Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Waiting Longer than You Expected

Posted on September 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

It was King Solomon who first said, “many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails, Proverbs 16:9. Since the Old Testament wasn’t written at the time of his life, Joseph had to learn this valuable life lesson on his own. When the Chief Butler of Pharaoh was restored to his position in the king’s palace, Joseph expected to be out of prison once what was promised to him was fulfilled. Two years later, Joseph was still in prison as the butler quickly forgot about Joseph.

And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph and said to him, In my dream I saw a vine before me, 10 And on the vine were three branches. Then it was as though it budded; its blossoms burst forth and the clusters of them brought forth ripe grapes [almost all at once].11 And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup; then I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand. 12 And Joseph said to him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. 13 Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will again put Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, as when you were his butler. 14 But think of me when it shall be well with you and show kindness, I beg of you, to me, and mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house, Genesis 40:9-14.

While praying in the Garden of Gethsemane in the early morning on Good Friday, one of Jesus’ disciples overheard a spiritual truth spoken by Jesus. “God’s spirit is willing, but the human body is weak, ” Matthew 26:41. At this pivotal movement, Jesus recognized that individuals don’t always do what they promise. Jesus waited 33 years to fulfill God’s will for His life, but on that final day and all the drama recorded in the Bible likely made time stand still for the son of God.

After two full years, Pharaoh dreamed that he stood by the river [Nile]. 2 And behold, there came up out of the river [Nile] seven well-favored cows, sleek and handsome and fat; and they grazed in the reed grass [in a marshy pasture]. 3 And behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river [Nile], ill favored and gaunt and ugly, and stood by the fat cows on the bank of the river [Nile]. 4 And the ill-favored, gaunt, and ugly cows ate up the seven well-favored and fat cows. Then Pharaoh awoke. 5 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, Genesis 41:1-7.

Yet, in today’s featured passage, the Lord provides a glimpse of the future 14 years. As Jospeh provides the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, time is of the essence. According to Moses in Genesis 41:30-36, God gives Joseph a plan of action to make the most of the 7 years of abundance. As if waiting for this day his entire life, Joseph aces this interview with Pharaoh, hired on the spot to be governor of Egypt. All of his time spent waiting finally pays off as Joseph discovers God’s will for his life.

by Jay Mankus

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Responding to Another Broken Promise

Posted on September 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The only prisoner in Shawshank penitentiary that knew Andy Dufresne was innocent, played by Tim Robbins, arrives halfway thru the film. Tommy played by Gil Bellows reveals a confession from a former inmate who has proof that Dufresne did not kill his wife. Unfortunately, Tommy is set up by the Wardon and shot dead, leaving Andy without the key witness for a potential retrial. Whenever you experience the heartache of a broken promise, it’s hard to press on.

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 39:6-8.

When the Chief Butler of Pharaoh is released from prison, Joseph was waiting in eager anticipation for his own release. In the Old Testament, when an individual gave someone their word, this was regularly carried out and fulfilled. Two years later, Joseph was still in prison as the Chief Butler of Pharaoh forgot to recall Joseph’s good deed. Moses doesn’t mention what Joseph did during this period except grow a long beard. Nonetheless, Joseph was forced to wait and wait and wait.

And on the third day, Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the heads of the chief butler and the chief baker [by inviting them also] among his servants. 21 And he restored the chief butler to his butlership, and the butler gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; 22 But [Pharaoh] hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 But [even after all that] the chief butler gave no thought to Joseph, but forgot [all about] him, Genesis 39:20-23.

Every adult in America knows what it feels like to be on the wrong side of a broken promise. This could be in the form of broken relationships, divorce or being played by someone who calls themselves your friend. Whenever you’re on the unpleasant end of a broken promise, trusting someone again can be difficult. Whatever current situation this blog finds you in, may the Lord give you a spirit of maturity and wisdom to cope with and respond to another broken promise.

by Jay Mankus

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Spicing Up Your Act

Posted on September 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever teachers go through the motions of a lesson plan in class, students notice this lack of energy. Sometimes you can be so focused on what your Power Point says that you forget to read the room. The most successful teachers year after year are able to spice up their act annually to connect what they’re presenting with real life situations.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, Matthew 5:13-14.

Prior to modern day refrigerators, salt was used to preserve meat. Subsequently, when meat was removed from salt prior to being cooked in the first century, salt was used to add flavor to meat as well. Yet, in the above passage, Jesus appears to be referring to the faith of Christians. When your faith, your daily witness becomes stale, you’re no longer a positive influence to other people.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:15-16.

Jesus’ plan of action for preventing faith from becoming stale is by spicing up your actions. This begins by rejecting your old self and practices prior to becoming a Christian, Colossians 3:1-9. Then, once this becomes a daily priority, put on the mind of Christ, 1 Corinthians 2:16. As you learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, your actions will begin to resemble the salt and light Jesus desires in the Sermon on the Mount.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 32: Eddie Money Meets Smashing Pumpkins

Posted on September 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

During the Coronavirus, my work was deemed essentially so while many of my co-workers opted to stay home for a few months, I worked between 50 and 60 hours every week. Since I had to maintain a safe distance from other staff, I began searching You Tube for new Christian artists and bands. One of these searches introduced me to Silverline, a in your face version of Eddie Money but slightly softer than Smashing Pumpkins.

By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [[l]in Him]. 17 But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and [m]fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him? 18 Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity), 1 John 3:16-18.

Since I couldn’t find an exact match, Silverline’s music is somewhere between Eddie Money and Smashing Pumpkins. Ballads like Never looking Back and Too Far Gone will appeal to Eddie Money fans. Meanwhile, the harder stuff like Get It Right and Voices in the Night give me that Smashing Pumpkins vibe. Since I wasn’t able to find an entire album to listen to this week, I hope you enjoy the mix of songs attached.

by Jay Mankus

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The Me-Too Movement in the Bible?

Posted on September 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origin of the Me-Too Movement dates back to a post on Myspace in 2006. Activist Tarana Burke coined Me Too during an empathetic response to survivors of abuse. Burke focused on girls and women of color who had been raped or sexually assaulted. As America’s Me-Too Movement has evolved, men have lost their right to respond, often told by members of the media and shut up and listen, even if accusations that were made are untrue.

She spoke to Joseph day after day, but he did not listen to her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 Then it happened about this time that Joseph went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the men of the house were indoors. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me! But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out [of the house]. 13 And when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled away, 14 She called to the men of her household and said to them, Behold, he [your master] has brought in a Hebrew to us to mock and insult us; he came in where I was to lie with me, and I screamed at the top of my voice. 15 And when he heard me screaming and crying, he left his garment with me and fled and got out of the house, Genesis 39:10-15.

The passage above details the Bible’s version of the Me-Too Movement. The context of this passage begins with the meteoric rise of Joseph from a Hebrew slave to the Caretaker of Potiphar’s estate. According to Moses, every other time that Potiphar’s wife made a pass at Joseph, there was always another maid or servant inside of Potiphar’s home. On this one occasion, no one could collaborate Joseph’s side of what happened. Subsequently, this Hebrew slave must be lying and was thrown in jail.

And she laid up his garment by her until his master came home. 17 Then she told him the same story, saying, The Hebrew servant whom you brought among us came to me to mock and insult me. 18 And when I screamed and cried, he left his garment with me and fled out [of the house]. 19 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, Genesis 39:16-19.

The key piece of evidence is an article of clothing that Jospeh was wearing. Potiphar’s wife kept this close to her and laid on top of it, likely leaving the scent of her perfume on Joseph’s shirt. This was all the proof Potiphar needed to condemn his loyal servant. While modern women need to be protected from sexual predators, it’s a shame to see a good man’s reputation ruined forever due to false and misleading testimonies. Get the whole story before you jump to conclusions in the future.

by Jay Mankus

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Earning the Trust of Your Superiors

Posted on September 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the traits that I learned as a teenager is that if you want to be recognized at school or work, you have to work harder than everyone else. While some individuals are extremely gifted in multiple areas, just showing up and living by the seat of my pants wasn’t an option for me. Subsequently, I tried to be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave.

But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand. 4 So Joseph pleased [Potiphar] and found favor in his sight, and he served him. And [his master] made him supervisor over his house and he put all that he had in his charge. 5 From the time that he made him supervisor in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the Lord’s blessing was on all that he had in the house and in the field. 6 And [Potiphar] left all that he had in Joseph’s charge and paid no attention to anything he had except the food he ate. Now Joseph was an attractive person and fine-looking, Genesis 39:2-6.

As the citizens of Egypt were introduced to Joseph through a group of merchants, there was something different about him. Moses explains this special quality by pointing out that the Lord was with Joseph in everything that he did. From the Midianite merchants to Potiphar and the Warden, Joseph was confident, professional, and successful. Joseph’s daily actions helped him earn the trust of his superiors.

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. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison. 22 And the warden of the prison committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison; and whatsoever was done there, he was in charge of it. 23 The prison warden paid no attention to anything that was in [Joseph’s] charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper, Genesis 39:20-23.

The term superiors isn’t widely used as it once was during my childhood. Nonetheless, if you follow the golden rule, Matthew 7:12, treating others as you want to be treated, other people will notice you just as Joseph’s life caught the attention of his superiors. If you want to get ahead in life, emulating the words of Colossians 3:14-17 will earn the trust of your superiors over time.

by Jay Mankus

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It Is Not I… But the Lord

Posted on September 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever you receive a compliment in life, how do you respond? Do you steal the spotlight, yield to the individuals who helped shape you or give sole credit to the Lord? After spending 18 years as a servant and a few years in prison, Joseph makes it clear that his special gift of dream interpretation comes from the Lord.

 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; and I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream and interpret it. 16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, It is not in me; God [not I] will give Pharaoh a [favorable] answer of peace, Genesis 41:15-16.

The idea for Wikipedia comes from a previous project known as Nupedia. This internet encyclopedia has evolved over the past 22 with users able to update the content. However, from a spiritual perspective, the Bible is the source for the history of God and the Lord’s impact on the earth. While revisionist historians seek to alter the past, the Bible remains unchanged today.

I indeed baptize you [c]in (with) water [d]because of repentance [that is, because of your [e]changing your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins]. But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fan (shovel, fork) is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out and clean His threshing floor and gather and store His wheat in His barn, but the chaff He will burn up with fire that cannot be put out, Matthew 3:11-12.

While individuals like Joseph and John the Baptist appear once in a generation, there have been some people of faith who have stood out in my lifetime. The one that comes to mind is former Buffalo Bills backup quarterback Frank Reich. At the press conference following the greatest comeback in NFL playoff history, Reich quotes the lyrics of In Christ Alone. The attached You Tube demonstrates how modern believers should defer, “it is not I, but the Lord.”

by Jay Mankus

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This Passage Requires Further Examination

Posted on September 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Since I recently used the title “What Just Happened,” I had to come up with another way to explain this passage in the Bible. Moses wasn’t instructed by God to be brief in certain portions of the book of Genesis. Subsequently, when Moses writes the Lord slew Er, no further details are unveiled. This is where reading the Bible turns into studying the Bible as today’s passage requires further examination.

At that time Judah withdrew from his brothers and went to [lodge with] a certain Adullamite named Hirah. 2 There Judah saw and met a daughter of Shuah, a Canaanite; he took her as wife and lived with her. 3 And she became pregnant and bore a son, and he called him Er. 4 And she conceived again and bore a son and named him Onan. 5 Again she conceived and bore a son and named him Shelah. [They were living] at Chezib when she bore him, Genesis 38:1-5.

According to one statistical site, there are 250 angel encounters in the Bible. While death is mentioned in 1752 times in the Bible, only 7 of these accounts refer to angels of death. However, if God slew Er and Onan over a short period of time, their deaths might also be part of a curse. Since Moses is also the author of Deuteronomy 28, God could have simply allowed Er and Onan to die prematurely. Unfortunately, Moses just isn’t specific enough to know for sure.

Now Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn; her name was Tamar. 7 And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord slew him, Genesis 38:6-7.

After cross referencing these passages with the King James Version of the Bible, this translation also uses the phrase, “God slew him.” Upon further examination of a Bible commentary, I discovered that Moses was trying to say that Er and Onan both were cut off by God. Subsequently, each suffered an untimely death shortly after committing their wicked acts. If you want to know what really happened in the Bible. some passages require further examination.

by Jay Mankus

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Remembering Your Faults

Posted on September 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

In this modern progressive age, common sense and personal responsibility are fading away into oblivion. Victimology has now taken center stage, being used as an escape clause to justify and or rationalize previous deeds. Gone are the honest days of remembering your faults, imperfections and past trespasses against your neighbor.

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.

Today’s featured passage contains a man who was self-absorbed. When the Chief Butler of Pharaoh was restored to his position, he was eager to serve the leader of Egypt. Despite vowing to put in a good word for Joseph upon his release from prison, the butler’s promise went unfulfilled for two years. Only when Pharaoh was in desperate need of a dream interpreter did the Chief Butler remember his fault.

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. 17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. 18 And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual]. 19 [My] brethren, if anyone among you strays from the Truth and falls into error and another [person] brings him back [to God], James 5:16-19.

In a letter written for Christians scattered throughout the Mediterranean following Nero’s persecution in Rome, Jesus’ earthly brother urges believers to practice confession. Since first century historians claim that James didn’t believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah until after Resurrection Sunday, he was compelled to practice what he preached. Whenever human beings remember their faults publicly, a spirit of confession creates an atmosphere for revival.

by Jay Mankus

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Recharging Your Spiritual Lights

Posted on September 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Since I recently received a Golf Cart for my birthday, I’ve been reading up on the appropriate time electric golf carts need to charge. Depending upon the battery, regular use and overall age of your cart, the recommended charge is between 3-7 hours. Like any battery, you don’t want to under or over charge it. Subsequently, I’m currently in the discovery stage to determine the ideal time for recharging my golf cart battery.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:14-16.

After beginning the Sermon on the Mount with spiritual attitudes to embrace, Jesus turns his attention toward letting your faith shine. Jesus begins with an analogy, how light can shine through the darkness of night when a city on a hill is fully lite up. Lights aren’t meant to be placed in a corner for simply the person reading a book late at night. Rather, spiritual lights should be illuminated without any sense of fear or shame.

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:14-16.

The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in a letter to the Church at Philippi. The context of the passage above points to putting on the mind of Christ, looking at your life as a servant of the Lord. Rather than dwell on the negative, which will poison your soul, start to become beacons of hope, Philippians 4:8-9. This is how Christians can become spiritual stars, shining bright in your spheres of influence. This should be the goal of every Christian by recharging your spiritual batteries daily.

by Jay Mankus

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