Removing Spiritual Obstacles by Facing Your Fears

Posted on November 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

For the first 21 years of my life, I was afraid to speak, not knowing if I would suffer another stuttering fit when I opened my mouth. I knew what I wanted to say in my heart, but rarely could I verbalize what I wanted to express. After numerous embarrassing moments, I could have let fear overwhelm my soul, but my competitive nature refused to let me to give up trying.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.

Jesus compared the Devil to the father of all lies, John 8:44. One of Jesus’ disciples viewed this spiritual predator as an animal on the top of the food chain, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice, 1 Peter 5:8. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul points to the angelic powers of this invisible creature, Ephesians 2:2. Since the Devil isn’t going anywhere, the next option is to begin by removing spiritual obstacles by facing your fears.

If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. 5 So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God), Colossians 3:1-5.

Since God made every human being unique, fears vary from person to person. After being teased relentlessly as a child due to stuttering, I learned to stop caring about what other people think. The only person you can control is yourself and that’s hard enough as it is. Yet, if you don’t confront what you’re fearful of, your anxieties will only intensify. Therefore, arm yourself with the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Timothy 1:7, so that fear will be conquered, and obstacles vanquished.

by Jay Mankus

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Spiritual Turning Points

Posted on November 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the cliches in churches today that seems to be overused occurs when a leader refers to “a come to Jesus moment.” A first century history uses the expression “coming to your senses” while recalling Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:16-18. Both of these terms each highlight spiritual turning points that occur in a human being’s life.

When they had finished talking, James replied, Brethren, listen to me. 14 Simeon [Peter] has rehearsed how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people [to bear and honor] His name. 15 And with this the predictions of the prophets agree, as it is written, Acts 15:13-15.

During a church council meeting in Jerusalem, Jesus’ earthly brother received a rhema, a word from the Lord. Like a human mind which puts two and two together to click, James recalled a prophecy in the Old Testament which Amos wrote about. Luke quotes Amos in the passage below as James declared this is what the prophets agreed upon, Gentiles coming to faith in God.

After this I will come back, and will rebuild the house of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its [very] ruins, and I will set it up again, 17 So that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name has been invoked, 18 Says the Lord, Who has been making these things known from the beginning of the world. 19 Therefore it is my opinion that we should not put obstacles in the way of and annoy and disturb those of the Gentiles who turn to God, Acts 15:16-19.

Sometimes spiritual turning points could be attending a specific church for the first time. A month ago, my first visit to Fearless Church, the pastor’s message seemed to be written for me. In the weeks that followed, Leanne and I joined a home group, and both feel we’ve found our new church home. The next time you find yourself at a crossroads in life, be open and prepared for your next spiritual turning point to arrive.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 40: Somewhere Between Quiet Riot and Twisted Sister

Posted on November 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I was in high school, Quiet Riot and Twisted Sister were the first two metal bands that opened my mind to this genre of music. As my commitment to Christ deepened in college, I decided to stop listening to secular music and find Christian groups with a similar sound. This search took 4 years, but by 1991 White Cross released In the Kingdom, just in time to quench my desire for metal.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy, yes, sing praises! 5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the voice of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it, the world, and those who dwell in it! – Psalm 98:4-7

The best part of In the Kingdom is the range White Cross displays throughout this album. The song In the Kingdom serves as a We Are the World anthem for Christians. Meanwhile, the classic song Holy War blends metal with rap ending this album on a high note. If you like White Cross’ music, they have 10 other albums to choose from. May you enjoy listening to Christian metal this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Indecision verse Poor Decision Making

Posted on November 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

King Solomon writes the book of Proverbs for one of his sons with a sense of urgency to make good decisions in life. Perhaps, Solomon wanted his children to avoid making some of the bad choices that he made when he was young. Meanwhile, as an adult, Solomon thought that 700 wives wasn’t enough, so he added an additional 300 concubines to his harem.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

The apostle Paul reminded the Church at Rome of a similar fate due to human nature, Romans 3:9-12. A warning to members of Galatia in Galatians 5:16-17 help explain what influences poor decision making. This internal tug of war can lead to indecision as a major deadline approaches. When you’re unsure of what to do, lean on the Lord for understanding.

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.

Unfortunately, indecision often breeds anxiety. Whenever you weigh the pros and cons of any decision, you have to pull the trigger eventually. Yet, if you find yourself consumed by uncertainty, seek godly counsel to pull your mind in the right direction. Whatever you end up deciding, life is all about living and learning so that you can move on from past failures and mistakes.

by Jay Mankus

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Holding Your Ground While Clinging to Faith

Posted on November 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The term grooming has become a common political talking point in recent years. Grooming in this context is the practice of preparing or training someone for a particular purpose or activity. One of the reasons the National Education Association continues to push liberal and sexual ideology in public education is to groom future voters. Today’s featured passage introduces a group of young lads who are being groomed to potentially serve the King of Babylonia in the near future.

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with a part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar [Babylonia] to the house of his god and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 And the [Babylonian] king told Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring in some of the children of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility— 4 Youths without blemish, well-favored in appearance and skillful in all wisdom, discernment, and understanding, apt in learning knowledge, competent to stand and serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king assigned for them a daily portion of his own rich and dainty food and of the wine which he drank. They were to be so educated and so nourished for three years that at the end of that time they might stand before the king, Daniel 1:2-5.

One of the ways this grooming process begins is by showing children of Israel how lavish the king and his servants live and eat daily. While it’s not clear after reading the below passage, Daniel appears to refrain from eating his initial meal or meals. As he seeks to hold his ground by clinging to faith, Daniel approached the chief of the eunuchs to share his concern. By expressing his spiritual conviction publicly, God has favor on Daniel by being offered a ten-day test to see who looks healthier.

 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king’s rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself. 9 Now God made Daniel to find favor, compassion, and loving-kindness with the chief of the eunuchs.10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, I fear, lest my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink, should see your faces worse looking or more sad than the other youths of your age. Then you would endanger my head with the king. 11 Then said Daniel to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove your servants, I beseech you, for ten days and let us be given a vegetable diet and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat of the king’s [rich] dainties be observed and compared by you, and deal with us your servants according to what you see. 14 So [the man] consented to them in this matter and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days it was seen that they were looking better and had taken on more flesh than all the youths who ate of the king’s rich dainties. 16 So the steward took away their [rich] dainties and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables, Daniel 1:8-15.

When I was forced to relocate to South Carolina in the summer of 2022, I was offered any shift that I wanted. While I should have chosen Back Half Days so that I could be off every Sunday, I decided to work Sunday through Wednesday so that I could travel every weekend that I wanted. After 15 months of missing out on corporate worship, God reminded me of Daniel’s convictions. A few weeks into my new shift with Sundays off, it is well with my soul by clinging to my faith.

by Jay Mankus

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But… God Knows Your Heart

Posted on November 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I spent the majority of my adolescence wearing emotions on my sleeves. While my peers knew exactly how I felt, I didn’t have an inkling that God knew what was going on in my heart. I wasn’t mature enough nor did I possess a clear understanding of the God of the Bible. Unfortunately, depression led me to withdraw, trying to cope with my broken heart on my own.

And after there had been a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, Brethren, you know that quite a while ago God made a choice or selection from among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the Gospel [concerning the [c]attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] and believe (credit and place their confidence in it), Acts 15:7.

As the first century church of Jesus Christ grew, differences emerged between churches and their leaders. Rather than sweep this under the rug by ignoring it, the apostles and disciples met in Jerusalem to come to some sort of a resolution. Rather than force Jewish practices upon newly converted Gentiles to Christianity, a couple of key Mosiac laws were recommended to follow.

And God, Who is acquainted with and understands the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit as He also did to us; 9 And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith ([d]by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God), Acts 15:8-9.

It took a first century doctor in Luke to point out that God knows and understands human hearts. Meanwhile, an individual described by one prophet as a man after God’s own heart experienced one trial that opened his spiritual eyes, Psalm 34:18. Don’t try to be a hero by wanting to figure out everything on your own. Let go and let God heal your wounded heart.

by Jay Mankus

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The Relationship Between Posterity and God’s Remnant

Posted on November 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former teacher who has taught a history class, not many Americans have heard about the spiritual heritage of the United States. Did you know that local education began at churches serving as an outreach to the illiterate in their communities? Or that the New England Primer introduced each letter of the alphabet with a verse from the Bible? While completing his summary on the life of Joseph, Moses refers to the relationship between posterity and God’s remnant.

God sent me before you to preserve for you a posterity and to continue a remnant on the earth, to save your lives by a great escape and save for you many survivors, Genesis 45:7.

Posterity refers to all future generations of people. Meanwhile, remnant is a small remaining quantity of people from a specific place or share a common interest. What Moses is trying to say in the passage above, Joseph’s life via God’s providence protected and secured the future of the Israelites. By moving from Canaan to Egypt, God will provide all they need to survive this drought.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things [n]impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:38-39.

Due to the shrewd and shift actions taken by Joseph as governor of Egypt, the Pharaoh welcomed Joseph’s family with opened arms. However, over the years as Israelites prospered, new Pharaoh’s forgot how Joseph saved their country and placed them into slavery for 400 years. This is why the promises of God in the Bible are needed to carry on through from the tough times in life so that future Christian generations will endure the trials of today.

by Jay Mankus

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Standing in Fearless Faith

Posted on October 31, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I attended high school, there was always at least one person in my numerous classes that wanted to be known as the teacher’s pet. Whether this was out of some sort of emotional or psychological need, teenagers back in the 1980’s didn’t care about having this label attached to them. When I started teaching in 2002, a spirit of apathy prevented most of my students from raising their hands. Perhaps, a fear of embarrassment kept hands from being raised.

And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none, Ezekiel 22:30.

Back in the days of the Old Testament, faith became more like a fad, especially in the days of the Judges. When everyone started doing what’s right in their own eyes, Judges 21:25, humanism replaced a fearless faith. Subsequently, when the prophet Ezekiel asked someone from Israel to stand in the spiritual gap that existed, no one responded to this call. Apparently, complacency reigned during this period in the history of Israel.

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.

The New Testament addresses fearless faith by a couple of authors. Paul suggests that fear comes from pleasing people rather than God, Galatians 1:10-11. Peter uses an open-ended question asking Christians why they’re afraid of doing what’s right, 1 Peter 3:12-13. Finally, John highlights how fear comes from a lack of maturity in God’s love. When you add this all together with Jesus’ advice in Matthew 10:28, standing in fearless faith is possible with God’s help, 2 Timothy 1:7.

by Jay Mankus

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Receive, Reject or Redeem

Posted on October 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I read the four gospels in the New Testament, I am reminded of how frustrated Jesus was with the Pharisees of the first century. These religious zealots always found something to complain about. While listening to Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Wes provided a biblical perspective on how to handle modern-day hot topics. You can accept what is said by receiving it, reject foolish comments or redeem holidays like Halloween by making the most of strangers coming to your front door.

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast, 1 Thessalonians 5:18-21.

The apostle Paul shares advice with the Church at Thessalonica on how to accurately receive, reject and or redeem hot button issues. The previous chapter serves as a reminder to Christians of their obligation to God, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. Subsequently, once you know what God expects, you can begin to test what is being shared daily so that you don’t fall prey to an exaggeration, false statement or lie designed to change your perspective.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

Paul’s advice to the Church of Philippi prevents believers from becoming modern-day Pharisees. While these Jewish leaders tested what they heard with the Old Testament, the New Testament offers grace, mercy, and understanding. Therefore, as you learn to receive, reject or redeem controversial topics, follow in the steps of the Bereans, Acts 17:11, so that truth is embraced, rumors are denounced, and holidays are redeemed to share the good news about Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Does the Impossible

Posted on October 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Daniel was one of the young Jews living in Jerusalem when Babylon captured his homeland. Forced into captivity and taken back to live in Babylon, this country and their customs came into direct conflict with Daniel’s faith. After fighting for his right to maintain his Jewish dietary convictions, one of Daniel’s political enemies convinced King Darius to adopt a law which made it illegal to pray to other any god. Despite this law, Daniel continued to pray to the God of the Bible.

Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, May your God, Whom you are serving continually, deliver you! 17 And a stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that there might be no change of purpose concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and passed the night fasting, neither were instruments of music or dancing girls brought before him; and his sleep fled from him, Daniel 6:16-18.

This is what led Daniel to be placed into a den of lions in the passage above. Forced to adhere to this newly enacted law, Darius begrudgingly ordered Daniel to be placed into this unusual jail cell overnight. This punishment would have been a sure death sentence to most human beings. Maybe Daniel could have survived one lion attack, but the odds were definitely against him. Subsequently, King Darius feared the worst, expecting to see human remains first thing in the morning.

Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den and to Daniel, he cried out in a voice of anguish. The king said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, Whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions? 21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever! 22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent and blameless before Him; and also before you, O king, [as you very well know] I have done no harm or wrong. 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel should be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no hurt of any kind was found on him because he believed in (relied on, adhered to, and trusted in) his God, Daniel 6:19-23.

Based upon Daniel’s interaction with King Darius in the passage above, this is a clear sign of God doing the impossible. Other translations of the Bible records Daniel saying that “there wasn’t even a scratch on his body.” Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Daniel prayed to the Lord to shut the mouths of these lions over night or if Daniel actually saw angels keeping all of the mouths of the lions shut. While you may not be able to fathom how God works, the Lord still does the impossible today for those who believe.

by Jay Mankus

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