Category Archives: truth

Under Construction

Posted on June 14, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the city, state or region you live in, summer time commences a season of construction. If these projects are out sourced to private businesses, construction is usually completed on time or ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, the state of Delaware usually takes a few years to start and another five years to finish what should have taken a year or two at most.

For which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it? – Luke 14:28

A first century doctor overhears a conversation between Jesus and Pharisees. The parable above occurs at the end of this discussion. The context of this passage refers to the high expectations that Jesus has for his disciples. Before starting any new project, Jesus wants his followers to consider the cost before jumping in head first. If you want to finish what you start in this life, it’s okay to say no.

Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to complete [the building], all who see it will begin to mock and jeer at him, 30 Saying, This man began to build and was not able (worth enough) to finish, Luke 14:29-30.

In their song Local Construction, Reliant K compares areas of your life that are never done to local construction. When I was a student, it always took me twice as long to complete a homework assignment than my friends. Sometimes this was because I didn’t know what I was doing and on other occasions, what I was learning didn’t click initially. There are certain things in life that are never done despite how hard you work on it. Since something in your life or in your community is always under construction, consider the cost you before you commit to your next project in life.

by Jay Mankus

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Radical Grace Theory

Posted on June 13, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Critical Race Theory is analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of colour. This philosophy began in the 1970, but officially was organized in 1989 at the first annual Workshop on Critical Race Theory. Today, you will find curriculum for Critical Race Theory in businesses, colleges, and public education.

[In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person], Colossians 3:11.

While there will always be isolated pockets of racism in any city, state or nation, pushing Critical Race Theory endangers Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s dream and vision for America. Quoting his 1963 speech, Dr. King longed for a day when his “four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Since Critical Race Theory stresses victimology rather than personal responsibility, character has been de-emphasized by this movement.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. 2 Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no profit (advantage, avail) to you [[a]for if you distrust Him, you can gain nothing from Him], Galatians 5:1-2.

The weakness of Critical Race Theory is that it takes God and faith out of the equation. If you listen to Dr. King, one of his most famous quotes is, “Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.” Perhaps, Martin was referring to one of the two Bible passages listed above. Part of the apostles teaching in the first century includes a church body where all distinctions vanish. As people enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, radical grace transforms individuals to become color blind. This is the radical grace theory that all nations should embrace and practice.

by Jay Mankus

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A New Generation of Bereans

Posted on June 12, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul wrote two letters to a teenage pastor in the first century. Serving as a spiritual mentor to Timothy, Paul provides a glimpse of what you should expect in the future. Paul warned of a time when individuals will begin to believe what their itching ears want to hear, 2 Timothy 4:3-4. Like a group of teenage girls chatting at a lunch room table, it won’t be long before urges to gossip using exaggeration spreads from one table throughout a school.

Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so, Acts 17:11.

During two separate trips to nearby cities, Paul experiences two distinct mindsets. Paul’s initial encounter in Thessalonica is like most large cities in the United States today, Acts 17:5-6. Like a scene from 2020, a mob mentality developed in the streets of Thessalonica. Unbelieving Jews served as agitators, doing whatever it took to prevent Paul’s ministry from winning over hearts and minds to Jesus.

But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. 22 Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.

One day later, Paul was impressed by the character of the Bereans. Unlike the Thessalonians who believed whatever they heard, the people of Berea developed a system for testing concepts and theories with God’s Word. After listening to a recent sermon on TBN, America needs a new generation of Bereans to rise up today. Rather than caving to the Cancel Culture, this nation needs noble individuals guided and inspired by biblical convictions. This is my prayer for future generations.

by Jay Mankus

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You Can’t Quantify Feelings

Posted on June 11, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Science is based upon the collection of data. This information is accumulated through a series of experiments using trial and error to quantify the difference between fact and fiction. Quantify refers to assessing, calculating, evaluating, gauging, sizing up and weighing the results. Theories are developed and formed based upon observing similar outcomes over and over again. One thing that scientists all agree on is that you can’t quantify feelings.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]? 10 I the Lord search the mind, I try the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings, Jeremiah 17:9-10.

One Old Testament prophets warns Jews of the dangers of feelings. If human hearts are deceitful, you can’t trust your feelings to be accurate. According to Jeremiah, hearts and minds can play tricks on you, resulting in waves of emotions. Meanwhile, feelings are temporary, often fleeting and fading from one thing to the next. Unless you are in love, feelings tend to change like the weather.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses], Hebrews 11:1.

Since you can’t quantify feelings, the author of Hebrews reveals how faith is the vehicle designed to take the place of feelings. Faith serves as assurance like a spiritual heart beat to keep Christians going. When hope is absent or invisible, faith is the foundation for belief in God’s existence. While feelings often end in disappointment, living by faith and not by sight encourages others to do the same. When faith is lived out daily, blind hope can be quantified.

by Jay Mankus

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A Critical Time for Grace

Posted on June 10, 2021 by expressyourself4him

One of the earliest references to someone being “canceled” occurred on a VH1 Reality show back in 2014. One of the cast members of Love and Hip Hop: New York kick started what Americans now refer to as Cancel Culture. Cisco Rosado used the expression “you’re cancelled” to his girl friend Diamond Strawberry at the time. In the 7 years that have followed, beliefs, opinions and political ideologies are under attack, outed by social media daily.

Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! – 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

The Cancel Culture has become like a feeding frenzy, looking for a reason to eliminate and silence anyone who is unwilling to conform to a secular worldview. As active members of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter diligently search for offensive posts and words, these miserable individuals will stop at nothing to get their way. These control freaks don’t appear to be letting up as any mistake, slip up or verbal misstep is magnified daily.

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (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.

Subsequently, this is a critical time for grace. Rather than continue down this road of condemnation and finger pointing, forgiveness must find to a way to restore sanity. As the Cancel Culture begins to ruin, smear and take down their own, perhaps a spirit of common sense is emerging. Nonetheless, you can’t sustain peace until God’s grace provides second chances to change for the better. May this blog remind the masses of God’s riches at Christ’s expense.

by Jay Mankus

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Weston the Pedestrian

Posted on June 9, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Edward Payson Weston was a grown man as the 1860 Presidential Election approached. Weston was so sure that Abraham Lincoln would not win this four way race that he made a bet with a friend. If Lincoln wins, Weston vowed to walk from Boston all the way to his inauguration in Washington, DC. While reaching a news stand, Weston was shocked to read that Lincoln had indeed won the 1860 Presidential Election.

Wealth [not earned but] won in haste or unjustly or from the production of things for vain or detrimental use [such riches] will dwindle away, but he who gathers little by little will increase [his riches], Proverbs 13:11.

To make the inauguration in time, Weston figured out that he would have to walk 50 miles a day. Prior to his departure, Weston carefully plotted his 9 day journey using maps. Two years later, Weston published “The Pedestrian,” a record of this walk that got Weston to Washington on inauguration days, but 5 hours after Lincoln’s speech concluded. Instead of accepting defeat, Weston used this experience to become a walking sideshow, walking for hours at local roller skating rinks on the east coast.

But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing, 1 Timothy 6:9.

There are 6 passages in the Bible to warn readers against betting. Unfortunately, between state lotteries, scratch off cards and newly formed sports betting sites, there is a new movement to get rich quick. Despite all the advertisements and commercials detailing how much the latest winner received, there are always more losers than winners. The streets of Atlantic City and Las Vegas are littered with homeless individuals who came seeking fame and fortune, but left broke and broken. May this blog serve as a warning to avoid becoming addicted to gambling.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Break a Child’s Spirit

Posted on June 8, 2021 by expressyourself4him

In this age of child prodigies, being an elite athlete in any sport forces many to grow up way too fast. Instead of living a carefree life until attending college or a trade school, the pressure to be the best can take a toll on young adolescents. If a parent begins to live their lives vicariously through this phenom, the fun of competing can quickly fade. Subsequently, many children end up resenting sports due to a controlling father or mother.

Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children [do not be hard on them or harass them], lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. [Do not break their spirit,] Colossians 3:21.

First time parents tend to become more strict with their first child and gradually become more lenient with every child thereafter. Yet, in the first century, Jewish father’s were disciplinarians, prone to demonstrate a tough love. Based upon the apostle Paul’s observations of parenting in the Church at Colosse, several children were walking around defeated, unable to please their father. This is likely the inspiration behind Paul’s command, “don’t break their spirit.”

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope, Romans 15:13.

Since my father served in the military, my initial years as a parent involved stern discipline. Yet, as my two boys, James and Daniel, learned how to speak, I had to ease off the throttle before I broke the spirit of my boys. To suddenly alter and change your ways isn’t easy as you can go too far in the lenient direction. Nonetheless, the goal of any parent is to train up a child in the ways of the Lord so that a legacy of faith will be left behind, Proverbs 22:6.

by Jay Mankus

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Planned Obsolescence

Posted on June 7, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The Centennial Light is the world’s longest lasting light bulb. Installed in 1901, this bulb remains in use today in the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department in California. Prior to this notoriety, members of the fire department would leap up and touch this light bulb as a form of good luck before leaving for their next emergency. This light bulb is one of the last traces of a time when Made in America meant a striving toward perfection.

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23.

Apparently, the Shelby Electric Company who manufactured the Centennial Light Bulb made their products too good. While customers were satisfied by this dependable light bulb, production in factories came to a screeching halt. Concerned with their future, Light bulb Manufacturers formed the Phoebus Cartel. The initial meeting took place in Geneva, Switzerland. To ensure their future, corporations in this field came up with the concept planned obsolescence.

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], Philippians 4:8.

The byproduct of this business concept is that customers have been literally screwed ever since. Planned Obsolescence is the policy of producing consumer goods that rapidly become obsolete. Instead of purchasing long lasting reliable products, light bulbs now require replacing, achieved by frequent changes in design to limit a bulb’s light to 100 hours of use. Over 100 years later, consumer expectations have plummeted. This is what happens when human beings don’t practice Colossians 3:23 or take pride in their work.

by Jay Mankus

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A Place Where Peace and Harmony Reign

Posted on June 6, 2021 by expressyourself4him

If you stop to observe your own environment, peace may be a rare commodity. Whether it’s driving in a car, going grocery shopping or a day at work, the rat race called life causes many to become stressed out. If you can’t change the external forces around you, Ephesians 6:12, it’s time for an internal transformation. The apostle Paul provides a blueprint for those who want to find peace and harmony in Colossians 3.

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always], Colossians 3:15.

This process begins with a new attitude, mindset, and perspective, Colossians 3:1-4. Paul encourages first century Christians to look beyond the present by focusing on eternity. However, before minds can fully change, one must put aside past addictions and bad habits. Like a trip to the cleaners, as individuals begin to put on their new self via the fruits on the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, finding peace and harmony is possible.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts, Colossians 3:16.

In the passage above, Paul provides a spiritual recipe by mixing the Bible with songs of praise. Just as faith comes directly from listening to and reading the teachings of Jesus, Romans 10:17, singing biblical truths stirs human souls. Unfortunately, there are temporary pleasures lurking around every corner to trip you up or lead you to revert back to your former way of life. Therefore, if you want to find a place where peace and harmony reign, sing a new song to the Lord, Psalm 33:3.

by Jay Mankus

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For the Moments I Feel Faint

Posted on June 5, 2021 by expressyourself4him

During a private meeting with his disciples, Jesus reveals 3 non-negotiable expectations, Matthew 16:24. Denying yourself is likely referencing Paul’s words in Colossians 3:1-9. Once you develop the proper mindset, the next command to take up your cross which is different for each individual. The cross that you bear may cause some to feel faint. Yet, this is where your own weakness opens the door for Jesus to become strong.

Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! – 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Depending upon your specific calling, the weight of the cross that you bear varies. Perhaps, this explains Jesus’ final demand, “follow me.” At the end of Luke 9:57-62, Jesus meets candidates to be appointed as one of 72 other disciples. The three that Luke mention each have an excuse to put God’s calling on hold. The point of Jesus’ 3 non-negotiable expectations is so that his followers finish what they start.

So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength), 2 Corinthians 12:10.

Taking up the cross of Christ isn’t easy. This life long expedition may incite fear, bring trouble and inflict your life with pain. Reliant K’s song For the Moments that I Feel Faint talks about this spiritual journey. The lyrics of this song urges listener’s to never underestimate the hope of Jesus. Just as the apostle Paul struggled with some sort of physical or spiritual condition, lean on God’s grace so that you will be filled with supernatural strength as you carry your cross.

by Jay Mankus

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