Tag Archives: friendship

Engaging Our Culture: February 15-True Friends Help One Another

Posted on February 15, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2003 film “Finding Nemo”

Bible Verse of the Day:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another, Proverbs 27:17.

Biblical Connection:

Albert Brooks plays Marlin, a single father who raises Nemo, Alexander Gould, a clownfish with a birth defect. This animation follows the journey of Marlin and Dory, Ellen DeGeneres, after Nemo is scooped up by underwater divers. When Dory discovers the address of this finishing vessel from a mask that falls into the sea, Nemo is eager to do whatever it takes to find his son Nemo. Upon reaching Sydney, Australia, Marlin thinks he witnessed Nemo’s death, swimming away in disappointment. This is the context of today’s scene.

The word proverb is derived from the Hebrew root word which when translated into English means to be like. King Solomon, son of David, writes most of the Proverbs in this Old Testament book. Proverbs are short sayings designed to express a universal truth to promote godly living. Solomon uses the imagery of iron being sharpened when it becomes dull. True friendship has a reciprocal relationship where individuals often challenge one another, working together to hold one another accountable. For friendships that last the test of time, we become better people because of this friend.

Closing Song:

Today’s song is about a man praying for a struggling brother. When a friendship begins to fall apart, praying is a spiritual weapon that God uses to help sharpen prodigal children come to their senses by repenting. May today’s message inspire you to reconcile with friends of your past.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 347: Friend Like That

Posted on January 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who has moved multiple times in life, true friends are hard to find. Whether it was moving from New Jersey to Delaware in Elementary School or from Delaware to Ohio in college, when you do finally relocate, you will find out who your real friends truly are. When none of them reach out to you after your departure, your friendship was more of an acquaintance than anything else. Perhaps, this is the inspiration behind Hawk Nelson’s song Friend Like That.

The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Proverbs 18:24.

King Solomon wrote about what a true friend meant to him in the passage above. Through the years, Christian artists have reflected upon this topic with songs by Geoff Moore, Michael W. Smith, and Steven Curtis Chapman. When a friend does stick closer than a brother, this kind of relationship becomes a spiritual treasure. As a new year begins, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to find a friend like that in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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Stop Messing Around

Posted on October 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While in high school, I usually played one of two roles. I was either messing around, acting like a childish immature kid who wanted to take a break from being serious. Or I was the adult in the room later on in school, overwhelmed by my conscience asking my friends, “are you sure we should be doing this?” In the case of Abraham, God placed him into a scenario where he was forced to stop messing around in life.

After these events, God tested and proved Abraham and said to him, Abraham! And he said, Here I am. 2 [God] said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I will tell you, Genesis 22:1-2.

When called by God to sacrifice the promised son that Abraham and his elderly wife waited decades to be fulfilled, he leaves before daybreak. Abraham doesn’t consult his wife about this matter as this isn’t a suggestion. After a sleepless night, Abraham mentally prepares himself for the journey that awaits. I can only imagine the thoughts going through Abe’s mind as he set out to sacrifice his beloved son.

So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and his son Isaac; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and then began the trip to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance, Genesis 22:3-4.

Looking back on my own life, I spent four years of college straddling the fence with one foot indulging my sinful nature and the other wanting to please God. There was one song that struck a nerve in my heart of my lukewarm spirit, Revelation 3:16. Ray Boltz in Feel the Nails uses the expression “stop playing games” in this chorus. While on a retreat in Friendship, Maryland, this song changed my life and brought me to a place like Abraham to stop messing around by taking my faith in Jesus serious.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 200: Broken Heart

Posted on August 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from an American Christian rock band that formed in Albany, Oregon. Falling Up signed to BEC Recordings in 2003 after a recommendation from friends in the band Kutless. Followers of Falling Up believe their 2008 singles collection Discover the Trees Again was simultaneously the end of an era and the start of an incredibly exciting new chapter for this band.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise, Jeremiah 17:14.

Every adult is familiar with broken hearts. Whether this is due to a failed friendship or marriage, all human beings are in need of healing. Subsequently, Falling Up’s lyrics of Broken Heart serve as a cry for help like a prayer where you pour out your heart to God. My today’s song encourage you to never be afraid or ashamed to ask God for healing.

by Jay Mankus

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A Reason to Change

Posted on March 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A defining moment is very brief portion of time, an instant, where you have to decide in a moment. If you’re too slow to react, this moment will define your life in the form of disappointment, failure, and shame. This old French expression is now nearly 1000 years old since it first appeared in literature. Whether you just experienced the agony of defeat or thrill of victory, defining moments provide an opportunity to change.

For the time that is past already suffices for doing what the Gentiles like to do—living [as you have done] in shameless, insolent wantonness, in lustful desires, drunkenness, reveling, drinking bouts and abominable, lawless idolatries, 1 Peter 4:3.

If anyone had a reason to change, it was one of Jesus’ disciples. John 21:15-21 details Peter’s first interaction with Jesus following his public denial. Jesus asked Peter, “do you love me” three times as if remind Peter of his failure to acknowledge his friendship with Jesus three times. Hearing these words likely pierced Peter’s heart, creating an intense desire to never deny his faith again.

They are astonished and think it very queer that you do not now run hand in hand with them in the same excesses of dissipation, and they abuse [you]. 5 But they will have to give an account to Him Who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead, 1 Peter 4:4-5.

When I was a new Christian in high school, I really didn’t know what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. Attending spiritual retreats in college pushed me in the right direction to the point where I had to decide if I wanted Jesus to take the wheel of my life? This is what the Bible refers to as the lordship of Christ, Philippians 2:9-11. Over the course of your life, you’ll likely receive bad information and instructions. Becoming a Christian doesn’t make problems go away. Rather, Jesus has a dumping station where you can unload excess weight, Matthew 11:28-30. This is the reason I changed, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 17: Feel the Nails

Posted on February 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s selection made a powerful impact on my life. I was invited to attend a Lay Witness Mission at a Methodist Church in Friendship, Maryland. My spiritual mentor Ken Horne was in charge of high school and college leadership team. Lay Witness Missions are 3-day revivals to help spiritually rejuvenate a dead or dying church. On this particular weekend, I was asked to share my testimony during the Sunday service.

O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation! – Psalm 95:1

One of my best friends from high school had recently died of cancer. Maureen often asked why I was so happy in high school, but I was afraid to tell her about Jesus. In the Ray Boltz song, Feel the Nails, the lyrics talk about playing games. I played this song at the conclusion of my first sermon with a call to action of stop playing games with God. As the congregation heard the chorus to Feel the Nail, people were literally running to the altar. This is what happens when you feel the nails of your past sins.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Let the Devil Keep Dragging Up Your Past

Posted on January 6, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The medical definition of scar tissue is the connective tissue forming a scar; composed chiefly of fibroblasts in recent scars and largely of dense collagenous fibers in old scars. These areas of your body tend to go through a transition from blood to bruising before the healing process leaves subtle indentations or marks. While your body may completely heal physically, emotional and psychological scars remain. Depending upon what traumatic events you have endured in life, the Devil has a way of dragging up these painful memories.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7.

One of the spiritual scar tissues that exists for me is the fear of public speaking. As someone born with a severe speech impediment, my mother barely understood a word I was trying to say as a child. This resulted in a couple of challenging years of elementary school, especially when called upon to read out loud in class. After one particular embarrassing moment early in the school year, I pretended to not know where we were. I decided it was better to get into trouble than endure the pain of stammering and stuttering in front of my peers. The idea of actually expressing myself was a foreign concept, something I never thought was possible.

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue), 2 Peter 1:3.

I spent the first 21 years of my life living in fear, doubtful that God can remove this communication barrier. Instead, I allowed the Devil to fill my mind with past failures. I was resigned to live my life as a hermit, like a turtle afraid to come out of it’s shell. Yet, during high school and college, the Lord brought a series of Christians into life, challenging me to face my fear of public speaking. During a Lay Witness Mission in Friendship, Maryland, the Holy Spirit consumed me as I gave my first sermon. Like a resurrected person, the Lord spoke through me like never before. This one victory propelled me into youth ministry after college, a high school Bible teacher for a decade and now as a writer. When you stop letting the Devil drag up your past, dreams, goals and visions can be fulfilled if you just let go of control and let God lead you in 2021.

by Jay Mankus

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A Touch of Class

Posted on July 19, 2020 by expressyourself4him

History is filled with stories of individuals doing whatever it takes to reach the throne. This struggle to gain and maintain control of a kingdom has inspired many dramas with the most recent the Game of Thrones. When the nation of Israel transitioned from Judges as rulers to a monarchy, King Saul began to feel threatened by David. This jealousy influenced Saul to eliminate his future competition, giving orders to hunt down and kill David.

And David said, Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake? 2 And of the house of Saul there was a servant whose name was Ziba. When they had called him to David, he said to him, Are you Ziba? He said, I, your servant, am he. 3 The king said, Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the [unfailing, unsought, unlimited] mercy and kindness of God? Ziba replied, Jonathan has yet a son who is lame in his feet, 2 Samuel 9:1-3.

When news of King Saul’s death reached David, the transition of power from Saul’s family to David’s began. Fearful of retribution, the only living male, Jonathon’s only son was hidden in a far desolate location. Instead of repaying evil with evil, David’s friendship with Jonathon softened his heart. During a cabinet meeting, David offers a touch of class, wondering if he could show kindness to a member Saul’s house.

And Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and did obeisance. David said, Mephibosheth! And he answered, Behold your servant! 7 David said to him, Fear not, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your father [grandfather], and you shall eat at my table always. 8 And [the cripple] bowed himself and said, What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I am? 9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, I have given your master’s son [grandson] all that belonged to Saul and to all his house, 2 Samuel 9:6-9.

While Mephibosheth was a young child, 5 years old, one of his caretakers accidently dropped him. The freak nature of this fall permanently damaged Mephibosheth’s feet, similar to a Lisfranc fracture. Subsequently, Mephibosheth was unable to walk for the rest of his life. I guess you can say King David was way ahead of his time, caring for and loving Mephibosheth regardless of his condition. In the end, David was following the golden rule before it was introduced, “loving your neighbor as yourself.”

by Jay Mankus

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The Tears of Lady Liberty

Posted on July 4, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. The metal framework of this landmark was built by Gustave Eiffel. This gift from France was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Three years later, Eiffel completed his own masterpiece in Paris, France. Unfortunately, the first symbol of the Statue of Liberty has been forgotten. Initially, the purpose of this erection of Lady Liberty served as a seal of the friendship between France and the United States. At her feet is a broken chain of slavery designed as a symbol of freedom. Meanwhile, The inscription on the tablet she is holding contains JULY IV MDCCLXXVI, the day of the Declaration of Independence for the United States.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

Between 1886 and 1924, nearly 14 million immigrants entered the United States through the New York Bay on their way to Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty was a reassuring sign that achieving the American dream was now a possibility for new arrivals. Ellis Island became the United States’ busiest immigrant inspection station for 62 years from 1892 until 1954. To those entering this body of water at night, the uplifted torch of Lady Liberty was a welcoming sign and was meant to enlighten those who passed by. As the 250th anniversary draws near, revisionist historians are quickly disposing of America’s rich history. A day doesn’t go by without news of another statue removed or threatened from a downtown area. If this trend continues, there will be nothing left to remind citizens of America’s past mistakes and victories.

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. 14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself, Galatians 5:13-14.

While the tears of Lady Liberty continue to fall as America goes through an identity crisis, the Bible provides hope for the hopeless. In a letter to the church at Galatia, the apostle Paul reminds individuals of this region that Jesus came to liberate sinners. Instead of being held captive by addiction, God wants everyone to experience spiritual freedom. Yet, bad habits have a way of ensnaring souls, similar to a yoke of slavery. Whenever you allow your sinful nature to get out of hand, reigning in your flesh can take months or years to regain control. Thus, if you are looking for a glimmer of hope, love is the answer. Paul references the golden rule, “loving your neighbor as yourself.” This reminder can be traced back to the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus reveals love is conditional. If you don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive you, Matthew 6:14-15. May your own acts of love inspired by the Holy Spirit turn Lady Liberty’s frown into a smile.

by Jay Mankus

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The Way of the World

Posted on May 9, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis star in the 2012 comedy the Candidate.  From a comedy perspective, this is one of my least favorite Ferrell film.  The plot involves two North Carolinians vying for a seat in Congress.  Each opponent stoops to new lows, doing whatever it takes to win.  Backed by millionaires who seek to turn this district into the epi center for a Chinese based factory, Zach Galifianakis‘ character takes a substantial lead in the polls.  As election day approaches, the underdog who is now the favorite refuses to sell his district to the Chinese.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever, 1 John 2:15-17.

This decision results in losing the backing of his donors.  Despite being a comedy movie, this scene could have been a real life example of headlines on a cable news networks.  Before leaving the home of these donors, Zach Galifianakis‘ eyes are opened to the way of the world.  Money controls politics; if you follow the money, you will see the motives behind financial contributions.  In the real world, billionaires like George Soros annually creates, donates and supports the backings of groups that will further his political agenda.  From an integrity perspective, there aren’t many politicians left who can’t be bought.  Unfortunately, those holding out for the truth are often attacked, criticized or demonized.

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God, James 4:4.

The earthly brother of Jesus, one of Mary’s other sons, makes a strong statement about the way of the world.  Apparently, you can’t be a friend of God and the world at the same time.  James compares playing both sides of the fence to adultery.  A decision to befriend the world is considered a hostile act.  The apostle Paul clarifies this concept in Romans 8:5-8.  When minds become set on the sinful nature, it’s impossible to please God.  Therefore, the next time you find yourself on the verge tasting temporary pleasures, Turkish delight, flee before you are bewitched by the world.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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