Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Lost and Found

Posted on December 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you’ve ever lost something valuable at school or work, most places still have a lost and found area. While this doesn’t mean that a good Samaritan will take the time to return what you lost, there is a process in place to restore what was lost. During a meal with a first century tax collector, Jesus refers to His purpose for coming to earth: to seek and to save that which was lost.

And Jesus said to him, Today is [[b]Messianic and spiritual] salvation come to [all the members of] this household, since Zacchaeus too is a [real spiritual] son of Abraham; 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:9-10.

This concept was shared with a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Meeting under the cover of darkness, Nick wanted to know more about being born again, John 3:1-5. Trying to be sarcastic, Jesus shuts down any attempts by Nicodemus to be funny. Jesus felt so strongly about the topic of lost and found, the hope of eternal life is presented below.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([d]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him, John 3:16-17.

Christian artist Brit Nicole sings about this message in her song “the Lost Get Found.” If you want to dissect this spiritual concept, God isn’t a disciplinarian looking to strike sinners down with fire and brimstone from heaven. Rather, God’s heart breaks when a sheep gets lost, Luke 15:6-7. Therefore, God loves the lost and sent His one and only son Jesus to save us from sin. This is the hope of Christmas: the Mass of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Be the Light… Not the Darkness

Posted on December 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a college student, I struggled to distinguish when my professor was saying something that I needed to know for an upcoming test from general knowledge on a topic. Subsequently, my notetaking skills had to evolve and improve if I wanted to raise my grades. When I apply this concept to the Bible, darkness is mentioned 175 times with 439 verses discussing light. Common sense tells me to be the light and not the darkness.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:14-16.

Jesus choses light as one of the tone setters for His Sermon on the Mount. While darkness can be scary, light has the ability to penetrate darkness. The brighter the light, the more darkness and the unknown can be illuminated for all to see. Anyone who decides to demonstrate the beatitudes serves as a powerful light for the world to be drawn to. Yet, light is a choice and darkness has the power to persuade an entire room into becoming negative.

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:14-16.

This is a point the apostle Paul is trying to prove in a letter to the Church at Philippi. Don’t let the temptation of darkness steer you in the wrong direction, Matthew 7:13-14. Rather, rise above this urge to shine like stars among the darkness of night. The more perverse and wicked a generation, the greater the light of Christ can shine. As you approach another Christmas, may the songs of this season inspire you to be the light and not the darkness among hectic shoppers.

by Jay Mankus

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Do Not Stifle the Work of God

Posted on December 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Bible is like a giant jigsaw puzzle with millions of pieces that you need to put together. If one piece is missing, you won’t fully understand the message God is trying to reveal. To provide a complete picture, I combined similar passages written to two different churches. These main verses should help you better understand how not to stifle the work of God.

Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning], 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20.

The apostle Paul begins this discussion by warning Christians to avoid quenching, suppressing or subduing the Holy Spirit. If you just read the above passage, Paul only mentions anyone devaluing specific spiritual gifts as well as prophetic messages uttered. In an earlier message to the Church at Ephesus, Paul expounds upon how Christians might individually stifle the work of God.

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. 28 Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. 29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:27-31.

Anytime a Christian begins to dabble in acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:16-21, God’s work is stifled. When your flesh overrides spiritual inklings, Galatians 5:25, the Holy Spirit is snuffed out. If this behavior becomes a habit, you are grieving the Holy Spirit like the words of Hebrews 6:1-6. May today’s blog serve as a warning to avoid falling down the slippery slope of grieving and stifling the work of God in you.

by Jay Mankus

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The Judge and Jury

Posted on December 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I grew up watching Judge Wapner who was the star of People’s Court. This successful program inspired Night Court which was a comedic perspective dealing with daily disputes. Unfortunately, there are individuals who crave positions of power today, seeking to be in control. Although some of these personalities don’t realize it, they love playing the role of Judge and jury.

He went out the second day and saw two Hebrew men quarreling and fighting; and he said to the unjust aggressor, Why are you striking your comrade? 14 And the man said, Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and thought, Surely this thing is known, Exodus 2:13-14.

As a bystander watching two men arguing and fighting, Moses felt compelled to do something. Moses’ response to the situation above wasn’t received well. Based upon one of the two men in this dispute, Moses was seeking to be the judge and jury of the Hebrews. Raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses thought he was simply doing his civic duty to help others in need.

Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. 2 For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you. 3 Why do you [a]stare from without at the [b]very small particle that is in your brother’s eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam [c]of timber that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam [d]of timber in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother’s eye, Matthew 7:1-5.

Judging others was also an issue in the first century. Jesus spends the final chapter of the Sermon on the Mount addressing anyone who believes that they should be the judge and jury of others. Rather than focus on the flaws and weaknesses of others, Jesus taught early followers to take care of your own life before trying to correct other people. Then and only then will other people begin to take your comments seriously, Philippians 2:1-4.

by Jay Mankus

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The Great Commission Misnomer

Posted on December 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Great Commission is Jesus’ instructions to His disciples following His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Jesus entrusts these 11 men, down one after Judas’ suicide, to spread the good news about Jesus long after His ascension, John 3:16-17. The most common quoted verses appear at the end of the Gospel of Matthew and Mark. However, I chose the passage from Luke who records Jesus’ last words before His ascension into heaven.

So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel? 7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know [b]what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed [c]years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power. 8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth, Acts 1:6-8.

The Great Commission serves as a blueprint for modern churches for where to share their faith. If you would place the Great Commission on a map, plan A is your local city or town. Once everyone in this location has been reached, plan B begins with all the surrounding areas outside city limits. This includes local counties, suburbs and states. The final plan calls for going to the ends of the earth, beginning with your state and country.

Now the word of the Lord came to [a]Jonah son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to [b]Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His prophet] and went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading places then known]. So he paid the appointed fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His servant and minister]. 4 But the Lord sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to be broken. 5 Then the mariners were afraid, and each man cried to his god; and they cast the goods that were in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep, Jonah 1:1-5.

The misnomer that I see all the time is churches sending missionaries to the ends of the earth before reaching surrounding towns and villages. Subsequently, many metropolitan cities have been bypassed for more exotic locations overseas. While all nations need to hear the good news about Jesus Christ, inner cities are in desperate need of hope. May today’s blog inspire individuals to develop a heart for nearby cities before reaching others outside your home country.

by Jay Mankus

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Size is Just A Number When Faith Stands Tall

Posted on December 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Children are introduced to the first century tax collector Zacchaeus as a wee little man. From a politically correct perspective, modern songs would refer to Zacchaeus as vertically challenged. Unfortunately, human nature causes individuals to be attracted to height and physical features, 1 Samuel 16:6-7. Yet, God cares about how big your faith is and your heart.

And [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 And there was a man called Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, and [he was] rich. 3 And he was trying to see Jesus, which One He was, but he could not on account of the crowd, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass that way, Luke 19:1-4.

Whenever Christians are on fire for Jesus, faith overlooks any obstacles that might stand in your way. Despite being under five feet tall, Zacchaeus used his excitement to finally see Jesus, climbing a nearby tree. The citizens of Jericho heard of all the miracles Jesus had performed, reaching legendary status. This is the context of the above passage.

And when Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today. 6 So he hurried and came down, and he received and welcomed Him joyfully. 7 And when the people saw it, they all [a]muttered among themselves and indignantly complained, He has gone in to be the guest of and lodge with a man who is devoted to sin and preeminently a sinner. 8 So then Zacchaeus stood up and solemnly declared to the Lord, See, Lord, the half of my goods I [now] give [by way of restoration] to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I [now] restore four times as much. 9 And Jesus said to him, Today is [[b]Messianic and spiritual] salvation come to [all the members of] this household, since Zacchaeus too is a [real spiritual] son of Abraham; 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:5-10.

When the prophet Samuel was in the process of appointing a new king for Israel, even the godly were searching for someone who looked presidential. Yet, God looks at your heart. Despite Zacchaeus’ profession and shady business deals, he was open to the Gospel message, John 3:16-17. Therefore, don’t let a lack of size limit your future. Rather, put your trust in the Lord so that your faith stands tall, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 44: A Mix of Blues and Classic Rock

Posted on December 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in the 1980’s that churches and pastors believed that rock music was of the Devil. I even attended a Seminar entitled Why Knock Rock? Despite this opposition in the Christian community, the group David and the Giants emerged as an acceptable alternative to rock music. Subsequently, I kept on buying album after album, making David and the Giants one of my favorite groups.

And David girded his sword over his armor. Then he tried to go, but could not, for he was not used to it. And David said to Saul, I cannot go with these, for I am not used to them. And David took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in his shepherd’s [lunch] bag [a whole kid’s skin slung from his shoulder], in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand, and he drew near the Philistine. 41 The Philistine came on and drew near to David, the man who bore the shield going before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked around and saw David, he scorned and despised him, for he was but an adolescent, with a healthy reddish color and a fair face. 43 And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you should come to me with sticks? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 1 Samuel 17:39-46.

While David and the Giants recorded numerous albums over the years, their most memorable songs are ballads. I was so moved by the lyrics of Perfect Love that my friend Matt sang it at my wedding with Leanne. Always on My Mind and Stumbling Block into a Steppingstone are just a few classic songs that bring tears to my eyes. As you listen to the attached album, may you be touched like I have over the past 30 years.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Pushes You Toward Maturity

Posted on December 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

In my initial years of transitioning from following religion toward seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I read way too much into my daily life. Rather than endure spiritual growing pains, 1 Peter 1:6-7, I questioned “why is God doing this to me?” After listening to a sermon series on Thanksgiving, I realized that there are moments in life where God simply pushes you toward maturity.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

The earthly brother of Jesus learned this following the crucifixion and resurrection of his big bro. During a recent Harvard University study, researchers discovered that “active learning helps students learn better by engaging them physically. Perhaps, this same lesson applies to developing spiritually. The more God places you in trying circumstances, this invisible nudge pushes you closer to maturity.

Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. 26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit], 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.

When addressing the avid sports fans of Corinth, the apostle Paul uses a training analogy. If you want to compete and beat the best, discipline is essential to reach new heights. Burgess Meredith in the initial Rocky films makes life a living hell for Syvester Stalone. Without tough love, Rocky would have never been prepared to fight Apollo Creed. Likewise, if God never puts you in challenging situations, you’ll never know what you capable of spiritually. Therefore, the next time God pushes you toward maturity, consider this a pure joy, a step toward becoming complete.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Go a Few Days Without Reading the Bible

Posted on December 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former runner and swimmer, discipline is one of the aspects which has remained in me after I stopped competing competitively. Now as a writer, I have a daily routine which involves reading and writing every night after I come home from work. However, with family coming into town for Thanksgiving, this spiritual discipline was put on hold to interact with my children. I didn’t notice anything unusual the first day, but in the days that followed haunting images of my sinful past slowly came back to me. This is just one example when of what can happen if you go a few days without studying the Bible or in prayer.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the [g]breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart, Hebrews 4:12.

The one aspect of studying the Bible which is often taken for granted is the life breathed into your soul. The author of Hebrews refers to the words of the Bible as living and active. Whether this is hope during a rough day at work or encouragement from a life lesson within this book, studying the Bible has transformed my life. While I’m still imperfect in many ways, Romans 3:23, the Bible is a spiritual lamp to guide your feet as you walk through life on earth, Psalm 119:105. This verse has been turned into several songs over the years.

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Meanwhile, in a letter to a first century pastor, the apostle Paul highlights the practical uses of the Bible. First, every word written in this special book was inspired by God with a call to write down these divine words. Second, biblical words serve as a benchmark for direction, instruction and wisdom. Certain portions of the Bible are devoted to how to handle various scenarios and situations that you may encounter. Third, commands, decrees and principles are the standard for living a holy life. Finally, the best way to transform your life is to meditate and memorize the words of the Bible, Joshua 1:8, so that your mind conforms to God’s will for your life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Flame within the Bush

Posted on November 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was taught that God first appeared to Moses in a burning bush. When I received my first Children’s Bible, there was a picture of this bush on one of the pages. Yet, according to the Classic Edition of the Amplified Bible, an angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the form of a flame. Perhaps, this Bible story was watered down so a child could understand, but the flame within in this bush is the key to this encounter with God.

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the back or west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb or Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 The [a]Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed, Exodus 3:1-2.

From a spiritual perspective, Jesus’ target audience for His Sermon on Mount in Matthew 5-7 was common people. Jesus crafted his message toward farmers or fishermen to reach as many people as possible. When transitioning from current events toward spiritual issues, you have to meet people where they are. As a caretaker of Jethro’s livestock, Moses became familiar with the terrain and topography of Midian. Choosing a flaming inside a bush was much less overwhelming than God speaking through a cloud or thunderous voice from heaven.

And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I, Exodus 3:3-4.

The Old Testament highlights the transition from God walking and talking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to messengers in the form of angels, Judges and prophets. When John the Baptist spoke about Jesus in Matthew 3:11, John points to the Holy Spirit and fire. Just as a fire alarm gets the attention of a smoke infested building, the flame within a bush thousands of years ago was the spark that introduced Moses to the God of his forefathers.

by Jay Mankus

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