Author Archives: expressyourself4him

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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What Just Happened?

Posted on July 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I was first introduced to horror movies at the end of the 1970’s. While the graphics and technology are no match for today’s modern films, the action scenes were sudden and unexpected, causing me to jump from my seat on the couch. While studying the book of Genesis for the first time using the Amplified Bible Classic Edition, the unexpected turn of events to conclude Genesis 34 left me bewildered, wondering, “what just happened?”

The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, [justifying their intended action by saying, in effect, we are going to do this] because Shechem had defiled and disgraced their sister Dinah. 14 They said to them, We cannot do this thing and give our sister to one who is not circumcised, for that would be a reproach and disgrace to us. 15 But we do consent to do this: if you will become as we are and every male among you be circumcised, 16 Then we will give our daughters to you and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you and become one people. 17 But if you will not listen to us and consent to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go. 18 Their words pleased Hamor and his son Shechem. 19 And the young man did not delay to do the thing, for he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was honored above all his family [so, ranking first, he acted first], Genesis 34:13-19.

When you read the passage above, Moses leaves readers with a sense of uncertainty as you’re not sure how Dinah’s brothers are going to respond to news of their sister being raped and held captive by the Prince of Canaan. However, as Shechem’s father Hamor serves as a mediator and negotiator on his son’s behalf, cooler heads prevail. Like any sort of negotiation, there is a little give and take on each side. The deal breaker for Jacob is circumcision. As long as Shechem and his entire family agree to become circumcised, Shechem and Dinah will be allowed to get married.

But on the third day [after the circumcision] when [all the men] were sore, two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s [full] brothers, took their swords, boldly entered the city [without danger], and slew all the males. 26 And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house [where she had been all this time] and departed. 27 [Then the rest of] Jacob’s [eleven] sons came upon the slain and plundered the town, because there their sister had been defiled and disgraced. 28 They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, and whatever was in the town and in the field; 29 All their wealth and all their little ones and their wives they took captive, making spoil even of all [they found] in the houses, Genesis 34:25-29.

Little any good thriller, living happily ever after does not follow Pollyanna’s script. Yet, as I kept reading Genesis 34, I couldn’t remember how this story ended. To a certain extent, Simeon and Levi play the role of Denzel Washington in the 2014 film the Equalizer. Moses states their motivation in the passage above, having their sister defiled and disgraced could not be forgotten in their minds. This one act of revenge made it necessary for God to introduce the Ten Commandments one book later; followed by Jesus’ words on forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 26: A Mix of Korn and Rage Against the Machine

Posted on July 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

While I don’t follow Professional Wrestling like I did in high school, a friend informed me that today’s featured group had some of their songs featured at live events. Like any group with eight albums, Thousand Foot Krutch has evolved over time. Although some of their early songs which became popular are soft rock, modern Thousand Foot Krutch combines hip hop with nu metal.

Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness! 3 Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes! 5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) – Psalm 150:1-6

One of my favorite songs of Thousand Foot Krutch is This is My Call which reminds me of a couple of my former students who lost their lives after battling cancer. While each album contains a few memorable songs, the one that gets the most airtime in my car is The End is Where We Began. As you listen to the attached You Tube, I hope that you appreciate the songs on this album.

by Jay Mankus

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Removing Luck from the Equation

Posted on July 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origin of superstitions likely comes from the Latin word superstitio. When translated into English, this refers to stand over in awe of. However, modern superstitions may also be connected with superstes, Latin for outliving or surviving. The human mind has a way of rationalizing good and bad, using chance and luck as a means to give credit for the positive and blame to any negative.

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, Genesis 35:2-3.

After plundering Canaan and rummaging through all the vacant homes, Jacob’s family accumulated masses amount of jewelry, possessions and wealth before departing. Based upon the words of Moses in the passage above, God was concerned about the spiritual state of Jacob’s family. With numerous objects of worship serving as a new distraction, Jacob wanted to remove luck from the equation so that the Lord received all the glory and praise.

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 35:4.

Revelation 3:15-16 makes it clear that following God is either all or nothing. There is no half-way as anyone lukewarm about God will be spit out. Subsequently, any good luck charm, object of worship or symbols of evil were brought before Jacob and buried. This purging of apparel, charms and objects were designed to end and eliminate any ungodly beliefs. May this passage inspire you to self-reflect on your life so that you too may remove luck from stealing God’s credit for blessings.

by Jay Mankus

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A Shocking Revelation

Posted on July 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A revelation is a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. The most common revelation occurs while reading the Bible, but can come from a conversation with a friend or mentor. As Jacob listens to an angel of the Lord in the passage below, the meaning of his birth name convicts him.

And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! – Genesis 32:25-27

Back when I was in high school, shocking moments were usually isolated to radio morning shows. Shock Jocks were the rage prior to the invention of the internet and social media. Today, modern talk show hosts attempt to do or say something that will go viral, serving as the hot take of the day. Unfortunately, the envelope can only be pushed so far until you’re either cancelled, censored or fired.

And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed, Genesis 32:28.

As for the context of today’s featured passage, Jacob has his come to Jesus moment. Despite getting caught up in fooling his father to receive the blessing of the first born, Jacob didn’t show any guilt or remorse. However, when an angel of the Lord exposes Jacob’s past, Moses appears to suggest that Jacob is flooded with conviction. Although it never feels good to be humiliated, shocking revelations tend to make me stronger in the long run. Humble yourself before the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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When a Man Loves a Woman

Posted on July 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Since I am a visual learner, whenever I study the Bible I tend to recall certain movies or songs that relate to what I just read. Such is the case of Shechem who Moses suggests was smitten by love. Yet, in the back on my mind, I was thinking about scenes from the 1994 American romantic drama When a Man Loves a Woman starring Andy Garcia and Meg Ryan.

And Shechem said to his father Hamor, Get me this girl to be my wife. 5 Jacob heard that [Shechem] had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his livestock in the field. So Jacob held his peace until they came. 6 But Hamor father of Shechem went out to Jacob to have a talk with him. 7 When Jacob’s sons heard it, they came from the field; and they were distressed and grieved and very angry, for [Shechem] had done a vile thing to Israel in lying with Jacob’s daughter, which ought not to be done. 8 And Hamor conferred with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem craves your daughter [and sister]. I beg of you give her to him to be his wife, Genesis 34:4-8.

Although my movie knowledge has declined over the years, When a Man Loves a Woman is one of the best I have ever seen on the topic of alcoholism. The second season of Joan of Arcadia also does a valent job on addressing this issue. Since I had a good friend from high school whose parents and family members struggled with an addiction to alcohol, bystanders often feel helpless on what to do.

And the young man did not delay to do the thing, for he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was honored above all his family [so, ranking first, he acted first]. 20 Then Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their [enclosed] town and discussed the matter with the citizens, saying, 21 These men are peaceable with us; so let them dwell in the land and trade in it; for the land is large enough [for us and] for them; let us take their daughters for wives and let us give them our daughters. 22 But the men will consent to our request that they live among us and be one people only on condition that every male among us be circumcised, as they are. 23 Shall not their cattle and their possessions and all their beasts be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell here with us. 24 And all the people who went out of the town gate listened and heeded what Hamor and Shechem said; and every male was circumcised who was a resident of that town, Genesis 34:19-24.

Nonetheless, Shechem was so head over heels for Dinah, he was willing to become circumcised as an adult and force his entire male family members to follow his lead. Love makes people do crazy things like my friend from Delaware who converted to Mormonism just to marry his high school sweetheart. Whatever love persuades you to do in the future, make sure you don’t compromise your values as well as your personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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Peniel

Posted on July 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Old Testament is filled with words that if you’re reading too fast, you’ll miss what this term means. At the conclusion of his wrestling match with an angel of the Lord, Jacob receives a revelation from God. Jacob was so moved by outlasting God, he named this particular place Peniel. The context of this dedication is the realization that Jacob has seen the face of God and lived.

Then Jacob asked Him, Tell me, I pray You, what [in contrast] is Your name? But He said, Why is it that you ask My name? And [b][the Angel of God declared] a blessing on [Jacob] there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel [the face of God], saying, For I have seen God face to face, and my life is spared and not snatched away, Genesis 32:29-30.

 According to the scholars who completed the King James Version of the Bible, there are 783,137 words in this particular translation. Meanwhile, other theologians suggest that there are actually 790,676 totals words in the entire Bible. When I took a speed-reading course in my junior year of high school, this was designed to prevent me from daydreaming as I read. However, even when I daily study the Bible, I often glance over words like Peniel.

And as he passed Penuel [Peniel], the sun rose upon him, and he was limping because of his thigh. 32 That is why to this day the Israelites do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the hollow of the thigh, because [the Angel of the Lord] touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh on the sinew of the hip, Genesis 32:31-32.

Dr. Temperance Brennan played by Emily Deschanel in the television series Bones would be fascinated by the above passage of the Bible. This is the type of knowledge that scientist’s geek out over. However, the more sentimental the individual, the place where this happened to Jacob will be more appealing. Subsequently, Peniel symbolizes the beginning of Israel, a new identity, and the end of Jacob. As modern Christians put into practice the apostle Paul’s advice in Colossians 3:5-14, you too can have a fresh start as a new creation in Christ Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Goes Under Cover

Posted on July 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The concept of going undercover is a common element found in popular drama series. Whether it’s shows like Bones or Castle, the goal for going under cover is trying to obtain crucial information in order to solve a crime or murder. As Jacob prepares to meet his brother for the first time since Esau threatened to kill his brother, God goes undercover in the form of an angel.

So the present went on before him, and he himself lodged that night in the camp. 22 But he rose up that [same] night and took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons and passed over the ford [of the] Jabbok. 23 And he took them and sent them across the brook; also he sent over all that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak, Genesis 32:21-24.

Just as the apostle Paul writes about spiritual forces of evil in Ephesians 6:12, God has an army of angels directed by archangels Gabriel and Michael, Daniel 10:13. The author of Hebrews refers to angels as being able to appear as a human being, Hebrews 13:2, causing Christians to interact with them without even knowing it. This is another example of how God may go under cover.

And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! 28 And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed, Genesis 32:25-28.

One of my favorite moments of teaching is sharing personal encounters with angels in a small group setting. I tend to recount a few stories from the Pax Television series It’s a Miracle which give me goosebumps of how amazing it is when God goes under cover. Although you may not sense or see this personally, somewhere behind the scenes prayers are being lifted up to guide you toward safety.

by Jay Mankus

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Erecting a Place for the Lord

Posted on July 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Erector Sets was one of the first commercial products made for children to learn how to build things. Legos and Lincoln Logs were later introduced to enhance a child’s creativity and imagination. Based upon the number of items available today, Legos continues to be a popular toy. Throughout the book of Genesis, Israel’s forefathers erected a place for the Lord, often in the form of an altar, monument or well.

When Jacob came from Padan-aram, he arrived safely and in peace at the town of Shechem, in the land of Canaan, and pitched his tents before the [enclosed] town. 19 Then he bought the piece of land on which he had encamped from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of money. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel [God, the God of Israel], Genesis 33:18-20.

When my parents moved to Ohio during my sophomore year of college, I had to start over from scratch. While I met new friends at work, my dad was still envisioning what this new property could become. After damming up a small stream into a pond just beyond our back deck, I began to erect my own place for the Lord. Since my concentration in college was Plant Science, I began to grow a fern garden along the banks of this small pond. While I didn’t erect a physical monument, I called this secluded portion of our yard, Rehobeth, a place of rest.

For as I passed along and carefully observed your objects of worship, I came also upon an altar with this inscription, To the unknown god. Now what you are already worshiping as unknown, this I set forth to you, Acts 17:23.

Couples tend to come with up their own song to commemorate a special date, moment or time in their relationship. If human beings do this for their own significant others, why can’t Christians do something similar to remember their personal relationship with Jesus. The Old Testament is filled with symbols designed to keep Israel meditating upon the Lord day and night, Joshua 1:8. Although you should avoid erecting an image to replace the Lord, do something for God’s honor and glory.

by Jay Mankus

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More than Just a Dream… Jacob’s Ladder

Posted on July 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Jacob’s Ladder and Jack and the Beanstalk have similarities. Jacob’s Ladder comes from the Hebrew word סֻלָּם יַעֲקֹב Sūllām Ya‘aqōv. Based upon the account of Moses, Jacob has a dream where a ladder leads up to heaven. Meanwhile, Jack and the Beanstalk is an English fairy tale where a gian’s beanstalk leads up to the clouds in the sky. While Jack finds a giant in this magical place, Jacob realizes that surely the Lord is in this place.

And Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there overnight, because the sun was set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down there to sleep. 12 And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold, the Lord stood over and beside him and said, I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father [forefather] and the God of Isaac; I will give to you and to your descendants the land on which you are lying, Genesis 28:10-13.

The context of Jacob’s dream serves as a needed break from the stress of reuniting with Esau. The last time these brothers were together, Jacob left abruptly after his brother talked about murder. Subsequently, as Jacob was dreading a potential attack from Esau, God places a vivid dream into Jacob’s mind. The origin of Jacob’s ladder comes from the passage above. When Jacob was in desperate need of some good news, God reminds him of a promise made to Abraham.

And your offspring shall be as [countless as] the dust or sand of the ground, and you shall spread abroad to the west and the east and the north and the south; and by you and your Offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed and bless themselves. 15 And behold, I am with you and will keep (watch over you with care, take notice of) you wherever you may go, and I will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done all of which I have told you. 16 And Jacob awoke from his sleep and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it, Genesis 28:14-16.

Jacob’s Ladder was one of the first Christian songs that I heard as a child. Yet, early on, I cared more about the game Chutes and Ladders than Jacob’s Ladder. Now that I am older and wiser, I understand the importance of good news as well as being reminded of God’s promises. Therefore, the next time your current situation seems bleak, place your trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6, and God will make your paths straight.

by Jay Mankus

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