The Difference Between an Animal and the Devil

Posted on June 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When news broke of the Uvalde school shooting last Thursday, media outlets began searching for how and why this tragedy occurred. When the name of the shooter was unveiled, Salvador Ramos was compared to an animal and monster by several cable news analysts. While you can compare Salvador to Cain from the Bible, Genesis 4:5-7, there is a difference between an animal and the Devil.

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

One of Jesus’ former disciples compares the Devil to the king of the jungle. This invisible enemy is like a hungry lion searching for prey to devour. As a child I remember watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom on Sunday nights before I went to bed. One episode featured lions separating young and weak Wildebeest from the herd. Once separated, it was only a matter of time before the lion’s hunger was satisfied.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:10.

While animals follow their herd instincts, the Devil is much more destructive. According to Jesus, the Devil is similar to a thief who is eager to steal, kill, and destroy lives. Although you may not have physical possessions stolen, the Devil seeks to steal your joy for life, kill any remaining dreams and destroy your hope. While cable panelists may not know the difference between animals and the Devil, Peter is clear about the preventative steps Christians must take so that you don’t become the Devil’s next victim.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 120: To the Sky

Posted on May 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Pete Stewart is one of those Christian artists who has done whatever it takes to fulfill his dream of being a musician. Stewart started out as the lead singer of The Accident Experiment and guitarist for Tait. In more recent years, Pete has become the lead singer of Grammatrain as well as a songwriter and producer. The lyrics of To the Sky speak to a desire to seize the day so you can do what God is calling today.

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.

To the Sky reminds me of words written by Jesus’ earthly brother. James reached a point in his life where God helped him see how short life on earth can be. Since tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, it’s important to look to the sky to figure out what exactly is God’s will for your life, Romans 12:1-2. May To the Sky serve as a reminder to lift each new day up to the Lord in prayer so you will begin to seize the moments God provides.

by Jay Mankus

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Where Was God in Uvalde?

Posted on May 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Following the most recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, one of the first headlines I saw on social media pierced my heart. This one particular comment blamed God for not intervening. The exact quote was “Where was God in the Uvalde School Shooting?” Unfortunately, when freewill is exercised and someone has already made up their mind like Cain, the only thing remaining is the actual act of evil.

But for [a]Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. 6 And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it, Genesis 4:5-7.

Based upon the initial investigation into the life of the school shooter Salvador Ramos, he had a speech impediment, a stutter that caused other students to tease him. Beside recently dropping out of high school, Salvador’s family had a criminal record that led him to live with his grandparents. One psychologist suggested that the pictures of graduating seniors displayed throughout downtown UValde may have been one of the triggers that caused Salvador to snap.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death, James 1:13-15.

While Texas officials may never uncover the reason for Salvador’s evil actions, the Bible shines light upon what is going on inside of sinful minds. Cain was envious of his younger brother Abel who was blessed by God. This jealousy conceived hatred inside of Cain’s heart that Jesus compares to the root of murder in Matthew 5:21-22. Meanwhile, temptation does originate from God. Rather, temptation is an internal process that baits, entices and lures people like Salvador to sin. Just like God tried to talk Cain out of getting rid of his brother, God’s attempt to change Salvador’s mind was unsuccessful to stop freewill.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 119: There You Go

Posted on May 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Caedmon’s Call is one of the Christian groups that I lean on when an emotional pick me up. This group led by Cliff Young on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, blends traditional folk with alternative rock. If I’m in a mellow mood, I prefer Shifting Sand. Yet, my favorite and today’s featured song is There You Go. Both of these appear on the 40 Acres album. While now disbanded, Caedmon’s Call has aged well with time.

Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them [b]into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you [c]all the days ([d]perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. [e]Amen (so let it be), Matthew 28:19-20.

Following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus into heaven, Christians possessed a sense of urgency to fulfill the Great Commission introduced by Jesus in the passage above. This plan began by telling all of your friends and family about Jesus. When the disciples ran out of names, they traveled to surrounding towns and villages. Once stage two was completed, the ends of the earth is the final step. If you ever get bored spiritually, listen to God’s still small voice and you’ll go where the Holy Spirit leads.

by Jay Mankus

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The Testimony of God

Posted on May 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you’re ever had some sort of supernatural experience, you may find it hard to tell a friend that you’ve just seen a ghost, caught a glimpse of a UFO or entertained an angel who suddenly disappears. This is the premise of Joan of Arcadia which ran for two full seasons from 2003-2005. Amber Tamblyn plays Joan Girardi who continues to have daily encounters with God. To avoid being labeled as crazy, Joan keeps this relationship secret, waiting for the right time and person to disclose her testimony of God.

So there are three witnesses [b]in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One; 8 and there are three witnesses on the earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree [are in unison; their testimony coincides], 1 John 5:7-8.

The disciple whom Jesus loved builds upon the concept of the Trinity that he introduced in John 1:1-6. John refers to witnesses in heaven and witnesses on earth. In the spiritual natural realm, God the Father, the Word which came to life, and the Holy Spirit continue to share their testimony in heaven. Meanwhile, God’s Spirit, living water, and the blood shed by Jesus serve as witnesses on earth today. While this concept is hard to grasp, stories of eyewitnesses during Easter Sunday have passed on their testimony.

If we accept [as we do] the testimony of men [if we are willing to take human authority], the testimony of God is greater (of stronger authority), for this is the testimony of God, even the witness which He has borne regarding His Son, 1 John 5:9.

The apostle Paul provides a blue print for modern day testimonies in Galatians 1:11-24. When I became a Christian in high school, I had no idea of what a testimony was and why it is necessary. Yet, as I attended various conferences, retreats and summer camps, the stories that guest speakers shared were testimonies. Like the old hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” as you evolve spiritually and draw closer to God, lessons are learned that might help others. These testimonies of God are crucial for helping struggling Christians find their way back to Jesus. May this blog inspire you to share your own testimony this Memorial Day.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 118: While I’m Waiting

Posted on May 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Kirk Cameron plays Caleb Holt in the 2008 film Fireproof. As a fan of the show Growing Pains, I’ve followed Kirk Cameron’s career over the years. When Kirk began to speak out about his faith, Hollywood stopped calling, forcing Kirk to seek roles in lesser-known films. My favorite Kirk Cameron film is Mercy Rule where his character fights back against powerful environmental lobbyists.

The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word], Lamentations 3:25.

Today’s featured song comes from the Fireproof Soundtrack. John Waller sings about Caleb’s attempt to transform his life so that he can convince his wife from divorcing. While I’m Waiting is part of a montage where Caleb seeks to serve and love his wife as Christ loved the church. Since most prayers aren’t answered immediately, Christians are forced to wait in faith until miracles occur.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Truth Remains Inside of You

Posted on May 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Star Wars uses the force as a means to find the truth. Using imagery similar to that found in the Bible, light and darkness determine the side that you will choose. The apostle Paul illustrates this internal tug of war in Galatians 5:16-23. From a Christian perspective, truth is signified by acts of God’s Spirit. Any act of disobedience is considered a form of rebellion like Star Wars expression of giving into the dark side.

Because of the Truth which lives and stays on in our hearts and will be with us forever: 2 John 1:2.

Before I decided to become a Christian, I started to hang around people in high school who always seemed to be happy. These individuals attended a monthly Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study. Although I didn’t attend until the midway point of high school, there was something hidden inside of them. After attending an off-campus event as a sophomore, Skip Wilkins introduced me to this Truth.

Because of the Truth which lives and stays on in our hearts and will be with us forever: 3 John 1:4.

Every human being has their own story of success and failures in life. For me, learning was never easy. As a student, I had to fight for B’s and C’s. As a new Christian, I got involved in as many church related activities that I could fit into my sports schedule. While Accountability Groups, Bible Studies, Service Projects and Retreats were great, it was the Bible that transformed me from the inside out. If you meditate on God’s Word like Joshua 1:8, the truth will remain inside of you through the living years.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 117: Pressure

Posted on May 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Paramore is another group that I was introduced to due to the music algorithm used by You Tube. After listening to a series of songs by FireFlight, a female Christian rock band, Pressure by Paramore followed. As someone who grew up as a fan of and attended numerous Philadelphia Flyers game, lead singer Hayley Williams is wearing a Flyers shirt in the attached video. This common trait led me find out more about this group from Franklin, Tennessee.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death, James 1:13-15.

Perhaps the title Pressure brought me back to my youth and Billy Joel’s version of Pressure. Human beings throughout the world understand pressure. Whether it’s a mother desperately searching for baby formula or a poor college student who doesn’t have enough money to fill up their car to drive home, pressure is that invisible force that overwhelms souls. May Paramore’s version of Pressure remind you to turn to the Lord as pressure escalates so that you’re not tempted to sin.

by Jay Mankus

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Walking in Love

Posted on May 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Walking on Sunshine is a song written by Kimberley Rew. This original piece was created for Katrina and the Waves in 1983 for their album. The Bible has their own version of walking on sunshine. However, according to one of Jesus’ disciples, walking is symbolic for living in love. Just as a Christian should learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, love for live should be a daily motivating force to spread sunshine.

And what this love consists in is this: that we live and walk in accordance with and guided by His commandments (His orders, ordinances, precepts, teaching). This is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you continue to walk in love [guided by it and following it], 2 John 1:6.

When I was a teenager, I wore my feelings on my sleeves. When I was in a good mood, I wanted everyone that I came into contact to celebrate and feel the joy inside of me. However, as depression set in which was 75% of the time, I didn’t want anybody in the same room with me to be happy or smile. I did the opposite of walking in love, trying to drag everyone down to feel my pain.

And so faith, hope, love abide [faith—conviction and belief respecting man’s relation to God and divine things; hope—joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love—true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

The apostle Paul devotes an entire chapter of the Bible to love. The final verse of this passage is listed above. According to C.S. Lewis, faith, hope, and love are considered theological virtues. Yet, these spiritual qualities are only accessible through the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Subsequently, if you want to learn to walk in love, Romans 10:9-11, a personal relationship with God is essential. Once this journey begins, walking in love involves keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 116: All Around Me

Posted on May 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When you listen to music sites like You Tube, there are algorithms that continue to play music based upon your initial request. If your first request is a Christian artist, this doesn’t guarantee that Christian music will continue to play. This is how I stumbled upon the group Flyleaf which is a rock band that formed in Belton, Texas, back in 2002 with Lacey Sturm as lead vocalist. 

By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source]; 1 John 4:2.

Flyleaf is one of those secular bands that features lyrics with biblical themes beneath the surface. While All Around Me doesn’t refer to anything spiritual, there are many days where people feel trouble all around them. When I recently listened to this song, the passage above came to my mind. As trials surface in your life, who do you turn to? If you’re not sure, turn to Jesus so you’re not overwhelmed by fear.

by Jay Mankus

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