Tag Archives: Bruce Carroll

I’m Just an Average Joe Who Serves an Almighty God

Posted on September 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Telling a man that they are average is like responding to a woman who asks you how they look in a new outfit “you look okay.” These subtle words appear harmless unless you’re struggling with your self-esteem. While telling the truth about your own observations may get you in trouble with a significant other, I’ve reached a point in life where I’ve accepted who I am. I’m just an average Joe who serves an almighty God.

And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn ([a]a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. 8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 2 Corinthians 12:7-8.

Although most people call me Jay, my birth name is Joseph J. Mankus Jr. Minus my Lithuanian middle name, which is another story for a later time. By the time I reached high school, answering the phone with “Joe Junior or Senior” got too annoying as most calls were for my father. Subsequently, I made it known to everyone that from here on out, call me Jay.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! – 2 Corinthians 12:8

This decision coincides with when I first became a Christian on December 4th, 1984. Like the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-31, I haven’t always taken a straight path, wandering off and abandoning God for multiple periods and seasons. Yet now I’m back and have come to terms with my current role in life. Like the old Bruce Carroll song, I’m an Average Joe who is ready to serve an almighty God.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 165: Does Anybody Love the Lord?

Posted on July 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song was ranked among the top 25 Christian tunes of the twentieth century. If I can recall on the countdown that took place on New Year’s Eve in 1999, another one of Crawford’s ballads also cracked the top 100. When it comes to inspirational Christian songwriters, I would rank Rick third all-time behind Bruce Carroll and Benny Hester. Does Anybody Love the Lord serves as an open ended question.

He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love, 1 John 4:8.

In the lyrics of Does Anybody Love the Lord, Rick points out the spiritual giants of the past. You don’t have tell anyone that you love the Lord if you’re a person of grace, integrity and mercy. Unfortunately, most Christians have their own prodigal experience, leaving the Lord for a period of time. Rick urges modern Christians to become people of action, faith and works. May today’s song challenge you to deepen your relationship with Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 62: Above and Beyond

Posted on April 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from an American CCM singer and multi Grammy and Dove Award winning recording artist. As someone who has dabbled in creative writing since high school, the lyrics of nearly every Bruce Carroll song moves me. While Above and Beyond appears on more than one album, Bruce’s biblically based lyrics inspired me to craft my own album entitled A Simple Confession.

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life, John 8:12.

The words Above and Beyond contain multiple visual images. Most of my life I’ve allowed circumstances to dictate what I pursue. If I just trusted in the power of the Holy Spirit, my achievements in life would be above and beyond my expectations. As you listen to the lyrics of Above and Beyond, may you be inspired to develop a faith that will elevate you to new heights.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 10: Secret Scars

Posted on February 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

My goal for Sunday posts of Sing A New Song is to highlight worship-oriented artists or songs with an inspirational message. One of my favorite song writers of all time is Bruce Carroll. Yet, the lyrics of Ron David Moore’s The Vision’s Clear album rivals any Christian album ever produced. I heard an interview talking about the success of this album, but Ron’s next album was a dud due to a lack of inspiration.

A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers. 24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality), John 4:23-24.

When the Holy Spirit moves you to share or write something, it’s as if God is speaking directly through you. Yet, this is a force that you can’t manufacture. As for today’s song, Secret Scars is something everyone can relate to as all human beings have hidden at least one thing that they haven’t told a soul. The pain of this burden will continue to wear you down until you place it at the foot of the cross.

by Jay Mankus

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Too Many Pinocchios and Not Enough Average Joes

Posted on February 8, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The Adventures of Pinocchio was first published in 1883 by Italian author Carlo Collodi.  Disney released the animated version of Pinocchio in 1940.  This puppet created by the woodcarver Geppetto serves as the protagonist of this film.  Magically brought to life, Pinocchio discovers a shocking reality about truth.  Each time Pinocchio tells a lie, the size of his nose immediately grows.  This standard has been adopted  by members of the media to illustrate the honest from those who distort the truth.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight, Proverbs 12:22.

Unfortunately, when you place a camera in front of most politicians, exaggerations, fake outrage and misleading statements flow.  When you add political talking points to this equation, the concept of cable news panels is becoming a pointless exercise.  If experts, guests and hosts are merely going to regurgitate what their side believes to be true, all you have each night in America for evening news is political spin, often void of truth.  This cycle goes on and on with too many Pinocchios and not enough average Joes.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish, Proverbs 19:9.

In his 1990 album The Great Exchange, Bruce Carroll released the song Average Joe.  The lyrics refer to an average American family at the time, hard working, church attending and God fearing.  The chorus sings about the power of God flowing through the lives of averages Joes.  Back in the early nineties, this song was considered normal, socially acceptable.  Nearly, thirty years later, progressive ideas has labeled this concept as divisive, judgmental and non-inclusive.  Unless modern Pinocchios are exposed, held accountable and removed from power, average families are in danger of disappearing, shamed into conforming to the ways of the world.

by Jay Mankus

 

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