Tag Archives: Thanksgiving

The Deliverer Will Soon Be Delivered

Posted on December 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former Roman Catholic, Mary mother of Jesus was often idolized by members of my former church. When I was younger, I didn’t pay much attention to Mary’s elevated status to sainthood and worship. Yet, as an adult, as I read what is often called Mary’s Song, helps me see the truth. The deliverer of Jesus will be delivered by the Son of God, Psalm 18:2.

And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb! 43 And how [have I deserved that this honor should] be granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy, Luke 1:42-44.

Bible scholars believe that Mary was likely a 13 or 14 year old teenager at the time of this immaculate conception via the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35. According to Matthew 1:19, Joseph and Mary were already betrothed, equivalent to a modern-day engagement. When Mary left to stay with Elizabeth, there were no signs of this pregnancy. If Joseph wasn’t a prudent man, he could have her stoned publicly for adultery. When Mary’s life and marriage was spared, thanksgiving followed.

And blessed (happy, [z]to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, 47 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Luke 1:45-47.

The above passage clearly states Mary’s public confession and need for a Savior. Despite all the great accolades placed and stowed upon Mary, she knew her place in life. As the Son of God quickly grew into a man, Mary began to treasure things within her heart and mind. Despite the blessing and honor of being the mother of Jesus, Mary acknowledged that the deliverer will soon need to be delivered herself. This is one of many unspoken truths about Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Pushes You Toward Maturity

Posted on December 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

In my initial years of transitioning from following religion toward seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I read way too much into my daily life. Rather than endure spiritual growing pains, 1 Peter 1:6-7, I questioned “why is God doing this to me?” After listening to a sermon series on Thanksgiving, I realized that there are moments in life where God simply pushes you toward maturity.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

The earthly brother of Jesus learned this following the crucifixion and resurrection of his big bro. During a recent Harvard University study, researchers discovered that “active learning helps students learn better by engaging them physically. Perhaps, this same lesson applies to developing spiritually. The more God places you in trying circumstances, this invisible nudge pushes you closer to maturity.

Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. 26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit], 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.

When addressing the avid sports fans of Corinth, the apostle Paul uses a training analogy. If you want to compete and beat the best, discipline is essential to reach new heights. Burgess Meredith in the initial Rocky films makes life a living hell for Syvester Stalone. Without tough love, Rocky would have never been prepared to fight Apollo Creed. Likewise, if God never puts you in challenging situations, you’ll never know what you capable of spiritually. Therefore, the next time God pushes you toward maturity, consider this a pure joy, a step toward becoming complete.

by Jay Mankus

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A Recipe for Fearless Faith

Posted on November 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As the calendar turns another page toward the end of 2024, Thanksgiving and Christmas have come to the forefront. While Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday serve as a materialism distraction, family gatherings make each holiday special. While the breakdown of American families is on display for all to see, this is the season for family recipes to be exchanged, with hopes of preparing a special dish for your family members.

You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. 10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice, Isaiah 41:9-10.

During a recent message on competitiveness, Pastor Wes spoke about people who create their own homemade chili recipe. This isn’t thrown together quickly but takes time to perfect by adding ingredients that give you the flavor that you’re looking for. This context inspired Wes to develop a recipe for fearless faith. If God tells readers of the Bible 365 times not to fear, these passages provide the DNA to form a fearless faith.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection]. 19 We love Him, because He first loved us. 20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [[i]in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen. 21 And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [[j]believer] also, 1 John 4:18-21.

A Recipe for Developing a Fearless Faith:

  1. Fear God above all else, Matthew 22:36-38.
  2. Follow the Golden Rule by Loving Others as Yourself, Matthew 22:39-40.
  3. Connect Daily with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.
  4. Gather with Fellow Believers Daily, Hebrews 10:25.
  5. Go tell Everyone What God has Done for You, Mark 5:19-20.
  6. Give Your Time, Talents, and Treasures by Serving Church Generously, 2 Corinthians 9:7.
  7. Hate Sin and Repent When Necessary, James 5:16.
  8. Fearlessly Honor God by Living with Purpose by Following God’s Will, Romans 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 316: Joy to the World

Posted on December 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

My wedding was the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 1995. While I chose the music to be sung by two of my friends, Leanne suggested that since our wedding day is exactly a month away from Christmas that we exit the congregation to Joy to the World. Rather than greet everyone in the back, once Joy to the World concluded, Leanne and I walked to the front to dismiss each row, catching up with everyone in attendance.

And now I am coming to You; I say these things while I am still in the world, so that My joy may be made full and complete and perfect in them [that they may experience My delight fulfilled in them, that My enjoyment may be perfected in their own souls, that they may have My gladness within them, filling their hearts], John 17:13.

Today’s featured song reminds me of a modern-day version of Acapella. Pentatonix provides their own spin on Joy to the World using a popish / acapella style. As Christmas approaches, may you block out all the commercialism as you’re bombarded by advertisements on what to buy your loved one. Joy can’t be bought. Rather, joy is found in living the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10. May you find joy this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 300: Christmas at Denny’s

Posted on November 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are some artists who become synonymous with one song. Such is the case for Randy Stonehill who released Christmas at Denny’s on his 1989 “Return to Paradise” album. I met Randy back in college before I was fully aware of his talents as a songwriter and storyteller. I could have used Charlie the Weatherman as the featured song for Stonehill, but I was waiting for after Thanksgiving to reflect upon the powerful imagery provided within Christmas at Denny’s.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6.

Whenever I listen to this song, I am moved by the orphans depicted having their Christmas dinner at a local Denny’s restaurant. Depending upon the cards that you have been dealt in the game of life, it makes me think of what could have been in my own life. While it would be nice to turn back the clock and change what has already happened, you have to make the best of cruel circumstances, James 1:2-4. May the lyrics of Christmas at Denny’s help you appreciate what you have rather dwell on what might have been.

by Jay Mankus

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What I Need this Christmas

Posted on November 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him
You and I wasn’t available on You Tube so I substituted this song with Rain Down.

Every Thanksgiving my family members are expected to provide a list of presents that they want for Christmas. Yet, the more I ponder about what I want, I can’t think of anything that I really need this year. Rather than waste money on presents that I may not use or want, all I need for this Christmas is to spend time with my family. After working my first sixty-hour week leading up to Thanksgiving, family is what makes the holidays special.

 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [g]infuses inner strength into me; I am [h]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency], Philippians 4:13.

This perspective was conceived after listening to the song You and I by Oceans Above. The lyrics of this song start off with a prayer request for a wide range of individuals throughout the world. Similar to the beatitudes in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7, the lead singer turns their prayer toward “what I need.” Part of the chorus references the words of the apostle Paul in the passage below. What Christians really need is for Jesus to be strong in your weak moments in life.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength), 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Therefore, don’t make Christmas self- centered by seeking presents. Instead, it’s time for me to be the giver rather than a receiver. One of my favorite Christmas gifts over the years was a letter from someone I met on a Misson’s trip in college. Despite not receiving a letter in return for 3 months, I continued to write to see how they were doing. When I returned home during Christmas break, I got a letter about all the trials she had endured. Sometimes the greatest gift is not giving up on those who have lost hope.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 294: Thank God

Posted on November 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the Carolina Panthers Atlanta Falcons Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime, I had never heard of Kane Brown. During a promo for the featured artist following the game, Two Chains spoke with Brown to share what to expect to hear during Amazon’s Thursday Night Concert series. Kane briefly shared one song entitled Thank God. Before the game ended, I went to You Tube to check out this country music’s new song.

The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him, Psalm 28:7.

While the lyrics of Thank God speak about the physical aspects of love, Kane does go into his relationship with God. It’s a shame that more secular artists don’t openly speak about their faith in Jesus. Nonetheless, I’m thankful I was watching tonight’s TNF’s game so I could be introduced to Kane Brown and his music. May the lyrics of Thank God inspire you to be more thankful about life as Thanksgiving approaches.

by Jay Mankus

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When There’s Not Much to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving

Posted on November 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

This year will be the first Thanksgiving for my wife Leanne without a living parent. Meanwhile, this will be the first Thanksgiving for me without my sister Kathie who is battling blood clots and cancer. While my parents are still living, each have been hindered by a slew of health-related issues in 2022. Subsequently, when there’s not much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, you have to find a siler lining.

Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [[e]and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, 20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father, Ephesians 5:20.

One of the ways the apostle Paul remained thankful in the midst of trials was through music. Rather than click on a car stereo or You-Tube, Paul writes about singing his favorite songs from church. Whether you’re humming a chorus in your head, playing an instrument or raising your voice in song, singing has a way of taking a mental break from any pain you’re currently experiencing. Anyone who dwells upon biblically based lyrics will be elevated toward a more thankful spirit.

Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 18 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, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19.

If this doesn’t work, Paul urges Christians to turn to prayer. This shouldn’t be haphazard. Instead, prayer should become a state of mind, unceasing throughout your day. Paul suggests that praying is a means to will yourself toward a thankful heart. Unfortunately, the root of bitterness has a way of ruining the mood to pray. Once prayer ceases minds turn their attention away from the Lord and race to anxiety, doubt and worry. If you’re struggling this Thanksgiving to be thankful, may the advice in the passages above turn your week around.

by Jay Mankus

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Making the Best of a Bad Situation

Posted on December 13, 2021 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlTYgVi-PFE

When you walk into the middle of a conversation during a Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering, there is a chance that you’ll miss the context. If you listen attentively, you may be able to figure out what’s happening. Yet, sometimes you’ll be lost, moving on the next room to see what else is going on. When pastors prepare their weekly message, sometimes they will skip over certain details in the Bible.

[The letter was sent] by the hand of Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said: 4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the captives whom I have caused to be carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Jeremiah 29:3-4.

This is what happens in the beginning of Jeremiah 29. Ninety percent of the speeches that quote the famous passage below fail to mention that Israel was living in exile at this moment in history. Beside being forced out of their homes, the prophet Jeremiah was given a message by God to share. To summarize the beginning of chapter 29, Jeremiah asks his people to make the best of a bad situation.

For thus says the Lord, When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you and keep My good promise to you, causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome, Jeremiah 29:10-11.

Rather than dwell on the past, God wanted Israel to build houses, settle down, plant gardens and eat what they produce. The path to healing starts with changing your perspective. Then and only then can you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the context that brings Jeremiah to declare the plans that God has for Israel in the future. May you learn from this passage when you are forced to make the best of a bad situation.

by Jay Mankus

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My First Thanksgiving without Rush

Posted on November 25, 2021 by expressyourself4him

For as long as I can remember, I tuned into the Excellent in Broadcasting radio network the day before Thanksgiving. From noon to three in the afternoon, Rush Limbaugh became the godfather of conservative talk radio. Yet, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving was devoted to sharing the real story of America’s first Thanksgiving, not found in modern textbooks. Yet, on February 17th, 2021 Rush lost his battle with lung cancer, ending his 33 year Hall of Fame career in broadcasting.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

My brother in law Bob first introduced me to Rush in 1992. Initially, I didn’t get the show. Nor did I like Rush’s humor as some of his comments offended me as a Christian. Yet, the more I listened, I began to understand his political perspective. One comment that has stuck with me through years is “no listener ever graduates from his show as the learning never ends.” When I became a high school teacher back in 2002, I adopted some of Rush’s methods to form my favorite class: Steeling the Minds of America.

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; 1 Thessalonians 5:18-19.

Attached is Rush’s detailed explanation of the first Thanksgiving in America. When I heard Rush’s account many years ago, this was far different from anything that I was taught as a child. The Pilgrims believed that God sent Squanto, a native American Indian, to help them survive their second winter in New England. Squanto’s knowledge and teachable spirit led these Pilgrims to have a tremendous harvest in 1621. This is the context of the first Thanksgiving feast so as you gather around a table to break bread with family, thank God for the Squantos in your life.

by Jay Mankus

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