Tag Archives: heart

S.A.N.S. Episode 169: Cast Me Away

Posted on July 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from the former lead singer of Life Savers Underground. Michael Knott is one of those musicians who is more famous as a producer of 35 albums. Michael has helped and mentored young artists through the years. While Michael’s alternative rock genre may not be to your satisfaction, Cast Me Away is a ballad that Michael speaks and sings from his heart.

Listen to my prayer, O God, and hide not Yourself from my supplication! 2 Attend to me and answer me; I am restless and distraught in my complaint and must moan 3 [And I am distracted] at the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression and threats of the wicked; for they would cast trouble upon me, and in wrath they persecute me, Psalm 55:1-3.

The inspiration behind Cast Me Away comes from Psalms written by David following his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. While I didn’t reference Psalm 32, David pours out his heart to God in prayer. Ashamed and convicted of his sin following an encounter with the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12, David feels horrible. While all sinners deserve to be cast away, God still loves and forgives you, Romans 5:8.

by Jay Mankus

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Hear, Listen, and Heed God’s Voice

Posted on July 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon how well you sleep the night before and how you’re feeling when you get up, your mental alertness varies. If you wake up in a fog, you’ll overlook the obvious signs of God’s presence. Meanwhile, your ability to hear will be impaired until your body fully wakes up. On the other hand, if you’re well rested and possess a sound mind, hearing, listening and heeding God’s voice is possible.

And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice, 1 Kings 19:11-12.

Anyone who has ever battled depression for an extended period of time, turns their attention to within. This fragile state of mind causes me to block out what’s going on around me. My main concern is dwelling on my pathetic state, seeking a pity party from others I come in contact with. Subsequently, you may end up like Elijah who isn’t hungry and would rather sleep, hoping his situation improves in the morning.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me, Revelation 3:20.

According to a vision received by John, God will try to get your attention. John uses the analogy of God knocking on a door, perhaps the door to your heart. If you’re sober, you’ll have a better chance of listening, seeing, and sensing the presence of God. Yet, John suggests hearing and listening is just step 1 and step 2 of this process. The final call is heeding the advice God gives you. Ready, set and engage God.

by Jay Mankus

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Living an Undaunted Life

Posted on June 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Living an undaunted life is not being intimidated or discouraged by difficulty, danger, or disappointment. Saying you will do this and actually rising above the hand you are dealt in life are two different things. While God called one man to be his voice for the nation of Israel, Moses began to dwell upon his speech impediment. Frustrated by Moses’ response, God gives him a pep talk to fulfill God’s will for his life.

And Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, I am not eloquent or a man of words, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and have a heavy and awkward tongue. 11 And the Lord said to him, Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord? – Exodus 4:10-11

As someone who was born with a severe stuttering problem, thinking about what you want to say and actually saying it clearly is like asking for a miracle. Based upon the passage above, Moses struggled to imagine a life without stammering and stuttering. This mental block took time to overcome as Aaron was initially given to Moses as a security blanket. Subsequently, living an undaunted life had to wait.

Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say, Exodus 4:12.

Despite this transition, Moses gradually develops the courage to confront Egypt’s King face to face. While Pharaoh tried to duplicate the initial plagues with magicians, God hardened his heart over and over again. Hebrews 11:24-29 highlights Moses’ maturity from daunted to undaunted. If God can use a stutterer to lead Israel to the Promised Land, there is hope for you and me to transform from fearful to undaunted.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 143: Go Through Fire

Posted on June 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a multi-talented individual who is a Christian artist, musician, songwriter, record producer, and speaker. Rob Frazier’s father W. Burwell founded the Warrington Fellowship Church in Bucks County Pennsylvania. Since I grew up about 30 minutes from this church, it’s no wonder that Rob Frazier’s albums were easily accessible at nearby Christian bookstores in Delaware.

[You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 1 Peter 1:6.

Frazier’s song Go Through Fire appears to be inspired by the passage above. Peter writes about the refining process brought on by the trials that all human beings are forced to endure. However, if you want to grow and mature spiritually, you must go through these unexpected fires that arise weekly and monthly. May this classic ballad touch your heart and inspire you to draw closer to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 132: All Is Well

Posted on June 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

It’s rare for any musical group to stay together for an extended period. At some point, individuals tend to want to do their own thing by pursuing a solo career. Yet, for Philips, Craig and Dean, they have stuck together for 30 years. This group is comprised of three pastors: Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig, and Dan Dean. Over the past 3 decades, Philips, Craig and Dean have sold more than 3 million records.

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]? – Matthew 16:26

Today’s song is a remix of the classic hymn “It is Well with my Soul.” The Philips, Craig and Dean version is simply entitled All is Well. On the surface, your life may be falling apart. Yet, when you reach a place in your relationship with God with complete trust and assurance, Jesus becomes the Lord of your life. While things may not be going well externally, internally all is well with your soul. May this song inspire you to get your life right with God so that healing and peace will flow within your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 122: How Could I Ask for More?

Posted on June 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I was working full time in youth ministry, Cindy Morgan was one of my favorite female Christian artists. While working in Columbus, Indiana at a Methodist Church, Cindy was one of the featured artists at an outdoor concert at Mill Race Park. The album that touched my heart the most was Real Life. At this time, there wasn’t many artists who addressed real life issues like How Could I Ask for More?

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself,] Ephesians 2:8-9.

As a child, the alure with being rich and famous is common. Yet, when my parents moved to a wealthy area of Ohio and my girlfriend Leanne lived in an affluent suburb in Chicago, the emptiness of wealth was revealed to me. I didn’t see what I expected except for a desire to keep up with the Joneses. Looking back, the lyrics of How Could I Ask For Me reminds me that happiness comes the love of Jesus. So as my future job in South Carolina is still unknown, all I can do is thank God for the little things as I wait.

by Jay Mankus

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Where Was God in Uvalde?

Posted on May 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Following the most recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, one of the first headlines I saw on social media pierced my heart. This one particular comment blamed God for not intervening. The exact quote was “Where was God in the Uvalde School Shooting?” Unfortunately, when freewill is exercised and someone has already made up their mind like Cain, the only thing remaining is the actual act of evil.

But for [a]Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. 6 And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it, Genesis 4:5-7.

Based upon the initial investigation into the life of the school shooter Salvador Ramos, he had a speech impediment, a stutter that caused other students to tease him. Beside recently dropping out of high school, Salvador’s family had a criminal record that led him to live with his grandparents. One psychologist suggested that the pictures of graduating seniors displayed throughout downtown UValde may have been one of the triggers that caused Salvador to snap.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death, James 1:13-15.

While Texas officials may never uncover the reason for Salvador’s evil actions, the Bible shines light upon what is going on inside of sinful minds. Cain was envious of his younger brother Abel who was blessed by God. This jealousy conceived hatred inside of Cain’s heart that Jesus compares to the root of murder in Matthew 5:21-22. Meanwhile, temptation does originate from God. Rather, temptation is an internal process that baits, entices and lures people like Salvador to sin. Just like God tried to talk Cain out of getting rid of his brother, God’s attempt to change Salvador’s mind was unsuccessful to stop freewill.

by Jay Mankus

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Keeping Your Soul Well

Posted on May 25, 2022 by expressyourself4him

To an ordinary person, the soul is an immaterial part of a human being. Yet, once an individual becomes spiritually enlightened, souls become the essence of who you are, and the person God wants you to be. At the beginning of a first century letter, John prays for the prosperity of bodies and the wellness of souls. Building upon the words of Proverbs 4:23, John is concerned with protecting the wellspring of life.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers, 3 John 1:2.

The prosperity movement in the church has left countless souls feeling disappointed and empty. The idea that if you give x amount of money to this cause, you will receive a bounty full of blessings is not accurate. This concept taken from Malachi 3:8-10 is based upon tithing. When Christians reach a point in their faith of complete trust in God to provide, there is a promise to open the storehouses of heaven. To avoid a long-drawn-out biblical debate, these blessings come in many shapes and forms.

Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord]. 5 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might, Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

Jesus quotes Moses words in the passage above in Matthew 22:37-40. One way to keep your soul well is by making God your top priority in life, Matthew 6:33-34. As Christians mature and reach an understanding of God’s daily bread from Israel’s days of wandering in the wilderness, human effort is taken out of this equation. Somehow and someway as Christians seek God’s righteousness first, mysterious and unexplainable things begin to happen. Some may never reach this degree of faith, but if you do, you’ll be eager to protect and guard your heart so that your soul remains well.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 112: I Can’t Quit

Posted on May 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a group that I discovered on You Tube. While listening to a mix of Christian dance songs from various artists, Capital Kings kicked off this collection. I debated between “the Paradigm” and “I Can’t Quit.” While both songs have an exceptional beat and sound, I Can’t Quit contains more inspirational lyrics that most people can relate to in a world filled with defeat.

For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint, Galatians 6:8-9.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul addresses this topic. Human nature has a way of weakening downtrodden souls to lose heart. When you heart isn’t into what you are doing, minds tune out which results in the act of quitting. Whatever circumstance or situation that you are currently facing, remember the Capital Kings song I Can’t Quit so that faith prevails as you learn to press on day after day.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 105: Born Again

Posted on May 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a Christian rock band which formed in Marietta, Georgia during the 1990s. Third Day is one of those groups with a distinct sound due to lead singer Mac Powell. Mac’s voice is easy to pick out on radio, even if I didn’t know any of the songs from Third Day’s latest album. Nonetheless, Third Day always seem to craft and produce songs inspired by the Bible.

He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5.

The concept behind the song Born Again was introduced in John 3. The author of this book adds assurance to being born again in 1 John 5:12-13. John writes about making your reservations for heaven. This isn’t a dream or a fantasy. Rather, becoming born again, Romans 10:9-11, guarantees Christians a room in heaven that Jesus went ahead to prepare for you, John 14:1-3. May this song touch your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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