Category Archives: truth

What a Special Friend Can Do for You

Posted on June 4, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Before the Coronavirus spread to the United States in the March of 2000, my daughter Lydia was thinking about ending her Pole Vaulting career. The 2020 Winter Track Season was blah; not progressing at pole vaulting or meeting any new friends. As a Field Event specialist, not part of any running events, it’s hard to experience the sense of being part of a team. This all changed when Lydia met Bree at the 2020 Winter Track State Meet.

The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Proverbs 18:24.

Instead of dreading track, this instant friendship has transformed my daughter’s perspective of this sport. Bree has been like a big sister, introducing Lydia to everyone in the pole vaulting community. In her first two seasons, Lydia enjoyed pole vaulting, but she could live without it. Now that my daughter has been welcomed by the local pole vaulting community, a new desire to improve was conceived. When a special friend enters your life, these individuals take you to new heights, often pushing you closer toward self actualization.

No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends, John 15:13.

In the Old Testament, King Solomon distinguishes the difference between having several acquaintances and a special friend. Genuine friends stick around when everyone else tends to leave during times of hardship. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ disciples refers to the sacrifices that friends make with the greatest being laying down their own life. We all need special friends like Bree. Looking back, if it wasn’t for Bree, Lydia probably would not have broken her school record which she now holds by herself at 9’6″.

by Jay Mankus

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An Unknown Melody

Posted on June 3, 2021 by expressyourself4him

An English poet and Anglican clergyman named John Newton wrote the words to Amazing Grace in 1772. Seven years later this Christian hymn was published. In the 2006 film Amazing Grace, British politician Wilber Wilberforce and Newton cross paths. In the attached clip above, Newton had lost his sight by this time in his life. However, Newton is a passionate supporter, urging Wilberforce to do whatever it takes to end the slave trade.

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.

When you examine the credits of any song, there is usually two categories. While the gifted have the ability to craft the lyrics and melody, most songs have an author who writes the lyrics and musician to develop the cords. Yet, when I looked up the credits to Amazing Grace, after John Newton the melody is similar to a poem marked anonymous. After listening to a sermon yesterday, some attribute the melody to a ship full of slaves humming as they pass the time.

Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, 20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father, Ephesians 5:19-20.

In the first century, the apostle Paul encouraged Christians to sing songs of praise. If you look back to an experience in Philippi, Paul and Silas began a worship service at midnight after being imprisoned, Acts 16:25. Paul practiced what he preached, moved by the Holy Spirit as he poured out his heart and soul in song. While we may never know the origin of Amazing Grace’s melody, it’s never too late to make your own melody of thanks to God.

by Jay Mankus

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The Dominion Covenant

Posted on June 2, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The Dominion Covenant is based upon teaching in the book of Genesis, the first book of the Holy Bible. The passage below introduces the covenant between God and mankind. Authority over the earth and all of it’s living creatures was given over to Adam in Genesis 2:8-9. Adam’s initial role was to serve as the caretaker of the Garden of Eden. Another responsibility was added in Genesis 2:20, performing taxonomy by classifying and naming animals.

God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth, Genesis 1:26.

Author Joseph Mattera writes about Twenty Amazing implications of the Dominion Covenant. The first is based upon the passage above: God made human kind in His Image which shows the sanctity of life. Mattera builds upon this in his second implication as God’s desire to create human beings in His own image shows creative potential and power for future caretakers of the earth. Unfortunately, modern governments and political leaders have forgotten about the Dominion Covenant.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 And God blessed (spoke good of) the seventh day, set it apart as His own, and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all His work which He had created and done. 4 This is the history of the heavens and of the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens—Genesis 2:1-4.

Instead of trusting citizens and homeowners to do the right thing, law makers have turned the tables, given native animals, plants, and waterways more rights than human beings. As environmentalism has become a religion to liberals and progressives, the future of the Dominion Covenant is at risk. As plans for the Green New Deal expand, the natural resources within the earth which were once seen as a blessing, have now become politicized. May a spirit of common sense and a desire to be good stewards of the earth restore sanity and the Dominion Covenant can be restored.

by Jay Mankus

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The Shadow of Things to Come

Posted on June 1, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Foreshadowing is a literary term that serves as an indication, a warning of future events. Shakespeare mastered the art of foreshadowing, sprinkling this technique within several of his literary pieces. From a biblical point of view, the Old Testament is full of foreshadowing as hints of a Messiah started dropping following Original Sin, Genesis 3:15. Prophets of old placed imagery into the Bible to prepare first century Jews for Jesus’ arrival.

Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ, Colossians 2:17.

In a letter to the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul refers to the shadow of things to come. This passage serves as a way to unwrap the science of God. Theology unveils the connection between Jesus and God the Father. Colossians 2:13-15 illustrates how Jesus was able to conquer death and cancel the written code set up in the Old Testament. The foreshadowing here is likely the future church, belonging to and united by Jesus.

Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire and declaring you unworthy and disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions [he claims] he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions and inflated by his unspiritual thoughts and fleshly conceit, Colossians 2:18.

Unfortunately, premature judgements, labeling and stereotypes have corrupted modern day churches. As leaders act as umpires instead of spiritual mentors, the gospel message has been watered down. When preachers end up becoming hypocrites, void of any spiritually fruit, souls are left with a bad taste. If Christians aren’t prepared for the storms of life, the shadow of things to come will bring ruin rather than rest. May this blog serve as a warning to prepare yourself for future rough patches, James 1:3-6, like a shadow of things to come.

by Jay Mankus

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Act as An Umpire to Regain Control

Posted on May 31, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The expression umpire is found 5 times in the Bible. One is used by Job in the Old Testament; the other 4 are found in the New Testament. The apostle Paul uses umpire in back to back chapters in Colossians. The first references an individual who abuses their power like a modern day Major League Baseball ump on a power trip seeking to throw out as many players and managers as possible.

Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire and declaring you unworthy and disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions [he claims] he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions and inflated by his unspiritual thoughts and fleshly conceit, Colossians 2:18.

Less than a chapter later, Paul compares an umpire to a first century official at a Track and Field competition. In the off years of the original Greek Olympics, the Corinthian Games gave world class athletes a chance to compete. The context of the passage below refers to someone who maintains control by properly officiating each event. Any judgment call that is made must be backed up by a clear understanding to settle any disputes from a competitor.

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.

According to the apostle Paul, the ideal umpire is one that allows the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts. When souls are in perfect harmony with the Holy Spirit, Christians will be able to maintain control in a world that tends to spin out of control. When believers think of and see the big picture of the body of Christ, you can stabilize any circumstances and situations that you encounter. Therefore, the next time tempers begin to flare, act as an umpire to regain control of a highly contested situation.

by Jay Mankus

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Readily Pardon and Forgive

Posted on May 30, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Pardon is the act of forgiveness where a judge or individual decides to cancel an offense. Despite being guilty and wrong, the written record of this offense is purged and removed. Perhaps, the apostle Paul was reflecting upon part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount when writing the words below. Whatever the inspiration behind this message, Paul encouraged members of the Church at Colosse to readily pardon and forgive.

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive], Colossians 3:13.

While the apostle Paul practiced tough love when the occasion or timing was right, what makes Christian’s different from everyone else is a spirit of charity, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. Paul shares a similar message to the Church at Ephesus, to emulate the love of Jesus, Ephesians 5:1-2. Whenever you display grace upon individuals, whether they deserve it or not, love in action makes the unspiritual hungry for what you have inside your heart.

For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses, Matthew 6:14-15.

In the passage above, Jesus introduces the conditional status of forgiveness. Similar to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, genuine love waits for and is ready when opportunities arise to console, encourage and uplift. Based upon the clause above, how you forgive others will be the basis for how God forgives you. Anyone who is willing to readily pardon and forgive others on earth will receive the same outpouring of grace by God in the afterlife.

by Jay Mankus

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Where All Distinctions Vanish

Posted on May 29, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his I Have a Dream Speech on August 28th, 1963. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King shared his prayer and vision for the future of America. Instead of continuing down the path of segregation, Martin dreamed of a day where Americans would no longer judge individuals by the color of their skin. Dr. King’s hope was that all distinctions would vanish as judgment would be based upon the content of your character.

And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it, Colossians 3:10.

Nineteen hundred years earlier, a first century apostle received a similar revelation from God. Paul didn’t care if you were an alien from another country, an uncivilized Barbarian or an uncircumcised Gentile as anyone who enters into a personal relationship with Jesus is united by faith. When you become a new creation in Christ by putting to death any former addictions, bad habits and unwholesome cravings, all distinctions vanish.

[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.

Prior to the formation of Black Lives Matter, Paul was a spiritual leader who sought to bring together all colors into one united body. According to a first century doctor, this new church was revolutionary, Acts 2:42-47. While modern non-profits continue to find a solution to address poverty, the initial Church in Jerusalem eliminated the needy with a family oriented approach. Although race relations have declined in recent years, Jesus and the Bible provide the answers so that all divisive distinctions will vanish when faith transforms your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Where You Once Walked

Posted on May 28, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The longest book in the Bible begins it’s first chapter by comparing life to talking a walk. Depending upon the choices that you make, you will follow one of two paths, Matthew 7:13-14. The broad road is a popular destination, the easiest and most convenient choice with the vast majority of the crowd going in this direction. Robert Frost’s famous poem The Road Not Taken coincides with the narrow path, regularly passed over in this life.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night, Psalm 1:1-2.

As a Christian, your walk is an outline for your testimony. The apostle Paul provides a blueprint to follow in Galatians 1:10-24. Spiritual walks are comprised of 3 phases in your life: how you lived prior to being introduced to Jesus, how you entered into a personal relationship with Jesus and how your life has been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Where you once walked gives others hope that they too have time to change for the better.

It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), 7 Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices]. 8 But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, Colossians 3:6-9.

The passage above serves as a warning to those individuals considering the idea of reverting back to their old ways. While no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, Christians are called to a higher standard, Matthew 5:46-48. Where you once walked is a reflection of your old self, Colossians 3:1-4. Instead of dabbling in the past, Galatians 5:25, Paul exhorts Christians to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. May this blog inspire you to walk with God despite the temptation to go back where you once walked..

by Jay Mankus

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Comforted, Cheered, and Encouraged

Posted on May 27, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The term encourage(d) appears 9 times in the King James Version of the Bible. In an age where negative news steals most of the headlines, most Americans are searching for hope. Some sort of cheer, inspiration or uplifting story that rallies troubled souls to keep moving forward. Life is hard enough as it is without critics and condemnation from haters on social media.

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). 3 In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden, Colossians 2:2-3.

While writing a letter to members of the Church at Colosse, Paul gets sentimental in the passage above. Just as King Solomon warned Old Testament readers to guard their hearts, Proverbs 4:23, Paul urges believers to brace human hearts with comfort, cheer and encouragement. If the heart is the wellspring of life, protecting it all cost is essential. This is Paul’s prayer for the church that he helped plant during one of his missionary journeys.

Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ’s appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life. 11 Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11.

In one of two letters to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul reminds Christians of the hope that is in Jesus. Instead of dwelling on the negative side of mankind’s fallen, sinful nature, Paul shifts to the positive. Verses like John 3:16-17 and Romans 5:8, reinforces that Jesus died while we were still sinners. This is the good news of the gospel, 1 John 5:13, providing a reason to celebrate. This is why modern Christians should be comforted, cheerful and encouraged.

by Jay Mankus

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Stimulating Your Spiritual Senses

Posted on May 26, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment star in the 1999 film the Sixth Sense. Willis plays a child psychologist who encounters Osment, a young boy with an unique gift. This Sixth Sense remains hidden within Cole until Dr. Malcolm Crowe earns his trust. Following a series of sessions, Cole takes a risk to reveal “I see dead people.” Whenever an usual gift or talent is uncovered, it takes time to figure out how to apply this in a practical way.

Do not handle [this], Do not taste [that], Do not even touch [them], 22 Referring to things all of which perish with being used. To do this is to follow human precepts and doctrines, Colossians 1:21-22.

Throughout the New Testament, the apostle Paul leaves a series of bread crumbs for Christians to stimulate their spiritual senses. However, there are several obstacles that one must overcome before you can begin to scratch the surface of your potential in Christ, Philippians 4:13. Cravings and desires wage war against human souls, 1 Peter 2:11. When minds begin to drift toward temporary pleasures, Romans 8:5-9, there is no room for the Spirit to operate.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit,] Galatians 5:24-25.

As individuals struggle with this internal tug of war, Galatians 5:16-18, spiritual gifts lay dormant, invisible to human eyes. However, as Christians walk by faith and not by sight, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit becomes achievable. This daily exercise heightens one’s spiritual senses that lie within a transformed heart, Psalm 51:10. After attending a 2 day Discernment Conference, my spiritual senses were awakened. Although I deviate from God’s Word from time to time, keeping in Step with God’s Spirit has been the secret to my success for stimulating my spiritual senses.

by Jay Mankus

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