Author Archives: expressyourself4him

At the end of the Old Testament, the minor prophets foretold of a period of silence.  After several years of warning, one day, at the appointed time, God became silent.  Over a time of 400 years, from Malachi to the conception of John the Baptist, God did not say a word.  Today, Christians and non-Christians alike experience a similar feeling, like God has turned off the lights.

While in the dark or during days of uncertainty, its important to remember history.  Studying chapters like 1 Corinthians 10 helps put life into its proper perspective and hopefully will allow us to avoid making the same mistakes of Israel.  Before all the biblical judges were corrupted in 1 Samuel 8:1-3, there was a man named Eli who was in touch with the Spirit of God.  Eli was a priest who began to train a young boy, Samuel, in the ways of the Lord.  However, like today, the word of the Lord was rare and few visions were seen, 1 Samuel 3:1.

After God spoke to Samuel twice in a dream, Eli was able to connect him with God, 1 Samuel 3:9, giving Samuel the words to say.  Although the message Samuel received was bad news, Eli introduced him to the concept that God speaks to his children.  In a world of pessimism and gloom, everyone needs a person like Eli to give us a glimmer of hope.  We need a person who can break through, into the supernatural, to provide us with a heavenly view.  As we wait for the next time for God to speak, remember Eli’s response, “speak Lord for your servant is listening.”

by Jay Mankus

While doing research for one of my Bible Classes, I discovered 5 distinct reasons why God created music:

1. To praise God with your voice, Psalm 150.  In fact, the very reason God created us was to praise Him.

2. To express the marvelous things God has done, Psalm 98:1-4.  Throughout the Old Testament, there is an overriding theme, to remind people of what God has done in the past.  Moses devoted an entire book of the Bible, Deuteronomy, meaning second law, so that people living today would not forget.

3. To personally thank God, Psalm 118:1-5.  The apostle Paul adds to this principle in Philippians 4:6-7 as does James, Jesus’ earthly brother in James 1:18.

4. To bring us joy and gladness, Psalm 118:24.  While modern day ballads tend to be sad, music was designed by God to give us an emotional boost, often lifting our spirits.

5. To soothe your soul, 1 Samuel 16:14-15.  Finally, when King Saul became filled with a spirit of anger and rage, the sweet sound of David’s harp led these spirits to flee, helping Saul return to his normal state of mind.

During the last few months, in my most depressed state, a song on the radio, music on my computer or a song from my MP3 Player has soothed my soul numerous times.  While those people who know me recognize my obscure collection of music, I am always searching for the next soothing song.  Although Lucifer may indeed be a fallen angel of music, God’s glorious power can penetrate our souls to minister to heavy burdened people.  As Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “come to me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, for I will give you rest!”

by Jay Mankus

Last August, I was visiting Iron Hill, a famous landmark in Delaware, just west of Cooch’s Bridge, a battle during the Revolutionary War.  Cooch’s Bridge and Iron Hill are connected by Old Baltimore Pike, the major road during the 1770’s used by soldiers to travel from Baltimore to Philadelphia.  While waiting for my son to complete his cross country practice, I noticed a sign for Purgatory Swamp.

As I looked closely to this map, I discovered my house lies in what was once known as purgatory.  This name appears to be coined by a British Captain who claimed this swamp prevented his army from cutting off General Washington’s supplies.  Initially situated between Old Baltimore Pike and Route 4, local developments between I-95 and Gender Road today have narrowed this swamp into a wetland surrounded by forests.

As I have read through the Psalms last few years, David refers to swamps, often using the term mire.  When we make poor decisions, we tend to feel or do get stuck spiritually.  After struggling with his own life, David gives God the credit for rescuing him from a pit of despair, Psalm 30:1-3.  While you may experience times of desolation, stuck in the mud and mires of life, remember nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, Romans 8:38-39.

by Jay Mankus