Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Is This a Nightmare or is this Really Happening?

Posted on May 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I don’t dream as much as I did as a child. However, when I do have dreams, they are often vivid. I’m not sure what causes adults to dream, but stress has led me to have nightmares in the past as if I was living a bad dream. Whenever I read the Bible, current events tend to determine what I learn or pick up from a particular passage. When I think about the words below, the apostle Paul could be talking about right now, 2023 in America.

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane,2 Timothy 3:1-2.

As an optimistic individual, I try to see the positive in any given situation. Yet, the older I get, the sadder I become about the spiritual condition of America. When I was a high school Bible teacher, I could make a difference in the lives of my students. Yet now I just have this blog platform, Express Yourself 4Him to determine if what I’m experiencing is simply a nightmare or is this really happening?

[They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good. 4 [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3:3-4.

One of my former pastors regularly reminded his congregation that “hurt people hurt other people.” Whenever anyone tries to replace God with something else, a void grows in this person’s heart. Paul’s message to a teenage pastor named Timothy is merely the byproduct of hurt, lost and lonely souls. May the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:1-6 help convict community and political leaders. Only when America’s leaders repent and turn back to God will this current nightmare end.

by Jay Mankus

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Languishing Language

Posted on May 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Prior to Genesis 11, Moses suggests that the earth only had one language. Based upon the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, God sent a spirit of confusion upon the people who had gathered to build this great city. Without reading too much into this passage, God essentially created different languages on this one day. Thousands of years later, 7,117 languages exist today based upon the most recent data in 2023.

You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you, Deuteronomy 4:2.

If I didn’t watch cable news or scan the internet for current events, I wouldn’t have known about the current language war going on across the United States. Children in elementary school are being suspended and a few expelled for not addressing their own classmates by their preferred Pronoun. Meanwhile, parents are being kept out of the loop as confused children as receiving sex change operations without their consent.

But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, 2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

Unless I’m mistaken, the month of Match was dedicated to Women’s History Month. According to a recent statistic, approximately 52% of the United States are female. Nearly 2% of Americans identify themselves to be trans-gender. Yet, two major companies in the United States honored men who now identify as women in March. Moses warned about not adding to or subtracting from God’s commands. The apostle Paul points to the source of languishing language: spirits of confusion and demons. May God wake up the minds of Americans up with common sense and biblical wisdom before this nation is destroyed like great empires of the past.

by Jay Mankus

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Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

Posted on May 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The lyrics of Should I Stay or Should I Go was written in 1981. However, this Clash hit song was released on a 45 record a year later with Should I Stay or Should I Go on Side A. Meanwhile, side B wasn’t as memorable: Straight to Hell. Co-founder of the Clash and co-writer of Should I Stay or Should I Go, Mick Jones was forced to leave this band in 1983. Subsequently, there is speculation that Mick may have been contemplating this for a while.

But [Rebekah’s] brother and mother said, Let the girl stay with us a few days—at least ten; then she may go. 56 But [the servant] said to them, Do not hinder and delay me, seeing that the Lord has caused me to go prosperously on my way. Send me away, that I may go to my master, Genesis 24:55-56.

From a spiritual perspective, one young woman of the Bible was forced to choose between her family or her future. Abraham is the first recorded father in the Bible to play an active role in selecting his son’s future wife. Abraham entrusted the manager of his estate, Eliezer, to fulfill this mission. After praying for God’s blessing on his search, Rebekah walks out toward him immediately following the conclusion of his prayer.

And they said, We will call the girl and ask her [what is] her desire. 58 So they called Rebekah and said to her, Will you go with this man? And she said, I will go, Genesis 24:57-58.

The context of today’s passage is just before a family feast. Eliezer shares his encounter with Rebekah as well as the events leading up to this God instance. After Rebekah’s family grants Eliezer’s requests for her to become Isaac’s husband, she must choose between her family and her future. Rather than deciding for her, Rebekah is asked to decide if she wants to stay a few days to be with her girlfriends or leave immediately. Rebekah chooses the future, eager to begin a new life with a man she’s never met of seen before. This is true faith.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Match Maker of the Bible

Posted on May 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Dating Game television show debuted in 1965 with host Chuck Barris. One year after the Bible and prayer was kicked out of public education in the United States, the first orchestrated match maker series was formed. While I don’t remember much about the contestants on this show, I do recall Barris often trying to embarrass guests to entertain audiences. The first mention of match making in the Bible occurs in Genesis 24.

And you shall swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I have settled, 4 But you shall go to my country and to my relatives and take [a]a wife for my son Isaac. 5 The servant said to him, But perhaps the woman will not be willing to come along after me to this country. Must I take your son to the country from which you came? – Genesis 24:3-5.

Perhaps, Abraham learned from the trials of his nephew Lot. Rather than allow Isaac to choose his own wife for himself, Abraham gives his trusted servant specific instructions on where to find a potential wife. Worried about letting down Isaac, Eliezer speaks up about the what if’s? This second guessing prepares Eliezer’s thoughts on the best way to find Isaac a wife.

And he said, O Lord, God of my master Abraham, I pray You, cause me to meet with good success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming to draw water. 14 And let it so be that the girl to whom I say, I pray you, let down your jar that I may drink, and she replies, Drink, and I will give your camels drink also—let her be the one whom You have selected and appointed and indicated for Your servant Isaac [to be a wife to him]; and by it I shall know that You have shown kindness and faithfulness to my master. 15 Before he had finished speaking, behold, out came Rebekah, who was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, who was the wife of Nahor the brother of Abraham, with her water jar on her shoulder, Genesis 24:12-15.

Subsequently, Eliezer turns his concerns and doubt into a prayer listed in the passage above. This prayer serves as a screening process for any candidate who doesn’t meet Abrahah’s high standards. Based upon Moses’ account, as soon as Eliezer finishes his initial prayer, Rebekah magically comes forth like a Hollywood movie. May today’s featured passage help you see that God’s timing can reveal Mr. and Mrs. Right.

by Jay Mankus

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You Never Know What’s Going On Inside Someone

Posted on May 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former counselor, teacher and youth pastor, I have two decades of life experiences interacting with teenagers. While certain students wore their emotions on their sleeves, many were hard to read. Subsequently, if I had time to visit with other staff members in the teachers’ lounge, a few questions to the right person often opened my eyes and mind to what is really going on in this person’s life.

But for [a]Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. 6 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, Genesis 4:5-7.

A perfect example is my friend Harry from college. Beside his foul mouth and immoral lifestyle, Harry provided comedic relief nearly every day at work. During a day trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park, my friend Eddy and I watched in awe as Harry ran into an old high school friend. Apparently, Harry went to a church youth group. Based upon his daily actions, Eddy and I assumed that Harry had never stepped inside of a church before.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death, James 1:13-15.

This one encounter altered the course of Harry’s life. Over the next few weeks, Harry revealed that the person who led him to Jesus committed suicide and the one adult mentor he had committed adultery and left abruptly to pursue this new relationship. Most adults can’t handle this horrific chain of events, let alone a teenager. Like any prodigal, it takes time to get back on track spiritually. Nonetheless, unless you know what’s going on inside of someone, it’s hard to understand the why’s. If you’re patient enough, you too can unveil these layers, one by one to learn the reason why someone has become who they are for the good or bad.

by Jay Mankus

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Why Blessings are Bestowed by God

Posted on April 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I grew up confusing blessings with luck. When one of your best friends in high school is an Irish Catholic and was one of the luckiest people I ever met, I had a good reason to be misled. However, as my knowledge of the Bible has increased, I now understand why blessings are bestowed upon human beings by God. Moses points this out in Deuteronomy 28:1-3 as blessings are a direct byproduct of obedience to God.

But the [d]Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. 12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son, Genesis 22:11-12.

Depending upon where you are spiritually when you read this blog, levels of faith tend to fluctuate. No matter how disciplined you may be, internal feelings play a factor in your degree of faith. Sometimes a bad stretch of circumstances, called tough luck, puts your back to the wall as faith is challenged unlike anything before in your life. In the case of Abraham, this propelled him to fear God, resulting in extreme obedience and blessings.

The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 And said, I have sworn by Myself, says the Lord, that since you have done this and have not withheld [from Me] or begrudged [giving Me] your son, your only son, 17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies, Genesis 22:15-17.

Jesus references this in the Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, Matthew 6:5-15. Jesus places a similar condition on forgiveness. As long as you forgive the trespasses and transgressions of others, God will forgive you. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul compares this to the Sowing Principle in Galatians 6:5-8. Subsequently, as individuals adhere, listen and apply God’s Word, blessings will be bestowed by God. Become a doer of God’s Word and you’ll be surprised by the final outcome.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 13: A Spiritual Alternative for Ozzy Osbourne Fans

Posted on April 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

During my first semester of college, I remember students on the University of Delaware campus blasting the lyrics of the Blizzard of Ozz album. This was Ozzy Osbourne’s first album after his departure from Black Sabbath. Despite being nearly a decade old, there was something about the sound of this album that connected with students. A few years later, I stumbled upon the Last Train album by Holy Soldier. While no artist will ever duplicate Ozzy, Holy Soldier provides a spiritual alternative for Ozzy Osbourne fans.

For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or [c]the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. 10 And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]. 11 Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] [d]expose and reprove and convict them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret, Ephesians 5:9-12.

The one Holy Soldier song that comes close to the Blizzard of Ozz sound is Hallow’s Eve. Anyone who is a fan of heavy metal and hard rock will appreciate this tune. While there are other YouTube collections of greatest hits by Holy Soldier, I believe Last Train is by far their best collection of hits with Virtue or Vice, Crazy, Gimme Shelter and Hallow’s Eve. If the weather is bad this coming week, hopefully Ozzy fans will have time to listen to the attached You Tube to get a feel for Holy Soldier.

by Jay Mankus

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A Spiritual Foreshadowing

Posted on April 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Foreshadowing is a term my high school English teacher ingrained within my head. Whether our class was reading Canterbury Tales or Romeo and Juliet, she would always urge students to think about the foreshadowing of a scene. In the passage below, Moses points to the foreshadowing of Jesus, initially mentioned in Genesis 3:15 following original sin, Adam and Eve’s fall from grace in the Garden of Eden.

Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the fire (the firepot) in his own hand, and a knife; and the two of them went on together. 7 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? – Genesis 22:6-7

As God puts Abraham’s faith to an unbelievable test, Bible scholars believe that the concept of a resurrection was conceived within Abraham’s mind. This is one of the few explanations that makes sense for a guy who had a tendency to rely on his own instincts rather than fully trust God. If this is true, Isaac’s hypothetical resurrection is a foreshadowing of Jesus coming back to life on Easter Sunday.

[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. 9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God, Hebrews 11:8-10.

All Christian’s hope that their life will leave behind some sort of legacy, to inspire others to elevate and take their own faith to new heights. The author of Hebrews nominates Abraham for the Bible’s Hall of Faith in the passage above. God’s initial promise to Abraham while residing in the land of Uz is a foreshadowing of the birth of a great nation, Israel. However, even Abraham struggled to believe in this promise until Isaac was finally born. As you read and study the Bible, may the Holy Spirit open your eyes to other foreshadowing’s found in this book.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Just That Simple: Pray for Your Enemies

Posted on April 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I consider myself to be a relatively laid back and mellow individual outside of work. However, there is a certain personality type which pushes me to my limits, on the verge of an emotional eruption. About a month ago, I was wrestling with inner demons, urging me just to let it all out on the table. Just before blowing a gasket, I happened to come across the passage below.

But I say to you who are listening now to Me: [[o]in order to heed, make it a practice to] love your enemies, treat well (do good to, act nobly toward) those who detest you and pursue you with hatred, 28 Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you], Luke 6:27-28.

I came face to face with the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 7:14-18. While I knew the way God wanted me to handle this situation, I was losing the battle for my soul, Galatians 5:16-17. As much as I hated to admit it, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in a whisper, “it’s just that simple: pray for your enemies.” Although I didn’t immediately apply this lesson, one week later I began to pray for this specific person.

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; 44 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-44.

Despite being an adult, sometimes I just want to hide from certain people, avoiding them like Covid-19. Three weeks after I began praying, my first contact with this person in nearly a month was shocking. Rather than bearing the brunt of criticism, I heard the words of reflection, remorse and change. While part of me wanted to take some credit for this transformation, it was the Lord who brought me to a place where I could finally understand what it meant to pray for enemies and those who persecute you. It’s just that simple.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Hears the Voice of the Youth

Posted on April 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Children have always gotten a bad rap over the years. Whether it’s parents who look down to these future leaders today or Jesus’ disciples who paid more attention to adults in the New Testament, God hears the voice of the youth. Mark 10:13-16 highlights the type of person Jesus is, welcoming little children with open arms. Rather than someone who doesn’t want to be bothered, Jesus wanted to hear what these kids had to say.

When the water in the bottle was all gone, Hagar caused the youth to lie down under one of the shrubs.16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about a bowshot, for she said, Let me not see the death of the lad. And as she sat down opposite him, [d]he lifted up his voice and wept and she raised her voice and wept, Genesis 21:15-16.

The inspiration behind this blog came from the featured passage above. Hagar was no longer welcome in Abraham’s house after Ishmael began taunting Isaac. As the heat of the desert took their toll on Hagar and Ishmael, his mom began to give up hope on life. At this moment of desperation, God steps in to rescue this single mom. Upon hearing the cries of Hagar’s weeping, Ishmael’s life is saved.

And God heard the voice of the youth, and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said to her, What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the youth where he is. 18 Arise, raise up the youth and support him with your hand, for I intend to make him a great nation, Genesis 21:17-18.

Hagar’s cry for help is like God’s promise in Psalm 34:18 to heal the broken hearted and saved those crushed and depressed. Matthew 18:1-6 illustrates how special children are to God. Jesus warns any adult who sets a bad example or causes a child to sin. The fate of this motley crew isn’t pretty. The point of today’s blog is to remind readers that young people are precious in God’s eyes, hearing their voices when they cry out, praying for help.

by Jay Mankus

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