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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Family and Faith

Posted on September 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Some people may blame the death of two family members a week a part on bad luck. Others may point to destiny or fate for this rare occurrence. Yet, for me as a participant in the burials of Dick and Barb Wagner (my wife’s mother), I saw this as an opportunity for family and faith. Pastor Shawk’s message at Barb’s funeral, the day before her burial, was entitled Faith and Family. As I listened to Carl reflect upon his father’s life (Richard’s son), family and faith appear to be the legacy of the Wagners.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2 For by [faith—[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report, Hebrews 11:1-2.

Following the burials, those in attendance spent a few hours at one of Barb’s favorite restaurants. Meanwhile, conversations continued all afternoon long. Between golfing, playing disc golf and having leftovers in the hotel lobby, the deaths of Barb and Dick has brought everyone closer together than ever before. There is something about breaking bread together that sets an ideal environment for relationships to grow stronger. Perhaps, this explains Luke’s words in Acts 2:42 with fellowship as one of the core practices of the apostles.

By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible, Hebrews 12:3.

The author of Hebrews lays out how belief and faith work hand and hand. Part of faith is trusting that God is in control, Proverbs 3:5-6. Subsequently, when circumstances in life causes doubt to enter your mind, remember the victorious Christians of the past who are mentioned in the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11. Each one was challenged and tested, but as each matured, their faith stood tall. Yet, in times of death, families are needed to lift you up from sadness. May this blog inspire you to center your life around faith and family.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 211: All of Me

Posted on August 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from an American Christian rock band, formed in 2001. Ashes Remain is based in Baltimore, Maryland, close to where I spent the past 25 years of my life. Josh Smith and Ryan Nalepa are the two main forces behind Ashes Remain. The lyrics of All of Me begin with a struggling Christian who is afraid of letting others know what’s going on in their life.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([r]relief and ease and refreshment and [s]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls, Matthew 11:28-29.

While listening to All of Me for the first time, I was reminded of Jesus’ words in the passage above. Unfortunately, too many people try to take care of their problems on their own. When pride causes individuals try to take on their own burdens, it’s only a matter of time before your life fall apart. May this song nudge you to come as you are so that you can lay your burdens on the foot of the cross.

by Jay Mankus

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Right, Wrong or Evil?

Posted on August 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Nearly twenty years ago, I taught a World Religion Course. One of the terms this class covered was Relativism. At this time in America’s history, following the events of September 11th, 2001, right, wrong, and evil was able to defined without being Cancelled or offending someone in the Woke Community. However, now the age of relativism has arrived, altering our language and vocabulary.

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord, Romans 12:18-19.

One of the best sermons I ever heard on this topic was by Lee Strobel. Strobel was doing a sermon series at Willow Creek on What would God say to. This particular message was about the life of Dennis Rodman was who playing for the Chicago Bulls at the time. Lee spoke about the first time Dennis was disciplined in life, as a sophomore in college by the father of his host family. Dennis stole something from the farm and was spanked to teach him right from wrong, defining evil for the first time in his life.

But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. 21 Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good, Romans 12:20-21.

In today’s politically charged world, discipline is considered racist according to CRT, critical race theory. Rather than use the words of Hebrews 12:5-7 to define earthly boundaries, a generation of children raised in public schools aren’t being taught the difference between right, wrong or evil. Like a politician caught doing the exact opposite of the policy they forced their voters to follow, excuses are made to exempt them. May God send a spirit of revival worldwide so that right, wrong and evil is clearly understood.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 210: The One I’m Running To

Posted on August 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The One I’m Running To is from a band from Mount Vernon, Kentucky. 7eventh Time Down debuted in September of 2011. In the past decade, 7eventh Time Down has released 5 albums along with two special Christmas EP’s. I discovered this Christian rock band on You Tube. The One I’m Running To uses the stress of paying bills to push people to trust an invisible God when their money runs out.

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.

The second stanza focuses on personal temptations and the emotions these daily trials bring. Rather than run away and hide, 7eventh Time Down suggests it’s time to start running toward the Lord. Sometimes all you need is to comes to your senses, Luke 15:17-20, that leads a parable back home to their heavenly Father. May the words of The One I’m Running To inspire you to draw closer to the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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Politically Divided

Posted on August 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In this age of statistics, athletes, coaches, and political leaders have so many numbers to analyze and crunch daily. While I am used to hearing stats on television, I recently heard a shocking statistic from the pulpit last Sunday. Due to political division within the Christian churches in the United States, 38 percent of pastors considered leaving the ministry in 2021. Perhaps two years of dealing with the Coronavirus have pushed preachers to their breaking point.

But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments. 11 For it has been made clear to me, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions and wrangling and factions among you, 1 Corinthians 1:10-11.

Division is the action of separating something into parts or the process of being separated. Whenever a large group of people come together to meet, there will always be political factions who agree on issues. As a former elder, these sects often begin innocently within Sunday School classes. Depending on the particular leader and their desire for power, a spirit of unity can be maintained by the mature or used a weapon of evil to create dissension.

 If I am detained, you may know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and stay (the prop and support) of the Truth. 16 And great and important and weighty, we confess, is the hidden truth (the mystic secret) of godliness. He [[b]God] was made visible in human flesh, justified and vindicated in the [Holy] Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, [and] taken up in glory, 1 Timothy 3:15-16.

The context of the passage above is guidelines given to a teenage pastor for selecting biblical leaders within his church. If you lower your standards for somewhere that you may like, you open the door for future division. Paul makes a great point by saying “if a man can’t control his own household, how can they lead a church.” While some may refer to this as old fashioned, this is the living Word of God, Hebrews 4:12. May this blog help you improve the unity within your own church.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 209: Once and For All

Posted on August 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a group of high school friends that formed their band in December of 1992. Kevin Young, Brad Noah, Adrian DiTommasi and Tim Barrett started the Christian group Disciple. Since this biblical name is used by many churches and ministries, Disciple hasn’t received credit they deserve as musicians. Once and for All is one of many hit songs blending metal with classic rock.

And in accordance with this will [of God], we have been made holy (consecrated and sanctified) through the offering made once for all of the body of Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), Hebrews 10:10.

At the beginning of the attached video, Hebrew 10:10 flashes at the top of the screen. Based upon the lyrics, Disciple is quoting the reality that Jesus died once and for all for all sins in the past, the present and future transgressions. This is the great news of the gospel, the Messiah who was sent to earth as a second Adam to redeem the lost, Romans 5:12-21. May this biblical promise magnify God’s grace.

by Jay Mankus

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The Shaft to the Abyss

Posted on August 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Half of the Gospel of John is devoted to the events of Passion Week: Jesus’ final week on earth. In the passage below, Jesus drops a hint about Good Friday and Easter Sunday. A first century doctor either interviewed Jesus following his resurrection or had a vision of Jesus’ trip to Hades, Acts 2:31. Paul devotes 1 Corinthians 15 to explaining the significance of Jesus conquering death via his resurrection.

In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way, John 14:2-4.

Jesus doesn’t explain how He was able to visit the Abyss which John uses to describe hell. Yet, during one vision, John sees a shaft open up momentarily to unveil this bottomless pit. As soon as the fifth angel in heaven blew his trumpet, the shaft to the Abyss opened to reveal a glimpse of hell. Out of this shaft came a plume of smoke like a modern-day industrial plant polluting the sky above.

Then the fifth angel blew [his] trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth; and to the angel was given the key [a]of the shaft of the Abyss (the bottomless pit). 2 He opened the [b]long shaft of the Abyss (the bottomless pit), and smoke like the smoke of a huge furnace puffed out of the [c]long shaft, so that the sun and the atmosphere were darkened by the smoke from the long shaft, Revelation 9:1-2.

Hell is one of those topics which rarely comes up at a funeral. To avoid depressing family and friends, heaven is brought up to bring comfort to those in audience. Yet, when you consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14, few people follow the less traveled road. Therefore, may this blog cause you to consider the shaft of the Abyss. May the fear of death scare people straight toward eternal life.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 208: The Robe

Posted on August 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When you try to highlight 365 different artists in one year, you reach a point when you think, did I already write about this artist? I hope this isn’t a repeat, but today’s song was introduced to me by my spiritual mentor Ken Horne during a high school retreat. The Robe by Wes King uses the imagery of a baptism along with the passage below as an invitation to come to Jesus so that you can walk away clean and free.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([r]relief and ease and refreshment and [s]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [t]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne, Matthew 11:28-30.

There are certain people that I’ve met in life that revel in worry. The closer you are or become to these individuals, spirits of worry can become oppressive and often wear you down. The Robe serves as a positive message as God accepts you where you are in life. While some Christian’s still dress up for church to impress others, come as you are to accept and embrace God’s grace and mercy.

by Jay Mankus

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