Category Archives: Uncategorized

Receive, Reject or Redeem

Posted on October 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I read the four gospels in the New Testament, I am reminded of how frustrated Jesus was with the Pharisees of the first century. These religious zealots always found something to complain about. While listening to Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Wes provided a biblical perspective on how to handle modern-day hot topics. You can accept what is said by receiving it, reject foolish comments or redeem holidays like Halloween by making the most of strangers coming to your front door.

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast, 1 Thessalonians 5:18-21.

The apostle Paul shares advice with the Church at Thessalonica on how to accurately receive, reject and or redeem hot button issues. The previous chapter serves as a reminder to Christians of their obligation to God, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. Subsequently, once you know what God expects, you can begin to test what is being shared daily so that you don’t fall prey to an exaggeration, false statement or lie designed to change your perspective.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

Paul’s advice to the Church of Philippi prevents believers from becoming modern-day Pharisees. While these Jewish leaders tested what they heard with the Old Testament, the New Testament offers grace, mercy, and understanding. Therefore, as you learn to receive, reject or redeem controversial topics, follow in the steps of the Bereans, Acts 17:11, so that truth is embraced, rumors are denounced, and holidays are redeemed to share the good news about Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Does the Impossible

Posted on October 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Daniel was one of the young Jews living in Jerusalem when Babylon captured his homeland. Forced into captivity and taken back to live in Babylon, this country and their customs came into direct conflict with Daniel’s faith. After fighting for his right to maintain his Jewish dietary convictions, one of Daniel’s political enemies convinced King Darius to adopt a law which made it illegal to pray to other any god. Despite this law, Daniel continued to pray to the God of the Bible.

Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, May your God, Whom you are serving continually, deliver you! 17 And a stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that there might be no change of purpose concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and passed the night fasting, neither were instruments of music or dancing girls brought before him; and his sleep fled from him, Daniel 6:16-18.

This is what led Daniel to be placed into a den of lions in the passage above. Forced to adhere to this newly enacted law, Darius begrudgingly ordered Daniel to be placed into this unusual jail cell overnight. This punishment would have been a sure death sentence to most human beings. Maybe Daniel could have survived one lion attack, but the odds were definitely against him. Subsequently, King Darius feared the worst, expecting to see human remains first thing in the morning.

Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den and to Daniel, he cried out in a voice of anguish. The king said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, Whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions? 21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever! 22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent and blameless before Him; and also before you, O king, [as you very well know] I have done no harm or wrong. 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel should be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no hurt of any kind was found on him because he believed in (relied on, adhered to, and trusted in) his God, Daniel 6:19-23.

Based upon Daniel’s interaction with King Darius in the passage above, this is a clear sign of God doing the impossible. Other translations of the Bible records Daniel saying that “there wasn’t even a scratch on his body.” Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Daniel prayed to the Lord to shut the mouths of these lions over night or if Daniel actually saw angels keeping all of the mouths of the lions shut. While you may not be able to fathom how God works, the Lord still does the impossible today for those who believe.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Conscience and Faith Go Hand in Hand

Posted on October 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon your education, how you were raised, and your spiritual upbringing, the concept of conscience and faith will vary. After being introduced to the book Restoring the Foundations through a Sunday School class, my perspective has changed. Due to ungodly beliefs, personal opinions that deviate from the Bible, that are picked up over the course of your life, these flawed mindsets block you from being the person who God wants you to become, Romans 12:1-2.

And the king assigned for them a daily portion of his own rich and dainty food and of the wine which he drank. They were to be so educated and so nourished for three years that at the end of that time they might stand before the king. 6 Among these were of the children of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar [the king’s attendant], Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 8 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king’s rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself, Daniel 1:5-8.

Based upon the beginning of this book, Daniel was blessed with intellectual and physical features. Meanwhile, Daniel’s parents introduced the teachings of Moses to him at an early age, Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Subsequently, when the Babylonians begin to force customs which are in direct conflict to the Old Testament, Daniel’s conscience and faith go hand in hand as if to sound a spiritual alarm inside his heart.

 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, Galatians 5:16-17.

The apostle Paul explains this sensation as an internal war between the Holy Spirit and sinful nature. This human flaw described in Romans 3:9-12 has caused every individual to fall short of God’s glory. Nonetheless, when Christians begins to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, your conscience serves as a flashlight to point you in the right direction. May today’s blog inspire you to hold your ground by uniting faith with your God given conscience to follow the narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, in a world of darkness.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 39: A Mix of Classic Soft Rock from the 1980’s

Posted on October 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

With only 52 weeks in a year, there will always be crossover artists who will be left off my list. However, I didn’t want to feature artists like Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith who are already well known. Subsequently, I was drawn to Rick Crawford’s top album in my opinion. The opening song Love Is has a touch of Kenny G followed by a glimpse of Chicago with the ballad Does Anybody Really Love the Lord.

 Increase my greatness (my honor) and turn and comfort me. 22 I will also praise You with the harp, even Your truth and faithfulness, O my God; unto You will I sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises to You, and my inner being, which You have redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; for they are put to shame, for they are confounded, who seek and demand my hurt, Psalm 71:21-24.

As you continue listening to the attached You Tube, slower ballads like Jesus Paid It All give off an Air Supply vibe. The remainder of the songs simply have a few seconds here and there of Asia, Boston, Journey, and Foreigner. While this kind of soft rock may not be for everyone, I hope that you enjoy this mix that sounds like classic ballads of the 1980’s. Although Rick Crawford may not be a flashy artist, I hope the lyrics of these songs touch your heart like they’ve moved mine.

by Jay Mankus

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Speaking Up Rather Than Acting Out

Posted on October 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who was a byproduct of public education, going to school every day was an adventure. Whether it was my 3 years attending an inner-city school in Wilmington or 6 more in the suburbs, I was taught valuable life lessons. There were days that out of the blue someone suddenly hated you and wanted to fight. Back then, speaking up made you a nark or Uncle Tom overnight, turning right and wrong upside down.

And immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, saying, He is the Son of God! 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this the very man who harassed and overthrew and destroyed in Jerusalem those who called upon this Name? And he has come here for the express purpose of arresting them and bringing them in chains before the chief priests. 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and continued to confound and put to confusion the Jews who lived in Damascus by comparing and examining evidence and proving that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah). 23 After considerable time had elapsed, the Jews conspired to put Saul out of the way by slaying him, 24 But [the knowledge of] their plot was made known to Saul. They were guarding the [city’s] gates day and night to kill him, 25 But his disciples took him at night and let him down through the [city’s] wall, lowering him in a basket or hamper, Acts 9:20-25.

In the first century, there was a zealot Pharisee who despised the church Jesus started. Saul believed that Jesus was trying to tear down everything he was taught as a faithful Jew. Subsequently, Saul acted out rather than publicly debate Jesus’ disciples. After giving orders to murder the apostle Stephen, the Christian Church became fearful of the man known as Saul.

And when he had arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate himself with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe he really was a disciple. 27 However, Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and he explained to them how along the way he had seen the Lord, Who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached freely and confidently and courageously in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out [as one] among them at Jerusalem, Acts 9:26-28.

Following the conversion of Saul on the Road to Damascus, none of the local church leaders believed that Saul was serious about his newfound faith. Many thought this decision was merely a ploy to further infiltrate the church. According to Luke, a first century historian, Barnabas was the only spiritual leader who spoke up on Saul’s behalf. Barnabas’ adamant defense convinces the disciples to accept Saul’s faith and opens the door for a missionary partnership in the book of Acts.

by Jay Mankus

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Relying on Faith to Overcome the Fear of the Unknown

Posted on October 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Thanks to all of the new apps available on modern phones, you can know how many miles you walk in a day, what your heart rate is as well as many other details concerning your own body. While astrologers still exist seek to predict the future, many use fortune cookie references to provide a vague look into your future. Subsequently, the fear of the unknown is prevalent every day.

You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. 10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice, Isaiah 41:9-10.

In the days of the Old Testament, one prophet speaks to those who are overwhelmed by the fear of the unknown. Unfortunately, the believers in God died prior to many of the promises in the Old Testament being fulfilled. These individuals didn’t have access to the New Testament. Subsequently, everyone was forced to play the waiting game, likely resulting in fear.

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.

The apostle Paul provides a New Testament solution to modern day Christians. Reaching out to a first century pastor struggling with anxiety, Paul reminds Timothy that what you’re experiencing is not from God. Therefore, don’t let fear of the unknown paralyze you. Rather, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to fight through any nerves the next time fear of the unknown comes knocking on your door.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Know Who Holds the Future

Posted on October 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was curious, eager to listen and learn from older children. When I first attended church, I remember sitting on a carpet with my friends as a priest gave a message, speaking on a child’s level. As a 8th grader, I completed the Confirmation process, a sign of taking ownership of my faith. Yet, it wasn’t until I joined a Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Bible Study as a 10th grader when I discovered that the God of the Bible holds my future.

We are assured and know that [[j]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was [k]aware and [l]loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren, Romans 8:28-29.

Any child who experiences the ebbs and flows of puberty is forced to deal with so many things going on inside their body and mind. As a former counselor and teacher, this is when the Devil is most active, whispering thoughts of doubt and suicide, 1 Peter 5:8. One of Jesus’ former disciples compares the Devil to the animal on top of the food chain. Like a nature video, lions seek to separate the weak and young from the herd, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors [m]and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things [n]impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:37-39.

Based upon today’s featured passage, perhaps the Church at Rome was struggling with doubt. Writing to those who are unsure of their future, the apostle Paul highlights the extent to which God will go when you feel alone and separate from God. Meanwhile, the disciple whom Jesus loved makes it clear that your eternal destination can be secured, 1 John 5:12-13. These are the passages in the Bible that give Christians the confidence to know God holds their future.

by Jay Mankus

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Finding Balance by Living in this World Without Isolating Yourself

Posted on October 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I spent more than 25 years of my life living within an hour of Amish country. These members of a strict Mennonite sect that established major settlements in Pennsylvania separated themselves to avoid being corrupted by the world. While the term Puritan was conceived in the 1530’s when King Henry VIII repudiated papal authority and transformed the Church of Rome into the state Church of England, Christians must find the right balance between living in the world and isolating yourself.

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane. 3 [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good. 4 [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. 5 For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them], 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

One of the themes of 1 Corinthians is moderation. 1 Corinthians 6 highlights that too much of one thing can be harmful, verses 12-18. Meanwhile, Paul talks about being unequally yoked with another individual. Using Psalm 1:1-3 as a benchmark, the more time you spend with other people, the more their habits and tendencies will wear off on you. Therefore, it’s essential that Christians learn to balance ministering to the lost while spending time with your spiritual family.

Furthermore, [a]brethren, we beg and admonish you in [virtue of our union with] the Lord Jesus, that [you follow the instructions which] you learned from us about how you ought to walk so as to please and gratify God, as indeed you are doing, [and] that you do so even more and more abundantly [attaining yet greater perfection in living this life]. 2 For you know what charges and precepts we gave you [[b]on the authority and by the inspiration of] the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, 4 That each one of you should know how to [c]possess (control, manage) his own [d]body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, 5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5.

Although it may seem easy to balance your daily time, not everyone is disciplined nor do people make good decisions. Perhaps, these are some of the flaws the apostle Paul noticed within the Thessalonian culture. Paul’s plea is as you begin to discern and know God’s will for your life, make sure you take the time spiritually to consecrate yourself. Just as Jesus modeled this in Mark 1:35-36, after you become refueled spiritually, it’s time to share the good news about God to the world.

by Jay Mankus

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Do What You’ve Learned from the Bible

Posted on October 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school teacher, I learned a valuable lesson early in my career. Adults tend to make things more complicated than what they really are in life. Subsequently, as I read the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks so that even a child can understand His message. Don’t just listen to the Bible, do what you learn from the teaching of Jesus.

 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a [p]sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock, Matthew 7:24-25.

One of the greatest warnings in the Bible comes from Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2. While reminding the Israelites of God’s commands prior to entering into the Promised Land, the key to success in life is not adding or subtracting from the Bible. All you have to do is put into practice the advice, teaching and words of Jesus. It’s just that simple.

And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. 27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it, Matthew 7:26-27.

Unfortunately, seminaries in America and throughout the world have elevated scholars and theologians above the commands of Jesus. Rather than unite under the Great Commission, Acts 1:8, churches continue to divide by overemphasizing minor elements of the Bible. May today’s blog help you see the light and simple command to do what you learn from the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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The Secret to Biblical Success

Posted on October 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

High school teachers, college professors and grad school doctorates all have their own opinions on the secret to success. Hollywood directors and famous authors have also chimed in on this topic. Over the past 40 years of asking questions, praying for insight and studying the Bible, I have stumbled upon verses that reveal the secrets to biblical success.

My son, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you. 3 Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. 4 So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man, Proverbs 3:1-4.

According to Old Testament historians, King Solomon was considered one of the wisest individuals of his generation. According to 1 Kings 3:28 and 1 Kings 4:29-34, God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure. Subsequently, people came from all over the Mediterranean to hear Solomon speak and teach. The above passage serves as a blueprint on how to be successful.

The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). 3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed, Proverbs 16:1-3.

Meanwhile, whenever human beings think they know better than God, Solomon corrects those who possess a flawed mindset. ” Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.” You can make this easy by submitting to God’s will, Romans 12:1-2, or act like Jonah who ran in the complete opposite direction of God’s calling, Jonah 1:1-4. The secret to biblical success can be found in Proverbs 3:5-6. When you trust in the Lord’s understanding, He will make your paths straight.

by Jay Mankus

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