Author Archives: expressyourself4him

When You Know Who Holds the Future

Posted on October 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was curious, eager to listen and learn from older children. When I first attended church, I remember sitting on a carpet with my friends as a priest gave a message, speaking on a child’s level. As a 8th grader, I completed the Confirmation process, a sign of taking ownership of my faith. Yet, it wasn’t until I joined a Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Bible Study as a 10th grader when I discovered that the God of the Bible holds my future.

We are assured and know that [[j]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was [k]aware and [l]loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren, Romans 8:28-29.

Any child who experiences the ebbs and flows of puberty is forced to deal with so many things going on inside their body and mind. As a former counselor and teacher, this is when the Devil is most active, whispering thoughts of doubt and suicide, 1 Peter 5:8. One of Jesus’ former disciples compares the Devil to the animal on top of the food chain. Like a nature video, lions seek to separate the weak and young from the herd, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors [m]and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 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 8:37-39.

Based upon today’s featured passage, perhaps the Church at Rome was struggling with doubt. Writing to those who are unsure of their future, the apostle Paul highlights the extent to which God will go when you feel alone and separate from God. Meanwhile, the disciple whom Jesus loved makes it clear that your eternal destination can be secured, 1 John 5:12-13. These are the passages in the Bible that give Christians the confidence to know God holds their future.

by Jay Mankus

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Finding Balance by Living in this World Without Isolating Yourself

Posted on October 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I spent more than 25 years of my life living within an hour of Amish country. These members of a strict Mennonite sect that established major settlements in Pennsylvania separated themselves to avoid being corrupted by the world. While the term Puritan was conceived in the 1530’s when King Henry VIII repudiated papal authority and transformed the Church of Rome into the state Church of England, Christians must find the right balance between living in the world and isolating yourself.

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane. 3 [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good. 4 [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. 5 For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them], 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

One of the themes of 1 Corinthians is moderation. 1 Corinthians 6 highlights that too much of one thing can be harmful, verses 12-18. Meanwhile, Paul talks about being unequally yoked with another individual. Using Psalm 1:1-3 as a benchmark, the more time you spend with other people, the more their habits and tendencies will wear off on you. Therefore, it’s essential that Christians learn to balance ministering to the lost while spending time with your spiritual family.

Furthermore, [a]brethren, we beg and admonish you in [virtue of our union with] the Lord Jesus, that [you follow the instructions which] you learned from us about how you ought to walk so as to please and gratify God, as indeed you are doing, [and] that you do so even more and more abundantly [attaining yet greater perfection in living this life]. 2 For you know what charges and precepts we gave you [[b]on the authority and by the inspiration of] the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, 4 That each one of you should know how to [c]possess (control, manage) his own [d]body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, 5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5.

Although it may seem easy to balance your daily time, not everyone is disciplined nor do people make good decisions. Perhaps, these are some of the flaws the apostle Paul noticed within the Thessalonian culture. Paul’s plea is as you begin to discern and know God’s will for your life, make sure you take the time spiritually to consecrate yourself. Just as Jesus modeled this in Mark 1:35-36, after you become refueled spiritually, it’s time to share the good news about God to the world.

by Jay Mankus

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Do What You’ve Learned from the Bible

Posted on October 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school teacher, I learned a valuable lesson early in my career. Adults tend to make things more complicated than what they really are in life. Subsequently, as I read the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks so that even a child can understand His message. Don’t just listen to the Bible, do what you learn from the teaching of Jesus.

 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a [p]sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock, Matthew 7:24-25.

One of the greatest warnings in the Bible comes from Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2. While reminding the Israelites of God’s commands prior to entering into the Promised Land, the key to success in life is not adding or subtracting from the Bible. All you have to do is put into practice the advice, teaching and words of Jesus. It’s just that simple.

And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. 27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it, Matthew 7:26-27.

Unfortunately, seminaries in America and throughout the world have elevated scholars and theologians above the commands of Jesus. Rather than unite under the Great Commission, Acts 1:8, churches continue to divide by overemphasizing minor elements of the Bible. May today’s blog help you see the light and simple command to do what you learn from the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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The Secret to Biblical Success

Posted on October 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

High school teachers, college professors and grad school doctorates all have their own opinions on the secret to success. Hollywood directors and famous authors have also chimed in on this topic. Over the past 40 years of asking questions, praying for insight and studying the Bible, I have stumbled upon verses that reveal the secrets to biblical success.

My son, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you. 3 Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. 4 So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man, Proverbs 3:1-4.

According to Old Testament historians, King Solomon was considered one of the wisest individuals of his generation. According to 1 Kings 3:28 and 1 Kings 4:29-34, God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure. Subsequently, people came from all over the Mediterranean to hear Solomon speak and teach. The above passage serves as a blueprint on how to be successful.

The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). 3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed, Proverbs 16:1-3.

Meanwhile, whenever human beings think they know better than God, Solomon corrects those who possess a flawed mindset. ” Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.” You can make this easy by submitting to God’s will, Romans 12:1-2, or act like Jonah who ran in the complete opposite direction of God’s calling, Jonah 1:1-4. The secret to biblical success can be found in Proverbs 3:5-6. When you trust in the Lord’s understanding, He will make your paths straight.

by Jay Mankus

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The Place of the Dead…Sheol

Posted on October 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Roman poet Horace first wrote about the urgency for Carpe Diem, seize the day in Latin. While a realist will say, “we will all end up in the same place, six feet under the ground,” it’s what you make with your time in the living years that matters. As Judah privately speaks with the governor of Egypt, he pleads with Joseph not to hold Benjamin as a slave or else his father Jacob will die.

And if you take this son also from me, and harm or accident should befall him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow and evil to Sheol (the place of the dead). 30 Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life and his soul knit with the lad’s soul, Genesis 44:29-30.

Sheol is a Hebrew term which refers to a place of still darkness which lies after death. From a literal perspective, it’s a subterranean underworld where the souls of the dead go. The New Testament Greek equivalent to sheol is hades. Hades is also known as the place of the dead. Meanwhile, purgatory is often referred to the place where undetermined souls go for a period of time.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the place of the dead), where you are going, Ecclesiastes 9:10.

The concept of Sheol dates back to the days of Moses. Subsequently, as Moses reflects upon the life of Joseph, his brothers are very aware of this spiritual term. The subject of death tends to be a touchy topic today. While the eternal destination of heaven is often assumed at most funerals, this is not consistent with Matthew 7:13-14. If Jesus suggests more souls will end up in hell, perhaps Sheol should be considered more in the living years so that your reservation is confirmed, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 38: Soft Rock That’s Somewhere Between Boston and Foreigner

Posted on October 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The attached You Tube was a cassette that remained in my Walkman for months at a time in college. When my parents first moved to Ohio during my sophomore year of college, the Wide-Eyed Wonder album by the Choir was playing as I went running to explore nearby neighborhoods. Since the lead singer has a distinct sound, it’s hard to determine an identical match to famous secular artists.

O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples! 2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devoutly praise them. 3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek and require the Lord [as their indispensable necessity], Psalm 105:1-3.

What drew me to the Choir was their moving ballads like the ones I played over and over in high school by Boston and Foreigner. While the Choir may not wow you like Amanda by Boston and Hot Blooded from Foreigner, the positive lyrics will leave you snapping your fingers and tapping your toes. In their Chase the Kangaroo album, the Choir released two of their best rock songs in Consider and Cain. Meanwhile, the Choir slows it down with hit ballads Sad Face and So Far Away. I hope you enjoy listening to the attached You Tubes this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Preserving Life

Posted on October 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Of all the prayers I’ve prayed over the past 40 years, preserving life wasn’t one of them. Perhaps, I was so focused on dealing with and enduring daily trials that my thoughts were elsewhere. Based upon the context of today’s featured passage, preserving life is a sign of God’s providence. While human beings are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, God is working behind the scenes to preserve life.

And Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me, I pray you. And they did so. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt! 5 But now, do not be distressed and disheartened or vexed and angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life, Genesis 45:4-5.

The human desire to want everything in life immediately or on your own terms isn’t realistic. Yet, you should be careful what you wish for as this may not be aligned with God’s will, Romans 12:1-2. Desperation has a way of influencing individuals to make poor decisions, especially when earthly cravings are allowed to go unchecked, 1 John 2:15-17. This portion of the life of Joseph helps readers realize that God is working quietly behind the scenes to preserve life.

For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years more in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 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 45:6-7.

One of the key principles to self-preservation is having a plan and vision for the future, Hosea 4:6. Joseph warns his brothers about the future as 5 more years of drought will strike the land. Due to the vision provided to Joseph by the Lord, Egypt was set up for success to endure this 7-year famine. Therefore, if you want to find success in life, put your trust in the Lord and God will make your paths straight, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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Shine Like an African Impala

Posted on October 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was introduced to songs about deer and antelope. Mutual of Omaha aired wildlife documentaries featuring cheetah, ostrich, and giraffes. However, it wasn’t until a recent sermon that I was informed of the unique abilities of the African Impala. Despite being smaller than antelope, impalas possess a ten-foot vertical and long jump thirty feet with a running start.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

While the African Impala possess the physical talents of an Olympian champion, they have one flaw that limits their God given abilities. When enclosed inside a fence that blocks their ability to see outside this barrier, impala stay penned in. African Impala’s walk by sight, not by faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7. Like an athlete that loses their confidence, don’t let failure diminish God’s power to rise above from any set back in life, 2 Timothy 1:7.

My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. 24 Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. 25 Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. 26 Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright, Proverbs 4:20-26.

When I was sixteen, I was told that I would never run again due to a freak cross-country injury. While the science and subsequent surgery stood against my faith, I didn’t give up believing. Just like the African impala who forget their abilities, I couldn’t imagine a life without athletics or running. Thanks to members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who covered me with their prayers, this seemingly impossible barrier was removed so I could shine like the African Impala.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Can’t See Progress… Trust in God’s Presence

Posted on October 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you are an emotional person like me, waiting to see progress in life can become frustrating. Whenever anxiety begins to overwhelm you, this is when you have to remember the words of the apostle Paul, “walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7. What this is essentially suggesting is that when you can’t see progress, trust in signs of God’s presence, Romans 1:20.

Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight. And [Lord, do] consider that this nation is Your people. 14 And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest, Exodus 33:13-14.

As a former teacher, I am always reminded of the power of history. The apostle Paul writes an entire chapter on the history of Israel for the Church at Corinth so that they could learn from the mistakes of the past, 1 Corinthians 10:1-7. Quoting the writings of George Santayana, ” those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it?” This is where faith and trusting in God comes into play.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety, 10 For You will not abandon me to Sheol (the place of the dead), neither will You suffer Your holy one [Holy One] to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore, Psalm 16:9-11.

The above passage is from David. As a humble shepherd, David never imagined that one day he would become king of Israel. David is a prime example that when you can’t see progress, trust in God’s presence. When I recently listened to the words of 1 Samuel 17:44-49, David rejected the requested armor and placed his sole trust in his God given ability to sling a rock. Therefore, the next time you sense your faith about to waver, trust in God’s presence and power, 2 Timothy 1:7.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Want to Become the Fall Guy

Posted on October 17, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origin of the expression fall guy comes from the Old Testament in Leviticus 16:1-34. Moses introduces the concept of a scapegoat in this passage. In recent years, scapegoat has been replaced with fall guy, using prison terminology meaning let me take the blame, become the fall guy by receiving the punishment. This is what Judah attempts to do in today’s featured passage.

Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life and his soul knit with the lad’s soul, 31 When he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants will be responsible for his death and will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol, Genesis 44:30-31.

In the second year of the great famine in Egypt, Joseph’s brothers weren’t able to return to buy grain unless they brought their younger brother with him. The governor of Egypt, Joseph in disguise, wanted to physically see his baby brother. Initially, Jacob was not going to let his youngest boy old of his sight. However, Judah realized that the only way to buy grain was for him to become the fall guy if anything happened to Benjamin.

For your servant became security for the lad to my father, saying, If I do not bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever. 33 Now therefore, I pray you, let your servant remain instead of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, and let the young man go home with his [half] brothers, Genesis 44:32-33.

When a practical joke played by Joseph goes too far, Judah pleads with the governor of Egypt. Judah asks to speak alone with the governor, revealing the promise and vow made to his father. When Benjamin is set up, framed for a crime he didn’t commit, he was facing a lifetime commitment to become the governor’s slave. This is Judah’s inspiration for wanting to become the fall guy. When you face future dire situations, may you stand tall to do what’s necessary to help those in need.

by Jay Mankus

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