Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The Crossover Connection Week 25: The Heart of Christian Music

Posted on July 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

While there is only one Anne Wilson, the former lead singer of the secular group Heart, my former students at Red Lion introduced to a Christian girl band. Although I didn’t embrace every artist encouraged for me listen to, I soon began to collect ZOEgirl albums. My favorite album is the Ultimate Collection which is a two CD set. Since I wasn’t able to find this on You Tube, my second choice was Different Kind of Free which is attached above.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

Since my parents loved to travel each summer, I found myself listening to soft rock stations along with Casey Kasem’s America’s Top 40 until we arrived. This is where I was introduced to many songs from Heart. After rededicating my life to the Lord in college, I longed to find a crossover group with a similar sound to Heart. There may be a better match out there, but for now ZOEgirl has filled my spiritual void for a Heart like Christian band. I hope you enjoy listening this week.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Lingering On All Night

Posted on July 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Procrastination isn’t a course that you can take in college, but it might as well be one as I found myself waiting until the last possible moment to study for my next exam. Studying methods vary depending upon the class, but adrenaline and Mountain Dew kept me lingering on all night long. Perhaps, this prepared me for my eight-year run at Amazon working the overnight shift.

And now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master [showing faithfulness to him], tell me; and if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right or to the left. 50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered, The thing comes forth from the Lord; we cannot speak bad or good to you. 51 Rebekah is before you; take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has said. 52 And when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself to the ground before the Lord. 53 And the servant brought out jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and garments and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave precious things to her brother and her mother. 54 Then they ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and stayed there all night. And in the morning they arose, and he said. Send me away to my master, Genesis 24:49-54.

As you meet various individuals over the course of your life, you’ll find some who never shut up. Phone calls or personal visits that normally take 15 minutes linger on and on. Moses points out two separate evenings that suggest Rachel and Laban’s family were extremely hospitable and talkative. Two separate evening gatherings turn into an all-night affair, lingering on until morning.

Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and called his brethren to eat food; and they ate food and lingered all night on the mountain. 55 And early in the morning Laban rose up and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and pronounced a blessing [asking God’s favor] on them. Then Laban departed and returned to his home, Genesis 31:54-55.

As someone who struggled to express myself, I never had many long conversations until high school. Whether I was attending a mission trip or retreat, I always found myself taking a walk with one or more people, often revealing secret scars of my past. The longer I walked, the better I felt as a spirit of confession fueled us as if time stood still. Perhaps, this is what happened to Rachel’s family as their conversations lingered on all night long.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Who’s Fooling Who?

Posted on July 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Have you ever blamed someone for misplacing your keys? If not, have you ever accused someone in your household of throwing out one of your prized possessions only to find it where you moved it moments later? You don’t have to be old to experience a senior moment of forgetfulness. I once received a new security badge for work only to find the one I put on earlier in the day under my hoodie that was still on me. Embarrassing moments like this set the tone for who is fooling who?

Why did you flee secretly and cheat me and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and gladness and with singing, with tambourine and lyre? 28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons [grandchildren] and my daughters good-bye? Now you have done foolishly [in behaving like this]. 29 It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently]. 30 And now you felt you must go because you were homesick for your father’s house, but why did you steal my [household] [c]gods? – Genesis 31:27-30

Today’s featured passage contains a whodunit. Since Jacob was often out in the field tending to Laban’s livestock, it wasn’t unusual to not see Jacob for a day or two. However, when Laban realized that images of his household gods were missing, he jumped to the conclusion that Jacob must have stolen these gods and taken off for good. Since Moses kind of describes Laban as a modern-day narcissist, Laban pre-conceived notion makes sense.

Then Jacob became angry and reproached and argued with Laban. And Jacob said to Laban, What is my fault? What is my sin, that you so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched and felt through all my household possessions, what have you found of all your household goods? Put it here before my brethren and yours, that they may judge and decide between us. 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your she-goats have not lost their young, and the rams of your flock have not been eaten by me. 39 I did not bring you [the carcasses of the animals] torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss of it; you required of me [to make good] all that was stolen, whether it occurred by day or by night, Genesis 31:36-39.

Moses’ description of Laban’s search party to find his missing gods is more like a calvary. When Laban’s group overtakes Jacob’s family caravan, he skips any small talk and goes right to the heart of the matter. Following Laban’s comprehensive search, no stolen items are located. Subsequently, as Jacob rolls his eyes, frustration brews over resulting in an exchange like, “who’s fooling who?” From Jacob’s perspective, Laban is the thief who switched his wages ten times, receiving less and less money. In view of this tense conversation, remember that you reap what you sow, Galatians 6:7-8.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Can You Be Scared to Death?

Posted on July 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

According to the American Heart Association, there is a condition where an individual can be scared to death. Whenever someone is suddenly frightened, a blast of adrenaline shoots through their bodies. This causes your heart to rapidly pump blood in an effort to get more blood to your muscles. In extreme cases, any strong reaction can trigger fatal amounts of chemicals like adrenaline which has resulted in death in the past.

And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to your brother Esau; and now he is [on the way] to meet you, and four hundred men are with him. 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups, Genesis 32:6-7.

Since there wasn’t a doctor present in the passage above, Moses suggests that a blast of adrenaline began to race through Jacob’s body. When Jacob received word that his brother Esau, who previously threatened to kill him in Genesis 27:42, was approaching his family with 400 men, a spirit of fear consumed Jacob. As someone who is afraid of snakes, Jacob’s mind was likely racing, filled with images of Esau seeking revenge on his younger brother.

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], 1 John 4:18.

If you ever find yourself crippled by a spirit of fear, one of Jesus’ disciples provides a remedy in the passage above. The apostle Paul also chimes in on this topic in 2 Timothy 1:7. Fear doesn’t come from the Lord above, James 1:17. Rather fear comes from the father of lies, John 8:44. Whenever the presence of fear seeks to evade your life, take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5. Putting this into practice will help you from becoming scared to death.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Living at Home Temporarily

Posted on July 17, 2023 by expressyourself4him

According to the Oxford Living Dictionary, a millennial is “a person reaching young adulthood in the early 21st century.” As Podcasts have become the new outlet for modern day talk shows, millennials have become one of the target audiences. Unfortunately, millennials also tend to be a punchline for the end of jokes with a growing number living at home with parents temporarily.

And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4 And he commanded them, Say this to my lord Esau: Your servant Jacob says this: I have been living temporarily with Laban and have stayed there till now, Genesis 32:3-4.

Perhaps, this makes one Old Testament mama’s boy the first millennial of the Bible. According to Moses, Jacob lived with his father-in-law for more than two decades. Rather than sitting at home streaming shows and surfing the internet, Jacob made himself useful. Moses describes Jacob’s current lot in life as a herdsman and shepherd, Genesis 31:40.

 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

While I’m sure Rachel and Leah enjoyed sharing their grandchildren with Laban, the 10th change in Jacob’s wages served as the last straw. This one event pushed Jacob over the edge, realizing that it was time to leave home. Since human beings mature at different rates, the ultimate sign of growing up is putting aside childish ways. May the story of Jacob help millennials step out in faith by beginning a new life out on their own.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Contending with God

Posted on July 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Contend refers to any struggle to surmount in the face of danger or a difficulty. Whenever a believer/Christian contends with God, this is usually in the form of prayer. Perhaps, this is what Jesus is talking about at the end of His Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:7-8. Don’t give up hope when your prayer isn’t answered. Rather, keep on contending with God, knocking until you receive an answer like the persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8.

And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 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 32:24-27

The apostle Paul writes about contending with Devil in Ephesians 4:26-31. The key piece of advice is to avoid giving the Devil a foothold in the form of an addiction, bad habit or unwholesome craving. Two chapters later, Paul explains why this is necessary as powers of darkness are not something to take lightly, Ephesians 6:10-12. To contend with invisible forces of evil, the armor of God is the spiritual attire to put on daily.

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. 29 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, Genesis 32:28-29.

From a practical perspective, the best example of determination I can find in the New Testament is the prayers of the persistent widow. Or if you want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Mark 1:35-38, starting every day with the Lord in prayer is a must if you want to contend spiritually. Then again, if you find yourself wrestling against an unknown being like Jacob, just holding on for dear life brings a sense of desperation. Giving everything that you have, Colossians 3:23, is a great way to contend with and live for the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Grow Up Old Man

Posted on July 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One Old Testament Bible verse that I was introduced to in college has made a major impact in my life. King Solomon writes in Proverbs 27:17 “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Solomon points to accountability and the need for Christians to have mentors in their lives. If you don’t have anyone to challenge you or highlight any of your flaws, you’re less likely to change.

I have been twenty years in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks; and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 And if the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Dread [lest he should fall] and Fear [lest he offend] of Isaac, had not been with me, surely you would have sent me away now empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and humiliation and the [wearying] labor of my hands and rebuked you last night. 43 Laban answered Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, these children are my children, these flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do today to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? – Genesis 31:41-43

During a heated discussion between Jacob and his father-in-law, there is a suggestion made by Moses in the passage above. While Laban was brought into Jacob’s life to teach him a valuable life lesson, “you reap what you sow,” he attempts to urge his father-in-law to grow up. Unfortunately, it’s hard to convince any narcissist that they themselves have done anything wrong.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

The apostle Paul provides one of the best pieces of advice about growing up spiritually. The context of this chapter is centered around charity, loving others by giving back. However, children get so consumed by temporary needs that most lose sight of the needs of others. If you ever reach a point in life where your faith is stagnant, this is probably a sign that you need to grow old by putting aside your childish ways, Colossians 3:12-14.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Crossover Connection Week 24: A Mix of Classic and Soft Rock

Posted on July 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Any band which tours long enough to produce five albums tends to evolve over time. While the group Age of Faith doesn’t attempt to duplicate the sound of a specific secular artist, you’ll find a mix of classic and soft rock. You might hear an occasional song with a John Cougar Mellencamp sound, but the lyrics of Age of Faith seek to instill listeners with biblical advice to live out your faith.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2 For by [faith—[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible, Hebrews 11:1-3.

My favorite Age of Faith album is the Truth featuring the song Red Carpet. The theme of Red Carpet reminds me of Benny Hester’s top song When God Ran based upon the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Meanwhile, Age of Faith took a break from their normal style to release a praise and worship album entitled Still: Songs of Restoration. If the attached You Tube isn’t for you, do a search of individual songs from the Truth album which might be more appealing to you. Enjoy Age of Faith this week.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

When Peace Can Turn Violent

Posted on July 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes human beings can possess a 6th sense. One day I was driving through a neighborhood in Chicago, stopping to ask someone for directions. In a matter of seconds, my car was surrounded as if I was about to be carjacked. I suddenly jumped on my accelerator, swerved to miss a few people and drove like the wind until I found a crowded gas station. This is my own encounter of when peace can turn violent.

It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently], Genesis 31:29.

While I was growing up in Delaware, I had a short temper. This unhealthy trait was passed down to me by my father, likely brought on by experiences with a drill sergeant in the Army. I was prone to throw fits of rage when things didn’t go my way. This is on display as a Little League pitcher, especially when I didn’t see eye to eye with the umpire’s strike zone. I could be in a great mood one inning before I felt apart emotionally as a peaceful game turned ugly with violent jeering.

And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it. 8 And Cain said to his brother, [b]Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him, Genesis 4:6-8.

The gift of free will can be a blessing and a curse. While God tried to confront Cain about his jealousy, Matthew 5:22, he had already made up his decision. Rather than take a similar passive role in the life of Jacob, God intervened in the form of a dream. This warning altered the actions of Laban in Genesis 31:29, maintaining peace instead of letting human nature turn violent. May today’s passage help you look for a way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13, so that peace prevails.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →