3761, to eliminate the penny in cash transactions, rounding to the nearest nickel in 1990. Thirty years later, the penny has survived for now.

And when she has found it, she summons her [women] friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the silver coin which I had lost, Luke 15:9.

The parable of the Lost Coin refers to a sentimental item that is misplaced within a house. One scholar eludes to this lost piece of silver as a former wedding gift. Whatever the reason for this perceived value, a frantic search begins, scanning and sweeping every area of her home. When a coin is given a special value, the owner does not rest until this is found. Thus, the next time you discover a penny lying on the floor, you never knew how one coin can alter your perspective. Thus, give thanks when a lost item is found.

by Jay Mankus

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Obscured and Covered Up

Posted on October 15, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Every day there are chances and opportunities to encounter God. Yet, busyness, other priorities, and a lack of time conceal most people from seeing individuals sent by God. Instead of stopping to chat, entertain or engage these divine messengers, blinders prevent most from even saying hello. Perhaps, the apostle Paul witnessed a similar pattern in the first century as spiritual truth was obscured and covered up.

But even if our Gospel (the glad tidings) also be hidden (obscured and covered up with a veil that hinders the knowledge of God), it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing and obscured [only] to those who are spiritually dying and veiled [only] to those who are lost, 2 Corinthians 4:3.

Paul blames this on the god of this age, Ephesians 2:2, who roams the earth as the ruler of the air. This fallen angel is not a fictional character in the latest Sci-fi film. Rather, Lucifer is real, using the same tactics that led Adam and Eve to break God’s only rule in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 2:16-17. When you allow subtle compromises to bend your belief system, it doesn’t take long for bad habits to become full blown sin, James 1:13-15.

For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers’ minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God, 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Despite growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, the Gospel of Jesus was obscured and covered up. Church was a religious exercise for me, void of any personal relationship. Attending church quickly became a chore, not a forum to worship a living God. After 15 years of being close, my coach and mentor Ken Horne unveiled to me what Christianity was all about. Following a Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s event, my eyes were opened as I began my journey in faith, Romans 10:9-10. May this blog inspire you to unmask blinded minds of those whom you love today.

by Jay Mankus

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