Tag Archives: heart

S.A.N.S. Episode 97: I Give Myself Away

Posted on May 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I stumbled upon today’s featured song while searching for inspiration worship songs for a fast back in January. Prior to this search, I had never heard of William McDowell. William’s voice and spirit poured out in I Give Away myself reminds me some of Babbie Mason’s songs. McDowell does a wonderful job of combining music with a prayer in I Give Myself Away.

So by whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever] strengthening and consoling and encouraging [our relationship] in Him [affords], by whatever persuasive [a]incentive there is in love, by whatever participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy, 2 Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention, Philippians 2:1-2.

The lyrics of I Give Myself Away blends scripture into this song. The apostle Paul writes in the passage above about developing the same attitude and mindset of Christ. Just as Jesus laid down his life for his friends, Romans 5:8, God calls Christians today to give our lives away by making Jesus the Lord of our life. May this song touch your heart and stir your soul as it has done for me and my friends.

by Jay Mankus

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Let Us Not Love in Mere Theory

Posted on May 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I first read the passage below, an image of a famous scene from Good Will Hunting popped into my mind. The context of this scene is that Will played by Matt Damon picks apart Sean’s life played by Robin Williams. Will judges Sean solely based upon a picture that he painted. This brief synopsis of interpretation and theory is like a Christian who merely reads about love in the Bible. You can talk about love in theory, but without applying love, your knowledge is useless.

Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity), 1 John 3:18.

As a disciple of Jesus, John was fortunate to meet thousands of people every week. Apparently, some of these individuals talked about Jesus in theory, but their actions and behavior never changed. The expression “little children” is likely a kind way of telling his readers that they are immature and still have a long way to go. On the other hand, John could be simply using a common expression passed on by Jesus that he adopted following his ascension into heaven.

[Dear] little children, I am to be with you only a little longer. You will look for Me and, as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: you are not able to come where I am going. 34 I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves], John 13:33-35.

Today, these two passages serve as a reminder from the first century church. This new command is a continuation of Matthew 22:36-40. In other words, as Christians develop and grow in their love for God, pass on this same intensity of love to your neighbors daily. The sign of any thriving church is the depth of love in the hearts of believers. Don’t just talk about love in theory. Rather, put your faith into action by showing the love of Jesus to everyone on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Closing Your Heart to Compassion

Posted on April 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of my former pastors regularly preached about hurt people, hurting other people. Whenever you are betrayed, deeply hurt, let down and wounded, it takes time to heal. If someone rubs you the wrong way or is unrelentless about pressing you on an issue, you may reach a breaking point before exploding. This may explain why people close their heart to compassion.

But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and[m]fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him? – 1 John 3:17

If you watch enough movies or streaming services, you will find a character who is jaded about a past experience. This one event may cause someone to develop barriers that prevents them from ever becoming vulnerable again. This fear of being hurt shows up in Matt Damon’s character in Good Will Hunting. Yet, the Bible is calling readers to open their hearts to compassion.

For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [g]reckless and willful sins, [h]leaving them, letting them go, and [i]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [j]reckless and willful sins, [k]leaving them, letting them go, and [l]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses, Matthew 6:14-15.

Jesus provides a good reason to open your heart to compassion in the passage above. In the middle of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus unveils a condition for forgiveness. Like the Sowing Principle, if you forgive others, God will forgive you. However, if you close your heart to compassion, God will withhold his compassion from you. May these words bring healing and inspire you to open your heart to compassion.

by Jay Mankus

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Pumping Your Heart with Life

Posted on April 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In this age of mental health awareness and eating healthier, the spiritual side of life is often neglected, 1 Timothy 4:8. You could be making strides with a new diet and exercise program, but are you pumping your heart with life? Jesus introduces this concept in John 10:10. Jesus speaks of an abundant life where lives are full of joy, reaching a mindset where you are pumping your heart with life.

I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one, 1 John 2:14.

The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote about abiding in the Word of God. Based upon his gospel, John compares Jesus to the Word, introducing the concept of the Trinity, John 1:1-5. When you combine John’s insights with Hebrews 4:12, the Bible is a source of life. Like the ending of the Sermon on the Mount, pumping your heart with life means putting Jesus’ teaching into practice, Matthew 7:24.

Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life, Proverbs 4:21-23.

One of the wisest human beings to walk the face of the earth compares a heart to the well spring of life. Jesus builds upon this concept in Luke 6:45 as mouths speak out of the overflow of the heart. Solomon wrote about the importance of guarding your heart so that it doesn’t become polluted by darkness, Matthew 6:19-21. Therefore, if you want to experience an abundant life in Christ, John 10:10, fill your heart with the words of the Bible, Joshua 1:8.

by Jay Mankus

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Conducive to the Soul’s Safety

Posted on April 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Conducive is making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible. This is the context of the passage below as Peter is seeking to protect the souls of first century Christians. While there are no guarantees in life, you can put safeguards in place that are advantageous, beneficial, and useful for favorable results. If the soul is the essence of who you are, your heart is the well spring to life, Proverbs 4:23. This is why it’s necessary to consider the safety of your soul.

And consider that the long-suffering of our Lord [[e]His slowness in avenging wrongs and judging the world] is salvation ([f]that which is conducive to the soul’s safety), even as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the spiritual insight given him, 2 Peter 3:15.

Safety protocol are procedures and policies that are put in place by businesses, companies, and organizations to ensure that a safe environment exists and is maintained. Federal and state officials rely on OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to oversee the safety of workers. Yet, one of Jesus’ former disciples appears to be more concerned with spiritual safety in light of an enemy that is on the prowl, 1 Peter 5:8.

What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna), Matthew 10:27-28.

Jesus compares this threat to a spiritual thief in John 10:10. Like a protective shepherd guarding their flock from wolves, Jesus doesn’t want anyone of his followers to get hurt. Unfortunately, the careless will fail to heed the warnings in the Bible. The Devil isn’t a fictional character who is powerless to harm you. Rather, this fallen angel possesses supernatural powers as the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2. Therefore, don’t flee in fear, but trust in the Lord and lean on the Spirit’s understanding to keep your soul safe.

by Jay Mankus

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All That is in the World

Posted on April 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of Jesus’ disciples makes an interesting observation about the world. John points out three temporary pleasures that the world offers: the lust of the flesh, the lust of your eyes, and the pride of life. These words appear to be a continuation of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19-24. These earthly treasures speak to human beings through enticement and lust. This is all that is in the world.

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself], 1 John 2:16.

The concept that sex sells appeals to the lust of the flesh. Whether this is in the form of advertising. commercials, or scenes from a movie, these images are designed to entice your cravings for sensual gratification. The second form of lust coincides with Jesus’ third temptation in Matthew 4:8-10. The Devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for his worship. The lust of the eyes plants a seed in minds for seeking control and power on earth.

And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever, 1 John 2:17.

The final temporary pleasure that the world offers is the pride of life. This ungodly belief makes some people think that you can control your own destiny. This desire is what has caused some in Hollywood to believe that they are God. Unfortunately, the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, 2 Corinthians 4:4. You may try to fill the void in your heart with all that is in the world, but only Jesus satisfies, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

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A Touch of Faith

Posted on April 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While seeing is believing, feeling Jesus’ hand where a nail once held him to a cross resulted in a touch of faith for Thomas, John 20:27-28. Jesus uses this moment to express how blessed those individuals who have never seen Jesus, but still believe. The authors of the four gospels share their own encounters, personal experiences, and recollections of Jesus. Some of these accounts may stir your heart that produces a touch of faith.

[We are writing] about the Word of Life [[a]in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands, 1 John 1:1.

The touch move rule in chess is the most basic rule when competing in any tournament. If a player deliberately touches one a piece on the board when it is their turn to move, they must move or capture that touched piece if it is legal to do so. From a spiritual standpoint, when you reach out to touch a person or thing, your senses confirm that this object is real. Meanwhile, when your heart is touched by God, the Holy Spirit prompts you to act.

Until the day when He ascended, after He through the Holy Spirit had instructed and commanded the apostles (special messengers) whom He had chosen. 3 To them also He showed Himself alive after His passion (His suffering in the garden and on the cross) by [a series of] many convincing demonstrations [unquestionable evidences and infallible proofs], appearing to them during forty days and talking [to them] about the things of the kingdom of God, Acts 1:2-3.

According to the four gospels and the Book of Acts, following Jesus’ resurrection he appeared to and interacted with over 500 people. Prior to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-6, followers of Jesus were in awe of God’s power to raise a human being from the dead. The Great Commission served as a blue print for the first century Church, Acts 1:8. Yet, when a doubting Thomas felt the scar in Jesus’ palm, this touch of faith is all that he needed to transform his life.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 55: What Would Jesus Do?

Posted on March 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from the Cyndi Lauper of Christian music. Similar to Cyndi’s hit song Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Julie Miller has a joy for life that she places into each song. A former Rolling Stones article revealed Julie’s battle with fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes chronic pain in the muscles and bones as well as fatigue and mood issues. This is the context that sets the tone for What Would Jesus Do?

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 2 And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a [a]slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance, Ephesians 5:1-2.

Julie uses the opening of the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15 to ask the question: what would Jesus do? While Julie has a distinct voice that you won’t find in many grown-ups, the lyrics of What Would Jesus Do stirs my heart and brings a tear to my eyes each time I listen. Julie sings about the need for Christians to exercise a labor of love. May this song inspire you to be the hands and feet of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 52: Keep My Mind

Posted on March 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I lived in Columbus, Indiana a friend invited me to a Margaret Becker concert in Cincinnati, Ohio. Following the concert, I volunteered to help break down the stage and pack Margaret’s bus for her next concert. The interactions that I had with Margaret and her team that night made me a fan for life. In an age filled with compromise, Margaret has remained true to her faith and music ministry.

If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God, Colossians 3:1-3.

The lyrics of today’s song Keep My Mind reminds me of one of the apostle Paul’s epistles. Depending upon the mindset that you hold will dictate the attitude and behavior that you display in life. When my heart and mind is set on Jesus, I feel my better about the present and my future. Yet, when I tend to be more selfish, I feel empty inside. As you listen to Keep My Mind, follows Paul’s advice listed above.

by Jay Mankus

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A Gratitude Adjustment

Posted on March 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In this age of the Coronavirus, inflation and war with Russia invading Ukraine, gratitude has been pushed to the back of the line. When the world you are living in is literally falling apart, it’s hard to acknowledge the positive aspects of life. Watching breaking news stories on cable only makes me even more depressed. Before any sense of appreciation disappears completely in 2022, a gratitude adjustment is essential to keep hope alive.

Then one of them, upon seeing that he was cured, turned back, [c]recognizing and thanking and praising God with a loud voice; 16 And he fell prostrate at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. And he was a Samaritan, Luke 17:15-16.

Today’s passage comes from a first century physician. Instead of giving medical details of how these ten lepers were healed, Luke appears to be baffled. Based upon the end of verse 14, “as they went, they were cured and made clean,” the anticipation in the minds of these ten men played a crucial role. While nine walked faster and faster as if racing to see who could get to the priest first, one leper stopped, looked down and realized that he was miraculously healed.

Then Jesus asked, Were not [all] ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was there no one found to return and to [d]recognize and give thanks and praise to God except this alien? – Luke 17:17-18

Perhaps the other nine men were so eager to resume a normal life that they forgot to thank Jesus. Meanwhile, the Samaritan leper, who already understood what it felt like to be under appreciated in life was moved by God. Jesus was sent to call the Jews back to repentance, not the Samaritans. However, like the Samaritan woman at a well in John 4, a spirit of gratitude filled each of their hearts. When you slow down enough in life to see where you’ve been and what God has done, gratitude is the first step toward healing and happiness.

by Jay Mankus

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