Tag Archives: faith

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 354-Biblical Charity Doesn’t Seek Attention

Posted on December 17, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you, Matthew 6:1-4.

Reflection:

As a former teacher at a Christian High School, there were a number of secret donors who helped out my family over the course of a decade. Since my children received free tuition in my first 5 years, my putrid salary was manageable. However, when the school faced financial issues, teachers were required to start paying 10% of their children’s tuition. Without saying a word, one or a couple of wealthy individuals paid this for me each of my final 5 years. I had inclinations of who gave in secret, but I was never able to personally thank this secret donor or givers. This is biblical charity.

Prayerful Action:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, Luke 6:38.”

Learning to Love this December as Forgave You:

Charity has become a publicity stunt for wealthy Americans, a way to rebuild one’s reputation. Subsequently, an agent leaks a potential donation to a friendly member of the press, getting cameras set up for a press conference which follows this charitable act. According to Jesus, the Pharisees had this concept down in the first century before cameras were invented. Before this fake attempt at giving became spiritually accepted in Jewish synagogues, Jesus corrects this flawed view with a public rebuke. As long as God knows who the giver is, each will be rewarded for their secret charitable act in eternity.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

May the advice that Jesus gives in the Sermon on the Mount inspire you to give of yourself this Christmas. As the today’s song suggests, give until you have nothing left to give.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 352-Love Will Find a Way

Posted on December 15, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[e] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[f] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[g] There is no commandment greater than these,” Mark 12:28-31.

Reflection:

In the first Jurassic Park movie, a group of experts are brought to an experimental island with genetically created dinosaurs. The scientists overseeing this project believed that they could control this dinosaur population by making sure every species was female. However, the expert played by Sam Neill Grant begins to doubt this grandiose plan, stating “life will find a way.” This belief also applies to the spiritual realm. As new Christians enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, “love your neighbor as yourself” is one of many commands in the Bible that shine light on God’s expectations for this new spiritual life. However, as Christians grasp, mature and understand what this encompasses, love will find a way out of your heart in the form of charitable actions and encouraging words.

Prayerful Action:

Do everything in love, 1 Corinthians 16:14.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

As you pass by a volunteer from Salvation Army ringing a bell as you enter or exit a store, you may feel a tug on your heart. This call to give may wait until after you purchase the gift that led you to this place. Yet, if you’re in a hurry or listening to a song playing on your air buds, you may pass by without noticing on your way in and out. Since charity is inspired by love, I have to be moved by God to give to a cause like Salvation Army or someone in need. When I prepare myself through prayer and studying the Bible, love will find a way to prompt a spiritual response to give. However, when your heart is calloused, hardened or wounded, opportunities to love are missed. Stay alert and sober minded this December so that you seize each moment that you have to be charitable.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

At the end of the Scrooged, Bill Murray opens up about how the Christmas Spirit can change you. Bill interrupts a live television event to share what he learned from the ghosts of Christmas past and present. Just as Bill’s character was overwhelmed by the spirit of Christmas, may God continue to work on your own spiritual life until love finds a way to move through you.

by jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 351-How Love is Made Complete

Posted on December 14, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister, 1 John 4:16-21.

Reflection:

If you are ever church shopping, looking for a local church to call your spiritual home, you’ll notice the smallest details most Christians overlook. Unfortunately, this is where you could become judgmental, dissecting every imperfection inside this body of believers. Since there is no such thing as a perfect church, falling short of God’s glory in some shape or form, Romans 3:23, you have to accept specific weaknesses. Maybe the worship music is outdated or subpar? Is the biblical teaching solid, but dry? However, my one non-negotiable for a home church is a spirit of love. As long as love is present, flowing inside and outside of church, I’m willing to accept other shortcomings.

Prayerful Actions:

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:1-2.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

At the end of the first century, John becomes the oldest living disciple of Jesus. While other apostles and disciples were put to death for their faith, John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where the book of Revelation was written. If someone wanted to know what Jesus was really like, he could provide specific details from his 3 years as one of Jesus’ spiritual pupils. Yet, from an elder statesman perspective, John had visited enough churches to know which ones emulated the love of Jesus from those which were superficial. Genuine love follows the Golden Rule of loving one another without any exceptions like earthly brothers and sisters. When a spirit of charity in the form of forgiveness is demonstrated by a body of Christian believers, love is made complete.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The love of God is a mystery to those currently living outside of a loving church. However, to anyone who has experienced a powerful movement of God’s love, this answer is found by listening to the hearts of Christians who have tapped into the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Therefore, as you listen to the lyrics of Listen to Our Hearts, may you begin to grasp when love is made complete.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 349-Charity Reflects Your Degree of Love

Posted on December 12, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command,” John 15:9-14.

Reflection:

Charity is one of those words that have evolved over the years. From a human perspective, charitable groups like Goodwill, March of Dimes, the Salvation Army is what introduced me to the concept of charity. Yet, the Bible compares charity to your degree of following Jesus’ command to love one another. After sharing an analogy about a spiritual Vine and its branches, Jesus explains how someone can become a true friend of God. The more God fills you with a desire to love your neighbor as yourself, acts of charity will naturally flow out of you.

Prayerful Action:

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other, John 15:15-17.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

Whenever a teacher repeats a specific message, this is a sign to students that you should probably write this down. As a former high school teacher, I tried to prepare my students for college lectures where professors rarely slow down. To anyone paying attention, Jesus’ one command is to love each other. Christian students should not be confused by the bottom line of this passage. The more the love of Jesus naturally flows out of your heart, charity will take the form of fruits of the Holy Spirit. Subsequently, charity will reflect your degree of love.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Linda Elias is the wife of Rick Elias, a former member of Rich Mullins’ Ragamuffin Band. During my final semester of college, the Meaning of Life became my favorite Christian album. May the lyrics of Where There’s Love inspire you like it did for me more than 30 years ago.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 348-Putting on Love

Posted on December 11, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity, Colossians 3:9-14.

Reflection:

One of my favorite books of the Bible as a new Christian was Colossians. My spiritual mentor informed me about the importance of putting to death your old self, highlighted by the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:5-8. Ken explained this to me as former addictions, behaviors, choices and earthly desires you indulged in prior to entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. In place of these old practices, God urges Christians to put on your new self. Similar to the fruits of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5:22-23, the key ingredient which binds each of these virtues together is love. Putting on love enables Christians to bear with, pray for and forgive all who trespass against you.

Prayerful Action:

 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, 1 Corinthians 13:6-7.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

Reading the Bible and putting Jesus’ words into action may take years before your life begins to bring light and love to others. Unfortunately, there are certain people that you cross paths with daily that are difficult to love. These individuals have a back story, painful experiences which often make them hesitant to love and trust other people. This inner pain is poured out in the form of anger, emotional outbursts and harsh words. Situations like this is why Jesus calls Christians to love and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-44. When God tests your faith, you’ll gain valuable experience in putting on love.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Difficult times shape who you are and provides opportunities for spiritual growth. May the lyrics of Love Like This help prepare you to put on love this Christmas season.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 347-The Power of Charity

Posted on December 10, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins, 1 Peter 4:1-8.

Reflection:

Two New Testament authors write about spiritual acts that cover over a multitude of sins. The first comes from a likely source, one of Jesus’ disciples, part of Jesus’ inner circle. Meanwhile, the second is one of Jesus’ earthly brothers. Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way, James 5:19-20, also covers over a multitude of sins. Both highlight the power of charity as the first act credits love while the other is love in action.

Prayerful Action:

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:14-15.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

The context of today’s prayerful action takes place in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. At the end of Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus commands those in attendance to love and pray for their enemies. Anyone can love those who love and are nice to you. However, Christians are called to higher standards, to embrace, endure and pray for your enemies. As God changes your heart to begin to see the back story of your enemies, why they act and behave the way they do, the power of charity becomes a reality. This is how you can love others this December and throughout 2025.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Sometimes your soul needs to hear a song of hope when you’re feeling down. May the lyrics of the Love of Christ bring back that bounce in your step, provide that spiritual spark to ignite your faith. May today’s words move you toward acts of charity this month.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 346-The Inspiration Behind Charity

Posted on December 9, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love, 1 John 4:4-8.

Reflection:

As followers of Jesus in Antioch earned the nickname Christians by local citizens in Acts 11:26, the disciples already knew the inspiration behind charity. As a member of Jesus’ inner circle, John speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit deep down inside of those who enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11. Without mentioning the Devil, John wants any doubting or struggling Christians to know that the power of God is greater than the forces in this world. Therefore, if you find yourself fighting a losing battle, a life void of any charity, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to help you overcome doubt by beginning to loving others.

Prayerful Action:

No temptation[c] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[d] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[e] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

The apostle Paul addresses Christians who aren’t quite right in Philippians 2:3-4. If you find yourself falling prey to temptation, addicted and held in bondage to sin, charity is the last thing on your mind. Paul suggests that sometimes you have to take care of your own spiritual needs before you can help others, removing sin from your own life first, Matthew 7:3-4. Yet, in your struggle with sin, greater is He who is in you than is in this world. When you place your trust in the inspiration behind charity, the love of God will shine through you as you stay connected to Jesus.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

We all go through rough stretches in life. This may last weeks, months or even years. Yet, when you place your hope and trust in the inspiration behind charity, God’s love will shine through you after the storms of life subside.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 345-Where Charity Begins

Posted on December 8, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows, Galatians 6:1-7.

Reflection:

As I started my preparations for today’s blog, I stumbled upon the 7 Laws of the Harvest. The first of these7 laws is the sowing and reaping principle. Sowing and reaping is embedded into the natural world as well as a fabric of Creation. As a farmer prepares their fields prior to planting seeds, the yield produced by this sowing reaps a crop or fruit based upon the seed sown. From a spiritual perspective, sometimes other human beings serve as weeds that can stunt your growth. The daily action you take are symbolic of sowing spiritual seeds. If you expect and or seek God’s blessing upon your life, your actions should keep in step with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. However, if you treat others like trash and don’t follow the Golden Rule. “Treating others as you want to be treated,” don’t expect the reaping of God’s blessings and favor.

Prayerful Action:

Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life, Galatians 6:8.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

The words of the apostle Paul above are similar to Moses’ message to Israel in his farewell address, Deuteronomy 30:15-16. The choices that you make in life reflect what is truly important to you. Are you making decisions that add joy to your life? Or have you slipped in 2024, doing things that result in self-destruction and separation from God? May today’s passage stir your soul, inspiring you to invest in spiritual sowing fruits of the Holy Spirit this December and beyond into 2025.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

As one New Testament author reminds first century Christians, God disciplines those whom He loves, Hebrews 12:4-6. Sometimes we all need a little bit of tough love, a firm rebuke to get us back on track. May the lyrics of Whatever U Sow remind you to be a light of Christ this holiday season.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 344-Obstacles to Charity

Posted on December 7, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:13-16.

Reflection:

One of the obstacles that you’ll see in movies and television is that most characters have inner/personal demons that often result in self-destructive acts. According to the apostle Paul, the greatest obstacle to charity is the human flesh. This is a generic term which is expanded upon in Galatians 5:19-21. These 15 sinful acts speak to the depravity of the human condition. Whenever you seek to do something charitable, these earthly desires inside of you are waging war against your soul. These are the obstacles to charity.

Prayerful Action:

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul, 1 Peter 2:11.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

The apostle Paul devotes an entire chapter to this topic in Romans 7:1-25. This serves as a public confession of a flesh that was out of control. Whenever you give into these sinful desires, the next time you are tempted, the harder and harder it becomes stop. This is why addictions are so difficult to overcome. However, when you rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf, you can be victorious in overcoming these earthly desires, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Lean on the Holy Spirit to help you overcome obstacles to charity this holiday season.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Level Head shares stories of fallen believers from God’s grace, held captive by specific fleshly desires. May today’s lyrics remind you of the obstacles to charity and God’s power to rescue you from the poor choices of your past.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 343-The Power of Love

Posted on December 6, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.10 When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. 11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love, 1 Corinthians 16:7-14.

Reflection:

Life in general is all about managing the people in your spheres of influence. As the apostle Paul kept in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, his ministry team grew beyond Silas, relying on spiritual leaders like Timothy to help plant new first century churches. Unfortunately, time is not always on the side of Christian missionaries. When you find yourself under pressure, your true character is exposed. If you add the spiritual dimension of Ephesians 6:12 to this equation, it’s easy to lose your cool. This is why Paul urges Corinthian Christian to do everything in love.

Prayerful Action:

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God, 1 John 4:7.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

No one is immune to human nature, Romans 3:9-12. Subsequently, charity and love aren’t something that you can manufacture in your own strength. John reminds fellow first century Christians that love comes from God. As you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, this source of love can gradually shine through you. As Christians learn to rise above their current circumstances, the power of love can transform congregations, even in today’s progressive age.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Today’s song comes from the Change Your World Album. Debuting shortly after Huey Lewis’ Power of Love song, the lyrics of Give It Away compliment today’s message on love. May today’s song inspire you to be a shining light of charity and love this Christmas season.

by Jay Mankus

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