Tag Archives: angel

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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Zaphenath-paneah

Posted on September 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The official name on your birth certificate may not be the name your peers call you. Meanwhile, the name provided by your parents to the school you are/were enrolled in, will influence what others call you. When Pharaoh appointed Joseph as governor of Egypt, he is introduced to the nation as Zaphenath-paneah. Moses felt like this was an important detail to mention.

And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph made an [inspection] tour of all the land of Egypt. 46 Joseph [who had been in Egypt thirteen years] was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went [about his duties] through all the land of Egypt, Genesis 41:45-46.

From a political perspective, this was a savvy move made by Pharaoh. Rather than introduce his new governor as a Hebrew slave who served a 3-year sentence in prison, Pharaoh gives Joseph a new name: Zaphenath-paneah. Just as God give Jacob the name Israel following his wrestling match with an angel, Zaphenath-paneah provides Joseph with a fresh start in Egypt as governor.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering], Proverbs 22:1-3.

While some names are earned in life, others may be assigned based upon your appearance, distinct personality trait or word association based upon your birth name. If your name rhymes with multiple words, your nicknames may be limitless. However, from a Christian perspective, when you begin to take faith serious, “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” Galatians 2:20.

by Jay Mankus

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How Obedience Endears Yourself to God

Posted on April 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former Catholic, I was taught that I could earn my way into heaven by following the Ten Commandments and participating in the Holy Sacraments. Whenever you learn something that Jesus addresses in Luke 18:18-30, the Bible corrects my misunderstanding. Since this account is mentioned by 3 of the 4 gospel authors, obedience are acts of faith that endear yourself to God, something a rich young ruler was unable to do.

But the [d]Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! He answered, Here I am. 12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your son, your only son. 13 Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son! 14 So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided, Genesis 22:11-14.

Moses highlights this concept in the passage above. Prior to Genesis 22, Abraham had a habit of trusting in his own instincts rather than placing his full assurance in God. Perhaps, this is what led God to ask Abraham to do the unthinkable, sacrifice his promised son Isaac. When an angel of the Lord intervenes just before Abraham was going to go through with this, this obedience to God’s call endeared himself to the Lord.

If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

Prior to Moses’ farewell address as Israel’s spiritual leader, he spends a chapter highlighting why God blesses obedient acts. Like a child who honors their parents, this is accomplished by listening intently and following the rules set in your home. Obedience isn’t a feeling, something you do when you want to. Rather, obedience is a daily conscience decision to seek God first and His righteousness, Matthew 6:33-34.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 9: Led Zeppelin Lite

Posted on April 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

While researching this week’s featured group, I stumbled upon a Podcast that I thought would be beneficial for anyone who wants to know more about Curious Fools. If it wasn’t for the name and Read album cover, this band might have garnered a larger following and subsequent longer career on tour. Nonetheless, the song Pull is the Christian version of the Stairway to Heaven as band members were heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin.

He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life. 13 I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in [c]the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life, 1 John 5:12-13.

Curious Fools goal was to reach a secular audience. However, there were still Christian leaders who believed all rock music was of the Devil so if it wasn’t for Gotee Records I would have never heard of this band. Rather than a one hit wonder like Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do, Curious Fools’ Read album contains classic songs like Angel, Mess, Take Me Back and Pull. I hope you enjoy the unique sound of Curious Fools, Led Zeppelin Lite.

by Jay Mankus

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Stand Back

Posted on March 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As an employee of Amazon the past decade; safety has been ingrained within me. Whether it’s using the freight elevator, a ladder or unclogging jams on a conveyor, each act requires specific training before you are permitted to perform this task. One of the expressions you might here is stand back and let someone who is qualified perform this duty.

But they said, Stand back! And they said, This fellow came in to live here temporarily, and now he presumes to be [our] judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them. So they rushed at and pressed violently against Lot and came close to breaking down the door, Genesis 19:9.

On the other hand, stand back may be a precursor to an altercation breaking out. The context of the passage above is that Lot is trying to diffuse a potential conflict. Unfortunately doing the right thing as a peacemaker isn’t easy. Once a mob of people make up their mind to act, providing an alternative is tough to sell. When Lot’s plan B is rejected, an angel intervenes.

For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and [d]pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and [e]seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. 6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that [f]comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. 7 [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot, Romans 8:5-7.

The last episode of Seinfeld was set up by Jerry’s friends filming a robbery instead of acting like a concerned citizen. This form of stand back by not getting involved is now considered normal with cell phones videotaping crimes daily. As long as human beings continue to feed their sinful nature, this trend will continue. May the passage above serve as a warning to step out in faith by following the convictions of the Holy Spirit.

By Jay Mankus

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Seeing the Future Purposes of God’s Design

Posted on March 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A few days before I began Express Yourself 4Him, I attended a two-day Discernment Seminar at a church known by locals as the Barn. Since I was recently unemployed at this time, I had nothing to lose. Pastor Bruce served as a facilitator Friday night which helped everyone in attendance to get to know one another. During a series of exercises, I realized that I possessed as special gift, the ability to write in the Spirit. This one insight laid the foundation for God’s future purpose, writing out my faith.

And the Angel of the Lord continued, See now, you are with child and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Ishmael [God hears], because the Lord has heard and paid attention to your affliction. 12 And he [Ishmael] will be as a [b]wild ass among men; his hand will be against every man and every man’s hand against him, and he will live to the east and on the borders of all his kinsmen. 13 So she called the name of the Lord Who spoke to her, You are a God of seeing, for she said, Have I [not] even here [in the wilderness] looked upon Him Who sees me [and lived]? Or have I here also seen [the future purposes or designs of] Him Who sees me? – Genesis 16:11-13

Sarah’s maidservant has a similar experience in the above passage. After running away from Abraham’s camp due to overbearing harassment and mistreatment from Sarah, Hagar has a comforting encounter with an angel of the Lord. Alone in the wilderness with an expecting child on the way, this angel casts a vision of future purposes of God’s design. Despite this amazing news, the angel tells Hagar that she must return to Sarah and submit to her. This decision is what’s best for her soon to be child, Ishmael.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.

There isn’t a formula for seeing future purposes of God’s design. However, the apostle does provide thorough details of how to mature spirituality. This begins by dedicating your life and body to the Lord, Colossians 3:17. As Christians draw close to Jesus via prayer and worship, this isn’t enough to discernment God’s will for your life. Discerning God’s future designs occurs gradually as Christians meditate upon and study God’s Word. If faith comes from hearing the message, Romans 10:17, seeing the future purposes of God’s design for your life is a process of prayer, fasting, Bible Study and worship. God willing you will see your purpose in the near future.

by Jay Mankus

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Priestly Shepherds

Posted on December 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Beginning 500 years before Jesus’ birth, Judean priests took an active role in the farming life of the countryside. Some priests also became shepherds by raising sheep without a blemish for future animal sacrifices. One thing that I did not know about the shepherds in the passage below is that they were priestly shepherds, working with the local temple. When this angel appeared to them, the news of a Savior meant their ancient tradition of animal sacrifice to forgive sins would no longer be necessary.

And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened, Luke 2:8-9.

Was the initial response by these shepherds fearful that they would be out of a job? Or was their main concern based upon Old Testament angelic encounters which often came as a precursor to their deaths? All of the years of hearing this passage read out loud in church, I never knew the context of who these chosen priestly shepherds were. Based upon their reactions to seeing the Christ child, it’s clear to me that these men were more excited about the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, Isaiah 9:6.

But its entrails and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall burn all of it on the altar for a burnt offering, an offering by fire, a sweet and satisfying odor to the Lord. 10 And if the man’s offering is of the flock, from the sheep or the goats, for a burnt offering, he shall offer a male without blemish, Leviticus 1:9-10.

While this is merely speculation, the role of a Jewish temple priest was a messy job. The slaughtering of animal’s day after day likely left stains of blood as well as being squirted by blood in your face from time to time. This tedious practice detailed by Moses in the book of Leviticus was a temporary process until a second Adam arrived. When news of Jesus’ birth was brought forth by an angel, these priestly shepherds realized in their minds that the lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world is about to arrive, Colossians 2:13-15. This is another reason to celebrate Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

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The Surrogate of God

Posted on December 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A surrogate is a substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office. The definition of a surrogate mother is a woman who bears a child on behalf of another person or a couple, typically via artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Based upon the words of Luke, a first centurion doctor, Mary is compared to the surrogate of God. Who needs artificial insemination when you have the power of the Holy Spirit as Mary was a virgin teenage girl.

Now in the sixth month [after that], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 To a girl never having been married and a [v]virgin engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [[w]endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! [x]Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women! – Luke 1:26-28

This isn’t something that you’ll find in a high school sex education class. While most first century children were uneducated, local synagogues taught young Jewish men and women about life through the Bar Mitzvah process for boys and Bat Mitzvah for girls. Similar to the Confirmation process which takes place in Christian churches, the Jews believed children become adults at age twelve. Jesus’ Bar Mitzvah is featured in Luke 2:41-52 where Jesus is allowed to teach in the temple for the first time.

 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled and disturbed and confused at what he said and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean. 30 And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace ([y]free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God. 31 And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David, 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end, Luke 1:29-33.

When an angel appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25, Joseph realized that his future wife would become the surrogate of God. To avoid any questions about this child’s father, Joseph decides to not have sex with his wife until after Jesus was born. Despite the rumors spreading about Mary’s illegitimate child throughout Joseph’s hometown, they each trusted God about the message conveyed to each of them by angels. These are the circumstances of Mary, the surrogate of God and mother of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 310: Ave Maria

Posted on December 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Of all of the great Christmas classics that have been recorded over the years, the one that touches my heart, stirs my soul and often brings tears streaming down my face is Ave Maria. There were numerous versions that I wanted to feature, but I thought it would be appropriate to play one sang in Latin. When translated from Latin into English Ave Marie means “Hail Mary.” Whoopi Goldberg charcter uses a portion of this sang as she leads a group of nuns as their choir director in Sister Act.

And Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I have no [intimacy with any man as a] husband? 35 Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God, Luke 1:34-35.

In the Christan film the Nativity Story, the 2005 version, there is an amazing scene without words that illustrates what Mary had to endure. A virgin seen pregnant in public will elicit gossip, judgment and stigmas. According to Gospel of Matthew, Joseph had plans to divorce Mary quietly because he thought like many others in his village that she had been unfaithful. This all changed when an angel appeared to Jospeh in a dream, Matthew 1:20-25. This is the inspiration behind Ave Maria.

by Jay Mankus

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The Shaft to the Abyss

Posted on August 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Half of the Gospel of John is devoted to the events of Passion Week: Jesus’ final week on earth. In the passage below, Jesus drops a hint about Good Friday and Easter Sunday. A first century doctor either interviewed Jesus following his resurrection or had a vision of Jesus’ trip to Hades, Acts 2:31. Paul devotes 1 Corinthians 15 to explaining the significance of Jesus conquering death via his resurrection.

In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way, John 14:2-4.

Jesus doesn’t explain how He was able to visit the Abyss which John uses to describe hell. Yet, during one vision, John sees a shaft open up momentarily to unveil this bottomless pit. As soon as the fifth angel in heaven blew his trumpet, the shaft to the Abyss opened to reveal a glimpse of hell. Out of this shaft came a plume of smoke like a modern-day industrial plant polluting the sky above.

Then the fifth angel blew [his] trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth; and to the angel was given the key [a]of the shaft of the Abyss (the bottomless pit). 2 He opened the [b]long shaft of the Abyss (the bottomless pit), and smoke like the smoke of a huge furnace puffed out of the [c]long shaft, so that the sun and the atmosphere were darkened by the smoke from the long shaft, Revelation 9:1-2.

Hell is one of those topics which rarely comes up at a funeral. To avoid depressing family and friends, heaven is brought up to bring comfort to those in audience. Yet, when you consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14, few people follow the less traveled road. Therefore, may this blog cause you to consider the shaft of the Abyss. May the fear of death scare people straight toward eternal life.

by Jay Mankus

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