Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[d] says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”^{[e] 21} Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good, Romans 12:17-21.

Reflection:

If you study cultural trends, music and television reflects current beliefs, ideas and opinions. Back in the 1950 and early 60’s, American shows were family oriented with songs that spoke to situations in life. Today, adult content permeates the airwaves with explicit and sexual vibes pushing the envelope further than I ever imagined. Those who follow human nature tend to repay evil for evil, going with the flow culturally. Yet, the apostle Paul calls members of the Church at Rome to God’s standards. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls those in attendance to perfection, Matthew 5:48. While no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, people of faith should strive to meet the standards in the Bible.

Prayerful Action:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[i] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous,” Matthew 5:43-45.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

Integrity is doing what’s right when nobody is looking. While God sees all things, Christians should follow Jesus’ first century call to love your neighbor. Just as Israel followed the Ten Commandments throughout the Old Testament, modern-day Christians should seek to pursue biblical principles. While people may think you’re strange for not repaying evil for evil, doing the right thing in God’s eye is proof that people of faith don’t finish last.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Today’s song serves as a reminder that we all lose our way in life. Rather than emulating biblical standards, peer pressure may lead you to repay evil for evil. May the lyrics of City on a Hill help you find hope that in God’s eyes, people of faith don’t finish last.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord—with the first of them and with the last—I am he.” ⁵ The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward; ⁶     they help each other and say to their companions, “Be strong!” ⁷ The metalworker encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer spurs on the one who strikes the anvil. One says of the welding, “It is good.” The other nails down the idol so it will not topple. ⁸ “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. ¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:4-10.

Reflection:

One of the first verses in the Bible that I was introduced to as a new Christian in high school was Philippians 4:13. From a logical perspective, I didn’t understand how to place my strength in an invisible spiritual entity. This concept remained a mystery to me until I took my faith more seriously in college. A song by Bruce Carroll helped me realize that God wants Christians to open every area of their lives up to God. When Christians make Jesus the Lord of their lives, Romans 10:9-11, the hope of God’s strength is unveiled.

Prayerful Action:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength, Philippians 4:12-13.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

The context of Philippians 4:13 is about being in need. As a church planter and missionary, the apostle Paul was reliant on love offerings from Christian communities. The apostle Paul tried to become self-reliant as a tentmaker, so that he could earn money when tithes didn’t meet all the needs of his ministry team. Rather than focus on the luxuries of life, the apostle Paul come to grips with the reality of his call to faith as an apostle and missionary. Like the Israelites in the days of manna from heaven, Paul realized the hope of God’s strength.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

As you learn what it means to find hope in God’s strength, may the lyrics of Above and Beyond blow you away spiritually. Bruce Carroll sings this song as a prayer when he didn’t have strength to carry on. Yet, by trusting in God’s love, you too can understand what it means to place your strength in Christ Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. ²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God, Romans 8:22-27.

Reflection:

In the beginning of Romans 8, the apostle Paul compares and contrasts the sinful nature with the Holy Spirit. The point of this literal exercise concludes with today’s call to action. Yet, Paul writes about how human minds influence the decisions you make on a daily basis. Paul appears to be building upon the words of Jesus in Luke 6:43-45. If mouths speak out of the overflow of human hearts, minds have a similar power to bring your thoughts into existence. The quicker Christians begin to place their hope in God’s Spirit, the sooner lives will begin to flee the bad habits of their past, Colossians 3:5-8.

Prayerful Action:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, Romans 8:12-13.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

When trials in life place you into a difficult situation, you have one of three decisions to make. You can trust in your own judgement, lean on a close friend or place your hope in God’s Spirit to guide you in your decision-making process. Just before my senior year of college, I laid in my bed at home with a broken ankle. It was during this time when God revealed to me my obligation as a Christian to live according to the Holy Spirit. The hope of God’s Spirit is conceived as Christians place their trust in God. In return, the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and soul, guiding you toward God’s will.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The Holy Spirit serves Christians like a spiritual compass. As you place your hope in God’s Spirit, may you find yourself home, back toward God’s will for your life.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.⁶ As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.^[d]7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.⁸ Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.⁹ Look on our shield,^[e] O God;  look with favor on your anointed one.¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.¹¹ For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.¹² Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you, Psalm 84:5-12.

Reflection:

I was fortunate enough to have attended numerous spiritual retreats in high school and college. While several of these weekends were memorable, one message from a keynote speaker has stuck with me through the years. Skip Wilkins was speaking to an auditorium full of athletes while sitting in a wheelchair. My initial thoughts were, “how could this man relate to athletes?” Prior to a water-skiing accident that left Skip paralyzed from the waist down, he was a high school all-American in 4 sports. He spoke about the thousands of full scholarships that he received in the mail daily. Skip went on to talk about how human beings have this void in their hearts, trying different things like sports to see if one will satisfy this internal hunger. When schools began to withdraw these full rides after his accident, Jesus never left Skip. Perhaps, this is what the Psalmist means by the saying, “better is one day in God’s presence than a thousand elsewhere.” This is one of the spiritual blessings of placing your hope in Jesus.

Prayerful Action:

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Titus 2:11-13.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

The apostle Paul reveals to the Church at Rome the gift of God in Romans 6:23. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ disciples has a vision of a door with only one doorknob on your side of this door, Revelation 3:20. God doesn’t force Christians to spend time with Him. Yet, according to John, Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts, but we have to let Him in. The blessing of hope in Jesus is experiencing heaven on earth as you hear, listen and obey God’s calling for your life.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Today’s song helped me during my transition from Delaware to South Carolina in 2022. May the lyrics of This is a Call help you understand the blessing of placing your hope in Jesus, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we^[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. ⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:1-8.

Reflection:

If you root for a dominate college and or professional sports team each weekend, there won’t be that may moments of unrest as you watch a game. However, if your adopted or hometown team is suffering through a few lean years, watching television may be too stressful for you. The same concept holds true for the spiritual realm. When you reach a point of spiritual maturity, placing your full place and trust in God, you will begin to experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. This calming sensation in the form of peace is a byproduct of hope.

Prayerful Action:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

Human nature is a daily struggle for all individuals living on planet earth. The Old Testament depicts the families of God’s chosen people, Israel, as forgetful. This is why God called Moses to write Deuteronomy known as a second law or copy of God’s law. If Israel listened to, obeyed and reflected upon the Ten Commandments daily, Exodus 20:1-17, the second copy wouldn’t be necessary. Perhaps, this is what inspired the words in Joshua 1:8-9. Christians who mediate on Bible verses day and night will begin to understand what the apostle Paul meant in today’s prayerful action. This is a peace worth pursuing.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Today’s song got me through the death of my wife’s mom two years ago. May the lyrics of I Chose to Believe inspire you to pursue byproducts of hope like peace.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;²    Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy ³ If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? ⁴ But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.⁵ I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. ⁶ I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.⁷ Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. ⁸ He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins, Psalm 130:1-8.

Reflection:

As a parent of 3 children, there’s a desire deep inside of me that wants to do everything that I can for my children and their families. Yet, if you spoil your children and don’t allow each one to experience the pain of waiting, you’ll stunt their maturity and spiritual growth. According to King Solomon, things in life will happen in accordance with God’s timing, not yours. Therefore, as you wait for God’s plan and will for your life to unfold, place your hope in God as you wait.

Prayerful Action:

What do workers gain from their toil? ¹⁰ I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet^[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end, Ecclesiastes 3:9-11.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

If you enjoy a specific activity, hobby or sport, you don’t become an expert overnight. Rather, as you become passionate about something like Pickleball, you wake up thinking about how you can get better. This leads to practicing, possibly taking lessons or watching videos to see how can master specific shots. This same aspect applies to your Christian faith. As you wait to develop, grow and mature spiritually, believe and hope that change and transformation will occur in God’s timing. Therefore, as you wait, place your hope in the Lord.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Today’s song is one of the theme songs for the film Fireproof. May the lyrics of the song While I’m Waiting fill you with hope as you place your trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls, 1 Peter 1:3-9.

Reflection:

The words of Peter provide a New Testament perspective to the words of an Old Testament prophet. Hosea 4:1-6 details why Israelites lost their way spiritually. Whenever you lack knowledge and or a clear vision for the future, hope slowly erodes until it is gone. Meanwhile, Peter unveils the secret to maintain a living hope. This is the opposite message of modern-day Pollyanna preachers who proclaim that once you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, everything will fall into place and be smooth. This is not reality as all Christians must experience hardships, testing this newfound faith. This ongoing process is like going through a spiritual furnace, burning off all the imperfections that exist in our lives. As Christian maturity is obtained, possessing a living hope becomes attainable.

Prayerful Action:

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created, James 1:16-18.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

As a former athlete who was close to becoming a professional in 2 different sports, I know how many hours of dedication it takes to reach this elite level. Unfortunately, making the necessary sacrifices doesn’t guarantee success. This maturation process separates the best in the world from the wanna be professional athletes like me. Yet, from a spiritual perspective, every trial that you endure prepares you for the future, James 1:2-4. As you fight through these spiritual growing pains, a living hope is waiting for you. As one former disciple once proclaimed, the choice is yours, Revelation 3:20-21.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

While placing your hope in material things is fleeting, experiencing the living hope of Jesus is life changing. May the lyrics of today’s song lead you toward this living hope.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. ²⁷ Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? ²⁸ Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.²⁹ He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;³¹ but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint, Isaiah 40:26-31.

Reflection:

Today’s featured passage provides a glimpse into God’s character and nature. Subsequently, whenever you are moved to pray to an invisible God, this cry for help is relying on hope from above. The eloquent words of this Old Testament prophet compare God to a parent of an eaglet. Despite experiencing growing pains as the harsh realities of life set in, those who place their hope in the Lord will have their strength renewed. Like experiencing a second wind of energy on a grueling day at school or work, placing your hope in the God above will provide for all your needs.

Prayerful Action:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

As I was attending seminary to complete a master’s in theology, I wasn’t sure how I would apply this knowledge. However, when a local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes asked for a volunteer to present a pregame speech for a visiting college football team, I spoke twice. Serving as a sports chaplain intrigued me. My first speech reminded players of a former Ole Miss cornerback who eventually died due to complications from an injury sustained playing college football. Chucky Mullins became an inspirational speaker, motivating his teammates to never give up hope and to keep fighting. As a Christian, this is what the words of Isaiah has done for me, finding hope from above whenever I turn to the Lord in prayer.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Today’s song comes from my favorite alternative Christian praise album of all time. May the lyrics of There is No One Like You inspire you to place your hope in the God who reigns above.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.^[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile,” Jeremiah 29:10-14.

Reflection:

When I first became a Christian as a teenager, verse 11 was one of the most quoted passages shared with me by friends from high school and college. When you take an initially leap of faith, Romans 10:9-10, other Christians may offer their insight on where Holy Spirit may lead you. However, only God truly knows your future. While you may end up taking detours, getting lost and wasting years on your journey of faith, hopes provides the motivation to keep walking by faith. May other promises in the Bible give you hope for a brighter future.

Prayerful Action:

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him, Hebrews 11:6.

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

On New Year’s Day 2012, I was informed that I would be losing my job at the end of January. This shocking development forced me to reinvent myself in my early 40’s. The next 16 months were filled with uncertainty, darkness and pain. While at a Christian bookstore, a stranger came up to me and shared a prophecy about my life, similar to the words of Jeremiah 29. While I was skeptical, doubting something so good could ever come true, this prophecy was fulfilled after receiving a job and subsequent promotion with Amazon. As King Solomon once shared, although your plans may not be God’s plans, the Lord’s purpose prevails, Proverbs 19:21.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Life is a marathon filled with unexpected twists and turns. Yet, when you believe and cling to God’s promises in the Bible, hope for a brighter future will be conceived. This is where hope leads to perfect harmony.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. ²⁵ I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me, Colossians 1:24-29.

Reflection:

As the apostle Paul writes the Church at Colosse about his spiritual battles and labor of love for the Lord, I am reminded of the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. Whenever you are working, and you don’t see any initial results of the fruit of your labor, it’s easy to lose hope. You may even reach a point when you verbalize to a friend, “is this really worth it?” Yet, God calls Christians to be faithful to your calling and God’s will, Romans 12:1-2. This is the perseverance that enables servants of Jesus to press on, using their God given gifts. This is the hope of glory.

Prayerful Action:

“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. ²⁰ The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ ²¹ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ – Matthew 25:19-21

Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:

I spent my first two years living in South Carolina questioning what I was doing and where I was going. From a professional standpoint, I was going backwards, stepping down from a leadership position to allow my wife to be near her dying mother. Despite having a decade of experience, I felt like my talents were being wasted. Yet, I stuck around, dug deep spiritually and poured my heart into helping others. Although I haven’t experienced the hope of glory like the faithful servants in the Parable of the Talents, my labor of love is impacting co-workers and slowly making a difference. Like the apostle Paul, I press to fulfill God’s calling in my life, Philippians 3:14.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The lyrics to This Side of Heaven talk about how easy it is to lose our way spiritually. May today’s devotion inspire you to stay on track by pressing on to fulfill God’s calling for your life.

by Jay Mankus