The Crossover Connection Week 44: A Mix of Blues and Classic Rock

Posted on December 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in the 1980’s that churches and pastors believed that rock music was of the Devil. I even attended a Seminar entitled Why Knock Rock? Despite this opposition in the Christian community, the group David and the Giants emerged as an acceptable alternative to rock music. Subsequently, I kept on buying album after album, making David and the Giants one of my favorite groups.

And David girded his sword over his armor. Then he tried to go, but could not, for he was not used to it. And David said to Saul, I cannot go with these, for I am not used to them. And David took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in his shepherd’s [lunch] bag [a whole kid’s skin slung from his shoulder], in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand, and he drew near the Philistine. 41 The Philistine came on and drew near to David, the man who bore the shield going before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked around and saw David, he scorned and despised him, for he was but an adolescent, with a healthy reddish color and a fair face. 43 And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you should come to me with sticks? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 1 Samuel 17:39-46.

While David and the Giants recorded numerous albums over the years, their most memorable songs are ballads. I was so moved by the lyrics of Perfect Love that my friend Matt sang it at my wedding with Leanne. Always on My Mind and Stumbling Block into a Steppingstone are just a few classic songs that bring tears to my eyes. As you listen to the attached album, may you be touched like I have over the past 30 years.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Pushes You Toward Maturity

Posted on December 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

In my initial years of transitioning from following religion toward seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I read way too much into my daily life. Rather than endure spiritual growing pains, 1 Peter 1:6-7, I questioned “why is God doing this to me?” After listening to a sermon series on Thanksgiving, I realized that there are moments in life where God simply pushes you toward maturity.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

The earthly brother of Jesus learned this following the crucifixion and resurrection of his big bro. During a recent Harvard University study, researchers discovered that “active learning helps students learn better by engaging them physically. Perhaps, this same lesson applies to developing spiritually. The more God places you in trying circumstances, this invisible nudge pushes you closer to maturity.

Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. 26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit], 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.

When addressing the avid sports fans of Corinth, the apostle Paul uses a training analogy. If you want to compete and beat the best, discipline is essential to reach new heights. Burgess Meredith in the initial Rocky films makes life a living hell for Syvester Stalone. Without tough love, Rocky would have never been prepared to fight Apollo Creed. Likewise, if God never puts you in challenging situations, you’ll never know what you capable of spiritually. Therefore, the next time God pushes you toward maturity, consider this a pure joy, a step toward becoming complete.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Go a Few Days Without Reading the Bible

Posted on December 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former runner and swimmer, discipline is one of the aspects which has remained in me after I stopped competing competitively. Now as a writer, I have a daily routine which involves reading and writing every night after I come home from work. However, with family coming into town for Thanksgiving, this spiritual discipline was put on hold to interact with my children. I didn’t notice anything unusual the first day, but in the days that followed haunting images of my sinful past slowly came back to me. This is just one example when of what can happen if you go a few days without studying the Bible or in prayer.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the [g]breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart, Hebrews 4:12.

The one aspect of studying the Bible which is often taken for granted is the life breathed into your soul. The author of Hebrews refers to the words of the Bible as living and active. Whether this is hope during a rough day at work or encouragement from a life lesson within this book, studying the Bible has transformed my life. While I’m still imperfect in many ways, Romans 3:23, the Bible is a spiritual lamp to guide your feet as you walk through life on earth, Psalm 119:105. This verse has been turned into several songs over the years.

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.

Meanwhile, in a letter to a first century pastor, the apostle Paul highlights the practical uses of the Bible. First, every word written in this special book was inspired by God with a call to write down these divine words. Second, biblical words serve as a benchmark for direction, instruction and wisdom. Certain portions of the Bible are devoted to how to handle various scenarios and situations that you may encounter. Third, commands, decrees and principles are the standard for living a holy life. Finally, the best way to transform your life is to meditate and memorize the words of the Bible, Joshua 1:8, so that your mind conforms to God’s will for your life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Flame within the Bush

Posted on November 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was taught that God first appeared to Moses in a burning bush. When I received my first Children’s Bible, there was a picture of this bush on one of the pages. Yet, according to the Classic Edition of the Amplified Bible, an angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the form of a flame. Perhaps, this Bible story was watered down so a child could understand, but the flame within in this bush is the key to this encounter with God.

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the back or west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb or Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 The [a]Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed, Exodus 3:1-2.

From a spiritual perspective, Jesus’ target audience for His Sermon on Mount in Matthew 5-7 was common people. Jesus crafted his message toward farmers or fishermen to reach as many people as possible. When transitioning from current events toward spiritual issues, you have to meet people where they are. As a caretaker of Jethro’s livestock, Moses became familiar with the terrain and topography of Midian. Choosing a flaming inside a bush was much less overwhelming than God speaking through a cloud or thunderous voice from heaven.

And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I, Exodus 3:3-4.

The Old Testament highlights the transition from God walking and talking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to messengers in the form of angels, Judges and prophets. When John the Baptist spoke about Jesus in Matthew 3:11, John points to the Holy Spirit and fire. Just as a fire alarm gets the attention of a smoke infested building, the flame within a bush thousands of years ago was the spark that introduced Moses to the God of his forefathers.

by Jay Mankus

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Does Holy Ground Exist Today?

Posted on November 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon who you ask, you might get a variety of opinions. An environmentalist has a tendency to over-react, claiming the world is about to be destroyed due to petroleum. Realists might suggest that Americans have pushed the envelope so far that everyone has been corrupted morally in one way or another. And the zealot, there is no one worthy to stand upon holy ground if it existed today.

The [a]Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I. 5 God said, Do not come near; put your shoes off your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground, Exodus 3:2-5.

In the case of the passage above, Moses has just lost his temper and killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew man. From a spiritual sense, Moses had blood on his hands. Moses’ lack of self-control forced him to go on the run, becoming a stranger in a foreign land. Subsequently, when God introduces Himself, holiness becomes an attribute associated with entering God’s presence. Taking off his sandals is symbolic of the first step to taking off your old self, Colossians 3:1-6.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

While the apostle Paul makes it clear that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, to key to finding holy ground today lies within acts of contrition. As hearts and minds begin to reflect upon things above, subtle transformations start to occur. As human being change from the inside out, aspirations shift from the temporary to eternal, Matthew 6:33-34. Therefore, as individuals’ hunger and thirst for righteous, holy ground can be reclaimed from the devil, Ephesians 4:26-27.

by Jay Mankus

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A Brief Introduction to God

Posted on November 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

An introduction is typically a formal presentation of one person to another. This usually begins with an exchange of names that often results in a series of follow up questions. This brief introduction serves as a starting point so when you meet this individual again, conversations can be expanded into further discussions and topics.

Also He said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters and oppressors; for I know their sorrows and sufferings and trials. 8 And I have come down to deliver them out of the hand and power of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a land good and large, a land flowing with milk and honey [a land of plenty]—to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, Exodus 3:6-8.

Just prior to his introduction to God, Moses lost his cool, killed a man and was forced to flee Egypt as Pharaoh wanted to take his life for the one that he took. Shortly after marrying the daughter of the priest of Midian, Moses was placed in charge of overseeing Jethro’s livestock. While tending to the need of these animals, God introduced himself so that He could begin to mend Moses’ heart.

 But now I am going to Him Who sent Me, yet none of you asks Me, Where are You going? 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts [taken complete possession of them]. 7 However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. 8 And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment: John 16:5-8.

During a private conversation with his disciples, Jesus introduces the invisible guide that will replace Him. Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to a spiritual counselor and intercessory on behalf of God. Like anything in life, once a gift is extended and offered to you, you have to receive this as your own, Romans 6:23. Or as one of Jesus’ disciples writes, after your initial introduction to God, if you want to proceed deeper, you have to open your heart so that Jesus can come in, Revelation 3:20.

by Jay Mankus

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This is a Test of the Biblical Decision-Making Process

Posted on November 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are 3 questions Christians should ask themselves before making any decision. First, is the choice you are about to make consistent with advice found in the Bible, Acts 17:11. Second, if you’re unsure about the decision you’re about to make, seek godly counsel, Proverbs 27:17. Finally, is this something that the Holy Spirit would sanction, Galatians 5:25.

Yet even if I do judge, My judgment is true [My decision is right]; for I am not alone [in making it], but [there are two of Us] I and the Father, Who sent Me. 17 In your [own] Law it is written that the testimony (evidence) of two persons is reliable and valid. 18 I am One [of the Two] bearing testimony concerning Myself; and My Father, Who sent Me, He also testifies about Me, John 8:16-18.

The disciple whom Jesus loved points out an essential process of decision making in the passage above. Whenever two Christian comes to an agreement, this is usually a sign that these individuals are aligned with God. Meanwhile, Matthew 18:15-18, is a guide when someone trespasses against you, reaching out to two or three witness to address this issue before you give the Devil a foothold.

It has been resolved by us in assembly to select men and send them [as messengers] to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men who have hazarded their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will bring you the same message by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these indispensable requirements: 29 That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and from [eating the meat of animals] that have been strangled and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell [be strong]! – Acts 15:25-29

Whenever you are forced to make a choice, don’t forget to consider whether your decision will be received, rejected or if this dilemma can be used to redeemed for good? The apostle Paul points to rejecting your fleshly desires by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. As believers begin to check with the Bible for advice, seek godly counsel if unsure and be open to the Holy Spirit, future decisions will likely turn out better for you.

by Jay Mankus

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A Window Into Prayers Lifted Up to Heaven

Posted on November 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Unless you have an encounter with an angel, receive a rhema from God or are touched by the Holy Spirit, it’s hard to understand the mind of God. Anyone who has lifted up prayers to God knows how frustrating it can be to pray about the same thing for weeks, months or years without receiving an answer or seeing any progress. Yet, at the end of Exodus 2, Moses provides a window into God’s perspective and response when prayers are lifted up to heaven.

However, after a long time [nearly forty years] the king of Egypt died; and the Israelites were sighing and groaning because of the bondage. They kept crying, and their cry because of slavery ascended to God. 24 And God heard their sighing and groaning and [earnestly] remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, Exodus 2:23-24.

During an interesting exchange at the end of Exodus chapter 2, God reveals to Moses his intentions based upon prayers that have been lifted up by Israelites. Since God is omnipresent, the Lord heard and seen all the harsh treatment that His chosen people were experiencing in Egypt. Yet, just as the film Bruce Almighty tried to illustrate, if God granted every prayer request such as winning the lottery, answers to prayer wouldn’t be as powerful or special.

God saw the Israelites and took knowledge of them and concerned Himself about them [knowing all, understanding, remembering all], Exodus 2:25.

The key take away into this window of prayers lifted up to heaven is that God knows and understands your current situation. Some days are like a blessing, but most of our days on earth God puts us into situations where you are forced to mature. The Bible refers to these events as trials, 1 Peter 1:6-7, to test and refine your faith. When God doesn’t answer any prayers for an extended period of time, Isaiah 1:15-18 provides further insight into this window into heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 43: A Combination of Asia and the Kinks

Posted on November 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The first band that struck a cord with my soul in Junior High was the band Asia. This was one of the first of many cassette tapes that I bought for my boom box. When I entered Concord High, groups like the Kinks began to become popular. Today’s feature group may be unknown in many circles, yet the Fold’s music is a combination of Asia and a softer version of the Kinks.

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way (elsewhere, from some other quarter) is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The watchman opens the door for this man, and the sheep listen to his voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out, John 10:1-3.

The attached album This Too Shall Pass is a great finger snapping and toe tapping CD to listen to while on a long commute to work. While it’s hard to match the classic ballads of Asia, the Fold provides inspirational worship songs with a Kinks lite upbeat version of Christian music. Although this may be a surprise addition to my top 52 crossover artists, I hope you enjoy listening to the Fold this week. The Fold grow on me the more I listen to their music.

by Jay Mankus

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Israel’s Last Words

Posted on November 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I tend to be a man of few words. Perhaps, two decades of struggling with severe stuttering wil take its toll on a fragile heart, soul, and mind. While Moses describes Jacob who would become Israel as an opinionated individual, he remains silent when some of his children and grandchildren over-reacted and sinned. Perhaps, Israel needed time to digest these wrong actions. Whatever the reason, Israel’s last words before dying serve as a prophecy and warning to the men who will become the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel.

And he blessed them that day, saying, By you shall Israel bless [one another], saying, May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh. And he set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 And Israel said to Joseph, Behold, I [am about to] die, but God will be with you and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover, I have given to you [Joseph] one portion [Shechem, one mountain slope] more than any of your brethren, which I took [reclaiming it] out of the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow, Genesis 48:20-22.

Following the brash actions of Simeon and Levi in Genesis 34:24-29, Jacob addresses his two sons. However, based upon the words of Moses, Jacob is more concerned that the actions taken by Simeon and Levi will unite his enemies. After having years to digest their wrongdoing, Israel’s last words begin by addressing violence in Genesis 49:5. The majority of Israel’s last word come in the form of prophecy, based upon how their lives will end up in the form of blessings and curses.

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each one according to the blessing suited to him. 29 He charged them and said to them, I am to be gathered to my [departed] people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 In the cave in the field at Machpelah, east of Mamre in the land of Canaan, that Abraham bought, along with the field of Ephron the Hittite, to possess as a cemetery. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. 32 The purchase of the field and the cave that is in it was from the sons of Heth. 33 When Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his [departed] people, Genesis 49:28-33.

As human beings grew old, individuals may have specific requests that they want carried out when they die. Depending upon the person, some may be bizarre with others more reasonable. As for Israel, he wanted to be buried in the same cemetery as his grandfather and great grandfather. This is a common practice that has been adopted by many Americans. According to Moses, Jacob’s sons fulfilled Israel’s last words in Genesis 50:12.

by Jay Mankus

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