Category Archives: truth

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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Coming to a Place Where You Let the Lord Lead

Posted on June 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I’ve become pretty good at playing the What if Game over the past few years. If you’re not careful, the what ifs in life can become an excuse for you not to move on following an unexpected disappointment, failure or setback. Rather than asking God for a Do-over, maybe everything has happened up to this point to persuade you to finally come to a place in your life where you’re ready to yield total control over to the Lord?

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the [w]span of his life? 28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and [x]learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. 29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his [y]magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? – Matthew 6:26-30

On one of my most recent visits to Liberty University, I attended my daughter Lydia’s church Breakthrough. This church meets in a coffee shop called La Vida which is near the campus of Lynchburg University where my oldest son James is in the process of completing his doctorate in Physical Therapy. As for the church service, following a moving time of worship, the sermon was about reaching a place in your life where you’re willing to let the Lord lead you. Romans 10:9-11.

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? 32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. 33 But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:31-34.

In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains what it means to let God lead your life. The first step concerns overcoming anxiety and worry. When faith takes the place of these two stressful conditions, attaining peace becomes possible. Hpwever, the key ingredient to coming to a place where the Lord will lead you involves seeking after God’s kingdom and righteousness. Just as the beatitudes set the tone for the beginning of this famous speech, when you let go and let God lead, everything else is provided by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 18: The Spiritual Evolution of Kansas

Posted on June 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Dust in the Wind is commonplace in the state of Kansas as farmlands are tilled each spring. However, Dust in the Wind is one of the most iconic songs from the Rock band simply known as Kansas. When I recently listened to the lyrics of this song, I am reminded of the passage below. Every band goes through phases that are highlighted by each album. After lead singer Kerry Livgren left Kansas, he completed the spiritual journey that began with the simple idea of dust in the wind.

In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you shall return, Genesis 3:19.

One thing that I noticed about Livgren is that he was way ahead of his time. Livgren’s Phd in music is on full display in the Decade Album. While he doesn’t use a hammer dulcimer like Rich Mullins, each song contains a distinct sound with a vast collection of instruments and synthesizers. Although I understand lifelong fans of Kansas may not appreciate Kerry’s solo career, the lyrics do reveal Livgren’s spiritual evolution as an artist and Christian. I hope you enjoy the attached You Tube this week.

by Jay Mankus

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An Adult Who Actually Takes Responsibility for Their Actions?

Posted on June 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As I have traveled up and down the east coast of the United States, I see a common trend within adult leaders. Whether this is inside a church, local government or workplace, “do as I say, not as I do,” is demonstrated by daily actions. Subsequently, it’s rare when an adult actually takes responsibility for their own actions. While studying the life of Isaac, I was surprised by Rebekah’s actions in the passage below.

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 27:11-13.

In this age of wokeness, discipline is now considered racist according to CRT. Subsequently, if rules are no longer able to be enforced, chaos ensues as crime rises. If America could return to their Judeo-Christian heritage, personal responsibility would one day become the norm again. As for now, there are hints of adults who actually take responsibility for their actions in the Bible like Rebekah.

Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked [g]by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and [h]that only is what he will reap. 8 For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life, Galatians 6:7-8.

While Rebekah tells her son Jacob, let any curse fall upon me, there’s another principle in play. The apostle Paul writes about the Sowing Principle in the passage above. You reap what you sow which also may explain the passing on of the sins of the father upon their children. Although Rebekah’s plan does accomplish her goal, Jacob’s life is filled with other people like Laban who deceives him as he deceived his father. While taking responsibility for any wrong action is important, don’t forget the consequences that will follow.

by Jay Mankus

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The Well of Enmity

Posted on June 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

King Solomon is considered one of the wisest person to walk the face of the earth. People would travel throughout the Mediterranean just to hear him speak and teach. One of his statements appears multiple times in one of his books, “there is nothing new under the sun,” Ecclesiastes 1:9-18. The below passage speaks to this topic as Isaac had water disputes with his neighbors on more than one occasion.

Now Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of living [spring] water. 20 And the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, The water is ours. And he named the well Esek [contention] because they quarreled with him. 21 Then [his servants] dug another well, and they quarreled over that also; so he named it Sitnah [enmity], Genesis 26:19-21.

Due to the reality of Ephesians 6:12, this is a battle taking place every day in the spiritual realm. Enmity is the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. Just tune into social media or the television and you’ll find words full of poison and venom. Like a debate that leads to a disagreement, tensions mount the longer this discussion continues, we all have our own well of enmity.

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. 12 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 6:10-12.

If you’re not covered with a hedge of protection via prayer, you become vulnerable to master spirits and spiritual forces of evil that exist today. You may not notice this enmity right away until an unexpected stranger says something or does something that gets under your skin. As you cope with your own wells of enmity, consider the words of 1 Peter 3:9 so that you’re open and willing to repay any evil thrown at you with a blessing.

by Jay Mankus

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