When Your Mind Wanders…Worry Can Take Over

Posted on September 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who is dabbled in meteorology, I’ve always been fascinated by brewing storms in the distance. Sometimes these systems are unstable, breaking up before they reach your town. Yet, other storms intensify, catching residents off guard by its severity. When I take my eyes off of Jesus, my mind wanders and if I’m not careful, worry can and will take over quickly as another storm in life approaches.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do, James 1:6-8.

Since four of Jesus’ disciples were fisherman, the New Testament contains several references to water and waves. The passage above is from Jesus’ earthly brother. Perhaps this disbelief is a public confession as first century historians suggest that James didn’t believe that his brother was the promised Messiah until after Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter Sunday. James’ words serve as a warning that when your mind wanders, worry can take over.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Up until recently, my motto was “control what you can control and let God take care of the rest.” Yet, as my confidence reaches an all-time low, I’m worrying about things that I rarely thought of in the past. As my confidence slides, my mind wonders “what’s going on and when will this bad streak end?” The apostle Paul gave advice to an anxious church in the passage above. The moment your thoughts wander out of control, pray immediately and spend time giving thanks to God for what you currently have.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 236: Lift Me Up

Posted on September 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The film How Starbucks Saved My Life is about a former CEO who used his time working at Starbucks to reprioritize his life. Today’s song comes from the duo Joshua Havens and Matt Fuqua who worked together in a Starbucks coffee shop in Mesquite, Texas. Following positive feedback from customers that they played for, Joshua and Matt formed the Afters.

For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, 4 Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth, 1 Timothy 2:3-4.

Whether you’re a Christian or not, everyone needs a pick me up at some point in their lives. The lyrics of Lift Me Up by the Afters is based upon a couple passages in the Bible like Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus calls all who are burdened, tired and weary to come to God to lay down your burdens. This is accomplished spiritually through prayer as you let go and let God lift you up.

by Jay Mankus

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A Proactive Approach to Stop the Root of Bitterness

Posted on September 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I spent my final year of college taking agricultural engineering classes. Some of my classmates who grew up on farms in southern Delaware joked about all the lawncare companies that claimed to have the secret to ridding yards of weeds. Years later while teaching, I spent summers working for a local Hardscaping company. One of the products we used on the job was Roundup. Before the recent lawsuit against Roundup, I discovered that most store-bought brands were watered down, needing to place a special order for the potent stuff.

Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—Hebrews 12:15.

The author of Hebrews brings up a spiritual weed. One of the Veggie Tales videos brought up a similar concept in the Rumor Weed. Instead of dramatizing how quickly rumors can spread, one first century historian touches on the dangers of bitterness. Like opening a door for the Devil to enter your life, Ephesians 4:26-27, if bitterness is allowed to linger within your heart, it can poison your soul. Jesus talks about this in His Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:22. Perhaps, envy and jealous conceived within Cain the root of bitterness that ultimately led him to take Abel’s life.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:30-31.

Following the apostle Paul’s introduction to giving the Devil an open door, a few verses later there are additional consequences of the root of bitterness. One byproduct is grieving the Holy Spirit by lashing out in a fit of rage, frustrated by a specific person or situation in life. Two chapters later, the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20 serves as a proactive approach to stop the root of bitterness from spreading like a spiritual cancer. As you learn to put on each of these pieces of spiritual armor daily, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, bitterness will begin to fade.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 235: I’m Not Who I Was

Posted on September 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the requirements for a disciple of Jesus is introduced in Matthew 16:24-27. Jesus lays out 3 expectations: deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. Prior to ascending into heaven, Jesus clarifies his great commission in Acts 1:8. Modern Christian musicians like Brandon Heath use their voices to tell the world about Jesus, spreading the Gospel throughout the earth.

You have heard of my earlier career and former manner of life in the Jewish religion (Judaism), how I persecuted and abused the church of God furiously and extensively, and [with fanatical zeal did my best] to make havoc of it and destroy it. 14 And [you have heard how] I outstripped many of the men of my own generation among the people of my race in [my advancement in study and observance of the laws of] Judaism, so extremely enthusiastic and zealous I was for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But when He, Who had chosen and set me apart [even] before I was born and had called me by His grace (His undeserved favor and blessing), saw fit and was pleased, Galatians 1:13-15.

Brandon uses the outline provided by the apostle Paul in the passage above to communicate his testimony. The lyrics of I’m Not Who I Was explains how the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit has gradually transformed Brandon’s life. As you listen to this song, may you be encouraged that it’s never too late to change for the better.

by Jay Mankus

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Fighting Through Doubt

Posted on September 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I find that confidence and doubt are competing in a daily tug of war. The apostle Paul describes a similar process in Galatians 5:16-18 as this internal battle takes place in the spiritual realm. The older I become, the confidence that I’ve possessed most of my life has been shaken since moving to South Carolina. I even struggle with basic self-confidence as I find myself fighting through doubt daily.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said, Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus, Matthew 14:25-29.

Today’s selected passage is one of the best examples of fighting through doubt. Jesus’ own disciples experience a series of emotions from fear to awe and back to fear. As the disciples headed off on a boat, Jesus stayed behind to minister to needy individuals. To catch up, Jesus walked on water through the night, making it appear that He was a ghost. The disciples’ minds couldn’t process this initially.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God,” Matthew 14:30-33.

Rubbing his eyes in disbelief at Jesus walking on water, Peter willed himself to imagine the impossible. As Peter fought through doubt, he begins to play a game of Truth or Dare with Jesus. Jesus’ response to Peter’s request brought him to take a leap of faith. Peter exited this boat to stand on the water with Jesus. The only mistake Peter made was to take his eyes off of Jesus to dwell on the water, Hebrews 12:1-2. When your own waves of disbelief come crashing ashore, fight through doubt with a will to stand.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 234: Blink

Posted on September 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes Christian groups have to ride the coat tails of more popular bands. Such is the case for Revive who opened for Third Day on a national tour in January 2007. This Christian rock band based out of Atlanta, Georgia, consisted of Dave Hanbury, Rich Thompson, Tyler Hall, and Michael Wright. Today’s featured song Blink is one of many songs I incorporated into a Bible lesson as a high school teacher.

Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. 14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]. 15 You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that [thing], James 4:13-15.

The message of Blink is based upon the passage above. While the opening stanza quotes the Psalmist learning to count every day that the Lord gives you, the chorus focuses on the pace of life on earth. As an adult, I feel like time speeds up as my summer suddenly vanished. Rather than speculate, may the lyrics of Blink inspire to live your life one day at a time.

by Jay Mankus

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Afraid of the Silence

Posted on September 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The pastor of the church Leanne and I attended on Sunday did a ten second experiment in the middle of his sermon. After reading Psalm 46:10, he glanced at his watch, not saying a word. This awkward silence felt longer than ten seconds, but he was trying to prove a point. The next portion of his message illustrated how most adults are afraid of silence, drowning it out with noise from some form of electronics.

My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him, Psalm 62:5.

Back in high school, silence was never a good thing on a date. Despite my fears of stuttering, I tried to say something funny to keep a conversation going. From a relational point of view, silence is either a sign of boredom or a lack of compatibility. As an adult, my own silence is usually a byproduct of shear exhaustion. While I enjoy talking, I don’t mind the silence as much as it gives me time to reflect upon life.

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips, Psalm 141:3.

According to the Psalmists, a collection of chapters written by different authors, silence is symbolic of a mature faith. When you don’t like your job or work, anyone can become great at procrastinating. Yet, the more time you kill in idle adventures, the less time you have to connect with and stay in tune with God. When you’re talking over someone, it’s hard to listen. Even if you’re afraid of the silence of being alone like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, when the Holy Spirit speaks God’s message, it’s clearer in the silence.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 233: I Refuse

Posted on September 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I think of El Dorado, I’m expecting some sort of Western movie or town. Yet, today’s musician is from El Dorado, Arkansas. Josh Wilson’s song I Refuse addresses individuals who try to live their lives with blinders on. While trying to drown out all the noise in life is helpful, Josh refuses to ignore situations and people who need God in their lives.

So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin, James 4:17.

Jesus’ earthly brother addresses this topic in the passage above. James is referring to sins of omission. Based upon what James learned from his older brother, sins of action or just as bad as sins of inaction. Therefore, as Josh sings about in I Refuse, knowing what’s right and failing to act is equal to a sin of commission. May the words of I Refuse inspire you to act today when you see an opportunity.

by Jay Mankus

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Faithfulness Verses Forgetfulness

Posted on September 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Whenever I listen to music, there are certain expressions or lyrics that I overlook. Such is the case for the attached song which talks about God’s faithfulness and our forgetfulness as imperfect human beings. This Geoff Moore song reminded me of something the apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Rome. God shows his faithfulness in the passage below, willing to send Jesus to die for forgetful sinners.

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. 9 Therefore, since we are now justified ([f]acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ’s blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God, Romans 5:8-9.

Meanwhile, all Christians have had their own Garden of Eden moment. A time when you were clearly introduced to and knew what God expected of you. And yet, a clouded mind, tempted and caught off guard by a supernatural Devil caused you to do just the opposite of what God desires. The apostle Paul speaks to this point in Romans 7:15-18, baffling one of the godliest men to walk the face of the earth.

And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. 4 But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity, Genesis 3:2-5.

Subsequently, every day there is an internal war that takes place, faithfulness verses forgetfulness. Paul not already considered himself one of the greatest sinners of all time in 1 Timothy 1:15 but explains this tug of war between our own sinful nature and Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:16-18. Therefore, if you want to avoid senior moments of spiritual forgetfulness, keep in step with God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 232: Never Enough

Posted on September 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Lead singer Chris Cleveland headlines the group Stars Go Dim. While this band is known for its pop sound, Never Enough slows down the pace with a classic ballad. My initial impression of the lyrics is of a person who is never satisfied, always wanting more in life. Subsequently, I was led to Jesus’ words in the passage below. When you start to seek God first, all your needs will be met.

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides, Matthew 6:33.

Unfortunately, people like me possess a perfectionist spirit that seeks the unattainable. Anyone who tends to be a workaholic also struggles with the empty feeling of never being satisfied. May the lyrics of Never Enough speak to unhappy Christians who need an attitude adjustment. When your priorities begin with seeking God’s first and His righteousness, everything else will fall into place.

by Jay Mankus

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