A Death Bed Confession

Posted on November 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Death bed confessions can be like a scene from a movie where a sinner seeks to get right with God prior to breathing their last breath. Yet, Moses’ detailed story of Israel’s death bed confession in Genesis 49 reads more like a prophecy for each of his twelve children/grandchildren. These boys will one day form the 12 tribes of Israel when God’s timing is right, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

And Jacob called for his sons and said, Gather yourselves together [around me], that I may tell you what shall befall you [a]in the latter or last days. 2 Gather yourselves together and hear, you sons of Jacob; and hearken to Israel your father, Genesis 49:1-2.

One of the first comments Israel makes on his death bed is his disappointment over the brash actions taken by Simeon and Levi. These two brothers could not let go of the fact that their sister was raped and held captive by the man who wanted to marry her. After Israel negotiates a peace treaty and solution, Simeon and Levi kill Shechem and all of his family, Genesis 34:24-29.

By the God of your father, Who will help you, and by the Almighty, Who will bless you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings lying in the deep beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father [on you] are greater than the blessings of my forefathers [Abraham and Isaac on me] and are as lasting as the bounties of the eternal hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was the consecrated one and the one separated from his brethren and [the one who] is prince among them. 27 Benjamin is a [e]ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and at night dividing the spoil. 28 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, Genesis 49:25-30.

After giving prophecies for each of the 12 tribes of Israel, Jacob ends this death bed confession with the blessing of Joseph. Israel’s kind words remind me of the technicolor dream coat specially made for his favorite son. While Joseph does receive greater blessings than that of his forefathers, it doesn’t take away the pain of losing his father. Don’t wait for relatives to die before you open your heart by sharing what you really think about someone close.

by Jay Mankus

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Resting in God’s Strength

Posted on November 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The author of Hebrews refers to the Words inside the Bible as living and active, Hebrews 4:12. Jesus spoke about this in John 16:8, pointing to the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, in the Old Testament, resting in God’s strength was different as the Holy Spirit did not permanently arrive on earth until 30 AD. Subsequently, there’s a difference between resting in God’s strength and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, Genesis 49:24.

Joseph learned about trusting in God’s strength from listening to the testimonies of his forefathers. When God spoke to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, altars were set up to remember God’s presence and message bought to these men. Whether he was listening to these testimonies or visiting these special places, Joseph learned to rest in God’s strength.

And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn ([a]a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. 8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 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). 11 Now I have been [speaking like] a fool! But you forced me to it, for I ought to have been [[f]saved the necessity and] commended by you. For I have not fallen short one bit or proved myself at all inferior to those superlative [false] apostles [of yours], even if I am nothing (a nobody), 2 Corinthians 12:7-11.

Meanwhile, the apostle Paul brings new meaning to resting in God’s strength in the passage above. While writing to the Church at Corinth, Paul reflects upon some sort of debilitating condition. Scholars believe that this thorn in Paul’s flesh could also be spiritual oppression like haunting nightmares of being responsible for the apostle Steven’s death. Whatever this condition was, Paul is forced to place his whole trust and strength in Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Pro-Life Advocates in the Bible

Posted on November 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the introduction of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, there wasn’t anything written down in the form of rules or regulations. God gave Adam and Eve one rule in the Garden of Eden, “do not eat from the Tree of Knowledge,” Genesis 2:17. The only thing the first inhabitants of the earth had to follow were how people lived their lives. By studying the daily witness of godly individuals like Enoch, Genesis 5:24, walking with God is a common theme in Genesis.

Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, of whom one was named Shiprah and the other Puah, 16 When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, she shall live. 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded, but let the male babies live, Exodus 1:15-17.

As Moses transitions from the early history of earth to reflecting upon his own life in Exodus, there are two women he feels compelled to mention. Shiprah and Puah were two female servants who witnessed a major transition while living in Egypt. When the Pharaoh who appointed Joseph as governor passes away, the new king feared that Israel would one day become greater than Egypt. Subsequently, this king turned Israel’s descendants into slaves and ordered all Hebrew mid-wives to immediately kill any Hebrew male born.

So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, Why have you done this thing and allowed the male children to live? 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; they are vigorous and quickly delivered; their babies are born before the midwife comes to them. 20 So God dealt well with the midwives and the people multiplied and became very strong. 21 And because the midwives revered and feared God, He made them households [of their own]. 22 Then Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son born [to the Hebrews] you shall cast into the river [Nile], but every daughter you shall allow to live, Exodus 1:16-22.

According to Exodus 2:1-6, the convictions of Shiprah and Puah spawned the first pro-life movement in Egypt to save all newborn males from being slaughtered. As other Hebrew mid-lives heard of their strong spiritual convictions by fearing God and not Egypt’s king, other infant boys were also saved. Perhaps, Moses realized that if Shiprah and Puah did not fear God, the man who God chose to rescue Israel from 400 years of slavery would have been aborted. Therefore, the book of Exodus commences by honoring the first two pro-life advocates of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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A Father’s Duty to Bless Their Children

Posted on November 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Before I got married, a Christian friend recommended that I read a book entitled the Blessing. Co-written by John Trent and Gary Smalley, this book touches on the need of a son to ask for his father’s blessing prior to starting a new life on your own. While it was awkward, my father blessed my decision to propose to Leanne in 1994. Yet, the more I study the Bible, I’ve discovered that its a father’s duty to bless their children as well.

When Israel [almost blind] saw Joseph’s sons, he said, Who are these? 9 And Joseph said to his father, They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place. And he said, Bring them to me, I pray you, that I may bless them. 10 Now Israel’s eyes were dim from age, so that he could not see. And Joseph brought them near to him, and he kissed and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, I had not thought that I would see your face, but see, God has shown me your offspring also. 12 Then Joseph took [the boys] from [his father’s embrace] and he bowed [before him] with his face to the earth, Genesis 48:8-12.

The book of Genesis is filled with examples of fathers blessing their children and grandchildren prior to their death. While some fathers may not feel comfortable placing their hand on a child or adult’s thigh, this is Israel’s blueprint. Although the elderly may not be able to see who they are blessing, Joseph places Jacob’s hand upon his children. From a traditional sense, the firstborn son receives the father’s blessing. Yet, Jacob broke this trend as a son and a father.

But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, 25 By the God of your father, Who will help you, and by the Almighty, Who will bless you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings lying in the deep beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father [on you] are greater than the blessings of my forefathers [Abraham and Isaac on me] and are as lasting as the bounties of the eternal hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was the consecrated one and the one separated from his brethren and [the one who] is prince among them, Genesis 49:24-26.

Beside a biblical blessing found in Genesis, Moses suggests that fathers should also verbally affirm, bless, encourage, and praise their children. These kind words shouldn’t come in the form of exaggerations or lies, but an honest assessment of what your child’s full potential may look like. This doesn’t mean discipline shouldn’t be ruled out when necessary, Hebrews 12:5-7. Whatever you end up doing as a parent, remember to bless, inspire, and motivate your children in the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 41: A More Mellow Version of Tom Petty

Posted on November 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

While living in Delaware, one of my former responsibilities was working with customers and vendors to confirm if certain products were truly defective or not. One of the last videos I tested was the Tom Petty Documentary. As I listened and watched for specific issues, I was able to learn the history of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in Runnin’ Down a Dream.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. 25 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, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

As I’m trying to narrow down my final 12 Christian artists that I want to feature in 2023, Lifehouse came to my mind. After spending 30 minutes listening to one of their Greatest Hits compilations, several of the songs struck me as a mellow version of Tom Petty. While their isn’t a Free Fallin’ like Petty, Lifehouse does offer Everything, Hanging by a Moment and Somewhere in Between. I hope you enjoy listening to Lifehouse songs this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Israel’s Funeral

Posted on November 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Large funerals are usually associated with royalty, famous leaders, and star athletes. Yet, as I was reading Moses’ description of Israel’s burial, this may be the largest attended funeral in the Bible. Since Joseph, Jacob’s son was governor of Egypt at the time of Israel’s death, the only important Egyptian leader not present was Pharaoh. Those in attendance was like the whose who list in all of Egypt. Those outside of Israel’s family were there to support the man who saved Egypt from the Great Famine.

And Joseph ordered his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 Then forty days were devoted [to this purpose] for him, for that is the customary number of days required for those who are embalmed. And the Egyptians wept and bemoaned him [as they would for royalty] for seventy days. 4 And when the days of his weeping and deep grief were past, Joseph said to [the nobles of] the house of Pharaoh, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, to Pharaoh [for Joseph was dressed in mourning and could not do so himself], saying, 5 My father made me swear, saying, I am about to die; in my tomb which I hewed out for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me. So now let me go up, I pray you, and bury my father, and I will come again. 6 And Pharaoh said, Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear, Genesis 50:2-6.

A legacy is the long-lasting impact of particular events and actions that take place in the past and present of a person’s life. How you live each day either inspires others or touches the lives within your own spheres of influence. While serving as governor of Egypt, the citizens of this land grew to appreciate all that Jospeh had done. During the seven years of bountiful harvest, Egypt could have become complacent, wasting all the grain that was harvested. Yet, the vision and plan given to Joseph helped Egypt to prosper while other nations were starving to death.

And Joseph went up [to Canaan] to bury his father; and with him went all the officials of Pharaoh—the nobles of his court, and the elders of his house and all the nobles and elders of the land of Egypt— 8 And all the household of Joseph and his brethren and his father’s household. Only their little ones and their flocks and herds they left in the land of Goshen. 9 And there went with [Joseph] both chariots and horsemen; and it was a very great company, Genesis 50:7-9.

Another sign of a legacy is who shows up at your funeral. If you made the time to serve other individuals during your life, many will return the favor by showing up at your funeral. Apparently, the officials of Pharaoh, members of Pharaoh’s household, nobles of Egypt’s court, and elders in the land of Egypt were all touched in some way by the faith and life of Joseph. Subsequently, by honoring Joseph’s father, Israel’s funeral becomes a special event. May Moses’ description of Israel’s funeral inspire you to leave your own lasting legacy on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Words of Wisdom from the Past

Posted on November 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The two most educational classes that I took in seminary was Church History 1 and 2. The first class focused on the first three centuries of the Christian Church. The second spanned nearly 1,000 years, highlighting the most influential theologians and spiritual leaders of their generation. The one that made the greatest impact on my life was Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo.

And they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them [produced by the sole power of God Himself without natural instrumentality], and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with the great majority of them, for they were overthrown and strewn down along [the ground] in the wilderness. 6 Now these things are examples (warnings and admonitions) for us not to desire or crave or covet or lust after evil and carnal things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:4-6.

If you search the works and writings of Augustine, you’ll find numerous pages of his beliefs on a variety of topics. Augustine’s Call for Unity within the church is one of many influential pieces that are referenced today. Despite any theological differences dominations may have, Augustine called leaders to come together in agreement by uniting under the essentials of the Christian faith.

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 10:12-13.

The apostle Paul uses past mistakes made by the nation of Israel to warn first century Christians from repeating history. In another letter to the Church of Corinth, Paul reminds this congregation to walk by faith, not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Remember, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, Albert Einstein. May the words of the Bible provide for you the wisdom that you need so that you can enjoy a prosperous future.

by Jay Mankus

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This World Doesn’t Need Another Pharisee

Posted on November 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former seminary student, I’m turned off by individuals who like to brag and show off. As a young college student just starting my faith journey with God, there was always at least one person who tried to impress my Sunday School teacher. While some of the information shared was beneficial for the topic at hand, this world doesn’t need another Pharisee.

Now listen and give heed, O Israel, to the statutes and ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live and go in and possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you, Deuteronomy 4:2.

Unfortunately, human nature causes many people in life to fall back on humanism, Judges 21:25. Rather than honoring and holding fast to the Bible, doing what’s right in your own eyes is the easy thing to do. When you add pride to this equation, no one wants another leader to live by the motto, “do what I say, not as I do.” These are the kind of people Jesus confronted in His day.

Now when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced ([d]muzzled) the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of their number, a lawyer, asked Him a question to test Him. 36 Teacher, which [e]kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light—which are heavy?] 37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). 38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. 40 These two commandments [f]sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 22:34-40.

Another subtitle for Matthew 22 could be,” I’m smarter than you” as a number of Pharisees tried to trick Jesus. One by one came and each left disappointed as Jesus was unwilling to over emphasize or minimize commands in the Bible. Matthew points out that Jesus muzzled the Pharisees by shutting down their attempts to add and subtract to the Bible. Rather than correct everyone, avoid the urge to be a modern-day Pharisee by demonstrating God’s grace and love daily.

by Jay Mankus

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A Recipe for Fearless Faith

Posted on November 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As the calendar turns another page toward the end of 2024, Thanksgiving and Christmas have come to the forefront. While Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday serve as a materialism distraction, family gatherings make each holiday special. While the breakdown of American families is on display for all to see, this is the season for family recipes to be exchanged, with hopes of preparing a special dish for your family members.

You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. 10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice, Isaiah 41:9-10.

During a recent message on competitiveness, Pastor Wes spoke about people who create their own homemade chili recipe. This isn’t thrown together quickly but takes time to perfect by adding ingredients that give you the flavor that you’re looking for. This context inspired Wes to develop a recipe for fearless faith. If God tells readers of the Bible 365 times not to fear, these passages provide the DNA to form a fearless faith.

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]. 19 We love Him, because He first loved us. 20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [[i]in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen. 21 And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [[j]believer] also, 1 John 4:18-21.

A Recipe for Developing a Fearless Faith:

  1. Fear God above all else, Matthew 22:36-38.
  2. Follow the Golden Rule by Loving Others as Yourself, Matthew 22:39-40.
  3. Connect Daily with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.
  4. Gather with Fellow Believers Daily, Hebrews 10:25.
  5. Go tell Everyone What God has Done for You, Mark 5:19-20.
  6. Give Your Time, Talents, and Treasures by Serving Church Generously, 2 Corinthians 9:7.
  7. Hate Sin and Repent When Necessary, James 5:16.
  8. Fearlessly Honor God by Living with Purpose by Following God’s Will, Romans 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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The Redeeming Angel

Posted on November 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The textbook definition of redeem is to compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something). From a spiritual perspective, human beings are fallen creatures, falling short of being able to earn or meet God’s glory, Romans 3:9-12. If no one is righteous, mankind is in desperate need of a redeeming angel. Moses refers to God as this spiritual being, the One who makes our sins as white as snow, Isaiah 1:16-18.

Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself], before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac lived and walked habitually, God [Himself], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day, 16 The [b]redeeming Angel [that is, the Angel the Redeemer—not a created being but the Lord Himself] Who has redeemed me continually from every evil, bless the lads! And let my name be perpetuated in them [may they be worthy of having their names coupled with mine], and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them become a multitude in the midst of the earth, Genesis 48:15-16.

Perhaps, Moses’ description of God as a redeeming angel comes from his own personal experience in Exodus 4:10-14. When asked by God to be the voice of Israel, Moses rejects God’s call due to some sort of speech impediment. While God initially sends Moses’ brother Aaron to speak to Pharaoh on Israel’s behalf, the redeeming angel at some point heals Moses’ stuttering. Once Moses gains confidence to talk, Aaron is no longer necessary to speak on his behalf.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, 10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service], Psalm 91:9-11.

Depending upon your current situation, you may need redemption or saved from a debilitating condition. According to the Psalmist, those who take refuge in the Lord will have angels sent to accompany, defend, and preserve your life. Yet, just as Jesus told his disciples, those who lack belief and faith will not be able to overcome life’s obstacles, Matthew 21:18-22. May today’s blog motivate you to trust in the Redeeming Angel of God.

by Jay Mankus

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