Tag Archives: cable news

Languishing Language

Posted on May 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Prior to Genesis 11, Moses suggests that the earth only had one language. Based upon the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, God sent a spirit of confusion upon the people who had gathered to build this great city. Without reading too much into this passage, God essentially created different languages on this one day. Thousands of years later, 7,117 languages exist today based upon the most recent data in 2023.

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.

If I didn’t watch cable news or scan the internet for current events, I wouldn’t have known about the current language war going on across the United States. Children in elementary school are being suspended and a few expelled for not addressing their own classmates by their preferred Pronoun. Meanwhile, parents are being kept out of the loop as confused children as receiving sex change operations without their consent.

But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, 2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

Unless I’m mistaken, the month of Match was dedicated to Women’s History Month. According to a recent statistic, approximately 52% of the United States are female. Nearly 2% of Americans identify themselves to be trans-gender. Yet, two major companies in the United States honored men who now identify as women in March. Moses warned about not adding to or subtracting from God’s commands. The apostle Paul points to the source of languishing language: spirits of confusion and demons. May God wake up the minds of Americans up with common sense and biblical wisdom before this nation is destroyed like great empires of the past.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Intent to Deceive

Posted on April 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Lying is one of those traits which doesn’t mean what it once did in the United States. There was a time before lawyers got involved that a handshake agreement was as good as gold. This was during an era where a name and your word reflected upon the character and integrity of an individual. Unfortunately, those days are gone, replaced by an intent to deceive, either for personal gain or to avoid punishment.

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said, Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken [as your own], for she is a man’s wife. 4 But Abimelech had not come near her, so he said, Lord, will you slay a people who are just and innocent? – Genesis 20:3-4.

Rather than call lying for what it is, cable news anchors, journalists, and reporters play the intent to deceive game by using words like “this is controversial, it’s a right-wing conspiracy or that’s fake news. Due to collusion between the global elite, print and social media, the intent to deceive continues daily via political talking points as every member of the mainstream media reads off the same script, in locked step together.

Did not the man tell me, She is my sister? And she herself said, He is my brother. In integrity of heart and innocency of hands I have done this. 6 Then God said to him in the dream, Yes, I know you did this in the integrity of your heart, for it was I Who kept you back and spared you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not give you occasion to touch her, Genesis 20:5-6.

Human nature causes Christians to play this game as well. Abraham is the mastermind behind two separate deceptions: Genesis 12:9-20 and Genesis 20:1-6. Perhaps, Abraham thought, “this worked before, let’s try it again.” According to King Solomon, lying is a byproduct of not fully trusting God, Proverbs 3:5-6. Like the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:33-34, until a complete trust in God is formed, human beings will continue to possess an intent to deceive.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Is There Anyone Righteous Still Standing?

Posted on April 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If I ever wanted to be depressed as a teenager, all I had to do was listen to one of Chicago’s ballad, the popular soft rock band of the late 1970’s and 1980’s. Perhaps, band members were inspired by breaking up with their girlfriend, singing about the anguish, emotions and pain of saying goodbye to someone you once loved. If I want to get depressed as an adult, all I have to do is watch five minutes of cable news to see how bad things have gotten on planet earth.

And [Abraham] said, Behold now, I have taken upon myself to speak [again] to the Lord. Suppose [only] twenty shall be found there. And [the Lord] replied, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake. 32 And he said, Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again only this once. Suppose ten [righteous people] shall be found there. And [the Lord] said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake, Genesis 18:31-32.

Perhaps, if CNN went through a complete transformation to PNN, the positive news network, I wouldn’t feel as bad. Unfortunately, positive news doesn’t sell so death, sex and violence tend to be the leading stories. Of course, there are always plenty of segments on corruption, deceit and lies which makes me wonder if there is anyone righteous left in the world. According to the apostle Paul in Romans 3:9-12, my gut feeling is correct as human nature has led everyone astray.

The people of the land have used oppression and extortion and have committed robbery; yes, they have wronged and vexed the poor and needy; yes, they have oppressed the stranger and temporary resident wrongfully. 30 And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none, Ezekiel 22:29-30.

One Old Testament prophet asked a similar question in the passage above. As Ezekiel looked at the signs of his time on earth, everyone seemed self-absorbed. Rather than following the JFK doctrine, “ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what can you do for your country,” a me first sentiment took over. Like a politician who says one thing in public and does the complete opposite privately, look to those who demonstrate, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. While your search may turn up empty, God’s remnant is out there, focused on God’s will.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

A Child Who Can Alter Your Legacy

Posted on December 18, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you haven’t learned this from watching cable news, it only takes one act to alter your legacy forever. When earth’s first couple participated in original sin by breaking God’s only boundary placed in the Garden of Eden (not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge), the sinful nature was conceived. Subsequently, when Cain, the first-born child on earth, had his own moral dilemma, a peptalk from God couldn’t alter the decision he had already made in his mind. Cain eliminated the source of his jealousy, Abel.

So Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod [wandering], east of Eden. 17 And Cain’s wife [one of Adam’s offspring] became pregnant and bore Enoch; and Cain built a [f]city and named it after his son Enoch, Genesis 4:16-17.

According to Jude 1:14, Jared’s son Enoch lived seven generations after Adam. When you take into consideration Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel, Eve gave birth to two girls. Each of these two were likely women Cain and Abel eventually married. Since Abel’s life was struck down before he was able to have children, Cain’s wife gave birth to the first Enoch. This is what I call a God instance, not a coincidence as Enoch would go on to alter Cain’s legacy as a man and a father.

When Enoch was 65 years old, Methuselah was born. 22 Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God after the birth of Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 And Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God; and he was not, for God took him [home with Him], Genesis 5:21-24.

Since the earth’s population was reduced from six to five people following Abel’s murder, God didn’t give Cain the death penalty. Rather than cut the earth’s population back to four, Cain was sentenced to a life as a vagabond. However, Moses does record his family’s lineage in the passage above. Instead of dwelling upon and being haunted by his grave error in judgment, Cain devoted his life to raising Enoch. Like Solomon in the book of Proverbs, Cain did all he could to point Enoch in the right direction by avoiding the same mistakes he made in life. As Paul Harvey would say, “and now you now the rest of the story” of how just one child can alter your legacy on earth. If a murderer can raise a godly child who Cain built a city to honor, anything is possible.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 273: Hold You Tight

Posted on November 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you watch any form of cable news, current events are littered with crime, devastation, and heartache. You don’t have to be a child to need a hug to brighten your day. This is the message that Dan Bremnes sings about in his new song Hold You Tight. The attached video uses current events to reach a broad group of people.

At that time the disciples came up and asked Jesus, Who then is [really] the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. 4 Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5 And whoever receives and accepts and welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives and accepts and welcomes Me, Matthew 18:1-5.

When I first listened to Dan’s song, the above passage immediately came to mind. As busy adults, sometimes we lose focus on what really matters in life. The lyrics of Hold You Tight implies that Jesus will be there with you through the storms that you face, Matthew 11:28-30. Don’t try to fight these difficult times alone. Rather, cast your burdens at the foot of the cross so you can find relief for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 185: Battle for the Minds

Posted on August 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song screams 1980’s. Crosssection released the album Before the Dawn in 1989. The lyrics of Battle for the Minds is a daily prayer Christians have been offering up to the Lord for the past 30 years. Unfortunately, if you ever watch cable news, it doesn’t take long to realize that the liberals and progressives have won this battle by controlling public education and most colleges.

See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah), Colossians 2:8.

The apostle Paul wrote about the Battle for human minds to members of the Church at Colosse. Paul suggests that intellectualism and philosophy interfere with God’s ability to shape your mind as a spiritual potter. Colossians 2:6-7 encourages Christians to daily study the Bible so that spiritual roots are developed. While the Battle for the Minds hasn’t aged well, the message still rings true today.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Living Good and Honest Lives

Posted on February 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you watch cable news, a minute doesn’t go by without at least one exaggeration, lie or mis-truth. Apparently, just reporting the news is too boring. In this age of click bait, providing one daily soundbite for social media is too tempting for commentators to abstain. According to one of Jesus’ disciples, this is not how human beings should live their lives. God has a different plan and will for your life.

For it is God’s will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons, 1 Peter 2:15.

I started this week by reading Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay the Social Network. The opening scene consists of Mark Zuckerberg sitting at a bar with his date. The dialog is designed to illustrate Zuckerberg’s desire to become part of the most elite club on the Harvard campus. This one-way conversation bores Ericka Albright, Mark’s date, who appears to want to live and good and decent life.

No [actual] evil, misfortune, or calamity shall come upon the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil, misfortune, and calamity. 22 Lying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight, Proverbs 12:21-22.

Unfortunately, in this age of Cancel Culture and Wokeness, most people are afraid to share what they really believe and think in a social setting. Rather than risk offending someone, honest opinions are held back. Instead, a growing number of people sugar coat their replies to avoid conflict and criticism. While agreeing to disagree is a good option, God wants his followers to live good and honest lives as you learn to love your neighbors as yourself.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

What Makes Demons Tremble?

Posted on January 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Over five billion copies of the Bible have been sold worldwide. This book is a great resource for history, faith, and religious practices. Yet, the Bible contains details of what will happen in the last days on earth. The book of Revelation refers to seven tribulations that lead up to the battle of Armageddon, Revelation 16:14-16. The conclusion of this war is what makes demons tremble.

You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as [a]make a man’s hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]! – James 2:19

If you follow current events by watching cable news or reading articles on various sites, not much makes sense. Criminals in many states are being released from jail without bail on the same day only to commit similar or more violent attacks on law abiding citizens days later. This trend has spiraled act of control resulting in numerous unnecessary deaths if these criminals were punished for their first violent offense.

And angels who did not keep (care for, guard, and hold to) their own first place of power but abandoned their proper dwelling place—these He has reserved in custody in eternal chains (bonds) under the thick gloom of utter darkness until the judgment and doom of the great day. 7 [The wicked are sentenced to suffer] just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the adjacent towns—which likewise gave themselves over to impurity and indulged in unnatural vice and sensual perversity—are laid out [in plain sight] as an exhibit of perpetual punishment [to warn] of everlasting fire, Jude 1:6-7.

This is not how the Bible works. According to Matthew 12:36-37, there will be a day of judgment where you will have to give an account for everything you have done on earth. Individuals who have had near death experiences have explained this as watching a movie about your life containing the good, bad and ugly moments. After dying, everyone will be judged by God. This is what makes demons tremble.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Overcoming the Coronavirus Mountain

Posted on March 23, 2020 by expressyourself4him

If you listen to cable news, scan social media or regularly follow Twitter, fear is spread daily about the Coronavirus. When the CDC updates their numbers of new cases and death toll every afternoon, panic can set in at anytime. Trying to fight this invisible disease can overwhelm even optimistic souls. Thus, the more contagious and deadly the Coronavirus becomes. it’s like trying to climb the Mt. Everest in Himalayan Mountains by yourself, without any assistance.

And Peter remembered and said to Him, Master, look! The fig tree which You doomed has withered away! 22 And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly], Mark 11:21-22.

Beside being called a Jewish Rabbi, Jesus was an amazing teacher, using visual aids to illustrate spiritual truths. Earlier in the day, Jesus was hoping to rely on a fig tree to satisfy his hunger. Upon further review, this tree was barren. Seizing the moment, Jesus cursed this tree which withered immediately. This act wasn’t done for selfish ambition. Rather, Jesus wanted to demonstrate the power of prayer. To show the spiritual potential for those who believe in God.

23 Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. 24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it], Mark 1:23-24.

In his book Relentless, John Tess shares his battle with cancer. Given 18 months to live with a rare form of prostrate cancer, this disease was relentless, coming back time after time. Three years into his struggle to survive, one verse from the Bible transformed John’s perspective. Mark 1:23 uses a mountain to convey that obstacles face individuals daily. The only way to conquer and overcome these barriers is through prayer. May God give you the faith to believe that fasting and prayer will result in developing a cure for Coronavirus.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→