Don’t Let Envy and Jealousy Ruin Your Heart

Posted on August 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When one of the wisest individuals in the Bible urges readers to guard their hearts, Proverbs 4:23, this warning should be heeded. If King Solomon compares human hearts to the well spring of life, erosion and ground water runoff can contaminate this spiritual well. Based upon Moses’ suggestion in the passage below, envy and jealousy filled the hearts of Joseph’s brothers with hatred.

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a [distinctive] long tunic with sleeves. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved [Joseph] more than all of his brothers, they hated him and could not say, Peace [in friendly greeting] to him or speak peaceably to him, Genesis 37:3-4.

From a sociology perspective, the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society, there will be certain personality types that will get under your skin. These individuals tend to be more boastful, confident or outspoken. Despite how blessed, gifted and talented people in your life may be, remember that God has a specific plan for everyone, 1 Corinthians 12:1-7.

You have heard that it was said to the men of old, You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be [ac]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court. 22 But I say to you that everyone who continues to be [ad]angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be [ae]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be [af]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You [ag]cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be [ah]liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire, Matthew 5:21-22.

Jesus uses the Sermon on the Mount to warn those in attendance of the dangers of envy and jealousy. While the apostle Paul writes, “in your anger do not sin,” Ephesians 4:26, Jesus goes deeper, pointing to your heart. Luke 6:45 reveals that your mouth speaks out of the overflow of your heart. Therefore, before hatred is conceived in your heart, stop the root of bitterness in its tracks, Hebrews 12:15. Clothe yourself with Christ, Colossians 3:12-14, so that love prevails.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 28: The Evolution from Soft to Hard Rock

Posted on August 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When it comes to music, I have a history of being late to the party. Yet, in 1989, I came across today’s featured band in one of those impulse purchases at the counter of my favorite Christian bookstore before it closed. Liaison debuted as a soft rock group, somewhere between Air Supply and Boston. Three years later, Liaison transformed into a Christian version of Cinderella.

But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, 2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 3 Who forbid people to marry and [teach them] to abstain from [certain kinds of] foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and have [an increasingly clear] knowledge of the truth, 1 Timothy 4:1-3.

Songs like Go and Sin No More and Kick It Down were on the Sampler CD that I purchased. These hit songs from Liaison’s debut album led to 4 total albums. Liaison’s second album Urgency served as a transition from soft rock to mainly rock songs. When Liaison released Hard Hitter in 1992, I believe this if their most appealing album. I hope that you have time to enjoy Liaison this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Eagerness Verses Humility

Posted on August 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Albert Mehrabian’s research appears to be the origin for the expression, “it’s not what you say, but how you say it.” Back in the 1970’s, Mehrabian suggested that only 7% of the information in speech is contained in the words. The remainder of any conversation is based upon body language, hand motions, and visual signals. Therefore, before you open your mouth to talk, make sure that eagerness doesn’t drown out a spirit of humility.

 Now Joseph had a dream and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him still more. 6 And he said to them, Listen now and hear, I pray you, this dream that I have dreamed: 7 We [brothers] were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright, and behold, your sheaves stood round about my sheaf and bowed down! – Genesis 37:5-7

Based upon my own personal experiences in life, there have been former coaches, counselors, and teachers that have made me feel worse after a one-on-one discussion. Some of this may be due to preconceived notions or stereotypes, but whenever you are being talked down to, it’s never a good feeling. Subsequently, when Joseph shares a dream with his older brothers, his eagerness to talk leaves out any sense of humility on his part.

His brothers said to him, Shall you indeed reign over us? Or are you going to have us as your subjects and dominate us? And they hated him all the more for his dreams and for what he said, Genesis 37:8.

As the youngest child in my family, I know how it feels to be picked on and teased. Yet, it’s never right to do something or say something out of spite. Perhaps, God allowed this behavior initially so that when Joseph was sold into slavery and accused of a crime he didn’t commit, these trails forced him to become humble. While most young men would have blamed God for the unjust events in their life, Joseph kept pressing on until this one dream ultimately became a reality years later.

by Jay Mankus

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An Improper Response to a Moment of Weakness

Posted on August 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Some Hollywood movies are often inspired by the main character rebounding from a crushing moment in their lives. The context for someone’s irrational decision could be following an accident, broken relationship or death of a loved one. In the passage below, Moses touches on one such improper response to a moment of weakness. After Rachel’s sudden death, Bilhah, Rachel’s former maid and Jacob’s secondary wife, seeks comfort from Reuben which gets out of hand.

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar (monument) on her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Then Israel journeyed on and spread his tent on the other side of the tower of Edar. 22 When Israel dwelt there, Reuben [his eldest son] went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Now Jacob’s sons were twelve, Genesis 35:19-22.

As someone who grew up at a local pool, adult swim was a time where the kids went outside the gate to play whiffle ball as parents enjoyed a peaceful and quiet time swimming. However, Adult Swim is often the name of a cable program that airs mature content. As I continue my study of the book of Genesis, I’m shocked by the amount of X-Rated content that catches me by surprise. First Lot’s daughter’s get dad drunk and each have sex with him; now Reuben sleeps with his dad’s wife.

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [b]adjusted and [c]adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to [d]a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Human nature is one of those mysteries in life which clouds your judgement. Although Moses doesn’t give readers a play by play on what happened or any comments like, “we shouldn’t be doing this,” sin happens. This is why the apostle Paul urges modern day Christians to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Whenever a sweeping urge of temptation consumes your soul, fight back spiritually by looking for a way out. The more you begin searching for a better alternative, the less likely you’ll find yourself immorally responding to a moment of weakness.

by Jay Mankus

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There are Certain Things That are Never Acceptable

Posted on August 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of the reasons the Democrats did surprising well in the 2022 mid-terms elections is that woman across the country thought that abortion would be banned nationwide. The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe vs. Wade decision simply turned abortion over to each state to decide for themselves. Since most Republicans didn’t have a clear and concise message on abortion, the Senate remained in the control of the Democratic party.

Now Dinah daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out [unattended] to see the girls of the place. 2 And when Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he seized her, lay with her, and humbled, defiled, and disgraced her, Genesis 34:1-2.

Today’s featured passage covers the first case of rape mentioned in the Bible. Many states placed a provision within their abortion laws to allow a mother to terminate the life of a baby in the case of rape or incest. This seems like a practical clause for extreme circumstances. Yet, the response of Dinah’s brother to their sister’s rape makes it’s clear there are certain things that aren’t acceptable.

And they said, Should he [be permitted to] deal with our sister as with a harlot? – Genesis 34:31

As America has replaced Judeo-Christian values with humanism, modern responses to rape cases are appalling. I’ve heard and seen individuals blame the woman by suggesting, “she had it coming.” Others point to probable cause, “did you see what she was wearing? She was asking for it.” While Simeon and Levi were confronted by Jacob for their vengeful actions, these two young men respond with the passage above. May today’s blog help you see that certain things like rape are never acceptable.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Sees Grown Adults Act Like Children

Posted on August 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=red+carpet+by+age+of+faith

Portions of the passage below are often found on wedding bulletins. While the number 13 is considered an unlikely number to those who study numerology, 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter of the Bible. However, after taking a closer look at the full context of the apostle Paul’s words to members of the Church at Corinth, there is a call for adults to grow up and stop acting like children.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening], 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

As I approach 54 in August, I view the Lord through the eyes of a patient father. Jesus paints God the Father in the parable of the Prodigal in Luke 15 like an old man sitting on his front porch waiting for his son to come home. Free will allows this young man in Jesus’ story to seek pleasure in temporary treasures until his wealth is squandered. Only when this man comes to his senses in Luke 15:16-18 does he put aside his childish ways.

For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect). 10 But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded). 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside, 1 Corinthians 13:9-11.

While most adults may not want to admit this, we all have a similar story to tell if you’re humble enough to confess your past sins, James 5:16. Testimonies serve as a valuable spiritual tool to lure the lost back from their prodigal ways. May today’s blog speak to your heart so that any loved ones who have gone astray will return home physically and spiritually. The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem, I’m a grown adult who has acted like a child.”

by Jay Mankus

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The Tower of Edar

Posted on August 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are certain deaths in life that will catch you off guard. One day a woman and her husband are expecting the birth of their second child and the next day Rachel is gone. If someone is old and or suffering a long-prolonged illness, you have time to prepare yourself emotionally and mentally. Unfortunately, for Jacob, Rachel’s death came as a shock, and he was forced to start a new life without her dwelling near the Towel of Edar.

And they journeyed from Bethel and had but a little way to go to Ephrath [Bethlehem] when Rachel suffered the pangs of childbirth and had hard labor. 17 When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, Do not be afraid; you shall have this son also. 18 And as her soul was departing, for she died, she called his name Ben-oni [son of my sorrow]; but his father called him Benjamin [son of the right hand], Genesis 35:16-18.

The Hebrew word used by Moses in the passage below for the Tower of Edar is Migdal Eder. This physical location is in modern day Bethlehem. To give you a sense of the topography, Bethlehem is in the mountains, 2,543 feet above sea level. Perhaps, this specific tower served as a lookout post or in modern terms a scenic overlook of the region. This is where Jacob began his new life without his first love Rachel.

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar (monument) on her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Then Israel journeyed on and spread his tent on the other side of the tower of Edar, Genesis 35:19-21.

Depending upon where you live, every area has distinct landmarks. Some of these places may be associated with good memories of the past. While other specific locations trigger painful moments that you are still coping with or have learned to endure. Whether this is a grave site or some sort of memorial, may the Lord give you the strength to move on and overcome. Follow the advice of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-12 so you can fully recover by seeing the light of a new day.

by Jay Mankus

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What Marriage Means

Posted on August 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As my son Daniel prepares for his wedding day with Anna, a thought popped into my mind recently: “what does marriage really mean?” While the world has its own ideas and stigmas, the Bible is clear about Holy Matrimony. As one first century Pharisee tried to test Jesus’ biblical knowledge, the passage below provides a clear answer. Marriage is a mutual covenant where two people learn to become one flesh.

And Pharisees came to Him and put Him to the test by asking, Is it lawful and right to dismiss and repudiate and divorce one’s wife for any and [a]every cause? 4 He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate), Matthew 19:3-6.

Before my wife Leanne and I got married back in 1995, we attended a Marriage Encounter in Cleveland, Ohio. While I have been to numerous Christian conferences and retreats over the course of my wife, the wisdom shared by godly couples on staged has stuck with me. Entering into a Christian marriage requires a will to love your spouse. Although feelings come and go, developing a will to love, no matter what happens, is what marriage means to me.

Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body. 24 As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, 27 That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. 28 Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, Ephesians 5:22-29.

While writing a first century letter to the Church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul lays out what it means for each new couple to want to become part of a Christian marriage. If Jesus was willing to lay down his life for his friends, Romans 5:8 and John 15:12-14, newlyweds should be willing to serve their soulmate. As two human beings symbolically become one, change can be hard, especially if you struggle with being in control. Yet, if the Lord is Lord of both believers, marriage will become a lifelong journey, where faith guides you through the storms that you must go through together.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 27: A More Spiritual Version of Kelly Clarkson

Posted on August 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I first started teaching at Red Lion in Delaware, a number of my students tried to update my collection of Christian music. Since I often played songs in class to open up a discussion on a specific topic, a couple of teenagers went out of their way to educate me on up-and-coming artists. One of those songs was Mirror by Barlow Girl, this week’s featured artist.

But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. 23 For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; 24 For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like, James 1:22-24.

If you’re a woman and have ever struggled with self-esteem, I highly recommend studying the lyrics of Mirror. Taking a page out of Disney’s Snow White, Barlow Girl addresses your physical appearance in Mirror from a spiritual perspective. The attached you tube features Barlow Girl’s top hits which often sound like a mix of Kelly Clarkson and Saving Jane.

by Jay Mankus

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The House of God

Posted on August 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

While attending large Christian gatherings at the University of Delaware, I was introduced to the concept that God is in the house tonight. Perhaps this was merely a hip expression student leadership was trained to say to energize the crowd. Yet, the phrase “the House of God” was first used by Jacob in the passage below.

And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock; 12 The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land. 13 Then God ascended from him in the place where He talked with him. 14 And Jacob set up a pillar (monument) in the place where he talked with [God], a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it and he poured oil on it. 15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God had talked with him Bethel [house of God], Genesis 35:11-15.

God spoke to Jacob directly, calling him to go to Bethel. Upon reaching this destination, Jacob built an altar as God had requested and called this El-bethel, the House of God. Jacob wasn’t dreaming or hallucinating, the God of his fathers was reminding him of His promises made to Abraham and Isaac. This one moment likely stuck Jacob for the rest of his life.

But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name. 17 For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God? 18 And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the godless and wicked? 19 Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with God’s will must do right and commit their souls [in charge as a deposit] to the One Who created [them] and will never fail [them], 1 Peter 4:16-19.

Unless you attend a spiritual retreat or outdoor chapel, modern altars are typically found inside of traditional sanctuaries. Over the years, I have been inside of a church when God was truly present. Whether through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or a Spirit of Confession, the House of God isn’t limited to Bethel. May you find a church where the presence of the Lord is sensed like in the days of Jacob.

by Jay Mankus

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