Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Does Holy Ground Exist Today?

Posted on November 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon who you ask, you might get a variety of opinions. An environmentalist has a tendency to over-react, claiming the world is about to be destroyed due to petroleum. Realists might suggest that Americans have pushed the envelope so far that everyone has been corrupted morally in one way or another. And the zealot, there is no one worthy to stand upon holy ground if it existed today.

The [a]Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I. 5 God said, Do not come near; put your shoes off your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground, Exodus 3:2-5.

In the case of the passage above, Moses has just lost his temper and killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew man. From a spiritual sense, Moses had blood on his hands. Moses’ lack of self-control forced him to go on the run, becoming a stranger in a foreign land. Subsequently, when God introduces Himself, holiness becomes an attribute associated with entering God’s presence. Taking off his sandals is symbolic of the first step to taking off your old self, Colossians 3:1-6.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

While the apostle Paul makes it clear that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, to key to finding holy ground today lies within acts of contrition. As hearts and minds begin to reflect upon things above, subtle transformations start to occur. As human being change from the inside out, aspirations shift from the temporary to eternal, Matthew 6:33-34. Therefore, as individuals’ hunger and thirst for righteous, holy ground can be reclaimed from the devil, Ephesians 4:26-27.

by Jay Mankus

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A Brief Introduction to God

Posted on November 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

An introduction is typically a formal presentation of one person to another. This usually begins with an exchange of names that often results in a series of follow up questions. This brief introduction serves as a starting point so when you meet this individual again, conversations can be expanded into further discussions and topics.

Also He said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters and oppressors; for I know their sorrows and sufferings and trials. 8 And I have come down to deliver them out of the hand and power of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a land good and large, a land flowing with milk and honey [a land of plenty]—to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, Exodus 3:6-8.

Just prior to his introduction to God, Moses lost his cool, killed a man and was forced to flee Egypt as Pharaoh wanted to take his life for the one that he took. Shortly after marrying the daughter of the priest of Midian, Moses was placed in charge of overseeing Jethro’s livestock. While tending to the need of these animals, God introduced himself so that He could begin to mend Moses’ heart.

 But now I am going to Him Who sent Me, yet none of you asks Me, Where are You going? 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts [taken complete possession of them]. 7 However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. 8 And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment: John 16:5-8.

During a private conversation with his disciples, Jesus introduces the invisible guide that will replace Him. Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to a spiritual counselor and intercessory on behalf of God. Like anything in life, once a gift is extended and offered to you, you have to receive this as your own, Romans 6:23. Or as one of Jesus’ disciples writes, after your initial introduction to God, if you want to proceed deeper, you have to open your heart so that Jesus can come in, Revelation 3:20.

by Jay Mankus

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This is a Test of the Biblical Decision-Making Process

Posted on November 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are 3 questions Christians should ask themselves before making any decision. First, is the choice you are about to make consistent with advice found in the Bible, Acts 17:11. Second, if you’re unsure about the decision you’re about to make, seek godly counsel, Proverbs 27:17. Finally, is this something that the Holy Spirit would sanction, Galatians 5:25.

Yet even if I do judge, My judgment is true [My decision is right]; for I am not alone [in making it], but [there are two of Us] I and the Father, Who sent Me. 17 In your [own] Law it is written that the testimony (evidence) of two persons is reliable and valid. 18 I am One [of the Two] bearing testimony concerning Myself; and My Father, Who sent Me, He also testifies about Me, John 8:16-18.

The disciple whom Jesus loved points out an essential process of decision making in the passage above. Whenever two Christian comes to an agreement, this is usually a sign that these individuals are aligned with God. Meanwhile, Matthew 18:15-18, is a guide when someone trespasses against you, reaching out to two or three witness to address this issue before you give the Devil a foothold.

It has been resolved by us in assembly to select men and send them [as messengers] to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men who have hazarded their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will bring you the same message by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these indispensable requirements: 29 That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and from [eating the meat of animals] that have been strangled and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell [be strong]! – Acts 15:25-29

Whenever you are forced to make a choice, don’t forget to consider whether your decision will be received, rejected or if this dilemma can be used to redeemed for good? The apostle Paul points to rejecting your fleshly desires by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. As believers begin to check with the Bible for advice, seek godly counsel if unsure and be open to the Holy Spirit, future decisions will likely turn out better for you.

by Jay Mankus

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A Window Into Prayers Lifted Up to Heaven

Posted on November 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Unless you have an encounter with an angel, receive a rhema from God or are touched by the Holy Spirit, it’s hard to understand the mind of God. Anyone who has lifted up prayers to God knows how frustrating it can be to pray about the same thing for weeks, months or years without receiving an answer or seeing any progress. Yet, at the end of Exodus 2, Moses provides a window into God’s perspective and response when prayers are lifted up to heaven.

However, after a long time [nearly forty years] the king of Egypt died; and the Israelites were sighing and groaning because of the bondage. They kept crying, and their cry because of slavery ascended to God. 24 And God heard their sighing and groaning and [earnestly] remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, Exodus 2:23-24.

During an interesting exchange at the end of Exodus chapter 2, God reveals to Moses his intentions based upon prayers that have been lifted up by Israelites. Since God is omnipresent, the Lord heard and seen all the harsh treatment that His chosen people were experiencing in Egypt. Yet, just as the film Bruce Almighty tried to illustrate, if God granted every prayer request such as winning the lottery, answers to prayer wouldn’t be as powerful or special.

God saw the Israelites and took knowledge of them and concerned Himself about them [knowing all, understanding, remembering all], Exodus 2:25.

The key take away into this window of prayers lifted up to heaven is that God knows and understands your current situation. Some days are like a blessing, but most of our days on earth God puts us into situations where you are forced to mature. The Bible refers to these events as trials, 1 Peter 1:6-7, to test and refine your faith. When God doesn’t answer any prayers for an extended period of time, Isaiah 1:15-18 provides further insight into this window into heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 43: A Combination of Asia and the Kinks

Posted on November 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The first band that struck a cord with my soul in Junior High was the band Asia. This was one of the first of many cassette tapes that I bought for my boom box. When I entered Concord High, groups like the Kinks began to become popular. Today’s feature group may be unknown in many circles, yet the Fold’s music is a combination of Asia and a softer version of the Kinks.

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way (elsewhere, from some other quarter) is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The watchman opens the door for this man, and the sheep listen to his voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out, John 10:1-3.

The attached album This Too Shall Pass is a great finger snapping and toe tapping CD to listen to while on a long commute to work. While it’s hard to match the classic ballads of Asia, the Fold provides inspirational worship songs with a Kinks lite upbeat version of Christian music. Although this may be a surprise addition to my top 52 crossover artists, I hope you enjoy listening to the Fold this week. The Fold grow on me the more I listen to their music.

by Jay Mankus

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Israel’s Last Words

Posted on November 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I tend to be a man of few words. Perhaps, two decades of struggling with severe stuttering wil take its toll on a fragile heart, soul, and mind. While Moses describes Jacob who would become Israel as an opinionated individual, he remains silent when some of his children and grandchildren over-reacted and sinned. Perhaps, Israel needed time to digest these wrong actions. Whatever the reason, Israel’s last words before dying serve as a prophecy and warning to the men who will become the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel.

And he blessed them that day, saying, By you shall Israel bless [one another], saying, May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh. And he set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 And Israel said to Joseph, Behold, I [am about to] die, but God will be with you and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover, I have given to you [Joseph] one portion [Shechem, one mountain slope] more than any of your brethren, which I took [reclaiming it] out of the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow, Genesis 48:20-22.

Following the brash actions of Simeon and Levi in Genesis 34:24-29, Jacob addresses his two sons. However, based upon the words of Moses, Jacob is more concerned that the actions taken by Simeon and Levi will unite his enemies. After having years to digest their wrongdoing, Israel’s last words begin by addressing violence in Genesis 49:5. The majority of Israel’s last word come in the form of prophecy, based upon how their lives will end up in the form of blessings and curses.

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each one according to the blessing suited to him. 29 He charged them and said to them, I am to be gathered to my [departed] people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 In the cave in the field at Machpelah, east of Mamre in the land of Canaan, that Abraham bought, along with the field of Ephron the Hittite, to possess as a cemetery. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. 32 The purchase of the field and the cave that is in it was from the sons of Heth. 33 When Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his [departed] people, Genesis 49:28-33.

As human beings grew old, individuals may have specific requests that they want carried out when they die. Depending upon the person, some may be bizarre with others more reasonable. As for Israel, he wanted to be buried in the same cemetery as his grandfather and great grandfather. This is a common practice that has been adopted by many Americans. According to Moses, Jacob’s sons fulfilled Israel’s last words in Genesis 50:12.

by Jay Mankus

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Overcoming a Bad Temper

Posted on November 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Moses is best known for confronting Pharaoh and leading Israel’s Exodus out of Egypt. Yet, based upon the below passage, Moses had a bad temper. Moses wasn’t just a bully who beat up other people, he lost his cool and simply snapped. After seeing a fellow Jew severely beaten by an Egyptian, Moses’ temper didn’t stop until this man was dead.

One day, after Moses was grown, it happened that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of [Moses’] brethren. 12 He looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 He went out the second day and saw two Hebrew men quarreling and fighting; and he said to the unjust aggressor, Why are you striking your comrade? 14 And the man said, Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and thought, Surely this thing is known, Exodus 2:11-14.

Moses points out that the sins of a father are often passed down to their children, Exodus 34:7. At an early age, I developed a bad temper, freaking out in fits of rages if things in life didn’t go my way. Apparently, I quickly learned this from my father who also struggled with a bad temper. This was usually on display while out at dinner as a family with my father making a scene at the expense of our waitress.

You have heard that it was said to the men of old, You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be [ac]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court. 22 But I say to you that everyone who continues to be [ad]angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be [ae]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be [af]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You [ag]cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be [ah]liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire, Matthew 5:21-22.

As for Moses, he didn’t realize anger was an issue until a fellow Hebrew called him out, “are you going to kill me too?” Jesus unfolds the byproduct of anger in the Sermon on the Mount. You don’t just wake up and decide to kill someone. Rather, as anger brews inside your heart, hatred is conceived. Once hatred is full blown, thoughts are acted upon, James 1:13-15. If you’re struggling to overcome a losing battle with a bad temper, claim the words of 2 Timothy 1:7 to find victory.

by Jay Mankus

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A Spiritual Nudge This Thanksgiving

Posted on November 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

On the first day of school, new parents are handing their children over to their education system. Perhaps, a mother may not want to let go of her children, afraid of what may happen. Certain parents may wait a day or two before finally dropping off their child to begin the next stage of life. Meanwhile, shy and timid youngsters may need a nudge to start this journey.

Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul alludes to a spiritual nudge. In the previous chapter, 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8, there is a call to change. This decision is highlighted in Colossians 3:1-7, transitioning from your former way of life, humanism, toward Christ centered living. Like a child who doesn’t want to leave the security of their parents, Christians may need a nudge from the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, to complete this process.

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], 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.

Maintaining a spirit of Thanksgiving isn’t normal. People don’t just wake up and proclaim, “thank the Lord!” Rather, joy is a decision, a state of mind conceived by a fruit of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. Although joy isn’t one of the theological virtues discussed by C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, 1 Corinthians 13:13, this is a byproduct of Jesus living inside of you. If you wake up on Thanksgiving Day grumpy, a spiritual nudge is like hot coffee to get you going in the right direction.

by Jay Mankus

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Celebrating Others Daily

Posted on November 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

In this age of diversity, equity, and inclusion, American calendars have turned their attention toward honoring specific causes each month. Rather than celebrate each cause every day, monthly themes are designed to highlight the accomplishments of African Americans every February and women every March. As one month comes to an end, teachers are taught to immediately switch the attention of children to a new month’s emphasis.

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore, Psalm 16:11.

Why not celebrate everyone daily? Last February, author and sports talk host Steven A. Smith shared his own opinions on this topic. Using his show on ESPN as a podium and pulpit, Steven has come to the conclusion that topics like Woman’s History and Black History should not be limited to just one month. Rather, every day, these causes should be celebrated daily. If a sports talk show host agrees with me, there must be something to this argument.

This is from the Lord and is His doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, we beseech You, O Lord; send now prosperity, O Lord, we beseech You, and give to us success! – Psalm 118:23-25

According to the Psalmists, you should seize each new day that the Lord gives you on earth. Meanwhile, the prophet Jeremiah writes about the newness of each day in Lamentations 3:19-24. When you wake up every morning, you should celebrate the gift of life. After this initial celebration, you should honor those who have gone before you by cherishing their imprint on America. As 2024 approaches, prepare your heart to celebrate others daily.

by Jay Mankus

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When God First Gets Your Attention

Posted on November 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I was sitting at the Old Valley Forge Music Fair listening to a series of professional athletes share about their faith in God. While several of these athletes from Philadelphia I idolized, none of their testimonies wowed me. The keynote speaker strolled up in a wheelchair making me feel uneasy at the time. Yet, when Skip Wilkins began speaking, God got my attention.

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the back or west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb or Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 The [a]Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed, Exodus 3:1-2.

Moses was a recent newlywed when God got his attention. Beneath the surface, Moses was depressed as a stranger living in a foreign land. Yet, as this Spiritual Flame begins talking, conviction begins to consume Moses’ soul. While Moses doesn’t say why he is too ashamed to see God’s face, taking another man’s life in Egypt might be one of if not the reason for his shame.

And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I. 5 God said, Do not come near; put your shoes off your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground, Exodus 3:3-5.

According to the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:18-23, not everyone whose attention is perked by God responds. Apparently, some talk about making changes in their life, but never do. Others eagerly pursue God initially, but a weak spiritual foundation is washed away during times of trouble. In view of this, the next time God gets your attention, plant your faith upon fertile ground.

by Jay Mankus

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