Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸ 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 6:37-38.

Reflection:

In my early years as a church member, I associated benevolence with an offering that would be taken monthly, quarterly or annually depending upon the congregation. However, the act of benevolence is having goodwill, kindness, and charitableness towards others. After my wife Leanne went through the deaths of her dad and mom, she learned all the intricacies of family trusts and wills. Subsequently, in the past year we’ve been able to set up our own benevolence fund to helps causes and needs dear to our hearts.

Prayerful Action:

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritually Fruit:

Most of my adult life, I lived paycheck to paycheck, unable to participate in activities that I simply couldn’t afford. However, after leaving teaching, God provided me with an amazing opportunity at Amazon two years later. Before moving to South Carolina, I was able to provide for my family like never before. This wealth allowed me to do some of the fun things with my children that my own parents bestowed upon me. Now as I’m nearing retirement in the next five years, it’s time to turn my attention to the needs of others. Like God’s vision of the church in Acts 2:42-47, this is why benevolence exists, to meet the needs of the less fortunate.

Song of the Day:

If the first century church was able to eliminate poverty within their church community, a modern movement to create and give to benevolence funds has the potential to do the same today. May today’s song conceive in you a spirit of benevolence.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. ⁶ The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. ⁷ I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. ⁸ I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, Psalm 16:5-9.

Reflection:

The Amplified Version of the Bible includes all the possible interruptions as Aramaic, Greek and Hebrew is translated into English. As more modern translations of the Bible continue to water down the English language, fruits of the Spirit once considered vital such as gladness and benevolence have been forgotten. Gladness is a byproduct of joy which comes from the realization that our sovereign God works all things together for the good for those who believe.

Prayerful Action:

Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus, Philippians 1:5-6.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

As a child, I remember singing the song,”I’ve Got That Joy Down in My Heart.” Now as an adult, I’m finally learning to grasp the meaning of this joy. This internal gladness comes from standing on God’s promises in the Bible. As you live and learn as a Christian, seeing some of these promises come to fruition in your life, spiritual gladness is strengthed. While I still experience low points in life, verses like 1 John 5:13 reminds me that my faith in Christ has not been a waste of time.

Song of the Day:

The next time you experience a spiritual dry spell, look for hope in God’s promises in the Bible to refill gladness in your heart. As I continue to cope with the loss of my father, I claim the promise of Philippians 1:6, knowing that God is not done with me yet.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God, Galatians 5:19-21.

Reflection:

Depending upon your cable provider or streaming service, television channels are filled with acts of the flesh. American television producers have gone from following the mantra to sex sells to anything goes. Between dramas, movies and network series, most of the popular shows are built upon one of these fifteen acts of the flesh. The longer running series likely have explicit scenes featuring all of these at some point in an episode to spice things up. Since everyone has at least one guilty pleasure, the time has come to wrestle control back from a sinful flesh.

Prayerful Action:

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry, Colossians 3:5.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

A few of my spiritual mentors over the past 40 years have mentioned a key point in terms of wrestling control back from the flesh. “If you’re addicted to your flesh, you’re not a spiritual threat to the Devil.” This advice given to me years ago is that once you seize control back from the Devil, Ephesians 4:27, there will always be another thorn in your flesh that will pop up to grab your attention. Like the apostle Paul in Romans 8, Christians have to remember their obligation to live according to God and the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. While you may lose several spiritual wrestling matches, God’s grace and mercy is new every day to begin anew, Lamentations 3:21-23.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The lyrics of Song of the Harlot point to the inner struggle of people who can’t control their bodies. May the words of this song inspire you to wrestle control back from your flesh.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ² Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. ³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”^[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope, Romans 15:1-4.

Reflection:

If you are a man, being gentle often results in negative stereotypes. The most common label attached to gentle Christians is that they are pushovers. Perhaps, the context of gentle in the Bible is simply misunderstood. If you are in a position of leadership like the apostle Paul, be gentle in the form of a genuine fruit of the Spirit. While you may be tempted to use a position of authority to tear down others, be gentle but not weak.

Prayerful Action:

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone, Titus 3:1-2.

Preparing Your Field to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

I’ve been blessed to be part of some amazing churches over the past 30 years. Subsequently, when I attend or visit a church that is stuck in tradition, I try to be gentle but not weak. When opportunities arise to share my previous experiences at megachurches, I openly share specific ministries that have impacted my life. Perhaps, I come across as “been there done that.” Therefore, as the apostle Paul adds gentleness to the list of God’s spiritual fruits, I need to work on being gentler and humbler in the presence of young Christians.

Song of the Day:

As a former fan of U2, the Violet Burning provides amazing lyrics with their classic sound of the 1980’s. As you strive to live out the fruits of the Spirit in June, may you come to terms with God’s agape love, gentle and patient with fellow believers.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” ³⁷ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸ Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” ³⁹ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. ⁴¹ “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” Matthew 26:36-42.

Reflection:

A former high school coach once told me, “You’ll know who your true friends are when you experience hardships and trials in life.” Jesus had spent 3 years of his life disciplining, investing and teaching 12 men. Yet, in his greatest time of need, none of them could stay up late at night to pray for Him for an hour. Jesus points to the struggle that exists in remaining faithful, “the Spirit of God is willing, but human bodies are weak.”

Prayerful Action:

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God,” Mark 10:27.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

The human mind is capable of doing great things. Yet, when doubt enters the minds of Christians in the form of negative thoughts, certain things seem impossible. As a former Bible teacher, I would often go back to the Garden of Eden. Eve knew the only rule God established, the one boundary that was off limits. Nonetheless, the moment she opened her mind to the possibility that God was somehow holding her back, Genesis 3:4-6, faithful was pushed aside for a Turkish delight. The only way to continually to bear spiritual fruit in a fallen world is to lean on the strength of Jesus during your weak moments in life, Philippians 4:13.

Song of the Day:

My father and father-in-law lived in a period of life in America where corporations valued their employees, working their entire career with the same company. Unfortunately, as companies focus their attention on cutting costs and pleasing stockholders, faithfulness is rarely seen today. As you wrestle to live in, but not of the world, trust in Jesus to maintain faithfulness in a fallen world.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. ⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good, Romans 12:6-9.

Reflection:

There are some things that may come naturally to you while others seem so foreign. Perhaps, this is what the apostle Paul is referring to in the passage above. These abilities come in the form of spiritual gifts and unique talents that you are born with or have to develop. There are several books and online resources that explore spiritual gifts through assessments and tests to highlight specific strengths. However, whatever talent you possess must be exercised alongside a spirt of goodness.

Prayerful Action:

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:3.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

When I was younger, my father’s mom, grandmother, gave me an odd nickname. Whenever I arrived or left her house, she regularly exclaimed, “you’re such a good religious boy!” I’m not sure if my grandmother saw something inside of me or simply wanted me to become religious, but her words have stuck with me through the years. While no one is righteous, Romans 3:9-12, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for it, Matthew 5:48. As Christian develop and display a spirit of goodness, Matthew 5:14-16, the light of Christ will shine bright into a dark and dying world.

Song of the Day:

Christians who keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, often don’t realize the good that they are doing. When Christians seek to glorify God, they don’t care about getting credit for being good. May the attached lyrics inspire you to develop a spirit of goodness this June.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

“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. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” Matthew 5:43-48.

Reflection:

The first time an adult Christian urged me to kill people with kindness, I had no idea what they were talking about. Perhaps, this individual was referring to the words of King Solomon in today’s call to action. Yet, Jesus lays out behavioral standards for Christians in the Sermon on the Mount. When people of faith begin to love and pray for their enemies, unexpected acts of kindness in the form of fruits of the Spirit is unexpected and can be overwhelming. This is where the expression killing others with kindness is derived.

Prayerful Action:

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
²² In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you, Proverbs 25:21-22.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

There will always be individuals who get under your skin, rubbing you the wrong way. When two polar opposite personalities clash, this will create friction. Since some people don’t know when to stop, the more frustrated you become, the more this individual will continue to push the envelope. However, when you go on to the offensive spiritually by killing others with kindness, these arch enemies won’t know how to respond to the love of Christ. Take the high road by striving to repay evil with kindness.

Song of the Day:

Being kind is much easier said than done. Therefore, may the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to live out a spirit of kindness.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? ¹¹ Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. ¹² I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.^[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,^[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”^{[g] 16} For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him, John 3:10-17.

Reflection:

Today’s title is the exact words my father told me when I hugged him to say goodbye on May 16th. Two days later, my father suddenly passed away. These five words resonate in my mind, wondering if my father somehow knew that this would be the last time we would talk. This will be the first time in 55 years that I won’t have a father to call on Father’s Day. While commercials continue to air, hinting at the best item to purchase for a father, the one gift that I will always remember from my father are the words, “I love you, my son.”

Prayerful Action:

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.^[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,^[c] Father,” Galatians 4:4-6.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

On a dark night, three of Jesus’ disciples listened from afar, wondering why a prominent Pharisee wanted to meet with Jesus. This is the context of one of the most famous verses in the Bible. Although Nicodemus didn’t understand the concept of being born again, the disciple whom Jesus loved does mention a subtle transformation in John 7:50-52 and John 19:38-42. While all human beings have their own version of a prodigal child, Luke 15:11-20, the best spiritual fruit that you can provide for your father today is a genuine exchange of “I love you.”

Song of the Day:

Rather than get caught up in the materialism of Father’s Day, spend quality time with family in your living years so that you won’t have any regrets when your earthly father passes away.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that^[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. ²² 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, Romans 8:18-25.

Reflection:

Forbearance is the act of patience, leaning on self-control, restraint and tolerance to avoid losing it. I had a hot temper as a child, breaking and throwing things daily. When things didn’t go my way, I became an emotional wreck as if the world was going to end. Perhaps, childish outbursts in the first century inspired the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:11. Trials have a way of revealing your emotional state of mind. Through errors, failures and setbacks in life, patient remains a goal that is rarely obtained. Like the aging of a fine wine, forbearance takes years of practice to possess.

Prayerful Action:

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 8:26-27.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

I was urged years ago to avoid praying for patience. Those who seek forbearance will be placed into circumstances where patience will be tested. These extreme situations will overwhelm you with nearly impossible odds. Yet, patience is a fruit of God’s Spirit so it’s the unicorn for many Christians. Nonetheless, if you keep in step with the Holy Spirit and lean on the power of the Great I Am, even forbearance is possible to those who believe.

Song of the Day:

I have been praying for God’s will for my life since moving to South Carolina in June of 2022. This prayer remains a mystery to me. Subsequently, balancing patience without losing my sanity has been challenging. This is the humbling journey of those who seek forbearance.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

“All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ 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. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ²⁸ “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe, John 14:25-29.

Reflection:

One of my favorite times in church was known as the passing of God’s peace. This was the only time in the Catholic Mass that you could reach out and greet the people around you. While my mother would hug me and kiss me on the cheek, everyone else shook hands with a grin on their face. When I started attending a Methodist Youth Group in high school, this portion of their service was known as offering the peace of Christ. Handshakes were replaced by hugs, often lasting several seconds. I wasn’t sure how to feel initially, but this too became a memorable experience for me as a young Christian.

Prayerful Action:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God, Matthew 5:9.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

I played intramural sports in college where some of the contests got extremely heated. After getting kicked out of a basketball game for throwing a punch, my college roommate exclaimed, “if Jesus was here, He would have fought back like I did tonight.” These words completely contradict Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:39. Passing on the peace of Christ means turning the other cheek. This may not be easy, especially for anyone with anger management issues, but letting peace rule in your hearts will conceive fruits of the Holy Spirit. This should be your goal, to seek peace on earth.

Song of the Day:

I was fortunate enough to see Rich Mullins live in concert shortly before his tragic death. Rich possessed an amazing ability to turn a concert into a worship service. May the lyrics of the attached song inspire you to pass on the peace of Christ daily.

by Jay Mankus