Category Archives: Uncategorized

When Darkness Blinds Your Eyes

Posted on April 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Twenty-five years ago, I moved back to the East Coast to attend seminary. While pursuing my masters, I two worked jobs and took classes at night. While this schedule was grueling at times, I felt called to complete this higher education. After completing one third of my classes, I contracted a severe case of iritis. Following a trip to an emergency room, I was hurled into darkness with my future vision in doubt.

But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [[i]in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes, 1 John 2:11.

One of Jesus’ disciples is referring to a spiritual form of blindness. John isn’t taking about planks in your eyes that impairs your vision, Matthew 7:1-5. Rather, addictions, bad habits, and sinful tendencies allow darkness to enter your life. This spiritual darkness often prevents you from seeing clearly, unable to confront a sinful lifestyle that is so obvious to everyone who cares about you.

To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me, Acts 26:18.

According to Luke who just happens to be a doctor, Satan has the power to blind Christians. When your life is filled with darkness, your objectivity and perception to change is clouded. One of the ways to restore your spiritual vision is through confession and contrition. Another way to restore your sight is by reading and studying the Bible. As you uncover truth, the truth will set you free from sin, John 8:32.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 71: Pray for Rain

Posted on April 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s group began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, disbanded in 1997 and reunited in Nashville, Tennessee three years later. To avoid a lawsuit, Prayer for Rain shortened their name to PFR upon their return to the concert circuit. “Pray for Rain” is a line from a poem that touched band member Patrick Andrew who convinced the group to adopt this name in 1992.

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand), Jeremiah 33:3.

From a genre perspective, PFR is the closest sound the Christian music industry has to a modern-day Beatles. When you listen to Pray For Run, you’ll sense and recognize how the Beatles influenced PFR’s distinct sound. The lyrics of Pray For Run speak to individuals who become comfortably numb, praying for rain to snap them out of their spiritual slumber. I hope you enjoy one of PFR’s first hit songs.

by Jay Mankus

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The Delusion

Posted on April 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Delusions occur when a false belief is accepted, or a judgment is made about an external reality. Author Chester Kylstra refers to this as ungodly beliefs in his book Restoring the Foundations. One of the best illustrations of a delusion happens in the film Rudy. Waiting for a bus to take him to Notre Dame, Rudy’s father tries to stop Rudy from chasing his childhood dream. According to Rudy’s father, he’s not smart and talented enough. This delusion prevented Rudy’s father from ever achieving his full potential in life.

If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts], 1 John 1:8.

Ungodly beliefs are not the only delusion that human beings endure. As sin enters your life in the form of enticement or lust, when the seed of sin is planted in your minds it’s only a matter of time before you will give into temptation, James 1:13-15. Unfortunately, to make yourself feel better, you might compare yourself with other people to conceal your own spiritual condition, Romans 2:1. This delusion comes in the form of justification and rationalization like the apostle Paul’s own struggle in Romans 7:15.

And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (going to perdition) because they did not welcome the Truth but refused to love it that they might be saved. 11 Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.

The apostle Paul alludes to full blown sin in the passage above, James 1:15. Like an addict struggling to unhook their lives from an unhealthy substance, seduction is another delusion that you must confront. Anyone who has failed to break a bad habit understands the helpless feeling of compromise, asking God for forgiveness before indulging sinful passions. One of the lies of the Devil is that you’ll never change. Yet, if you follow Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 10:13, God does provide a way out of temptation as long as you are willing to break free from sinful delusions.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 70: Something Good Happens

Posted on April 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a group based upon the travails of a famous Old Testament character. Jacob’s Trouble was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in the 1980’s. Jacob’s Trouble combines that classic 60’s acoustic sound with a blend of the eighties and nineties. Like any group that evolves over time, Jacob’s Trouble sound ranges from a classic rock to modern pop.

Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting, 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Something Good Happens appears on the Let the Truth Run Wild album. The lyrics of Something Good Happens refers to the perspective that you possess in life. If you look at the world through eyes where your glass is half empty, you’ll feel disappointed. However, if you learn to develop a positive outlook on life, something good is bound to come your way.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Bible is Difficult to Understand

Posted on April 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When students get stumped in class as a new chapter or concept is introduced, there is a teacher to ask to help you figure it out. Yet, when you open up the Bible and come across a confusing section, unless you’re at a Bible Study, you are on your own. If one of Jesus’ own disciples mentioned that some of the apostle Paul’s epistles are difficult to understand, you will definitely need a mediator to properly interpret the Bible. This is where you need to reach out to and lean on the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts.

Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own [g]utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures, 2 Peter 3:16.

One of the common mistake’s readers of the Bible make is to treat this like a regular book. Human wisdom will only take you so far. And besides, one New Testament author refers to the Bible as a spiritual book that is living and active, Hebrews 4:12. When the Bible is difficult to understand, you need to learn to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. According to Peter, a member of Jesus’ inner circle, the Holy Spirit provides everything that you need for life.

And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated, 1 Corinthians 2:13-14.

The apostle Paul had several encounters with Greek philosophers during a visit to Athens in Acts 17:16-32. While Paul was able to convince some of these scholars, many of them relied on human knowledge. This is the context of the passage above where Paul urges Corinthians to go beyond education. When the Bible is too difficult to understand, only the Holy Spirit will open your mind to the spiritual truths that lie within. Though you won’t have all of your questions answered like Job, you will grow in the knowledge of God’s character and nature.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 69: No One Like You

Posted on April 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was fortunate to see the David Crowder Band in concert twice before taking time off to lead worship at his home church. While David decided to change his band to simply Crowder, this group has a special gift for drawing audiences closer to the Lord. While teaching at Red Lion, I served on part of the security team for both of Crowder’s concerts in Delaware.

Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. 2 In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you, John 14:1-2.

When I first started teaching high school Bible, No One Like You was part of the regular rotation during our school chapel services. While Red Lion’s worship team did a good job, there is nothing like hearing Crowder play No One Like You live. David’s energy, joy, and passion lifted up the concert audience up, giving those in attendance a glimpse of heaven. May you enjoy this classic song.

by Jay Mankus

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Growing in the Grace of God

Posted on April 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was introduced to the concept of God’s grace as a new Christian by an acronym. God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense provides a visual image that has stuck with me over the years. The apostle Paul also summarizes God’s grace in one verse of the Bible, Romans 5:8. “While we were sinning, God demonstrated His love for all human beings by sending Jesus to die for our sins.” To acknowledge this is one thing, but to grow in the grace of God shows an appreciation and reverence to the Lord.

But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and [h]recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)! – 2 Peter 3:18

Whenever you receive a gift that was deserved, you may feel bad or want to repay this individual with something in exchange. Yet, according to one of Jesus’ disciples, there is nothing that you can do to reimburse God. This unmerited favor is a free gift described by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:23. Some people accept this as their own, others put it on a shelf to collect dust while the bitter reject God’s offer. Growing in God’s grace is a way of thanking God for this everlasting gift, Luke 19:10.

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.

The apostle Paul makes a plea to anyone who thinks that they can earn their salvation. The above passage seeks to confront this flawed mindset. Salvation is a free gift not based upon works. Part of accepting this as your own involves receiving God’s grace through faith. At the end of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus provides advice of how you can grow in God’s grace, Matthew 6:14-15. Forgiveness in conditional based upon how you forgive others. Therefore, growing in God’s grace means loving and forgiving those who trespass against you. As you pour out grace to others, God will flood your life with grace.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 68: Reach

Posted on April 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When it comes to music, I try to be as open minded as possible. Depending upon the type of mood that you are in, there is a specific style of music that will keep you going regardless of how you feel. Even if this means turning to a group called Strange Occurrence, you’ll be surprised to find another song to start your day. While the name of today’s featured artist sounds bizarre, Reach is a song worth listening to.

Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as [d]a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself, 1 John 2:6.

Strange Occurrence has a classic rock sound with biblically based lyrics. Like going dumpster diving for something that you need, I found Strange Occurrence in another bargain bin of a Christian bookstore. This pleasant surprise wasn’t merely a one hit wonder. Rather, the Another Day to Start Again album contains a couple of solid songs that rock and roll fans will enjoy.

by Jay Mankus

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The Kind of Person You Ought to Be

Posted on April 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Six months after graduating college, I attended a Youth Ministry Trade School in Minnesota. These 7 weeks completely changed my life; encouraging me to stretch and expand my comfort zone. One of the techniques that I learned was setting goals from a Could Be/Should Be perspective. From a spiritual standpoint, I learned to take an inventory of where I am currently and where I need to be. While writing a first century letter, Peter challenges his listeners to consider the person that you ought to be in Christ.

Since all these things are thus [b]in the process of being dissolved, what kind of person ought [each of] you to be [in the meanwhile] in consecrated and holy behavior and devout and godly qualities, 12 While you wait and earnestly long for (expect and hasten) the coming of the day of God by reason of which the flaming heavens will be dissolved, and the [[c]material] elements [of the universe] will flare and melt with fire? – 2 Peter 3:11-12

The origin of the term Christian dates back to sometime between 30 and 40 A.D. Citizens in the city of Antioch were impressed by members of their local church. Something was different about these people, a specific quality that set them apart from everyone else in town. As these followers of Jesus began to share their faith with the locals, one person put two and two together. “These people must be Christians, followers of Christ Jesus.

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 2 And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a [a]slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance, Ephesians 5:1-2.

As this expression spread, the apostle Paul provided other churches with a simple spiritual goal to shoot for daily. As people of faith become imitators of Jesus, the fruits of the Spirit take precedence over the acts of your flesh, Galatians 5:1625. As hearts and minds become renewed by the Bible, Romans 12:1-2, the Holy Spirit steers you toward the person you ought to be in Christ. Prayer, reflection, and worship provide spiritual disciplines to keep your mind on becoming Jesus to your local community.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 67: Freak Out

Posted on April 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Echoing Green is one of those groups that has grown on me over the years. One of their talents is creating cosmic remixes of classic song like Safety Dance. Today’s featured song is another remix that my oldest son James loved to listen to when I first bought Freak Out. The Echoing Green’s version contains the same classic funky beat with a modern style and sound.

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.

Fear is one of those aspects in life that often comes out of nowhere. This emotional shock will catch you off guard and will make some freak out. Perhaps, this is why the apostle Paul writes a letter to a teenage pastor who is struggling with fear. If you are always on the defensive and never switch over to a proactive faith, freaking out will wear you out over time. Therefore, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome fear.

by Jay Mankus

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