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When God Talked Out Loud to Himself

Posted on March 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who struggled with stuttering for the first 20 years of my life, I often talked to myself. Since I rarely expressed how I felt inside my heart, talking to myself was more like a pep talk with the hope when I open ed my mouth in public I would communicate exactly what I wanted to say. Unfortunately, my nerves and or stuttering always prevented me from expressing a clear and concise message.

And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham [My friend and servant] what I am going to do, 18 Since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed through him and shall bless themselves by him? – Genesis 18:17-18.

I’ve read the Book of Genesis multiple times, but I never realized that God actually talked out loud to Himself according to Moses. Perhaps, this is what the Holy Spirit wanted Moses to mention in the passage above. Whatever the reason for this rare moment, God didn’t want to leave Abraham in the dark about his plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, where his nephew was currently living.

For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach and command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him. 20 And the Lord said, Because the shriek [of the sins] of Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is exceedingly grievous, Genesis 18:19-20.

The Holy Spirit was sent following Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Acts 2, to speak to modern day Christians. According to the apostle Paul, if you’re paying attention spiritually, Galatians 5:25, you can actually keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Paul’s message to the Church in Rome is similar, Romans 8:1-12, suggesting Christian’s have an obligation to God’s Spirit. While you probably won’t ever hear God talk out loud to Himself, God’s still small voice is audible if you’re listening, 1 Kings 19:11-13.

by Jay Mankus

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Law and Order or Chaos?

Posted on March 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a student at the University of Delaware, I became intrigued with Sociology and Psychology. From time to time, individuals would asked to partake in experiments based upon a hypothesis. My most memorable occurred over a week as I was asked to wear certain clothes to class. The first day was pajamas, the second a full suit and the third normal attire. When I dressed down, no one noticed or said anything to me. However, when I dressed up, I received several glances and was treated with more respect by my peers and professors.

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination and intention of all human thinking was only evil continually, Genesis 6:5.

Over the past five years. politician’s have participated in their own modern-day experiment. If you follow statistics like successful companies cling to metrics, there’s a clear distinction between states that embrace and support law and other and those who want to reinvent America’s justice system. As district attorneys in liberal states fail to prosecute anyone who breaks the law, crime is incentivized. For example, if you reside in California and take less than $900 from a store without paying for it, you go undisciplined.

You have not yet struggled and fought agonizingly against sin, nor have you yet resisted and withstood to the point of pouring out your [own] blood. 5 And have you [completely] forgotten the divine word of appeal and encouragement in which you are reasoned with and addressed as sons? My son, do not think lightly or scorn to submit to the correction and discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage and give up and faint when you are reproved or corrected by Him; 6 For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes, Hebrews 12:4-6.

In the chapter of the Bible known as the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, the author writes about the importance of discipline. Like an athlete who strives to improve daily, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, discipline serves as a means to highlight areas in life where you need to improve. During a sermon series at Willow Creek Community Creek, Lee Strobel examined the life of Dennis Rodman who was a member of the Chicago Bulls at this time. Strobel discovered that Rodman was never disciplined as a child. This shaped the person who he became. While progressives may not want to admit their error in judgment, most Americans prefer law and order over chaos.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 8: The Cyndi Lauper of Christian Music

Posted on March 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a teenager in the 1980’s, music exploded in popularity with the creation of MTV. I remember rushing home from school so I could run over to a friends house who just got Cable Television. As music videos began, this gave fans a way to get to know their favorite artists with shows like Behind the Music. While the eighties is littered with bizarre music, several musicians just wanted to have fun singing like Cyndi Lauper.

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. 16 Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts, Colossians 3:15-16.

While attending the University of Delaware, I started listening to a local Christian radio station. On a ride home the song What Would Jesus Do began playing. My immediate response was “that sounds like Cyndi Lauper.” This is how I was introduced to Julie Miller who has a distinct voice, an incredible testimony and gives off the vibe that girls still wanna have fun. Although I couldn’t find a greatest hits You Tube, Julie’s debut album and songs from other albums like “Don’t Let the Devil Ride” should suffice for fans of Cyndi Lauper.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Comes Looking for You

Posted on March 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are 42 parables of Jesus recorded in the Bible. However, when you consider that Jesus spent the last three years of His life on earth preparing 12 disciples to become spiritual leaders of the church, Jesus told many more, John 21:25. One of the most famous parables is found in Luke 15 where 3 separate stories build upon one another. God goes after a lost sheep, searches for a valuable family heirloom and waits on the front porch for a prodigal son to come home.

Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apronlike girdles. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? – Genesis 3:7-9

The first two residents on earth lived in paradise, calling a lush garden watered by tropical springs their home. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before Eve pressed her luck, seeking to go beyond the boundaries set by God in Genesis 2:15-17. Having just one rule to abide by sounds like freedom, but a serpent planted a seed within Eve’s mind that God was holding them back. Justification and rationalization led the way to eat from the forbidden tree.

 He said, I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate, Genesis 3:10-12.

The moment this couple took their first bite, innocence was lost. Conviction, guilt, and shame consumed each of their souls, causing Adam and Eve to hide from God. This is when God comes looking for you, hoping that you may come to your senses quickly. Yet, rebels often learn the hard way, too proud to be seen in their current condition. If you find yourself slip sliding away, drifting further and further from the Lord, God will use others to gather a search party so like the lost sheep and prodigal son, you too will return soon.

by Jay Mankus

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Exceedingly Grievous

Posted on March 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Grievous refers to something bad, very severe or serious. Whenever you add exceedingly in front of grievous, God is magnifying the great extent of a specific addiction, bad habit or unwholesome cravings. King Solomon devotes a portion of his teaching to what God detests, Proverbs 6:16-19. This clarifies what breaks God’s heart like the words of Moses in Genesis 6:5.

And the Lord said, Because the shriek [of the sins] of Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is exceedingly grievous, 21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether [as vilely and wickedly] as is the cry of it which has come to Me; and if not, I will know, Genesis 18:20-21.

Today, cable channels design entire shows on evil with episodes that follow real life cold case murders. If history often repeats itself with a series of cycles. The end of the earth’s first cycle was highlighted by every imagination and intention of all human thinking was set on evil continually. Rather than wait on the first Great Awakening to occur, God chose to send a worldwide flood to start over with Noah and his family.

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 2:15-17.

If parents checked out the content of mature video games before purchasing them for birthdays and Christmas, some adults would feel the same way God felt in Genesis 18, exceedingly grievous. Since God promised to never send another global flood to destroy the earth, what should Christian’s do next? What’s our next move? Pointing the finger to blame others will only elevate hostility. Beside emulating Jesus, Matthew 5:13-16, fast and pray for another Great Awakening to reverse this trend of exceedingly grievous public acts.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Can’t Do Anything Until You Arrive

Posted on March 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As an aspiring screen writer, I understand the agony of writers block. This is a form of procrastination, but it’s more of a distraction, afraid, lost and stuck, unsure of the direction you want your story to proceed. If any writer is hoping and praying for a breakthrough, to finally become discovered, you have to finish what you started writing before God can do anything.

See now yonder city; it is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh, let me escape to it! Is it not a little one? And my life will be saved! 21 And [the angel] said to him, See, I have yielded to your entreaty concerning this thing also; I will not destroy this city of which you have spoken, Genesis 19:20-21.

Abraham’s nephew finds himself in a similar predicament. Since I moved from Delaware last summer, I understand how hard it is to say goodbye to a placed you called home fore 25 years. However, Lot is not selling his home. Everything he worked so long to build was about to be destroyed. Subsequently, as Lot is about to leave all of his possessions behind, he hesitant to say goodbye.

Make haste and take refuge there, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar [little]. 23 The sun had risen over the earth when Lot entered Zoar, Genesis 19:22-23.

As Lot is delaying the inevitable, an angel of the Lord returns. The purpose of this visit is to speed up Lot’s dillydallying. The point this angel is communicating is that God can’t do anything until you reach Zoar, the city that you yourself have chosen. From time to time, we all hesitate, putzing around, waiting for some sort of sign from God. Yet, all God requires is for us to act, to dlo what we promised. May this Old Testament lesson help fill you with a sense of urgency so that God can continue His plan for your life after you arrive, Philippians 1:6.

by Jay Mankus

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Hooked, Lined and Sinking

Posted on March 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever anyone has made up their mind to do something, whether good or bad, it’s nearly impossible to prevent them from acting out what has been conceived within their mind. Jesus’ earthly brother, son of Mary and Joseph, compares this to a hungry fish. While some fish are smarter than others, a particular bait is too enticing to resist. From a spiritual standpoint, this is called hooked, lined, and sinking further and further away from a sound mind.

But before they lay down, the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, all the men from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot and said, Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know (be intimate with) them, Genesis 19:4-5.

As someone who has lived in the city and country, every area possesses what locals refer to as relatively safe and unsafe places. As a new resident to South Carolina, I may have ventured into danger without knowing about it. Nonetheless I try to stay alert so I don’t wander into trouble. Unfortunately sin clouds the minds of the addicted and those struggling with bad habits. Anyone who falls under the influence of temptation will likely emulate the enticed fish in the passage below.

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death, James 1:13-15.

While Lot lived in a he city of Sodom, he kept to himself based upon Moses’ description. However as two angels visit Lot, it’s clear that the residents are open about their sexuality. Moses’ words highlight the enticement and lust inside their hearts. When human beings don’t care about changing for the better, it’s like a hooked fish sinking closer and closer toward death. Wake up before it’s too late.

By Jay Mankus

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The Maga Narrative of the Bible

Posted on March 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Maga is an acronym former president Donald J. Trump created to highlight his 2016 campaign slogan: Make American Great Again. Some opponents of Trump responded by claiming that America was never great to begin with. Regardless of the various opinions that do exist, the spiritual solution to make America great again begins inside human hearts, Romans 10:9-11. As lives are transformed from the inside out, homes, neighborhoods and towns can change for the better.

This [Jesus] is the Stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone]. 12 And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved, Acts 4:11-12.

The author of the passage above was a first century doctor. This physician also served as a Paul’s historian, recording the details of his numerous missionary journeys. The context of this passage begins with John and Peter, two of Jesus’ disciples, addressing military and spiritual leaders. The rejection Luke mentions occurred on Good Friday when Jesus was sentenced to death, crucified on a cross. Despite this decision, Jesus has become the cornerstone of the Christian faith thanks to the resurrection three days later.

And how can men [be expected to] preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings! [How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news of His good things!] 16 But they have not all heeded the Gospel; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed (had faith in) what he has heard from us? 17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself), Romans 10:15-17.

The apostle Paul points to the spiritual Maga narrative of the Bible in the passage above. According to Paul, faith comes from hearing the message of the good news about Jesus Christ, John 3:16-17 and Romans 5:8. From a modern perspective, faith comes from hearing and reading the Bible, Joshua 1:8. Whenever children, women or men develop a spiritual hunger, Matthew 6:33-34, faith gradually changes your mindset from the world toward heaven, Colossians 3:1-4. As long as this spiritual hunger continues, making America Great Again becomes possible when God is on your side, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

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Is Anything Too Hard for God?

Posted on March 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I was introduced to the concept “is anything too hard for God” in the attached video from the film Facing the Giants. While the wording is slightly different, the same biblical truth applies nothing is impossible with God. Unfortunately, we live in an age where Judeo Christian practices have been under attack. This invisible war began in the 1960’s when public Bible readings and prayer was banned from public schools. Some may say faith in America has been all downhill ever since these court decisions.

And the Lord asked Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I really bear a child when I am so old? 14 Is anything too hard or too wonderful [b]for the Lord? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes around, I will return to you and Sarah shall have borne a son, Genesis 18:13-14.

The Bible’s version of is anything too hard for God begins with a surprise visit from three men. As Abraham welcomes these new guests, a feast is prepared. At some point during dinner, these men ask where Abrahm’s wife is, in the tent next door. According to Moses, God was present and speaks loud enough to make sure Sarah can also hear the news by this time next year she will give birth to her first child. As an old woman, well beyond the age of bearing a child, Sarah laughs sarcastically to herself, “yeah right.”

Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God. 36 And listen! Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is now the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment, Luke 1:35-37.

Whether you’re talking about a small undersized high school football team playing the defending champs, a barren woman hoping to have a child, or a virgin teen conceiving a child through the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible with God. Yet, doubt still persists as the longer you live without experiencing or seeing a miracle, your hope will disappear. As Moses writes in Genesis 18, this earthly trial sets the stage for God to shock the world. Therefore, the next time doubt creeps into your head, repeat the words above, “is anything too hard for God?” Absolutely not!

by Jay Mankus

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The Transformation of a Princess

Posted on March 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former Bible Teacher and Youth Pastor, I’ve witnessed students change for the good and bad. One of the most memorable occurred during a Confirmation Retreat for 8th Graders. One of the girls who attended had a reputation for being cruel and mean. At some point, whether it was one of the ice-breakers, small groups discussions or something I said during this weekend, a spiritual transformation began in this girl’s life.

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, See here, the Lord has restrained me from bearing [children]. I am asking you to have intercourse with my maid; it may be that I can obtain children by her. And Abram listened to and heeded what Sarai said. 3 So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her Egyptian maid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his [secondary] wife. 4 And he had intercourse with Hagar, and she became pregnant; and when she saw that she was with child, she looked with contempt upon her mistress and despised her, Genesis 16:1-4.

Unfortunately, most transformations occur gradually, over an extended period of time. Such was the case for Sarai, who struggled with self-esteem as an adult due to her inability to have a baby with her husband Abram. The label of being barren ate away at her soul, trying to force the issue with Hagar, her maidservant who she gave to Abram as a secondary wife. However, after Hagar got pregnant this only made Sarai more bitter and envious.

And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai; but Sarah [Princess] her name shall be. 16 And I will bless her and give you a son also by her. Yes, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall come from her, Genesis 17:15-16.

Moments after God gave Abram the new name Abraham, the same thing happens to Sarai in the passage above. Recognizing the broken and crushed spirit of Abraham’s wife, Psalm 34:18, God’s new name Sarah means princess. Using the power of words like the book You Are What You Say, God speaks to Sarah’s future and not her past. The apostle Paul writes about this important principle in Philippians 3:12-14. This is the mentality which led to the transformation of a barren woman into a princess and the mother of Israel.

by Jay Mankus

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