Category Archives: Uncategorized

You Can Only Serve One Lord Faithfully

Posted on March 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Between telling stories of parables, teaching at local synagogues and preaching to the masses, Jesus visually connected with his audience. While Jesus never told anyone the answers outside of his disciples, illustrations were shared in public to make people think. This style of teaching created a spiritual hunger deep inside of many of Jesus’ followers. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made it clear that you can only serve one master faithfully. Depending upon what you treasure dictates your final decision.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is sound, your entire body will be full of light, Matthew 6:21-22.

Unfortunately, theology (the science of God) is used by some modern-day preachers to speak down to members of their congregation. This is not consistent with Jesus’ first century teachings. Your eyes are designed by God to be the lamp of your body. However, if your eyes start to deteriorate, darkness will enter your life. If this darkness is not addressed, you might find yourself trying to serve God and money.

But if your eye is unsound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the very light in you [your [r]conscience] is darkened, how dense is that darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be [s]against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon ([t]deceitful riches, money, possessions, or [u]whatever is trusted in), Matthew 6:23-24.

At some point over the past 50 years, the fire and brimstone preaching of the 1970’s has become water downed with positive and politically correct sermons. Instead of focusing on hard-hitting messages that confront darkness living inside of Christians, mainline churches prefer themes that promote increased giving. While the apostle Paul is clear that no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, your priorities and time dictate who you’re serving, Matthew 6:33-34. Who and what you seek first will determine who you will serve in the future.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 53: Purify

Posted on March 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

During my first summer as a full-time youth director in Indiana, my church hosted 30 students from the Netherlands. One of my responsibilities was to give these teens a tour of downtown Columbus when their group first arrived. While playing tour guide for a day; I met a teenager who was desperately missing his European Techo Music. Today’s feature song comes from the group 65dBA who I discovered in a Christian bookstore on my quest to share Jesus with these Netherlanders.

And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless), 1 John 3:3.

One of my favorite pastimes in high school was going dancing. I first learned to dance at a Concord High School Homecoming with my cross-country teammates. Once I developed as a dancer, I went to a local disco night club called Pulsations. When I first listened to today’s song Purify by 65dBA, I felt like I was at a college nightclub. While today’s song may not be for everyone, if you appreciate modern dance, disco or techno music, this song is for you.

by Jay Mankus

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The Second Glance, Sex, and Murder

Posted on March 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my most viewed blogs over the past decade is The Second Glance. Yet, this is only the beginning of the demise of King David. According to 2 Samuel 11, David’s second glance at a naked women led to sexual relations with a married woman. When Israel’s king wasn’t able to cover up Bathsheba’s pregnancy as he initially planned, David gave orders to for Uriah to go off on a suicide mission resulting in his death.

In the spring, when kings go forth to battle, David sent Joab with his servants and all Israel, and they ravaged the Ammonites [country] and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. 2 One evening David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, when from there he saw a woman bathing; and she was very lovely to behold, 2 Samuel 11:1-2.

When I was a member of the Spiritual Life Committee at Red Lion Christian Academy, I took a group of senior high students to an annual retreat. During one of these conferences, the keynote messages was based upon the consequences of sin. Using Romans 7 as a reference, the speaker claimed that sin will cost you more than you ever expected, sin will captivate your attention longer than you planned, and sin will make you stay beyond the time you intended. This is exactly what happened to King David.

David sent and inquired about the woman. One said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers and took her. And she came in to him, and he lay with her—for she was purified from her uncleanness. Then she returned to her house, 2 Samuel 11:3-4.

Christian artist Kenny Marks sings about a similar fall from grace in his 1986 hit The Party’s Over. Kenny writes about a rendezvous that two students have at a high school party. Like the start of any romance, infatuation leads to lust, lust triggers passion, and uninhibited passion leads a young woman to give her virginity away. Like David and Bathsheba, this one stand conceived a child placed into a no-win situation.

In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 And he wrote in the letter, Put Uriah in the front line of the heaviest fighting and withdraw from him, that he may be struck down and die, 2 Samuel 11:14-15.

Sin turns a curious child into a rebellious prodigal. If you don’t have anyone to hold you accountable for your actions, you’ll end up like a wayward son or daughter on the highway to hell, Matthew 7:13-14. When sin becomes full blown, James 1:15, Christians end up like the apostle Paul in Romans 7:15-16, under the influence of sinful addictions. Before this gets out of hand like David’s situation, confess your sins and turn back to Jesus today, James 5:16. Go now and leave your life of sin before it ruins your life.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 52: Keep My Mind

Posted on March 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I lived in Columbus, Indiana a friend invited me to a Margaret Becker concert in Cincinnati, Ohio. Following the concert, I volunteered to help break down the stage and pack Margaret’s bus for her next concert. The interactions that I had with Margaret and her team that night made me a fan for life. In an age filled with compromise, Margaret has remained true to her faith and music ministry.

If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God, Colossians 3:1-3.

The lyrics of today’s song Keep My Mind reminds me of one of the apostle Paul’s epistles. Depending upon the mindset that you hold will dictate the attitude and behavior that you display in life. When my heart and mind is set on Jesus, I feel my better about the present and my future. Yet, when I tend to be more selfish, I feel empty inside. As you listen to Keep My Mind, follows Paul’s advice listed above.

by Jay Mankus

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A Gratitude Adjustment

Posted on March 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In this age of the Coronavirus, inflation and war with Russia invading Ukraine, gratitude has been pushed to the back of the line. When the world you are living in is literally falling apart, it’s hard to acknowledge the positive aspects of life. Watching breaking news stories on cable only makes me even more depressed. Before any sense of appreciation disappears completely in 2022, a gratitude adjustment is essential to keep hope alive.

Then one of them, upon seeing that he was cured, turned back, [c]recognizing and thanking and praising God with a loud voice; 16 And he fell prostrate at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. And he was a Samaritan, Luke 17:15-16.

Today’s passage comes from a first century physician. Instead of giving medical details of how these ten lepers were healed, Luke appears to be baffled. Based upon the end of verse 14, “as they went, they were cured and made clean,” the anticipation in the minds of these ten men played a crucial role. While nine walked faster and faster as if racing to see who could get to the priest first, one leper stopped, looked down and realized that he was miraculously healed.

Then Jesus asked, Were not [all] ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was there no one found to return and to [d]recognize and give thanks and praise to God except this alien? – Luke 17:17-18

Perhaps the other nine men were so eager to resume a normal life that they forgot to thank Jesus. Meanwhile, the Samaritan leper, who already understood what it felt like to be under appreciated in life was moved by God. Jesus was sent to call the Jews back to repentance, not the Samaritans. However, like the Samaritan woman at a well in John 4, a spirit of gratitude filled each of their hearts. When you slow down enough in life to see where you’ve been and what God has done, gratitude is the first step toward healing and happiness.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 51: Worlds Away

Posted on March 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from the Simon and Garfunkel of Christian music. Crumbächer and Duke or otherwise displayed as Crumbächer-Duke joined their musical talents in the 1980’s. While not as mellow as Simon and Garfunkel, Crumbächer and Duke mix pop with synthetic dance. When you combine this style with several ballads, Crumbächer and Duke provide a soothing sound for background music.

For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 6:23.

The lyrics of Worlds Away refer to hearing God’s still small voice on earth. Yet, the distractions that exist on earth make God feel worlds away. Whether you’re suffering from depression like Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13, seeing the presence of the Lord is rare. However, if you can tune out all of the noise, you may be pleasantly surprised by the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. I hope you enjoy Worlds Away.

by Jay Mankus

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Finding Complete Healing in a Broken World

Posted on March 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a person who was born with a severe speech impediment, I can relate to the ten lepers in today’s passage who were hoping to be healed. Due to the contagiousness of this disease, lepers were forced to become social outcasts, living outside the city limits. As these men waited for a miracle, doubt began to set in, crushing any thoughts of resuming a normal life. Yet, when Jesus arrived to cure them physically, emotional and internal scars don’t immediately vanish.

As He went on His way to Jerusalem, it occurred that [Jesus] was passing [along the border] between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as He was going into one village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance, Luke 17:11-12.

According to Jewish law, Leviticus 13:43-46, these ten lepers were unable to come into any physical contact with family or friends. Meanwhile, if anyone came to visit, each was responsible for proclaiming “UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN.” While I can’t say that I can relate to the anguish that these ten men endured for weeks and months, I know that heart ache of not being able to express myself as a former stutterer. Just because these 10 lepers and I were healed, doesn’t make all the pain deep inside go away.

And they raised up their voices and called, Jesus, Master, take pity and have mercy on us! 14 And when He saw them, He said to them, Go [at once] and show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cured and made clean, Luke 17:13-14.

Two of the books that have helped me begin to find complete healing is Restoring the Foundations by Chester and Betsy Kylstra and the Handbook for Spiritual Warfare by Dr, Ed Murphy. Restoring the Foundations is now a ministry that helps Christians investigate generational sins and ungodly beliefs that has led to internal brokenness and despair. Meanwhile, the Handbook for Spiritual Warfare uses a series of case studies and personal testimonies of Christians who are on the road to recovery. If you want to find complete healing in a broken world, I highly recommend these two resources to start your recovery.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 50: That Lonesome Road

Posted on March 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a band that formed during my senior year of high school. Mad at the World debuted in 1987 in Southern California behind the efforts of two brothers: Roger and Randy Rose. This group combines the in-your-face passion of punk rock with an alternative style of Christian music. That Lonesome Road serves as a warning for those who make bad choices in life.

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.

The lyrics of That Lonesome Road is a modern-day prodigal son song of what happens to human beings who make bad decisions. Sin has a way of separating Christians from the people who love them. Yet, like Peter’s initial encounter with the White Witch in the Chronicles of Narnia, choosing temporary pleasures in life will lead to loneliness and disappointment. May That Lonesome Road inspire you to take the path less traveled, Matthew 7:13-14.

by Jay Mankus

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The Casting Grounds

Posted on March 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While growing up in New Jersey, my father took the entire month of August off of work. Since my father was in sales, he discovered a cabin for rent on a Thompson Lake in Maine. This experience opened my eyes to dirt roads and weekly trips to the dump. My father loaded up the back of our station wagon with trash bags and the kids were responsible for throwing them out the back. Little did I know that visiting these casting grounds 45 years ago prepared me for unloading my own burdens to the Lord in prayer.

Casting the [c]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [d]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you [e]watchfully, 1 Peter 5:7.

Whether you’re young, old, or somewhere in between, life is filled with daily anxieties, concerns, and stress. If you don’t have someone to talk to on a weekly basis, these burdens will accumulate quickly. As a child, my only worries were making new friends and praying that one of my stuttering fits didn’t occur at school. Unfortunately, the older you get, life seems to become more complicated with overwhelming stress that can suck the life out of your soul. This is the context in which Jesus is referring to in the passage below.

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. 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [t]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne, Matthew 11:28-30.

One of roles of prayer is to provide a spiritual casting ground where troubled and worn-out Christians can unload their burdens. The key is you have to let go of each individual concern and let God cast it as far as the east is from the west, Psalm 103:10-12. Don’t take back these anxieties, concerns, and worries after you have said Amen. Rather, cast these burdens like I threw trash bags at the local dump in Maine. If you have to, use visualization to unload all of your troubles so that after praying you will find rest for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 49: Still Know How to Groove

Posted on March 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a group that formed in 1992 on the campus of Southwestern Bible College in Phoenix, Arizona. When two members of Everybody Duck received full time youth ministry positions, singer Darin McWatters and guitarist Tim Sovinec recruited bassist Mark Stafford and drummer Tim Brinkman. This core traveled throughout the southwest before finally receiving national recognition.

Let them praise His name in chorus and choir and with the [single or group] dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and lyre! – Psalm 149:3

Everybody Duck is an alternative group that has a wide range of style and sound. One song reminds me the Monkees and another of Weird Al Yankovic but the core of this band is acoustic with creative lyrics. Still Know How to Groove is a knee slapping, thumb snapping tune that makes me smile. I could have chosen a half dozen songs from a couple of albums, but Still Know How to Groove says it all. Enjoy!

by Jay Mankus

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