Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— ⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” ⁵⁴ When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶ “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ⁵⁷ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,” Acts 7:51-57.

Reflection:

Based upon the accounts of the 4 gospels, the only people Jesus regularly spoke out against were religious zealots. On numerous occasions, experts in Jewish law, Pharisees, Sadducees and various religious leaders tried to trick and outwit Jesus. However, after a series of unsuccessful attempts, these religious zealots finally gave up, Matthew 22:46. As for the apostle Stephen, he became just as frustrated with religious zealots, who were obsessed with the Torah. This legalistic emphasis prevented Jewish leaders from being open to the Holy Spirit. While speaking out against religious zealots who deviate from the Bible is necessary, if no one listens to you, move on to teachable individuals. Matthew 7:6.

Prayerful Action:

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces, Matthew 7:6.”

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed unteachable individuals. Matthew 7:1-5 appears to be directed toward Jewish leaders who live by the motto, “do as I say, not as I do.” Jesus makes sure that before you speak out against someone for their actions, behavior or choices made, make sure you’ve gotten this specific area under control in your own life. As for Stephen, he was falsely accused of saying blasphemous words against Moses and against God in Acts 6:10. This arrest led to Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7. Knowing he was about to be stoned, Stephen didn’t hold back, rebuking religious zealots for their unbelief.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Spiritual discipline is one of those areas inside of churches that is loosely applied. Subsequently, when control and power-hungry Christians go unchecked, religious zealots are conceived. Before these individuals create division within your church, don’t be afraid to speak out when the timing is right.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹³ No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ¹⁵ As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ¹⁶ Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed, Acts 5:12-16.

Reflection:

The context of today’s passage begins with a couple who tried to convince first century apostles that they were also Christians. Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira viewed the church as a social gathering, seeking to win approval and favor by trying to replicate Christianity without having a personal relationship with Jesus. When God made Peter aware of their scheme to become accepted, Ananias and Sapphira both lied to the Holy Spirit, thinking that they could deceive church leaders. After Ananias and Sapphira both suddenly die from apparent heart attacks, other spiritual pretenders kept their distance, afraid a similar fate may happen to them. Subsequently, only true believers met at Solomon’s Colonnade to worship the Lord.

Prayerful Action:

He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! – Acts 28:31

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

I sent two years living right down the street from Willow Creek Church, a mega-church in Illinois. After moving back to Delaware, the church that I helped start in college became a Willow Church Association Church. Congregations throughout the country sent leadership teams to Willow Creek to find out how they too could duplicate this spiritual climate. Unfortunately, over the past 25 years, most Willow Church Association churches have failed. Why? Well, Willow Creek was a byproduct of a spiritual awakening within Chicago when teenagers fasted and prayed for their lost friends. You can’t counterfeit or fake faith. Growing churches have genuine believers who hunger and thirst for righteousness. This spiritual anointing can’t be manufactured. Rather, when Christians share a common vision to fulfill the Great Commission in their community, then and only then will the Holy Spirit move. This sets the stage becoming bold believers.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

There are plenty of Ananias and Sapphira’s attending church each Sunday. Meanwhile, there is plenty of hypocrisy to go around in every church. Rather than dwell upon and focus on the negative, dare to become a genuine follower of Jesus, filled with the boldness of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the good news about Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵ You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? ²⁶ The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.^[b]’^{[c] 27} Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. ²⁸ They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. ²⁹ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly, Acts 4:23-31.

Reflection:

Over my 40 years as a practicing Christian, I’ve met a few individuals who placed their complete dependence and trust in God, Proverbs 3:5-6. These mature followers of Christ remind me of first century apostles. Despite being imprisoned for their faith, John and Peter couldn’t stop telling others about Jesus. Rather than become fearful of government officials and religious leaders, these godly men turned to the Lord for strength. According to Luke, this time of prayer was so powerful that this place was filled with the Holy Spirit. Upon leaving this meeting, those in attendance were filled with a spirit of courage, boldly proclaiming the good news about Jesus.

Prayerful Action:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” Joshua 1:9.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

Whenever individuals are blessed with material possessions, human nature has a way of leading to complacency. Perhaps, this is what happened to the church in Laodicea, Revelation 3:15-18. Instead of placing your sole trust in God, many Christians rely on their own abilities to provide for their families. There was a time in my own life when I lived paycheck to paycheck, unable to affordable extra-curricular activities. Yet, now with just one child in college, my family has been blessed with the funds to enjoy life. Nonetheless, I have to avoid the temptation to become lukewarm in my faith. The next time a spirit of complacency comes your way, pray to the Lord that you’ll be filled with a courage and boldness.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Temptations never stop in life. Subsequently, regularly praying for boldness and courageous is essential. The spiritual discipline of Bible Study and prayer helps protect your mind. Meanwhile, when you gather together with other Christians to pray, this sets the spiritual tone for courage.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁶ Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. ⁷ They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’^{[a] 12} Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” ¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say, Acts 4:5-14.

Reflection:

Today’s passage reminds me of current events going on in the United States. As parents have voiced their concerns about the direction of their children’s education, some have been labeled terrorists. Meanwhile, devout pro-life supporters have been arrested for trying the save the lives of unborn children about to be aborted. As for John and Peter, they could not stop telling their Jewish friends what Jesus has done. After Resurrection Sunday, these once fearful disciples had become transformed spiritually, willing to risk their own lives for their newfound faith. This recent change was fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit, carrying on the ministry of Jesus following His ascension into heaven. The Great Commission filled these men with a spirit of fortitude to press on, Acts 1:8.

Prayerful Action:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” Acts 1:8.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

Some theologians believe the Holy Spirit that fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2 is different than the Holy Spirit accessible to modern-day Christians. This perspective held by certain denominations claim that this anointing of the Holy Spirit was limited to the first century, vanishing after the apostles and disciples passed away. However, I believe that this out pouring of the Holy Spirit still exists today, but a lack of belief, faith and generational sins have limited this anointing. As one Old Testament prophet once declared in Hosea 4:6, people perish when they lack the knowledge to succeed and or possess a clear vision for the future. When John and Peter bought into the Great Commission, this inspired them each to wake up with excitement each morning.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

As a grown adult, life can be extremely draining and exhausting. Yet, when you have something to look forward to or a goal to achieve, you have a reason to get up and go to work. In the same way, Christians who discover their spiritual gift and begin to serve God with their talent, you become active members of the Great Commission today. May the lyrics of today’s song inspire you not to give up.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 1:3-8.

Reflection:

I was introduced to today’s passage as a college student at the University of Delaware. God’s promise in 2 Peter 1:3-4 gave me hope as I was struggling to alter my life from past sinful tendencies. When I couldn’t make these changes on my own, I turned to a local accountable group. Rather than settle for a lukewarm faith, I was tired of saying I am going to change but kept giving into temptation over and over again. The more I meditated upon 2 Peter 1:3-4, I began to see that the Holy Spirit is the source that provides fortitude within you.

Prayerful Action:

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you, John 14:26.

Developing the Spiritual Gifts to Press On:

The Holy Spirit is a topic that has been heavily debated among Christian denominations for centuries. Being filled with the Holy Spirit has become a divisive topic in Christian communities today. I’ve been told by a few leaders from charismatic churches that you’re not really saved if you aren’t filled with the Holy Spirit. However, this belief goes against the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2 about adding and subtracting commands from the Bible. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul places love above spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Therefore, if you want to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10, pray daily that you’ll keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. As you test spirits inside your heart, soul and mind,1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, may the Holy Spirit will begin to fill you with the fortitude to press on spiritually.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Rather than continue to reflect upon fortitude, I thought it would be beneficial to highlight how the Holy Spirit transformed members of the first century church. May the lyrics to today’s song inspire you to reach your hands toward heaven when your life isn’t going as you expected or planned.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods^[a] who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” ² Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” ³ So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. ⁴ He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods,^[b] Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” ⁵ When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.” ⁶ So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry, Exodus 32:1-6.

Reflection:

Following the introduction of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, Moses spends the next 11 chapters of the Bible with God on Mount Sinai. During this 40-day period, God shares important details, instructions and a vision of how the Lord wants Israel to approach and worship Yahweh. The longer Moses was gone, the more impatient and restless Israel became. Leadership is tested in the absence of other spiritual leaders. As the elders of Israel questioned whether Moses would return, Aaron demonstrates the opposite of fortitude. Rather than hold off peer pressure to conform, Aaron goes with the flow, doing what’s right in his own eyes.

Prayerful Action:

When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. ²⁰ And he took the calf the people had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to powder, scattered it on the water and made the Israelites drink it. ²¹ He said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?” – Exodus 32:19-21

Developing Spiritual Guts to Press On:

The apostle Paul devotes an entire portion of a letter to the Church at Corinth to help them learn from the mistake of Israel, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Meanwhile, the author of one New Testament book reminds first century Christians that God disciplines those whom He loves, Hebrews 12:4-7. Whether you’re competing, serving or working, sometimes you may quit. Or if you clock out early from work each time that you’re facing adversity, you’re missing out on the opportunity to develop fortitude. May today’s passage help you learn from your mistakes so that courage and guts will be conceived the next time trials come your way, James 1:2-4.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

In the final 2 weeks of September, we’ll examine men and women in the Bible who demonstrated courage, guts and or fortitude. As for today, live and learn from the moments when fortitude was absent and missing from your life.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus^[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ³ “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. ⁴ Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. ⁵ He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. ⁶ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. ⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.^[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn., John 21:2-11.

Reflection:

I spent two years working for a wholesale company in Delaware which made gifts of faith for Christian stores throughout the United States. One of these products is the First Breakfast, inspired by today’s featured passage. This is the first documented meal that the disciples shared with Jesus following the resurrection. This meal would have never happened if Peter’s fishing crew would have given up. After striking out all night long, Peter follows the advice of a man onshore, unaware that this is the resurrected Jesus. When you display fortitude, with a will to never give up until you have reached your goal, God will provide more than you ever imagined.

Prayerful Action:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up, Galatians 6:9.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

In today’s instant age of social media, the relationships that I once held dear have been placed on the back burner. While eating with family and friends is meaningful, there’s something supernatural about Christian fellowship shared over a meal. Peter was so excited to see Jesus that he jumped of this boat, left his crew to pull the nets into shore and ran as fast as he could through the water to reach Jesus onshore. If summer travel plans separated you from Christian brothers and sisters, may today’s devotion inspire you to make plans this fall to reconnect.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Don’t let time rush the conversations that you share with others daily. May the First Breakfast and a desire for Christian fellowship reignite friendships this fall.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. ¹⁹ Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. ²⁰ When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. ²¹ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done, Matthew 21:18-21.

Reflection:

Modern teachers point to the saying “insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result.” When Jesus went to grab a fig from a nearby tree, He realized that this fig tree wasn’t providing what it was designed to produce. Subsequently, rather than someone else experiencing the same disappoint as Jesus, He immediately withered the fig tree. While the parable of the unproductive fig tree in Luke 13:6-9 urges a caretaker to add fertilize and wait another year, sometimes you simply have to plant another tree.

Prayerful Action:

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, Matthew 21:22.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

The most successful prayers that I’ve met over the past 40 years possess a combination of belief and fortitude. When one of these 2 qualities are absent from my life, my prayer life is unproductive. Last fall, I found a fox tail palm tree on sale, planting this just off my back patio. The first few months this palm tree looked healthy. However, after a few months of neglect, this fox tail began to die. I tried improving its soil and replanted this in a better location with more sunlight. Nonetheless, my hopes and prayers were denied. While pruning dead branches on a mostly healthy tree stimulates growth, you have to learn when it’s time to move on by planting a new tree.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

When Leanne and I bought our first house, we wanted to become like our fathers who always had a successful garden each year. Although some years are better than others, we press on, living and learning with the goal of thriving as a gardener and spiritually in life.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” ²⁵ “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” ²⁶ “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ²⁷ “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours,” Matthew 17:24-27.

Reflection:

Unless you live in a tax-free state, you’ll be paying income, property or sales tax annually, monthly or daily. Matthew, a member of the priestly tribe introduces the temple tax to his readers. Rather than using money earned from His years as a carpenter, Jesus has a more creative method to make His payment. Jesus tells Peter to go to the lake, throw out your line and you’ll find a fish which has swallowed 4 coins. This is how Jesus paid his dues to the local temple.

Prayerful Action:

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish, John 21:6.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

Faith is like going fishing with Jesus. When you cast your net where Jesus tells you and haul in a large catch, your belief and confidence will grow each time you go fishing. However, if you give up before you catch anything, your confidence will begin to erode. Since Peter was a member of Jesus’ inner circle with James and John, he kept on witnessing miracle after miracle. If a friend told me to cast my line over there and you’ll catch a fish that is full of enough money to pay your temple dues, I wouldn’t believe him. Yet, when Jesus told Peter to cast his nets in a certain spot, his doubt was replaced with faith and fortitude.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Every once in a while, I’ll come across a song with a concept that I’ve never heard of. May the words of Fishing in the Sky give you the faith and fortitude to believe that God will provide for your needs.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. ²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. ²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹ “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” – Matthew 14:22-29.

Reflection:

Everyone is afraid of something. Some may be fearful of ghosts. the dark, or deep water. Meanwhile, when it’s late at night, your eyes may play tricks on you, seeing something that doesn’t seem right. As for the disciples, at least 4 were fishermen who often stayed on the water late at night. As the waves and wind picked up, the disciples began to panic, thinking Jesus was possibly a ghost of a fisherman who drown at sea. However, Jesus tried to calm down these men by calling out from the waters. Peter wasn’t sure if this was a practical joke or was really happening, so he challenges Jesus. This reassurance is what led Peter to get out of the boat and walk by faith on the water. Unfortunately, the moment Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink.

Prayerful Action:

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” ³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” – Matthew 14:31-33

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

At the age of 55, I know my limitations, what I can and can’t do. However, if I possessed more confidence in certain areas, I’d be more willing to get out of my boat, comfort zone, and begin to walk by faith. Just like the words of Hebrews 12:1-2, fixing your eyes on Jesus demonstrates fortitude. However, the moment you start looking at your circumstances, courage and guts waver. Therefore, if you want to pursue fortitude this September, it’s time for you to get out of your boat, comfort zone, and start walking by faith.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

As the summer fades into fall, may you overcome any fears that you have to start walking by faith. However, you can’t walk by faith until you get out of your boat, comfort zone.

by Jay Mankus