Tag Archives: Benny Hester

S.A.N.S. Episode 24: When God Ran

Posted on February 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When most of the world was panicking about the threat of Y2K on December 31st, 1999, I was listening to a local Christian Radio station. As one century came to an end, this program began the Countdown of the Top 100 Christian Songs of the 1900’s. While I didn’t necessarily agree with all the selections, today’s song was ranked #4 on this list.

But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them, Acts 16:25.

Benny Hester would have been more popular than Michael W. Smith, but Benny made one crucial mistake. Back in the days when a divorce wasn’t an option for a Christian, Benny did the unthinkable and got remarried. Immediately, Christian bookstores across the country began to remove Benny’s music from their shelves. Yet, Hester’s prodigal experience set the stage for his hit song When God Ran.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Setting the Pace so that Others May Finish

Posted on June 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

On Sunday, I participated in my first alumni weekend at the University of Delaware.  In reality, I just ran in the Blue Hen 5K with my 3 children, the first with my daughter Lydia.  Out of shape, I vowed to stay with my daughter, setting a good pace to help her post her best time.  When Lydia stopped several times with a cramp, I encouraged her to keep going.

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up, Ecclesiastes 4:10.

The same could be said about life.  Trying to do things on your own or alone is difficult.  If you reach your breaking point, who will come along to spur you on?  As Benny Hester once sang about, “You weren’t meant to live your life alone.”  In view of this, people need to seek out mentors, role models and wise counsel to find their way in life.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.

If I wasn’t running today, I’m sure my daughter would have finished eventually, but my prompting resulted in her PR, personal record.  As a father, I need to do the same in my spiritual life, setting the pace for all my children to follow.  While spiritual aspirations may vary, godly parents should set the pace so that others may cross the finished line in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Extraordinary Faith

Posted on September 16, 2013 by expressyourself4him

One day, Jesus’ disciples were ease dropping, listening to him talk to a rich young ruler, Matthew 19:16-22.  Although books don’t often mention facial expressions like the movies or television, I get the feeling Peter was shaking his head in disbelief as this righteous man went home disappointed by Jesus’ response.  In fact, Matthew tells us that all 12 disciples began to question their own faith, wondering if they could be saved? – Matthew 19:25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD5tpHQrAEQ

Based upon this passage, without Jesus, everyone is ordinary.  The apostle Paul is even more blunt in Romans 3:9-12.  Yet, one verse changes the mood of all of those in attendance, Matthew 19:26.  According to Philippians 4:13, what was once thought improbable is now possible through Jesus, God’s son.  This sudden change or “Hail Mary,” a football term for last ditch effort at victory is illustrated by the song, When God Ran.

Tomorrow night, I am beginning a 12 week adventure, a Bible Study series called Extraordinary Faith.  I am not sure who is going to show up at my house from 8-9 pm, but I am trusting God to bring those individuals He has called.  This reinvention or revolutionary glimpse at discipleship will transform hearts ready to serve.  While demons of doubt are likely already at work, trying to spoil this event, I believe in an extraordinary faith that can and will demolish strongholds in the end, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  This Study will be made available through Google Docs for those interested in bringing it to your home town.  Contact me on Facebook if the Holy Spirit places on burden on your heart to lead or host this study.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Everything About You

Posted on March 7, 2012 by expressyourself4him

As I was listening today to Oceans Above’s remake of the song, Everything About You, I was reminded of the importance to worship God 7 days a week, not just on Sunday.  When things are going well, I find myself often coasting through life, relying on my own gifts, strength and talents.  When despair, depression or death protrude upon us, interrupting life as we know it, I get flustered and impatient, wanting an answer immediately.

In the chorus of Everything About You, the lyrics refer to trying to live without God as one of the greatest mistakes that we can make.  During my junior year of college, while working in Cleveland, Ohio, I reached a point where I was disgusted by my faith.  I was one of the leader’s of the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s at the University of Delaware while classes were in session, yet in the summer I was hanging out at nightclubs and sports bars with my non-Christian friends.  One dark night, restless from my hypocrisy and convicted by a web of sin, I contemplated walking away from my faith forever.

A week later, I broke my foot in 2 places, playing sand volleyball, landing on a girl’s leg who was playing behind me.  I spend an entire month, on bed rest, elevating my foot.  This was the turning point in my life, where I was forced to be still, Psalm 46:10.  God used this point in time to teach me about Himself, using passages like Nahum 1:7, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him.”  When I was in this pit, like David in Psalm 30:1-3, I began to see Everything About You Lord.  If you are feeling like a prodigal son or daughter, Luke 15:11-32, come to your senses, for God is waiting for you with open arms, Luke 15:20.  As Benny Hester once sang, this is When God Ran.  Run to Him now!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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