Author Archives: expressyourself4him

You Can’t Let this Happen

Posted on October 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When the guilty get caught in the act of a transgression or wrongdoing, a spirit of desperation tends to take over. As a teenager, I witnessed many classmates and friends, beg and barter with a teacher to avoid consequences. Sometimes this was successful, but as most were being handed an after-school suspension, a common final plea was “you can’t let this happen!”

When he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants will be responsible for his death and will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. 32 For your servant became security for the lad to my father, saying, If I do not bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever, Genesis 44:31-32.

As the governor of Egypt is about to make Benjamin his slave for life, Judah asks to have a word with him in private. Judah provides context for what he is about to share. My father who is old had an inclination that something bad was going to happen Benjamin, his youngest son. Judah is using a scare tactic, implying that if you let this happen my father is going to die of a heart attack.

Now therefore, I pray you, let your servant remain instead of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, and let the young man go home with his [half] brothers. 34 For how can I go up to my father if the lad is not with me?—lest I witness the woe and the evil that will come upon my father, Genesis 44:33-34.

Whenever the inconceivable turns into reality, certain events are hard to grasp and fathom. Judah becomes so desperate, dreading the consequence of not wanting to go home without Benjamin, he offers up his own life to become the governor’s slave. After getting the governor alone in a room, Judah pours out his heart, pleading to not let this happen to Benjamin. While few people are successful with this plea, if your heart is right sometimes your prayer will be answered like Judah.

by Jay Mankus

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Breaking Through the Darkness

Posted on October 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My past two months can only be described as dealing with a series of strange and unforeseen events. Part of me wondered if all of my setbacks were a sign from God to find another job. Yet, when the dust settled, and I finally received the requested shift that I needed, my soul was relieved as if God was showing me how to break through the darkness in this world.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil, Ephesians 6:10-11.

Unfortunately, the degree of spiritual darkness that you encounter in life can be overwhelming. During a conversation with Satan in Job 1:6-10, our spiritual opponent recognizes the importance of placing a hedge of protection over believers. When Christians stop praying for one another, the ability to break through spiritual darkness becomes harder.

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:12.

The apostle Paul highlights what human beings are up against in the passage above. While most people blame individuals for getting under their skin, spiritual forces of evil are working behind the scenes to create havoc. The key phrase to breaking through the darkness is to remember you’re not wrestling with flesh and blood. The real battle is supernatural, ongoing in the spiritual realm as detailed by Frank Peritti in his books Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 37: The Christian Version of the Outfield

Posted on October 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a high school athlete, I used music to mentally prepare me for my next competition. Whether I was about to run a race, swim or play a round of golf, playing certain albums became part of my pregame ritual. The Outfield’s Play Deep album was one of my go to selections to pump me up so I could succeed. After listening to the attached You Tube of the Christian band Anberlin, I could feel the Outfield vibe in a couple of their songs.

Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts, Colossians 3:16.

After doing a search for the top Christian rock bands of all time, Anberlin appeared 5th, well inside the top 10. While the titles of their songs and lyrics won’t blow you away like modern day worship groups, Anberlin’s sound appeals to a secular audience. If the Great Commission is based upon going into the whole world to spread the gospel, Acts 1:8, Anberlin’s music has the ability to reach people that you and I can’t. May the attached You Tube speak to your heart this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Amoral or Ignorant?

Posted on October 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As public education in America continues to decline year after year, learning has been replaced by inclusion, equity, and diversity. As more and more high school graduates fail to meet basic reading and writing standards, a new generation of individuals aren’t being taught the importance of morality in every aspect of life. When many of these former students become adults, don’t be surprised if they are amoral, not knowing right from wrong.

Furthermore, [a]brethren, we beg and admonish you in [virtue of our union with] the Lord Jesus, that [you follow the instructions which] you learned from us about how you ought to walk so as to please and gratify God, as indeed you are doing, [and] that you do so even more and more abundantly [attaining yet greater perfection in living this life]. 2 For you know what charges and precepts we gave you [[b]on the authority and by the inspiration of] the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3.

In the first century, the apostle Paul explains another reason for immoral behavior. During numerous missionary trips, Paul met individuals who he describes as ignorant. Apparently, Thessalonica was a breeding ground for people who were ignorant of faith in God. Perhaps, many of these individuals were taught to trust themselves as a child. Subsequently, trusting in God was a sign of weakness to many living in Thessalonica.

That each one of you should know how to [c]possess (control, manage) his own [d]body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, 5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5.

The apostle Paul addresses the issue of being amoral and ignorant in the fourth chapter of his letter to the Church at Thessalonica. Paul uses common sense to introduce this topic with maintaining self-control. Paul addresses this issue in Romans 8:5-8 and Galatians 5:16-18 where morality comes down to following the Holy Spirit or indulging your flesh. When Christians develop a Christ like mindset, 1 Timothy 1:16, ignorance will be replaced by faith in Christ, Galatians 2:20-21.

by Jay Mankus

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Let Not Your Anger Blaze

Posted on October 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I first became a full-time youth director in Columbus, Indiana, I was taking over a youth ministry with great student leaders already in place. Prior to my arrival, students named their youth group BLAZ: Bible, Love and Zeal. Subsequently, whenever I see the word blaze, I am reminded of the great memories from the spiritual fire these teenagers possessed.

Then Judah came close to [Joseph] and said, O my lord, let your servant, I pray you, speak a word to you in private, and let not your anger blaze against your servant, for you are as Pharaoh [so I will speak as if directly to him], Genesis 44:18.

However, in the passage above, Moses is referring to blaze in the context of anger. When a servant or an individual with the status of a nobody, questioning people in power can be dangerous. This is why Judah uses the expression “don’t let your anger blaze.” Judah uses this as a way to soften the governor’s reaction by raising a question.

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. 27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. 28 Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. 29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it, Ephesians 4:26-29.

From a modern perspective, the apostle Paul’s words to the Church at Ephesus provide sound advice about losing your cool. Paul suggests that you should immediately deal with anger. The worst thing you can do is let the sun go down while you’re still angry at someone. This gives the Devil a foothold in your life and opens the door for your anger to blaze and explode. May today’s passage help assist anyone with anger management issues.

by Jay Mankus

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When a Practical Joke Goes Too Far

Posted on October 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I was introduced to practical jokes as a child after moving from New Jersey to Delaware. While I can’t take the credit for being the mastermind behind the most successful ones, I became good at playing my assigned role. The most memorable one was faking my friend Stephen’s death, set up by a game of Truth or Dare earlier in the day. However, when my neighbor Hope began bawling her eyes out, I knew we had gone too far.

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man’s money in his sack’s mouth. 2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, with his grain money. And [the steward] did according to what Joseph had said. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. 4 When they had left the city and were not yet far away, Joseph said to his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, Why have you rewarded evil for good? [Why have you stolen the silver cup?] – Genesis 44:1-4

When you grow up with older brothers who sold you into slavery and faked your own death, you might develop some resentment over the years. To those who have been on the wrong end of a practical joke will feel motivated to get even when the timing is right. According to Moses, when Joseph is governor of Egypt, he toys with his brothers. However, when his second practical joke might end up giving his own father a heart attack, he comes to his senses.

And if you take this son also from me, and harm or accident should befall him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow and evil to Sheol (the place of the dead). 30 Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life and his soul knit with the lad’s soul, 31 When he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants will be responsible for his death and will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. 32 For your servant became security for the lad to my father, saying, If I do not bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever. 33 Now therefore, I pray you, let your servant remain instead of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, and let the young man go home with his [half] brothers. 34 For how can I go up to my father if the lad is not with me?—lest I witness the woe and the evil that will come upon my father, Genesis 44:29-34.

Rather than end a practical joke with laughter, Joseph’s emotions got the best of him, Genesis 45:1-2. According to Moses, Joseph sobs like a baby, weeping so loud that officials outside this room could hear him weeping. At this moment, Joseph realized it’s time for the truth to come out, I am your brother Joseph. The next time you get caught up in an amusing practical joke, read the room so that your stunt doesn’t go too far.

by Jay Mankus

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When Souls are Crushed Beyond Repair

Posted on October 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a teenager growing up in Delaware, divorce was a rare word. Out of all of my high school friends, I only knew of a few individuals who had experienced their parents’ relationship fall apart. Yet, as a teacher in a Christian school, it seemed like every week there was a couple who had decided to quit on their marriage. From time to time, students would approach me, bawling their eyes out, afraid of their future at our school and where they would live. I’ve seen with my own eyes souls crushed beyond repair.

And our father said, Go again and buy us a little food. 26 But we said, We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we may not see the man’s face except our youngest brother is with us. 27 And your servant my father said to us, You know that [Rachel] my wife bore me two sons: 28 And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn to pieces, and I have never seen him since. 29 And if you take this son also from me, and harm or accident should befall him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow and evil to Sheol (the place of the dead), Genesis 44:25-29.

Whenever a parent has witnessed their own child suffer harm, this can be heart breaking, especially for a mother. However, in the passage above, Moses writes about a father who had one of his sons die. This one event led Jacob to become extremely protective, not wanting to allow Benjamin to leave his sight. Apparently, Jacob appears to possess a soul that was crushed beyond repair as he was more concerned with Benjamin’s wellbeing than starving to death.

Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life and his soul knit with the lad’s soul, 31 When he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants will be responsible for his death and will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. 32 For your servant became security for the lad to my father, saying, If I do not bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever, Genesis 44:30-32.

The book Restoring the Foundations by Becky and Chester Kylstra introduced me to the term Soul/Spirit hurts. Soul/Spirit hurts are wounds to the soul, emotional hurts that individuals have yet to take time to deal with in their lives. As I read the words of Moses, Jacob had not yet overcome the pain of Joseph’s death. As a son of Korah writes Psalm 46:10, it’s a remainder that Christians need to slow down to heal broken hearts and or crushed spirits. May today’s blog help readers allow you to begin this healing process.

by Jay Mankus

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Encountering Evil

Posted on October 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the life experiences that you have encountered over the years, you may or may not understand evil. Unfortunately, when the public education system in America kicked God and prayer out of the classroom in the 1960’s, new levels of evil are unleashed daily upon this country. If you do not possess spiritual lenses for identifying and making sense of evil, you’ll blame the victims of evil and not the spiritual source for these unfortunate events.

For how can I go up to my father if the lad is not with me?—lest I witness the woe and the evil that will come upon my father, Genesis 44:34.

Based upon the words of Moses in Genesis 38:1-30, Judah experienced a series of curses which many individuals would call a string of bad luck. Moses points to Judah’s choice for a wife as the starting point, emphasizing good looks over godly character. Two of Judah’s sons have their lives cut struck due to evil behavior. While modern readers of Genesis 38 may wonder, what’s wrong with this, each failed to follow God’s commands and decrees.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:10-12.

Subsequently, as he realizes the wrongdoing of his past, Judah pleads with the governor of Egypt to consider the promise and vow made to his father. Judah’s emotional plea is rewarded in Genesis 45 as Jospeh reveals his true identity. This Old Testament story reminds me of the words of the apostle Paul in the passage above. Paul touches on the real source of evil. While the Devil wants you to place the blame on other human beings, encountering evil starts with invisible forces in the spiritual realm. May today’s blog open your eyes the next time you encounter evil.

by Jay Mankus

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Learning to Win the Debates of Tomorrow

Posted on October 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a member of the Spiritual Life Committee at my former school, I spent five years taking students to Christian Leadership Conferences. While every conference had a different theme, there were workshops at each event on developing a biblical Worldview. Several of the teachers were college professors whose main goal was to prepare current students to win the debates of tomorrow.

Now who is there to hurt you if you are [d]zealous followers of that which is good? 14 But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed (happy, to be envied). Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition]. 15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully, 1 Peter 3:13-15.

While improving my high school Bible curriculum each summer, I discovered that Summit Ministries contains some of the best content for my students. Founded by Dr. Jeff Meyers, Summit Ministries is devoted to equipping college students with the knowledge and techniques to win the debates of tomorrow. As I listen to 2024 presidential candidates, I’m astounded by how poorly most of their debate skills come across on television.

[And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear ([e]unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behavior in Christ may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives]. 17 For [it is] better to suffer [unjustly] for doing right, if that should be God’s will, than to suffer [justly] for doing wrong, 1 Peter 3:16-17.

Perhaps, many of these future leaders fall into the category touched upon by the apostle Paul in Galatians 1:10. In an attempt to please their donors, I don’t see any American politician seeking to please the Lord. Topics like abortion and Planned Parenthood could be an easy slam dunk, but who is willing to stand in the gap for God, Ezekiel 22:30. If you want to learn how to win the debates of tomorrow, visit Summit Ministries to start your journey on the road to victory.

by Jay Mankus

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Remaining Fearless While in Transit

Posted on October 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Two years ago, due to the ailing health of my wife’s mom, plans were made to move to Aiken, South Carolina. Fortunately, we had time to prepare for this transition from Delaware. As I read God’s call to Abram in the passage below, this was immediate. God didn’t say, “take your time.” Rather, Moses suggests that this move was instantaneous based upon the directions from the Lord.

Now [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. 3 And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and [a]curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]. 4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had directed him; and Lot [his nephew] went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran, Genesis 12:1-4.

In 1993, I lived in 6 different states in the first 6 months of this year. I resigned from a youth ministry position in Maryland so that I could attend a Trade School in Minnesota. While waiting for an interview in South Dakota, I spent a month in Ohio living with my parents. When this ministry opportunity fell through, I accepted a teaching position at a Boarding School in West Virginia. At the end of the school year, a dream job opened up for me in Columbus, Indiana.

Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, Isaiah 43:18-19.

God’s providence during this time of transit helped remove from me the fear of the unknown. The moment one door was shut in my face, another one miraculously opened. I was living the famous poem Footprints without ever realizing it. Just before 1993 came to an end, I met my future wife Leanne at a Youth Ministry Conference in Chicago. Thirty years later, God has prepared me by reminding me of the promises in the Bible so that while I’m in transit, the Lord still provides.

by Jay Mankus

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