The Baptism That Almost Never Happened

Posted on May 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

To an average person, the mind of God is hard to fathom. Yet even one of Jesus’ disciples; one of three members of his inner circle tried to cancel Jesus’ plan to save the world from sin, Matthew 16:20-23. Three years earlier, the spiritual leader known as John the Baptist attempted to pull off a similar stunt. In the passage below, John tries to talk Jesus out of being baptized by him. John felt unworthy to perform Jesus’ baptism.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him. 14 But John [f]protested strenuously, having in mind to prevent Him, saying, It is I who have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me? – Matthew 3:13-14

Human beings have a hard time seeing the finger of God moving, touching, and working behind the scenes. Perhaps half the problem is that human nature makes most people focus on the here and now so that God’s greater good is never seen. Transition is one of those unpleasant experiences that seems unnecessary at the time it occurs, but it opens the door for future events to occur in your life. This is something that John and Peter both failed to recognize.

But Jesus replied to him, [g]Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for [both of] us to fulfill all righteousness [that is, to [h]perform completely whatever is right]. Then he permitted Him. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, He went up at once out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him, Matthew 3:15-16.

Despite being a discerning prophet, John needed to be persuaded to baptize Jesus. Based upon the discussion in the passage above, John was finally sold on fulfilling all righteousness. Modern day Christians don’t have the luxury of Jesus talking sense into us. Yet we do have an invisible counselor to usher in God’s will for our lives, John 16:13. The next time the Devil, Ephesians 2:2, seeks to block you from doing what God desires, keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:26, so that God’s will prevails.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 95: Rescue Me

Posted on May 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s artist screams 1980’s. While I went out to Karaoke every Wednesday night at Rick’s Cafe in Chagrin Falls, Ohio over the summer, I had several college friends who were more musically talented. A couple of them joined bands who possessed a similar feel and sound to the Alarm. My best comparison of the Alarm is more upbeat than John Cougar Mellencamp but softer than Cheap Trick.

Do justice to the weak (poor) and fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy; rescue them out of the hand of the wicked, Psalm 82:3-4.

When you’re young, old or somewhere in between, you will find yourself in situations that require some sort of rescue. Other people are often their own worst enemy, needing to be rescued from themselves. Whatever the case, remember the words of Jesus in Luke 19:10. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Romans 10:11 serves as a confirmation to those who call on the name of the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Recognize, Perceive and Understand

Posted on May 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A coincidence is a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection. Over several decades of attending church, I’ve heard pastors refer to God instances where the hand of God is perceived to perform a miracle. Prior to 1555, the Bible did not contain individual verses. These were added to the Vulgate Bible to help readers identity memorable portions of a book.

By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [[l]in Him], 1 John 3:16.

Everyone knows about John 3:16’s popularity as one of the most iconic verses in the Bible. However, do you recognize, perceive or understand a commonality between John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16? The latter is quoting the words of Jesus addressed to a first century Pharisee named Nicodemus. The passage above serves as a reminder so that you recognize, perceive, and understand God’s love for you.

 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, John 3:16.

As I write blogs today, the Holy Spirit urges me to remind my readers of key biblical principles. I often question with a whisper, “are you sure you want me to address this again?” While you may be aware of certain biblical truths, using a new context or illustration often drives home this point in a more powerful way. This is the purpose of 1 John 3:16: serving as a clear reminder of John 3:16-17 so that another generation of Christians will understand the unconditional love of God.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 94: Carried Away

Posted on May 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from what some in the Christian music industry refer to “The Fathers of the Modern Worship Movement.” Sonic Flood was the first major band to take traditional church hymns and put a modern spin on them. Although this transition was questioned by many in the church, like it or not, Sonic Flood changed the way worship music is performed today.

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! – Psalm 91:1-2

The lyrics of Carried Away reminds me of one of the Psalmists in the Old Testament. Like the famous Footprints Poem, at some point in life God carries us through storms, trials, and tribulations. However, to be sheltered by the Lord, you have to be willing to place your sole faith and trust in Jesus. When the next spiritual flood seeks to sweep away your faith, seek shelter upon the solid rock of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

What You Don’t Plant Never Blooms

Posted on May 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Planning and Planting share one crucial ingredient: timing is everything. If you plant crops or a garden too soon, cold weather and frost can ruin all of your hard work. Meanwhile, if you wait too long to plant each spring, arid and wet weather can diminish and or nullify every seed that was soon. My last season of snap peas in Delaware never came up due to several inches of rain; swamping my garden for a week.

He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. 5 As you know not what is the way of the wind, or how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a pregnant woman, even so you know not the work of God, Who does all. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hands, for you know not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good, Ecclesiastes 11:4-6.

One of my favorite classes in college was Economic Geography. Most of this class was based upon simulations using natural resources and climate. One unit was farming, using the Farmer’s Almanac to determine what crop or crops you were going to plant based upon previous weather patterns. I decided to diversify, planting two different crops. While I did okay, planting anything involves taking a risk.

Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain—some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty. 9 He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him [a]consider and [b]perceive and comprehend by hearing, Matthew 13:8-9.

In the parable of the Sower, Jesus explains the meaning of this story to his disciples. Most soils that you plant in will have limitations. Some regions are too arid, others too rocky and a few are so wild that thorns and vines can overwhelm anything you try to plant. The goal for any homeowner is to improve your environment (soil) annually. Although the weather may not cooperate for you, what you don’t plant never blooms.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 93: Something Changed

Posted on May 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of the aspects that I miss about modern music is the lack of quality soundtracks found in current films. I grew up in the 1980’s where music and scenes complimented one another in a perfect manner. Perhaps, this explains why today’s song spoke to my heart in the 2006 movie the Ultimate Gift. Parts of Joseph Campbell’s the Heroes Journey is apparent as Jason Stevens played by Drew Fuller experiences a dramatic transformation as he seeks to fulfill the hopes of his dead grandfather Red.

For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah), Galatians 1:12.

As the credits start to roll to signal the end of the Ultimate Gift, Sara Groves song Something Changes begins. Flashbacks are used to illustrate the journey Jason Stevens went on and the man that he has become. The key to faith is that conviction, guilt or a gnawing discontentment deep inside our hearts realizing that something has to change. Sara sings about overcoming doubt and pain to become the person that God wants you to do. May this song and movie urge you to be transformed by faith.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Tomorow’s Experience Follows Today’s Obedience

Posted on May 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Old Testament Book known as Deuteronomy is a recapitulation of the Ten Commandments and summary of Mosaic law. One of the crucial elements Moses shares to the nation of Israel is their willingness to obey. If you take God serious today, tomorrow’s experiences will be filled with blessings. Some of these blessings may be in disguise, but the more you obey, the greater your chances for success.

If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

The beginning of chapter 28 serves as a spiritual guide to receive God’s blessings. When I recently read this passage, three words stuck out: listening, watching, and obedience. If your mind tends to wander when you read something, you’ll miss key instructions. Meanwhile, if you’re not paying attention to circumstances in your life, you’ll be caught off guard spiritually. This makes obedience harder to keep.

Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your beasts, the increase of your cattle and the young of your flock, Deuteronomy 28:3-4.

If you’re having an amazing day or in the middle of a career round of golf, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself. Instead of staying in the moment, you fast forward expecting everything to continue to go your way. This flawed mindset often leads to failure and humility. Success if the process of arriving, not actually arriving, C.S. Lewis. Therefore, be obedient in the little things to start. Those who continue to listen, watch and obey will receive blessings in God’s time, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 92: Unfazed

Posted on May 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Waiting’s debut album Tilbury Town in 1991 contained a classic Indie Christian sound. Over time the Waiting has evolved toward pop rock with a distinct energy and power. Band members include Brad Olsen, Todd Olsen, Clark Leake, and Brandon Thompson. As most of the electronic world was preparing for Y2K, the Waiting released Blue Belly Sky which is my favorite album.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

The lyrics of today’s featured song combines biblical elements with the stardom of touring the country. Jesus compares first century Christians to being a city on the hill to shine light into a dark world. The theme of the title points to making sure that your faith isn’t fazed by fame or fortune. The key to demonstrating a consistent and steady faith is to be unfazed by the worries of this world. Enjoy this classic tune.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Spiritual Moments that Matter

Posted on May 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Sarcasm is a common response to something unbelievable or a concept too hard to grasp. When Jesus introduced the spiritual concept of being born again, Nicodemus couldn’t wrap his mind around this. Trying to be funny, Nicodemus appears to tease Jesus, imagining a newborn shoved back into their mother’s womb. Jesus wasn’t playing around as this initial conversation leaves behind one of the greatest promises in the Bible, John 3:16-17.

Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb again and be born? 5 Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [[a]even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God, John 3:3-5.

Another spiritual moment that matters takes place during a parade without floats or a marching band. Jesus’ reputation as a healer and miracle worker had spread throughout the region as countless individuals just wanted to see this man of God. A vertically challenged man named Zacchaeus decided to climb a nearby tree to get Jesus’ attention. This stunt to get noticed works as Jesus takes time from his busy schedule to meet with this corrupt tax collector. This magical meal transformed Zacchaeus’ life.

So then Zacchaeus stood up and solemnly declared to the Lord, See, Lord, the half of my goods I [now] give [by way of restoration] to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I [now] restore four times as much. 9 And Jesus said to him, Today is [[b]Messianic and spiritual] salvation come to [all the members of] this household, since Zacchaeus too is a [real spiritual] son of Abraham; 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:8-10.

These two memorable moments in the Bible magnify how a spiritual conversation can completely change your perspective about life. Jesus didn’t merely talk about living an abundant life. Rather, Jesus put his own personal agenda aside to fulfill God’s purpose for His life. As a Christian, I stride to have a spiritual moment that matters every week. Yet, every day with Jesus during his three-year earthly ministry, the lost got found and hope was restored to those who had given up. May you experience a slice of this abundant life.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 91: Red Carpet

Posted on May 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Jimi Ray and Rick Harwell formed Age of Faith in 1987, my senior year of high school. Age of Faith is one of those Christian groups that flew under the radar. Despite being overshadowed by the likes of Michael W. Smith and Stephen Curtis Chapman, Age of Faith continued to make quality albums one after the other. As I purchased each new Age of Faith album, I was always touched by a couple of their songs.

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, Luke 15:20-22.

I could have chosen a dozen other hit songs from Age of Faith. Yet, the lyrics of Red Carpet were too moving to pass on. Age of Faith’s version of the Prodigal Son adds a modern Hollywood element by rolling out a red carpet. While rebellion is hard to forgive, a father’s love overlooked greed to celebrate the return of his wayward son. May this song touch your heart like it has touched mine.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →