A Sibling Rivalry or Tattle Tale?

Posted on August 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Working too closely with family members on a project has a history of resulting in a clash of personalities. As the youngest boy in his family, Joseph appears to care more about doing chores than his older brothers. Or like any city/government job, one person is forced to do all the work as everyone else takes an extended break. Whatever happened while tending sheep, Moses suggests that Joseph is a tattle tale, complaining to his father about the lack of effort from his brothers.

So Jacob dwelt in the land in which his father had been a stranger and sojourner, in the land of Canaan. 2 This is the history of the descendants of Jacob and this is Jacob’s line. Joseph, when he was seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s [secondary] wives; and Joseph brought to his father a bad report of them, Genesis 37:1-2.

As the youngest child in my family, I understand what Joseph is trying to do. Joseph was still eager to please his father. Apparently, Joseph’s older brothers were going through a too cool stage or simply didn’t care any more about tending the flocks. Perhaps, Joseph should have probed his brothers with questions, inquiring more about why they feel the way they do. Nonetheless, Joseph ends up looking like a tattle tale while his brothers were merely going through the motions in life.

Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching. 40 But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! 41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 There is need of only one or but [i]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [[j]that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her, Luke 10:38-42.

A first century doctor records another sibling rivalry, this time between sisters. Martha is the older sister who seeks fulfillment through working hard and making sure her house is spotless for guests. The younger Mary is a relational person, longing to find out how everyone is doing. While the oldest plays the role of tattle tale in this story, Jesus rebukes Martha for missing the mark. If there is a side to every story, make sure that you take advantage of the conversations that you have daily.

by Jay Mankus

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A Curse… Generational Sin… Or a Stern Warning to Repent?

Posted on August 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured passage is the Old Testament’s version of the Prodigal Son without the happy ending. If Judah would have remained loyal to his father Jacob as a shepherd, the passage below would have never happened. Nonetheless, Judah appears to have become bored, withdrew to a foreign land and began to indulge his sexual desires.

At that time Judah withdrew from his brothers and went to [lodge with] a certain Adullamite named Hirah. 2 There Judah saw and met a daughter of Shuah, a Canaanite; he took her as wife and lived with her. 3 And she became pregnant and bore a son, and he called him Er. 4 And she conceived again and bore a son and named him Onan. 5 Again she conceived and bore a son and named him Shelah. [They were living] at Chezib when she bore him. 6 Now Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn; her name was Tamar. 7 And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord slew him.

Depending on your personality type, if you begin to experience a stretch of bad luck and or a series of unfortunate events, you may start asking God, “why is this happening to me?” Meanwhile, the analytical tend to search for greater meaning by logically putting pieces together to comprehend what’s going on. Your answer is most likely some sort of curse, generational sin or life lesson that you reap what you sow.

Then Judah told Onan, Marry your brother’s widow; live with her and raise offspring for your brother. 9 But Onan knew that the family would not be his, so when he cohabited with his brother’s widow, he prevented conception, lest he should raise up a child for his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He slew him also.

Perhaps, reading the words of Deuteronomy 28 will open your eyes to why bad things happen in life. The apostle Paul warns one church that you should prepare for spiritual attacks that often catch Christians off guard, Ephesians 6:10-12. Unfortunately, answers don’t always come right away. While Moses blames the deaths of Judah’s two sons on unholy tendencies, why bad things happen to good people isn’t always clear. Follow the advice of James 5:16 so healing comes quickly.

by Jay Mankus

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Upon Further Review

Posted on August 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Now that most professional sports have incorporated technology into their competitions, instant replay is now used in the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. The National Football League was the first major sport to adopt and use instant replay. This is where I derived today’s title as once a final decision was made on the field, the official would begin his call with the words, “Upon Further Review.”

Then Judah told Onan, Marry your brother’s widow; live with her and raise offspring for your brother. 9 But Onan knew that the family would not be his, so when he cohabited with his brother’s widow, he prevented conception, lest he should raise up a child for his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He slew him also, Genesis 38:8-10.

The translation of this passage has one of the more discreet uses of words. More traditional Bible translations specifically says that Onan spilled his semen. In other words, Onan pulled out of Tamar just before he ejaculated. Subsequently, if you have ever done a search of masturbation in the Bible, Genesis 38:9 tends to be the first verse to appear as it indirectly refers to this term.

That each one of you should know how to [c]possess (control, manage) his own [d]body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, 5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, 6 That no man transgress and overreach his brother and defraud him in this matter or defraud his brother in business. For the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we have already warned you solemnly and [e]told you plainly. 7 For God has not called us to impurity but to consecration [to dedicate ourselves to the most thorough purity], 1 Thessalonians 4:4-7.

If you ever wondered if masturbation was acceptable and pleasing in God’s eyes, the sudden death of Onan should serve as a clear warning. Upon further review of God’s goal and intent for marriage, Genesis 9:1, is to propagate the world by having children. While Onan enjoyed the pleasures of sex, he did not fulfill God’s ultimate desire, Psalm 127:3-5. This is why God prohibits individuals from masturbating despite whatever public education is currently teaching.

by Jay Mankus

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Who is the Lord With Today?

Posted on August 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As I continue to study the book of Genesis, three spiritual individuals stick out: Enoch, Noah, and Joseph. Moses highlights the lives of Enoch and Noah by revealing that each habitually walked with God daily. I’m assuming that Moses means praying, talking, and walking with the Lord daily. Moses brings up a new expression while reflecting upon Jospeh’s life,” the Lord was with him.”

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain and chief executioner of the [royal] guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand, Genesis 39:1-3.

Based upon the words of Deuteronomy 28, God blessed Joseph for every endeavor in life. Joseph was gifted with the ability to lead as well as possessing a strict attention to details. These two qualities enabled Joseph to excel as the caretaker of Potiphar’s estate and overseer of the state penitentiary. Everyone who interacted with Joseph realized that God was with him.

And Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison, a place where the state prisoners were confined; so he was there in the prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison. 22 And the warden of the prison committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison; and whatsoever was done there, he was in charge of it, Genesis 39:20-22.

This makes me wonder: who is the Lord with today? While there are plenty of political leaders who are adored by the mainstream media, I don’t see the Lord’s presence in their lives. Sure, there are pastors who may stand out, but what about local leaders? May today’s blog give you a discerning spirit to search for and find a spiritual mentor who the Lord is with today.

by Jay Mankus

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So You Think You Got Away with It

Posted on August 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Telling the truth in some cultures today is still the honorable thing to do. Unfortunately, if you live in a major city and try to tell the truth, you’ll probably be labeled as a tattle tale or Uncle Tom. Therefore, if you avoid telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, you’ll have to come up with a believable story. This is exactly what Joseph’s brothers thought they did.

Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites [and Midianites, these mixed Arabians who are approaching], and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brothers consented. 28 Then as the Midianite [and Ishmaelite] merchants were passing by, the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the well. And they sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph [captive] into Egypt. 29 Then Reuben [who had not been there when the brothers plotted to sell the lad] returned to the pit; and behold, Joseph was not in the pit, and he rent his clothes, Genesis 37:27-29.

Rachel, Jacob’s wife, is the first individual in the Bible to clearly get away with stealing images of Laban’s gods, Genesis 31:33-35. Perhaps, Joseph’s brothers were told this story about some point during their lives thinking, “if mom could get away with lying, why can’t we?” According to Moses, the story that Jospeh’s brother told their father convinced him that Joseph was no longer alive. This appears to be the first practical joke recorded in the Bible.

He rejoined his brothers and said, The boy is not there! And I, where shall I go [to hide from my father]? 31 Then they took Joseph’s [distinctive] long garment, killed a young goat, and dipped the garment in the blood; 32 And they sent the garment to their father, saying, We have found this! Examine and decide whether it is your son’s tunic or not. 33 He said, My son’s long garment! An evil [wild] beast has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned many days for his son, Genesis 37:30-34.

While Moses doesn’t mention Joseph’s brothers’ reaction to dad buying their fictional story, I’m sure there were either high fives, smirks and or laughter exchanged after leaving Jacob’s presence. For many years, Joseph’s brothers thought they got away with this, until a great famine forced them to travel to Egypt to find something to eat. This is where Joseph returns the favor, playing a practical joke on his brothers until he breaks down in tears, Genesis 45:1-5. May Joseph’s unique journey help you see that God has a plan even when others think they got away with sinning.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 30: A Modern Christian Version of the Doobie Brothers

Posted on August 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon what music critic you prefer, today’s featured group is a mix between Christian blues and southern rock. I was fortunate to attend one of Three Crosses concerts in Chicago with my wife’s youth group while Leanne was still in youth ministry. Three Crosses’ most famous member is featured guitarist Andrew Krizan of the Spin Doctors.

For there was also an inscription above Him [l]in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew: This is the King of the Jews. 39 One of the criminals who was suspended kept up a railing at Him, saying, Are You not the Christ (the Messiah)? Rescue Yourself and us [[m]from death]! 40 But the other one reproved him, saying, Do you not even fear God, seeing you yourself are under the same sentence of condemnation and suffering the same penalty? 41 And we indeed suffer it justly, receiving the due reward of our actions; but this Man has done nothing out of the way [nothing [n]strange or eccentric or perverse or unreasonable]. 42 Then he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when You come [o]in Your kingly glory! – Luke 23:38-42

While Three Crosses’ debut album was mainly soft rock mixed with gospel music, the Jefferson Street album brings me back to my days of high school blaring the Doobie Brothers. One of the hit songs Welcome to the Jesus Movement hints to the Doobie Brothers classic Jesus is Just Alright with Me. If you liked the Doobie Brothers for their music, I hope you enjoy Three Crosses this week.

by Jay Mankus

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An Angel of Death or the Godfather?

Posted on August 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Moses highlights a jealous God in Genesis 38. Without much warning, the Lord takes out two of Judah’s sons in a short period of time. As I was trying to comprehend the phrase, “the Lord slew him,” I came to two possible conclusions. Either God sent an angel of death to visit Er and Onan while they were sleeping or this was like a mob hit, commanded and given by God the Father.

Now Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn; her name was Tamar. 7 And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord slew him, Genesis 38:6-7.

The Godfather film series began in 1972, spanning 18 years with the finale the Godfather Part III. Many film critics consider the original Godfather movie as one of the best dramas ever written. However, when Moses uses the expression “God slew him,” this isn’t your typical mob hit. Rather, Bible scholars believe Moses is referring to untimely deaths suffered shortly after sinning.

Then Judah told Onan, Marry your brother’s widow; live with her and raise offspring for your brother. 9 But Onan knew that the family would not be his, so when he cohabited with his brother’s widow, he prevented conception, lest he should raise up a child for his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He slew him also, Genesis 38:8-10.

Subsequently, the most logical explanation for the deaths of Er and Onan is that both experienced visitations from an angel of God. If the Lord can cause an angel of death to strike down the first-born male in each Egyptian home prior to Israel’s Exodus out of Egypt, then what happened to Er and Onan seems logical. Like the words of 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, these 6 verses of the Old Testament serve as a warning to avoid doing what’s evil in God’s sight.

by Jay Mankus

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When One Child Ends Up Becoming Everyone’s Favorite

Posted on August 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a coach, parent and teacher, the Bible reveals to readers that God is impartial, Romans 2:11. Meanwhile, if you show partiality to one person over another, James 2:9, this is considered a sin by one of Jesus’ earthly brothers. In the passage below, Moses points out that traits and qualities within Joseph persuaded Jacob to hold him in high regards as his favorite son.

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 37:1-4.

Moses doesn’t go into specific details of exactly how Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, but the mention of a special tunic highlights Jacob’s favoritism. As a parent, when the actions of one child go above and beyond the others, this child is easy to love. However, Jesus calls Christians to love everyone, especially your enemies and those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-45.

So they went with haste and [[g]by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, 18 And all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary was keeping [h]within herself all these things ([i]sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them, Luke 2:16-20.

If Joseph’s brothers were frustrated, think about all of Jesus’ younger brothers and sisters. From early on, Mary knew that Jesus was special. When a child is conceived without having sex, any woman is going to wonder why this happened and who is this child going to become. Some people are blessed with a gift that makes them likeable, often more than everyone else. Therefore, if you aren’t the one everyone is talking about, reflect upon your purpose in life, 1 Corinthians 12:6-7.

by Jay Mankus

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Sexual Immorality is Nothing New

Posted on August 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

After spending a decade teaching the Bible to junior and senior high classes, sex is one of those topics which was brought to the forefront of discussion. One of my 11th grade courses was based upon Mere Christianity. Since Book 3 is entitled, What Christian’s Believe, students signed up for the chapter they wanted to present to their class. Sexual Morality tended to be the most interesting presentation annually as teenagers wanted to know “how far is too far?”

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.

Since the Ten Commandments had yet to be introduced at this time in the Bible, Noah and Enoch set the tone for others to follow by habitually walking with God. Apparently, how far is too far didn’t enter into the mind of Reuben. The death of Rachel weighed heavy upon her former servant Bilhah. Caught in a moment of weakness, Reuben’s caring hug planted the thought of sexual immorality. Before the night was over, one thing led to another as adultery was carried out.

 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. 18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. 19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, 20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), 21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God, Galatians 5:16-21.

The Song of Solomon goes into vivid detail about the role of sex in marriage. However, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality following a scandal within the Church at Corinth. Romans 7:14-18 and 1 Corinthians 6:12-18 highlight what Jesus prayed in Matthew 26:41. “The Spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Until Christians learn to tame their fleshly desires, sin will continue to reign. Therefore, learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, so tempting thoughts of sexual immorality will be replaced with the mind of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5.

by Jay Mankus

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The Andy Dufresne of the Bible

Posted on August 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Twenty years ago, I was blessed to be in a good spiritual state. I was using my gifts as a coach and teacher, sensing that I had finally discovered God’s will for my life as a high school Bible teacher and golf coach. One phone call on New Year’s Day in 2012 threw my world upside down as I was informed that I was going to be replaced at the end of the marking period. This one event came as a rude awakening that only God knows what tomorrow will bring.

And when [Joseph’s] master heard the words of his wife, saying to him, This is the way your servant treated me, his wrath was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison, a place where the state prisoners were confined; so he was there in the prison, Genesis 39:19-20.

Based upon Moses’ words in Genesis 39, Joseph had a similar experience. Joseph went from telling his father and brothers about a dream where they were bowing down to him to a slave overnight. I can’t imagine what Joseph was thinking as a group of merchants purchased him. Either God was trying to humble Joseph from his bragging about a dream or teaching him the lesson that only God knows what tomorrow will bring.

But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison. 22 And the warden of the prison committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison; and whatsoever was done there, he was in charge of it. 23 The prison warden paid no attention to anything that was in [Joseph’s] charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper, Genesis 39:21-23.

While spending time in prison will change any human being, Joseph remained positive throughout this ordeal. Perhaps, how Joseph handled this trial caught the warden’s attention. Although Moses isn’t specific about Joseph’s daily responsibilities, it appears that Joseph became like Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins in Shawshank Redemption. Rather than needing to escape, Joseph received a promotion by Pharaoh. If your current state of affairs isn’t going your way, may tomorrow bring blessings like the life of Joseph.

by Jay Mankus

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