Author Archives: expressyourself4him

When Paranoia Influences You to Expect the Worst

Posted on September 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One common idiom can reveal much about an individual. When you see a glass of water which is nearly halfway finished, do you see this as a glass half empty or half full? This simple perspective reflects optimism or pessimism. If you’re a wealthy person, you may not even care. Yet, for those living paycheck to paycheck, fear can breed paranoia which will influence how you think about the future.

Then the men took the present, and they took double the [grain] money with them, and Benjamin; and they arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. 16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, Bring the men into the house and kill an animal and make ready, for the men will dine with me at noon. 17 And the man did as Joseph ordered and brought the men to Joseph’s house, Genesis 43:15-17.

Self Help books have flooded the market in recent years, trying to help readers avoid making the same mistakes as authors. Yet, when individuals begin to suffer a string of bad luck, people can respond in various ways. Some press on without a thought, others read way too much into these events and Christians may see these as a form of a curse, getting what you deserve for past transgressions.

The men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, We are brought in because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time we came, so that he may find occasion to accuse and assail us, take us for slaves, and seize our donkeys, Genesis 43:18.

As for Joseph’s brothers, a few of them were still consumed by guilt for selling their brother into slavery and plotting a fake death to cover their tracks. While Moses doesn’t specifically mention the concept “you reap what you sow,” it appears Joseph’s brothers believed in a similar concept. Subsequently, as everyone was invited to the governor’s house for dinner, paranoia struck several of Joseph’s brothers. This paranoia led a couple brothers to expect worst case scenarios like a self-fulfilled prophecy. The next time your mind begins to wonder, turn to the Lord to find peace.

by Jay Mankus

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Celebrating Family in the Living Years

Posted on September 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The first thing that made me think about my own family was the Mike and Mechanics hit song The Living Years. As a teenager, many of my peers spoke about parents as individuals who prevented you from having fun in life. This is one of many ungodly beliefs that I developed prior to getting married. This one song challenged me to celebrate family members in the living years.

Then the men took the present, and they took double the [grain] money with them, and Benjamin; and they arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. 16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, Bring the men into the house and kill an animal and make ready, for the men will dine with me at noon. 17 And the man did as Joseph ordered and brought the men to Joseph’s house, Genesis 43:15-17.

As I have been studying the life of Joseph in the Old Testament, the only person who liked him growing up was his father Jacob. Moses doesn’t mention Rachel’s feeling about Joseph except for thanking God to allow her to finally conceive and give birth to her own child. Nonetheless, when Rachel gives Joseph a baby brother, Benjamin, he forms a special connection with him.

Then Joseph could not restrain himself [any longer] before all those who stood by him, and he called out, Cause every man to go out from me! So no one stood there with Joseph while he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept and sobbed aloud, and the Egyptians [who had just left him] heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard about it. 3 And Joseph said to his brothers, I am Joseph! Is my father still alive? And his brothers could not reply, for they were distressingly disturbed and dismayed at [the startling realization that they were in] his presence. 4 And Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me, I pray you. And they did so. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt! 5 But now, do not be distressed and disheartened or vexed and angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years more in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a posterity and to continue a remnant on the earth, to save your lives by a great escape and save for you many survivors, Genesis 45:1-7.

Upon being reunited with his baby brother in today’s featured passage, Joseph is inspired to celebrate his family while there are still alive. Joseph gives instructions to his steward who prepares for this special occasion. Although there may be an individual within your own family who requires extra grace, don’t let the root of bitterness prevent you from celebrating your own family in the living years.

by Jay Mankus

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Seeing and Listening to the Anguish of Souls

Posted on September 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school coach and teacher, I was always drawn to students who didn’t look like their normal self. As someone who struggled with depression as a child, I didn’t want these teenagers to slip through the cracks as I did for many years. Subsequently, I made it my daily goal to see and listen to the anguish of souls displayed on the faces of my students.

And they said one to another, We are truly guilty about our brother, for we saw the distress and anguish of his soul when he begged us [to let him go], and we would not hear. So this distress and difficulty has come upon us. 22 Reuben answered them, Did I not tell you, Do not sin against the boy, and you would not hear? Therefore, behold, his blood is required [of us]. 23 But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter. 24 And he turned away from them and wept; then he returned to them and talked with them, and took from them Simeon and bound him before their eyes, Genesis 42:21-24.

There are countless books on the earthly life of Jesus. These resources point to Jesus as man in human flesh. Yet, one of Jesus’ greatest gifts was his ability to see and listen to the anguish of souls. Upon reaching rock star status as the leader of the 12 disciples, Jesus never ignored the anguish displayed on a stranger’s face, especially a child.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent, Psalm 34:17-18.

David touches on God’s character and nature in the passage above. The context of this occurs after David pretended to be insane before Abimelech. David’s heart and mind wasn’t in a good place at this time in his life. Subsequently, these emotions led David to remember the promises of God in the Old Testament: to be close to the broken hearted and heal those crushed in Spirit. May these words prompt you to begin to look and listen to the anguish of souls which surround you daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Just Sit There… Do Something

Posted on September 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child who struggled with stuttering, I decided to become a follower of others at an early age. Rather than show any initiative, I did whatever people told me to do, even if it was something questionable. Whenever you fail to lead or volunteer, most people simply sit back and wait for others to do something. As I stood on the sidelines of life until high school, I finally started to do something.

Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die. 3 So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt, Genesis 42:1-3.

At this time in Jacob’s life, his old age limited his ability to go on long trips. Subsequently, as Jacob became frustrated with his own weaknesses, he was hoping that one of his sons would take charge. When this didn’t happen as his grown kids complained about being hungry, Jacob finally lost it exclaiming, don’t just sit there… Do something! While the attached translation is slightly different, do something is more of a modern expression.

He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame, Proverbs 10:4-5.

King Solomon does a simply compare and contrast in the above passage. Human nature has a way of enticing individuals to eat, sleep, and be merry. However, Solomon doesn’t hold back, calling it as he sees it. The lazy breed idle hands which often leads to poverty. Meanwhile, the diligent possess a vision-oriented mentality, always looking to seize each day or opportunity. May today’s passage inspire you to stop observing by getting up and doing something to make a difference in life.

by Jay Mankus

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A Touch of Class in Politics?

Posted on September 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the politicalization of politics in the United States, class once did exist. Unfortunately, political talking points, a win each election at all costs mentality, and a gradual moral decline has placed class on the endangered species list in politics. While the Pharaoh in the days of Moses gives Egyptian leaders a bad rap, Joseph’s Pharaoh demonstrates a touch of class.

You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word [with reverence, submission, and obedience]. Only in matters of the throne will I be greater than you are. 41 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt. 42 And Pharaoh took off his [signet] ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in [official] vestments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck; Genesis 41:40-42.

Prior to being chosen as governor, Joseph spent a minimum of 3 years in prison. If this happened in America, Joseph would not be eligible to serve in office with a felony on his record. Knowing what Moses recounts of Joseph’s life, he was innocent of adultery and sexual assault. Yet, any shrew political opponent would have destroyed Joseph’s reputation beyond repair. However, Pharaoh gave Joseph a second chance with a new name: Zaphenath-paneah.

He made him to ride in the second chariot which he had, and [officials] cried before him, Bow the knee! And he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without you shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt, Genesis 41:43-44.

Moses describes what appears to be similar to a presidential inauguration. Before being sworn into office, Pharaoh gives Joseph a signet ring, a gold chain and royal clothing to wear. Meanwhile, there is a parade just before Joseph begins his official duty by touring the entire nation of Egypt. Perhaps, future politicians can learn a lesson from Pharaoh by offering a touch of class.

by Jay Mankus

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Fighting Through Distractions to Fulfill God’s Will

Posted on September 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former athlete, I appreciate any individual who fights through adversity to reach their lifelong dream. As a former high school teacher at a top notched football program, I remember hearing some players hoping to one day make it to the National Football League. More than one decade later, it’s exciting to see one of my former students, Angelo Blackson, nearing his 10th NFL season.

Then the chief butler said to Pharaoh, I remember my faults today. 10 When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me in custody in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker, 11 We dreamed a dream in the same night, he and I; we dreamed each of us according to [the significance of] the interpretation of his dream. 12 And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard and chief executioner; and we told him our dreams, and he interpreted them to us, to each man according to the significance of his dream. 13 And as he interpreted to us, so it came to pass; I was restored to my office [as chief butler], and the baker was hanged. 14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. But Joseph [first] shaved himself, changed his clothes, and made himself presentable; then he came into Pharaoh’s presence, Genesis 41:9-14.

According to Moses, Joseph was thirty years old when he was appointed by Pharaoh as governor of Egypt. Although Moses doesn’t give the exact age of Joseph when he has his two dreams about future events, he was likely a teenager at this time. If Joseph hadn’t reached his 20th birthday yet, God allows more than a decade of trials to fight through before discovering God’s ultimate will.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.

Roughly 3/4’s of the way through his letter to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul reveals how you can discover God’s will for your life. However, at the halfway point of this letter, Romans 8:5-8, Paul highlights the major distraction that everyone must face, your sinful desires. When Christians know and seriously take their obligation to God, to live according to the Holy Spirit, this can propel you past any distractions that arise to discern, know and begin to fulfill God’s will for your life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 34: Where Country Music Meets Christ

Posted on September 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My first full time position upon graduating college and trade school for youth ministry was a few hours north of Nashville, Tennessee. Upon moving to Columbus, Indiana, I found myself living in the heart of country music. Nine out of ten homes that I visited had Country Music Television playing somewhere in the house. Subsequently, I was immersed in country music in 1993.

Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die. 8 But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us, Romans 5:7-8.

When I discovered the group Crossway in a local Christian Bookstore, my perspective of country music changed. Songs like Thank God I’m Not Jesus and 70 X 7 helped me discover where country music and Jesus meet. While I couldn’t find a You Tube of the entire A Beautiful Thing album by Crossway, I’ve attached the best songs and lyrics that will bring you closer to the Lord. Enjoy!

by Jay Mankus

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The George Bailey of the Bible

Posted on September 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey in the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Every time George is about to leave Bedford Falls and Bailey’s Saving and Loans, something happens to keep him in town. When the stock market crashes on Black Friday, there’s a run-on money at Bailey’s Savings and Loans. George cancels his honeymoon and uses the money saved for his trip to prevent his father’s company from going out of business. George focused on needs, not wants.

 When the seven years of plenty were ended in the land of Egypt, 54 The seven years of scarcity and famine began to come, as Joseph had said they would; the famine was in all [the surrounding] lands, but in all of Egypt there was food. 55 But when all the land of Egypt was weakened with hunger, the people [there] cried to Pharaoh for food; and Pharaoh said to [them] all, Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do, Genesis 41:53-55.

According to Moses, once the great famine reaches Egypt, Pharaoh placed Joseph in charge over all grain distribution. Whenever Egyptian citizens wanted food or any foreigners from outside this country, Joseph decided how much each individual could buy. Subsequently, as people wanted to purchase an excessive amount of grain, Joseph displayed George Bailey like wisdom to help customers see what they needed was more important in the long run.

When the famine was over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians; for the famine grew extremely distressing in the land of Egypt. 57 And all countries came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all [the known] earth, Genesis 41:56-57.

Due to modern luxuries like credit cards, human beings can live outside their means. Whether it’s living in a larger house that’s unnecessary, paying off a sports car that is simply for show or blowing a large chunk of change monthly on cable, consider the costs. Films like the Pursuit of Happiness highlight the price individuals have to pay to acquire their lifelong dreams. In the end, may today’s blog inspire you to prepare for the future by leaning on the Lord to provide for your needs.

by Jay Mankus

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An Extra Cautious Parent

Posted on September 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Shortly before I began serving as the Youth Director for First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Indiana, one of my future junior high students was accidentally run over by her father. Apparently, she was one of the top female tennis players in town and was stretching in her family driveway. In a rush to get to work, her father backed his car up running over her knee. This careless mistake caused her father to become extra cautious in the future, struggling to forgive himself.

Then they took Joseph’s [distinctive] long garment, killed a young goat, and dipped the garment in the blood; 32 And they sent the garment to their father, saying, We have found this! Examine and decide whether it is your son’s tunic or not. 33 He said, My son’s long garment! An evil [wild] beast has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned many days for his son. 35 And all his sons and daughters attempted to console him, but he refused to be comforted and said, I will go down to Sheol (the place of the dead) to my son mourning. And his father wept for him, Genesis 37:31-35.

According to Moses, Jacob experienced similar emotions after receiving the news that his favorite son Joseph had been mauled by an animal, ( fictional account). Subsequently, when ten of his sons tell Jacob that he must send his youngest son Benjamin to Egypt, he refuses to do so. Moses describes Jacob as a parent thinking about the worst-case scenarios if he were to allow Benjamin to travel to Egypt. Jacob became extremely protective of Benjamin, wanting to keep him safe from any harm.

Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die. 3 So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Benjamin, Joseph’s [full] brother, Jacob did not send with his brothers; for he said, Lest perhaps some harm or injury should befall him, Genesis 42:1-4.

When I was a young parent raising three kids with my wife Leanne, I was consumed with my new teaching position at Red Lion. However, after I became aware of an issue with one of James’ baseball coaches, I was prompted to become more active in my children’s lives. This one incident led me to become an extra cautious parent. The following year I became an assistant coach for James’ team and coached Daniel’s team four years in a row. While it’s natural to become an extra cautious parent, at some point you have to let go and allow the Lord to be in control, Proverbs 19:21.

by Jay Mankus

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Beware of Hangry People

Posted on September 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My wife Leanne introduced me to the term hangry. Whenever a last second emergency occurred as she was about to walk out the door of work at the end of the day, dinner was delayed. The later dinner was pushed back, the hangrier my wife become. During the first year of the great famine in Egypt, Moses describes Jacob as a hangry old man, yelling at his kids to do something quick.

Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die, Genesis 42:1-2.

If you’re not familiar with the term hangry, just look at the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:15-17. When the natural desire to be fed food isn’t met, individuals become easily agitated. This is why some Christians refuse to fast as it negatively impacts how they act and treat others. Whenever fleshly desires flare up, you become vulnerable to expressing hangry words.

So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Benjamin, Joseph’s [full] brother, Jacob did not send with his brothers; for he said, Lest perhaps some harm or injury should befall him. 5 So the sons of Israel came to buy grain among those who came, for there was hunger and general lack of food in the land of Canaan, Genesis 42:3-5.

According to Moses, the first year of the great famine made Jacob irritable. Since none of Jacob’s sons were being proactive, he lashes out trying to instill a sense of urgency, “why aren’t you doing anything?” When word reached Jacob that food was available to be purchased in Egypt, this should have resulted in immediate action. According to Moses, it took a hangry old man, Jacob, to push ten of his sons into action.

by Jay Mankus

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