Author Archives: expressyourself4him

God’s Invitation to Faith

Posted on November 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former youth pastor in Columbus, Indiana, some of my students would come over to my apartment at night with a burning question on their heart. According to the disciple whom Jesus loved, one Pharisee caught up with Jesus after sunset, afraid of what his peers might think of their meeting together. Jesus used this conversation as an invitation to faith.

Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb again and be born? 5 Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [[a]even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God, John 3:3-5.

After meeting with a couple of key teenage leaders, I became open to the idea of meeting in the chapel once a month. Rather than having a series of games, ice-breakers, and planned talk, the youth group met in a small chapel designed for hosting prayer gatherings. This night gave students an open forum to share what was on their hearts, minds and soul.

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.

Depending upon the moving of the Holy Spirit, touching testimonies were shared by quiet teens, finally opening up about what was going on inside their broken heart. On a couple of occasions, one of the brave individuals who got up in front to speak, gave an invitation to receive Jesus into their hearts, John 3:16-17. This is what Jesus envisioned 2000 years ago as he spoke the words above to Nicodemus, offering an invitation to faith.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Thirsting for Living Water that Lasts

Posted on November 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the most rewarding jobs I ever had was working as a Summer Camp Counselor at a YMCA Day Camp. Following my first year of college, I wanted to do something fun and meaningful. One of my friends from church, Chrissy, also applied and got hired. Everyone week, counselors were paired up with different staff members. Twice that summer, Chrissy and I had time to work together and talk. At this point in life, she was like the Samaritan woman, thirsting for something more in life.

The Samaritan woman said to Him, How is it that [a]You, being a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan [and a] woman, for a drink?—For the Jews have nothing to do with the Samaritans—10 Jesus answered her, If you had only known and had recognized God’s gift and Who this is that is saying to you, Give Me a drink, you would have asked Him [instead] and He would have given you living water. 11 She said to Him, Sir, You have nothing to draw with [no drawing bucket] and the well is deep; how then can You provide living water? [Where do You get Your living water?] 12 Are You greater than and superior to our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and who used to drink from it himself, and his sons and his cattle also? 13 Jesus answered her, All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. 14 But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life, John 4:9-14.

I just wish I was more prepared to give an answer for the hope that I had in life, 1 Peter 3:15-16. While we reminisced about running cross country in high school, simply attending a Roman Catholic wasn’t enough. Chrissy longed for a spiritual retreat, going away to contemplate the spiritual meaning of life. Unfortunately, I wasn’t Jesus and failed miserably at pointing Chrissy toward the living water that Jesus provides in today’s featured passage.

The woman said to Him, Sir, give me this water, so that I may never get thirsty nor have to come [continually all the way] here to draw. 16 At this, Jesus said to her, Go, call your husband and come back here. 17 The woman answered, I have no husband. Jesus said to her, You have spoken truly in saying, I have no husband. 18 For you have had five husbands, and the man you are now living with is not your husband. In this you have spoken truly. 19 The woman said to Him, Sir, I see and understand that You are a prophet, John 4:15-19.

Although Chrissy and I did attend the University of Delaware together, our last week at camp was the last time I spoke with her. On this occasion, I only got one chance to share my faith with Chrissy. In the weeks and months that followed, I was drawn to John 4, but have never gotten the opportunity to point Chrissy toward Jesus. In view of my failure, the next time you talk with someone thirsting for living water that lasts, tell this individual about the Samaritan woman in John 4 who leads her entire family into a personal relationship with Jesus at end of this chapter.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Generational Prayer

Posted on November 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If I had to do an assessment of my current spiritual condition, prayer is my weakest area. Yet, when I listen to mature Christians pray, I hear themes of a generational prayer. One year before morning to South Carolina, I attended a Saturday morning Bible Study with a couple of other men. I don’t remember much about the topics we covered, but what sticks out in my mind is the need to daily prayer for and cover your children in prayer. If you want to begin your own generational prayer, this is a good place to start.

Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself], before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac lived and walked habitually, God [Himself], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day, 16 The [b]redeeming Angel [that is, the Angel the Redeemer—not a created being but the Lord Himself] Who has redeemed me continually from every evil, bless the lads! And let my name be perpetuated in them [may they be worthy of having their names coupled with mine], and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them become a multitude in the midst of the earth, Genesis 48:15-16.

As the book of Genesis comes to an end, Moses provides a brief summary of Joseph’s father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Before the Ten Commandments were introduced, each of these men followed one simple rule: walk habitually with God. While Moses does not record a specific prayer spoken by Joseph, this is the goal of any parent for their children and grandchildren. Rather than make up your own prayer, you can always claim the words of the Bible as your own.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept and mourned for days and fasted and prayed [constantly] before the God of heaven, 5 And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments, 6 Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You day and night for the Israelites, Your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites which we have sinned against You. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. 8 Remember [earnestly] what You commanded Your servant Moses: If you transgress and are unfaithful, I will scatter you abroad among the nations; 9 But if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the farthest part of the heavens [the expanse of outer space], yet will I gather them from there and will bring them to the place in which I have chosen to set My [a]Name. 10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere and fear Your name (Your nature and attributes); and prosper, I pray You, Your servant this day and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah 1:4-11.

When you face adversity, trials or unforeseen circumstances, following the actions of Nehemiah in the passage above is a good place to start. As news of Israel’s fall came to Nehemiah, he wept, mourned, prayed, and fasted until the Lord provided a clear plan of action. Nehemiah was willing to wait up to 3 months, praying for clarity so that Israel would have a future as a nation. In view of these two passages, develop your own generational prayer so that the Lord will bless your children and their families.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Crossover Connection Week 42: Reliving the Inspirational Ballads of the 1980’s

Posted on November 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Since I didn’t know how to dance as a freshman in high school, I tried to avoid embarrassing myself. However, I did attend all of the Concord High School dances with my friends from the Cross Country team. I decided to play it cool by sitting in the chairs along the dance floor waiting for the next slow dance. Stuttering didn’t make it easy to ask a girl to dance, but this is where I was introduced to the inspirational ballads of the 1980’s.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts, Colossians 3:16.

The Esterlyn Lamps album is one of the CD’s I listen to during my hour plus commute back and forth to work. As I was searching for the whole album, Esterlyn has a variety of soft rocks songs with inspirational lyrics. Back to the Start by Esterlyn is like an Eddie Money song just before the DJ slows it down with Careless Whisper, Hello and Is this Love?

While you can’t go back in time to relive these awkward moments in life, Esterlyn provides the sound of the 1980’s with great lyrics to uplift your soul. Listening to songs like Killing My Despair, Back to the Start, We All Need and Reveal Your Love will help you live out the apostle Paul’s prayer in Colossians 3:16. While I couldn’t find the whole album, I hope you enjoy Esterlyn this week.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Stand Up or Be Rolled Over

Posted on November 17, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My father spent his entire working career with the same company. As a salesman for this oil lubricant, he was trained to stand up to any criticism by persuading clients of the positive aspects of each product. One of negative aspects of this training is when our family went out to dinner, my father always pointed out if an order was wrong or if his food wasn’t cooked correct.

Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, of whom one was named Shiprah and the other Puah, 16 When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, she shall live. 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded, but let the male babies live, Exodus 1:15-17.

As I watched these awkward confrontations on numerous occasions, I wanted to hide underneath our table. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why I grew up fearful of confrontations. Yet, if you never point out an issue or raise your voice to share a concern in life, you’ll likely get steamrolled by dominant and outspoken individuals.

And one man ran, and, filling a sponge with vinegar (a [j]mixture of sour wine and water), put it on a staff made of a [bamboo-like] reed and gave it to Him to drink, saying, Hold off! Let us see whether Elijah [does] come to take Him down. 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed out His life. 38 And the curtain [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion who stood facing Him saw Him expire this way, he said, [k]Really, this Man was God’s Son! – Mark 15:36-38

Shiprah and Puah were Hebrew mid-wives, servants to Israeli woman about to give birth. Questioning any authority figure or Jewish leader could result in their firing. Yet, when the new King of Egypt made a decree for Hebrew mid-wives to immediately kill any Hebrew male born, they refused. This bold decision not only saved children; it preserved Moses’ life who went on to free Israel from 400 years of slavery. Stand up for God or risk be steam rolled over in life.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Spiritual Cologne

Posted on November 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

To those individuals who sweat more than the average person, cologne and deodorant are designed to hide any stink or strong odor that your body generates. However, sometimes medial conditions may make it difficult for you to smell like you just got out of the shower. A little more than a decade ago, a severe sinus infection caused me to sweat profusely. By the time I got to work each day, I smelled like I just ran a 5K road race.

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, 15 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: 2 Corinthians 2:14-15.

In a letter to a teenager pastor, the apostle Paul writes about a different kind of stink in 1 Timothy 1:15. Paul refers to himself as the greatest sinner of all time. Perhaps, Paul was haunted by his actions in Acts 7, giving the command to have the apostle Stephen stoned in his presence. While Christians can’t undo their transgressions of the past, entering into a personal relationship with Jesus offers a sweet aroma in the above passage.

For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves, 2 Corinthians 4:6-7.

The best way to view a Christian’s life is as a work in progress. The apostle Paul sees God as a potter and human beings as clay. God molds and fashions us into the being and designed vessel to serve the body of Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:1-7. Therefore, while you may experience stinky periods in life due to health and self-inflicted reasons, take off your old self and put on the spiritual cologne called Jesus, Colossians 3:1-5.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Death Bed Confession

Posted on November 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Death bed confessions can be like a scene from a movie where a sinner seeks to get right with God prior to breathing their last breath. Yet, Moses’ detailed story of Israel’s death bed confession in Genesis 49 reads more like a prophecy for each of his twelve children/grandchildren. These boys will one day form the 12 tribes of Israel when God’s timing is right, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

And Jacob called for his sons and said, Gather yourselves together [around me], that I may tell you what shall befall you [a]in the latter or last days. 2 Gather yourselves together and hear, you sons of Jacob; and hearken to Israel your father, Genesis 49:1-2.

One of the first comments Israel makes on his death bed is his disappointment over the brash actions taken by Simeon and Levi. These two brothers could not let go of the fact that their sister was raped and held captive by the man who wanted to marry her. After Israel negotiates a peace treaty and solution, Simeon and Levi kill Shechem and all of his family, Genesis 34:24-29.

By the God of your father, Who will help you, and by the Almighty, Who will bless you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings lying in the deep beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father [on you] are greater than the blessings of my forefathers [Abraham and Isaac on me] and are as lasting as the bounties of the eternal hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was the consecrated one and the one separated from his brethren and [the one who] is prince among them. 27 Benjamin is a [e]ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and at night dividing the spoil. 28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each one according to the blessing suited to him. 29 He charged them and said to them, I am to be gathered to my [departed] people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 In the cave in the field at Machpelah, east of Mamre in the land of Canaan, that Abraham bought, along with the field of Ephron the Hittite, to possess as a cemetery, Genesis 49:25-30.

After giving prophecies for each of the 12 tribes of Israel, Jacob ends this death bed confession with the blessing of Joseph. Israel’s kind words remind me of the technicolor dream coat specially made for his favorite son. While Joseph does receive greater blessings than that of his forefathers, it doesn’t take away the pain of losing his father. Don’t wait for relatives to die before you open your heart by sharing what you really think about someone close.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Resting in God’s Strength

Posted on November 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The author of Hebrews refers to the Words inside the Bible as living and active, Hebrews 4:12. Jesus spoke about this in John 16:8, pointing to the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, in the Old Testament, resting in God’s strength was different as the Holy Spirit did not permanently arrive on earth until 30 AD. Subsequently, there’s a difference between resting in God’s strength and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, Genesis 49:24.

Joseph learned about trusting in God’s strength from listening to the testimonies of his forefathers. When God spoke to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, altars were set up to remember God’s presence and message bought to these men. Whether he was listening to these testimonies or visiting these special places, Joseph learned to rest in God’s strength.

And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn ([a]a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. 8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength). 11 Now I have been [speaking like] a fool! But you forced me to it, for I ought to have been [[f]saved the necessity and] commended by you. For I have not fallen short one bit or proved myself at all inferior to those superlative [false] apostles [of yours], even if I am nothing (a nobody), 2 Corinthians 12:7-11.

Meanwhile, the apostle Paul brings new meaning to resting in God’s strength in the passage above. While writing to the Church at Corinth, Paul reflects upon some sort of debilitating condition. Scholars believe that this thorn in Paul’s flesh could also be spiritual oppression like haunting nightmares of being responsible for the apostle Steven’s death. Whatever this condition was, Paul is forced to place his whole trust and strength in Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The First Pro-Life Advocates in the Bible

Posted on November 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the introduction of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, there wasn’t anything written down in the form of rules or regulations. God gave Adam and Eve one rule in the Garden of Eden, “do not eat from the Tree of Knowledge,” Genesis 2:17. The only thing the first inhabitants of the earth had to follow were how people lived their lives. By studying the daily witness of godly individuals like Enoch, Genesis 5:24, walking with God is a common theme in Genesis.

Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, of whom one was named Shiprah and the other Puah, 16 When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, she shall live. 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded, but let the male babies live, Exodus 1:15-17.

As Moses transitions from the early history of earth to reflecting upon his own life in Exodus, there are two women he feels compelled to mention. Shiprah and Puah were two female servants who witnessed a major transition while living in Egypt. When the Pharaoh who appointed Joseph as governor passes away, the new king feared that Israel would one day become greater than Egypt. Subsequently, this king turned Israel’s descendants into slaves and ordered all Hebrew mid-wives to immediately kill any Hebrew male born.

So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, Why have you done this thing and allowed the male children to live? 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; they are vigorous and quickly delivered; their babies are born before the midwife comes to them. 20 So God dealt well with the midwives and the people multiplied and became very strong. 21 And because the midwives revered and feared God, He made them households [of their own]. 22 Then Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son born [to the Hebrews] you shall cast into the river [Nile], but every daughter you shall allow to live, Exodus 1:16-22.

According to Exodus 2:1-6, the convictions of Shiprah and Puah spawned the first pro-life movement in Egypt to save all newborn males from being slaughtered. As other Hebrew mid-lives heard of their strong spiritual convictions by fearing God and not Egypt’s king, other infant boys were also saved. Perhaps, Moses realized that if Shiprah and Puah did not fear God, the man who God chose to rescue Israel from 400 years of slavery would have been aborted. Therefore, the book of Exodus commences by honoring the first two pro-life advocates of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Father’s Duty to Bless Their Children

Posted on November 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Before I got married, a Christian friend recommended that I read a book entitled the Blessing. Co-written by John Trent and Gary Smalley, this book touches on the need of a son to ask for his father’s blessing prior to starting a new life on your own. While it was awkward, my father blessed my decision to propose to Leanne in 1994. Yet, the more I study the Bible, I’ve discovered that its a father’s duty to bless their children as well.

When Israel [almost blind] saw Joseph’s sons, he said, Who are these? 9 And Joseph said to his father, They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place. And he said, Bring them to me, I pray you, that I may bless them. 10 Now Israel’s eyes were dim from age, so that he could not see. And Joseph brought them near to him, and he kissed and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, I had not thought that I would see your face, but see, God has shown me your offspring also. 12 Then Joseph took [the boys] from [his father’s embrace] and he bowed [before him] with his face to the earth, Genesis 48:8-12.

The book of Genesis is filled with examples of fathers blessing their children and grandchildren prior to their death. While some fathers may not feel comfortable placing their hand on a child or adult’s thigh, this is Israel’s blueprint. Although the elderly may not be able to see who they are blessing, Joseph places Jacob’s hand upon his children. From a traditional sense, the firstborn son receives the father’s blessing. Yet, Jacob broke this trend as a son and a father.

But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, 25 By the God of your father, Who will help you, and by the Almighty, Who will bless you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings lying in the deep beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father [on you] are greater than the blessings of my forefathers [Abraham and Isaac on me] and are as lasting as the bounties of the eternal hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was the consecrated one and the one separated from his brethren and [the one who] is prince among them, Genesis 49:24-26.

Beside a biblical blessing found in Genesis, Moses suggests that fathers should also verbally affirm, bless, encourage, and praise their children. These kind words shouldn’t come in the form of exaggerations or lies, but an honest assessment of what your child’s full potential may look like. This doesn’t mean discipline shouldn’t be ruled out when necessary, Hebrews 12:5-7. Whatever you end up doing as a parent, remember to bless, inspire, and motivate your children in the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →