Category Archives: Uncategorized

Focus on Character

Posted on August 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

We are approaching the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech. On August 28th, 1963, MLK delivered this speech following a March in Washington D.C. inspired by a calling for equality and freedom for all. My favorite moment in this speech is Dr. King’s fervent dream when Americans will focus on the content of character rather than the color of skin.

And Samuel did what the Lord said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming and said, Have you come peaceably? 5 And he said, Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice. And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and called them to the sacrifice. 6 When they had come, he looked on Eliab [the eldest son] and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him, 1 Samuel 16:4-6.

While this sounds great in theory, one Old Testament prophet was deceived by the physical features and stature of Eliab. If a man of God can be fooled by a good looking individual, then anyone is susceptible. Martin Luther King Junior was the pastor of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. This ministry prepared Dr. King for his dream speech that focused on character.

But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart, 1 Samuel 16:7.

Perhaps Martin reflected upon the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-5. The world is full of people who jump to conclusions or base their opinions upon what members of the media profess. Rather than provide context, specific flaws and weaknesses are demonized and highlighted. At some point in the near future, this woke movement must end and be replaced by an emphasis on character. I pray that this day comes soon.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 198: Alarm the Alarm

Posted on August 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While “Write this Down” may be an expression used by teachers preparing students for an upcoming unit test, it’s also the name of a popular band. Back in 2005, Write This Down formed their Christian rock band in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This band consists of vocalist Nate Rockwell, Mike Kuwica, Nick Lombardo and Chad Nichols. Today’s song Alarm the Alarm sends an important message.

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

While writing to first century Christians, one of Jesus’ disciples sounds the alarm about a daily spiritual threat. Peter appears to allude to Ephesians 2:2, pointing to the Devil’s ability to roam the earth as a fallen angel who was kicked out of heaven. If you want to be able to overcome daily temptations, 1 Corinthians 10:13, write down this passage so that you will find a way out of any temptation.

by Jay Mankus

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What is Causing Christians to Stop Living

Posted on August 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Church of Galatia is comprised of Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Prior to writing the Book of Galatians, the apostle Paul heard rumors of Christians who began to stop living. A Jewish sect called the Judaizers infiltrated Galatia and used zealous peer pressure to add circumcision to salvation, Deuteronomy 4:2. According to Galatians 2:11-13, Barnabas and Peter began to withdraw from non-Jewish Christians, influenced by these Judaizers.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

In the past few years, progressive ideology and wokeness has been embraced by inner city churches. This modern day Judaizer group have stunted the spiritual growth of many believers. Rather than learn from the mistakes of the Galatian Church, many Christians have failed to heed the warning of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:1-6. When anyone ignores history, it won’t be long until Christians stop living for Jesus, distracted by cultural trends.

You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? 8 This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]. 9 A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church], Galatians 5:7-9.

Human nature makes individuals to want to be liked by society. Yet, it’s impossible to please everyone on social media. There will always be someone who finds your comments offensive. Perhaps, this is why the apostle Paul addresses this issue in Galatians 1:10. The reason why Christians stop living is by beginning to please others rather than to glorify the Lord. There are other reasons like idleness to blame, but if you follow Jesus’ advice in Matthew 6:33-34, faith can be revived abundantly, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 199: State of Emergency

Posted on August 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

College roommates have plenty of time to dream, but few actually fulfill what they talk about. Back in 1998, Brad Noone and Rob Beckley got together with friends Travis Jenkins, Dustin Adams, and Michael Wittig to form Pillar. This all happened while attending Fort Hays State University in Kansas. One year later Pillar released their first album, Metamorphosis.

If you have sinned, how does that affect God? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what have you done to Him? 7 If you are righteous, what do you [by that] give God? Or what does He receive from your hand? – Job 35:6-7

My favorite Pillar song is State of Emergency. The lyrics and title are designed to elicit a sense of urgency. As one man in the Old Testament seeks the counsel of three friends in the passage above, Job is called to immediately repent. Like the words of David is Psalm 32 and 51, the quicker you are to be honest and forthright with God, the sooner you will experience healing. May today’s song awaken your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Create Your Own Change

Posted on August 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jesus arranged a gathering at the home of a potential disciple. Based upon the words of Matthew, this turned into a large party with some Pharisees questioning Jesus’ association with the sinners in attendance. This is the context of the passage below. Jesus’ reply to his critics suggests that you can create your own change. While the sick, sinners and weak often need some kind of doctor, Jesus shares the secret of his success. The spiritually healthy rely on the Lord, following the words of Proverbs 3:5-6.

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and [h][especially wicked] sinners came and sat (reclined) with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, Why does your Master eat with tax collectors and those [preeminently] sinful? – Matthew 9:10-11

Not everyone has the ability to create their own change, especially co-dependents. Depending upon your personality type, complete change requires setting boundaries. Nonetheless, the apostle Paul compliments Jesus’ words in Romans 14:1-3. The weak or undisciplined require extra grace and patience. Despite past errors, flaws and mistakes, the weaker you become opens the door for Jesus to become strong, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

But when Jesus heard it, He replied, Those who are strong and well (healthy) have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy [that is, [i]readiness to help those in trouble] and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims. For I came not to call and invite [to repentance] the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin), Matthew 9:12-13.

Christians who are able to create their own change follow in the footsteps of Psalm 1:1-3. Based upon a letter written to the Church at Colosse, mature Christians create their own change through a daily Bible Study and proactive prayer life. Once believers are fully rooted in Jesus Christ, a genuine transformation is possible. As faith is established through trials, maturity and change is achievable according to James 1:2-4. While change is a byproduct of grace, the spiritually healthy continue to bear fruit.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 197: Shake the Dust Off

Posted on August 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s artist began his music career as a founding member of Florida Christian rock group Bellarive. Yet, when Sean Curran joined Passion as a featured artist in 2017, he received national recognition. While scanning the internet, I found Shake the Dust Off as part of a worship music collection. This title reminds me as Jesus’ words shared to disciples who are sent out two to two to share the Good News about Jesus.

Then if indeed that house is deserving, let come upon it your peace [that is, [b]freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin]. But if it is not deserving, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive and accept and welcome you nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or town, shake the dust [of it] from your feet, Matthew 10:13-14.

Yet, Shake Off the Dust could refer to individuals who have fallen, trip or were knocked down by someone or something. If you land in grass, anyone who is O.C.D. will immediately brush off their clothes to remove any dirt or grass clippings. Depending upon how you view this expression, you could have a positive or negative impression. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy listening to Shake the Dust Off.

by Jay Mankus

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A Platform for Hope

Posted on August 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

According to C.S. Lewis, hope is one of three theological virtues, 1 Corinthians 13:13. While charity (love) and faith often overshadow hope, the author of one New Testament book highlights how you can’t have faith without hope, Hebrews 11:1-6. Faith and hope go hand in hand as faith is an assurance in God’s promises and hope is the spirit of perseverance which believes that one day they will become a reality.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome, Jeremiah 29:11.

Senator Barrack Obama rode a platform of hope into two full terms as president of the United States. Obama’s message of “hope and change” placed this articulate candidate into the White House and became the new leader of the Democratic party for more than a decade. One Old Testament prophet shared a message of hope to Israel. This passage serves as a source of optimism for the future.

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope, Romans 15:13.

The Greek noun euangelion appears 76 times in the Bible while the verb euangelizo occurs 54 times. This is where the English term Gospel is derived. Gospel refers to the good news about Jesus Christ, John 3:16-17. The apostle Paul sums up this spiritual platform of hope in two verses: Romans 5:8 and Romans 6:23. While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us to cancel the wages of sin. This is the platform of hope which inspires Christians to wake up to see another day on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 196: Note to Self

Posted on August 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s artist comes from a man with a profound mission to make music that gives an immediate emotional impact. Following a jet ski accident as a child which left him deaf in one ear, Stephen Stanley uncovered a remarkable gift for music and melody. Just as the apostle Paul dealt with a messenger from Satan in 2 Corinthians 12:7, this trial propelled Steven to become a Christian musician.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([r]relief and ease and refreshment and [s]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls, Matthew 11:28-29.

Note to Self is one of those comments adults make while “thinking out loud.” As you go back in time, you can see where you wavered and what you should do differently in the future. Subsequently, the lyrics of Note to Self are like words of wisdom to prevent repeating the same mistakes of your past. As you listen to Stephen’s song, may his testimony give you hope to move mountains in your own life.

by Jay Mankus

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Resonate

Posted on August 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The textbook definition of resonate is to produce or be filled with a deep, full, reverberating sound. This may be in the form of a blare, chime or ding that reverberates like a local church bell that you may have in your community. Growing up in a friendly Delaware neighborhood, Mrs. Kerth rang her cowbell every summer night to let us know it was time for dinner. Even when we were playing hide and go seek in nearby woods, the sound of this bell would resonate to get our attention.

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, Proverbs 4:20-21.

King Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs to help his children grow up to pursue God’s wisdom. One specific passage resonates with “wisdom from God’s mouth to gain knowledge and understanding.” Solomon relays the connection between your heart and the wellspring to life in today’s passage. After writing about health and healing, Solomon’s command is to guard your heart.

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, Proverbs 4:22-23.

Jesus speaks of this fact in Luke 6:45 as the mouth speaks out of the overflow of your heart. If loose lips sink ships, a heart dwelling on the wrong things will begin to spew venom. Subsequently, as a new generation grows up without any regards to curse words that flow out of potty mouths, four letter words are resonating. May the words of Jesus and Solomon strike a cord with your soul so that wholesome language returns to America.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 195: Nothing Comes Close

Posted on August 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Christine D’Clario is a worship leader who ministers to a church with a large Spanish speaking audience. This singer and songwriter from Yonkers, New York first received notoriety in 2005 following the release of her debut album. I discovered Christine’s music recently after a search on You Tube, who started her own You Tube Channel back in 2006.

If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such [a]as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers ([b]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God’s love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody), 1 Corinthians 13:1-2.

The lyrics of Nothing Comes Close reminds me of this passage above. The apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth who were so focused on spiritual gifts that the love of Jesus was overlooked. Therefore, you may be blessed, gifted and talented, but without living out God’s love daily these special qualities are wasted. As you listen to today’s song, remember that nothing comes close to God’s love.

by Jay Mankus

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