Category Archives: truth

Casting a Shadow on God’s Help

Posted on June 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The lyrics of the classic Who song “Who Are You” popped into my head after reading today’s features passages. Every human being is wired in a specific way. I call this our default mode based upon our DNA and upbringing as a child. Despite how gifted and talented you may be, deficiencies exist as everyone falls short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23. If you ever struggle with doubt, you likely cast a shadow on God’s help in and over your life.

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of [b]the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. 7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, James 1:5-7.

Jesus’ earthly brother, one of Joseph and Mary’s other children, compared doubt to a crashing wave in the midst of a storm. The longer doubt remains in your mind, fear will spread throughout your life. James may be referring to what C.S. Lewis called theological virtues in Mere Christianity. While any human being has access to Cardinal Virtues like temperance, prudence, justice, and fortitude, faith, hope and charity are limited to only those who possess a personal relationship with Jesus.

Every good gift and every perfect ([d]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse], James 1:19.

However, even Christian’s struggle with doubt, especially when you experience trials and tribulations. This is when the Devil fills believer’s minds with ungodly beliefs. If these unwholesome beliefs aren’t corrected by Scripture, even prayers lifted up will cause a shadow on God’s ability to help. Therefore, the next time anxieties strike you like a powerful wave of doubt, remember who the Giver of all good and perfect gifts. This knowledge should turn an overcast sky into a bright sunny day, full of faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Living Your Life Based Upon the Children You Bear

Posted on June 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever parents are expecting their first child, there is usually some sort of conversation about what their name will be. Two lists will be made, names will be added and crossed out until an ultrasound determines the sex of your soon to be child. As I recently studied the life and children of Jacob, two interesting observations stuck out. First, it appears that Jacob allowed Leah and Rachel to name all of his boys. Second, Leah and Rachel based their overall success in life on the total amount of children they helped conceive.

 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister, and said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I will die! 2 And Jacob became very angry with Rachel and he said, Am I in God’s stead, Who has denied you children? 3 And she said, See here, take my maid Bilhah and have intercourse with her; and [when the baby comes] she shall deliver it upon my knees, that I by her may also have children. 4 And she gave him Bilhah her maid as a [secondary] wife, and Jacob had intercourse with her. 5 And Bilhah became pregnant and bore Jacob a son. 6 And Rachel said, God has judged and vindicated me, and has heard my plea and has given me a son; so she named him Dan [judged], Genesis 30:1-6.

In the absence of television and social media, activities and conversations were likely an integral part of daily life in the Old Testament. The storyteller of the family would likely recount funny and meaningful events depending upon the audience. At some point, Jacob would have revealed the blessing that he received from Isaac as well as God’s promise to have numerous descendants, like counting stars in the sky on a clear evening. This topic likely triggered a competition between two sisters who appear to place their success is life based upon how many children they each bear.

And Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 And Rachel said, With mighty wrestlings [in prayer to God] I have struggled with my sister and have prevailed; so she named him [this second son Bilhah bore] Naphtali [struggled]. 9 When Leah saw that she had ceased to bear, she gave Zilpah her maid to Jacob as a [secondary] wife. 10 And Zilpah, Leah’s maid, bore Jacob a son. 11 Then Leah said, Victory and good fortune have come; and she named him Gad [fortune], 12 Zilpah, Leah’s maid, bore Jacob [her] second son. 13 And Leah said, I am happy, for women will call me blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied); and she named him Asher [happy], Genesis 30:7-13.

Like two guys trying to outdo their friend, Leah and Rachel go back and forth, thanking God for each child born either by them or their maid. Unfortunately, Jacob appears to be caught in the middle, trying to please two fragile women and their maids. As this quest continues, the twelve tribes of Israel are being formed, named after Jacob’s sons. While Leah may be the winner on paper, bearing the most children, Rachel’s first boy that she conceived is the most famous, Joseph. Despite this sibling rivalry, it’s clear from Moses’ words that God is still in control through it all.

by Jay Mankus

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Mighty Wrestlings in Prayer

Posted on June 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Wrestling is something sibling brothers or jealous teenagers do to determine who is stronger and more superior to the other. Yet, each Christian and troubled soul can recall a time in their lives when a sudden unforeseen event prompted you to begin a mighty wrestling in prayer with God. As Rachel struggled to come to grips with her barren womb, she cried out to the Lord for answers.

And Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 And Rachel said, With mighty wrestlings [in prayer to God] I have struggled with my sister and have prevailed; so she named him [this second son Bilhah bore] Naphtali [struggled], Genesis 30:7-8.

Sometimes prayer lives need some sort of trigger to be awakened. Looking back on my own life, before having children, I would often run out of things to pray for. Yet, as each of my three kids were born three years apart, there always seems to be a situation or scenario that has prompted an urgent response via prayer. The greater the situation, the mightier the wrestlings in prayer.

 And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! 28 And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed, Genesis 32:24-28.

Two chapters later, Jacob has his own personal experience of wrestling with God. Praying can be physical and or emotional draining on your body. However, in the case of Jacob, this wrestling is with an entity initially described as a man. Yet, Moses notes that Jacob actually wrestled with God. While this is hard to grasp, praying is an acknowledgement that you can’t do something on your own. Therefore, as the next crisis enters your life, don’t be afraid of mighty wrestlings with God.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 21: A Blend of Joan Jett and Guns N’ Roses

Posted on June 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon who is singing lead vocals on a particular song for Fighter, you’ll hear a man or woman’s voice. Leave it to a group from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who appear to fight over the microphone on Fighter’s the Waiting Album. While Amy Wolter and Sean Murphy alternate singing lead and backup vocals, Amy’s voice gives off a Joan Jett vibe. Meanwhile, Sean shines during ballads and metal songs with a guitar feel of Guns N’ Roses.

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Since every song on the attached album provides a different sound, the Waiting album screams 1980’s like an ode to popular artists of this decade. You can tell from listening to this album a couple of times through influences from Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Guns N’ Roses, Heart, and Pat Benatar. If you like anyone of these groups, you’ll find at least one of Fighter’s songs that will connect with your soul. I hope enjoy your introduction to Fighter this week.

by Jay Mankus

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The Human Side of the Bible

Posted on June 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Emotion runs deep within every young man and woman. When you add the element of physical and sexual relationships into this equation, emotions can become raw. As a young bride is eager to have children, Moses describes Rachel as an emotional wreck. After years of trying, Rachel approaches her husband, hoping for some type of sympathy. This is the context which illuminates the passage below, touching on the human side of the Bible.

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister, and said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I will die! 2 And Jacob became very angry with Rachel and he said, Am I in God’s stead, Who has denied you children? – Genesis 30:1-2

There are certain things in life that only men and women can identify with or understand. When a woman loses an infant prior to being born, a husband can try to console her, yet not have a clue on how she actually feels. At this point in the Old Testament, a woman’s success was based upon how many children she gave birth to. Subsequently, Rachel’s emotional outburst in the passage above magnifies the human aspect of the Bible.

Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. 15 Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—Hebrews 12:14-15.

Similar to the envy and jealousy that waged war upon Cain’s soul in Genesis 4:6-7, Rachel reached her breaking point. Meanwhile, the roots of bitterness due to Leah’s ability to have children forced Rachel to publicly announce the pain within her heart. Although her individual quest to have children were put on hold, Rachel relied on her own maid to bear what she could not currently conceive. Based upon a recent study, 12-15% of women in America understand Rachel’s pain. May this portion of the Bible help readers connect with the human element of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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How About Them Love Apples?

Posted on June 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Hollywood movies have certain scenes that speak directly to you. Depending upon your ethnic background, family income and upbringing, some classic scenes will stir your soul. Such is the case of Matt Damon in Goodwill Hunting who plays a janitor surrounded by the smartest students in the country. As two MIT men try to hit on Skylar, it’s Will who ends up walking away with her phone number. This sets the stage for Will’s line: “how do you like them apples.”

Now Reuben went at the time of wheat harvest and found some mandrakes (love apples) in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray you, some of your son’s mandrakes. 15 But [Leah] answered, Is it not enough that you have taken my husband without your taking away my son’s [a]mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Jacob shall sleep with you tonight [in exchange] for your son’s mandrakes, Genesis 30:14-15.

If you have ever spent much time with two sisters, there’s often some sort of competition to determine superiority. When Leah’s oldest child discovers mandrakes in Jacob’s wheat field, Reuben treats these as a special find. Meanwhile, Moses refers to these as love apples as if a blessing from God. Jealous and hungry, Rachel asks her sister for a couple of mandrakes. When Leah rejects this request, Rachel goes to plan B which benefits both parties.

And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him and said, You must sleep with me [tonight], for I have certainly paid your hire with my son’s mandrakes. So he slept with her that night. 17 And God heeded Leah’s [prayer], and she conceived and bore Jacob [her] fifth son. 18 Leah said, God has given me my hire, because I have given my maid to my husband; and she called his name Issachar [hired]. 19 And Leah became pregnant again and bore Jacob [her] sixth son. 20 Then Leah said, God has endowed me with a good marriage gift [for my husband]; now will he dwell with me [and regard me as his wife in reality], because I have borne him six sons; and she named him Zebulun [dwelling], Genesis 30:16-20.

Based upon Moses’ description of Reuben’s mandrakes, Leah and Rachel are both able to bear children after eating this special treat. Perhaps, this is why the mandrakes are referred to as love apples as God enables Leah and Rachel to each conceive. Whether these mandrakes served as a placebo or a coincidence prior to being blessed with children, the next time you see Good Will Hunting, don’t forget about them love apples in the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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The Making of a Con-Artist

Posted on June 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A Con-Artist is a person who cheats or tricks others by persuading individuals to believe something that is not true. Attributes of con-artists include the ability to manipulate people into doing what they don’t want to do. In the passage below, Laban found out that Jacob kissed his youngest daughter. Rather than pay Jacob to work for him, he lets Jacob decide how he wants to be paid. Head over heels for Rachel, Laban agrees to give her away, but Jacob must work for him for 7 years.

When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his uncle, Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and watered the flock of his uncle Laban. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and he wept aloud. 12 Jacob told Rachel he was her father’s relative, Rebekah’s son; and she ran and told her father. 13 When Laban heard of the arrival of Jacob his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and embraced and kissed him and brought him to his house. And [Jacob] told Laban all these things. 14 Then Laban said to him, Surely you are my bone and my flesh. And [Jacob] stayed with him a month. 15 Then Laban said to Jacob, Just because you are my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be? – Genesis 29:10-15

Sometimes you have to give con-artists the benefit of doubt. As for Laban, maybe he thought that some other man would come into Leah’s life to sweep her off and live happily ever after prior to Rachel’s planned wedding. As the courtship of Jacob and Rachel came to an end, Leah remained single, placing Laban into a no-win situation. If honesty is t he best policy, Laban turned to alcohol to deceive Jacob like he deceived his father Isaac years earlier.

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. 21 Finally, Jacob said to Laban, Give me my wife, for my time is completed, so that I may take her to me. 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast [with drinking]. 23 But when night came, he took Leah his daughter and brought her to [Jacob], who had intercourse with her. 24 And Laban gave Zilpah his maid to his daughter Leah to be her maid. 25 But in the morning [Jacob saw his wife, and] behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? Did I not work for you [all those seven years] for Rachel? Why then have you deceived and cheated and thrown me down [like this]? 26 And Laban said, It is not permitted in our country to give the younger [in marriage] before the elder, Genesis 29:20-26.

Back in ancient times, Jewish weddings would last a week which as illustrated in John 2:1-11. When Jacob got really drunk, it wasn’t hard for Laban to switch brides. While Moses doesn’t mention Rachel’s displeasure or frustration, Jacob is forced to wait until the end of the week, when the wedding party has ceased, to consecrate his marriage with Rachel. Nonetheless, a good con-artist doesn’t waste any opportunities, forcing Jacob to work another 7 years for Laban. Based upon Moses description of Laban within this chapter of the Bible is the making of a con-artist or God simply used Laban’s personality to teach Jacob the lesson: you reap what you sow.

by Jay Mankus

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If Three is a Crowd… Four is Absolute Chaos

Posted on June 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origin of the expression “three’s a crowd” comes from John Ray’s 1678 collection of English Proverbs. While Ray does not record this exact saying, he was the first to suggest this notion: “One’s too few, three too many.” As Moses recounts the life of Jacob, the Bible provides readers with the first ever Soap Opera. Sister Wives isn’t just the name of a reality show, Jacob found himself in the midst of a bitter quest for attention between Leah and Rachel and their personal maids. After studying Genesis 29-30, three maybe a crowd, but four wives brought chaos to Jacob’s life.

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister, and said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I will die! 2 And Jacob became very angry with Rachel and he said, Am I in God’s stead, Who has denied you children? 3 And she said, See here, take my maid Bilhah and have intercourse with her; and [when the baby comes] she shall deliver it upon my knees, that I by her may also have children. 4 And she gave him Bilhah her maid as a [secondary] wife, and Jacob had intercourse with her. 5 And Bilhah became pregnant and bore Jacob a son. 6 And Rachel said, God has judged and vindicated me, and has heard my plea and has given me a son; so she named him Dan [judged], Genesis 30:1-6.

The context of this family drama began with a promise from God to Abraham and Isaac: descendants as numerous as stars in the sky. When Jacob deceived Isaac into receiving the blessing of the first son, Leah and Rachel longed to fulfill this by having as many children as possible. The only problem was Rachel’s womb remained barren for years and Leah wasn’t able to have children for extended period of time following the birth of her third child. Subsequently, Rachel turned to her maid Bilhah as a secondary wife. Following this alternative solution, Leah tried to one up her sister by giving her maid Zilpah as a secondary wife as well. If 3 wives are a crowd, Jacob’s 4th wife resulted in a chaotic household.

When Leah saw that she had ceased to bear, she gave Zilpah her maid to Jacob as a [secondary] wife. 10 And Zilpah, Leah’s maid, bore Jacob a son. 11 Then Leah said, Victory and good fortune have come; and she named him Gad [fortune]. 12 Zilpah, Leah’s maid, bore Jacob [her] second son. 13 And Leah said, I am happy, for women will call me blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied); and she named him Asher [happy], Genesis 30:9-13.

According to 1 Kings 11:1-3, Solomon acquired 700 wives and 300 concubines. If the one of the wisest human beings to walk the face of the earth couldn’t resist the temptation of multiple wives, Jacob opened the door for polygamy by attempting to please his four wives. While Moses doesn’t spend that much time addressing Jacob’s chaotic household, you can sense the friction between Leah and Rachel. As each sister bases their happiness by the amount of children they provide for Jacob, a dysfunctional relationship develops. As you read Moses’ summary of Jacob’s life, may you learn to be thankful for what you have and not what you don’t.

by Jay Mankus

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Family Quirks

Posted on June 20, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Rebekah and Laban are introduced as brother and sister by Moses in Genesis 24:29. While Moses does mention a meal at this family’s home, over the course of 5 chapters in Genesis family quirks of these siblings are revealed. Not much is known about Bethuel son of Milcah, but it appears that Bethuel passed on the generation sin of deception to his children.

But Rebekah heard what Isaac said to Esau his son; and when Esau had gone to the open country to hunt for game that he might bring it, 6 Rebekah said to Jacob her younger son, See here, I heard your father say to Esau your brother, 7 Bring me game and make me appetizing meat, so that I may eat and declare my blessing upon you before the Lord before my death. 8 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. 11 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, Genesis 27:5-13.

The first mention of generational sins is found in the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:5-6. This briefly interrupts Moses’ list, pointing out that God is jealous and vows to visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children as long as 3 or 4 generations.” In this politically sensitive and woke culture, sins may be referred to as family quirks, subtle imperfections that make a family unique.

Then Jacob kissed Rachel and he wept aloud. 12 Jacob told Rachel he was her father’s relative, Rebekah’s son; and she ran and told her father. 13 When Laban heard of the arrival of Jacob his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and embraced and kissed him and brought him to his house. And [Jacob] told Laban all these things. 14 Then Laban said to him, Surely you are my bone and my flesh. And [Jacob] stayed with him a month. 15 Then Laban said to Jacob, Just because you are my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be? 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak and dull looking, but Rachel was beautiful and attractive. 18 And Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, I will work for you for seven years for Rachel your younger daughter, Genesis 29:11-18.

At some point, Laban and Rebekah were introduced to pranks and practical jokes as Moses highlights acts of deception pulled off by the children of Bethuel. Rachel deceived her own husband Isaac so that Jacob, her favorite son, would receive the blessing of the firstborn. Meanwhile, Laban is successful in getting Jacob to work for free for 14 years due to his love for Rachel. Since no family is perfect, quirks define who we currently are and who we will become.

by Jay Mankus

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This Reuben is More Than a Sandwich

Posted on June 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When it comes to tradition lunch menus, I prefer a Club Sandwich. Meanwhile, my wife Leanne enjoys a hot Reuben sandwich from time to time. However, as I was reading Moses’ summary of the life of Jacob, I stumbled upon the biblical meaning of the name Reuben. When Leah gave birth to her first child, Reuben means “see a son.” For Leah, this child gave her hope of a loving husband.

And when the Lord saw that Leah was despised, He made her able to bear children, but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah became pregnant and bore a son and named him Reuben [See, a son!]; for she said, Because the Lord has seen my humiliation and affliction; now my husband will love me, Genesis 29:31-32.

Moses’ description of Leah reveals an average looking woman with a birth defect. Perhaps, Rachel’s amazing physical features magnified Leah’s deficiencies. Nonetheless, Leah developed a belief that if she was able to bear children, maybe Jacob would start to look at her the way he gazes upon her sister Rachel. The one thing Leah had on Rachel was the ability to bear children.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent, Psalm 34:17-18.

As revisionist historians rewrite American textbooks, the spiritual foundation of North American in the form of the Magna Carta have been erased. Meanwhile, biblical names like Reuben have been forgotten, replaced by a popular lunch menu. However, for Leah, the birth of Reuben was an answer to prayer, “the Lord has seen my humiliation and affliction.” In the back of Leah’s mind, Reuben’s presence had the chance to transform her marriage. While this never happened, the boy named Reuben is absolutely more than a sandwich.

by Jay Mankus

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