Tag Archives: God

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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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 342-Charity isn’t Love Until You Give It Away

Posted on December 5, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

Reflection:

First century Corinth was no different than living in the United States of America in 2024. Nearly everywhere you go or travel, there is someone that means well, but love is absent from their lives. Based upon the words chosen by the apostle Paul, Corinthian Christians could talk a game good, but their actions were void of love. You probably know someone in life who knows the Bible inside and out, but when it comes to demonstrating this knowledge in public, chaos and confusion follow. Subsequently, learning to become charitable by living out the love of Jesus in your heart takes time.

Prayerful Action:

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love, Galatians 5:6.

Learning to Love this December like God Loves You:

One of the Christian mottos I was introduced to in college was “talk softly and carry a big stick.” Although I wasn’t sure what the big stick was, this analogy was likely based upon Matthew 16:24-27. As Jesus was explaining expectations for His disciples, one of these requirements to take up the cross. Depending upon what Bible commentary you prefer, Christians should take the cause of Christ, the gospel, with them whenever they go in life. As Christian’s pray for and seek to become more charitable, love will slowly shine through as you give Jesus away.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

As someone who had a bad temper in my past, changing to become more like Jesus has its own set of growing pains. May today’s song Love in Action inspire you to shine the love of Jesus as a form of charity.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 341-Forgiveness is an Act of Charity

Posted on December 4, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[h] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[i] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened,” Matthew 18:23-31.

Reflection:

When a Christian, co-worker, family member, friend or neighbor trespasses against you with an act, behavior or choice word, forgiveness is likely the last thing on your mind. Perhaps, this is one of the inspirations behind the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. My eight-grade science teacher reminds me of the master who cancelled this servant’s debt. On the last day of school, I thought Mr. Horne made a mistake on my report card. I started out with a D, improved to a C at the halfway point. I earned a B in the 3rd marking period and A the 4th. When I saw my grade for the year, it was an A. Since Mr. Horne was my favorite teacher, I wanted to make sure there wasn’t an error on his part. While the percentages don’t add up, Ken explained that by the end of the year, I was an A student. This 5-minute conversation overwhelmed me and helped shape my mind when I became a teacher. Just as my 8th grade teacher showed mercy on me, I was inspired to extend grace, forgiveness and mercy to my students at Red Lion Christian Academy.

Prayerful Action:

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, Colossians 3:13.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

The servant in Jesus’ parable had accumulated so much debt over a period of time, he would have been physically unable to pay this amount back before his death. Sometimes forgiveness is as simple as common sense. After crunching these numbers, the master realized this and extended the grace of God by cancelling this excessive debt. However, don’t be that person who is blessed by an act of forgiveness, but fail to treat others as this master forgave him.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Today’s song comes from a Christian Rock band from Columbus, Ohio. As you listen to the lyrics, may you be inspired by the call to forgive, leaving the love of Jesus whenever you go in life.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 340-Love in Action is Charity

Posted on December 3, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments,” Matthew 22:34-40.

Reflection:

For three years, Jewish religious leaders tried to deceive, trick and test Jesus’ knowledge of the Law. Today’s passage is their final attempt, seeking to make Jesus de-emphasize of the Ten Commandments. Instead, Jesus gives a modern understanding of keeping these ancient rules. Breaking the Commandments into two categories, keeping God’s Law comes down to 2 decisions: loving God and loving your neighbor. If you love God with all your heart, you will keep the first 4 commandments. Meanwhile, by loving your neighbor as yourself, you’ll uphold the final 6. When you do, love in action is charity.

Prayerful Action:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock,” Matthew 7:24-25.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

As a former baseball, basketball, cross country, and golf coach, it’s easy to notice who has been practicing and who is just showing up. Sometimes the most talented athletes rely on their past successes instead of seeking to maximize their God given abilities. Unfortunately, Christians can fall into similar bad habits, going through the motions rather than hungering and thirsting for righteousness. As Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount, He calls listeners to put God’s Words into action. When Christians exercise love, acts of charity follow.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

When Christians learn to become doers of the Word, they begin to emulate Jesus. May the words of What Would Jesus Do inspire love in action in the form of charity this December.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 339-The Charity of Forgiveness

Posted on December 2, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[d] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[e] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[f] loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times, Matthew 18:15-22.

Reflection:

Being charitable can take a toll on you emotionally. As a former youth pastor, some of my teenagers kept letting me down, time after time. However, as Peter asked Jesus following the portion of the Bible known as Church Discipline, forgiveness is a daily expectation for Christians. When you place conditions on charity or forgiveness, you limit your ability to love. The reason why Jesus responds with 70 X 7 is a call for His disciples to forgive an infinite number of times.

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 Loves You and I:

At the end of the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father, Jesus makes a shocking statement. Listeners in the crowd during the Sermon on the Mount might have been in a state of disbelief. Jesus clearly states that God’s forgiveness is conditional based upon how you forgive others. Jesus doesn’t give an escape clause such as “if someone breaks your heart then you don’t have to forgive.” Since this does not exist in the Bible, forgiving others is a daily charitable act. This is how you should love.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

If you try to be charitable and love in your own strength, you’ll likely fail. However, when you lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus, you can arise with a fresh start and inspiration to let the light of Christ shine through you.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 338-Modeling Charity

Posted on December 1, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[c]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d]” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have,’ Luke 10:25-35.

Reflection:

While the third and final theological virtue in model translations is love, the King James version of 1 Corinthians 13:13 uses charity. One of best examples of charity in the Bible comes from the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Although this is most likely a fictional story, Jesus places two Jewish leaders in this illustration to prove His point. Charity doesn’t come from holding a leadership position in your local place of worship. Rather, charity is a conscious decision that you make daily with a prayer to guide your steps, “not my will, but may your will be done today,” Galatians 5:25. The priest and Levite were either afraid of becoming ceremonial unclean by touching this wounded individual, were on a time crunch so that neither wanted to get involved or were so self-absorbed like people on their cell phones, each passed by without a concern in the world. The bottom line of the Samaritan’s action in this passage is that charity takes time, and loving others can be messy.

Prayerful Action:

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise,” Luke 10:36-37.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

If your car has ever broken down on the side of a road, you understand what it means to be in need. I recall losing power on an interstate, passed by hundreds of vehicles before a good Samaritan took me to a local towing company before cell phones existed. On the other hand, how many times have I passed someone in a similar situation? Over the years, I have failed to be charitable, following in the footsteps of the priest and Levite. If the Golden Rule states: “do unto others as you want others to do unto you,” Matthew 22:39, may the Holy Spirit convict and inspire all of us to love God and love one another as Christmas Day approaches.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

If you find yourself overwhelmed with another Cyber Monday, may today’s song and parable speak to your heart and soul. Those who are charitable run to those in need like God at the end of the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.

by Jay Mankus

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