Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Holding Your Ground While Clinging to Faith

Posted on November 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The term grooming has become a common political talking point in recent years. Grooming in this context is the practice of preparing or training someone for a particular purpose or activity. One of the reasons the National Education Association continues to push liberal and sexual ideology in public education is to groom future voters. Today’s featured passage introduces a group of young lads who are being groomed to potentially serve the King of Babylonia in the near future.

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with a part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar [Babylonia] to the house of his god and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 And the [Babylonian] king told Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring in some of the children of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility— 4 Youths without blemish, well-favored in appearance and skillful in all wisdom, discernment, and understanding, apt in learning knowledge, competent to stand and serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king assigned for them a daily portion of his own rich and dainty food and of the wine which he drank. They were to be so educated and so nourished for three years that at the end of that time they might stand before the king, Daniel 1:2-5.

One of the ways this grooming process begins is by showing children of Israel how lavish the king and his servants live and eat daily. While it’s not clear after reading the below passage, Daniel appears to refrain from eating his initial meal or meals. As he seeks to hold his ground by clinging to faith, Daniel approached the chief of the eunuchs to share his concern. By expressing his spiritual conviction publicly, God has favor on Daniel by being offered a ten-day test to see who looks healthier.

 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king’s rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself. 9 Now God made Daniel to find favor, compassion, and loving-kindness with the chief of the eunuchs.10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, I fear, lest my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink, should see your faces worse looking or more sad than the other youths of your age. Then you would endanger my head with the king. 11 Then said Daniel to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove your servants, I beseech you, for ten days and let us be given a vegetable diet and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat of the king’s [rich] dainties be observed and compared by you, and deal with us your servants according to what you see. 14 So [the man] consented to them in this matter and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days it was seen that they were looking better and had taken on more flesh than all the youths who ate of the king’s rich dainties. 16 So the steward took away their [rich] dainties and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables, Daniel 1:8-15.

When I was forced to relocate to South Carolina in the summer of 2022, I was offered any shift that I wanted. While I should have chosen Back Half Days so that I could be off every Sunday, I decided to work Sunday through Wednesday so that I could travel every weekend that I wanted. After 15 months of missing out on corporate worship, God reminded me of Daniel’s convictions. A few weeks into my new shift with Sundays off, it is well with my soul by clinging to my faith.

by Jay Mankus

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But… God Knows Your Heart

Posted on November 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I spent the majority of my adolescence wearing emotions on my sleeves. While my peers knew exactly how I felt, I didn’t have an inkling that God knew what was going on in my heart. I wasn’t mature enough nor did I possess a clear understanding of the God of the Bible. Unfortunately, depression led me to withdraw, trying to cope with my broken heart on my own.

And after there had been a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, Brethren, you know that quite a while ago God made a choice or selection from among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the Gospel [concerning the [c]attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] and believe (credit and place their confidence in it), Acts 15:7.

As the first century church of Jesus Christ grew, differences emerged between churches and their leaders. Rather than sweep this under the rug by ignoring it, the apostles and disciples met in Jerusalem to come to some sort of a resolution. Rather than force Jewish practices upon newly converted Gentiles to Christianity, a couple of key Mosiac laws were recommended to follow.

And God, Who is acquainted with and understands the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit as He also did to us; 9 And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith ([d]by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God), Acts 15:8-9.

It took a first century doctor in Luke to point out that God knows and understands human hearts. Meanwhile, an individual described by one prophet as a man after God’s own heart experienced one trial that opened his spiritual eyes, Psalm 34:18. Don’t try to be a hero by wanting to figure out everything on your own. Let go and let God heal your wounded heart.

by Jay Mankus

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The Relationship Between Posterity and God’s Remnant

Posted on November 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former teacher who has taught a history class, not many Americans have heard about the spiritual heritage of the United States. Did you know that local education began at churches serving as an outreach to the illiterate in their communities? Or that the New England Primer introduced each letter of the alphabet with a verse from the Bible? While completing his summary on the life of Joseph, Moses refers to the relationship between posterity and God’s remnant.

God sent me before you to preserve for you a posterity and to continue a remnant on the earth, to save your lives by a great escape and save for you many survivors, Genesis 45:7.

Posterity refers to all future generations of people. Meanwhile, remnant is a small remaining quantity of people from a specific place or share a common interest. What Moses is trying to say in the passage above, Joseph’s life via God’s providence protected and secured the future of the Israelites. By moving from Canaan to Egypt, God will provide all they need to survive this drought.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things [n]impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:38-39.

Due to the shrewd and shift actions taken by Joseph as governor of Egypt, the Pharaoh welcomed Joseph’s family with opened arms. However, over the years as Israelites prospered, new Pharaoh’s forgot how Joseph saved their country and placed them into slavery for 400 years. This is why the promises of God in the Bible are needed to carry on through from the tough times in life so that future Christian generations will endure the trials of today.

by Jay Mankus

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Standing in Fearless Faith

Posted on October 31, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I attended high school, there was always at least one person in my numerous classes that wanted to be known as the teacher’s pet. Whether this was out of some sort of emotional or psychological need, teenagers back in the 1980’s didn’t care about having this label attached to them. When I started teaching in 2002, a spirit of apathy prevented most of my students from raising their hands. Perhaps, a fear of embarrassment kept hands from being raised.

And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none, Ezekiel 22:30.

Back in the days of the Old Testament, faith became more like a fad, especially in the days of the Judges. When everyone started doing what’s right in their own eyes, Judges 21:25, humanism replaced a fearless faith. Subsequently, when the prophet Ezekiel asked someone from Israel to stand in the spiritual gap that existed, no one responded to this call. Apparently, complacency reigned during this period in the history of Israel.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection], 1 John 4:18.

The New Testament addresses fearless faith by a couple of authors. Paul suggests that fear comes from pleasing people rather than God, Galatians 1:10-11. Peter uses an open-ended question asking Christians why they’re afraid of doing what’s right, 1 Peter 3:12-13. Finally, John highlights how fear comes from a lack of maturity in God’s love. When you add this all together with Jesus’ advice in Matthew 10:28, standing in fearless faith is possible with God’s help, 2 Timothy 1:7.

by Jay Mankus

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Receive, Reject or Redeem

Posted on October 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I read the four gospels in the New Testament, I am reminded of how frustrated Jesus was with the Pharisees of the first century. These religious zealots always found something to complain about. While listening to Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Wes provided a biblical perspective on how to handle modern-day hot topics. You can accept what is said by receiving it, reject foolish comments or redeem holidays like Halloween by making the most of strangers coming to your front door.

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 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]. 21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast, 1 Thessalonians 5:18-21.

The apostle Paul shares advice with the Church at Thessalonica on how to accurately receive, reject and or redeem hot button issues. The previous chapter serves as a reminder to Christians of their obligation to God, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. Subsequently, once you know what God expects, you can begin to test what is being shared daily so that you don’t fall prey to an exaggeration, false statement or lie designed to change your perspective.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

Paul’s advice to the Church of Philippi prevents believers from becoming modern-day Pharisees. While these Jewish leaders tested what they heard with the Old Testament, the New Testament offers grace, mercy, and understanding. Therefore, as you learn to receive, reject or redeem controversial topics, follow in the steps of the Bereans, Acts 17:11, so that truth is embraced, rumors are denounced, and holidays are redeemed to share the good news about Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Does the Impossible

Posted on October 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Daniel was one of the young Jews living in Jerusalem when Babylon captured his homeland. Forced into captivity and taken back to live in Babylon, this country and their customs came into direct conflict with Daniel’s faith. After fighting for his right to maintain his Jewish dietary convictions, one of Daniel’s political enemies convinced King Darius to adopt a law which made it illegal to pray to other any god. Despite this law, Daniel continued to pray to the God of the Bible.

Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, May your God, Whom you are serving continually, deliver you! 17 And a stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that there might be no change of purpose concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and passed the night fasting, neither were instruments of music or dancing girls brought before him; and his sleep fled from him, Daniel 6:16-18.

This is what led Daniel to be placed into a den of lions in the passage above. Forced to adhere to this newly enacted law, Darius begrudgingly ordered Daniel to be placed into this unusual jail cell overnight. This punishment would have been a sure death sentence to most human beings. Maybe Daniel could have survived one lion attack, but the odds were definitely against him. Subsequently, King Darius feared the worst, expecting to see human remains first thing in the morning.

Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den and to Daniel, he cried out in a voice of anguish. The king said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, Whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions? 21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever! 22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent and blameless before Him; and also before you, O king, [as you very well know] I have done no harm or wrong. 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel should be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no hurt of any kind was found on him because he believed in (relied on, adhered to, and trusted in) his God, Daniel 6:19-23.

Based upon Daniel’s interaction with King Darius in the passage above, this is a clear sign of God doing the impossible. Other translations of the Bible records Daniel saying that “there wasn’t even a scratch on his body.” Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Daniel prayed to the Lord to shut the mouths of these lions over night or if Daniel actually saw angels keeping all of the mouths of the lions shut. While you may not be able to fathom how God works, the Lord still does the impossible today for those who believe.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Conscience and Faith Go Hand in Hand

Posted on October 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon your education, how you were raised, and your spiritual upbringing, the concept of conscience and faith will vary. After being introduced to the book Restoring the Foundations through a Sunday School class, my perspective has changed. Due to ungodly beliefs, personal opinions that deviate from the Bible, that are picked up over the course of your life, these flawed mindsets block you from being the person who God wants you to become, Romans 12:1-2.

And the king assigned for them a daily portion of his own rich and dainty food and of the wine which he drank. They were to be so educated and so nourished for three years that at the end of that time they might stand before the king. 6 Among these were of the children of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar [the king’s attendant], Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 8 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king’s rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself, Daniel 1:5-8.

Based upon the beginning of this book, Daniel was blessed with intellectual and physical features. Meanwhile, Daniel’s parents introduced the teachings of Moses to him at an early age, Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Subsequently, when the Babylonians begin to force customs which are in direct conflict to the Old Testament, Daniel’s conscience and faith go hand in hand as if to sound a spiritual alarm inside his heart.

 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do, Galatians 5:16-17.

The apostle Paul explains this sensation as an internal war between the Holy Spirit and sinful nature. This human flaw described in Romans 3:9-12 has caused every individual to fall short of God’s glory. Nonetheless, when Christians begins to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, your conscience serves as a flashlight to point you in the right direction. May today’s blog inspire you to hold your ground by uniting faith with your God given conscience to follow the narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, in a world of darkness.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 39: A Mix of Classic Soft Rock from the 1980’s

Posted on October 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

With only 52 weeks in a year, there will always be crossover artists who will be left off my list. However, I didn’t want to feature artists like Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith who are already well known. Subsequently, I was drawn to Rick Crawford’s top album in my opinion. The opening song Love Is has a touch of Kenny G followed by a glimpse of Chicago with the ballad Does Anybody Really Love the Lord.

 Increase my greatness (my honor) and turn and comfort me. 22 I will also praise You with the harp, even Your truth and faithfulness, O my God; unto You will I sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises to You, and my inner being, which You have redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; for they are put to shame, for they are confounded, who seek and demand my hurt, Psalm 71:21-24.

As you continue listening to the attached You Tube, slower ballads like Jesus Paid It All give off an Air Supply vibe. The remainder of the songs simply have a few seconds here and there of Asia, Boston, Journey, and Foreigner. While this kind of soft rock may not be for everyone, I hope that you enjoy this mix that sounds like classic ballads of the 1980’s. Although Rick Crawford may not be a flashy artist, I hope the lyrics of these songs touch your heart like they’ve moved mine.

by Jay Mankus

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Speaking Up Rather Than Acting Out

Posted on October 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who was a byproduct of public education, going to school every day was an adventure. Whether it was my 3 years attending an inner-city school in Wilmington or 6 more in the suburbs, I was taught valuable life lessons. There were days that out of the blue someone suddenly hated you and wanted to fight. Back then, speaking up made you a nark or Uncle Tom overnight, turning right and wrong upside down.

And immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, saying, He is the Son of God! 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this the very man who harassed and overthrew and destroyed in Jerusalem those who called upon this Name? And he has come here for the express purpose of arresting them and bringing them in chains before the chief priests. 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and continued to confound and put to confusion the Jews who lived in Damascus by comparing and examining evidence and proving that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah). 23 After considerable time had elapsed, the Jews conspired to put Saul out of the way by slaying him, 24 But [the knowledge of] their plot was made known to Saul. They were guarding the [city’s] gates day and night to kill him, 25 But his disciples took him at night and let him down through the [city’s] wall, lowering him in a basket or hamper, Acts 9:20-25.

In the first century, there was a zealot Pharisee who despised the church Jesus started. Saul believed that Jesus was trying to tear down everything he was taught as a faithful Jew. Subsequently, Saul acted out rather than publicly debate Jesus’ disciples. After giving orders to murder the apostle Stephen, the Christian Church became fearful of the man known as Saul.

And when he had arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate himself with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe he really was a disciple. 27 However, Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and he explained to them how along the way he had seen the Lord, Who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached freely and confidently and courageously in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out [as one] among them at Jerusalem, Acts 9:26-28.

Following the conversion of Saul on the Road to Damascus, none of the local church leaders believed that Saul was serious about his newfound faith. Many thought this decision was merely a ploy to further infiltrate the church. According to Luke, a first century historian, Barnabas was the only spiritual leader who spoke up on Saul’s behalf. Barnabas’ adamant defense convinces the disciples to accept Saul’s faith and opens the door for a missionary partnership in the book of Acts.

by Jay Mankus

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Relying on Faith to Overcome the Fear of the Unknown

Posted on October 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Thanks to all of the new apps available on modern phones, you can know how many miles you walk in a day, what your heart rate is as well as many other details concerning your own body. While astrologers still exist seek to predict the future, many use fortune cookie references to provide a vague look into your future. Subsequently, the fear of the unknown is prevalent every day.

You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. 10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice, Isaiah 41:9-10.

In the days of the Old Testament, one prophet speaks to those who are overwhelmed by the fear of the unknown. Unfortunately, the believers in God died prior to many of the promises in the Old Testament being fulfilled. These individuals didn’t have access to the New Testament. Subsequently, everyone was forced to play the waiting game, likely resulting in fear.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7.

The apostle Paul provides a New Testament solution to modern day Christians. Reaching out to a first century pastor struggling with anxiety, Paul reminds Timothy that what you’re experiencing is not from God. Therefore, don’t let fear of the unknown paralyze you. Rather, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to fight through any nerves the next time fear of the unknown comes knocking on your door.

by Jay Mankus

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