A Habitual Faith

Posted on September 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a child, exceling as a student did not come naturally to me. Playing sports did, but only baseball was easy and natural. If I wanted to get better, habitually practicing was my goal. I spent most of my free time playing ball outside, hitting tennis balls against the side of our house and playing the course golf course that I created in my backyard. Unfortunately, I wasn’t gifted with great size or strength, so I learned to be gritty, willing myself to get better and enhance my skills daily.

But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts], 1 John 1:7-8.

When I became a Christian at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event in the middle of my sophomore year of high school, I began to apply these same principles to my faith. I started a Bible Study at my house, even though I didn’t know what I was doing. My drive to become a better Christian led me to join a weekly accountability group, attend a Methodist youth group religiously every Sunday night and pursue opportunities for monthly retreats. By my senior year, I was appointed the Program Director for my FCA huddle meetings at Concord High School.

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action], 1 John 1:9.

Yet, this is not what a habitual faith resembles. During a Christian retreat in college, pastor Tommy Nelson introduced me to “Spit Baths.” Pastor Nelson was referring to Christians who schedule time with God daily, but their Bible Study and prayer times are short and meaningless. This message has stuck with me over the years, urging me to dig deeper into God’s Word and pour out my heart to God in prayer. Genuine habitual faith occurs when believers naturally keep in step with the Holy Spirit, daily sharing with others what God is teaching you about the Bible and how it applies to life. May this blog inspire you to pursue a habitual faith.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 216: Only One

Posted on September 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jacksonville, Florida is known for its beaches and host sight for the annual backyard rivalry of the Georgia/Florida college football game. However, today’s song comes from Yellowcard who formed their band in 1997 in Jacksonville. During the Coronavirus pandemic, I spent my lunches at my desk, looking for wholesome music new to me. One of those searches led me to the song Only One by Yellowcard.

And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved, Acts 4:12.

Based upon the lyrics from lead singer Ben Dobson and attached video, Only One appears to me a love song. Yet, for me, I was drawn to the words of a first century doctor in the passage above. While physical love can be amazing, spiritual love lasts for eternity. Although emotions rise and fall based upon your feelings, Jesus is the only one who promises eternal salvation.

by Jay Mankus

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When Character Seems Illogical

Posted on September 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

August 28th is the 59th anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior’ I have a Dream speech. While there are a couple of memorable moments, my favorite is Dr. King’s vision of an America where people are judged based upon the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Unfortunately, recent efforts by the Cancel Culture and Woke Movements have prevented MLK’s dream from becoming a reality.

You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too, Matthew 5:38-39.

Human nature is one of the main reasons to blame. According to the apostle Paul in Romans 7:14-20 sinful desires tend to take over human bodies. Subsequently, that which you were told to do as a child, which the Bible refers to as good and right, is not carried out. Meanwhile, a new age of justification and rationalization has swept through the United States to excuse bad behavior.

Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God—that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection], 1 Peter 3:9.

Yet, there are situations where character seems illogical. Jesus spoke about turning the other cheek when you are emotionally or physically attacked. C.S. Lewis wrote about self-preservation in Mere Christianity. Lewis uses the context of war for self-defense. Nonetheless, the Bible claims that God is the ultimate judge who will seek revenge on your behalf. Therefore, while character does seem illogical in the passages above, Christians need to be spiritually transformed before portions of the Bible make sense.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 215: Purpose for Pain

Posted on September 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The voice of today’s song may sound familiar as Scott Stapp was the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Creed. Scott was also a key member of the group Art of Anarchy which released 3 albums during their tenure. However, the song the Purpose of Pain got my attention after finding it on You Tube. The lyrics build upon the words of Peter in the passage below.

[You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7 So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed, 1 Peter 1:6-7.

Scott looks at the events in life and asks the Lord, “what is the purpose of this pain that I’m currently going through.” Perhaps, Scott may have been inspired by the testimony of Job found in his Old Testament book. When Christian’s begin to ask the Lord daily in prayer, “why is this happening to me,” answers will come in due time. May you be ready to accept, grasp and understand the purpose of pain.

by Jay Mankus

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The Secret to Unity

Posted on September 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every year authors and self-help guru’s release new books and or videos. To bring attention to their new products, claims are made that if you read or watch this, you will finally know the secret to this or that. From time to time, there are breakthroughs and theories presented. Yet rarely do these initial claims shine new light on the secret to unity.

Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another, Ephesians 4:2.

The apostle Paul starts Ephesians 4 with a disclaimer. While unity isn’t mentioned, Paul does refer to God’s service. In the words that follow, Paul lays out the secret to unity. Similar to the content of Philippians 2:1-5, unity begins by taking on the same attitude of Christ. A series of qualities and traits follow. When you clothe yourself with fruits of the Spirit, unity appears to be possible.

Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. 4 [There is] one body and one Spirit—just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received—Ephesians 4:3-4.

One of the reasons unity doesn’t last is due to a lack of persistence. Just as King Solomon warned one of his sons to guard your heart above all else, Proverbs 4:23, this is designed to create a sense of urgency. Without any leaders from church keeping watch for impending opposition, unity is broken. Therefore, if you want to know the secret of unity, start keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 214: Singing in the Rain

Posted on September 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from north of the border. Brothers Michael and Shawn Cavallo formed Manic Drive back in 2004. This Canadian Christian rock band is living their dream as children as each began singing at an early age. Today’s song is Singing in the Rain, which mixes pop with soft rock. The lyrics serve as a reminder to not let the weather dictate your mood.

I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field yield their fruit, Leviticus 26:4.

As a child living in Delaware, I remember singing in the rain as drops from the sky cooled off the summer heat for a short time. Rain is one of those things that farmers rejoice while Little Leaguers are forced to wait another day to play their game. Regardless of the time of year, rain is provided by the Lord in due season to give life to plants every spring. May today’s song bring joy to your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Reverse Engineering Politics

Posted on September 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Reverse engineering is the reproduction of another manufacturer’s product following detailed examination of its construction or composition. I was first introduced this term while watching a documentary on Aera 51. According to firsthand accounts from scientists, the technology found in crashed spaceships have been applied to designs of modern aircrafts.

Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. 2 Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them], Romans 13:1-2.

Whether you believe in Unidentified Flying Objects or not, social media giants are being used to reverse engineer politics. Google, Facebook, and Twitter have been allowed and given the power to control the daily narratives of current events. If a story didn’t fit their ideology, it is buried, disregarded or suppressed by global elites. Political searches on conversative and liberal political candidates demonize one side while only displaying the positive on the other. These are the algorithms Elon Musk wanted to uncover before attempting to buy Twitter.

For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation. 4 For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer, Romans 13:3-4.

Jesus told his disciples to expect to be hated by the world, John 15:19. As Peter writes to first century Christians scattered following Nero’s persecution, we are aliens and strangers in this land, 1 Peter 2:11. The only person you can control is yourself. Therefore, while you may be lumped in with a group of people who you voted for, your main goal is to be a servant for good. Although you may not be successful is convincing others to your point of view, use history, 1 Corinthians 10:1-7, as a resource to steer people in the right direction, 1 Peter 3:15-16. Yet, do this with a humble and graceful heart.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 213: Let Me Drown

Posted on September 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

We As Human formed in Nashville, Tennessee in the mid 2000’s. Like any hungry musician passionate to share their music, We as Human toured relentlessly, building a loyal following in Nashville and around the United States. Over the years, lead singer Justin Cordle, guitarists Jake Jones and Justin Forshaw, bassist Dave Draggoo, and drummer Adam Osborne has been a success with songs like Let Me Drown.

But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and[a]acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better ([b]more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea, Matthew 18:6.

After listening to the lyrics for the first time, I thought of Jesus’ words in the passage above. Yet, the lyrics point to someone who doesn’t feel worthy to live. While Justin sings about the fate of drowning, it’s up to God whether or not he survives the crashing waves and water. Whatever is going on in your life, make sure you don’t cause a little child to stumble or fall by the life that you live.

by Jay Mankus

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Is Winning Everything?

Posted on September 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When you’re not a good student as a child, you try to find one aspect of life where you excel. As for me, stuttering prevented me from receiving positive recognition in class. The only thing I seemed to be good at was running. As my stick figure, skinny bones body began to fill in, winning little league games became a habit. Subsequently, I got addicted to winning as it became everything to me.

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]? – 1 John 5:4-5.

This winning is everything attitude stuck with me until college. During my first semester at the University of Delaware, I rejected God like Peter who publicly denied knowing Jesus following his arrest, Mark 14:66-72. Although older neighbors warned me of the temptations on campus, I thought I could handle it. Indulging myself in the college party scene taught me a valuable lesson about the Lordship of Christ.

And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life. 13 I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [c]the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, [d]yes, eternal life, 1 John 5:11-13.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes brought me back to God. During a spiritual retreat on the campus of James Madison University, a burning conviction penetrated my heart. This gnawed at me all weekend until I jumped out of my chair at an open mic in the wee hours of Sunday morning. During this moment of public confession, I exchanged winning is everything for a will to make Jesus the Lord of my life, Romans 10:9-11. True inning on earth is making your eternal reservations for heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 212: Breathe Into Me

Posted on September 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are a country artist or Christian band, Nasville, Tennessee tends to be a common destination. This music hub is where Red, an American Christian rock band formed. Brothers Anthony Armstrong and Randy Armstrong joined up with lead vocalist Michael Barnes to form the distinct sound of Red. Depending upon the specific song, Red has an alternative sound with a mix of metal or rock.

So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). 18 But I ask, Have they not heard? Indeed they have; [for the Scripture says] Their voice [that of nature bearing God’s message] has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the far bounds of the world, Romans 10:17-18.

The video of Breathe into Me begins with a woman lying on a hospital bed. When you add the lyrics to the video, you get the sense Michael Barnes is praying to God for a miracle. Yet, you can interpret more than one meaning. Whenever a crisis arises, people respond with desperation. As a Christian, we all need to be revived and renewed. May this song challenge you to rely on the Lord for all your life and vigor.

by Jay Mankus

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