Category Archives: Truth

Which Witch is Real

Posted on June 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Watching the Wizard of Oz as a child introduced me to the concept of witches. Lynam Frank Baum wrote the Wonderful Wizard of Oz for children which was turned in a movie years later by writer Noel Langley. The Wizard of Oz uses free will to convey that witches can be good or evil. As I grew up, shows like Bewitched made witches less evil by using comedy. Modern series like Charm took a more serious examination of black magic, curses, and spells. This leaves me to wonder, which witch is real?

When Saul inquired of the Lord, He refused to answer him, either by dreams or by Urim [a symbol worn by the priest when seeking the will of God for Israel] or by the prophets. 7 Then Saul said to his servants, Find me a woman who is a medium [between the living and the dead], that I may go and inquire of her. His servants said, Behold, there is a woman who is a medium at Endor. 8 So Saul disguised himself, put on other raiment, and he and two men with him went and came to the woman at night. He said to her, Perceive for me by the familiar spirit and bring up for me the dead person whom I shall name to you. 9 The woman said, See here, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those who are mediums and wizards out of the land. Why then do you lay a trap for my life to cause my death? 10 And Saul swore to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord lives, there shall no punishment come to you for this. 11 The woman said, Whom shall I bring up for you? He said, Bring up Samuel for me, 1 Samuei 28:6-11.

The prophet Samuel compares witches to someone similar to Whoopi Goldberg’s character in Ghost, Oda Mae Brown. The fortune teller in the Bible uses a seance to call upon the Spirit of Samuel. Based upon how the Witch of Endor reacted, she seemed surprised that this actually worked, suggesting she wasn’t always truthful to her clients. Yet, like the popular television show Crossing Over, some people do have the ability to call upon dead spirits. What’s their secret? Is it tapping into the spiritual realm mentioned in Ephesians 6:12 or have witches evolved over time?

And when the woman saw Samuel, she screamed and she said to Saul, Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul! 13 The king said to her, Be not afraid; what do you see? The woman said to Saul, I see a god [terrifying superhuman being] coming up out of the earth! 14 He said to her, In what form is he? And she said, An old man comes up, covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and made obeisance. 15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why have you disturbed me to bring me up? Saul answered, I am bitterly distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God has departed from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I should do. 16 Samuel said, Why then do you ask me, seeing that the Lord has turned from you and has become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done to you as He said through me He would do; for [He] has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to your neighbor David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord or execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the Lord will also give Israel with you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me [among the dead]. The Lord also will give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines, 1 Samuel 28:12-19.

Perhaps, the best example comes from my own personal experience. When I attended the University of Delaware, there was a coven just off campus. I had heard stories but couldn’t verify these until one conversation while walking to my next class. I complemented a stranger who had the boldness to openly display and carry a Bible in her hand. This young woman’s response still strikes a nerve today: “I read it every day so that I can pray against everything in this book.” To answer my original question, God gives every human being daily choices via free will. Yet, to committed, dedicated and practicing witches, there’s a good reason why Samuel banned witchcraft to prevent curious souls from dabbling into demonic and spiritual forces of evil.

by Jay Mankus

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Trapped by the Daily Grind

Posted on June 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former cross-country runner and swimmer in high school, I understand the concept of hard work. One of the difficulties of these sports is if you don’t prepare in the offseason, you’ll be way behind the other top performers as practices begin. Subsequently, if I wanted to compete with the best in the state, I had to daily grind my body into shape each summer before school began.

And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices [to offer] to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. 13 Next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, What is this that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening? – Exodus 18:12-14

Nearly 40 years, I find myself in a different kind of grind. While listening to an old Casting Crown album, the words of House of their Dreams spoke to me. The first stanza reminds me of my current state, stuck and trapped in the daily grind of work. When you add to this a 75-minute commute, I don’t how much free time, especially during my work week.

Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a dispute they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God and His laws. 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 You will surely wear out both yourself and this people with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it all by yourself. 19 Listen now to [me]; I will counsel you, and God will be with you. You shall represent the people before God, bringing their cases and causes to Him, Genesis 18:15-19.

The lyrics of the song House of Their Dreams was like God speaking directly to me. Moses writes about a similar experience in his own life. Moses served as the Chief Judge of Israel, working from sunup to sundown. Moses’ father-in-law became a voice of reason, “what you’re doing is not good.” While delegation may not be the answer for your daily grind, may the Holy Spirit direct you toward a solution to overcome being trapped by the daily grind.

by Jay Mankus

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Crying Out Your Pain

Posted on June 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There was a time when Americans believed that men should never cry. This belief influenced a generation of tough guys, hiding their pain deep inside their hearts. Apparently, Esau was never taught or told this. When the reality of his blessing as the first born was stolen by his younger brother, Esau let out a loud cry. Although Moses doesn’t mention any tears, Esau was trying to unleash his pain by screaming.

When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with a great and bitter cry and said to his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father! 35 [Isaac] said, Your brother came with crafty cunning and treacherous deceit and has taken your blessing. 36 [Esau] replied, Is he not rightly named Jacob [the supplanter]? For he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright, and now he has taken away my blessing! Have you not still a blessing reserved for me? – Genesis 27:34-36

One of my friends in college once told me, sometimes you just need a good cry to release the pain inside your heart. Part of Moses’ description of Esau’s cry was like an uncontrollable infant whose teeth begin to gnash against one another. Yet, on the flip side, Esau shows maturity, coming to the realization of Jacob’s name, the supplanter. Perhaps this served as some sort of answer from God after his cry for help.

Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God]. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord’s name. 15 And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working], James 5:13-16.

Meanwhile, the earthly brother of Jesus likely wept like a baby following the biblical events of Good Friday. According to a first century historian, James did not believe his brother was the son of God. Whether this was out of bitterness or resentment, Resurrection Sunday turned James’ tears into a celebration. Therefore, don’t be afraid to cry out your pain. For when you do, any confession that follows results in emotional and spiritual healing.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 19: A Poppy Version of the Beatles

Posted on June 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When my oldest sister Kathie got her first new stereo, I received her hand me down one. She left me two vinyl records and one eight track tape. Since the eight-track player didn’t always work, I was left with two listening options as I went to sleep each night: Neil Diamond and the Beatles. While Diamond provided a nice change of pace, most nights ended with Here Comes the Sun, the Abbey Road full album. Subsequently, as I expanded my Christian music collection in college, I was searching for something similar to the Beatles.

And Elijah said to Ahab, Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of abundance of rain. 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down upon the earth and put his face between his knees 43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up and looked and said, There is nothing. Elijah said, Go again seven times. 44 And at the seventh time the servant said, A cloud as small as a man’s hand is arising out of the sea. And Elijah said, Go up, say to Ahab, Hitch your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you. 45 In a little while, the heavens were black with wind-swept clouds, and there was a great rain. And Ahab went to Jezreel, 1 Kings 18:41-45.

This search would last five years when I stumbled upon Pray For Rain who eventually was forced to shorten their name to PFR due to a legal battle over the rights of Pray for Rain. Nonetheless, when the Great Lengths album was released in 1994, this was the sound I was waiting to hear. Based upon the melody of several songs on this album, you can tell that some if not all members of PFR were influenced by the Beatles music. While PFR’s other albums may be a little too poppy for me, if you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll enjoy the attached You Tube.

by Jay Mankus

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That’s Not What I Was Told

Posted on June 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I moved from Chicago to Delaware to attend seminary, my mind was bombarded with so much new information. Some of this content backed up what I already believed, but there were many things that contradicted what I was told as a new Christian in high school. The most practical class that I took was Expository Preaching, based upon the biblical principle of studying the Bible line by line and verse by verse. The purpose of this class was to avoid the temptation of making the Bible say what you want it to say.

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, Jeremiah 29:11.

There are currently 104 different versions of the Bible which you can purchase. If you’re a pastor doing research for your next sermon, there may be a temptation to quote and use only the versions that highlight this message. Unless there is a member of this congregation who follows in the footsteps of the Bereans, Acts 17:10-11, no one will question what is being taught. Depending upon the current climate in your church, there may be some who are afraid to raise their voice, silently pondering, “that’s not what I was told.”

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you, Philippians 1:6.

One of the reasons why attending seminary is difficult is that Christian’s are forced to re-examine everything they thought they knew about the Bible. Any student who is not fully grounded, Colossians 2:6-7, becomes susceptible to falling prey to false teaching, 1 Timothy 4:1-2. The best perspective for any aspiring student is by falling in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis. While writing Mere Christianity, Lewis refers to progress as the process of arriving. As long as Christians continue to learn by meditating on God’s Word, Joshua 1:8, any disagreements will be ironed out over time.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Grow Restive and Break Loose

Posted on June 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Restive is one of those words which you rarely hear anymore. Restive refers to a person who is unable to keep still or silent, becoming increasingly difficult to control. Moses is suggesting in the passage below that impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom is what Esau will have to overcome. Esau’s mindset is similar to Cain in Genesis 4:5-7, with the Devil planting evil thoughts into his brain.

Then Isaac his father answered, Your [blessing and] dwelling shall all come from the fruitfulness of the earth and from the dew of the heavens above; 40 By your sword you shall live and serve your brother. But [the time shall come] when you will grow restive and break loose, and you shall tear his yoke from off your neck, Genesis 27:39-40.

Over the years of television programming, each new concept was inspired by a previous one. The ID Channel has spawned shows on other networks like Snapped featured by Oxygen. Perhaps, this is the image Moses is trying to communicate in the passage above as when anger brews like a fresh pot of coffee, it might spill over onto other appliances or people.

That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [[c]with those of the elders at your ordination]. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:6-7.

The apostle is a realist in Romans 7, detailing his own losing battle with a sinful nature bubbling up within his soul. Yet, Paul is also a man of solutions, seeking a higher power to overcome crippling addictions. Subsequently, Paul writes a young pastor with an answer to overcoming doubt, fear and a negative outlook on life. The cure for any restive soul is tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit, providing everything you need in and for life, 2 Peter 1:3-4. If you’re about to break loose, call upon the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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Who… Where… What?

Posted on June 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I grow up in a neighborhood in Delaware where practical jokes weren’t limited to April Fool’s Day. Meanwhile, when I first joined the Boy Scouts, I fell for the old Snipe Hunting trick. I was so eager to catch one, I’m sure the regulars were busting out in laughter once I was out of sight. When Isaac realized that he was tricked into giving Jacob and not Esau his blessing, I can sense his emotions: who, where, what?

As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob and Jacob was scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 Esau had also prepared savory food and brought it to his father and said to him, Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that you may bless me. 32 And Isaac his father said to him, Who are you? And he replied, I am your son, your firstborn, Esau, Genesis 27:30-32.

When I was an upperclassman in high school, many of my friends were sarcastic, often speaking in puns to outdo the other. However, playing a trick on your own aging father is what I call going outside the lines. Sure, it may be enjoyable to poke fun at Uncle Joe from time to time, but he’s, our president. Therefore, current events should be taken more seriously so we don’t end up like Isaac’s response to Esau’s return, shocked and stunned.

Then Isaac trembled and shook violently, and he said, Who? Where is he who has hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate of it all before you came and I have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed. 34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with a great and bitter cry and said to his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father! 35 [Isaac] said, Your brother came with crafty cunning and treacherous deceit and has taken your blessing, Genesis 27:33-35.

Back when comedy was allowed on television, TV fathers would leave subtle hints with their children, “if you keep doing that, I’m going to have a heart attack.” As for Isaac, Moses describes his condition similar to someone about to go pass out. While Rebekah and Jacob’s trick was successful, it was cruel to play on an old man who was nearly senile. This event serves as a reason why children should honor their parents, especially as Father’s Day draws near.

by Jay Mankus

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The Diversion of Anger

Posted on June 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A diversion is an instance of turning something aside from its course. Diversions are usually found in Hollywood films, triggered by an event resulting in a chase scene. While often unrealistic, diversion scenes tend to be the most memorable such as the one in Bourne Identity and National Treasure. In the passage below, Rebekah comes up with a plan to save Jacob’s life, referred to by Moses as a diversion of anger.

So now, my son, do what I tell you; arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran; 44 Linger and dwell with him for a while until your brother’s fury is spent. 45 When your brother’s anger is diverted from you, he will forget [the wrong] that you have done him. Then [b]I will send and bring you back from there. Why should I be deprived of both of you in one day? – Genesis 27:43-45

When Esau realizes that he’s lost his father’s blessing of the first born to his younger brother, he loses it. Like the words of Hebrews 12:15, the root of bitterness took a stranglehold on Esau’s soul. When Rebekah overheard just how angry Esau became and what he was willing to do, she conceived another plan for Jacob. Rebekah thought that going away for an extended period of time would serve as a diversion for Esau’s anger.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:30-31.

Unfortunately, Able never got a warning from Eve, his mother, about Cain’s chilling plan. Perhaps Eve was a pacifist, not wanting to get involved or too consumed about her own life. Whatever the reason, there was no diversion for the hatred in Cain’s heart. The apostle Paul warns Christians in Ephesus to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit. The best modern diversion of anger is to follow the advice in the passage above. Those who put God’s Word into practice will be well on their way to diverting the anger fueled by their sinful nature.

by Jay Mankus

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When Tomorrow Ends Up Being Next Year or Later

Posted on June 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There is an ungodly belief that has been widely adopted by many churches which has been embraced by members of their congregation. Using verses like Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 1:6, there’s a consensus that God has a plan for your life and will bring to completion what the Lord began in your life. While this statement is true, the timeframe Christians are told when God’s will be fulfilled isn’t accurate. Ideally, when you cry out to the Lord for a specific request in prayer, receiving an answer tomorrow would be great. This has occurred in my life, but what do you do when tomorrow ends up being next year or later?

Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. 14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air], James 4:13-14.

Human nature puts a desire for instant gratification within people. The Bible refers to this as the flesh, a sinful nature that is hostile toward God, Romans 8:5-8. When an only child or spoiled brat doesn’t get their way, tantrums often follow. While everyone matures at a different rate of time, some adults don’t grow out of this behavior. When the promise of tomorrow ends up becoming next week, next month or sometime next year, anxiousness may turn into fits of rage if things don’t go your way.

All the commandments which I command you this day you shall be watchful to do, that you may live and multiply and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers. 2 And you shall [earnestly] remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and to prove you, to know what was in your [mind and] heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you recognize and personally know that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothing did not become old upon you nor did your feet swell these forty years, Deuteronomy 8:1-4.

The book of Deuteronomy is a recapitulation of the Ten Commandments and much of the Mosaic Law. If human beings possess a sinful nature, they are also forgetful. Subsequently, God called Moses to write this book to remind the Israelites of God’s law. The selected passage above highlights Israel’s journey from Egypt to God’s promised land. This trip should have taken about a month by foot, but disobedience and grumbling turned arriving tomorrow into forty years later. When God puts the next phase of your life on hold, follow Solomon’s advice in Proverbs 3:5-6 to fight through the battle between time and following God’s will for your life.

by Jay Mankus

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May Any Curse Fall Upon Me

Posted on June 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A mother’s love serves as the backstory for the 2000 heist film Gone in 60 Seconds starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. Cage plays a former car boosting ringleader who retired and moved away to honor his mother’s request. However, when Memphis Raines finds out his little brother is in a major bind, Cage returns home to ask his mother for permission to do what is necessary to rescue him. In today’s featured passage, the rolls are reversed as a loving mother does what she can to improve the future of her little boy.

So now, my son, do exactly as I command you. 9 Go now to the flock, and from it bring me two good and suitable kids; and I will make them into appetizing meat for your father, such as he loves. 10 And you shall bring it to your father, that he may eat and declare his blessing upon you before his death, Genesis 27:8-10.

Any mother wants the best for their child. Mothers have a habit of bragging about their only child or children, showing images and or videos of their latest accomplishment. As for Rebekah, she grew fond of Jacob as they spent quality time in the kitchen, cooking meals together. When Rebekah heard about her husband’s plan to bless Esau, she couldn’t resist the opportunity to give Jacob the future that she hoped for and prayed about. When Jacob began to second guess their plan, Rebekah vows to take all responsibility if it falls apart.

But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Listen, Esau my brother is a hairy man and I am a smooth man.12 Suppose my father feels me; I will seem to him to be a cheat and an imposter, and I will bring [his] curse on me and not [his] blessing. 13 But his mother said to him, On me be your curse, my son; only obey my word and go, fetch them to me. 14 So [Jacob] went, got [the kids], and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared appetizing meat with a delightful odor, such as his father loved, Genesis 27:11-14.

At the conclusion of Gone in 60 Seconds, the detective pursuing Memphis Raines is nearly killed as Memphis saves his life. Before departing, Delroy Lindo touches on why Memphis came back to save his kid brother, ‘a mother’s love is a mother’s love.” Subsequently, when Rebekah replies in the passage above, “let any curse fall upon me,” this is a motherly instinct coming out of her. While every human being participates in some sort of questionable activities, Romans 3:23, let all you do be done in a spirit of love, 1 Corinthians 16:14.

by Jay Mankus

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