Author Archives: expressyourself4him

From the Pit of Despair to God’s Providence

Posted on September 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The average human being has experienced the pit of despair. This may come in the form of a complete loss in life or overwhelm you with the absence of hope. As Joseph tries to recover from being roughed up by his brothers. Moses doesn’t mention if Jospeh could hear what his brothers were talking about. Nonetheless, Joseph is eventually sold as a slave to a group of merchants on their way to Egypt.

When Joseph had come to his brothers, they stripped him of his [distinctive] long garment which he was wearing; 24 Then they took him and cast him into the [well-like] pit which was empty; there was no water in it. 25 Then they sat down to eat their lunch. When they looked up, behold, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites [mixed Arabians] coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum [of the styrax tree], balm (balsam), and myrrh or ladanum, going on their way to carry them down to Egypt. 26 And Judah said to his brothers, What do we gain if we slay our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites [and Midianites, these mixed Arabians who are approaching], and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brothers consented. 28 Then as the Midianite [and Ishmaelite] merchants were passing by, the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the well. And they sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph [captive] into Egypt, Genesis 37:23-28.

Like an award-winning film, Moses skips the boring details and goes right to a divine employment with Potiphar. Joseph takes an awkward situation and makes the best of it, imitating the words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:17;23 before they were written. From a slave to caretaker of a large estate is a feel-good story until Potiphar’s wife ruins Joseph’s reputation and ends up in prison.

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, Genesis 45:1-5.

When Joseph’s brothers sold their brother into slavery, they had no idea that God’s providence was set into motion. Although Potiphar’s wife prolongs Joseph’s wait to determine God’s will for his life, Romans 12:1-2, the Lord is working behind the scenes to set the stage for Jospeh’s greatness as a leader. If this blog finds you far from knowing or understanding God’s will for your life, remember that God makes everything beautiful in His time, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

by Jay Mankus

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Running Away from Temptation

Posted on September 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former long-distance runner, I understand that dangers that a cross country runner may encounter. Holes, roots, and rocks are the most common hazards. However, when you throw in rain and wet leaves, a competitor is one wrong step away from twisting, turning and or spraining an ankle. Yet, in the passage below, Moses is referring to spiritual running to escape temptation.

Then after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, See here, with me in the house my master has concern about nothing; he has put all that he has in my care. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am; nor has he kept anything from me except you, for you are his wife. How then can I do this great evil and sin against God? – Genesis 39:7-9

It’s not every day that an attractive woman flirts with a single guy. When that woman is your bosses’ wife and she attempts to make a pass at you day after day, running away from temptation is exactly what Joseph did. Although Moses jumps ahead in this story, Potiphar’s wife likely wore less and less clothing in Joseph’s presence so that he would finally give in and sleep with her.

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, Genesis 39:10-13.

The apostle Paul builds upon the concept of running away from temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13. Whenever a Christian or anyone else is confronted with a tempting situation, Paul urges first century believers to look for a way out. Unfortunately, those who give into temptation are led astray by a second glance, 1 John 2:15-17. This glance is what the earthly brother of Jesus writes about in James 1:13-15. When temptation comes your way, avoid lusting by running away.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 31: If U2 Was an Alternative Worship Band

Posted on September 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of my favorite secular albums is the Unforgettable Fire by U2. My appreciation for U2 led me to search for Christian bands with a similar sound. Initially, I thought that the band Delirious was the closest comparison. However, the more I listen to the Violet Burning and their top two albums: Strength and Chosen, I believe this group, the Violet Burning, is the better option.

And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn ([a]a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. 8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength), 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Sometimes the name of an artist, band or group limits their overall popularity and success. Such is the case of the Violet Burning as its obscure name prevented many from buying their music. Nonetheless, songs like As I Am, There is No One Else Like You, Song of the Harlot and the Killing are 4 of the most inspirational songs I’ve ever heard. May you enjoy the attached You Tube as you listen to the Violet Burning this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Necessary Detours and Roadblocks to Redirect You Toward God’s Ultimate Will

Posted on September 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The life of Joseph as illustrated by Moses in Genesis unveils how unpredictable your life can be. One day Joseph is on top of the world, telling his brothers and father about a dream where they are bowing down to him. One week later, Joseph’s brothers beat him up, throw him into an abandoned well and sell him into slavery. While Moses doesn’t mention this, I’m sure one of his brothers was thinking, “who’s bowing down now?”

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain and chief executioner of the [royal] guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 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, Genesis 39:1-4.

Perhaps the detour and roadblocks which serve as today’s featured passage provided the boastful Joseph with a crucial life lesson. Despite being sold by his initial Egyptian master, the Lord had a plan for Joseph each and every step of the way. Spending time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit only made Joseph hungrier to serve the Lord. Although I’m sure Joseph was expecting a speedier release from jail, this prepared him for his future position in life.

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. 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 39:19-23.

I haven’t had it nearly as hard as the biblical Joseph, but I bounced around jobs until the Lord molded me into a high school Bible teacher. As Bruce Springsteen once sang, this decade was my “glory days” in the perfect place at an ideal time. More than a decade later, I’m still searching for my next calling. Perhaps, I still need to experience a few more detours, roadblocks and dead ends before I arrive in the place that God desires for me. The hardest part is waiting and the unknown.

by Jay Mankus

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How Will Fame or Fortune Change You?

Posted on August 31, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Last week, I found myself drawn into the 1996 film That Thing You Do! From a merely sociology standpoint, each character changes as this little-known band from Erie, Pennsylvania hits it big in Hollywood. As the Wonders hit song That Thing You Do quickly moves up the charts, fame and fortune cloud the judgement of two band members. Following this movie, I thought to myself, how will fame and or fortune change me?

 Let your [a]character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor[c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor[e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!] – Hebrews 13:5

When the Wonders Band are discovered by Mr. White, Guy Patterson, the drummer, played by Tom Everett Scott is the first to hear about the offered contract. Instead of rushing to make a decision, he tells Mr. White played by Tom Hanks that he’ll have to talk to everyone in the band first. Although the bass player had already committed to joining the military at the end of the summer, the other 3 band members agree to sign. However, as fame changed their lives, Lenny drives to Las Vegas to get married and Jimmy quits when he isn’t allowed to record his own music first.

I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one. 15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. 17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever, 1 John 2:14-17.

Whenever your local state lottery moves beyond $100 million for the winner, radio talk shows discuss how winning this much money at once would change your life. Regardless of what you say now, once you and your family are set for life financially, people change. This may happen over a period of time, a year or two, as money becomes a new god. One of Jesus’ disciples warns first century Christians in the passage above about how and why people change. May today’s blog serve as a foundational piece to help keep your priorities in order if blessed by riches, Matthew 6:33-34.

by Jay Mankus

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A Sibling Rivalry or Tattle Tale?

Posted on August 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Working too closely with family members on a project has a history of resulting in a clash of personalities. As the youngest boy in his family, Joseph appears to care more about doing chores than his older brothers. Or like any city/government job, one person is forced to do all the work as everyone else takes an extended break. Whatever happened while tending sheep, Moses suggests that Joseph is a tattle tale, complaining to his father about the lack of effort from his brothers.

So Jacob dwelt in the land in which his father had been a stranger and sojourner, in the land of Canaan. 2 This is the history of the descendants of Jacob and this is Jacob’s line. Joseph, when he was seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s [secondary] wives; and Joseph brought to his father a bad report of them, Genesis 37:1-2.

As the youngest child in my family, I understand what Joseph is trying to do. Joseph was still eager to please his father. Apparently, Joseph’s older brothers were going through a too cool stage or simply didn’t care any more about tending the flocks. Perhaps, Joseph should have probed his brothers with questions, inquiring more about why they feel the way they do. Nonetheless, Joseph ends up looking like a tattle tale while his brothers were merely going through the motions in life.

Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching. 40 But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! 41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 There is need of only one or but [i]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [[j]that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her, Luke 10:38-42.

A first century doctor records another sibling rivalry, this time between sisters. Martha is the older sister who seeks fulfillment through working hard and making sure her house is spotless for guests. The younger Mary is a relational person, longing to find out how everyone is doing. While the oldest plays the role of tattle tale in this story, Jesus rebukes Martha for missing the mark. If there is a side to every story, make sure that you take advantage of the conversations that you have daily.

by Jay Mankus

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A Curse… Generational Sin… Or a Stern Warning to Repent?

Posted on August 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured passage is the Old Testament’s version of the Prodigal Son without the happy ending. If Judah would have remained loyal to his father Jacob as a shepherd, the passage below would have never happened. Nonetheless, Judah appears to have become bored, withdrew to a foreign land and began to indulge his sexual desires.

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. 6 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.

Depending on your personality type, if you begin to experience a stretch of bad luck and or a series of unfortunate events, you may start asking God, “why is this happening to me?” Meanwhile, the analytical tend to search for greater meaning by logically putting pieces together to comprehend what’s going on. Your answer is most likely some sort of curse, generational sin or life lesson that you reap what you sow.

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.

Perhaps, reading the words of Deuteronomy 28 will open your eyes to why bad things happen in life. The apostle Paul warns one church that you should prepare for spiritual attacks that often catch Christians off guard, Ephesians 6:10-12. Unfortunately, answers don’t always come right away. While Moses blames the deaths of Judah’s two sons on unholy tendencies, why bad things happen to good people isn’t always clear. Follow the advice of James 5:16 so healing comes quickly.

by Jay Mankus

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Upon Further Review

Posted on August 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Now that most professional sports have incorporated technology into their competitions, instant replay is now used in the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. The National Football League was the first major sport to adopt and use instant replay. This is where I derived today’s title as once a final decision was made on the field, the official would begin his call with the words, “Upon Further Review.”

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.

The translation of this passage has one of the more discreet uses of words. More traditional Bible translations specifically says that Onan spilled his semen. In other words, Onan pulled out of Tamar just before he ejaculated. Subsequently, if you have ever done a search of masturbation in the Bible, Genesis 38:9 tends to be the first verse to appear as it indirectly refers to this term.

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, 6 That no man transgress and overreach his brother and defraud him in this matter or defraud his brother in business. For the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we have already warned you solemnly and [e]told you plainly. 7 For God has not called us to impurity but to consecration [to dedicate ourselves to the most thorough purity], 1 Thessalonians 4:4-7.

If you ever wondered if masturbation was acceptable and pleasing in God’s eyes, the sudden death of Onan should serve as a clear warning. Upon further review of God’s goal and intent for marriage, Genesis 9:1, is to propagate the world by having children. While Onan enjoyed the pleasures of sex, he did not fulfill God’s ultimate desire, Psalm 127:3-5. This is why God prohibits individuals from masturbating despite whatever public education is currently teaching.

by Jay Mankus

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Who is the Lord With Today?

Posted on August 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As I continue to study the book of Genesis, three spiritual individuals stick out: Enoch, Noah, and Joseph. Moses highlights the lives of Enoch and Noah by revealing that each habitually walked with God daily. I’m assuming that Moses means praying, talking, and walking with the Lord daily. Moses brings up a new expression while reflecting upon Jospeh’s life,” the Lord was with him.”

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain and chief executioner of the [royal] guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 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, Genesis 39:1-3.

Based upon the words of Deuteronomy 28, God blessed Joseph for every endeavor in life. Joseph was gifted with the ability to lead as well as possessing a strict attention to details. These two qualities enabled Joseph to excel as the caretaker of Potiphar’s estate and overseer of the state penitentiary. Everyone who interacted with Joseph realized that God was with him.

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, Genesis 39:20-22.

This makes me wonder: who is the Lord with today? While there are plenty of political leaders who are adored by the mainstream media, I don’t see the Lord’s presence in their lives. Sure, there are pastors who may stand out, but what about local leaders? May today’s blog give you a discerning spirit to search for and find a spiritual mentor who the Lord is with today.

by Jay Mankus

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So You Think You Got Away with It

Posted on August 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Telling the truth in some cultures today is still the honorable thing to do. Unfortunately, if you live in a major city and try to tell the truth, you’ll probably be labeled as a tattle tale or Uncle Tom. Therefore, if you avoid telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, you’ll have to come up with a believable story. This is exactly what Joseph’s brothers thought they did.

Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites [and Midianites, these mixed Arabians who are approaching], and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brothers consented. 28 Then as the Midianite [and Ishmaelite] merchants were passing by, the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the well. And they sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph [captive] into Egypt. 29 Then Reuben [who had not been there when the brothers plotted to sell the lad] returned to the pit; and behold, Joseph was not in the pit, and he rent his clothes, Genesis 37:27-29.

Rachel, Jacob’s wife, is the first individual in the Bible to clearly get away with stealing images of Laban’s gods, Genesis 31:33-35. Perhaps, Joseph’s brothers were told this story about some point during their lives thinking, “if mom could get away with lying, why can’t we?” According to Moses, the story that Jospeh’s brother told their father convinced him that Joseph was no longer alive. This appears to be the first practical joke recorded in the Bible.

He rejoined his brothers and said, The boy is not there! And I, where shall I go [to hide from my father]? 31 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, Genesis 37:30-34.

While Moses doesn’t mention Joseph’s brothers’ reaction to dad buying their fictional story, I’m sure there were either high fives, smirks and or laughter exchanged after leaving Jacob’s presence. For many years, Joseph’s brothers thought they got away with this, until a great famine forced them to travel to Egypt to find something to eat. This is where Joseph returns the favor, playing a practical joke on his brothers until he breaks down in tears, Genesis 45:1-5. May Joseph’s unique journey help you see that God has a plan even when others think they got away with sinning.

by Jay Mankus

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