Author Archives: expressyourself4him

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 356-Loving Others with Your Actions

Posted on December 19, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth, 1 John 3:16-18.

Reflection:

As a former stutterer, I’ve never been eloquent in my speech. Perhaps, this major flaw forced me to become a doer. Once I have a vision and understanding of what needs to be done, I get busy until this task is complete. Based upon the words of today’s featured passage, John witnessed first century Christians do a lot more talking than actually living out the love of Jesus. The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in Ephesians 5:1-2. Emulating the love of Jesus translates to loving others with your actions.

Prayerful Actions:

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, Ephesians 5:13-15.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

Christmas shopping and present wrapping has a way of distracting you from the real meaning of Christmas. Yet, as the birth of God incarnate became human flesh, this sets the stage for the greatest sacrifice of all on Good Friday. This selfless act is the epitome of love and should inspire modern-day followers of Jesus to love others daily with their actions.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The stress of Christmas can take a toll on your soul. However, when you reflect upon the reckless love displayed by Jesus, may you be inspired to make a difference in your community this December.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 355-Giving All that You’ve Got

Posted on December 18, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on,” Luke 21:1-4.

Reflection:

I didn’t start tithing until college. Tithing is the practice of giving one tenth of your income or resources to a local church. As a poor college student, I usually had less than ten dollars in my wallet. However, when I was moved by a guest speaker, missionary or made aware of a special cause, I recall a few times that I gave whatever I had on me. While I had a wealthy home to go to at the end of each semester, this widow gave everything, not know when she would eat another meal. This is the kind of giving that moves the heart of God.

Prayerful Action:

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it, Malachi 3:10.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

I was fortunate to serve on an elder’s board with a local businessman. Mark taught me about biblical tithing, sharing examples from his own life about experiencing the floodgates of heaven being poured out upon his business and family after he began faithfully tithing. As Christians begin to hunger and thirst after God, Matthew 6:33, the Lord will provide for all of your daily needs. This is what can happen when you place your trust in the Lord by giving all that you’ve got.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Just because you give to God doesn’t mean money will rain down from heaven. Rather, as Christians learn to be faithful in the little things, God will provide. As Christmas approaches, may the Holy Spirit fill you with a charitable heart to give to those in need.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 354-Biblical Charity Doesn’t Seek Attention

Posted on December 17, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you, Matthew 6:1-4.

Reflection:

As a former teacher at a Christian High School, there were a number of secret donors who helped out my family over the course of a decade. Since my children received free tuition in my first 5 years, my putrid salary was manageable. However, when the school faced financial issues, teachers were required to start paying 10% of their children’s tuition. Without saying a word, one or a couple of wealthy individuals paid this for me each of my final 5 years. I had inclinations of who gave in secret, but I was never able to personally thank this secret donor or givers. This is biblical charity.

Prayerful Action:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, Luke 6:38.”

Learning to Love this December as Forgave You:

Charity has become a publicity stunt for wealthy Americans, a way to rebuild one’s reputation. Subsequently, an agent leaks a potential donation to a friendly member of the press, getting cameras set up for a press conference which follows this charitable act. According to Jesus, the Pharisees had this concept down in the first century before cameras were invented. Before this fake attempt at giving became spiritually accepted in Jewish synagogues, Jesus corrects this flawed view with a public rebuke. As long as God knows who the giver is, each will be rewarded for their secret charitable act in eternity.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

May the advice that Jesus gives in the Sermon on the Mount inspire you to give of yourself this Christmas. As the today’s song suggests, give until you have nothing left to give.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 353-The Blessing of Giving

Posted on December 16, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’ ” Acts 20:32-35.

Reflection:

I became an avid pen pal to numerous individuals following my father’s relocation to Ohio from Delaware. Before I had access to a cell phone, I kept in touch with friends over the summer, writing as much as I could. After attending a couple of mission trips in consecutive summers, my number of correspondences grew to nearly 50. While I spent a small fortune on stamps, writing become my top hobby, reaching out to all of my friends. One of the girls that I met on a mission trip to John’s Island, South Carolina, stopped writing me once the fall semester began. Despite not receiving a return letter, I wrote another letter in October and one more in November as a last-ditch effort to stay in touch. While I was hesitant to write that final letter, the Holy Spirit prompted me to write one more time. Nearly 4 months after writing my first letter, I received am update from her. Apparently, she had the worst first semester in college imaginable, losing her best friend in a car accident. After reading this heart-breaking story, this letter instantly became one of my most memorable Christmas presents ever, touched by the blessing of giving.

Prayerful Action:

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times, Matthew 18:21-22.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

As America embraces analytics, information resulting from the systematic analysis of data or statistics, percentages have been tabulated for the success rate of almost every situation that you encounter. Perhaps, Peter was thinking about analytics when he approached Jesus with a question about forgiveness. After Jesus provides an outline for Church Discipline, when and how to approach a Christian caught in the act of sin in Matthew 18:15-20, Peter thinks that 7 is a good starting number when it comes to forgiveness. However, learning to love to like God involves forgiving an infinite number of times. If love keeps no record of wrongs, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Christians are called to keep forgiving their brothers and sisters. As you keep extending grace, maybe you’ll experience a similar blessing from this individual when they turn their lives around.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The model for forgiveness is the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Rather than hold a grudge, this father waited on his front porch daily, hoping and praying for his wayward son to return. When Christians begin publicly displaying this type of forgiveness and love, the blessings of giving someone another chance will be reaped.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 352-Love Will Find a Way

Posted on December 15, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[e] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[f] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[g] There is no commandment greater than these,” Mark 12:28-31.

Reflection:

In the first Jurassic Park movie, a group of experts are brought to an experimental island with genetically created dinosaurs. The scientists overseeing this project believed that they could control this dinosaur population by making sure every species was female. However, the expert played by Sam Neill Grant begins to doubt this grandiose plan, stating “life will find a way.” This belief also applies to the spiritual realm. As new Christians enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, “love your neighbor as yourself” is one of many commands in the Bible that shine light on God’s expectations for this new spiritual life. However, as Christians grasp, mature and understand what this encompasses, love will find a way out of your heart in the form of charitable actions and encouraging words.

Prayerful Action:

Do everything in love, 1 Corinthians 16:14.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

As you pass by a volunteer from Salvation Army ringing a bell as you enter or exit a store, you may feel a tug on your heart. This call to give may wait until after you purchase the gift that led you to this place. Yet, if you’re in a hurry or listening to a song playing on your air buds, you may pass by without noticing on your way in and out. Since charity is inspired by love, I have to be moved by God to give to a cause like Salvation Army or someone in need. When I prepare myself through prayer and studying the Bible, love will find a way to prompt a spiritual response to give. However, when your heart is calloused, hardened or wounded, opportunities to love are missed. Stay alert and sober minded this December so that you seize each moment that you have to be charitable.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

At the end of the Scrooged, Bill Murray opens up about how the Christmas Spirit can change you. Bill interrupts a live television event to share what he learned from the ghosts of Christmas past and present. Just as Bill’s character was overwhelmed by the spirit of Christmas, may God continue to work on your own spiritual life until love finds a way to move through you.

by jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 351-How Love is Made Complete

Posted on December 14, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister, 1 John 4:16-21.

Reflection:

If you are ever church shopping, looking for a local church to call your spiritual home, you’ll notice the smallest details most Christians overlook. Unfortunately, this is where you could become judgmental, dissecting every imperfection inside this body of believers. Since there is no such thing as a perfect church, falling short of God’s glory in some shape or form, Romans 3:23, you have to accept specific weaknesses. Maybe the worship music is outdated or subpar? Is the biblical teaching solid, but dry? However, my one non-negotiable for a home church is a spirit of love. As long as love is present, flowing inside and outside of church, I’m willing to accept other shortcomings.

Prayerful Actions:

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:1-2.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

At the end of the first century, John becomes the oldest living disciple of Jesus. While other apostles and disciples were put to death for their faith, John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where the book of Revelation was written. If someone wanted to know what Jesus was really like, he could provide specific details from his 3 years as one of Jesus’ spiritual pupils. Yet, from an elder statesman perspective, John had visited enough churches to know which ones emulated the love of Jesus from those which were superficial. Genuine love follows the Golden Rule of loving one another without any exceptions like earthly brothers and sisters. When a spirit of charity in the form of forgiveness is demonstrated by a body of Christian believers, love is made complete.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The love of God is a mystery to those currently living outside of a loving church. However, to anyone who has experienced a powerful movement of God’s love, this answer is found by listening to the hearts of Christians who have tapped into the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Therefore, as you listen to the lyrics of Listen to Our Hearts, may you begin to grasp when love is made complete.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 350-When Love Fades

Posted on December 13, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” – John 13:21-25

Reflection:

Acts of rebellion typically are a byproduct of the love of God fading from a Christian’s life. You don’t just wake up and decide to sin big today. Like the Casting Crown’s song Slow Fade, the longer you abstain from reading the Bible, praying and or attending church weekly, this opens the door for betrayal. Judas Iscariot’s role as a disciple was the treasurer, responsible for collecting donations given to Jesus’ ministry. Perhaps, Judas began to disagree with how Jesus was spending this money. If this did occur, this opened the door for the devil to plant seeds of betrayal within Judas’ mind, Ephesians 4:26-27. This betrayal continues today, exposed by shocking headlines from modern churches leaders each month.

Prayerful Actions:

 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:26-27.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

All good things in life eventually come to an end. Winning streaks in sports finally result in defeat, lucky streaks stop at some point and spiritual highs come back to earth. Subsequently, when the love of God slowly fades from your heart and soul, don’t ignore these spiritual symptoms. Instead, take your thoughts captive by not allowing yourself to give the Devil a foothold. In addition, submerse your thoughts in promises of the Bible, Romans 10:17. The more you practice this, your faith will increase, enabling charity and love to return.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Whenever I sensed the love of God slipping from my life in college, I started searching for Christian songs to uplift my soul. May the lyrics of Faded Love motivate you to fight off any urges to become like the Grinch who was set against loving others. See the big picture by spreading the love of Jesus this Christmas season.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 349-Charity Reflects Your Degree of Love

Posted on December 12, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command,” John 15:9-14.

Reflection:

Charity is one of those words that have evolved over the years. From a human perspective, charitable groups like Goodwill, March of Dimes, the Salvation Army is what introduced me to the concept of charity. Yet, the Bible compares charity to your degree of following Jesus’ command to love one another. After sharing an analogy about a spiritual Vine and its branches, Jesus explains how someone can become a true friend of God. The more God fills you with a desire to love your neighbor as yourself, acts of charity will naturally flow out of you.

Prayerful Action:

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other, John 15:15-17.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

Whenever a teacher repeats a specific message, this is a sign to students that you should probably write this down. As a former high school teacher, I tried to prepare my students for college lectures where professors rarely slow down. To anyone paying attention, Jesus’ one command is to love each other. Christian students should not be confused by the bottom line of this passage. The more the love of Jesus naturally flows out of your heart, charity will take the form of fruits of the Holy Spirit. Subsequently, charity will reflect your degree of love.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Linda Elias is the wife of Rick Elias, a former member of Rich Mullins’ Ragamuffin Band. During my final semester of college, the Meaning of Life became my favorite Christian album. May the lyrics of Where There’s Love inspire you like it did for me more than 30 years ago.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 348-Putting on Love

Posted on December 11, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity, Colossians 3:9-14.

Reflection:

One of my favorite books of the Bible as a new Christian was Colossians. My spiritual mentor informed me about the importance of putting to death your old self, highlighted by the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:5-8. Ken explained this to me as former addictions, behaviors, choices and earthly desires you indulged in prior to entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. In place of these old practices, God urges Christians to put on your new self. Similar to the fruits of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5:22-23, the key ingredient which binds each of these virtues together is love. Putting on love enables Christians to bear with, pray for and forgive all who trespass against you.

Prayerful Action:

 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, 1 Corinthians 13:6-7.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

Reading the Bible and putting Jesus’ words into action may take years before your life begins to bring light and love to others. Unfortunately, there are certain people that you cross paths with daily that are difficult to love. These individuals have a back story, painful experiences which often make them hesitant to love and trust other people. This inner pain is poured out in the form of anger, emotional outbursts and harsh words. Situations like this is why Jesus calls Christians to love and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-44. When God tests your faith, you’ll gain valuable experience in putting on love.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Difficult times shape who you are and provides opportunities for spiritual growth. May the lyrics of Love Like This help prepare you to put on love this Christmas season.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 347-The Power of Charity

Posted on December 10, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins, 1 Peter 4:1-8.

Reflection:

Two New Testament authors write about spiritual acts that cover over a multitude of sins. The first comes from a likely source, one of Jesus’ disciples, part of Jesus’ inner circle. Meanwhile, the second is one of Jesus’ earthly brothers. Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way, James 5:19-20, also covers over a multitude of sins. Both highlight the power of charity as the first act credits love while the other is love in action.

Prayerful Action:

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:14-15.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

The context of today’s prayerful action takes place in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. At the end of Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus commands those in attendance to love and pray for their enemies. Anyone can love those who love and are nice to you. However, Christians are called to higher standards, to embrace, endure and pray for your enemies. As God changes your heart to begin to see the back story of your enemies, why they act and behave the way they do, the power of charity becomes a reality. This is how you can love others this December and throughout 2025.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Sometimes your soul needs to hear a song of hope when you’re feeling down. May the lyrics of the Love of Christ bring back that bounce in your step, provide that spiritual spark to ignite your faith. May today’s words move you toward acts of charity this month.

by Jay Mankus

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