Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ² Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. ³ Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. ⁴ You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. ⁵ For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. ⁷ You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? ⁸ That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. ⁹ “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” ¹⁰ I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. ¹¹ Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. ¹² As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! – Galatians 5:1-12

Reflection:

Devout Jews in the first century struggled with the freedom that Jesus brought to local synagogues. Subsequently, those who were unable to let go of their strict religious practices joined a sect known as the Judaizers. This group infiltrated the Church at Galatia and began to add stipulations to salvation, breaking a command God gave Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2. Anyone new convert who wasn’t already circumcised was pressured into doing this if they really wanted to be saved. This is the reason for the apostle Paul’s warning about the yoke of slavery. Modern day Judaizers continue down this road by claiming if you don’t speak in tongues, you truly aren’t saved. This is the type of teaching that results in spiritual bondage, overwhelming the souls of new converts to Christ.

Prayerful Action:

Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.⁷ Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me, Psalm 142:6-7.

Refreshing Your Soul:

While addressing the church leaders of Galatia, Paul asks “who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” Unfortunately, life is full of distractions which cause many Christians to get sidetracked. If you are young in your faith and don’t know any better, you can easily be misled. This is one of the reasons the Psalmist cries out to God for help. If you feel like you’re being held back due to some sort of spiritual bondage impressed upon you by modern Judaizers, cry out to the Lord so that you might be rescued and set free.

Song of the Day:

When I wasn’t really good at praying, I would incorporate the words of Christian songs into my prayers. The lyrics of Rescue Me provide a good outline for pouring out your heart to God so that in time your soul will be freed from spiritual bondage.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, ¹⁴ saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”^[d] 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. ¹⁶ People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. ¹⁷ Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. ¹⁸ God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. ¹⁹ We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, ²⁰ where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek, Hebrews 6:13-20.

Reflection:

Ancient anchors were originally a pierced or indented stone found in the Mediterranean Sea. Since four of the first disciples were fishermen by trade prior to being called by Jesus, an anchor is something that Peter, Andrew, James and John used often and took care of on their boats. The author of Hebrews takes this useful device and compares it with the anchor for the human soul. The context of this passage points to God’s unchanging nature, God’s promise to become heirs and the hope set before Christians as we wait for this fulfillment. When you add these three things together, this becomes the anchor of our faith in Christ.

Prayerful Action:

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. ² Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken, Psalm 62:1-2.

Refreshing Your Soul:

When occasional storms pop up suddenly, an anchor is dropped from the bow, the front of a ship to secure a vessel to solid ground below. An anchor keeps the bow pointed into the wind as the ship safely pivots around gusty conditions and crashing waves. As Christians experience spiritual storms that rock your world as you know it, the anchor for your soul, Jesus, is the rock that holds you together until trials subside. As you learn to trust this spiritual anchor, faith is strengthened which comforts your soul.

Song of the Day:

When you feel like your life is failing apart, the attached song provides a comforting message. May the lyrics of the Anchor Holds remind you that Jesus is the anchor for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶ Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. ²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:25-30.

Reflection:

Prior to today’s passage, Jesus rebukes the unrepentant towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Based upon Jesus’ words to the adults in these places, complacency appears to have set in. Perhaps, this is a byproduct of a lukewarm spirit that caused many to take Jesus for granted. Whatever the reason for this disdain, Jesus turns his attention to young children. Before these little ones become overwhelmed by the worries of life, Jesus introduces the solution to refreshing a weary soul.

Prayerful Action:

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity,^[c] the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The Lord bless you, you prosperous city, you sacred mountain.’ ²⁴ People will live together in Judah and all its towns—farmers and those who move about with their flocks. ²⁵ I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint,” Jeremiah 31:23-25.

Refreshing Your Soul:

Today’s two passages highlight a common theme, one from the Old and another from the New Testament. While the circumstances and context are different, God promises to refresh the weary souls of Israelites who endured living in captivity. Meanwhile, Jesus offers a personal invitation to the children of unrepentant parents so that if they ever felt overwhelmed by the troubles of life, they would know where to go to unload the burdens deep inside their hearts in prayer.

Song of the Day:

Whenever I find my soul battered, overburdened and weary, today’s attached song lifts me up. May the lyrics of Ron David Moore’s song remind you of Jesus’ invitation to all who need to be refreshed from a weary soul.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other, Galatians 5:22-26.

Reflection:

Before attending a Youth Ministry Trade School after graduating from the University of Delaware, I had to read two books: How to Win Friends and Influence People and Bringing Out the Best in People. While the first is well known, written by Dale Carnegie, the second book set the foundation for me to become a more optimistic individual. From a spiritual perspective, the best way to become more positive is by filling your soul with the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Prayerful Action:

So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”^[f]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. ⁴⁶ The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual, 1 Corinthians 15:45-46.

Refreshing Your Soul:

If you had to track your spiritual life on a flow chart, there would be a series of peaks and valleys. When your priorities include Accountability, Bible Study, Fellowship and Prayer, you’ll likely be encouraged, inspired and or motivated to fill your soul with God’s Spirit. However, as you slowly slide away as other things in life take God’s place, these spiritual disciplines will likely be broken. Perhaps, this is why Paul uses the phrase, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12, as a spiritual push to get you back on track. The more you walk with God, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit will become like a second nature as you fill your soul with spiritual fruits.

Song of the Day:

The lyrics of Always on My Mind is a great place to start your journey toward Filling your soul with God’s Spirit. May today’s song inspire you to keep in step with the Holy Spirit daily.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” ¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil, Ephesians 4:29-5:16.

Reflection:

In a letter to the Philippian Church, the apostle Paul explains that sometimes you have to get your own life right before you can effectively help other people, Philippians 2:1-4. Yet, as you mature in your faith, you’ll have the opportunity to comfort other souls. However, when you begin to confront, expose and point out weaknesses in the lives of other Christians, these moments can be awkward and tense. Nonetheless, if you imitate the love of Jesus in these interactions, these conversations can comfort and encourage other Christians.

Prayerful Action:

The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.^{[c] 24} Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones, Proverbs 16:23-24.

Refreshing Your Soul:

Although I was unable to determine the origin of this saying, the expression “it’s not what you say-but how you say it” this speaks for itself. This could be modern interpretation to the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Despite your initial motive and talents, if your body language, expression and tone does not contain the love of Jesus, your words are meaningless. Only when individuals begin to apply the advice of King Solomon, can gracious words comfort souls and heal the broken hearted.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

If you find yourself on the receiving end of sticks and stones, you may respond in a defensive manner. However, when you make an effort to build others up with wholesome words, you will comfort other souls.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. ² Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live ³ The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. ⁴ Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” ⁵ The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. ⁶ The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. ⁷ Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you, Psalm 116:1-7.

Reflection:

Everyone tends to develop their own happy place on earth. This could be a certain place, town or relative’s home where you tend to have your internal batteries recharged each time you visit. For me, the beach is where I find rest for my soul. Something about riding waves on my boogie board, body surfing or searching for shells on the shore allows me to forget about all the worries in my life. The Psalmist writes about how the Lord uses trials in your life to help you see how good the Lord has been to you, even if it takes a while to notice.

Prayerful Action:

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress, Psalm 46:10-11.

Refreshing Your Soul:

As someone who has spent the majority of my life living in and near a megalopolis, I always seem to get caught up in the rat race called life. Being a recovering workaholic doesn’t help as I can get so consumed by what I am doing. Subsequently, when the Psalmist calls readers to be still, this concept is extremely foreign to me. However, when I do withdraw to a quiet place to read the Bible, pray and listen to Christian music, these brief moments do find rest for my soul.

Song of the Day:

To those who take time out of their busy schedule to meet with God, you may have a similar experience to the lyrics of Consume Me. The more Christians slow down to acknowledge God’s omnipresence, God’s promises in the Bible will help find rest for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.² Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—³ who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,⁴ who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. ⁶ The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. ⁷ He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: ⁸ The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. ⁹ He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; ¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities, Psalm 103:1-10.

Reflection:

Blessings are God’s intention and desire to bless humanity. Blessings are a central focus of God’s covenant relationships beginning back in the Old Testament with Abram. When individuals like Enoch, Noah and Joseph habitually walked with God, their lives were filled with blessings. Blessings are part of God’s sowing and reaping principle. The blessing of your soul is dependent upon your obedience to God’s commands, decrees and precepts. As Moses shares in his farewell address to Israel, the choice of life or death is in the decisions that you make in life, Deuteronomy 30:15-16.

Prayerful Action:

Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” Joshua 24:14-15.

Refreshing Your Soul:

Psalm 103:10 and Romans 5:8 both highlight God’s unconditional love, treating us not as our sins deserve. The gift of God is eternal life, Romans 6:23. As human beings make the decision to publicly confess their need for a Savior, Romans 10:9-11, the salvation of your soul has guaranteed a place in heaven, 1 John 5:13. Yet, it’s when new converts begin to draw close to the Lord when the blessing of your soul can be experienced and sensed daily. May today’s post inspire you to choose life, John 10:10.

Song of the Day:

Don’t wait for Thanksgiving every year to recognize God’s blessings in disguise. May the attached song open your eyes, heart and mind to the numerous blessings you often fail to see.

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:

After the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3:6-19, salvation was God’s plan, Romans 5:12-21. Since death came through one man, Adam, God sent a second Adam in the person of Jesus to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10. As Peter writes the words above to first century Christians scattered throughout the Middle East due to Nero’s persecution, he is a recipient of God’s promise, John 3:16-17. Just as Jesus details how and why angels celebrate in heaven, Luke 15:7, Peter reminds Christians of the end goal: the salvation of your soul.

Prayerful Action:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain, Philippians 4: 14-16.

Refreshing Your Soul:

Adults have a tendency to make things more complicated than they really are. What the apostle Paul illuminates in the call above is simply the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:13-16 uses salt and light to illustrate the role Christians should play throughout their lives. First, you should add flavor to the lives of the people that you come in contact with, pointing to God and turning your conversation to biblical promises. If the love of God is inside of your heart, you have the power to share and shine the of light Jesus to others. When the salvation of souls burns deep inside your heart, you’ll make the most of every opportunity, 1 Peter 3:15-16, that God gives you to share your faith with others.

Song of the Day:

When the body of Christ, the modern-day church, become the hands and feet of Jesus, the salvation of souls becomes a daily calling card to reach the lost.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? ² My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. ³ He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; ⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. ⁵ The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. ⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; ⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore, Psalm 121:1-8.

Reflection:

Today’s featured Psalm points to God’s omnipresence to protect human beings. This song of ascent uses imagery similar to a hedge of protection placed around followers of God as a result of prayer. The Psalmist doesn’t take any credit on his own. Rather, his help comes solely from the Lord. Despite the promises of this encouraging chapter of the Bible, the apostle Paul warns human beings that keeping your soul from evil isn’t easy, Romans 7:14-20.

Prayerful Action:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it, ” Matthew 7:13-14.

Refreshing Your Soul:

According to Genesis 4, Cain wasn’t able to resist the soul crouching at the door of his soul. Meanwhile, Jesus suggests that more people go to hell than enter heaven. Only those who chose the road less traveled keep their soul from evil. If the Devil knows all of our weaknesses, James 1:13-15, this fishing expedition for your soul continues today. Don’t face this spiritual battle on your own. Rather, place your help, hope and trust in the Lord.

Song of the Day:

The attached soul has been used by numerous drama teams to illustrate the importance of keeping your soul from evil. May the lyrics of Everything inspire you to stay on the narrow path.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. ² Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, ³ those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.^{[a] 4} Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. ⁵ They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. ⁶ Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. ⁷ He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. ⁸ Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, ⁹ for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things, Psalm 107:1-9.

Reflection:

Keith Richards rolled out of bed and noticed something strange in the spring of 1965. After the cassette tape in his hotel room broke, Richards tried to fix this by rolling up one of the spools. Richards had apparently woken up with a melody in his head for I Can’t Get No Satisfaction, recorded it with his acoustic guitar and then fell back asleep. While Paul Harvey would end this saying “now you know the rest of the story,” the human soul tends to be restless throughout life. Subsequently, the goal for any Christian is to satisfy your soul.

Prayerful Action:

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own, Matthew 6:31-34.

Refreshing Your Soul:

The second chapter of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is often classified as Proper and Improper Attitudes and Motives. After touching on giving, prayer, and fasting, Jesus turns his attention toward priorities and worry. To conclude this middle portion of His speech, Jesus points toward how to satisfy your soul. As Christians focus on seeking first God’s kingdom and righteous, God will give you everything you will need in life. This is how you can satisfy your soul.

Song of the Day:

One of Jesus’ disciples also touches on how to satisfy your soul, 2 Peter 1:3-4. When you invite the Holy Spirit to enter your life, God will provide everything you need to satisfy your soul.

by Jay Mankus