Category Archives: Uncategorized

Watch Your Step

Posted on March 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was founded in 1971. Congress enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to help protect the Nation’s workers on the job. This bill led to the creation of OSHA one year later to set and regulate safety standards. OSHA is the reason why signs like Watch Your Step exist today. Unfortunately, when the government is allowed to micromanage every step you take at work, human beings aren’t able or allowed to freely exercise common sense.

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. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same ([g]identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world, 1 Peter 5:8-9.

I don’t see myself as clumsy, but I sure do find my share of dips, holes, and roots that I trip over and fall into every month. When I was 16, falling into one particular hole altered my athletic career and changed my life. I was running cross country against the two boys that finished one two in the state meet my senior year. This hole was hidden by a pile of leaves, making it invisible to me. Just behind the lead pack with a mile to go, I twisted my ankle, kept running and ripped my ankle bone out of its socket.

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. 18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law, Galatians 5:16-18.

Following my surgery, I was forced to wear a soft cast for 4 years to protect my ankle. While I did recover physically, I never reached my full potential as an athlete. In college I stumbled upon Psalm 18:33 that I turned into a prayer every time that I went running. This one incident makes me cautious every time I visit a park. Watch your step has a new meaning to me as I have suffered the consequences of talking a bad step. If you want to avoid future holes and pitfalls in life, incorporate these verses into a daily prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 35: Cup

Posted on March 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Serene Campbell and Pearl Barrett are musical sisters from New Zealand and California. This duo was formerly known as Serene & Pearl. However, by the mid 1990’s, these women changed their name to Considering Lily. At this same time, I was looking for a different sound, something fresh and new. When you add wholesome lyrics to a distinct sound, I became a big fan of Considering Lily in the late nineties.

Blessed and fortunate and happy and[g]spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God [h]enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be [i]completely satisfied! – Matthew 5:6

Today’s song was inspired by the passage above along with several songs of the past about filling our spiritual cup with living water, John 4:13-15. Like the Samaritan woman in the middle of a desert on a hot summer day, thirst is a natural craving of the human flesh. Yet, when Christians turn their thirst toward righteousness, God has the ability to satisfy your soul. May today’s song touch your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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Who is There to Hurt You?

Posted on March 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While anxiety is less intense than fear, stress tends to be a more sustained emotional response than phobias. Although human beings may be threatened by overreaching and power-hungry individuals, inner demons are often your own worst enemy. Anyone who has ever experienced an anxiety attack, know the overwhelming feeling you endure and how it can interfere with your daily life.

Now who is there to hurt you if you are [d]zealous followers of that which is good? – 1 Peter 3:13

Since my days at Hanby Junior High School in Wilmington, Delaware, I’ve turned to music to find comfort and hope. Whenever I was sad, I’d listen to Air Supply or Chicago which made me even more depressed. Perhaps this empty feeling eventually drew me to only listen to Christian music. While in college, a friend introduced me to punk rock and a group called the Altar Boys. The emptiness I once experienced was replaced by a quiet confidence thanks to the song “When I’m with God.”

But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed (happy, to be envied). Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition], 1 Peter 3:14.

No matter how big, tall or old you may be, there is always someone faster, stronger and smarter. Despite all of the new threats that you may experience, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has eased many of my anxieties in life. Like the words of one of Jesus’ disciples in the passage above, who is there to hurt you if you are passionately following the Lord? No one likes hardships, persecution or trials, but when I’m with God my fears tend to fade away. Place your hope in Jesus today, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 34: Faded Blues

Posted on March 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in my life where I wore blue jeans every day. This high school fad was great during cold winter months and perfect with a turtleneck and sweater. However, the type of faded blues I’m talking about today is from David Mullen. Not to be confused with Rich Mullins, David started out his career in Blues before switching over to more of a pop rock sound.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent, Psalm 34:17-18.

Today’s feature is the title of an album and a hit song when it was released in 1991. Faded Blues serves as a prayer and reality when a Christian is able to overcome tough times in life. Just as a washing machine and dryer slowly fades blue jeans to a shade of white, God wants all human beings to have their anxieties, burdens, and concerns disappear. Yet, trials continue to challenge Christians to mature, James 1:2-4. Enjoy this classic sound of the nineties.

by Jay Mankus

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Truth, Justice, and the American Way

Posted on March 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The expression “truth, justice, and the American way” comes from a 1942 radio program. This episode of the Adventures of Superman, a radio series, was the first program to use truth, justice, and the American way. However, it wasn’t until the Adventures of Superman television series which ran from 1952-1958 that made this a synonymous phrase.  The weekly introduction revealed Superman’s weekly purpose: truth, justice, and the American way.

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free, John 8:31-32.

The context of truth, justice, and the American way relates to what was going on in the world at this time.  On December 11, 1941, Adolf Hitler declared war on the United States. When you put the words of Superman into a real-life war, it was as if America was searching for a superhuman being to become the world’s peacekeeper. During World War II and the post-war years, Superman’s motto became a way of life which united Americans under one common goal based upon truth and justice.

Learn to do right! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool, Isaiah 1:17-18.

Unfortunately, if Superman was introduced today for the first time, the woke media would likely cancel this superhero. Times have changed and truth is now relative as opinions have become elevated to fact status. Meanwhile, justice is racist if you talk to liberals and progressives. However, if you currently reside in a large metropolitan city with district attorneys who refuse to prosecute lawbreakers, chaos now reigns. If America could only return to the Superman of 1942, truth, justice, and the American way might still have a chance. Perhaps, the 2022 midterm elections can repair what has been broken? Vote your conscience.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 33: Invisible Man

Posted on March 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jag was my bird name during my only summer serving as a camp counselor. Jag is short for Jaeger with the Pomarine Jaeger being the largest among these three types of birds living in North America. When I was a college student I discovered a new Christian band with the same name JAG. However, the band is an acronym for the band’s founder and lead singer, John Allen Garies.

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you, John 14:26.

The Invisible Man is my favorite song from JAG’s Fire in the Temple Album. Based upon the lyrics of Invisible Man, this song refers to your human conscience. John Allen Garies asks an open ended question to see what you are going to do? As a Christian, will you go with the flow and blend in or will the Holy Spirit spark a burning fire on your soul to take action? I hope you enjoy listening as you reflect upon the lyrics.

by Jay Mankus

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A Wonderful Perspective

Posted on March 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I recently read the screenplay for the 2017 Wonder Woman movie. The turning point occurs when Diana played by Gal Galgot is told a story by her mother Queen Hippolyta. Sharing a brief history of war, Queen Hippolyta tries to warn her daughter of the dangers of battles and fighting. When Diana learns of Ares, the Greek God of War, she develops a wonderful perspective about life. Diana comes to believe that if she can find Ares and defeat him, war on earth will end.

I But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief [of the celestial] princes, came to help me, for I remained there with the kings of Persia.

One of the topics most churches don’t talk about from the pulpit are the spiritual forces of evil that exist on earth. According to the passage above, Daniel experienced a spiritual battle for 3 weeks. While no details are mentioned, it appears that a demon known as the prince of Persia had developed a spiritual stronghold over this specific region. While attending a nearby Vineyard Church in Pennsylvania, I was introduced to the concept of spiritual mapping. This teaching is built upon the sins of the father in Exodus 34:7 and giving the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:26-27, an open door to create havoc on your life.

Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:11-12.

As Russia continues to attack and invade Ukraine, demonic strongholds once mentioned in the Bible continue today under the guise of darkness. According to the apostle Paul, certain leaders in these demonically controlled regions can become vessels of the Devil. Former president George W. Bush referred to this invisible force as the Axis of Evil in his State of the Union address on January 29, 2002. Whatever you want to call it, we need to develop a similar mindset of Diana in Wonder Woman with one difference. Instead of seeking to defeat Ares, seek to defeat the devil and war will be replaced by peace.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 32: Six Candles

Posted on March 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

On January 1st, 2012, I played in a disc golf tournament with my three children, won the closest to the pin (basket), and celebrated by going to Dairy Queen on the way home. When I got home, I received a call from one of the new members of Red Lion’s leadership team. After starting out 2012 in grand fashion, before this call was over I was fired from my teaching position of a decade. While some of my friends were canned prior to Christmas, my replacement wasn’t able to start until February 1st so I finished out the second semester. In the days that followed, I was critically ashamed and clueless of what to do next.

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. 12 Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you, Nehemiah 29:11-12.

January 2012 was one of the most difficult months of my life. The position that I was born for and created to do was taken away from me in an instant. While family and friends were extremely supportive, one song kept me going. I had recently purchased FM Static’s Critically Ashamed album over Christmas Break so I was in the process of listening to all of their songs. I can’t point to a specific lyric of Six Candles, but the sound and tone served as a source of healing in 2012. There were other songs that I relied on through this tough stretch, but I am forever thankful for Six Candles on the role that it played in reinventing myself over the past decade.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Love of Money Goes Too Far

Posted on March 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a former seminary student and Bible teacher, I cringe every time ill-informed politicians take the Bible out of context. Rather than correct these errors, journalists and television commentator’s often gloss over these ungodly beliefs to avoid confrontation or criticism. Perhaps this explains why some people believe that you can’t be a Christian and wealthy at the same time. However, the root of all evil is when the love of money goes too far.

For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many [e]acute [mental] pangs, 1 Timothy 6:10.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to money in Matthew 6:19-24 and Matthew 6:32-34. The first passage alludes to treasures that your heart can’t stop thinking about. When trust in God is replaced by money, souls become consumed by anxiety and worry. As long as individuals supplement money in exchange for faith in God, panic attacks will wear down troubled and weary souls. This unhealthy craving for money continues today as a sign that the love of money has gone too far.

Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself], 1 John 2:15-16.

One of Jesus’ disciples combines acts of the sinful nature with a love for earthly treasures. The answer to reversing sensual gratifications, greedy longings and the pride of self-reliance is found in Galatians 5:16-25. This internal wrestling match goes on daily between the flesh and God’s Spirit. Yet, according to Jesus the only way to break away is through turning your attention towards seeking first God’s righteousness. Until your spiritual priorities change, you’re at risk at letting the love of money go too far.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 31: Go There With You

Posted on March 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

From my introduction to Christian music in 1985, there have always been 3 main staples who have gotten most of the accolades: Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and today’s artist Stephen Curtis Chapman. When Chapman’s Great Adventure tour traveled across the country, I drove three hours to hear an album filled with classic songs. I was so touched that night by Go There with You, that I included it in my wedding.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away, Revelation 21:4.

When I was put in charge of the Music at my wedding and the DJ at our reception, I made a mix with all of the songs to be played for all of the special dances. When Leanne and I danced our first dance as a married couple, Go There With You was played. In an age where staying married until death do us part is rare, playing this song was a statement of my will to love Leanne for the rest of my life.

by Jay Mankus

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