Category Archives: Uncategorized

What to Do Next When Your Nest is Empty?

Posted on August 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The term empty nest began in the middle of the 1900’s. When parents aren’t able to move on after their children start college or move out on their own, doctors refer to this condition as the “empty nest syndrome.” When children are born, parents make a series of sacrifices to raise their offspring to the best of their abilities. However, once a home is vacant, it’s hard to transition to your next phase in life.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children, Hosea 4:6.

One Old Testament prophet blames a lack of vision for an individual who begins to self-destruct. One of the reasons Jesus left his followers with a great commission in Acts 1:8-9 was to provide a sense of direction in life. Rather than guess or speculate, the Great Commission continues to be fulfilled today through missionaries sent to the ends of the earth.

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.

As for empty nesters, my home is quiet for the first time in 24 years. With my two youngest children now off at college, I need to spend time in prayer to figure out what God wants me and my wife to do next. Once you complete honey do lists at home, parents with empty nests must learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, so that God’s will for your life will be fulfilled.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 203: Bad Attitude

Posted on August 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from across the globe in Australia. Noisy Little Sunbeams combine an Aussie feel with pop, rock and in their song Bad Attitude, rap. Imagine an outspoken preacher who doesn’t beat around the bush. Then place this personality into a modern-day unfiltered hip hop group and you’ll find the DNA of Noisy Little Sunbeams.

 Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, Philippians 2:14-15.

While some of their songs make a former Bible teacher cringe, Bad Attitude confronts a topic that needs to be addressed. Whether you’re in school, at work or attending a family gathering, it only takes one bad attitude to bring down an entire room. The apostle Paul wrote about the complaining and grumbling of Christians in the passage above. May Bad Attitude inspire you to be transformed and become more like Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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A Strange Dream or Locust from Hell?

Posted on August 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Most of my dreams come from stress or things that I watched recently. When I’m really tired, I usually collapse without a thought. Yet, experts claim dreams are created by the unconscious mind, which is a part of the brain that is not bound to reality. As I continued my study of Revelation, I tried to visualize what I was reading like a strange dream, but what I discovered was a locust from hell.

 He opened the [b]long shaft of the Abyss (the bottomless pit), and smoke like the smoke of a huge furnace puffed out of the [c]long shaft, so that the sun and the atmosphere were darkened by the smoke from the long shaft. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came forth on the earth, and such power was granted them as the power the earth’s scorpions have, Revelation 9:2-3.

Of all the films inspired by the Book of Revelation, I’m surprised no one has written about the Locusts from hell. While I do enjoy some of the End Time movies on the Sci-Fi Channel, this hybrid creature described by John seems too unreal. Revelation 9:7-10 suggests these locusts have human faces, hair like women, teeth as sharp as a lion, an iron breastplate, scorpion tails and super propelled wings.

They were told not to injure the herbage of the earth nor any green thing nor any tree, but only [to attack] such human beings as do not have the seal (mark) of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not permitted to kill them, but to torment (distress, vex) them for five months; and the pain caused them was like the torture of a scorpion when it stings a person. 6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it; and they will yearn to die, but death evades and flees from them, Revelation 9:4-6.

Some of the best written screenplays have a scene so vivid you think it’s real until this person wakes up from their dream. Other people experience something so bizarre that they think they’re dreaming, but it’s a living nightmare. Once I’ve reached 50 years of age, I wish I could go back in time to change the person that I’ve become. Yet, the camera is still rolling, as you have time to adjust. May this blog inspire you keep dreaming big as you strive to fulfill the promise of an abundant life in Christ, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 202: Don’t You Run

Posted on August 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a band that formed after Jonathan Paganno’s current group was disintegrating. Drummer in Adam Gibson was his girlfriend’s brother and Jon Spinolla stood out in an audition to complete Novella. In 1991 this Jersey band released their debut album One Big Sky, but it was their second one entitled A Liquid Earth which put Novella in the national spotlight.

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], Galatians 3:7-8.

One of the hit songs from Novella which means story in Latin was Don’t You Run. The lyrics remind me of a similar message that the apostle Paul shared with the Church at Galatia. As a Jewish sect known as the Judaizes stunted the spiritual growth of many believers, God doesn’t want us to run away from conflict. Rather, as Christian’s experience trials, these events refine and test our faith to mature over time. I hope you enjoy Novella’s classic 1990’s rock and roll sound.

by Jay Mankus

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Guilt by Political Association

Posted on August 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The expression “guilt by association” comes from Medieval Latin. Sometime between 1525-1535, stereotypes were made based upon the people you hung around. If any of these individuals developed a questionable reputation, other groups would cast a shadow of judgement upon you as guilty by association. One of the Psalmists speaks to this in the passage below as does the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:33 which serves as a warning to gullible Christians.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night, Psalm 1:1-2.

The earliest social media can be traced back to the 1970s with Compuserve and the Bulletin Board System. In the past decade, Google, Facebook and Twitter have ushered in a new age of guilt by political association. Congress tried to address this issue several years ago through hearings as executives testified about the power that Big Tech companies possess. One member of congress shared the negative results that he received after searching for his name: guilt by political association.

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? 12 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, Matthew 9:10-12.

Today, this guilt by political association continues, fueled by Cancel Culture and the Woke Movement. In the past 6 years, Trump aides, staff members and supporters have been targeted. While America’s justice system was built upon the motto “innocent until proven guilty,” social media is erasing this from the minds of Americans. All it takes is one blog, tweet or video to go viral on social media for reputations to be ruined. I pray that somehow and someway God will end this trend of guilt by political association.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 201: Amazing Because It Is

Posted on August 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a band that formed in Clearwater, Florida. Ten years after I Iived in Florida, the Almost began their music ministry in 2005. The most famous member of this band is Under Oath drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie. Aaron distinct voice is highlighted on their album Southern Weather. Amazing Because It Is is the most notable song from this collection.

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself,] Ephesians 2:8-9.

Based upon the Bible’s teaching on grace, the lyrics of Amazing Because It Is points to the words of the apostle Paul in the passage above. While this song didn’t get the recognition like the soundtrack from the film Amazing Grace, Amazing Because It Is still moves me when I hear it today. I could have chosen other songs from the Almost, but Amazing is ideal to prepare you to worship the Lord on Sunday.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Lose Sight of the Mission

Posted on August 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are 3 main aspects that guide people through life. Some personalities prefer living task to task by creating daily to do lists. Others tend to be more goal oriented by setting weekly, monthly and yearly goals which serve as a target to accomplish. My personal preference is to be vision oriented, using this as a filter to determine how and where I invest my time. Jesus told his disciples to be mission oriented.

But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth, Acts 1:8.

While visions and missions are similar, Jesus’ final objective before ascending into heaven was to fulfill the Great Commission, the blueprint for spreading the Gospel throughout the world. The heart of a Christian’s mission is to go and make disciples, Matthew 28:19-20. Yet, Luke discloses Jesus’ 3 step plan: share the gospel with everyone in Jerusalem, go to the surrounding towns and villages and then send missionaries to the ends of the earth.

Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses, 1 Timothy 6:12.

While writing a young first century pastor, the apostle Paul encourages this spiritual leader to not lose sight of the mission. When defeat and failure drag you down, you have to develop the will to press on. As the Devil attempts to distract you, 1 Peter 5:8, stand your ground, Ephesians 6:10-12. Although you can’t control what happens in the supernatural realm, keep on fighting for your faith by keeping your eyes on Jesus, Hebrews 12:1-3.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 200: Broken Heart

Posted on August 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from an American Christian rock band that formed in Albany, Oregon. Falling Up signed to BEC Recordings in 2003 after a recommendation from friends in the band Kutless. Followers of Falling Up believe their 2008 singles collection Discover the Trees Again was simultaneously the end of an era and the start of an incredibly exciting new chapter for this band.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise, Jeremiah 17:14.

Every adult is familiar with broken hearts. Whether this is due to a failed friendship or marriage, all human beings are in need of healing. Subsequently, Falling Up’s lyrics of Broken Heart serve as a cry for help like a prayer where you pour out your heart to God. My today’s song encourage you to never be afraid or ashamed to ask God for healing.

by Jay Mankus

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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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