Tag Archives: heart

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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Love is Faith in Action

Posted on October 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When the topic of faith is preached about in the pulpit, Hebrews 11 and James 2 is often referenced. Yet, after considering the words of King Solomon and Jesus, faith and love is a matter of the heart. Solomon warns one of his sons to guard his heart above all else. When the flow of blood to a heart is cut off, physical life is in jeopardy. However, Jesus speaks of the spiritual condition of hearts.

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life, Proverbs 4:23.

During a rough week of cross-country practice in high school, Coach Mauer give some advice dating girls during the season. I can still hear coach proclaiming, “if you let girls screw with your mind, you won’t be able to concentrate.” Unfortunately, these words came a week too late as I was turned down to attend homecoming with a female runner. As DC Talk once sang, love isn’t just another word, love is a verb.

For there is no good (healthy) tree that bears decayed (worthless, stale) fruit, nor on the other hand does a decayed (worthless, sickly) tree bear good fruit. 44 For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramblebush. 45 The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks, Luke 6:43-45.

Love isn’t something that you can take on and off like an article of clothing. Rather, love begins in your heart. Jesus taught that what’s in your heart naturally flows out of you in the form of words. The battered, beaten, and bruised will likely spew hatred and resentment of the life they have endured. Yet, this doesn’t have to be the end as Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of a Spirit of spiritual fruit. May the words of Solomon and Jesus give you hope of a new heart where God’s love flows in the form of faith in action.

by Jay Mankus

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Neglect What is Natural

Posted on September 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul devotes two chapters of his letter to the Church at Rome to what is natural. Romans 7 provides a personal confession by Paul of what he knows is right but getting his body to do this is a completely different story, Romans 7:15-18. The next chapter reveals the internal struggle between your fleshly desires and God’s Spirit, Romans 8:5-8. When your mind wanders, you’ll end up doing what’s natural.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [[p]cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]. 25 For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting], Matthew 16:24-25.

Frank Peretti introduced me to the spiritual realm through his series of books on what life would be like if we could see the ongoing battle between angels in demons. Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness opened my mind to this tug of war between the natural and supernatural, Galatians 5:16-18. The apostle Paul likely provided Peretti the inspiration for his books in Ephesians 6:10-20. When prayers cease, the Devil takes the upper hand.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed [q]life in the kingdom of God]? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his [blessed] [r]life [in the kingdom of God]? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory (majesty, splendor) of His Father with His angels, and then He will render account and reward every man in accordance with what he has done, Matthew 16:26-27.

Based upon the passage above, Jesus expects his followers to neglect the natural, any fleshly desires. Jesus set the example in Philippians 2:5-9, laying down his life to take away the sins of the world. Turning the other cheek when someone hits or hurts you isn’t natural. Nor is forgiving someone who transgresses against you over and over again, Matthew 6:13-15. Nonetheless, until you are born again spiritually, John 3:3-5, neglecting what is natural will be a losing proposition. Success is the process of arriving to faith.

by Jay Mankus

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A Proactive Approach to Stop the Root of Bitterness

Posted on September 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I spent my final year of college taking agricultural engineering classes. Some of my classmates who grew up on farms in southern Delaware joked about all the lawncare companies that claimed to have the secret to ridding yards of weeds. Years later while teaching, I spent summers working for a local Hardscaping company. One of the products we used on the job was Roundup. Before the recent lawsuit against Roundup, I discovered that most store-bought brands were watered down, needing to place a special order for the potent stuff.

Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—Hebrews 12:15.

The author of Hebrews brings up a spiritual weed. One of the Veggie Tales videos brought up a similar concept in the Rumor Weed. Instead of dramatizing how quickly rumors can spread, one first century historian touches on the dangers of bitterness. Like opening a door for the Devil to enter your life, Ephesians 4:26-27, if bitterness is allowed to linger within your heart, it can poison your soul. Jesus talks about this in His Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:22. Perhaps, envy and jealous conceived within Cain the root of bitterness that ultimately led him to take Abel’s life.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:30-31.

Following the apostle Paul’s introduction to giving the Devil an open door, a few verses later there are additional consequences of the root of bitterness. One byproduct is grieving the Holy Spirit by lashing out in a fit of rage, frustrated by a specific person or situation in life. Two chapters later, the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20 serves as a proactive approach to stop the root of bitterness from spreading like a spiritual cancer. As you learn to put on each of these pieces of spiritual armor daily, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, bitterness will begin to fade.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 220: Sweet Dreams

Posted on September 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a duo with special voices and a talented pianist. I stumbled upon Andra and Mara while searching for new artists on You Tube. The lyrics of Sweet Dreams aren’t focused on fantasy. Rather, upon experiencing a special dream, Andra and Mara are eager to act upon the message they received. Perhaps. the dream that inspired this song was similar to what happened to Mary and Joseph.

For in a multitude of dreams there is futility and worthlessness, and ruin in a flood of words. But [reverently] fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is], Ecclesiastes 5:7.

King Solomon looked down upon dreamers who spent most of their time thinking rather than acting. Subsequently, if Solomon heard this modern song, he would applaud this like the apostle Paul’s words to a teenage pastor in 2 Timothy 1:6-7. The phrase fan into flame compliments the lyrics “I’ve gotta go now” suggesting the need to take action. May this song speak to your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Lose Sight of the Mission

Posted on August 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are 3 main aspects that guide people through life. Some personalities prefer living task to task by creating daily to do lists. Others tend to be more goal oriented by setting weekly, monthly and yearly goals which serve as a target to accomplish. My personal preference is to be vision oriented, using this as a filter to determine how and where I invest my time. Jesus told his disciples to be mission oriented.

But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth, Acts 1:8.

While visions and missions are similar, Jesus’ final objective before ascending into heaven was to fulfill the Great Commission, the blueprint for spreading the Gospel throughout the world. The heart of a Christian’s mission is to go and make disciples, Matthew 28:19-20. Yet, Luke discloses Jesus’ 3 step plan: share the gospel with everyone in Jerusalem, go to the surrounding towns and villages and then send missionaries to the ends of the earth.

Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses, 1 Timothy 6:12.

While writing a young first century pastor, the apostle Paul encourages this spiritual leader to not lose sight of the mission. When defeat and failure drag you down, you have to develop the will to press on. As the Devil attempts to distract you, 1 Peter 5:8, stand your ground, Ephesians 6:10-12. Although you can’t control what happens in the supernatural realm, keep on fighting for your faith by keeping your eyes on Jesus, Hebrews 12:1-3.

by Jay Mankus

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Placing Your Trust in the Divine

Posted on August 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Following my first observation as a teacher, I was told that I didn’t have enough posters in my room. I thought this was a strange critic, but I took this to heart. While on vacation in Williamsburg, Virginia, I visited one of the numerous outlets at this tourist destination. I don’t remember how many Bible posters I bought that day, but one of those was Proverbs 3:5-6.

Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help, Psalm 146:3.

When I attended a youth ministry trade school, this verse was one of 26 that I memorized over the course of 7 weeks. The final week of my training was spent at a Wilderness Camp with 24 hours spent in silence. The purpose of this time was to reflect on my past, enjoy the moment and dream about the future. What I learned was to place my trust in the divine.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

Unfortunately, human nature has a way of convincing individuals to trust in yourself. Perhaps this is the reason why King Solomon shares the message above to one of his sons. Despite his vast wealth and wisdom, Solomon realized that it was the Lord who was the source behind his blessed life. I pray that this blog will convince someone today to place their sole trust in Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 190: By Your Side

Posted on August 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my former high school students introduced me to today’s featured artist. Tenth Avenue North is a contemporary Christian music band from West Palm Beach, Florida. Over the past two decades, this group ministered to Christians across the United States. In their song By Your Side, today’s video interviews a couple of people who were forced to start over in life following natural disasters.

He who [a]dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! 3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence, Psalm 91:1-3.

One of the Psalmist explains how God can be by your side despite being invisible. This divine being has a calming presence to help you overcome extreme circumstances. Like the Footprints poem, God will carry you for extended periods, signaled by one set of footprints on the sand. As you watch today’s vdeo, may the words of By Your Side speak to your heart and encourage your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 179: Freedom

Posted on July 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In their prime, Mylon & Broken Heart had a little bit of Elvis Pressley in their music, dress and hairdo included. Mylon R. LeFevre was one of the pioneers in Christian music which likely explains his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. As a teenager in the 1980’s Mylon & Broken Heart served as a good transitional band to go from listening to secular music to Christian artists.

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.

The attached video is from an old concert where Mylon speaks from his heart about freedom that comes from entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While some of Mylon’s classic tunes haven’t aged well, the biblically based lyrics still speak to my heart. I could have chosen from a dozen songs to share, but freedom in Christ is life altering that everyone needs to experience.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 175: Jesus Loves Ya

Posted on July 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

From 1985 to 1990, I attended a dozen retreats throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Most of these special moments were spent serving as part of a Lay Witness Mission Team member. As a teenager, I served on the high school team with my spiritual mentor Ken Horne. Ken was a modern-day disciple who incorporated new Christian music into every retreat to revive dead and dying churches.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([d]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him, John 3:16-17.

Jon Gibson’s song Jesus Loves Ya was one of many Christian tunes I was first introduced to on retreats. Jon has that acoustic, fingering snapping sound with lyrics that serve as a testimony. When I got back from this one particular retreat, I couldn’t get Jesus Loves Ya out of my head. Subsequently, I made a trip to the SonShine House to purchase the Jesus Loves Ya album. I hope this song still touches your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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