Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” ²⁵ He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” ²⁶ Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” ²⁷ He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” ²⁸ Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.” ³⁰ The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes, John 9:24-30.

Reflection:

Legalism within today’s Christian church has caused many to abandon the practice of attending church regularly. These modern-day Pharisees give the love of Jesus a bad name, causing spiritual harm that some individuals never recover from. While a man blind from birth is trying to celebrate the miracle of seeing for the first time, the Pharisees were offended that Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath. Although this man’s parents were afraid of the Pharisees, this healed man dug deep, refusing to remain silent.

Prayerful Action:

“We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. ³² Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. ³³ If this man were not from God, he could do nothing,” John 9:31-33.

Working Out Your Salvation:

The subtle transformation of this former blind man in remarkable. This healed man begins by telling others that a man named Jesus healed him in John 9:11. When speaking to the Pharisees in John 9:17, this former blind man refers to Jesus as a prophet. Although John doesn’t specifically refer to this, this healed man realizes within his heart, soul and mind that Jesus has to be more than a mere man. Rather than succumb to the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees, this healed man enters into a personal relationship with Jesus in John 9:38. Sometimes believing in God’s plan for your life requires digging deep inside your soul to avoid quitting your faith journey.

Song of the Day:

Some Christian songs are theologically flawed but have a great sound. As for Dig Dug, I’m not sure the actual meaning, but I do know this song talks about digging deep spiritually. Becoming a Christian is like eating a box of chocolates, you never know exactly what’s going to taste. In the end, keep digging down deep to avoid quitting.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, ¹⁷ where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. ¹⁸ A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles,^[b] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” ²¹ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading, John 6:16-21.

Reflection:

When I was in high school, I learned how to control and maneuver a sailboat. Since one of my neighbors had a summer home on the Cheasapeake Bay, I was able to go sailing once a month. After mastering the Sunfish, the smallest sailboat, I moved on to larger sailing vessels. Perhaps, a little overconfident, my neighbor and I decided to sail in rough conditions, 2-to-4-foot waves on the bay. Sailing down wind was exhilarating until we had to turned around. We flipped over in the middle of the channel were all the freighters travel to and from Baltimore harbor. The sailboat that came and tried to rescue us already flipped over. When my friend lost his life jacket and made me swim to go retrieve it, I felt like the disciples in today’s passage, holding on for dear life. Just before an oncoming freighter was about the destroy both sailboats, a good Samaritan came to our rescue in a power boat, towing both sailboats to shore.

Prayerful Action:

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come, John 16:13.

Working Out Your Salvation:

After witnessing Jesus’ feed 5000 men, excluding women and children, the disciples let fear get the best of them when a storm suddenly crossed the Sea of Galilee. Rather than consider the power of God just demonstrated by Jesus hours earlier, they panicked. While I was staying afloat in the Chesapeake Bay, all I could think about was the freighter bearing down on Richie and me. Just like the fearful disciples, I failed to see that God is greater and more powerful than the situation I was enduring. No matter how bad things may look in the future, keep holding on to Jesus.

Song of the Day:

While the lyrics of today’s song may be ordinary, the message is clear. When the next spiritual storm in your life catches you off-guard, hold on to Jesus with everything you have.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. ¹² For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. ¹³ The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. ¹⁴ When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? – Galatians 2:11-14.

Reflection:

According to a first century historian, the citizens of Antioch called members of this newly founded church Christians in Acts 11:26. Unfortunately, sometimes followers of Jesus can get so caught up in playing church that they fail to emulate a Christ-like life. According to the apostle Paul, Peter and Barnabas was so consumed with following Jewish practices that they separated themselves. Like the Puritans who came to America as well as the Amish in Pennsylvania, withdrawing from your culture doesn’t model a Christ like example. Rather, if you want to develop a faith that stands the test of time, you have to engage our culture like the apostle Paul during a trip to Athens, Acts 17:16-28.

Prayerful Action:

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. ²³ For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you, Acts 17:22-23.

Working Out Your Salvation:

Every culture has a place where locals are afraid to go. This could be a crime ridden neighborhood, a sketchy part of town or an unsafe city. Yet, the apostle Paul uses apologetics, the science of defending your faith, to find something that he has in common with the people of Athens. Sometimes, working out your salvation requires the ability to ask questions and listen. Let God be the one to judge the living and the dead. As long as Christians look for creative ways to share your spiritual journey with Jesus, your faith will stand the test of time.

Song of the Day:

Christians shouldn’t be shocked when members of their church make poor decisions or become ensnared by sin. The apostle Paul is call about mankind’s ability to remain faithful in Romans 3:9-12. Nonetheless, if you strive to chase after a faith described by the attached song, you will stand the test of time.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” ³⁶ Overhearing^[c] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” ³⁷ He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. ³⁹ He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰ But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). ⁴² Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. ⁴³ He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat, Mark 5:35-43.

Reflection:

After eating my lunch at work, I usually scan the news on my phone to see what’s happening in the world. While many news sites highlight bizarre circumstances to draw in more readers, this world is filled with unexpected deaths. As adults, children and the elderly leave home today, some may never return like the former fire chief at Trump Rally last Saturday. Whether this is due to an abduction, car crash, mysterious illness or shark attack, there will be unforeseen circumstances that will happen that will bring you to your knees. One Saturday afternoon, less than a week after Mother’s Day, I received a call from my mom revealing that you father suddenly passed away. This is when your faith will be tested.

Prayerful Action:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ² His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” ³ “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him, John 9:1-3.

Working Out Your Salvation:

As you struggle to figure out, “why is this happening to me,” always remember Jesus’ insight to His disciples. Before healing a man blind from birth, Jesus reveals that sometimes God allows certain things to occur. In the end, severe circumstances give the Lord an opportunity to display the power of the Holy Spirit. This resurrection power touched upon by one of Jesus’ disciples in 2 Peter 1:3-4 is a blueprint to follow when circumstances bring you to your knees. While I’m still struggling to cope with the passing of my father, lean on the Holy Spirit to get you through each day.

Song of the Day:

When extreme circumstances rock my world, this is one of the songs I turn to for encouragement. May the lyrics of Never Too Far Gone shine light into your circumstances where hope seems so far away.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work, Ephesians 4:11-16.

Reflection:

As a former athlete, I’ve spent most of my life concentrating on pushing my body to its limit. Unfortunately, I’ve ignored the internal battle within my flesh. Although we all have moments that you regret, the apostle Paul details the areas Christians need to focus on before maturity will shine through. Jesus’ earthly brother relays a similar message at the beginning of the first Catholic epistle written to Christians scattered throughout the Middle East. James’ advice is helpful for choosing maturity over immaturity.

Prayerful Action:

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, James 1:4.

Working Out Your Salvation:

James 1:2-4 provides expectations that all Christians should be prepared for daily. Maturity is conceived when trials that you encounter are embraced. The more trials that you experience, the greater the opportunity for your faith to grow. As the testing of your faith continues, perseverance has the chance to develop. Rather than blame God for all the hardships that you will encounter, James 1:13, choose maturity as you endure future spiritual tug of wars in your life.

Song of the Day:

Sometimes I have a habit over thinking the Christian life. Using the lyrics of In the Light, choosing maturity over immaturity is much easier when you’re walking in the light. Hang in there this summer as you seek to achieve spiritual maturity.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. ⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.^[a] 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, ⁷ and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” ⁸ When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. ⁹ Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go, Acts 17:4-9.

Reflection:

One of the mistakes that I have made over the years is confusing failure with persecution. As a Christian, you’re called to be faithful, not always successful. As Paul and Silas spent time explaining who Jesus was to Jews in Thessalonica, a few were persuaded. However, most of the Jews possessed mindsets similar to the Pharisees. Subsequently, jealous Jews formed a mob like modern-day agitators and protestors, creating civil unrest in Thessalonica. While one of the home church leaders faced the brunt of this spiritual persecution, Paul’s ministry team fled to a nearby town to find others open to the teaching of Jesus. Meanwhile, Jason and the spiritual leaders of Thessalonica went to jail and posted bond before being free to resume developing this church.

Prayerful Action:

You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ²³ When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes, Matthew 10:22-23.

Working Out Your Salvation:

Jesus warned His 12 disciples about facing persecution for faith in the future. One of Jesus’ main points is that for followers don’t take spiritual persecution personally. Human nature places a desire within every soul to be liked, Galatians 1:10. Yet, working out your salvation involves remembering a Christian’s call to become a servant of Jesus. Persecution will test your faith by pressing perseverance. Nonetheless, when Christians grasp that the world hated Jesus first, you’ll be able to become mature and complete the next time persecution comes your way.

Song of the Day:

Although Mandisa passed away earlier this year, may today’s lyrics of Overcomer help you the next time persecution tests your ability to persevere.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. ²⁶ She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. ²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, ²⁸ because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. ³⁰ At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” ³¹ “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” ³² But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. ³³ Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth,” Mark 5:25-33.

Reflection:

The woman that Jesus encounters remind me of a modern-day cancer patient. Even if you catch cancer early, the medical expenses can result in becoming bankrupt if this condition doesn’t improve. As for this woman suffering from a rare bleeding disorder, she spent everything she had with a belief that first century doctors were going to be able to at the minimum, improve her condition. Tested beyond what she could handle, this woman’s last hope was Jesus. After hearing stories of how Jesus had cured and healed others, all she wanted to do was touch him.

Prayerful Action:

Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering,” Mark 5:34.

Working Out Your Salvation:

One thing is clear about 2024 being a year for transformation, humility is a painful process. While I don’t have a bleeding order, I have caught a bad case of failure-itis. As I try to seek advancement in my career, I keep failing. Although my Resume is a work in progress, my daily efforts should help, but haven’t. Subsequently, I find myself tested beyond what I can handle. While I don’t have a thorn in my flesh, I am learning that in my own weaknesses, Jesus can be strong, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. This is how God uses trials to lead you in the right direction, until you get the hint or keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, to find the place in life where you belong.

Song of the Day:

As I listen to the lyrics of Place in this World, I am reminded that trials prepare you for future situations in life. Perhaps, when I do finally experience progress or success in 2024, I’ll be more thankful for the journey that I have been on. Keep the faith as trials persist this summer.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

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!” ³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”-Matthew 14:25-31

Reflection:

In this age of participation awards, the professional world is more cutthroat than ever before. While I remember the pain of getting cut from the Boys Basketball team twice as a junior high athlete, the first 40 years of my life was filled with success. Nearly every job I interviewed for I received an offer and each sport I competed in resulted in numerous victories with a few championships. Yet, now as a middle-aged white male who can barely get a first interview, God is teaching me the difficult lesson of falling forward when your faith fails.

Prayerful Action:

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³ “Truly^[f] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them,” Mark 11:22-23.

Working Out Your Salvation:

Besides Jesus, the New Testament records the actions, behaviors and life of Peter more than any other first century individual. While the apostle Paul writes numerous epistles, the focus of these letters is to challenge congregations to draw closer to Jesus. Perhaps, the reason Peter is mentioned so much is that Christians can identify with him. How cool would be to actually walk on water, even if it was just for a few seconds? Yet, the moment Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and began to focus on his surroundings, Peter’s faith failed. Therefore, the next time you fail miserably, make sure that you fall forward to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again.

Song of the Day:

Today’s lyrics talk about individuals who are a slave to their past. May the lesson of Peter failing to walk on water and the message of Water into Wine give you the strength to fall forward the next time your faith fails.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. ⁸ So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. ⁹ Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. ¹⁰ A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. ¹¹ He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. ¹² Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. ¹³ But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia, Daniel 10:7-13.

Reflection:

I was introduced to the concept of Spiritual Mapping by a couple I met while attending Red Lion’s Evangelical Free Church. Spiritual Mapping is the process of researching and identifying the spiritual needs and strongholds of a specific area, community or neighborhood based upon past history. To help me further understand this next level form of a spiritual discipline, the Beste’s gave me a book of case studies on Spiritual Mapping. One church in Chicago started having numerous bizarre accidents occurring inside their building as well as within the local community. After an exhausting examination of history using Spiritual Mapping, the pastor discovered that this area was part of a strong Satanic coven. Similar to the demonic prince in the above passage, this church began to reclaim this land back for the kingdom of God, using fasting and prayer as a hedge of protection against the demonic influences in this part of Chicago.

Prayerful Action:

“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land, ” Job 1:10.

Working Out Your Salvation:

One thing I have learned about Spiritual Mapping is that you have to avoid reading too much into a specific situation. For example, Acts 16:6 contains a similar situation that Daniel faced in today’s featured passage. However, rather than face a demonic stronghold, the apostle Paul was prevented by the Holy Spirit from sharing the Gospel in Asia. While only God knows the true reason, its likely that either the people in Asia weren’t ready for Jesus or the Holy Spirit planned for some other missionary to reach this area of the world. The best way to practice spiritual mapping today is to look into the history of a house, property or possession before purchasing it. This way you’re not opening up your life to demonic influences attached to a property, home or possession.

Song of the Day:

While the attached song is a dramatic example of Spiritual Mapping, there are plenty of paranormal shows that have episodes devoted to what happens when Christians enter a house, property or take hold of a possession attached to a curse, demonic influences or a spiritual stronghold too powerful for one believer to handle on their own. This is why you should begin to research and practice the discipline of spiritual mapping this summer and throughout the year.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.²⁰ This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.²¹ I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.²² The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;²³ the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.²⁴ The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad, Psalm 118:19-24.

Reflection:

As the son of an immigrant, my family only celebrated important occasions. Besides going out to dinner for birthdays and job/school related accomplishments, my mother prepared meals 29-30 days a month. From a spiritual perspective, partaking in my first communion and completing the Confirmation process were celebrated by my parents. Unfortunately, I fail to celebrate God’s answers to prayers, the gift of another day on earth and blessings in disguised showered upon my life by God. Christian celebration shouldn’t be limited to Sundays at church. Rather, the spiritual discipline of celebration should be emphasized like gratitude journals, stopping daily to thank the Lord for the little things in this life.

Prayerful Action:

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, Psalm 150:6.

Working Out Your Salvation:

Sports fans have become excellent at celebrating each win of their favorite team. Fantasy sports, tailgating and watch parties make the celebrating experience memorable. I remember exactly who I was with the last time the Phillies won the World Series and the Eagles won the Super Bowl. Perhaps, working out your salvation this July includes investing the same time and energy into God that you pour into entertainment and sports. Ask the Lord to open your eyes so that you can begin to celebrate the minor miracles and small wonders that God is doing in your life.

Song of the Day:

As you start searching for things to celebrate, you’ll find God working behind the scenes. While you may not see progress in the time frame that you want things to occur, learn to celebrate the subtle transformations that the Holy Spirit is doing inside of you this summer.

by Jay Mankus