S.A.N.S. Episode 192: In Jesus Name (God of Possible)

Posted on August 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Before I start today’s blog, I want to wish Katy Nicole a happy 22nd birthday. During a recent search for young and talented Christian musicians, Katy’s name popped up first. After looking up her bio, the internet revealed that today is her birthday, July 29th. While Katy’s Central Illinois upbringing points to humble beginnings, the lyrics of In Jesus Name suggests a Christian who walks what she sings about.

And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38.

First century apostle used the expression “in Jesus name” during prayers and as part of the baptism of new believers. Meanwhile, the lyrics of Katy’s song point to the God of possibilities. Perhaps quoting Luke 1:37 and Matthew 19:26, Katy mixes faith with pray to move any mountain standing in your way. May In Jesus Name inspire you to have faith and not doubt while you pray.

by Jay Mankus

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My Own Personal Story of the Living Years

Posted on August 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Mike Rutherford started Mike and the Mechanics as a side project while a member of the group Genesis. This decision opened the door for Mike to leave the spotlight of lead singer Phil Collins to begin his own music legacy. While Mike and the Mechanics released several popular songs, the Living Years was by far their most meaningful hit. I was reminded of this song when my mother-in-law passed away last week.

 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([d]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him, John 3:16-17.

In the middle of the Coronavirus Pandemic, my wife and her sister decided to remove Barb from a nursing home in Chicago so that she could stay the remainder of her living years at Laura’s home in South Carolina. This wasn’t an easy decision but was made so that Barb could live as close to a normal life as possible for someone in her weakened condition. While living in Delaware, Leanne made as many trips to Aiken as possible until our families move in June of 2022.

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.

Barb fought hard, living 22 months in South Carolina, allowing my wife to be there for the final two months. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when a loved one can’t communicate with you. Yet, Leanne was there for the final 48 hours until Barb went home to be with the Lord on August 4th, 2022. As the Wagner family prepares to say goodbye at the funeral in Chicago, I will always remember the Living Years when Barb was at her best playing with her grandchildren or improving her home. R.I.P.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 191: Look What You’ve Done

Posted on August 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Tasha Layton first emerged on the Christian music scene in 2019 with her hit song Love Lifting Me. Yet, it wasn’t until 2022 when I first discovered Tasha. One of my best friends had a daughter who was going through a difficult period in life. Since I’m on You Tube daily, he asked me if I could pass along as many encouraging songs as I could find. This search led me to uncover Look What You’ve Done.

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [g]infuses inner strength into me; I am [h]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency], Philippians 4:13.

If there is one individual who was truly transformed in the Bible, its Saul from Tarsus. Saul’s background as a Pharisee led him to persecute the church and oversee the death of Stephen in Acts 7:59-60. On the Road to Damascus, Saul has an encounter with Jesus and is temporary blinded. However, by Acts 9 God does a miracle in Saul who changed his name to Paul to highlight what Christ has done in his life.

by Jay Mankus

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Five Months of Torment

Posted on August 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Torment may involve mental or physical suffering. Those who have endured torment experience extreme circumstances. This is usually associated with a previous accident, battle with illness or ongoing medical condition. My personal torment lasted twenty years of coping with a severe stutter that crippled my ability to share what was on heart or on my mind. Every time I opened my mouth as a child, I was fearful of embarrassing myself like that reading circle in first grade.

Then out of the smoke locusts came forth on the earth, and such power was granted them as the power the earth’s scorpions have. 4 They were told not to injure the herbage of the earth nor any green thing nor any tree, but only [to attack] such human beings as do not have the seal (mark) of God on their foreheads, Revelation 9:3-4.

According to one of his letters to the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul dealt with his own inner demons. Paul describes this condition as a thorn in his flesh, likely an infected splinter, 2 Corinthians 12:7. According to Paul, a messenger of Satan came to torture and torment him for an extended period of time. Despite these circumstances, 2 Corinthians 12:8-12 reveals the valuable spiritual lesson Paul learned. Whatever your situation, the weaker you are opens the door for Jesus to become strong.

They were not permitted to kill them, but to torment (distress, vex) them for five months; and the pain caused them was like the torture of a scorpion when it stings a person, Revelation 9:5.

Luke 16:19-31 tells a parable of a man suffering in hell. This eternally condemned rich man asks if he can return to earth to warn his living family. Yet, Abraham denies his request as individuals must repent on their own. Today’s passage speaks of a physical torment in the last days on earth. Creatures from the Abyss which are a hybrid between locusts and scorpions were sent to torment mankind. The pain of being stung would linger for up to five months. May this glimpse of future events help you appreciate the little blessings in life.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 190: By Your Side

Posted on August 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my former high school students introduced me to today’s featured artist. Tenth Avenue North is a contemporary Christian music band from West Palm Beach, Florida. Over the past two decades, this group ministered to Christians across the United States. In their song By Your Side, today’s video interviews a couple of people who were forced to start over in life following natural disasters.

He who [a]dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! 3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence, Psalm 91:1-3.

One of the Psalmist explains how God can be by your side despite being invisible. This divine being has a calming presence to help you overcome extreme circumstances. Like the Footprints poem, God will carry you for extended periods, signaled by one set of footprints on the sand. As you watch today’s vdeo, may the words of By Your Side speak to your heart and encourage your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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When You’re Accidently Going Nowhere

Posted on August 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Impatient travelers are nothing new. While Moses doesn’t use the expression “are we there yet,” modern readers can visualize an annoying child asking this question over and over again during a long car ride. When people are hot and tired, tempers often flare which is what happens in the passage below. As complaining and grumbling intensified, the Israelites lost it when someone realized they were accidently going in circles, losing their way in the ever-shifting sand of the desert.

They set out from Elim, and all the congregation of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they left the land of Egypt. 2 And the whole congregation of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, Exodus 16:1-2.

If history tends to go through a series of cycles, don’t be surprised when you find yourself lost in life. Whenever your confidence is shaken, assurance wobbles as where to go and what to do comes into question. I started 2022 with high hopes to write another screenplay and get promoted at Amazon. As the third quarter of this year is about to end, I find myself going backwards. I don’t think I missed the exit I was supposed to get off of, but I’m wandering around in circles like the Israelites.

Moreover, as they go about from house to house, they learn to be idlers, and not only idlers, but gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say and talking of things they should not mention, 1 Timothy 5:13.

The apostle Paul points to idleness as the reason why some Christians end up accidently going nowhere. When you stop taking chances in life by playing it safe, you may find yourself lulled into a spiritual rut. Meanwhile, you may know exactly what needs to be done, but talk is cheap until faith is put into action. May the words of Jesus’ earthly brother challenge you break out of any bad habit by exercising your faith, James 2:26.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 189: Lead Me

Posted on August 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

During a five-year stretch, I served on a security team for Christian concerts at Red Lion. The David Crowder Band and the News Boys were the headliners that our church hosted. However, one of the lesser-known bands at who opened for the News Boys was Sanctus Real. While I was busy at my security check point, a friend told me about their testimony shared on stage about battling with stuttering.

 Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity, 1 Timothy 4:12.

Sanctus Real’s song Lead Me reminds me of a message passed on to a first century preacher. Age shouldn’t be used as an excuse to not lead others. Rather, leadership involves emulating the life, speech and faith of Jesus Christ. The lyrics of Lead Me talk about reflecting upon what’s going on inside of you. Things may look okay externally, but leading starts by being transformed from within.

by Jay Mankus

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From the Passion of the Christ to Apologists for Criminals

Posted on August 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In the years following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, a large portion of the United States turned to God for answers. Church attendance hit records highs the Sunday after 9/11 and films like the Passion of the Christ sparked a mini revival in 2004. A generation of Christians were motivated to emulate the faith and life of Jesus. Unfortunately, sometime in the past 20 years our culture has turned away from truth and justice to cuddle and embrace repeat criminals.

Mary took a pound of ointment of pure liquid nard [a rare perfume] that was very expensive, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the one of His disciples who was about to betray Him, said, 5 Why was this perfume not sold for 300 denarii [a year’s wages for an ordinary workman] and that [money] given to the poor (the destitute)? – John 12:3-5

Billionaire George Soros recently vowed to continue to financially support district attorneys who are soft on crime. Despite recent spikes in crimes and murders national wide, Soros said,“I have no intention of stopping my support for them” according to an article in the New York Post. While Soros has good intentions of not wanting to imprison African Americans, his passion as an apologist for criminals has made Soros near sighted of all the innocent victims of repeat offenders.

Now he did not say this because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief; and having the bag (the money box, the purse of the Twelve), he took for himself what was put into it [pilfering the collections]. 7 But Jesus said, Let her alone. It was [intended] that she should keep it for the time of My preparation for burial. [She has kept it that she might have it for the time of My [a]embalming, ] John 12:6-7.

One of the first stories John recounts during Passion Week, Jesus’ last week on earth, is a conflict between Judas Iscariot and a prostitute trying to anoint Jesus. This side of Judas reveals his motive for selling out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. While prostitution is still a crime, Judas’ attitude and behavior is what Jesus focuses on. May the Passion of the Christ wear off on DA’s so that justice and order is restored.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 188: Do I Stand Alone?

Posted on August 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Mike Stand is one of the original members of the Punk rock group the Altar Boys. Mike served as the lead singer of this iconic Christian band. Back in the late 1980’s, Mike left the Altar Boys to pursue a solo career releasing a few albums on his own. While there are a number of songs I could have featured today, Do I Stand Alone applies well to current events.

And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none, Ezekiel 22:30.

History is full of cycles, times where people were obedient to God and periods of compromise that led cultures to do what’s right in their own eyes. The book of Judges illustrates this point as good leadership results in blessings while poor leaders brought curses upon Israel, Judges 21:25. The prophet lived in a day when Israelites were afraid to take a stand for God. Like Mike sings, are you willing to stand today?

by Jay Mankus

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Abaddon

Posted on August 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The origin of Abaddon is found in Judaism. According to the Brown Driver Briggs lexicon, the Hebrew word אבדוןa, avadon, is an intensive form of the Semitic root and verb stem abad. The Greek word for adaddon is Apollyon which means destroyer when translated into English. The context of Abaddon is part of John’s vision who is the angel of Hell also known as the Abyss.

Over them as king they have the angel of the Abyss (of the bottomless pit). In Hebrew his name is Abaddon [destruction], but in Greek he is called Apollyon [destroyer], Revelation 9:11.

Growing up in a Roman Catholic Church, I was taught about the wrath of God in the Old Testament. This biblical emphasis caused me to view God as a disciplinarian. Similar to the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, I believed that obedience to God was the key to having a successful life. Subsequently, I perceived the good and bad things that happened to me as blessings and curses.

The first woe (calamity) has passed; behold, two others are yet to follow, Revelation 9:12.

As I matured in my faith, this mindset was unhealthy and self-destructive. While attending a Sunday School class at Red Lion, a couple introduced me to Restoring the Foundations. This book and ministry helped me fill in the gaps of my flawed theology. If you find yourself in a destructive situation or in the process of being destroyed spiritually, I highly recommend RTF by Chester and Betsy Kylstra.

by Jay Mankus

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