Fill Up and Complete Your Joy

Posted on May 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When a religious person opens the Bible, eyes tend to focus on God’s commands as a giant to do list. This expectation can become overwhelming. Yet, the apostle Paul places the emphasis on improving your spiritual life. When you become wore down by the worries in life, you’re unable to help others as God intended. This is why Paul speaks of filling up and completing your joy to live an abundant life.

A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:3-4.

When I went to fill up my car this week, the price of gas jumped by over 25 cents. This sticker shock placed an unnecessary burden upon my soul. While King Solomon wrote about the swing in emotions that every day brings, too much of one thing is not good. If you set out to fill up and complete your joy as Jesus describes in John 10:10, developing balance in your life is a crucial step to take,

Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention. 3 Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. 4 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others, Philippians 2:2-4.

As someone who has a history of burning myself out from a lack of balance, if you don’t take care of yourself you won’t be able to help others as God intended. While Jesus devoted his life to serving others, He needed a small support group in the form of 12 disciples to fill up and complete God’s joy. If you don’t currently have a body of believers to share your life with, this void will keep you from filling up with joy. May 2022 be the year where you reach your full potential as you seek the joy promised in the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode103: Whom Shall I Fear?

Posted on May 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Chris Tomlin has slowly become the Michael W. Smith of modern-day Contemporary Christian Music. You don’t have to go far to recognize Tomlin’s popularity as fans have purchased over 7 million records. Today’s featured song is a remake of a popular church hymn Whom Shall I Fear? This open ended question serves as a reflection to consider God’s promises and power to protect you from harm.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection], 1 John 4:18.

Fear of one of those inner demons that often results in nightmares. Yet, fear can come in the form of peer pressure, especially in this age of virtue signaling and wokeness. However, the apostle Paul reminds his readers that the Holy Spirit is greater than fear, 2 Timothy 1:7. As Christians develop and mature in the love of Jesus, this knowledge can and will expel every trace of fear. Enjoy Chris’ song.

by Jay Mankus

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Shutting the Door on Fear

Posted on May 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Two first century authors use the imagery of a door to prove their point. The apostle Paul warns Christians against giving the Devil an open door to enter your life. This analogy suggests that you shouldn’t leave a crack or a gap. One of Jesus’ disciples focuses on the positive. This spiritual illustration uses God’s love as a source of superior power to snuff out fear by closing the door.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection], 1 John 4:18.

As I read the passage above recently, my mind turned to 2 Corinthians 10:5-6. Trying to confront the Devil alone is reckless. Yet, when you learn to take your thoughts captive by making them obedient to Christ, shutting the door on fear is possible. If fear feeds on weakened minds that become paralyzed by ungodly beliefs, you’re giving the Devil a foothold to use your fears against you.

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. 27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him], Ephesians 4:26-27.

One of Jesus’ disciples compares the Devil to a predator that feeds on isolated and wounded Christians. When a door is left ajar or cracked open, fear will enter your dreams while you’re sleeping. Anyone who doesn’t shut the door on fear will allow nightmares to continue to fester. These threats will only intensify as time goes by. This is why shutting the door on fear is essential for all Christians to practice.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 102: Almost Home

Posted on May 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

MercyMe is an American contemporary Christian group founded in Edmond, Oklahoma. MercyMe consists of lead vocalist Bart Millard, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul. MercyMe is best known for their modern spin on worship songs which began in 1994 and has resulted in 7 number one hits and 8 Dove Awards.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away, Revelation 21:4.

For a Christian, Almost Home refers to the promise of eternal life, 1 John 5:13. Heaven is the reward at the end of a rainbow, a place where there will be no more tears. Yet, for now, living on earth, it’s time to figure out where you belong, Romans 12:1-2. Once you have a good idea of God’s will for your life, this is your calling until God calls you home to heaven. Enjoy this spiritual ride while it lasts.

by Jay Mankus

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Fulfilling All Righteousness

Posted on May 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

During discussions with first century spiritual leaders, Jesus spoke about the quality of being morally right and justifiable in God’s sight. The author of the Gospel geared toward a Jewish audience, a member of the Tribe of Levi, focuses on fulfilling and seeking God’s righteousness. Instead of being distracted by the here and now, Matthew learned that by making God your first priority in life, everything else falls into place.

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? 15 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, Matthew 3:14-15.

In one of the episodes of Castle, Rick played by Nathan Fillion, is holding a sacred artifact that possesses the ability to travel back in time. In the middle of a shootout, Rick is hurled into a past where he and Kate Beckett, played by Stana Katic have never met. Rick’s past is completely rewritten with his career as an author turning out to be a failure. If John never baptized Jesus, the world as we know it would have been cast into darkness forever.

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:33-34.

After convincing John to fulfill all righteousness by baptizing Him, Jesus continues this theme in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. Instead of worrying about what’s going to happen tomorrow, today should be invested in seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness. When your priorities shift from the temporary toward eternity, fulfilling all righteousness becomes a possibility. May you know this truth so that God’s truth will set you free from anxiety and worry, John 8:32.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 101: Innocent Lost

Posted on May 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song was part of a rotation of songs that I played every night while I was attending a youth ministry school in the winter of 1993. Since I needed to get up early every morning, I played a series of ballads to put me to sleep as quick as possible. These 7 weeks in Minnesota was one of the best times in my life which infused me with a spiritual confidence that I never had before.

But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good (suitable, pleasant) for food and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she gave some also to her husband, and he ate, Genesis 3:4-6.

Susan Ashton’s Innocence Lost isn’t a deeply spiritual song, but it’s one of those that everyone can relate to as a sinner. While you may have good intentions, if you’re not careful you too could be reliving Adam and Eve’s fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. Just as this couple was filled with guilt and shame, Innocence Lost serves as a warning to avoid repeating the same mistakes of your past.

by Jay Mankus

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Taking a Stand or Falling from Grace

Posted on May 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague is the backdrop of his 1994 mini-series entitled the Stand. The survivors of this deadly biological disease are forced to make one of two decisions: take a stand or fall from God’s grace. Each is tempted along their journey with images of darkness and light. Depending upon the choices made, believers head for a cornfield to meet Mother Abagail Freemantle while sinners depart for Las Vegas to meet up with Flagg; a.k.a. the Devil.

By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow [i]believer in Christ), 1 John 3:10.

During the first century, people followed one of two natures: the flesh or the Spirit. Immaturity, stubbornness and rebellion caused many to embrace the highway to hell, Matthew 7:13-14. John blames a lack of conformity to God’s will as the reason for prodigal like behavior, Luke 15:11-16. What you practice will define who you become. You may not want to be a vessel of the Devil, but we all have periods in our lives where we stray from God by doing what’s right in our own eyes.

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [b]adjusted and [c]adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to [d]a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

While the earthly brother of Jesus provides advice about temptation in James 1:2-15, the apostle Paul takes this one step further in the passage above. Since decision making in the midst of temptation can be poor, Paul urges Christians to look for the way out. Every day that you wake up to live, you should expect temptation and trials. As you battle with your own inner demons, Galatians 5:16-17, ask Jesus to give you the strength to endure, overcome and find the way out of tempting situation. Make the decision to make a stand today or else you’ll fall from grace like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 100: Kings and Queens

Posted on May 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Audio Adrenaline started out as a pop/rock outfit that emerged out of Kentucky Christian College in 1986. There aren’t many bands that last 20 years and release ten plus albums. This longevity is apparent in today’s featured song Kings and Queens which is part of a passion project from 2013. If you haven’t seen the attached video, the lyrics of Kings and Queens are moving as Audio Adrenaline seeks to demonstrate the love of Christ to Haiti.

Then little children were brought to Jesus, that He might put His hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But He said, Leave the children alone! Allow the little ones to come to Me, and do not forbid or restrain or hinder them, for of such [as these] is the kingdom of heaven composed. 15 And He put His hands upon them, and then went on His way, Matthew 19:13-15.

Perhaps, the inspiration behind Kings and Queens comes from the passage above. The disciples didn’t feel like children were worth their time as ministry leaders. Yet, Jesus has to correct them of their ungodly belief so that future children will feel part of the body of Christ. Although not everyone possesses the personality to relate to and reach young people, God calls all Christians to love. Therefore, as you listen to Kings and Queens, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to love your neighbors as yourself.

by Jay Mankus

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Time of Your Life

Posted on May 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The concept of “Time of Your Life” began with a 1939 play written by William Saroyan. In more recent years, movies like Dirty Dancing have brought songs with this concept in the title. I’ve Had the Time of My Life by Jennifer Warnes uses dancing as a means to have fun. Depending upon your hobbies and personality, the goal of any day is to have the time of your life.

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.

When I look back on the past half-century, one year sticks out, 1993. I left a youth director position in Delaware to attend a youth ministry trade school in Minnesota. For 7 straight weeks, I was having the time of my life, living with other people my age who wanted to minister to young people. Not only was I transformed by the teaching I received, I also experienced a revival while living in Columbus, Indiana.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10 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 10:9-10.

When I was having the time of my life, I was also working 90 hours a week. My only day off began with a Bible Study at McDonald’s with students, followed by lunch in Cincinnati with my good friend Phil, and ended with an adult Bible Study back at church. When you’re having the time of your life, make sure you don’t burn yourself out like I did in 1994. Balance is crucial for developing stability and longevity. If I only knew this back then, I’d still be having the time on my life. For now, I’m trying to recapture what was lost.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 99: We Won’t Shaken

Posted on May 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from one of my former bosses favorite groups. When I lost my teaching job back in 2012, the Bestes hired me part time for eight months to help maintain their Animal Hospital. When a tornado ripped through a portion of their horse farm, the normal groundskeeper was busy removing trees. Subsequently, I was able to survive until I reinvented myself a year later at Amazon.

 But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them, 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone’s shackles were unfastened. 27 When the jailer, startled out of his sleep, saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was on the point of killing himself, because he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, Do not harm yourself, for we are all here! – Acts 16:25-28

Building 429 was one of the groups that I listened to while I was cutting grass. I purchased a couples of their albums while I worked at the Animal Hospital. On my last day, I bought the Bestes the newest Building 429 album at the time along with a thank you card. We Won’t Be Shaken reminds me of a true story from the first century. Following an earthquake in the middle of a worship service, those in attendance were not shaken.

by Jay Mankus

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