Category Archives: Truth

Grow Up Old Man

Posted on July 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One Old Testament Bible verse that I was introduced to in college has made a major impact in my life. King Solomon writes in Proverbs 27:17 “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Solomon points to accountability and the need for Christians to have mentors in their lives. If you don’t have anyone to challenge you or highlight any of your flaws, you’re less likely to change.

I have been twenty years in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks; and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 And if the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Dread [lest he should fall] and Fear [lest he offend] of Isaac, had not been with me, surely you would have sent me away now empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and humiliation and the [wearying] labor of my hands and rebuked you last night. 43 Laban answered Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, these children are my children, these flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do today to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? – Genesis 31:41-43

During a heated discussion between Jacob and his father-in-law, there is a suggestion made by Moses in the passage above. While Laban was brought into Jacob’s life to teach him a valuable life lesson, “you reap what you sow,” he attempts to urge his father-in-law to grow up. Unfortunately, it’s hard to convince any narcissist that they themselves have done anything wrong.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

The apostle Paul provides one of the best pieces of advice about growing up spiritually. The context of this chapter is centered around charity, loving others by giving back. However, children get so consumed by temporary needs that most lose sight of the needs of others. If you ever reach a point in life where your faith is stagnant, this is probably a sign that you need to grow old by putting aside your childish ways, Colossians 3:12-14.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 24: A Mix of Classic and Soft Rock

Posted on July 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Any band which tours long enough to produce five albums tends to evolve over time. While the group Age of Faith doesn’t attempt to duplicate the sound of a specific secular artist, you’ll find a mix of classic and soft rock. You might hear an occasional song with a John Cougar Mellencamp sound, but the lyrics of Age of Faith seek to instill listeners with biblical advice to live out your faith.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2 For by [faith—[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible, Hebrews 11:1-3.

My favorite Age of Faith album is the Truth featuring the song Red Carpet. The theme of Red Carpet reminds me of Benny Hester’s top song When God Ran based upon the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Meanwhile, Age of Faith took a break from their normal style to release a praise and worship album entitled Still: Songs of Restoration. If the attached You Tube isn’t for you, do a search of individual songs from the Truth album which might be more appealing to you. Enjoy Age of Faith this week.

by Jay Mankus

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When Peace Can Turn Violent

Posted on July 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes human beings can possess a 6th sense. One day I was driving through a neighborhood in Chicago, stopping to ask someone for directions. In a matter of seconds, my car was surrounded as if I was about to be carjacked. I suddenly jumped on my accelerator, swerved to miss a few people and drove like the wind until I found a crowded gas station. This is my own encounter of when peace can turn violent.

It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently], Genesis 31:29.

While I was growing up in Delaware, I had a short temper. This unhealthy trait was passed down to me by my father, likely brought on by experiences with a drill sergeant in the Army. I was prone to throw fits of rage when things didn’t go my way. This is on display as a Little League pitcher, especially when I didn’t see eye to eye with the umpire’s strike zone. I could be in a great mood one inning before I felt apart emotionally as a peaceful game turned ugly with violent jeering.

And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it. 8 And Cain said to his brother, [b]Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him, Genesis 4:6-8.

The gift of free will can be a blessing and a curse. While God tried to confront Cain about his jealousy, Matthew 5:22, he had already made up his decision. Rather than take a similar passive role in the life of Jacob, God intervened in the form of a dream. This warning altered the actions of Laban in Genesis 31:29, maintaining peace instead of letting human nature turn violent. May today’s passage help you look for a way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13, so that peace prevails.

by Jay Mankus

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What Are You Talkin’ About Laban?

Posted on July 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The television series Different Strokes aired for 8 seasons: running from 1978-1986. This popular comedy starring Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges was cancelled before I began my senior year of high school. One of the most quoted lines from this show was Coleman’s response to his brother, “What are you talkin about Willis?” These words were relived in my mind as I studied a heated conversation between Laban and Jacob.

Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent on the hill, and Laban coming with his kinsmen pitched [his tents] on the same hill of Gilead. 26 And Laban said to Jacob, What do you mean stealing away and leaving like this without my knowing it, and carrying off my daughters as if captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly and cheat me and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and gladness and with singing, with tambourine and lyre? 28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons [grandchildren] and my daughters good-bye? Now you have done foolishly [in behaving like this]. 29 It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently]. 30 And now you felt you must go because you were homesick for your father’s house, but why did you steal my [household] [c]gods? – Genesis 31:25-30

During his 20 years of working for his father-in-law, Jacob’s wages were changed 10 different times. Based upon Moses’ description of this dispute, Jacob seems to have gotten his wage cut multiple times. Subsequently, as Laban hunts Jacob and his family down like a band of criminals, he reaches a breaking point. Although Jacob doesn’t literally use the expression, “what are you talkin’ about Laban,” this tone can be detected Jacob is staring at the real thief.

Then Jacob became angry and reproached and argued with Laban. And Jacob said to Laban, What is my fault? What is my sin, that you so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched and felt through all my household possessions, what have you found of all your household goods? Put it here before my brethren and yours, that they may judge and decide between us. 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your she-goats have not lost their young, and the rams of your flock have not been eaten by me. 39 I did not bring you [the carcasses of the animals] torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss of it; you required of me [to make good] all that was stolen, whether it occurred by day or by night, Genesis 31:36-39.

From a modern perspective, Jacob could have responded, “are you done yet?” If Jacob allowed his human nature to get the best of him, a few choice words might have been exchanged in the heat of the moment. Perhaps years of being the whipping boy in his family triggered Jacob to finally snap, venting all of his frustrations built up over 2 decades of working in an unhealthy environment. If Jacob had an opportunity to learn from Jesus or the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:2, what you talkin’ about Laban would be replaced by remove the plank from your own life before judging others, Matthew 7:1-5.

by Jay Mankus

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From One Soap Opera to Another

Posted on July 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If Jacob’s Trouble was a premiere Soap Opera competing against The Days of Our Lives, this show would begin with Rachel’s plan to deceive her husband into giving Jacob the blessing of the first born. This back story would soon be replaced by Laban teaching Jacob the lesson you reap what you sow. While this is a good opening season, Sister Wives will take center stage and when this gets old throw in a couple secondary wives to stir the pot. Finally, the jealous brother enters this Soap Opera with threats of revenge and a Cain like execution.

Then Jacob went on his way, and God’s angels met him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s army! So he named that place Mahanaim [two armies]. 3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, Genesis 32:1-3.

If I were still a high school Bible teacher today, I would develop the curriculum for a new class entitled the Soap Operas of the Bible. The purpose of this class would have two key objectives. First, bring to life the personal dramas characters in the Bible faced daily. Second, to close the door on any thoughts planted into the minds of teenagers that the Bible is out of date. The desire to make the Bible relevant to modern times was conceived in me as a student at the Tentmakers Youth Ministry Leadership Trade School in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

And he commanded them, Say this to my lord Esau: Your servant Jacob says this: I have been living temporarily with Laban and have stayed there till now. 5 And I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and women servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find mercy and kindness in your sight. 6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to your brother Esau; and now he is [on the way] to meet you, and four hundred men are with him. 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups, Genesis 32:4-7.

This training introduced me to the Serendipity Study Bible. Serendipity refers to the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. If you want to learn how to take a deep dive into studying the Bible, this is a great place to start. I was so inspired by the Serendipity Bible that I led a Bible Study at a local McDonald’s in Columbus, Indiana for my Junior and Senior High students. If you’re curious about what other Soap Operas exist in the Bible, they are waiting for you to explore as you study the lives of Joseph, David and Daniel.

by Jay Mankus

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When Lying was a Crime Against Humanity

Posted on July 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who has worked in guest services, I learned that customers are always right. If a guest was not satisfied with their round of golf, getting cursed out became part of my job, regardless of how unpleasant it was for me. I was always taught to allow disappointed customers to finish their rant followed by my line, “is there anything else I can help you with today?” Since advertisement still comes down to word of mouth, being caught in a lie can and has ruined respectable businesses.

Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent on the hill, and Laban coming with his kinsmen pitched [his tents] on the same hill of Gilead. 26 And Laban said to Jacob, What do you mean stealing away and leaving like this without my knowing it, and carrying off my daughters as if captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly and cheat me and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and gladness and with singing, with tambourine and lyre? 28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons [grandchildren] and my daughters good-bye? Now you have done foolishly [in behaving like this]. 29 It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently]. 30 And now you felt you must go because you were homesick for your father’s house, but why did you steal my [household] [c]gods? – Genesis 31:25-30.

From a biblical point of view, your name meant everything in Old Testament communities. If an individual did not follow through with what they had promised to do, it ruined this person’s reputation and cast a stain upon their parents and family members. Rather than take personal responsibility by reaping what you sow, Galatians 6:7-8, liars play the victim card. As good, decent and noble citizens have their lives destroyed by corrupt politicians, modern liars are creating a crime against humanity.

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who breathes forth lies shall perish, Proverbs 19:9.

From a more practical perspective, the Roman Catholic Church encouraged me to follow the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12. This verse was an integral part of my Confirmation process, “treating others as you want to be treated.” Jesus expands upon this during a conversation with a lawyer in Matthew 22:36-40. Loving others is motivated by loving God first. Those who struggle to love God often aren’t able to follow the Golden Rule. When communities replace love with hate, lying is used as a cover or excuse. When lying goes unpunished, this may lead to a crime against humanity as neighbors fail to uphold the Golden Rule.

by Jay Mankus

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What is my Fault and Where is my Sin?

Posted on July 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The expression “there’s always a different point of view, which is entitled to be heard,” dates back to England in 1742. This is the origin for the idiom “there are two sides to every story” which was later replaced by two sides to every coin as currency was developed. This saying was brought to the United States via the 1802 ‘Diary and Autobiography of John Adams.’ Yet, the Bible uses a similar term after Jacob was accused of being a thief yelling “what is my fault and where is my sin?”

Then Jacob became angry and reproached and argued with Laban. And Jacob said to Laban, What is my fault? What is my sin, that you so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched and felt through all my household possessions, what have you found of all your household goods? Put it here before my brethren and yours, that they may judge and decide between us. 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your she-goats have not lost their young, and the rams of your flock have not been eaten by me. 39 I did not bring you [the carcasses of the animals] torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss of it; you required of me [to make good] all that was stolen, whether it occurred by day or by night, Genesis 31:36-39.

The apostle Paul takes this question in a completely different direction in the New Testament. While writing a letter to a teenage pastor, Paul reflects upon his previous life as a Pharisee and persecutor of the first century church. Paul takes a proactive approach to the topic of sin. Rather than ignore the obvious, Paul realized that the closer he drew near to God, the more the Holy Spirit exposed his sinful condition. This led Paul to believe that he was the greatest sinner of all.

Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace (unmerited favor and blessing) of our Lord [actually] flowed out superabundantly and beyond measure for me, accompanied by faith and love that are [to be realized] in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost, 1 Timothy 1:13-15.

Does the truth lie somewhere in between? According to Moses, Jacob was not aware that his own wife stole images of gods worshipped by Laban. If Rachel revealed this information to Jacob, he would have likely refrained from declaring, “What is my fault and where is my sin?” Perhaps, this was simply human nature bearing its ugly head. Whatever this reason for Jacob’s fiery response to Laban’s accusation, adopting the humility of Paul is a much better way to handle future altercations.

by Jay Mankus

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The God of Your Father

Posted on July 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Ther term Genesis refers to the origin or mode of formation. This newness of life opens the door for human nature to enter the hearts and minds of God’s Creation. Subsequently, this opening book of the Bible is filled with mistakes, learning by trial and error. As each new generation began to stumble and fall, one truth remained: the God of your father Abraham.

It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently], Genesis 31:29.

As the book of Genesis unfolds, God’s way of communication transitions from taking a walk with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to taking a backseat by delegating this to others. While God sent angels to warn Lot, from time to time, God spoke directly to individuals in dreams. Although God did not stop Cain from murdering his brother Abel, a dream is used to prevent Laban acting upon his anger.

For although there may be so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many of them, both of gods and of lords and masters, 6 Yet for us there is [only] one God, the Father, Who is the Source of all things and for Whom we [have life], and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through and by Whom are all things and through and by Whom we [ourselves exist], 1 Corinthians 8:5-6.

One of the ways Jacob was introduced to the God of his Father was through answers to prayer. Abraham and Isaac each dedicated wells to the Lord after struggling to find water in the desert. While God rarely speaks to individuals directly today, the Holy Spirit gives modern day Christians everything we need in life to know with full assurance the God of our Fathers, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Perspective is Poisoned

Posted on July 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former teacher, there were certain students that could do no wrong in my eyes. From time to time, I would visit the teacher’s lounge during my free period. If the timing was right, I asked other teachers for their perspective on a student to see how they behaved in their classroom. After listening to the insight of my peers, I began to see these imperfections for myself.

Jacob heard Laban’s sons complaining, Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s; he has acquired all this wealth and honor from what belonged to our father. 2 And Jacob noticed that Laban looked at him less favorably than before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, Return to the land of your fathers and to your people, and I will be with you. 4 So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock, 5 And he said to them, I see how your father looks at me, that he is not [friendly] toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me, Genesis 31:1-5.

Based upon the words of Moses, Jacob had developed a good work ethic as a herdsman and shepherd. Despite not being athletic, Jacob learned from others, adopting and using successful practices. Like a mechanic who could fix any vehicle, Jacob’s breeding practices where cutting edge. Unfortunately, as Jacob’s herd prospered, envy and jealousy poisoned Laban’s relationship with his son in law.

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.

If you allow yourself to become surrounded by negative people, it won’t be long before individuals you once looked up to will lose their shine. As bitterness, complaining, and grumbling alter your perspective, guard yourself from having your mind and soul poisoned by negativity. The next time you find your perspective poisoned, remember the words of Colossians 3:12-14, so that love will conquer all, and forgiveness will lead to second chances, Matthew 6:13-15.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 23: The Simon and Garfunkel of Christian Music

Posted on July 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Each summer that I lived in Delaware as a child, the neighborhood kids would eventually make their way over to my back deck, listening to WSTW, the local radio station just down the street. Back then, music was limited to the radio as the daily play list often repeated the same songs every hour. As Music Television debuted in 1983, I went over to a friend’s house to get instant access to a variety of artists and groups. Yet, those long summer car rides going to and from vacation is where I was introduced to Simon and Garfunkel thanks to my parent’s favorite soft rock station.

Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [[e]and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, 20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father, Ephesians 5:19-20.

Thanks to friendly Christian bookstore owners like Jackie Johnson from Delaware, I spent countless hours in college asking a similar question, “do you know of anyone who sounds like this secular artist or group?” This is how I discovered Crumbacher and Duke who possess that late 70’s/early 80’s soft rock sound. There’s nothing like falling to sleep with this classic style of music playing in the background. While there are many albums of Crumbacher and Duke to choose from, I hope you enjoy listening to the Worlds Away album this week which contains my favorite Desert Lightning.

by Jay Mankus

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