A Cautionary Tale about the Worship of Angels

Posted on October 5, 2021 by expressyourself4him

According to the apostle Paul, the worship of angels was a common occurrence in the first century, Colossians 2:18. Based upon the vast number of patron saints in Catholicism, seen as hallow and heavenly protectors, the worship of angels continue today. While modern individuals may have experienced visions from God, setting up places of worship or statues in these locations is something you want to avoid.

[Taking a place and rank by which] He Himself became as much superior to angels as the glorious Name (title) which He has inherited is different from and more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did [God] ever say, You are My Son, today I have begotten You [established You in an official Sonship relation, with kingly dignity]? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He will be to Me a Son? 6 Moreover, when He brings the firstborn Son [d]again into the habitable world, He says, Let all the angels of God worship Him, Hebrews 1:4-6.

According to the author of Hebrews, a growing numbers of Christian began to equate angels on the same level with Jesus. This concern inspired the entire first chapter, dedicated to straightening out this misconception. Likely building upon the premise introduced by one of Jesus’ disciples in John 1:1-14, Jesus is elevated back to his correct status as much superior to angels. Yet, when testimonies are shared about encounters with angels that modern people have experienced, it’s easy to get carried away.

Like a mantle [thrown about one’s self] You will roll them up, and they will be changed and replaced by others. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end nor come to failure. 13 Besides, to which of the angels has He ever said, Sit at My right hand [associated with Me in My royal dignity] till I make your enemies a stool for your feet? 14 Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation? – Hebrews 1:12-14

At the conclusion of Hebrews 1, angels are compared with servants of God. Whether angels come to you in response to prayer or sent to encourage a trouble soul, angels continue to minister to human beings today. Other events are more subtle as you’re distracted to avoid that accident you just missed being a part of. Nonetheless, angels need to be kept in their proper perspective as an assistant to God by leading hearts to embrace eternal life. Yet, anytime you exchange worship for God toward angels, you’re missing the mark designed to exalt the Great I Am.

by Jay Mankus

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Overcoming an Emotionally Draining Job

Posted on October 4, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Every adult has experienced the unfortunate reality of having an emotionally draining job. This exhaustion may come from a stressful work atmosphere, dealing with difficult co-workers, the physical wearing and tear on your body or long 60 hour work weeks. Some of you may have to endure one of these factors while others of you face all four day after day and week after week. To those of you in a leadership role, the Bible does provide a plan to overcome an emotionally draining job.

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

Prior to a visit from his father in law, Moses worked sun up to sun down. Instead of developing a justice system, Moses tried to be Judge Judy, head of the People’s Court and a Supreme Court justice. After observing for a couple of days, Jethro realized that Moses had become a lone ranger, trying to do everything by himself. Jethro’s solution to overcoming an emotionally draining job was to adopt the art of delegation. Sometimes you have to communicate to your boss, “I can’t do everything.”

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 You will surely wear out both yourself and this people with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it all by yourself. 19 Listen now to [me]; I will counsel you, and God will be with you. You shall represent the people before God, bringing their cases and causes to Him, 20 Teaching them the decrees and laws, showing them the way they must walk and the work they must do. 21 Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people—God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain—and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers, Exodus 18:17-21.

Similar to the process set up by Jesus prior to his ascension into heaven, the Great Commission is a form of delegation to spread the Gospel throughout the world, Mark 16:14-20. King Solomon writes about the importance of relationships in Proverbs 27:17. When two individuals agree to hold one another accountable, positive criticism sharpens you. Yet, when you are emotionally run down, a friend can become a sounding board and a source of encouragement to give you the strength to carry on.

by Jay Mankus

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When Unprofitable Souls Become Profitable

Posted on October 3, 2021 by expressyourself4him

In this age of Cancel Culture, anyone who does, posts or says the wrong thing is discarded like yesterday’s trash. Despite how successful someone may have been in the past, anyone who fails to adhere to the political and social norms will be banished, removed and shadow banned from social media outlets. The concept of forgiveness, grace and mercy have been omitted, forcing the unprofitable to try to tarry on in a modern land of misfits.

Once he was unprofitable to you, but now he is indeed profitable to you as well as to me, Philemon 1:11.

As a church planter throughout the first century, the apostle Paul occasionally reflected upon people who let him down. The unprofitable individual who Paul encountered in the passage above is Onesimus. Since Paul isn’t referring to his financial status, Onesimus was likely a byproduct of an immature faith. Instead of flourishing as a new Christian, Onesimus had one foot in his former life and the other struggling to grasp his new faith in Christ.

Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either], Hebrews 13:17.

The author of Hebrews provides advice for struggling and unprofitable Christians. The first piece starts with obeying the spiritual leaders put in place by the Lord. Second, find a spiritual mentor who will keep watch over your soul by preparing you for the ongoing spiritual war, Ephesians 6:12. Since transformation doesn’t occur overnight, you have to place your trust in the Lord day after day to turn an unprofitable soul into a profitable faith.

by Jay Mankus

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A Reason to Pay Closer Attention Than Ever Before

Posted on October 2, 2021 by expressyourself4him

There are certain things in life that I’m not very good at or know much about. While reflecting earlier today, these areas of weakness have one thing in common. When something interested me as a child, I payed close to attention to my teachers on this subject matter. Yet, when I was bored by a topic, my thoughts drifted and wandered. Subsequently, as an adult I have huge deficiencies in being a handy man as well as fixing things around my house.

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, Proverbs 4:20-25.

Another father devotes an entire book of the Bible to provide advice and directions for his children to follow. King Solomon refers to human hearts as the wellspring of life. If you want to live a long and prosperous life, this information is worth reflecting upon. When you are able to guard your heart from the temptations in this life, you’ll be able to fix your eyes upon Jesus whatever trial comes your way.

Since all this is true, we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths that we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away, Hebrews 2:1.

In the beginning of a New Testament book, one author builds upon the words of Solomon. The context of the passage above references the teachings of Moses. Also known as the Torah, the author of Hebrews stresses the importance of paying much closer attention to this ancient wisdom. If you want to learn from history by avoiding the same mistakes of the past, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, rely on the Bible as a light for your feet, Psalm 119:105.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Give Up on Struggling People

Posted on October 1, 2021 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school coach, I’ve stood on the sidelines as one of my stars began to struggle. This is a helpless feeling to watch a gifted athlete completely lose their confidence. Sometimes a benching helps but most of the time this only worsens a crumbling situation. Meanwhile, in the classroom, there are plenty of hopeless students who are easy to give up on. Yet, as the apostle Paul once said in a first century epistles “don’t give up on struggling people.”

I am sending him back to you in [a]his own person, [and it is like sending] my very heart. 13 I would have chosen to keep him with me, in order that he might minister to my needs in your stead during my imprisonment for the Gospel’s sake, Philemon 1:12-13.

This portion of Paul’s letter was inspired by his relationship with a man named Onesimus. Paul served as the spiritual father of Onesimus, leading him in prayer to faith in Christ. While specific details aren’t included, at one point in his life Onesimus was unprofitable. This term doesn’t refer to his financial status. Rather, Paul is eluding to his spiritual condition as a lack of maturity stunted his growth. Despite this phase of disobedience, Paul doesn’t give up on him.

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. 9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. 10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [[i]morally] to all people [not only [j]being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers], Galatians 6:8-10.

In another letter to the Church at Galatia, Paul reveals a spiritual reality, “you reap what you sow.” Struggling people tend to be their own worst enemy, as poor choices result in self destruction. Whether you’re a coach, friend or parent, seeing someone whom you love struggle can be heart breaking. Nonetheless, don’t lose heart or grow weary for fighting for what is good and right. If you stand by their side by bathing this person in prayer, faith will prevail.

by Jay Mankus

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The Catch and Release Approach to Parenting

Posted on September 30, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Catch and release fishing can be traced back to the United Kingdom. As fishermen began to notice that target species were dwindling in heavily fished waters, the government instituted catch and release as a way preserve these fish for future generations. Meanwhile, I recently heard a sermon comparing catch and release to parenting. This analogy was based upon catching your children in acts of disobedience, using discipline to expose this error and release them back into the world.

Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate and willful; he who guards himself will be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:5-6.

Sometimes individuals who possess godly wisdom doesn’t translate into becoming a good parent. Such is the case of King Solomon who knew exactly what to do, but struggled when it came to following through. Perhaps, this was a byproduct of Solomon’s weakness for the opposite sex. One wife wasn’t enough for this king. Solomon kept adding women until he accumulated 700 wives and 300 concubines. As his children from each lover continued to pile up, Solomon lost his way as a parent, unable to control all of his children.

Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord, Ephesians 6:4.

As my youngest child begins her final year of high school, my wife Leanne and I are close to an empty nest. Over the past 24 years, we’ve each had our fair share of catching and training our two boys and one girl to do what is right in God’s eyes. Through the past two decades, I haven’t always been the greatest role model, especially in my early years as a parent. Yet, I’ve enjoyed this spiritual fishing journey as it draws to an end. As the time ticks away, all you can do is enjoy each day before we release our daughter Lydia into this world.

by Jay Mankus

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Strength for the Struggle from Within

Posted on September 29, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Mental Health isn’t mentioned directly in Paul’s letters to the Church at Corinth. Yet, beneath the surface, two chapters a part, there are signs of a struggle from within. While writing to a city known for their philosophers, Paul suggests that there is an invisible solution to overcome the mind games that human brains play on fragile psyches. Paul claims that spiritual weapons are the best way to find strength from the struggles within your soul.

For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

Human beings are good at fighting someone or something that they can see. Yet, when flesh and blood become vessels of the Devil to claw, dig and gnaw at you, many fight a losing battle day after day. Meanwhile, demonic strongholds often expand, causing friction and unusual occurrences that can wear down your soul, Ephesians 6:12. If you try to fight this battle alone, oppressive spirits and powers of darkness have the ability to defeat any strong Christian.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength), 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

This may explain the apostle Paul’s words in the passage above. The context of this verse begins with Paul opening up about a mysterious illness. It’s unclear if Paul was afflicted with a physical or spiritual condition, but he shares this low point in his life. The lesson learned through this ordeal is that the weaker human beings become, the potential for Jesus to be stronger increases. Perhaps, if you get out of the way, Jesus will give you the strength to conquer any struggle from within your heart and soul.

by Jay Mankus

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The Connection Between Fear and Faith

Posted on September 28, 2021 by expressyourself4him

When I get bored of listening to music, I turn to Podcasts for entertainment. As an aspiring screen writer, I often turn to Alex Ferrari’s Bulletproof Screenplay Podcast for inspiration. I recently clicked on one covering how Hollywood incorporates the nature of fear into films. The guest writer spoke about the Samaritans from the Bible which peaked my interest. This author explained how Samaritan parents created numerous gods to scare their children into obedience.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection], 1 John 4:18.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, fears are broken down into three different categories. Social phobias, agoraphobia and specific object phobias are like fingerprints that make one individual different from another. Whether your fears consists of animals, heights or public speaking, trusting God to confront and face these phobias is the first step toward experiencing freedom and peace. Yet, if fears are not faced, you will be limited in what you can do and where you can go in life.

But they have not all heeded the Gospel; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed (had faith in) what he has heard from us? 17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). 18 But I ask, Have they not heard? Indeed they have; [for the Scripture says] Their voice [that of nature bearing God’s message] has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the far bounds of the world, Romans 10:16-18.

One of my favorite Christian songs of all time is from the group David and the Giants. I was so moved by their classic ballad “Perfect Love,” I incorporated this song into my wedding ceremony more than a quarter of a century ago. The lyrics are based upon 1 John 4:18. While every human being is afraid of dying at some point in their lives, only one was able to conquer death. Jesus faced his sentence of death on a cross with perfect love. The connection between fear and faith is yielding control over to God by allowing Jesus to take the wheel and guide you through life.

by Jay Mankus

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On Spiritual Life Support

Posted on September 27, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Most adults have a scale that they step on and off every day. Based upon the weight that is revealed will dictate how much you eat and the amount of exercise that you engage in today. When you’re lighter than expected, individuals begin to feel a sense of accomplishment. However, when your scale unveils an extra five pounds that you just gained, an overwhelming spirit of conviction and shame may put your soul on spiritual life support.

And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. 4 But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity, Genesis 3:2-5.

According to Web MD, the human body is a complex machine with organs and systems constantly at work. When crucial internal functions begin to fail, human beings may have to be hooked up to a device to keep a body alive until it’s normal functions are restored. While life support machines were commonly used for those suffering from severe brain trauma, struggling Coronavirus patients were placed on a ventilator to help them breathe.

Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction, we in whose days the ages have reached their climax (their consummation and concluding period). 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. 13 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 10:11-13.

Christians who end up on spiritual life support get to this point by following in the footsteps of Adam and Eve. As soon as individuals begin to question in their minds “did God really say,” trouble is in your future. Embracing this mindset opens the door for justification and the rationalization of sin. Instead of searching for ways to escape temptation, I’ve experienced that vicious cycle where I prayed for forgiveness before indulging my flesh. If you have ever reached this state, reflect on the passage above so that you can begin to turn your faith around.

by Jay Mankus

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What Love Can Do for You

Posted on September 26, 2021 by expressyourself4him

From a musical point of view, the Beatles were one of the most influential bands of all time. Despite being from England, the sound of the Beatles was embraced by Americans and idolized as their popularity grew. From a spiritual perspective, there isn’t much that John Lennon, Paul McCartney and I agree upon. However, there was one project released as a non-album single in July 1967 that I believe in. The title “All You Need is You” said all you need to say.

For I have derived great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints [who are your fellow Christians] have been cheered and refreshed through you, [my] brother. 8 Therefore, though I have abundant boldness in Christ to charge you to do what is fitting and required and your duty to do, Philemon 1:7-8.

One of the apostle Paul’s first century letters highlight what love can do for your life. Paul is reminded by comfort, encouragement and joy derived from the love of Jesus poured out upon him from fellow believers. When the hearts of a saint are full of the Holy Spirit, love bubbles over as a form of spiritual refreshment. Paul’s advice to one of the servants on his ministry team is to do what it fitting and required as a child of God.

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ([b]your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us), 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Paul takes a different direction in a letter to the Church at Corinth. Love doesn’t come naturally. Rather, you need to be alert daily, regularly on your guard and stand firm in your faith. As Christians maintain their conviction and devotion for God, love can keep you going even when you don’t have the strength to carry on. According to Paul, love should be your motivation for everything you do, loving others as Christ loved the church.

by Jay Mankus

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