Tag Archives: mercy

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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Receive, Reject or Redeem

Posted on October 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I read the four gospels in the New Testament, I am reminded of how frustrated Jesus was with the Pharisees of the first century. These religious zealots always found something to complain about. While listening to Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Wes provided a biblical perspective on how to handle modern-day hot topics. You can accept what is said by receiving it, reject foolish comments or redeem holidays like Halloween by making the most of strangers coming to your front door.

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast, 1 Thessalonians 5:18-21.

The apostle Paul shares advice with the Church at Thessalonica on how to accurately receive, reject and or redeem hot button issues. The previous chapter serves as a reminder to Christians of their obligation to God, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. Subsequently, once you know what God expects, you can begin to test what is being shared daily so that you don’t fall prey to an exaggeration, false statement or lie designed to change your perspective.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

Paul’s advice to the Church of Philippi prevents believers from becoming modern-day Pharisees. While these Jewish leaders tested what they heard with the Old Testament, the New Testament offers grace, mercy, and understanding. Therefore, as you learn to receive, reject or redeem controversial topics, follow in the steps of the Bereans, Acts 17:11, so that truth is embraced, rumors are denounced, and holidays are redeemed to share the good news about Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Exposing the Iniquities of Our Past

Posted on October 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you read the Bible long enough, you’ll see that you can’t hide from your past. Whether it’s the sins of the father developing in your own children or receiving what you have previously sowed, time has a way of exposing the iniquities of your past. This is the conclusion that Judah came to as the trick that he played on his brother Joseph was coming around to burn him once again.

Joseph said to them, What is this thing that you have done? Do you not realize that such a man as I can certainly detect and know by divination [everything you do without other knowledge of it]? 16 And Judah said, What shall we say to my lord? What shall we reply? Or how shall we clear ourselves, since God has found out and exposed the iniquity of your servants? Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, the rest of us as well as he with whom the cup is found, Genesis 44:15-16.

Whether you were called to the principal’s office as a child, questioned by your parents for suspicious behavior or pulled over by a police officer for going over the posted speed limit, these previous encounters serve as a form of discipline. Following an entire chapter known as the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, the author follows this up by writing about the importance of discipline. According to Hebrews 12:11, discipline is designed to expose any sort of iniquity.

 Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven ([e]left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have [f]given up resentment against) our debtors. 13 And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 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 6:9-15.

During one famous first century speech, Jesus adds another dimension to iniquity and transgressions. At the end of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus points out a condition to forgiveness. If you are willing to forgive and overlook any iniquities and transgressions made against you, God will show mercy by forgiving all of your sins. However, if you aren’t willing to forget the iniquities of others, God won’t forgive you. Therefore, as the Holy Spirit exposes the iniquities of your past, may God give you a heart of compassion and mercy.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 157: PLF

Posted on July 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While the popularity of Mercy Me has long surpassed that of the lesser-known Christian group Mercy, there is a reason to celebrate PLF. Short for Peace. Love, and Faith, Mercy features Laura Misuik as the lead singer. I was first introduced to Laura as the lead singer of Acoustic Shack, one of my favorite groups in college. Laura’s husband Michael is the man behind the music serving as the led guitarist of Mercy.

And so faith, hope, love abide [faith—conviction and belief respecting man’s relation to God and divine things; hope—joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love—true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

While the passage above doesn’t mention peace directly, this is a byproduct of faith. According to C.S. Lewis, faith, hope, and love are theological virtues, only accessible through the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. The King James Version of the Bible doesn’t contain love, opting for charity. Yet, whenever Christians actively pursue these virtues, peace is one of the blessings that you will receive. Enjoy PLF.

by Jay Mankus

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What is Your Record?

Posted on June 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When I was in grade school, boys were obsessed with records. Every day at lunch and recess debates broke out about who was the best athlete, rock band, and professional sports team. Lines were drawn, voices were raised and the victor teased anyone who didn’t hold their position. According to one of Jesus’ disciples, God knows your spiritual record based upon what you’ve done in life.

I know your record and what you are doing, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your recent works are more numerous and greater than your first ones, Revelation 2:19.

There was a long stretch in my life where I received a job offer for every position that I interviewed for. Despite stumbling through a couple of interviews when stuttering was still an obstacle in my life, God’s favor was clearly on my life. Unfortunately, sometime over the last decade, my record for interviews has hit a major losing streak. Like one of the churches in the Book of Revelation, my love for God has grown cold and the favor which was once bright as a rising sun has quickly faded.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong], 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.

The good news to my current dilemma is that God keeps no record of wrongs. The apostle Paul reveals this fact in a chapter devoted to spiritual love. Meanwhile, King David provides hope for anyone with a losing record in life, Psalm 103:7-12. God’s grace, forgiveness, and mercy is infinite. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you’ve experienced a life filled with losing. According to Jesus, the only record God cares about is forgiving others just as the Lord has forgiven you, Matthew 6:14-15. When Christians start loving your neighbor as yourself, God’s favor will return.

by Jay Mankus

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Multiply the Fruits of the Spirit

Posted on June 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The use of multiplication tables can be traced to ancient Sumerian civilizations 4600 years ago. The Egyptians built upon this principle of mathematics by practicing multiplication using hieroglyphics. Based upon the beginning of the last Catholic Letter, the author is an earthly brother of a disciple of Jesus. After a traditional introduction, Jude’s first biblical message is to multiply some fruits of the Holy Spirit.

May mercy, [soul] peace, and love be multiplied to you, Jude 1:2.

When I was applying for my recertification as a teacher more than a decade ago, I discovered that I was one class away from qualifying as a certified math teacher. Despite taking numerous Calculus classes as a civil engineer, I wasn’t passionate about math. Yet, when the Bible talks about math, I do get excited. Jude suggests that first century Christians were lacking in mercy, peace and love.

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[f]that can bring a charge], Galatians 5:22-23.

Rather than gloss over this spiritual deficiency, Jude longed to multiply the fruits of the Holy Spirit. In the passage above, the apostle Paul lists all of the benefits of having the presence of God’s Spirit in your life. One chapter later, Galatians 6:7-10 references the principle of sowing and reaping. Rather than get tripped up internally by acts of your flesh, Galatians 5:16-18, Paul urges Christians to invest their time by chasing after God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25. When you do, the fruits of God’s Spirit will multiply.

by Jay Mankus

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Abiding in Love

Posted on April 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are three common Greek words that appear in the New Testament of the Bible. Eros is a romantic and sensual form of love. Phillia refers to a brotherly love in the context of friends and family. Agape is God’s unconditional love that offers grace, forgiveness, and mercy to undeserving human beings. Yet, in a letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul refers to charity as the greatest spiritual force in 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Whoever loves his brother [believer] abides (lives) in the Light, and in It or in him there is no occasion for stumbling or cause for error or sin, 1 John 2:10.

Romans 6:23 is known as the Gift Illustration in Evangelism Explosion. There are three ways that people respond to a gift. The first is to accept this as your own by taking it home with you. The second is to receive a gift only to return this or regift it at a later time. Finally, the bitter will reject someone’s offer and leave without it. To abide in love refers to accepting, conforming to, and following the source of love who is Jesus.

But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations], 1 John 1:7.

One of Jesus’ former disciples provides a check list to see whether you are abiding in God’s love. John uses light and darkness as a way to evaluate your own current life. Those who abide in Jesus display fruits of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. Yet, if these fruits are overshadowed by acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21, you’re likely abiding in darkness. Like Jesus’ words in John 13:34-35, you will know Christians by their love. Therefore, abide in God’s love so that any darkness in life will quickly fade.

by Jay Mankus

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An Unreserved Approach to God

Posted on March 13, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Approach refers to draw closer; to come very near to. Prior to coming to faith, I viewed God as the great disciplinarian. Growing up in a Roman Catholic Church, God’s grace, love, and mercy was foreign to me. Thus, I developed an Old Testament perspective, one of judgment and wrath. I never felt good enough or worthy to approach God. Until joining a Methodist Youth Group in high school, I couldn’t comprehend an unreserved approach to God.

In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear). 13 So I ask you not to lose heart [not to faint or become despondent through fear] at what I am suffering in your behalf. [Rather glory in it] for it is an honor to you. 14 For this reason [seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 3:12-14.

As the apostle Paul began to meet other Jewish converts to Christianity, a similar mindset prevented many from drawing near to God. The passage above serves as encouragement, opening the door to what is possible for those who believe in Jesus. Instead of allowing doubt to reign in your head, dare to have the boldness, courage, and confidence to approach God. When the presence of fear is removed, an unreserved approach to God is possible.

For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. 16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it], Hebrews 4:15-16.

The passage above connects the Old Testament with the realization of the Messiah in the New Testament. Rather than continue in the ways of Mosaic Law to atone for sin, the author of Hebrews refers to Jesus as a great High Priest. This symbolism fulfills the words of Moses in Leviticus 17:11 which grants access to the throne of God. Part of the good news about Jesus Christ is that those who believe are granted permission to an unreserved approach to God. Take advantage of this new access, Romans 5:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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Just What I Needed

Posted on March 6, 2021 by expressyourself4him

As a teenager, the Cars became one of my favorite bands in high school. I actually met Rick Ocasek in passing, the lead singer of Cars, while walking through downtown Boston during a Spring Break in college. Ocasek wrote Just What I Needed in a basement at a commune in Newton, Massachusetts. While the inspiration behind this song varies depending upon the site you visit, the title speaks to human beings searching for a boost to get them through each day.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. 6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place, Psalm 23:5-6.

In the passage above, King David reflects back to his life as a lowly shepherd boy. This eloquent Psalm compares the responsibilities of a shepherd to how God provides for the needs of human beings. Whether you are in green pastures, having a great day or approaching the shadow of death, the Lord is all that you need to weave your way through life. While many search for love in all the wrong places, Jesus is just what I needed, Romans 10:9-11.

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19.

In a letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul builds upon Psalm 23. Like a global retail chain, the Lord serves as a massive supplier to fill all of our needs. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ disciples claims that God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life, 2 Peter 1:3-4. While songs like Just What I Needed may meet an emotional need, God’s grace, love, and mercy is a spiritual gift from heaven, John 3:16-17. As individuals accept this free gift, Romans 6:23, hearts, souls, and minds come to realize that this is just what I needed.

by Jay Mankus

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Going Under

Posted on January 19, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Whenever you receive a call from a doctor’s office that you’ll need to bring a living will and testament along with you for your upcoming appointment, minds begin to panic. These are the emotions that I’ve experienced the last two times I’ve had outpatient surgery. Part of me thought, “I’m too young to die.” However, my conscious whispered another bit of advice, “only God knows when your time on earth will run out.” These are the thoughts that raced through my mind today.

But the other one reproved him, saying, Do you not even fear God, seeing you yourself are under the same sentence of condemnation and suffering the same penalty? 41 And we indeed suffer it justly, receiving the due reward of our actions; but this Man has done nothing out of the way [nothing strange or eccentric or perverse or unreasonable], Luke 23:40-41.

At age 51, today was my first colonoscopy. Fortunately, I was able to be there for my wife last year when she had her own procedure. Yet, due to COVID-19 protocol, I was forced to go through this alone as Leanne wasn’t allowed to enter this facility. While I wasn’t nervous, I did sit alone in my room for nearly 2 hours before I was escorted into the operating room. After a brief conversation going over this procedure with my doctor, I received general Anesthesia. Due to a lack of sleep the night before, I was knocked out in a few minutes.

Then he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when You come in Your kingly glory! 43 And He answered him, Truly I tell you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise, Luke 23:42-43.

Whenever you go under to prepare for a surgery, there is a chance that you won’t wake up. Whether through complications or a rare diagnosis, there are moments in life when time is not on your side. This was the fate of two criminals hanging from a cross on either side of Jesus. One became selfish, asking Jesus to save himself first and then save him. The other criminal felt unworthy, crying out to Jesus for mercy. According to Luke, Jesus offers this second man paradise in the form of heaven. Thus. that next time you field yourself getting ready for a surgery, about to go under, remember this passage so a reservation can be secured today, 1 John 5:13. In case you were still wondering, my procedure went well as my doctor gave me a clean bill of health.

by Jay Mankus

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