Author Archives: expressyourself4him

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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When Distress and Difficulty Come Upon You

Posted on September 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the greatest life lessons the Bible teaches is You Reap What You Sow, 2 Corinthians 9:6. While life is filled with challenges, hardships, and trials, God allows these to occur so that human beings develop and mature, James 1:2-4. Yet, when distress and difficulty enter your life, 1 Peter 1:6-7, how will your faith endure and survive?

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], Genesis 42:21-22.

Whenever I did something wrong as a child, I could suddenly feel guilt begin to overwhelm my soul. Since the Catholic Church that I attended emphasized the wrath of God in the Old Testament, I saw the Lord as a disciplinarian. Apparently, Reuben has a similar perspective of God in the passage above. Reuben attributes his current distress due to his past transgression against Joseph.

And you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. 15 But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command you this day, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you: 16 Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the field. 17 Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading trough. 18 Cursed shall be the fruit of your body, of your land, of the increase of your cattle and the young of your sheep. 19 Cursed shall you be when you come in and cursed shall you be when you go out, Deuteronomy 28:14-19.

Moses provides another explanation on why distress and difficulty may come upon you. When individuals begin to go off on their own by doing what’s right in their own eyes, Judges 21:25, bad things may begin to happen in your life. These events may not be overly dramatic, but curses continue to occur in the United States and throughout the world. The best way to reverse these curses of distress and difficulty is by adhering to Moses’ advice in Deuteronomy 28:1-13.

by Jay Mankus

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Where Do You Turn To for Advice?

Posted on September 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Psalmist describes basic sociology in Psalm 1:1-3. The choices that you make in life will influence the friends you choose. Whether you realize this or not, overtime you will begin to think like, participate and join in the acts of your peers. When push comes to shove, who do you turn to for advice? The Pharaoh’s initial response is to seek out magicians to solve the riddle in his dream.

But he slept and dreamed the second time; and behold, seven ears of grain came out on one stalk, plump and good. 6 And behold, after them seven ears [of grain] sprouted, thin and blighted by the east wind. 7 And the seven thin ears [of grain] devoured the seven plump and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 8 So when morning came his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians and all the wise men of Egypt. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but not one could interpret them to [him]. 9 Then the chief butler said to Pharaoh, I remember my faults today, Genesis 41:5-9.

Today, the world is full of psychics who claim they can foretell your future by reading your palm, analyzing your Zodiac sign and or using Tarot Cards. If you’re an analytics type of person, some of these individuals may be right more than they are wrong. Nonetheless, when the magicians and wise men of Egypt failed Pharaoh, the Chief Butler turned to a higher power.

Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded; [Aaron] lifted up the rod and smote the waters in the river in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and all the waters in the river were turned to blood. 21 And the fish in the river died; and the river became foul smelling, and the Egyptians could not drink its water, and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. 22 But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their enchantments and secret arts; and Pharaoh’s heart was made hard and obstinate, and he did not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said, Exodus 7:20-22.

After a brief conversation with Pharaoh, Joseph was called to his presence. Following a quick shave, haircare, and bath, Joseph stood before Pharaoh. Rather than steal credit from his Creator, Joseph gives God all the glory for his rare ability to interpret dreams. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Josephs that exist in our world today. Subsequently, finding a trustworthy pastor may be harder than you think. In the end, inquire of the Lord so you’re not deceived by false hope.

by Jay Mankus

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Zaphenath-paneah

Posted on September 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The official name on your birth certificate may not be the name your peers call you. Meanwhile, the name provided by your parents to the school you are/were enrolled in, will influence what others call you. When Pharaoh appointed Joseph as governor of Egypt, he is introduced to the nation as Zaphenath-paneah. Moses felt like this was an important detail to mention.

And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph made an [inspection] tour of all the land of Egypt. 46 Joseph [who had been in Egypt thirteen years] was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went [about his duties] through all the land of Egypt, Genesis 41:45-46.

From a political perspective, this was a savvy move made by Pharaoh. Rather than introduce his new governor as a Hebrew slave who served a 3-year sentence in prison, Pharaoh gives Joseph a new name: Zaphenath-paneah. Just as God give Jacob the name Israel following his wrestling match with an angel, Zaphenath-paneah provides Joseph with a fresh start in Egypt as governor.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering], Proverbs 22:1-3.

While some names are earned in life, others may be assigned based upon your appearance, distinct personality trait or word association based upon your birth name. If your name rhymes with multiple words, your nicknames may be limitless. However, from a Christian perspective, when you begin to take faith serious, “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” Galatians 2:20.

by Jay Mankus

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Where the Spirit of God Resides

Posted on September 17, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I attended the University of Delaware in the late 1980’s, it was rated the #1 party school in the nation. After my first semester following in the footsteps of the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32, a Christian retreat off campus altered the course of my life. Over the next 4 years, I began to meet people whose faith shined so bright in this dark place, it became clear to me that the spirit of God resided deep inside their hearts.

And the plan seemed good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find this man’s equal, a man in whom is the spirit of God? 39 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Forasmuch as [your] God has shown you all this, there is nobody as intelligent and discreet and understanding and wise as you are. 40 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, Genesis 41:37-40.

Throughout the book of Genesis, Moses highlights places where the Spirit of God fell upon and or visited Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These locations were dedicated with an altar, monument and or stone pillar to let others know of God’s presence. After reading Genesis 41, the Spirit of God gives Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh’s two dreams and apparently provides a clear plan of action to overcome what lies in the future.

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[f]that can bring a charge]. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit,] Galatians 5:22-25.

During a first century letter to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul confesses in Romans 7:14-18 that a spiritual force inside of his body is causing him to do the opposite of what God desires. This period in Paul’s life likely inspires the words in the above passage. While human bodies are weak, Matthew 26:41, the Spirit of God is willing to show you how to prevail, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Subsequently, whenever you find yourself slowing slipping away from the Lord, pray for the fruits of the Holy Spirit so that God will help you crucify your fleshly desires by keeping in step with the Holy Ghost.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 33: The Christopher Cross of Christian Music

Posted on September 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him
After being born in New Jersey, my parents took me to the Jersey Shore each summer as a child. Before Atlantic City, New Jersey was known as a casino destination, this is where I fell in love with searching for shells on the seashore. On the ride there and back, the radio was tuned into soft rock where I was first introduced to Christopher Cross.

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ([b]your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us), 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Songs like Sailing by Cross set the mood and tone for my visits to the beach. When I first purchased the Maldwyn Pope album Love Will Find a Way years ago, I was brought back to my youth listening to Christopher Cross. While Mal has evolved over the years to more of a crossover artist, if you want to listen to soft rock to conclude the official summer of 2023, Mal Pope is your artist to listen to. Since I couldn’t find a full album, I included a mix of Mal’s music. I hope you enjoy this sound.

by Jay Mankus

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Interpretations Belong to God

Posted on September 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Dreams are something that people who have been talking about from the beginning of time. Modern dreams are often inspired by horror movies and or shows individuals have watched prior to going to sleep. Yet, according to Moses, dreams can be signs from God that can reveal a glimpse of the future. When a butler and baker each have a dream one night in prison, they both seem depressed as there wasn’t a dream interpreter present. However, Joseph reminds these 2 men that interpretation comes from the Lord.

 And Pharaoh was angry with his officers, the chief of the butlers and the chief of the bakers. 3 He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined. 4 And the captain of the guard put them in Joseph’s charge, and he served them; and they continued in custody for some time. 5 And they both dreamed a dream in the same night, each man according to [the personal significance of] the interpretation of his dream—the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, Genesis 40:2-5.

Whenever anyone is desperate, people may turn to a complete stranger for help. As Pharaoh’s Chief Butler and Baker scan this dungeon for a reliable source, Joseph is the only logical choice to consult. However, before giving any kind of advice, Joseph is clear about where his wisdom comes from. Joseph isn’t making this information up to impress Pharaoh’s servants. Rather, Joseph clarifies that interpretation comes from the Lord.

When Joseph came to them in the morning and looked at them, he saw that they were sad and depressed. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were in custody with him in his master’s house, Why do you look so dejected and sad today? 8 And they said to him, We have dreamed dreams, and there is no one to interpret them. And Joseph said to them, Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me [your dreams], I pray you, Genesis 40:6-8.

When Joseph provides a happy ending to the butler’s dream, the baker is eager to hear a similar fate for his dream. Unfortunately, the baker only has a few days to live, prior to being publicly hung. According to Moses, everything happened exactly like Joseph said it would. This wasn’t a lucky shot in the dark prediction from Joseph like unsuccessful professional gamblers. Rather, Joseph placed his full trust in the Lord as interpretations belong to God.

by Jay Mankus

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The Old Testament’s Prepper Plan

Posted on September 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origin of the Prepper Movement in the United States was inspired by the Cold War. The Cold War with the former Soviet Union created mass paranoia in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. As the world faced the threat of a nuclear war, bomb shelters began to be constructed. Once completed, these bunkers were filled with food and water just in case portions of the earth were unlivable.

Take note! Seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt are coming. 30 Then there will come seven years of hunger and famine, and [there will be so much want that] all the great abundance of the previous years will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and hunger (destitution, starvation) will exhaust (consume, finish) the land. 31 And the plenty will become quite unknown in the land because of that following famine, for it will be very woefully severe. 32 That the dream was sent twice to Pharaoh and in two forms indicates that this thing which God will very soon bring to pass is fully prepared and established by God. 33 So now let Pharaoh seek out and provide a man discreet, understanding, proficient, and wise and set him over the land of Egypt [as governor], Genesis 41:29-33.

After spending several years in prison, Joseph had plenty of time to think about what he would do if and when he was released. Two years after the Chief Butler of Pharaoh was restored to his position, a meeting is set up between Joseph and Pharaoh. Joseph didn’t just solve the riddles within Pharaoh’s two dreams, God gave Joseph a vision to proactively prepare for a future famine.

Let Pharaoh do this; then let him select and appoint officers over the land, and take one-fifth [of the produce] of the [whole] land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years [year by year]. 35 And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and lay up grain under the direction and authority of Pharaoh, and let them retain food [in fortified granaries] in the cities. 36 And that food shall be put in store for the country against the seven years of hunger and famine that are to come upon the land of Egypt, so that the land may not be ruined and cut off by the famine. 37 And the plan seemed good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants, Genesis 41:34-37.

This plan impressed Pharaoh and convinced him to choose Joseph to carry out this prepper plan to spend 7 years to prepare for a worldwide famine. After touring the entire nation of Egypt, Joseph developed plans to build granaries in strategic locations. Twenty percent of each harvest was then placed in storage granaries. This process was repeated for 7 years until every granary was filled to the brim. Perhaps, modern societies can learn from Joseph to carefully prep and prepare for future economic downturns and famines.

by Jay Mankus

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There is Where The Bible Talks About M…

Posted on September 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever watched Kindergarten Cop starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, there is one boy in class who regularly asks questions well beyond his age. Likewise, as I former High School Bible teacher, I had to be prepared at a moment’s notice to answer tough questions. Since sex was often on the mind of my students, the topic of masturbation was a common probing question.

Then Judah told Onan, Marry your brother’s widow; live with her and raise offspring for your brother.9 But Onan knew that the family would not be his, so when he cohabited with his brother’s widow, he prevented conception, lest he should raise up a child for his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He slew him also, Genesis 38:8-10.

On the surface, Moses words above seem mundane. However, two key expressions give away what’s going on, cohabited and prevented conception. Like an R Rate movie when aired on public television, you have to read between the lines. First, Onan had no problem sleeping with Tamar. However, to avoid having children, Onan pulled out just prior to ejaculating.

You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. 28 But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with evil desire for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 If your right eye serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be cast into hell (Gehenna). 30 And if your right hand serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your entire body should be cast into hell (Gehenna), Matthew 5:27-30.

When you put everything together, this is why scholar refers to Genesis 38:9 as the most direct connection to masturbation in the Bible. From a New Testament perspective, Jesus explains why masturbation is wrong during His Sermon on the Mount. Whether someone is using a magazine or watching sexually explicit films, the act of masturbation involves adultery. Whatever brings you to the point of masturbation, you’re actually committing adultery in your heart. May today’s blog speak to your heart and educate you on what God desires and how you should live your life.

by Jay Mankus


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Kindled Wrath

Posted on September 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former Boy Scout for a few years, I’m familiar with gathering kindling before starting a campfire. The drier the wood, the quicker you’ll be preparing a hot meal in the wilderness. However, Moses uses kindling in the context of anger. When Potiphar’s wife showed him Joseph’s garment that smelled like it was in his wife’s arms, Potiphar’s wrath was kindled up.

And when [Joseph’s] master heard the words of his wife, saying to him, This is the way your servant treated me, his wrath was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison, a place where the state prisoners were confined; so he was there in the prison, Genesis 39:19-20.

Perhaps, the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:26-27 serve as a warning against kindling up wrath before it explodes. However, the apostle Paul focuses on anger, not wrath. Paul suggests if you let the sun go down without addressing your anger in a positive manner, you give the Devil a foothold. When this foothold is allowed to linger in your life, anger continues to build and grow.

Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself—it tends only to evildoing, Psalm 37:7-8.

David addresses kindled wrath in the passage above. Sometimes you can be our own worst enemy, slowly filling human hearts with a spirit of impatience. Rather than let impatience simmer, place your trust fully in the Lord. Therefore, the next time you feel like you’re going to unload on someone, following King David’s advice in the passage above so that civility will reign.

by Jay Mankus

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