Tag Archives: Worship

Engaging Our Culture: April 26-It’s Our Time to Dance

Posted on April 26, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1984 movie “Footloose”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you, Acts 17:22-23.

Biblical Connection:

As American high schools enter Prom Season, today’s clip uses apologetics, a biblical defense for dancing. As someone who grew up watching the first season of Music Television, I loved knowing the inspiration behind my favorite songs. Yet, like everything in life, the envelope has been pushed so far that adults forget about the fun they experienced as teenagers either ballroom or line dancing. Dating a preacher’s daughter gave Kevin Bacon the verses to prepare him for this speech.

During the apostle Paul’s first trip to Athens, Greece, he was depressed by all the idol worship displayed all over this city in Acts 17:16. However, telling philosophers that they were going to burn in hell wasn’t going to be productive or useful. Subsequently, Paul continued to search more carefully, trying to find something he shared in common with these people. Paul’s diligence paid off, finding an altar dedicated to an unknown God and a poet who references the Bible.

Closing Song:

May today’s devotion inspire you to dig deeper into the Bible by testing to see if your current beliefs are true, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22. Cling to what is good and avoid every kind of evil.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 43-Developing a Heart of Worship

Posted on February 12, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the Lord is the great God,  the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; Psalm 95:1-6.

Reflection:

Parents have a tendency to focus on the negative rather than emphasize the position. Subsequently, after spending a week on conditions of the heart, the rest of February will challenge you to deepen your relationship with God. Growing up, worship is something that you simply did at church on Sundays. However, many Psalms encourage followers to worship the Lord daily on your knees. When you add today’s technology with music available on your computers and phone, developing a heart of worship is only a click away.

Prayerful Action:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, ” Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Restoring Your Heart:

Human minds can recall the lyrics of one of your favorite songs in an instant. I can be walking through a grocery store or at a mall, and the sound of a song suddenly triggers memories of where you were and who you were with when this song first debuted. The same can be true with Christian music. While living in Delaware, I was introduced to Soaking in the Spirit, a room dedicated to playing worship music 24 hours a day. The more you slow down, reflect upon the lyrics and soak in the spiritual meaning of each song, the closer you’ll come to developing a heart of worship.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

If you truly want to develop a heart of worship in 2024, take the advice of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:16. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

by Jay Mankus

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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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The Crossover Connection Week 37: The Christian Version of the Outfield

Posted on October 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a high school athlete, I used music to mentally prepare me for my next competition. Whether I was about to run a race, swim or play a round of golf, playing certain albums became part of my pregame ritual. The Outfield’s Play Deep album was one of my go to selections to pump me up so I could succeed. After listening to the attached You Tube of the Christian band Anberlin, I could feel the Outfield vibe in a couple of their songs.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts, Colossians 3:16.

After doing a search for the top Christian rock bands of all time, Anberlin appeared 5th, well inside the top 10. While the titles of their songs and lyrics won’t blow you away like modern day worship groups, Anberlin’s sound appeals to a secular audience. If the Great Commission is based upon going into the whole world to spread the gospel, Acts 1:8, Anberlin’s music has the ability to reach people that you and I can’t. May the attached You Tube speak to your heart this week.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Purging in the Bible

Posted on July 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the translation of the Bible that you prefer to read and study, there are approximately 100 passages that directly or indirectly reference purging. From a cultural perspective, there are two types of purging. The abrupt or violent removal of a group of people from an organization or place with the latter focusing on cleansing and purifying your body.

And God said to Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. And make there an altar to God Who appeared to you [in a distinct manifestation] when you fled from the presence of Esau your brother. 2 Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, Put away the [images of] strange gods that are among you, and purify yourselves and change [into fresh] garments; 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make there an altar to God Who answered me in the day of my distress and was with me wherever I went. 4 So they [both young men and women] gave to Jacob all the strange gods they had and their earrings which were [worn as charms against evil] in their ears; and Jacob buried and hid them under the oak near Shechem, Genesis 35:1-4.

The first examples of purging in the Bible is found in today’s featured passage. After a strange turn of events at the end of Genesis 34, Jacob is concerned about the spiritual state of his family. After his wife Rachel stole images of gods that her father worshipped without being caught, other woman rummaged through vacant houses in Canaan, taking everything that they liked or looked good on them. This plundering inspired God to speak directly to Jacob by addressing this issue.

So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). 6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), 7 Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices]. 8 But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, 10 And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect [b]knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it, Colossians 3:5-10.

Possessions like good luck charms seem innocent but can lead to ungodly beliefs about why good and bad things happen in the world. From a New Testament perspective, the apostle Paul explains why spiritual purging is necessary. If a Christian never relinquishes former addictions, bad habits or unwholesome cravings, where is their faith, James 2:26? One of Paul’s consistent messages throughout the first century, if you want to live you must first die to self, Galatians 5:24. May today’s blog inspire you to begin practice purging your soul of evil, Colossians 3:1-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Dread and Fear

Posted on July 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Dread is a great fear in the context of impending evil. When someone develops the ungodly belief that God is solely a disciplinarian who punishes individuals who get out of line spiritually, dread will consume these souls. Meanwhile, fear is a strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by a perceived danger or actual threat. The passage below covers a little bit of both.

The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, and the god [the object of worship] of their father [Terah, an idolator], judge between us. But Jacob swore [only] by [the one true God] the Dread and Fear of his father Isaac, Genesis 31:54.

While the Ten Commandments have not been introduced yet, Moses appears to write this passage with what God desires in mind. Prior to his introduction to the one true God in Genesis 12, Abraham was taught about Terah. Looking back in hindsight, Jacob made an oath to the one true God, filled with dread for those who worship the idolator Terah.

So have no fear of them; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or kept secret that will not become known. 27 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 10:26-28.

As a former Roman Catholic, the wrath of God was over-emphasized in the church that I grew up in. Subsequently, anytime I did not obey God or do the right thing, Romans 7:15-17, I beat myself up with guilt and shame. The dread and fear which consumed my soul in high school was not healthy. Despite my former ungodly beliefs, Jesus sets the record straight in the passage above. Reverent fear leads many to faith in Christ, Romans 10:9-11. May any current dread, result in salvation.

by Jay Mankus

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Go Yonder and Worship

Posted on April 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Every generation has their own way of expressing themselves. Meanwhile, each high school clique contains their own vocabulary, a secret language which is often unrecognized by other students. Whether this is the lingo of jocks, cheerleaders or valley girls, these expressions don’t mean much unless you identify with a specific group. In Old Testament terms, go yonder and worship appears to refer to going off to follow God’s calling.

On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 And Abraham said to his servants, Settle down and stay here with the donkey, and I and the young man will go yonder and worship and [a]come again to you, Genesis 22:4-5.

After waiting several decades to receive God’s promise of becoming the father of a great nation, there’s a slight chance in plans. God wants Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah at an appointed place that God will choose. Rather than explain God’s decision to Sarah his wife, Abraham gets up well before sunrise to leave for this destination under the cover of darkness. Upon arriving, Abraham tells his two servants, “stay here as my son and I go yonder and worship.”

And Isaac said to Abraham, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. [Isaac] said, See, here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice? 8 Abraham said, My son, [b]God Himself will provide a lamb for the burnt offering. So the two went on together, Genesis 22:7-8.

As Abraham quietly climbed and scaled Mount Moriah, Isaac’s curiosity gets the best of him. Unaware of what is about to happen, Abraham came to the conclusion that God would somehow provide an offering, Matthew 6:33.-34. Without ever meeting Jesus, Abraham trusted fully in God for the first time in his life. Proverbs 3:5-6. Perhaps, when modern Christians are struggling to figure out what to do for the rest of their lives, go yonder and worship the Lord and you’ll be led to exactly where God wants you, Romans 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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Seeing the Future Purposes of God’s Design

Posted on March 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A few days before I began Express Yourself 4Him, I attended a two-day Discernment Seminar at a church known by locals as the Barn. Since I was recently unemployed at this time, I had nothing to lose. Pastor Bruce served as a facilitator Friday night which helped everyone in attendance to get to know one another. During a series of exercises, I realized that I possessed as special gift, the ability to write in the Spirit. This one insight laid the foundation for God’s future purpose, writing out my faith.

And the Angel of the Lord continued, See now, you are with child and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Ishmael [God hears], because the Lord has heard and paid attention to your affliction. 12 And he [Ishmael] will be as a [b]wild ass among men; his hand will be against every man and every man’s hand against him, and he will live to the east and on the borders of all his kinsmen. 13 So she called the name of the Lord Who spoke to her, You are a God of seeing, for she said, Have I [not] even here [in the wilderness] looked upon Him Who sees me [and lived]? Or have I here also seen [the future purposes or designs of] Him Who sees me? – Genesis 16:11-13

Sarah’s maidservant has a similar experience in the above passage. After running away from Abraham’s camp due to overbearing harassment and mistreatment from Sarah, Hagar has a comforting encounter with an angel of the Lord. Alone in the wilderness with an expecting child on the way, this angel casts a vision of future purposes of God’s design. Despite this amazing news, the angel tells Hagar that she must return to Sarah and submit to her. This decision is what’s best for her soon to be child, Ishmael.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.

There isn’t a formula for seeing future purposes of God’s design. However, the apostle does provide thorough details of how to mature spirituality. This begins by dedicating your life and body to the Lord, Colossians 3:17. As Christians draw close to Jesus via prayer and worship, this isn’t enough to discernment God’s will for your life. Discerning God’s future designs occurs gradually as Christians meditate upon and study God’s Word. If faith comes from hearing the message, Romans 10:17, seeing the future purposes of God’s design for your life is a process of prayer, fasting, Bible Study and worship. God willing you will see your purpose in the near future.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 307: O Holy Night

Posted on December 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Rush Limbaugh introduced me to Mannheim Steamroller as it was one of his favorite groups to play on his radio show every Christmas season. O Holy Night was one of the Carols my parents church in Ohio would sing annually as part of their midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The service began at 10:30 p.m. with singing the first half hour. Following this time of worship, a tradition Catholic Mass lasted an hour as the final hymn ended right around midnight every year.

Now in the sixth month [after that], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 To a girl never having been married and a [v]virgin engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [[w]endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! [x]Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women! – Luke 1:26-28.

Before moving to Cleveland, I focused on the commercialism and gifts that I received Christmas morning. Yet, this 90-minute service every Christmas Eve helped turn my attention away from what was waiting for me under a tree at home and toward that holy night more than 2000 years ago. As you listen to today’s feature song O Holy Night, may the lyrics help prepare your heart to make room for Jesus this season and throughout 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 271: Gratitude

Posted on October 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a worship pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Brandon Lake is also a member of the Bethel Music and the Maverick City Music collective team. Since today’s song falls on the Sabbath, Brandon’s song Gratitude is fitting. Part of any worship service is raising your voice in song as a form as gratitude to God.

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.

The context of the passage above comes the apostle Paul. Paul’s first impression of Thessalonica wasn’t a good one. Subsequently, Paul felt like this new church needed to focus on the positive aspects in life rather than the negative. As you listen to Gratitude by Brandon Lake, may you be inspired to take the time daily to thank God for all blessings in your life.

by Jay Mankus

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