Category Archives: Uncategorized

S.A.N.S. Episode 362: Let the Waters Rise

Posted on January 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

While God promised not to destroy the earth as a form of punishment through a world-wide flood in Genesis 8, localized storms still do extreme damage to various cities and towns annually. Some people lose their cars, others personal possessions and the unfortunate may lose their entire house as it’s washed away from its foundation. Mikes Chair sings about this in their song Let the Waters Rise.

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. 26 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 7:24-27.

The fairy tale of the Three Little Pigs is based upon Jesus’ words above. As a homeowner of a property on sandy soil, a fast-moving rainstorm easily erodes portions of the ground in my steep backyard. While I have been proactive by protecting this soil with rocks and a brick wall, flood waters move whenever they want. However, when your foundation is built upon solid ground, where Jesus becomes the cornerstone of your faith, you can say to any storm “let the waters rise.” May these words stick with you in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Only the Beginning

Posted on January 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As an aging parent, it’s hard to remember what it’s like to live each new day with the excitement of a child. Before the days of childcare, every summer day for me was an adventure. I spent hundreds of hours exploring the woods that run along Naamans’ Creek. One area is filled with giant boulders, more fitting for a mountain than the start of this small tributary. Some days I went fishing, catching eels and large fish for the dam my father constructed in my backyard. This was only the beginning.

And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 And the Lord said, Behold, they are one people and they have [a]all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them, Genesis 11:5-6.

Following the earth’s first and only global flood, this pioneer spirit existed in the days of Nimrod. As Noah’s children went off to the four corners of the world, the earth’s population was rebuilt as new frontiers were discovered. According to Moses, like minded individuals gathered at Babel to construct the largest tower on earth. As the Lord saw the determination in their eyes, this was only the beginning of what mankind could accomplish if united under one common goal.

Let your [a]character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor [c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor [e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!] 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? – Hebrews 13:5-6

Fearful that the earth would return to the sinful ways in the days of Noah, God sent a Spirit of Confusion upon Babel. This language barrier snapped the momentum the residents of Babel had built. Yet, this all happened for a reason, forcing human beings to spread out to every continent on earth. Acts 1:8 speaks of a spiritual reunion, but only when everyone in Jerusalem, surrounding towns, and every tribe in the world has an opportunity to receive God’s free gift, Romans 6:23. This is only the beginning is a new call today for missionaries trying to fulfill the Great Commission. Seize each day God gives you on earth.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 361: God Gave Me You

Posted on January 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whether it was high school, college or in my adult years, every so often I met someone who I instantly connected with. These encounters occurred on missions’ trips and retreats. Following an ice breaker, an initial conversation began which helped me discover that this person was like finding a long-lost brother and sister. David Barnes sings about a similar topic, but Barnes gives the credit to God for his wife and daughter.

Every good gift and every perfect ([d]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse], James 1:17.

The earthly brother of Jesus also points in the correct direction when you receive an unexpected gift. According to first century historians, James believed his brother was a mere carpenter until Jesus died on a cross and rose from His grave three days later. This is the context and inspiration behind the passage above. Whether in the form of a new job, place to live or presence of a new friend, God is the giver of all gifts on earth. May you come to this conclusion in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

A Purpose to Press On

Posted on January 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Today was one of those hard days at work that makes you reconsider if you are where God wants you to be in life. The youngest child in the Parable of the Prodigal Son experienced a famine before he came to his senses in Luke 15:14-17. After being desperate enough to work at a pig farm, this rebellious son was so hungry that he longed to eat the slop that he fed the pigs under his care. Whatever crossroad that you’re facing, step out in faith with a purpose to press on.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you, Philippians 1:6.

The context of the passage above is referring to the Church at Philippi. This young church under the spiritual leadership of Lydia, who opened her home like modern day home churches, was in its infancy stage. Subsequently, Paul writes this letter to cast a positive vision for their future as this body of Christ. Other letters like the one written to a teenage pastor provides direction on how to grow a church, 2 Timothy 1:5-7, by fanning into flame your spiritual gifts and talents for the Lord.

Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. 13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward, Philippians 3:12-14.

According to Paul’s letter to the Church at Corinth, churches function their best, like a well-oiled machine, when every believer plays their part, 1 Corinthians 12:1-12. However, in order for this to become a reality, Christians need to first discover and develop their spiritual gift or gifts. As iron sharpens iron, Proverbs 27:17, mature Christians need to turn their attention toward God’s will for their lives, Romans 12:1-2. Pursuing spiritual gifts and God’s will provide a purpose to press on even when your current situation is extremely cloudy or dark. Whatever your circumstance, may Paul’s words above spur you to press on.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 360: No Matter What

Posted on January 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul indirectly mentions the expression “no matter what” in his letter to the Church at Rome, Romans 5:8. While human beings were still sinning based upon the harsh reality of Romans 3:23, God sent Jesus to be a perfect lamb to die to pay the penalty for our sins. This is the topic which inspired Kerrie Robert’s song No Matther What. Like the words of Jesus to a sarcastic first century Pharisee, God sent His one and only Son to save the world, not condemn it.

The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance, 2 Peter 3:9.

One of Jesus’ disciples writes a similar message to Christians scattered throughout the world following Nero’s persecution. The earthly brother of Jesus agrees with this, suggesting that it’s never too late to confess your sins, James 5:16-20. I was taught in college to hate the sin but love the sinner. Peter experienced this compassion following his public denial of Jesus after his arrest. While no one is worthy of God’s forgiveness and grace, the Lord is faithful to those who humbly confess their shortcomings.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Whatever You Imagine is Possible?

Posted on January 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The United Negro College Fund used the expression “the mind is a terrible thing to waste” as their education slogan. While I agree with this statement, an active and vivid imagination is just as important for children and adults who are about to give up on life. Imagination inspired John Lennon to write a song. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. imagined a country where people would no longer be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Whatever you imagine is possible to a certain extent.

And the Lord said, Behold, they are one people and they have [a]all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them, Genesis 11:6.

Moses writes about a mighty hunter named Nimrod who imagined the first suburbs. in between the cities of Babel and Calneh. While the architect of the City of Babel and its mighty tower is not named, this idea came from the imagination of Nimrod who wasn’t afraid to dream big. Based upon the passage above, God believed that mankind could accomplish anything that they imagined if there was only one language on earth.

Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go into the kingdom of heaven. 25 When the disciples heard this, they were utterly puzzled (astonished, bewildered), saying, Who then can be saved [[g]from eternal death]? 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God, Matthew 19:24-26.

Fast forward to the New Testament as Jesus shares an analogy about the struggles rich people will have in regard to eternity. Based upon the emotional reaction of Jesus’ disciples, they were deflated. Jesus’ expression of a camel going through the eye of a needle, where they are tied up outside the city gates, seems impossible on the surface. However, with God anything is possible. Therefore, if you’re not afraid of imagining great things for your future, you have a chance if this dream aligns with God’s will. Only time will tell upon bended knees in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 359: Cut and Move

Posted on January 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Day of Fire uses an abandoned prison for their music video for the song Cut and Move. The lyrics point to the words of the apostle Paul as he wrote to the Church at Colosse. The only way out of this hole, comparing a cell block to a life of sin, is to purge your former way of living. Colossians 3:1-4 urges believers to crucify your old self by replacing this with a heavenly mindset. Following the passage below, Paul urges this church to clothe yourself with Christ, the fruits if the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23.

So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). 6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), 7 Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices]. 8 But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, Colossians 3:5-9.

Purging refers to the abrupt or violent removal of a group of people from an organization or place. From a spiritual standpoint, purging is the drastic change in one’s lifestyle from your former way of living into a new creation in Christ Jesus. If you replaced Cut from the song title Cut and Move to Purge and Move, it’s easier to visualize the need for Christians to change. May this song inspire you to transform your life in 2023 by drawing closer to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

When Your Dream Gets Shattered

Posted on January 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When my family moved to Delaware in the summer of 1977, I was welcomed into a neighborhood with several kids my age. On rainy days or summer nights, a couple of my new friends invited me over to play Monopoly. Some of these games lasted hours until everyone went bankrupt. except for the winner who had bragging rights until our next marathon session. Losing often as a child helped prepare me for real life when my dreams did get shattered.

 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [in Babylonia], Genesis 10:10.

Moses introduces readers of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, to Nimrod, the son of Cush. When Nimrod laid eyes on the land of Shinar, modern day Babylonia, he thought this would be a great place for a city to be erected. Nimrod was a visionary who may have been the mastermind behind the Tower at Babel. While Moses does not mention Nimrod by name during the construction of this elaborate city, this was likely a major dream and goal of his.

Come, let Us go down and there confound (mix up, confuse) their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from that place upon the face of the whole earth, and they gave up building the city. 9 Therefore the name of it was called Babel—because there the Lord confounded the language of all the earth; and from that place the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of the whole earth, Genesis 11:7-9.

While there are always construction delays in every project, the passage above details something out of this world. Moses’ use of “Let us” refers to God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. Moses paints the picture of a spirit of confusion likely in the form of new languages each worker began to think about. Whatever happened on this day, Nimrod’s dream of a great tower was never completed. Like Nimrod, we all have at least one thing we want to accomplish before we die. Therefore, as you endure disappointment, failures, and setbacks in life, don’t give up on your dreams; don’t ever give up, Galatians 6:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 358: Sound of Melodies

Posted on January 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Today’s artist is a perfect example of the expression “you shouldn’t judge a song by its title.” After stumbling upon Sound of Melodies by Leeland, my initial thought was “what a stupid song title.” However, after listening to the lyrics and watching the video, I was touched by both. The Sound of Melodies is merely a classification of any Christian song that speaks to the redeeming power of Jesus, who died while we were still sinners, Romans 5:8.

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.

Whenever a lost sheep is found or when a prodigal comes to their senses, songs of praise, redemption and thanksgiving are lifted up to God. Rather than single out one specific worship song, Leeland refers to these as the sound of melodies. This concept is mentioned by the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:12-16 as he encourages first century followers of Jesus to sing hymns and songs of praise every day, not just on Sunday. May the lyrics of today’s song inspire you listen to Christian music every day of the year.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Pursue the Passion Within Your Heart in 2023

Posted on January 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are certain people that you’ll meet in life who always knew what they wanted to do in life and are living out their dream today. The rest of us changed our minds numerous times, ended up taking a full-time position in a field outside of your major in college and are currently living paycheck to paycheck. While some of you may have prospered during the Coronavirus Pandemic, many businesses, dreams and expectations that had for living an abundant life on earth have vanished, John 10:10.

Keep on asking and it will be given you; [f] keep on seeking and you will find; [g]keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened, Matthew 7:7-8.

Perhaps, 2023 has comes just in time for you to begin to pursue the passions within your heart, Jeremiah 29:11. Back in high school, I wanted to become a golf course architect. My parents helped by purchasing two different software programs which enabled me to place twenty of my designs onto a computer. Following an internship in Golf Course Design and Maintenance, I discovered that unless I was a famous professional golfer, no one cared about my designs and visions for future golf courses.

And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, Protect and defend and give me justice against my adversary. 4 And for a time he would not; but later he said to himself, Though I have neither reverence or fear for God nor respect or consideration for man, 5 Yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will defend and protect and avenge her, lest she give me [b]intolerable annoyance and wear me out by her continual coming or [c]at the last she come and rail on me or [d]assault me or [e]strangle me. 6 Then the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says! 7 And will not [our just] God defend and protect and avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He [f]defer them and [g]delay help on their behalf? 8 I tell you, He will defend and protect and avenge them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [[h]persistence in] faith on the earth? – Luke 18:3-8

As I approach ten years from retirement, I have a decade to pursue the new passions within my heart. This quest begins by completing a screenplay that I began in 2021 about my father’s miraculous journey to America by fleeing the Russians who invaded his native Lithuania. Although the odds of becoming a professional screen writer are one in a million, my life experiences in the ministry might open some doors along the way. My other passion is to design a championship level disc golf course, bringing the brilliance of Alistair Mackenzie into modern day disc golf. Pray for me as I shoot for the stars.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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