Tag Archives: blessings

A Generational Prayer

Posted on November 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If I had to do an assessment of my current spiritual condition, prayer is my weakest area. Yet, when I listen to mature Christians pray, I hear themes of a generational prayer. One year before morning to South Carolina, I attended a Saturday morning Bible Study with a couple of other men. I don’t remember much about the topics we covered, but what sticks out in my mind is the need to daily prayer for and cover your children in prayer. If you want to begin your own generational prayer, this is a good place to start.

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.

As the book of Genesis comes to an end, Moses provides a brief summary of Joseph’s father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Before the Ten Commandments were introduced, each of these men followed one simple rule: walk habitually with God. While Moses does not record a specific prayer spoken by Joseph, this is the goal of any parent for their children and grandchildren. Rather than make up your own prayer, you can always claim the words of the Bible as your own.

When I heard this, I sat down and wept and mourned for days and fasted and prayed [constantly] before the God of heaven, 5 And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments, 6 Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to listen to the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You day and night for the Israelites, Your servants, confessing the sins of the Israelites which we have sinned against You. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. 8 Remember [earnestly] what You commanded Your servant Moses: If you transgress and are unfaithful, I will scatter you abroad among the nations; 9 But if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the farthest part of the heavens [the expanse of outer space], yet will I gather them from there and will bring them to the place in which I have chosen to set My [a]Name. 10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere and fear Your name (Your nature and attributes); and prosper, I pray You, Your servant this day and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah 1:4-11.

When you face adversity, trials or unforeseen circumstances, following the actions of Nehemiah in the passage above is a good place to start. As news of Israel’s fall came to Nehemiah, he wept, mourned, prayed, and fasted until the Lord provided a clear plan of action. Nehemiah was willing to wait up to 3 months, praying for clarity so that Israel would have a future as a nation. In view of these two passages, develop your own generational prayer so that the Lord will bless your children and their families.

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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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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Removing Luck from the Equation

Posted on July 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The origin of superstitions likely comes from the Latin word superstitio. When translated into English, this refers to stand over in awe of. However, modern superstitions may also be connected with superstes, Latin for outliving or surviving. The human mind has a way of rationalizing good and bad, using chance and luck as a means to give credit for the positive and blame to any negative.

Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, Put away the [images of] strange gods that are among you, and purify yourselves and change [into fresh] garments; 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make there an altar to God Who answered me in the day of my distress and was with me wherever I went, Genesis 35:2-3.

After plundering Canaan and rummaging through all the vacant homes, Jacob’s family accumulated masses amount of jewelry, possessions and wealth before departing. Based upon the words of Moses in the passage above, God was concerned about the spiritual state of Jacob’s family. With numerous objects of worship serving as a new distraction, Jacob wanted to remove luck from the equation so that the Lord received all the glory and praise.

So they [both young men and women] gave to Jacob all the strange gods they had and their earrings which were [worn as charms against evil] in their ears; and Jacob buried and hid them under the oak near Shechem, Genesis 35:4.

Revelation 3:15-16 makes it clear that following God is either all or nothing. There is no half-way as anyone lukewarm about God will be spit out. Subsequently, any good luck charm, object of worship or symbols of evil were brought before Jacob and buried. This purging of apparel, charms and objects were designed to end and eliminate any ungodly beliefs. May this passage inspire you to self-reflect on your life so that you too may remove luck from stealing God’s credit for blessings.

by Jay Mankus

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How About Them Love Apples?

Posted on June 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Hollywood movies have certain scenes that speak directly to you. Depending upon your ethnic background, family income and upbringing, some classic scenes will stir your soul. Such is the case of Matt Damon in Goodwill Hunting who plays a janitor surrounded by the smartest students in the country. As two MIT men try to hit on Skylar, it’s Will who ends up walking away with her phone number. This sets the stage for Will’s line: “how do you like them apples.”

Now Reuben went at the time of wheat harvest and found some mandrakes (love apples) in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray you, some of your son’s mandrakes. 15 But [Leah] answered, Is it not enough that you have taken my husband without your taking away my son’s [a]mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Jacob shall sleep with you tonight [in exchange] for your son’s mandrakes, Genesis 30:14-15.

If you have ever spent much time with two sisters, there’s often some sort of competition to determine superiority. When Leah’s oldest child discovers mandrakes in Jacob’s wheat field, Reuben treats these as a special find. Meanwhile, Moses refers to these as love apples as if a blessing from God. Jealous and hungry, Rachel asks her sister for a couple of mandrakes. When Leah rejects this request, Rachel goes to plan B which benefits both parties.

And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him and said, You must sleep with me [tonight], for I have certainly paid your hire with my son’s mandrakes. So he slept with her that night. 17 And God heeded Leah’s [prayer], and she conceived and bore Jacob [her] fifth son. 18 Leah said, God has given me my hire, because I have given my maid to my husband; and she called his name Issachar [hired]. 19 And Leah became pregnant again and bore Jacob [her] sixth son. 20 Then Leah said, God has endowed me with a good marriage gift [for my husband]; now will he dwell with me [and regard me as his wife in reality], because I have borne him six sons; and she named him Zebulun [dwelling], Genesis 30:16-20.

Based upon Moses’ description of Reuben’s mandrakes, Leah and Rachel are both able to bear children after eating this special treat. Perhaps, this is why the mandrakes are referred to as love apples as God enables Leah and Rachel to each conceive. Whether these mandrakes served as a placebo or a coincidence prior to being blessed with children, the next time you see Good Will Hunting, don’t forget about them love apples in the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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May Any Curse Fall Upon Me

Posted on June 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A mother’s love serves as the backstory for the 2000 heist film Gone in 60 Seconds starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. Cage plays a former car boosting ringleader who retired and moved away to honor his mother’s request. However, when Memphis Raines finds out his little brother is in a major bind, Cage returns home to ask his mother for permission to do what is necessary to rescue him. In today’s featured passage, the rolls are reversed as a loving mother does what she can to improve the future of her little boy.

So now, my son, do exactly as I command you. 9 Go now to the flock, and from it bring me two good and suitable kids; and I will make them into appetizing meat for your father, such as he loves. 10 And you shall bring it to your father, that he may eat and declare his blessing upon you before his death, Genesis 27:8-10.

Any mother wants the best for their child. Mothers have a habit of bragging about their only child or children, showing images and or videos of their latest accomplishment. As for Rebekah, she grew fond of Jacob as they spent quality time in the kitchen, cooking meals together. When Rebekah heard about her husband’s plan to bless Esau, she couldn’t resist the opportunity to give Jacob the future that she hoped for and prayed about. When Jacob began to second guess their plan, Rebekah vows to take all responsibility if it falls apart.

But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Listen, Esau my brother is a hairy man and I am a smooth man.12 Suppose my father feels me; I will seem to him to be a cheat and an imposter, and I will bring [his] curse on me and not [his] blessing. 13 But his mother said to him, On me be your curse, my son; only obey my word and go, fetch them to me. 14 So [Jacob] went, got [the kids], and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared appetizing meat with a delightful odor, such as his father loved, Genesis 27:11-14.

At the conclusion of Gone in 60 Seconds, the detective pursuing Memphis Raines is nearly killed as Memphis saves his life. Before departing, Delroy Lindo touches on why Memphis came back to save his kid brother, ‘a mother’s love is a mother’s love.” Subsequently, when Rebekah replies in the passage above, “let any curse fall upon me,” this is a motherly instinct coming out of her. While every human being participates in some sort of questionable activities, Romans 3:23, let all you do be done in a spirit of love, 1 Corinthians 16:14.

by Jay Mankus

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Searching for a Daily Source of Water

Posted on May 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Modern technology bypasses most of the steps early settlements had to consider before setting up camp in a particular area. Unless you watch shows like Homestead Rescue, most people don’t understand that you can’t survive unless you have access to a daily source of water. When Isaac was told by King Abimelech that he needed to find a new place to live, Isaac’s first concern was finding a well with clean water.

Now all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had closed and filled with earth. 16 And Abimelech said to Isaac, Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we are. 17 So Isaac went away from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. 18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the names by which his father had called them. 19 Now Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of living [spring] water, Genesis 26:15-19.

Isaac didn’t have access to the local Sam’s Club or Walmart. Rather, Isaac commissioned his servants to locate water through a series of wells. Once this discovery and construction process was completed, Isaac was able to set up his new camp, home, centered around these wells. Just as springs in the California desert gave birth to the city of Palm Springs, a well of living water made it possible for Isaac’s family to survive in the wilderness.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity], Psalm 1:1-3.

One of the Psalmists writes about the blessings of water. From a spiritual perspective, water is like the Word of God, serving as a source of hope and faith, Romans 10:17. The apostle Paul uses a similar analogy in Colossians 2:6-7, rooted and built up in Christ. Since tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, James 4:13-15, search for a daily source of living water, John 4:14, like a curious Samaritan woman who’s entire family entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Why Blessings are Bestowed by God

Posted on April 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

I grew up confusing blessings with luck. When one of your best friends in high school is an Irish Catholic and was one of the luckiest people I ever met, I had a good reason to be misled. However, as my knowledge of the Bible has increased, I now understand why blessings are bestowed upon human beings by God. Moses points this out in Deuteronomy 28:1-3 as blessings are a direct byproduct of obedience to God.

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, Genesis 22:11-12.

Depending upon where you are spiritually when you read this blog, levels of faith tend to fluctuate. No matter how disciplined you may be, internal feelings play a factor in your degree of faith. Sometimes a bad stretch of circumstances, called tough luck, puts your back to the wall as faith is challenged unlike anything before in your life. In the case of Abraham, this propelled him to fear God, resulting in extreme obedience and blessings.

The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 And said, I have sworn by Myself, says the Lord, that since you have done this and have not withheld [from Me] or begrudged [giving Me] your son, your only son, 17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies, Genesis 22:15-17.

Jesus references this in the Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, Matthew 6:5-15. Jesus places a similar condition on forgiveness. As long as you forgive the trespasses and transgressions of others, God will forgive you. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul compares this to the Sowing Principle in Galatians 6:5-8. Subsequently, as individuals adhere, listen and apply God’s Word, blessings will be bestowed by God. Become a doer of God’s Word and you’ll be surprised by the final outcome.

by Jay Mankus

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Trusting in God…Not Government

Posted on March 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The past half decade has seen a drastic change in mentality from the days of John F. Kennedy. The Democratic Party has evolved from “what can you do for the government to becoming dependent upon the government to meet your daily needs. Rather than follow in the footsteps of rugged individualism, modern political leaders have convinced many Americans that the government will provide for your daily needs.

Make haste and take refuge there, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar [little]. 23 The sun had risen over the earth when Lot entered Zoar, Genesis 19:22-23.

The context of the passage above occurs after God reveals to Lot that Sodom and Gomorrah will be destroyed. Since God promised Abraham his nephew Lot would be spared, there’s only one thing left to do. One of two angels tries to urge Lot to develop a sense of urgency. Until Lot reaches the agreed upon location, the city of Zoar, God can’t do anything.

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:33-34.

Jesus provides insight into trusting God in the passage above. While many children are taught you have to make things happen in life, Jesus points to the spiritual solution. Blessings come in the form of daily bread: meeting all your spoken and unspoken needs in life. While it’s tempting to receive free money in the form of government handouts, pursue God and His righteousness so you’ll learn to trust Jesus, not government.

by Jay Mankus

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Not the Answer You Wanted to Hear

Posted on March 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who grew up in a military family, discipline was always part of my childhood. Whenever I was unruly to my mother, I became fearful as soon as I heard, “wait until your father gets home.” Despite attending a public high school and state-run university, discipline played an important role. My senior year of high school I got an afterschool detention for taking during the morning announcements. As King Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs, rules are designed for your own spiritual protection.

But [a]the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness on the road to Shur. 8 And He said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where did you come from, and where are you intending to go? And she said, I am running away from my mistress Sarai, Genesis 16:7-8.

Running away from home is one of those things that I thought about, but never did. Sometimes adults run away, sometimes in the form of divorce to try to start over from scratch. Following Hagar’s decision to run away from her jealous owner Sarai, Hagar believed that running away for good was the best decision she could make. However, the wilderness is not a safe place to live, let alone have a child all by yourself. Subsequently, this angel gives Hagar an answer that she didn’t want to hear.

The Angel of the Lord said to her, Go back to your mistress and [humbly] submit to her control. 10 Also the Angel of the Lord said to her, I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be numbered for multitude, Genesis 16:9-10.

This same concept also applies to prayer. Some prayers result in clear answers in the form of blessings. Other times in life you will receive a clear no, often in the form of a closed door, denying you the career, job or position that you really wanted. The final way that God answers prayers is by subtle, “not now or not yet.” This response could be a way to test your patience or a way to prepare you for what God has in store for you in the future. If you’re presently like me, disappointed by the answers God has for you, read Luke 18:1-8 so you can discern and learn from a persistent widow who wrestled with God in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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