When Forgiveness is Painful

Posted on September 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As America celebrated the 21st anniversary of September 11th, 2001 last Sunday, a thought popped into my head. When forgiveness is painful, who has the hardest time forgiving someone? Is it the children of parents who never met their mom or dad due to the hijackers on that fateful day? Or parents who outlived their child due to a drunk driver? They are many other scenarios I thought of that makes forgiveness a painful proposition.

And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [g]reckless and willful sins, [h]leaving them, letting them go, and [i]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [j]reckless and willful sins, [k]leaving them, letting them go, and [l]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses, Matthew 6:13-15.

Nonetheless, Jesus makes it clear in what many churches refer to as the Lord’s Prayer. According to Matthew, forgiveness is conditional. As long as you forgive others, God will forgive you. Unfortunately, if you can’t for some reason extend the same courtesy that God offers to you, you won’t be forgiven for your own transgressions. Yet, some will cry out, “you don’t understand how badly this person hurt and wounded my soul.”

As for the man who is a weak believer, welcome him [into your fellowship], but not to criticize his opinions or pass judgment on his scruples or perplex him with discussions. 2 One [man’s faith permits him to] believe he may eat anything, while a weaker one [limits his] eating to vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats look down on or despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains criticize and pass judgment on him who eats; for God has accepted and welcomed him, Romans 14:1-3.

Perhaps, this may explain why the apostle Paul adds the passage above for individuals who require extra grace to forgive. The song that changed my perspective on forgiveness is Feel the Nails by Ray Boltz. Despite Ray’s own struggles with homosexuality, the lyrics to Feel the Nails struck me to the core. While the lyrics are inspirational, I still find it hard to forgive certain people in my life. May this blog help you through the process when forgiveness is painful.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 226: Glimmer of Hope

Posted on September 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I’m usually not a fan of thrash metal, but Glimmer of Hope by Ordained Fate brings up a topic that people even today have the guts to address. This mainly female band from Zion, IL use a series of sound bites from horror and western movies to ask the question, “who is to blame for all the violence in the world?” Is is television, social media or video games which make billions annually selling violence?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, Romans 15:13.

The Glimmer of Hope lyrics by Ordained Fate’s song is in a God who has a history of performing miracles. Parting the Red Sea to deliver the Israelites out of the hands of Egypt. Jesus rising from the dead three days after being crucified on a cross. While the media tries to hide it, miracles continue today without much fanfare. Noththeless, Jesus provides hope for those who lean on the Lord, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

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The Hour of Judgment

Posted on September 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a former member of the Roman Catholic Church, I understand the wrath of God. This concept was so ingrained into me as a child that I thought lightning and thunder was sent as a wakeup call for anyone who was slipping away from God. Perhaps, growing up in a military family where my father would occasionally turn into his old Army drill sergeant to scare me straight attributed to my fear of God. Now as an adult, I’m fully aware of God’s judgment as I read the Bible.

 But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every [s]idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced, Matthew 12:36-37.

The best way I know to explain God’s hour of judgment is through one of Jesus’ parables. Matthew 25:31-46 details the difference between goats and sheep. Speaking to a Jewish audience, Matthew uses the Book of Leviticus to remind readers of God’s definition for clean and unclean animals. Anyone who lives their life on earth without acknowledging God by not entering into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11 will be separated from God’s flock of sheep.

And he cried with a mighty voice, Revere God and give Him glory (honor and praise in worship), for the hour of His judgment has arrived. Fall down before Him; pay Him homage and adoration and worship Him Who created heaven and earth, the sea and the springs (fountains) of water, Revelation 14:7.

One of Jesus’ former disciples has a vision of the hour of judgment arriving. Anyone who is competitor in diving or gymnastics relies on a panel of judges to distinguish who is the best. The individual who makes the least mistakes while attempting more difficult feats receives the highest score. Yet, heaven has one standard: did you accept God’s free gift and receive this as your own, Romans 6:23. The attached song uses a similar analogy of what the hour of judgment will resemble. May the song Knot inspire you to make your reservations for heaven today if you haven’t already, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 225: Never Felt Better

Posted on September 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Back in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, there was a belief among conservative Christian churches that any form of Rock music was of the Devil. This ungodly belief was formed by preachers who didn’t understand the events of the sexual revolution of the late 1960’s. Never Felt Better by Barnabas touches on how this group was ostracized at the time this song was written, but the band members felt like they were following God’s will for their lives.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2.

The apostle Paul addresses how to discover God’s will in the passage above. As Christians begin to develop and share their earthly talents and spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit often places burdens on your heart in the form of a calling from God, Galatians 5:25. Whenever individuals are able to keep in step with the Spirit, spiritual blessings tend to follow. While Barnabas never received the attention of groups like Petra or Stryper, the members was faithful to God’s calling.

by Jay Mankus

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A Rock That Can’t Be Shaken

Posted on September 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you ask a random crowd of American citizens a question about rock in the form of a man on the street interviews often used by late night comedians, someone will answer Dwayne Douglas. This professional wrestler has become simply identified as “the Rock.” Anyone who has witnessed the Rock’s chiseled body in a movie or in person may come to the conclusion that Dwayne Douglas can’t be shaken.

He reached from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated and abhorred me, for they were too strong for me. 18 They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay and support, Psalm 18:16-18.

Yet, the Bible speaks of a supernatural rock. Before he was a king, David was a lowly shepherd boy. While moving his herd along hilly terrain, David would occasionally slip, fall or twist his ankle. David writes about a heavenly shepherd in Psalm 23. When you’re living out in the country as a nomad, you have plenty of time to reflect and think about life. This led David to stumble upon a rock that can’t be shaken.

And I tell you, you are [e]Peter [Greek, Petros—a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra—a [f]huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the [g]infernal region) shall [h]not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it], Matthew 16:18.

Following his correct answer to Jesus’ question to his disciples, Peter receives a compliment in the passage above. Jesus compares Peter to petros, a physical featured designed to point to his leadership in the first century church. As you walk through life, dodging falling rocks that come in the form of shifting circumstances and trials, may you come to know the Rock of the Bible that can’t be shaken, Ephesians 2:20.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 224: Framing My Perception

Posted on September 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song reminds me of Barlow Girl’s hit song Mirror dealing with a girl’s struggle to overcome the imperfections of her appearance. Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh or GFM for short sings about overcoming temptation in Framing My Perception. The attached video uses a bottle of alcohol as a means to kill your pain. The key to overcoming temptation is finding the way out.

No temptation[c] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[d] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[e] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The lyrics of Framing My Perception serve as a call to action to stand tall when temptation arrives unexpectedly. The chorus of this song refers to opening your eyes to find a life that is worth living, John 10:10. Rather than repeat the mistakes of your past, may Framing My Perception inspire you to make a change for the better.

by Jay Mankus

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Who I Am… Not What I Do

Posted on September 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I first became introduced to Casting Crowns by a group started by teenagers at Red Lion Christian Academy. Faith on Fire was formed under the leadership of Jim Walls and evolved into a ministry team. One of the members was Kaylyn Warren, one of my students that I taught over my ten-year teaching career. Despite losing her battle to cancer at age 18, Kaylyn was a gifted singer who regularly led worship at chapel services. The words of one song often sung reminds me of Who I Am in Christ, not what I do.

 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me, Galatians 2:20.

At any social gathering that you attend, one of the first topics men discuss is “what do you do” and “where did you go to school?” If you’re in between jobs or not proud of your current position, you may give a brief answer before changing the subject to something more comfortable. While I have been blessed to hold several great positions like Store Manager of Michael Jordan Golf at O’Hare International Airport and Regional Staff Writer for Travel Golf Media, this is not who I am today.

[Therefore, I do not treat God’s gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous,] Galatians 2:21.

I’m a humble servant of Jesus. I have been crucified with Christ like the apostle Paul explains in Colossians 3:1-4. I walk by faith, not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:7. I have been saved by God’s grace, Ephesians 2:8-10. Who I will become is yet to be determined, but Philippians 1:6 claims that God is preparing me so that I can accomplish God’s will for my life. While I still have aspirations to become a full-time screen writer and complete the television series that I have in my head and on my heart, James 4:13-15 reminds me that I need to live life one day at a time. Do your best and let God take care of the rest.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 223: Lasting Love

Posted on September 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song brings me back to the classic metal of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. When you watch the attached video of Lasting Love by Ransom, you might think you’re watching a secular group. However, as Lisa Faxon begins to sing, this lasting love isn’t about a couple, but based upon a loving God detailed in the Bible. While the word ransom usually has a negative connotation, the group shares heavenly metal.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love, 1 John 4:16-18.

While listening to Lasting Love for the first time, I was reminded of the words written by the disciple whom Jesus loved. As a member of Jesus’ inner circle or in today’s terms core leader, John had many private conversations that only Peter, and James heard. Subsequently, the promise of God’s lasting love in the passage above compliments today’s featured song.

by Jay Mankus

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The Broken Road

Posted on September 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Rather than get depressed by watching old footage of the events of September 11th, 2001, I decided to listen to Christian music Sunday morning. The album in my car CD player just happened to be Geoff Moore and the Distance. Before exiting my vehicle, the song God Bless the Broken Road began. The lyrics helped me realized If it wasn’t for 9/11, I would have never become a High School Bible Teacher.

Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads and look; and ask for the eternal paths, where the good, old way is; then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it! 17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hear and obey the sound of the trumpet! But they said, We will not listen or obey, Jeremiah 6:16-17.

Prior to September 11th, I was working as an Independent Contractor and serving as a Staff Writer for Travel Golf Media. Due to the restrictions on air travel following this terrorist attack, my writer position was the first broken road to lead me to consider teaching. When my bank contracts were reduced at the end of 2001, this was the second broken road, leading me to interview for a open position in 2002.

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14 But the gate is narrow (contracted [k]by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it, Matthew 7:13-14.

Whenever you endure hardships like death or tragedy, God uses these events to get your attention. After working nights for 2 years, I took the leap of faith when I received a call from Red Lion Christian Academy out of the blue asking, “can you start at the beginning of the second semester?” While the images of September 11th, 2002, are heard to forger, God uses broken roads to lead you toward God’s will for your life. I spent 10 wonderful years as a golf coach and teacher all because of a broken road.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 222: Pursue

Posted on September 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

From time to time, artists will join together to do a project together or unite for one song. Such is the case with Tayler Doiron and Daniel Garcia. These two artists are part of Vantage Worship, singing Pursue as a duet. The lyrics of Pursue point to Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:36-40. The greatest two commandments is to pursue the love of God and focus on loving your neighbor as yourself.

Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart, 2 Timothy 2:22.

Yet, before you can pursue God, Christian’s must learn to overcome temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13. As believers mature by finding the way out of temptation, seeking God first by pursuing righteousness is possible. As you listen to Pursue, may you be inspired to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. May today’s song get you in the mood to worship the Lord on Sunday.

by Jay Mankus

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