Category Archives: Uncategorized

Asking God about the How’s and Why’s in Life

Posted on February 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Regardless of the relationship that you are in, there will come a time when one individual will want more of a commitment or greater depth. If there isn’t a mutual consent or feeling, questions will be raised like, “don’t you love me?” This will force one person to explain their position. From a spiritual perspective, there are many times in my life that God and I weren’t on the same page. I expected one particular outcome and received a less desired result. This opens the door for my next why God prayer.

And Abram said, Lord God, what can You give me, since I am going on [from this world] childless and he who shall be the owner and heir of my house is this [steward] Eliezer of Damascus? 3 And Abram continued, Look, You have given me no child; and [a servant] born in my house is my heir. 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, This man shall not be your heir, but he who shall come from your own body shall be your heir, Genesis 15:2-4.

One of God’s servants finds himself in a similar position in the passage above. Three chapters after beginning his journey with God in Genesis 12, Abram has several questions that he wants God to explain. Abram was searching for clarity while he was waiting on the promise of becoming the father of a great nation. Abram’s main concern is that his wife Sarai is barren, and both aren’t getting any younger. Abram is eager to know how this is going to become a reality.

 And He said to him, I am the [same] Lord, Who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees to give you this land as an inheritance. 8 But he [Abram] said, Lord God, by what shall I know that I shall inherit it? – Genesis 15:7-8

King Solomon addresses this topic in Proverbs 19:21. Human nature paints a picture of how your life should go from a logical perspective. While you may have several plans for the future, the Lord’s purpose will ultimately prevail. This mindset leads Abram to think one of his servants, Eliezer of Damascus, will be how God starts the nation of Israel. After this back and forth of why God, the waiting game begins as God will make everything beautiful in His time, Ecclesiastes 3:11. May Abram’s faith journey serve as a teachable moment to help you discover God’s will and future for your own life.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Living in a State of Confusion

Posted on February 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Prior to entering high school, my junior high guidance counselor told me if I wanted to attend college, I needed to take as many foreign language classes as possible. After four years of French and two years of Spanish in an honors class, mission accomplished. However, what if you went on a trip overseas during Spring Break and everything you learned in class was meaningless as every foreigner spoke too fast? I wouldn’t know as I never went, but this is likely what the residents of Babel experienced in the passage below.

Therefore the name of it was called Babel—because there the Lord confounded the language of all the earth; and from that place the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of the whole earth, Genesis 11:9.

My first full-time job after graduating from the University of Delaware was as a social worker. My official title was Workcamp Coordinator for the Methodist Action Program. One of my responsibilities was to help renovate the Spanish community center in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. I could pick up verbs like Mirar, “watch me; look what I’m doing.” Unfortunately, everything else was confusing, as I was unable to understand complete sentences.

Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy ([a]interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). 2 For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. 3 But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who [b]interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation, 1 Corinthians 14:1-3.

Imagine if you were a skilled construction worker, building the tallest skyscraper in the world. After returning to work Monday morning, the people you spoke with daily at work were suddenly fluent in a completely different language. This Spirit of Confusion was like Hooked on Phonics on steroids. Despite this setback in the Old Testament, the Day of Pentecost mentioned in Acts 2:1-6 repaired this communication barrier. As the apostle Paul describes in the passage above, this unique gift does present itself to some in the form of spiritual gifts to overcome living in a state of confusion.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Beer-lahai-roi

Posted on February 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The first mention of beer in the Bible has nothing to do with alcohol. Rather, beer is the name of a special well where one depressed woman was touched by God. Beer-lahai-roi is the name of a well located between Kadesh and Bered. Hagar was Sarai’s maidservant who ran away from home after being mistreated. Jealousy of the baby in her womb, Sarai mentally and verbally harassed Hagar to the point of tears. Unable to take these emotional scars, Hagar left thinking it was for the best.

Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi [A well to the Living One Who sees me]; it is [c]between Kadesh and Bered, Genesis 16:14.

Whenever you’re alone, crying out to an invisible God seems to be a logical thing to do. While Moses doesn’t specify how many months Hagar had been pregnant, it’s enough to see an expanded belly. Depressed, lonely and in the middle of the wilderness, Hagar cries out to God for help. Based upon the words in the passage above, Hagar was blown away by how the Lord was able to hear and see the pain she felt inside her heart.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. 12 Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you, Jeremiah 29:11-12.

I have days just like Hagar, feeling lonely and helpless, unsure of my future. While I know the Lord can see my pain, I’m still waiting for a response. Perhaps, I’m like the person one Old Testament Prophet writes about in Isaiah 1. Clarity doesn’t come until confession is followed by a contrite heart. While living in Delaware, one of the Bible Studies I attended talked about spiritual blockage, which prevents clarity. Whatever the reason for my current spiritual condition, I pray that one day soon I’ll have a similar experience as Hagar at the well of Beer-lahai-roi.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Resounding Statement of Faith

Posted on February 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

In this political age of correctness, sensitivity, and wokeness, you don’t see many straight shooters who say what they mean and mean what they say. Due to peer pressure and hysteria on social media, many individuals are forced to walk back previous statements in order to please vocal critics. While Abram grew up in a much different culture, rejecting the generous gift mentioned below communicates a resounding statement of faith.

And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons and keep the goods for yourself. 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand and sworn to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth, Genesis 14:21-22.

Abram didn’t want to feel any future obligation to the King of Sodom. Nor did Abram want to open the door for others to take credit for God’s blessings over his life. Modern politicians would consider this a big mistake by losing the support of a major donor. Despite Abram’s kryptonite, telling the truth, a spiritual maturity is demonstrated by the firm stance that Abram takes. Perhaps, God’s Spirit spoke to Abram’s conscience, warning him against accepting the plunders from war.

That I would not take a thread or a shoelace or anything that is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich. 24 [Take all] except only what my young men have eaten and the share of the men [allies] who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion, Genesis 14:23-24.

Abram’s selfless decision spreads the wealth to all ally members, who played a part in this victory. If there was ever a time for Christians to make a resounding statement of faith, 2023 is the year to stand up and shine, Matthew 5:13-16. This doesn’t have to be a bold proclamation. The apostle Paul told one church, actions speak louder than words, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. Whatever you decide, make sure you emulate the love of Jesus as well as display integrity, especially when no one is looking.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Crossover Connection Week 3: Kenny G with the Flair of Rod Stewart

Posted on February 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former alto saxophone player, I was a big fan of Kenny G in high school. When my musical talents faded once playing sports became my top priority in life, I stumbled upon Kenny Marks at a local Christian Bookstore. Although many Christian artists often become one hit wonders like the Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do, Kenny released several hit songs in the late 1980’s. Best known for The Party’s Over, Kenny’s ballads are underrated, inspired by events in life people can relate to.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. 10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [[i]morally] to all people [not only [j]being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers], Galatians 6:9-10.

Based upon the image of the attached You Tube, Kenny had a similar hair style to Rod Stewart back in the day. As a former youth pastor, I appreciate songs like Next Time You See Johnny with lyrics that address the topic of divorce. Meanwhile, White Dress provides a parent’s perspective of how quickly young children grow up. If you’re not familiar with Kenny Marks’ music, I hope that you’ll spend an entire week soaking up these meaningful songs that often bring tears of joy to my heart.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

An Image of Leadership in Progress

Posted on February 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

First impressions can be powerful and disappointing. Whenever an individual doesn’t live up to your expectation, there will be a permanent strain on this relationship. This is how I felt about Abram who eventually changed his name to Abraham. Shortly after Abram is introduced by Moses in Genesis 12, he chooses lying rather trusting God, Proverbs 3:5-6. Based upon the actions of his son Isaac when placed into a similar situation, Genesis 26:7, one of Abram’s spiritual legacies is as a liar.

And they also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods away with them. 13 Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew [one from the other side], who was living by the oaks or terebinths of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and of Aner—these were allies of Abram. 14 When Abram heard that [his nephew] had been captured, he armed (led forth) the 318 trained servants born in his own house and pursued the enemy as far as Dan, Genesis 14:12-14.

Yet, my perception of Abram began to change after reading Genesis 14. While every human being has fallen short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23, Abram’s swift action in the passage above paints a different picture than just someone who struggles to tell the truth. When a family member was placed into immediate danger, Abram jumps into action by forming a squadron of 318 men. Although Moses is silent on their training prior to battle. Moses presents Abram as a leader in progress.

He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and attacked and routed them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods and also brought back his kinsman Lot and his possessions, the women also and the people, Genesis 14:15-16.

The apostle Paul writes about the unfinished work among members of the Church in Philippi, Philippians 1:6. Another letter to the Church at Ephesus compares Christians to God’s craftsman, called to act, built and complete what God has called you to do, Ephesians 2:10. Abraham doesn’t become a member of the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, for lying. Rather, Abram was a work in progress just like you and me. May we all learn from Abram’s faith journey so that we become obedient to God’s calling in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

God’s First Open House

Posted on February 17, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My mother became a Real Estate Agent for Century 21 when I entered high school. Due to the demands of new transfers, I was often dragged to open houses where my mom shined. This was the glory years of real estate before the market was flooded with too many individuals trying to get rich selling homes. While not every potential homeowner found the house of their dreams, open houses still provide strangers with opportunities to begin a new chapter of their lives if the timing is right.

Now [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. 3 And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and [a]curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves], Genesis 12:1-3.

While residing in Haran, a man named Abram was introduced to a foreign God. Just as modern telemarketers paint the ideal scenario for your future success, what God promised Abram in the passage above seemed too good to be true. When a severe famine delayed Abram’s journey to see this promised land, this dream property was put on hold for a few years. Meanwhile, Abram’s wife Sarai was taken by the king of Egypt, Pharoah, to become a member of his harem. This predicament which began with a lie likely distracted Abram mind from God’s first open house.

Arise, walk through the land, the length of it and the breadth of it, for I will give it to you. 18 Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt among the oaks or terebinths of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and built there an altar to the Lord, Genesis 13:17-18.

When a dispute arose between Abram’s and Lot’s servants over a lack of space for both of their herds of cattle, Lot chose to move to Sodom. where the fields and soil were rich in nutrients. Once Lot completed his move, the Lord spoke to Abram, opening his eyes to the scenery of God’s creation. The passage above reminds me of what my mother would say to clients ar an open house. As Abram listened to God speak, a forest in Mamre got his attention. As the Lord informed Abram that this property was part of the land he was promised, a move quickly followed. This is where Abram built an altar to the Lord, dedicating this land to God.

b y Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Waiting for God to Fill in the Blanks

Posted on February 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I grew up in a time when Dot-to-Dot Coloring Books were popular. This was one of the ways I learned all the letters of the alphabet and how to count up to 25 and 50. As long as I connected A to B to C or 1 to 2 to 3 and so on in the correct order, I discovered what animal, person, place, or thing was hiding in between the dots. Unfortunately, life as an adult is much more complicated as I regularly find myself waiting for God to fill in the blanks before I make my next move.

And Abram said, Lord God, what can You give me, since I am going on [from this world] childless and he who shall be the owner and heir of my house is this [steward] Eliezer of Damascus? – Genesis 15:2

As Abram began to grow up, the thought of having any children at his age allowed doubt to creep into his mind. Abram’s hopes and dreams of seeing God’s promise fulfilled, Genesis 12:1-3, that he would become a father of a great nation seemed impossible. This is the context of the passage above as Abram became impatient while God was working behind the scenes to fill in the blanks of his future. Perhaps, Abram’s crisis of faith is similar to a modern-day mid-life crisis, disappointed by how things turned out.

He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep. 18 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, when you were young you girded yourself [put on your own belt or girdle] and you walked about wherever you pleased to go. But when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will put a girdle around you and carry you where you do not wish to go. 19 He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. And after this, He said to him, Follow Me! – John 21:17-19

Peter experienced these emotions in the passage above. John details Jesus’ first conversation with Peter following his denial and crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Perhaps, Peter’s initial idea that Jesus would become an earthly king, someone he was willing to fight for, deflated him. After a period of reconciliation, Jesus begins to fill in the blanks of Peter’s future, dying on an inverted cross as he didn’t feel worthy of being crucified like Jesus. Wherever you are in life, be still before the Lord, Psalm 46:10, as God fills in the blanks, prepared in advance for your future, Philippians 1:6.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

More Than Just Deception

Posted on February 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Lying is a form of trickery. When an individual is afraid of how someone will respond to something you did or said, words are crafted in such a manner to minimize the truth. This is the decision Abram made on his own when a famine postponed his journey to God’s promised land. Rather than walk in faith with the belief that God will do exactly what He said in Haran, Abram was fearful that a man married to a beautiful wife would be killed and his wife taken by Pharaoh.

And when he was about to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, I know that you are beautiful to behold. 12 So when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say, I beg of you, that you are [c]my sister, so that it may go well with me for your sake and my life will be spared because of you. 14 And when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15 The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into Pharaoh’s house [harem], Genesis 12:11-15.

The passage above is the opposite of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Eve listened to the tempter, convinced Adam that eating from the Tree of Knowledge would be beneficial and gave her husband a bite of the fig in her hand. Meanwhile, this new couple approached Egypt, Abram was the schemer who sold Sarai on the idea that “just say you’re my sister, no one will ever know but us.” Abram’s decision was more than just deception, the choice to lie was a reflection of his lack of faith in God.

You shall have no other gods before or besides Me. 4 You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 You shall not bow down yourself to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, Exodus 20:3-5.

Moses is the author of the first five books of the Old Testament. Moses isn’t afraid to mince words in the passage above. While Moses is writing the Ten Commandments for the nation of Israel to follow, God’s character is unveiled. Human beings who place anyone or anything above the Lord as their top priority open the door for generational sins to be passed down to your children. Subsequently, Abram’s lying was adopted by Isaac and Jacob. Therefore, the next time you find yourself stretching the truth, may the consequence of generational sins convict you to stop this deception before it’s embraced by your future descendants.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Truth Be Told

Posted on February 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As good and decent as some human beings appear on the outside, an internal struggle occurs daily. Human nature places a desire within hearts to be accepted, cool, and embraced by their peers. After graduating from high school, I was playing in my last competitive tournaments as a junior golfer. As I was walking up the 18th fairway about to conclude my round, I thought I was cool with a sly comment to my playing partners. The truth be told, I was merely a foolish immature Christian.

And when he was about to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, I know that you are beautiful to behold. 12 So when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say, I beg of you, that you are [c]my sister, so that it may go well with me for your sake and my life will be spared because of you, Genesis 12:11-13.

From Abram’s perspective, God had just introduced Himself while living in Haran. The promise spoken in Genesis 12:1-3 seemed far-fetched for a man with a barren wife. Throw in the bad timing of a severe drought. which put Abram’s journey to this promised land on hold, doubt began to creep into Abram’s mind. Perhaps the same Devil who persuaded Eve to break God’s only rule in the Garden of Eden, planted the thought of lying into Abram’s head.

And the men of the place asked him about his wife, and he said, She is my sister; for he was afraid to say, She is my wife—[thinking], Lest the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah, because she is attractive and is beautiful to look upon. 8 When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah his wife. 9 And Abimelech called Isaac and said, See here, she is certainly your wife! How did you [dare] say to me, She is my sister? And Isaac said to him, Because I thought, Lest I die on account of her, Genesis 26:11-13.

Any sinful decision has lasting consequences. As for Abram, this tiny white lie turned into a generational sin passed down to Isaac, and Jacob. One poor choice leads to a bad habit. If this bad habit isn’t addressed quickly, addictions are formed that bind souls for months, years and in worst case scenarios, a lifetime. While not human being is tempted by lying, everyone has their own kryptonite. The sooner you address this fatal flaw, the better your chances will be for finding a way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →