Tag Archives: college

Be the Light… Not the Darkness

Posted on December 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a college student, I struggled to distinguish when my professor was saying something that I needed to know for an upcoming test from general knowledge on a topic. Subsequently, my notetaking skills had to evolve and improve if I wanted to raise my grades. When I apply this concept to the Bible, darkness is mentioned 175 times with 439 verses discussing light. Common sense tells me to be the light and not the darkness.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:14-16.

Jesus choses light as one of the tone setters for His Sermon on the Mount. While darkness can be scary, light has the ability to penetrate darkness. The brighter the light, the more darkness and the unknown can be illuminated for all to see. Anyone who decides to demonstrate the beatitudes serves as a powerful light for the world to be drawn to. Yet, light is a choice and darkness has the power to persuade an entire room into becoming negative.

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:14-16.

This is a point the apostle Paul is trying to prove in a letter to the Church at Philippi. Don’t let the temptation of darkness steer you in the wrong direction, Matthew 7:13-14. Rather, rise above this urge to shine like stars among the darkness of night. The more perverse and wicked a generation, the greater the light of Christ can shine. As you approach another Christmas, may the songs of this season inspire you to be the light and not the darkness among hectic shoppers.

by Jay Mankus

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Crying Out Your Pain

Posted on June 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There was a time when Americans believed that men should never cry. This belief influenced a generation of tough guys, hiding their pain deep inside their hearts. Apparently, Esau was never taught or told this. When the reality of his blessing as the first born was stolen by his younger brother, Esau let out a loud cry. Although Moses doesn’t mention any tears, Esau was trying to unleash his pain by screaming.

When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with a great and bitter cry and said to his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father! 35 [Isaac] said, Your brother came with crafty cunning and treacherous deceit and has taken your blessing. 36 [Esau] replied, Is he not rightly named Jacob [the supplanter]? For he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright, and now he has taken away my blessing! Have you not still a blessing reserved for me? – Genesis 27:34-36

One of my friends in college once told me, sometimes you just need a good cry to release the pain inside your heart. Part of Moses’ description of Esau’s cry was like an uncontrollable infant whose teeth begin to gnash against one another. Yet, on the flip side, Esau shows maturity, coming to the realization of Jacob’s name, the supplanter. Perhaps this served as some sort of answer from God after his cry for help.

Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God]. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord’s name. 15 And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working], James 5:13-16.

Meanwhile, the earthly brother of Jesus likely wept like a baby following the biblical events of Good Friday. According to a first century historian, James did not believe his brother was the son of God. Whether this was out of bitterness or resentment, Resurrection Sunday turned James’ tears into a celebration. Therefore, don’t be afraid to cry out your pain. For when you do, any confession that follows results in emotional and spiritual healing.

by Jay Mankus

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Angelic Intervention

Posted on April 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Ever since college, listening to and sharing angel stories is one of my favorite topics of conversation. Testimonies from PAX TV’s hit show It’s a Miracle, personal accounts from people I met on retreats, and reading books on real life angelic interventions gives me goosebumps. Whether I’m reading the Bible or listening to an eyewitness on television, it’s amazing what goes on daily behind the scenes in the spiritual realm.

But they said, Stand back! And they said, This fellow came in to live here temporarily, and now he presumes to be [our] judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them. So they rushed at and pressed violently against Lot and came close to breaking down the door. 10 But the men [the angels] reached out and pulled Lot into the house to them and shut the door after him. 11 And they struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness [which dazzled them], from the youths to the old men, so that they wearied themselves [groping] to find the door, Genesis 19:9-11.

Based upon the words of Moses, Lot has his own encounters with two angels. While these two divine entities come in the form of two men, they are actually angels of death sent to search Sodom and Gomorrah for any living righteous individuals. However, before these two men go to the town square, a mob surround Lot’s house. After Lot’s plead deal is rejected, these two angels intervene to diffuse this awkward situation.

Besides, to which of the angels has He ever said, Sit at My right hand [associated with Me in My royal dignity] till I make your enemies a stool for your feet? 14 Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation? – Hebrews 1:13-14

According to the author of Hebrews, angels continue to serve God today. Sometimes God sends a friend to encourage you, from time to time a stranger is sent to uplift your spirits and without even knowing it, you too may have come across or entertained an angel in disguise. This all happens to guard, protect and ultimately steer you in the direction of God’s will for your life. May angelic interventions continue today on this Easter Sunday to further God’s kingdom on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 361: God Gave Me You

Posted on January 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whether it was high school, college or in my adult years, every so often I met someone who I instantly connected with. These encounters occurred on missions’ trips and retreats. Following an ice breaker, an initial conversation began which helped me discover that this person was like finding a long-lost brother and sister. David Barnes sings about a similar topic, but Barnes gives the credit to God for his wife and daughter.

Every good gift and every perfect ([d]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse], James 1:17.

The earthly brother of Jesus also points in the correct direction when you receive an unexpected gift. According to first century historians, James believed his brother was a mere carpenter until Jesus died on a cross and rose from His grave three days later. This is the context and inspiration behind the passage above. Whether in the form of a new job, place to live or presence of a new friend, God is the giver of all gifts on earth. May you come to this conclusion in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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God’s Original Intent

Posted on December 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I was in college, theological discussions included debating the creation of Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Thirty years later, apparently men can give birth, you can self-identify as an animal or tree and everyday things that were once obvious have become clouded and confusing. According to Moses, God’s original intent for creating men and women was so that once you find a soul mate, you would leave your parents to start a new life with the love of your life.

Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man. 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not embarrassed or ashamed in each other’s presence, Genesis 2:23-25.

The words in the passage above were carefully chosen by Moses. When I reread this verse a week ago, I was reminded of the parallels made by the apostle Paul in Romans 10:9-11. Biblical marriage was designed as a unified relationship, where two adults become one body to produce offspring. Meanwhile, Paul writes about the relationship that Christians should have with Jesus. A personal relationship with God isn’t just a crutch like a get out of jail free card in Monopoly. Jesus should be Lord of your life.

He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate), Matthew 19:4-6.

One of the reasons Christian marriages continue to crumble is when one of the spouses seeks to take control by abandoning their vow to become one flesh. Like a creative student explaining why they couldn’t complete their homework on time, Christian adults have mastered rationalizing why divorce is the best option. As you read today’s passages, may you be moved to develop a will to love your significant other so that hardships and trials will not separate you from God’s original intent of marriage.

by Jay Mankus

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How Great is Your Love?

Posted on October 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my first nights as a college freshman, a girl in my dorm opened up about a traumatic experience that happened over the summer. Her parents’ house backed up to one of the major interstates in New Jersey. While hanging out in her backyard, she heard a large explosion. Something inside of her moved her toward this massive pile up. Moments later, she helped drag a child from a burning car. This instinct was something she couldn’t explain, but it was a sign of love deep inside her heart.

This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do, John 15:12-14.

As God’s plan for His life was a few days from being fulfilled, Jesus began to open up to His disciples. Passion Week served as a way to prepare these twelve men for life after His ascension into heaven. Looking back, it’s clear that Jesus is pointing to his death on a cross in the passage above. Yet, most of the disciples thought that Jesus was merely introducing another expectation for his followers. To someone like Peter, this is an extension of Matthew 16:24-27, a call to prove your love for God.

Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die. 8 But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us, Romans 5:7-8.

Alain de Lille is a French theologian and poet who referred to the apostle Paul’s letter to Rome as the Road to Romans in 1175. This first century epistle is considered one of the most theological books in the New Testament. The passage above along with Romans 6:23 play a crucial role in Evangelism Explosion, a course I took at a local Methodist Church in Delaware. Paul illustrates the greatness of Jesus’ love. Nearly 2000 years after his death and resurrection, Jesus wants to know how great is your love on earth?

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 168: Saved by Grace

Posted on July 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a Christian rock band that formed in Alabama in 1980. Not to be confused with the popular video game, Halo spent a decade touring churches and venues in the south. However, when Bob Hartman of Petra joined Halo in the early 1990’s, Halo received national recognition before breaking up in 1993. Like most quality groups, Halo had a great run during my final two years of college.

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Ephesians 2:8.

Saved by Grace is a common expression that you will find in biblically based churches. The above passage serves as one of the inspirations for the lyrics of Saved by Grace. While the sound of Halo hasn’t aged well, it’s a reminder that there is a season and time for every musician. I’m grateful that I was young when Halo reached its prime. I hope you enjoy Saved by Grace.

by Jay Mankus

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Rapt in God’s Power

Posted on June 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I read the passage below last week, I was reminded of one special night in college. Earlier in the evening, I attended a night of prayer sponsored by one of the Christian groups on the University of Delaware’s campus. At first, I was hesitant, afraid I might stutter as I prayed out loud. Yet, with each passing hour I became wrapped in God’s power. After this time of prayer concluded, I was so spiritually pumped up that I went on a prayer walk with a friend, witnessing to anyone who passed by.

I was in the Spirit [rapt in His power] on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a great voice like the calling of a [i]war trumpet, Revelation 1:10.

Based upon the context of the passage above, John was rapt in God’s power. Similar to a student seeking to absorb every word of a professor like a sponge, John was fixated on the voice speaking, John describes a mental state which people refer to today as being in the zone. While training for the upcoming cross country season in high school, some nights I entered into a trance as my body went into cruise control. This intense concentration is similar to what the apostle Paul calls keeping in step with God’s Spirit,

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[d]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4 By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

One of the best ways to keep in step with the Holy Spirit today is by reading and studying the Bible. Like a body builder working on every muscle in their body, meditating on biblical principles taps into God’s promises to His followers. When I start writing my blogs for the week, I often receive rhemas. These thoughts flow from a verse or portion of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to my attention with application to a current situation or need. When you draw near to God as James 4:8 instructs, rapt in God’s power can become a reality.

by Jay Mankus

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The Evidence

Posted on May 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

After finishing my final exam in college, I was on my way to see a friend play in a tennis tournament. As the light that I was stuck at turned green, I proceeded to enter this intersection when the front on my car was hit by a vehicle running a red light. After getting out of our cars, this man immediately apologized. When the cops didn’t arrive for a while, I told a student eyewitness to go home. As soon as a police officer arrived, this man changed his entire story. The evidence of the skid marks was clearly in my favor, but to the judge I was a college student and the man who hit me was an outstanding citizen.

He who believes in the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] has the testimony [possesses this divine attestation] within himself. He who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar, because he has not believed (put his faith in, adhered to, and relied on) the evidence (the testimony) that God has borne regarding His Son. 11 And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son, 1 John 5:10-11.

On earth, every day someone gets away with a crime, lie, or sinful act. You may be able to fool friends, family, or your peers for a period of time before the evidence is revealed. When light exposes your actions, behavior and choices, you may become like the man who hit me in college, changing his story when the police show up. This painful experience of injustice served as a wake up call to me as a naive Christian. While right doesn’t always prevail initially, the evidence of an afterlife are written with conviction in the Bible.

In the former account [which I prepared], O Theophilus, I made [a continuous report] dealing with all the things which Jesus began to do and to teach 2 Until the day when He ascended, after He through the Holy Spirit had instructed and commanded the apostles (special messengers) whom He had chosen. 3 To them also He showed Himself alive after His passion (His suffering in the garden and on the cross) by [a series of] many convincing demonstrations [unquestionable evidences and infallible proofs], appearing to them during forty days and talking [to them] about the things of the kingdom of God, Acts 1:1-3.

Luke spoke to individuals who witnessed Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ former disciples tells his audience that you can know for sure about your eternal destiny, 1 John 5:12-13. John isn’t wishy washy like a skeptical individual watching an infomercial that sounds too good to be true. Rather John writes as if he just listened to a Tony Robbins motivational podcast, eager to tell others about securing a room in heaven. The Bible is full of evidence, nuggets of truth that will help you find your way home like the bread crumbs Hansel and Gretel left behind to follow when they needed it.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 9: Your’s and Mine

Posted on February 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s artist got me through some tough times in college. I was first introduced to Linda Elias through her husband Rick who was a member of A Ragmuffin Band. When Rick started a solo career, Linda would also serve as a background vocalist on a number of his songs. The best way to describe Linda’s music is that she if the Belinda Carlisle of Christian music. Today’s song comes from the Meaning of Life album.

Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [[e]and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, Ephesians 5:19.

When I first bought the Meaning of Life album, I shared it with as many college friends as possible. The person who appreciated Linda’s music the most was my friend Pam from Poughkeepsie, New York. The soothing sound of Linda’s voice and the powerful Bible based lyrics made me want to shout the chorus of Your’s and Mine every time I heard it. May this eternal message lift your spirits as you listen.

by Jay Mankus

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