Category Archives: Truth

Preserving Life

Posted on October 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Of all the prayers I’ve prayed over the past 40 years, preserving life wasn’t one of them. Perhaps, I was so focused on dealing with and enduring daily trials that my thoughts were elsewhere. Based upon the context of today’s featured passage, preserving life is a sign of God’s providence. While human beings are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, God is working behind the scenes to preserve life.

And Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me, I pray you. And they did so. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt! 5 But now, do not be distressed and disheartened or vexed and angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life, Genesis 45:4-5.

The human desire to want everything in life immediately or on your own terms isn’t realistic. Yet, you should be careful what you wish for as this may not be aligned with God’s will, Romans 12:1-2. Desperation has a way of influencing individuals to make poor decisions, especially when earthly cravings are allowed to go unchecked, 1 John 2:15-17. This portion of the life of Joseph helps readers realize that God is working quietly behind the scenes to preserve life.

For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years more in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a posterity and to continue a remnant on the earth, to save your lives by a great escape and save for you many survivors, Genesis 45:6-7.

One of the key principles to self-preservation is having a plan and vision for the future, Hosea 4:6. Joseph warns his brothers about the future as 5 more years of drought will strike the land. Due to the vision provided to Joseph by the Lord, Egypt was set up for success to endure this 7-year famine. Therefore, if you want to find success in life, put your trust in the Lord and God will make your paths straight, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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Shine Like an African Impala

Posted on October 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was introduced to songs about deer and antelope. Mutual of Omaha aired wildlife documentaries featuring cheetah, ostrich, and giraffes. However, it wasn’t until a recent sermon that I was informed of the unique abilities of the African Impala. Despite being smaller than antelope, impalas possess a ten-foot vertical and long jump thirty feet with a running start.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

While the African Impala possess the physical talents of an Olympian champion, they have one flaw that limits their God given abilities. When enclosed inside a fence that blocks their ability to see outside this barrier, impala stay penned in. African Impala’s walk by sight, not by faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7. Like an athlete that loses their confidence, don’t let failure diminish God’s power to rise above from any set back in life, 2 Timothy 1:7.

My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. 24 Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. 25 Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. 26 Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright, Proverbs 4:20-26.

When I was sixteen, I was told that I would never run again due to a freak cross-country injury. While the science and subsequent surgery stood against my faith, I didn’t give up believing. Just like the African impala who forget their abilities, I couldn’t imagine a life without athletics or running. Thanks to members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who covered me with their prayers, this seemingly impossible barrier was removed so I could shine like the African Impala.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Can’t See Progress… Trust in God’s Presence

Posted on October 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you are an emotional person like me, waiting to see progress in life can become frustrating. Whenever anxiety begins to overwhelm you, this is when you have to remember the words of the apostle Paul, “walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7. What this is essentially suggesting is that when you can’t see progress, trust in signs of God’s presence, Romans 1:20.

Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight. And [Lord, do] consider that this nation is Your people. 14 And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest, Exodus 33:13-14.

As a former teacher, I am always reminded of the power of history. The apostle Paul writes an entire chapter on the history of Israel for the Church at Corinth so that they could learn from the mistakes of the past, 1 Corinthians 10:1-7. Quoting the writings of George Santayana, ” those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it?” This is where faith and trusting in God comes into play.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety, 10 For You will not abandon me to Sheol (the place of the dead), neither will You suffer Your holy one [Holy One] to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore, Psalm 16:9-11.

The above passage is from David. As a humble shepherd, David never imagined that one day he would become king of Israel. David is a prime example that when you can’t see progress, trust in God’s presence. When I recently listened to the words of 1 Samuel 17:44-49, David rejected the requested armor and placed his sole trust in his God given ability to sling a rock. Therefore, the next time you sense your faith about to waver, trust in God’s presence and power, 2 Timothy 1:7.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Want to Become the Fall Guy

Posted on October 17, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origin of the expression fall guy comes from the Old Testament in Leviticus 16:1-34. Moses introduces the concept of a scapegoat in this passage. In recent years, scapegoat has been replaced with fall guy, using prison terminology meaning let me take the blame, become the fall guy by receiving the punishment. This is what Judah attempts to do in today’s featured passage.

Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life and his soul knit with the lad’s soul, 31 When he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants will be responsible for his death and will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol, Genesis 44:30-31.

In the second year of the great famine in Egypt, Joseph’s brothers weren’t able to return to buy grain unless they brought their younger brother with him. The governor of Egypt, Joseph in disguise, wanted to physically see his baby brother. Initially, Jacob was not going to let his youngest boy old of his sight. However, Judah realized that the only way to buy grain was for him to become the fall guy if anything happened to Benjamin.

For your servant became security for the lad to my father, saying, If I do not bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever. 33 Now therefore, I pray you, let your servant remain instead of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, and let the young man go home with his [half] brothers, Genesis 44:32-33.

When a practical joke played by Joseph goes too far, Judah pleads with the governor of Egypt. Judah asks to speak alone with the governor, revealing the promise and vow made to his father. When Benjamin is set up, framed for a crime he didn’t commit, he was facing a lifetime commitment to become the governor’s slave. This is Judah’s inspiration for wanting to become the fall guy. When you face future dire situations, may you stand tall to do what’s necessary to help those in need.

by Jay Mankus

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You Can’t Let this Happen

Posted on October 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When the guilty get caught in the act of a transgression or wrongdoing, a spirit of desperation tends to take over. As a teenager, I witnessed many classmates and friends, beg and barter with a teacher to avoid consequences. Sometimes this was successful, but as most were being handed an after-school suspension, a common final plea was “you can’t let this happen!”

When he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants will be responsible for his death and will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. 32 For your servant became security for the lad to my father, saying, If I do not bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever, Genesis 44:31-32.

As the governor of Egypt is about to make Benjamin his slave for life, Judah asks to have a word with him in private. Judah provides context for what he is about to share. My father who is old had an inclination that something bad was going to happen Benjamin, his youngest son. Judah is using a scare tactic, implying that if you let this happen my father is going to die of a heart attack.

Now therefore, I pray you, let your servant remain instead of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, and let the young man go home with his [half] brothers. 34 For how can I go up to my father if the lad is not with me?—lest I witness the woe and the evil that will come upon my father, Genesis 44:33-34.

Whenever the inconceivable turns into reality, certain events are hard to grasp and fathom. Judah becomes so desperate, dreading the consequence of not wanting to go home without Benjamin, he offers up his own life to become the governor’s slave. After getting the governor alone in a room, Judah pours out his heart, pleading to not let this happen to Benjamin. While few people are successful with this plea, if your heart is right sometimes your prayer will be answered like Judah.

by Jay Mankus

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Breaking Through the Darkness

Posted on October 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My past two months can only be described as dealing with a series of strange and unforeseen events. Part of me wondered if all of my setbacks were a sign from God to find another job. Yet, when the dust settled, and I finally received the requested shift that I needed, my soul was relieved as if God was showing me how to break through the darkness in this world.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil, Ephesians 6:10-11.

Unfortunately, the degree of spiritual darkness that you encounter in life can be overwhelming. During a conversation with Satan in Job 1:6-10, our spiritual opponent recognizes the importance of placing a hedge of protection over believers. When Christians stop praying for one another, the ability to break through spiritual darkness becomes harder.

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:12.

The apostle Paul highlights what human beings are up against in the passage above. While most people blame individuals for getting under their skin, spiritual forces of evil are working behind the scenes to create havoc. The key phrase to breaking through the darkness is to remember you’re not wrestling with flesh and blood. The real battle is supernatural, ongoing in the spiritual realm as detailed by Frank Peritti in his books Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 37: The Christian Version of the Outfield

Posted on October 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a high school athlete, I used music to mentally prepare me for my next competition. Whether I was about to run a race, swim or play a round of golf, playing certain albums became part of my pregame ritual. The Outfield’s Play Deep album was one of my go to selections to pump me up so I could succeed. After listening to the attached You Tube of the Christian band Anberlin, I could feel the Outfield vibe in a couple of their songs.

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 3:16.

After doing a search for the top Christian rock bands of all time, Anberlin appeared 5th, well inside the top 10. While the titles of their songs and lyrics won’t blow you away like modern day worship groups, Anberlin’s sound appeals to a secular audience. If the Great Commission is based upon going into the whole world to spread the gospel, Acts 1:8, Anberlin’s music has the ability to reach people that you and I can’t. May the attached You Tube speak to your heart this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Amoral or Ignorant?

Posted on October 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As public education in America continues to decline year after year, learning has been replaced by inclusion, equity, and diversity. As more and more high school graduates fail to meet basic reading and writing standards, a new generation of individuals aren’t being taught the importance of morality in every aspect of life. When many of these former students become adults, don’t be surprised if they are amoral, not knowing right from wrong.

Furthermore, [a]brethren, we beg and admonish you in [virtue of our union with] the Lord Jesus, that [you follow the instructions which] you learned from us about how you ought to walk so as to please and gratify God, as indeed you are doing, [and] that you do so even more and more abundantly [attaining yet greater perfection in living this life]. 2 For you know what charges and precepts we gave you [[b]on the authority and by the inspiration of] the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3.

In the first century, the apostle Paul explains another reason for immoral behavior. During numerous missionary trips, Paul met individuals who he describes as ignorant. Apparently, Thessalonica was a breeding ground for people who were ignorant of faith in God. Perhaps, many of these individuals were taught to trust themselves as a child. Subsequently, trusting in God was a sign of weakness to many living in Thessalonica.

That each one of you should know how to [c]possess (control, manage) his own [d]body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, 5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5.

The apostle Paul addresses the issue of being amoral and ignorant in the fourth chapter of his letter to the Church at Thessalonica. Paul uses common sense to introduce this topic with maintaining self-control. Paul addresses this issue in Romans 8:5-8 and Galatians 5:16-18 where morality comes down to following the Holy Spirit or indulging your flesh. When Christians develop a Christ like mindset, 1 Timothy 1:16, ignorance will be replaced by faith in Christ, Galatians 2:20-21.

by Jay Mankus

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Let Not Your Anger Blaze

Posted on October 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I first became a full-time youth director in Columbus, Indiana, I was taking over a youth ministry with great student leaders already in place. Prior to my arrival, students named their youth group BLAZ: Bible, Love and Zeal. Subsequently, whenever I see the word blaze, I am reminded of the great memories from the spiritual fire these teenagers possessed.

Then Judah came close to [Joseph] and said, O my lord, let your servant, I pray you, speak a word to you in private, and let not your anger blaze against your servant, for you are as Pharaoh [so I will speak as if directly to him], Genesis 44:18.

However, in the passage above, Moses is referring to blaze in the context of anger. When a servant or an individual with the status of a nobody, questioning people in power can be dangerous. This is why Judah uses the expression “don’t let your anger blaze.” Judah uses this as a way to soften the governor’s reaction by raising a question.

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. 27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. 28 Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. 29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it, Ephesians 4:26-29.

From a modern perspective, the apostle Paul’s words to the Church at Ephesus provide sound advice about losing your cool. Paul suggests that you should immediately deal with anger. The worst thing you can do is let the sun go down while you’re still angry at someone. This gives the Devil a foothold in your life and opens the door for your anger to blaze and explode. May today’s passage help assist anyone with anger management issues.

by Jay Mankus

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When a Practical Joke Goes Too Far

Posted on October 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I was introduced to practical jokes as a child after moving from New Jersey to Delaware. While I can’t take the credit for being the mastermind behind the most successful ones, I became good at playing my assigned role. The most memorable one was faking my friend Stephen’s death, set up by a game of Truth or Dare earlier in the day. However, when my neighbor Hope began bawling her eyes out, I knew we had gone too far.

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man’s money in his sack’s mouth. 2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, with his grain money. And [the steward] did according to what Joseph had said. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. 4 When they had left the city and were not yet far away, Joseph said to his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, Why have you rewarded evil for good? [Why have you stolen the silver cup?] – Genesis 44:1-4

When you grow up with older brothers who sold you into slavery and faked your own death, you might develop some resentment over the years. To those who have been on the wrong end of a practical joke will feel motivated to get even when the timing is right. According to Moses, when Joseph is governor of Egypt, he toys with his brothers. However, when his second practical joke might end up giving his own father a heart attack, he comes to his senses.

And if you take this son also from me, and harm or accident should befall him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow and evil to Sheol (the place of the dead). 30 Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life and his soul knit with the lad’s soul, 31 When he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants will be responsible for his death and will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. 32 For your servant became security for the lad to my father, saying, If I do not bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever. 33 Now therefore, I pray you, let your servant remain instead of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, and let the young man go home with his [half] brothers. 34 For how can I go up to my father if the lad is not with me?—lest I witness the woe and the evil that will come upon my father, Genesis 44:29-34.

Rather than end a practical joke with laughter, Joseph’s emotions got the best of him, Genesis 45:1-2. According to Moses, Joseph sobs like a baby, weeping so loud that officials outside this room could hear him weeping. At this moment, Joseph realized it’s time for the truth to come out, I am your brother Joseph. The next time you get caught up in an amusing practical joke, read the room so that your stunt doesn’t go too far.

by Jay Mankus

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