The Root of All Wrongdoing

Posted on May 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Wrongdoing is a common term used in the court of law. Defense attorneys set out to prove to the jury and judge that their client is not guilty of any wrongdoing. The Bible uses the imagery of light to illustrate what is right and true. Meanwhile, darkness is associated with wrongdoing. One of Jesus’ disciples doesn’t beat around the bush categorizing all wrongdoing as sin.

All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin which does not [involve] death [that may be repented of and forgiven], 1 John 5:17.

In this age of passing the buck, blame is deflected to circumstances and situations. Meanwhile, if anyone tries to through you under the bus, justification and rationalization will begin to kick in. This natural defense mechanism is on display daily in talk shows as prominent figures make excuses to protect famous friends. Instead of being honest and open, the act of wrongdoing is swept under the rug.

But as it is, you boast [falsely] in your presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong. 17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin, James 4:16-17.

The earthly brother of Jesus uses the passage above to confront wrongdoing. You maybe one of the most creative individuals who can come up with an excuse for anything in life. Yet, James places sins of omission in the same classification as sins of commission. Wrongdoing isn’t merely an act, behavior or choice. Rather, failing to intervene when you know you should is also a sin. The root of all wrongdoing is disobedience or as in the days of biblical Judges, doing what’s right in your own eyes.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 115: Rescue

Posted on May 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Since my two boys have attended Liberty University, there are exposed to a variety of Christian artists who are featured at weekly convocations and concerts. Today’s featured song was introduced to me by my son Daniel. Although Lauren Daigle’s mellow worship music isn’t his typical style, Rescue is one of the many songs Daniel downloaded onto his phone that he has shared with me.

So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [[j]fervently]. 21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]! 22 But the father said to his bond servants, Bring quickly the best robe (the festive robe of honor) and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet. 23 And bring out [k]that [wheat-]fattened calf and kill it; and let us [l]revel and feast and be happy and make merry, 24 Because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to [m]revel and feast and make merry, Luke 15:20-24.

From a spiritual point of view, the portion of the Parable of the Prodigal Son in the passage above is the type of rescue Daigle sings about. While human nature influences many people to try to save themselves, the apostle Paul gives readers of the Bible the bad news in Romans 3:9-12. May the words of Daigle’s Rescue uplift your spirit and remind you of the God of second chances.

by Jay Mankus

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This Isn’t a Game… It’s a Choice

Posted on May 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Imitation Game is based upon Alan Turing’s biography. During World War II, this English mathematical genius tries to crack the German Enigma code featured in the 2014 film. One of Jesus’ former disciples refers to a choice, not a game. John calls first century Christians to imitate good rather than imitate evil acts. The choices you make in life reflect who you are and what’s deep inside of you.

Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen (discerned or experienced) God [has enjoyed no vision of Him and does not know Him at all], 3 John 1:11.

As a child, you tend to imitate the actions, behaviors and vocabulary of the people that you admire. I remember saying “shit” really loud once, not knowing any better. Unless you’re parents of a newborn baby, few adults realize that this imitation game is ongoing. Yet, it’s not just words that little children hear. Bad habits like picking your nose and unhealthy food addictions are also passed on.

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 2 And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a [a]slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance, Ephesians 5:1-2.

Rather than elevating human beings to hero status on earth, the apostle Paul points first century Christians toward who you should imitate. Besides the obvious of imitating good, fix your eyes upon God’s Son. Jesus set the tone early, living out love as a caring healer. When his disciples got carried away or fell off the rails, Jesus used parables to bring God back into focus. Life isn’t a game; it’s a series of choices that determine your eternal destiny, Matthew 7:13-14. As Moses suggested, choose wisely.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 114: Perfect Day

Posted on May 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Manchester, England is often associated with football, a.k.a. Europe’s soccer. However, today’s song comes from a group based in Manchester. LZ7 was founded by Lindz West in 2005. LZ7 uses Christian electronic dance to share their faith through hip music. While there are a couple of different versions of Perfect Day on You Tube, I selected the one with Lauren Olds.

And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out. 39 [So] He went throughout the whole of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons, Mark 1:38-39.

When you wake in the morning, everyone has aspirations for having the day of your life. Movies like Dead Poets Society point to the Latin expression Carpe Diem: seize the day. This is exactly what Jesus does in the passage above. Beginning his day with a walk and time in prayer, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus to the exact place where God wants his disciples to go. The rest is history and the first of many Perfect Days. Unfortunately, when a human being exercises their own free will via a school shooting, days and lives are forever ruined. May a spirit of prayer lift up all families impacted by today’s tragedy in Uvalde.

by Jay Mankus

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Keeping Your Soul Well

Posted on May 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

To an ordinary person, the soul is an immaterial part of a human being. Yet, once an individual becomes spiritually enlightened, souls become the essence of who you are, and the person God wants you to be. At the beginning of a first century letter, John prays for the prosperity of bodies and the wellness of souls. Building upon the words of Proverbs 4:23, John is concerned with protecting the wellspring of life.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers, 3 John 1:2.

The prosperity movement in the church has left countless souls feeling disappointed and empty. The idea that if you give x amount of money to this cause, you will receive a bounty full of blessings is not accurate. This concept taken from Malachi 3:8-10 is based upon tithing. When Christians reach a point in their faith of complete trust in God to provide, there is a promise to open the storehouses of heaven. To avoid a long-drawn-out biblical debate, these blessings come in many shapes and forms.

Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord]. 5 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might, Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

Jesus quotes Moses words in the passage above in Matthew 22:37-40. One way to keep your soul well is by making God your top priority in life, Matthew 6:33-34. As Christians mature and reach an understanding of God’s daily bread from Israel’s days of wandering in the wilderness, human effort is taken out of this equation. Somehow and someway as Christians seek God’s righteousness first, mysterious and unexplainable things begin to happen. Some may never reach this degree of faith, but if you do, you’ll be eager to protect and guard your heart so that your soul remains well.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 113: Alone

Posted on May 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a former contestant on American Idol. Holly Marie Wilson used season 12 as her coming out party using the stage name of Hollyn. Like yesterday’s artist, I discovered Hollyn while listening to an Electronic Dance mix on You Tube. Hollyn was featured in a couple of the songs in this montage. One of those is Alone which has a couple of versions you can chose from.

Casting the [c]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [d]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you [e]watchfully. 8 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 5:7-8.

The lyrics of Alone point to how sin separates Christians from God. When right and wrong becomes clouded by a sea of gray, human beings tend to dabble with temporary pleasures. When the ecstasy of sin fades away, guilt and shame often result in loneliness. If you ever find yourself with a similar feeling, follow the advice of James 5:16 so that you can be reunited with the Lord, basketing in God’s grace.

by Jay Mankus

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Under the Power of the Evil One

Posted on May 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Whether you receive your news from cable, social media or local television, current events suggest that the world is falling apart. Beneath the surface, there are spirits of anger, hatred, and rage that result in chaos, violence and war. New Testament authors in the Bible point to a supernatural force that incites unknowing individuals toward evil acts. The apostle Paul provides a scapegoat: the fallen angel Lucifer.

We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] is under the power of the evil one, 1 John 5:19.

One of Jesus’ disciples makes a powerful declaration in the passage above. Members of the body of Christ know God without a doubt, absolutely through a daily personal relationship. Whether you fellowship with other believers, pray or study the Bible, faith results in spiritual clarity. Meanwhile, anyone who does not seek God end up falling under the influence and power of the evil one.

In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God], Ephesians 2:2.

The apostle Paul points to the Devil’s past. the archangel Lucifer who was kicked out of heaven. Despite losing his eternal destiny in heaven, this prince of the power of the air maintains his angelic powers. Ezekiel 28:14-15 details that 1/3 of the angels were banished from heaven along with Lucifer. These fallen angels now serve the Devil as real spiritual demons. This is the powerful force that is present on earth which corrupts human beings who aren’t strong enough to resist the power of the Evil One.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 112: I Can’t Quit

Posted on May 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a group that I discovered on You Tube. While listening to a mix of Christian dance songs from various artists, Capital Kings kicked off this collection. I debated between “the Paradigm” and “I Can’t Quit.” While both songs have an exceptional beat and sound, I Can’t Quit contains more inspirational lyrics that most people can relate to in a world filled with defeat.

For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint, Galatians 6:8-9.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul addresses this topic. Human nature has a way of weakening downtrodden souls to lose heart. When you heart isn’t into what you are doing, minds tune out which results in the act of quitting. Whatever circumstance or situation that you are currently facing, remember the Capital Kings song I Can’t Quit so that faith prevails as you learn to press on day after day.

by Jay Mankus

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Are You Sure About That?

Posted on May 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was never a great student; always taking me twice as long to complete an assignment than my fellow classmates. It wasn’t until 10th grade that I was diagnosed with a learning disorder. Subsequently, as I was preparing to study for a test, I was always skeptical. When I couldn’t keep up with a fast-talking teacher during a review session, I would lean over a ask a friend, “are you sure about that?”

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 5:13.

The passage above serves as a slice of certainty. For anyone doubting the Bible’s authenticity, John provides directions to settle any questions that you may have. However, there are three requirements that you must commit to before you can be absolutely sure. First you must adhere to the teaching of Jesus, trust in God’s promises, and rely on Jesus’ strength when you’re weak, Philippians 4:13.

And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us, 1 John 5:14.

When these three spiritual disciplines are exercised daily, feelings are transformed into faith. Doubt is replaced by boldness and confidence. This new found assurance in God’s power will propel your prayer life from a do to list into a purpose driven life. As your focus turns toward seeking and fulfilling God’s will, the Holy Spirit will begin to guide your steps along the way, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 111: Only After You

Posted on May 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I stumbled upon Sixteen Cities a decade ago shortly after I lost my teaching position. Sixteen Cities provides a good blend of ballads with contemporary worship. While this group began in Portland, Oregon, Sixteen Cities is now based in Dallas, Texas. When I was working maintenance, cutting acres of grass weekly, Sixteen Cities kept me company. Only After You quickly became one of my favorites.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours, 1 Corinthians 9:24.

When I recently listened to the lyrics of Only After You, the image provided by the apostle Paul in the passage above came to mind. As a former high school coach, most athletes don’t like to run. Rather than run in circles around a track, chasing after God’s will for your life provides a greater purpose. While you may not have a clue about God’s will, the more you run with God, the clearer this path will become. I hope you enjoy this classic song.

by Jay Mankus

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