Tag Archives: heart

Questions about the Afterlife

Posted on October 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former seminary student, I’m always curious to hear what kind of message is presented at a funeral. Unless my ears are deceiving me, nearly every speaker assumes that the individual lying in a coffin is now in heaven. If you listen to the words of Jesus in the passage below, just the opposite appears to be true. This is just one lingering question about the afterlife.

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14 But the gate is narrow (contracted [k]by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it, Matthew 7:13-14.

Except for those individuals for who experienced a near death experience, the afterlife and heaven remain a mystery. All Christians have is the promise of John 14:1-4 and 1 John 5:11-13 in the Bible. The author of Hebrews refers to members of the Old Testament of dying prior to receiving what was promised to them by God. The key to securing a place in heaven is faith.

For it is impossible [to restore and bring again to repentance] those who have been once for all enlightened, who have consciously tasted the heavenly gift and have become sharers of the Holy Spirit, 5 And have felt how good the Word of God is and the mighty powers of the age and world to come, 6 If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance—[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

Jesus alludes to the above passage in his Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:18-19. Can you lose your salvation? Well, to those who are infant Christians, not fully knowing the decision they just made, they can slip away if the Devil steals what was sown in their heart. Meanwhile, to those who pervert God’s grace with addictions to their flesh also may find their selves on the outside looking in. Don’t take the chance of walking on this fence spiritually. Rather, habitually walk with God daily to confirm your spiritual reservation in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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There is Where The Bible Talks About M…

Posted on September 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever watched Kindergarten Cop starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, there is one boy in class who regularly asks questions well beyond his age. Likewise, as I former High School Bible teacher, I had to be prepared at a moment’s notice to answer tough questions. Since sex was often on the mind of my students, the topic of masturbation was a common probing question.

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.

On the surface, Moses words above seem mundane. However, two key expressions give away what’s going on, cohabited and prevented conception. Like an R Rate movie when aired on public television, you have to read between the lines. First, Onan had no problem sleeping with Tamar. However, to avoid having children, Onan pulled out just prior to ejaculating.

You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. 28 But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with evil desire for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29 If your right eye serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be cast into hell (Gehenna). 30 And if your right hand serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your entire body should be cast into hell (Gehenna), Matthew 5:27-30.

When you put everything together, this is why scholar refers to Genesis 38:9 as the most direct connection to masturbation in the Bible. From a New Testament perspective, Jesus explains why masturbation is wrong during His Sermon on the Mount. Whether someone is using a magazine or watching sexually explicit films, the act of masturbation involves adultery. Whatever brings you to the point of masturbation, you’re actually committing adultery in your heart. May today’s blog speak to your heart and educate you on what God desires and how you should live your life.

by Jay Mankus


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Don’t Let Envy and Jealousy Ruin Your Heart

Posted on August 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When one of the wisest individuals in the Bible urges readers to guard their hearts, Proverbs 4:23, this warning should be heeded. If King Solomon compares human hearts to the well spring of life, erosion and ground water runoff can contaminate this spiritual well. Based upon Moses’ suggestion in the passage below, envy and jealousy filled the hearts of Joseph’s brothers with hatred.

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 37:3-4.

From a sociology perspective, the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society, there will be certain personality types that will get under your skin. These individuals tend to be more boastful, confident or outspoken. Despite how blessed, gifted and talented people in your life may be, remember that God has a specific plan for everyone, 1 Corinthians 12:1-7.

You have heard that it was said to the men of old, You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be [ac]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court. 22 But I say to you that everyone who continues to be [ad]angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be [ae]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be [af]liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You [ag]cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be [ah]liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire, Matthew 5:21-22.

Jesus uses the Sermon on the Mount to warn those in attendance of the dangers of envy and jealousy. While the apostle Paul writes, “in your anger do not sin,” Ephesians 4:26, Jesus goes deeper, pointing to your heart. Luke 6:45 reveals that your mouth speaks out of the overflow of your heart. Therefore, before hatred is conceived in your heart, stop the root of bitterness in its tracks, Hebrews 12:15. Clothe yourself with Christ, Colossians 3:12-14, so that love prevails.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Sees Grown Adults Act Like Children

Posted on August 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=red+carpet+by+age+of+faith

Portions of the passage below are often found on wedding bulletins. While the number 13 is considered an unlikely number to those who study numerology, 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter of the Bible. However, after taking a closer look at the full context of the apostle Paul’s words to members of the Church at Corinth, there is a call for adults to grow up and stop acting like children.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening], 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

As I approach 54 in August, I view the Lord through the eyes of a patient father. Jesus paints God the Father in the parable of the Prodigal in Luke 15 like an old man sitting on his front porch waiting for his son to come home. Free will allows this young man in Jesus’ story to seek pleasure in temporary treasures until his wealth is squandered. Only when this man comes to his senses in Luke 15:16-18 does he put aside his childish ways.

For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect). 10 But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded). 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside, 1 Corinthians 13:9-11.

While most adults may not want to admit this, we all have a similar story to tell if you’re humble enough to confess your past sins, James 5:16. Testimonies serve as a valuable spiritual tool to lure the lost back from their prodigal ways. May today’s blog speak to your heart so that any loved ones who have gone astray will return home physically and spiritually. The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem, I’m a grown adult who has acted like a child.”

by Jay Mankus

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Why Christians May Not Experience God’s Promises

Posted on July 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

From time to time, sermons will surprise me with a unique take on life. I’ve heard countless messages on living the abundant life promised by Jesus. Yet, when you look throughout the greater church community, many believers find their lives void of experiencing God’s promises in the Bible. Today’s blog hopes to shine light on why this is happening.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows). 11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. 12 But the hired servant (he who merely serves for wages) who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock], John 10:9-12.

While Albert Einstein is famous for many things that he did, one of his quotes explains why Christians may not experience God’s promises from the Bible in their lives on earth. Einstein once said: “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Living the abundant life that Jesus promises above requires believers to be all in with their whole heart.

And how can men [be expected to] preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings! [How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news of His good things!] 16 But they have not all heeded the Gospel; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed (had faith in) what he has heard from us? 17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself), Romans 10:15-17.

Meanwhile, one Old Testament prophet wrote that people perish for a lack of knowledge, Hosea 4:6. Unless Christians habitually walk with God by studying the Bible daily, you won’t know God’s promises. Subsequently, if you don’t know God’s promises, you won’t actively pray for and claim these promises for your own life. A lack of full devotion and knowledge of the Bible are two main barriers preventing many Christians from experiencing the abundant life of Christ today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 21: A Blend of Joan Jett and Guns N’ Roses

Posted on June 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon who is singing lead vocals on a particular song for Fighter, you’ll hear a man or woman’s voice. Leave it to a group from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who appear to fight over the microphone on Fighter’s the Waiting Album. While Amy Wolter and Sean Murphy alternate singing lead and backup vocals, Amy’s voice gives off a Joan Jett vibe. Meanwhile, Sean shines during ballads and metal songs with a guitar feel of Guns N’ Roses.

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Since every song on the attached album provides a different sound, the Waiting album screams 1980’s like an ode to popular artists of this decade. You can tell from listening to this album a couple of times through influences from Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Guns N’ Roses, Heart, and Pat Benatar. If you like anyone of these groups, you’ll find at least one of Fighter’s songs that will connect with your soul. I hope enjoy your introduction to Fighter this week.

by Jay Mankus

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Signs of a Comforting God

Posted on June 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever anyone is suffering from depression, there is a tendency to put blinders on; only seeing the negative aspects of life. From my own personal experiences as a teenager, part of me wanted sympathy from my peers. Unfortunately, I was too immature and didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. Subsequently, I wasn’t looking for signs from a comforting God.

And Jacob lived with Rachel also as his wife, and he loved Rachel more than Leah and served [Laban] another seven years [for her]. 31 And when the Lord saw that Leah was despised, He made her able to bear children, but Rachel was barren, Genesis 29:30-31.

Based upon the words of Moses in today’s featured passage, Leah was suffering from envy and jealousy. If you want to put her feelings into a more visual context, Rachel received Jacob’s full attention. Meanwhile, Leah was an afterthought, getting whatever energy Jacob had left over from his daily encounters with Rachel. As each day wore on, Leah began to feel dead inside her soul.

And Leah became pregnant and bore a son and named him Reuben [See, a son!]; for she said, Because the Lord has seen my humiliation and affliction; now my husband will love me. 33 [Leah] became pregnant again and bore a son and said, Because the Lord heard that I am despised, He has given me this son also; and she named him Simeon [God hears]. 34 And she became pregnant again and bore a son and said, Now this time will my husband be a companion to me, for I have borne him three sons. Therefore he was named Levi [companion]. 35 Again she conceived and bore a son, and she said, Now will I praise the Lord! So she called his name Judah [praise]; then [for a time] she ceased bearing, Genesis 29:32-35.

During this time of despair, Leah cried out to the Lord for some sort of help to endure the pain inside her heart. The first answer Leah received was in the form of a son named Reuben. From Leah’s perspective, the Lord has seen her affliction and granted her a sign of comfort. When Leah was blessed with 2 more boys, God removed her pain by replacing it with a Spirit of praise. This is one of many signs in the Bible of a comforting God.

by Jay Mankus

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Family Drama

Posted on June 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

In this age of social media, thoughts are shared daily in the form of blogs, pictures, posts, tweets, and videos. While I don’t recommend it, dirty language is shared daily which adds fuel to family drama. Before concluding the events of Isaac’s life, Moses highlights one dramatic scene in today’s featured passage. After being duped by Rebekah and Jacob, Isaac is on the verge of having a heart attacked, shocked and stunned.

And Isaac his father said to him, Who are you? And he replied, I am your son, your firstborn, Esau. 33 Then Isaac trembled and shook violently, and he said, Who? Where is he who has hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate of it all before you came and I have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed, Genesis 27:32-33.

Depending upon your mood or mental state, you may overreact. If someone says the wrong thing at the wrong time, you might explode, going off on family members who push you over the edge. In this age of cellphones, videos may go viral whether you like it or not. While some You Tubes may be humorous, others are downright embarrassing, resulting in more family drama. Subsequently, the next family outing will be dicey with many on edge.

When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with a great and bitter cry and said to his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father! 35 [Isaac] said, Your brother came with crafty cunning and treacherous deceit and has taken your blessing. 36 [Esau] replied, Is he not rightly named Jacob [the supplanter]? For he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright, and now he has taken away my blessing! Have you not still a blessing reserved for me? – Genesis 27:34-36

The apostle Paul told the Church at Galatia, “you reap what you sow,” Galatians 6:7-8. Although Jacob received the blessing that he desired, payback will come in the form of Laban. Just as Jacob deceived his father, Laban would do the same to Jacob. The rock group Ratt sings about this in Round and Round, “What comes around goes around.” To avoid family drama in the future, start sowing fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 6:22-23.

by Jay Mankus

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Excuses, Excuses, Excuses…

Posted on May 31, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Lying appears to come natural to certain people. Perhaps, known liars are simply story tellers in the making or future writers. Nonetheless, when it comes to telling the truth or making up an excuse, human nature has a way of choosing the latter. After promising to obey God and His commands in Genesis 26:4-5, Isaac reverts back to trusting in himself in the passage below, using fear as an excuse to lie.

And the men of the place asked him about his wife, and he said, She is my sister; for he was afraid to say, She is my wife—[thinking], Lest the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah, because she is attractive and is beautiful to look upon. 8 When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah his wife. 9 And Abimelech called Isaac and said, See here, she is certainly your wife! How did you [dare] say to me, She is my sister? And Isaac said to him, Because I thought, Lest I die on account of her, Genesis 26:7-9.

Perhaps, a modern example would be a Catholic participating in the Confirmation Process who goes to confession. Whatever the issue is or was, this teenager pours out his heart to the priest on the other side of a glass window. Following this refreshing experience, this boy quickly returns to this same sinful act. Rather than exhibiting acts on contrition, excuses are made to justify the choices and decisions that he makes in life.

But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? 10 He said, I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate. 13 And the Lord God said to the woman, What is this you have done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled (cheated, outwitted, and deceived) me, and I ate, Genesis 3:9-13.

One of the most famous Bible verses dealing with excuses occurs in the passage above. When confronted about breaking the only rule in the Garden of Eden, Adam blames the woman that God created. As God turns His attention toward Eve, she blames the Serpent for deceiving her. No one takes responsibility for their action, placing the blame on others with excuse after excuse. If you’re wise, let the words of 2 Corinthians 5:10 sink in so you’ll be ready to face the wrath of God on Judgment Day, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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The First Dismount in the Bible

Posted on May 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The context of today’s passage has the anticipation of an elementary boy asking a friend during recess to go over to the girl that he likes who is playing on the playground to see if she is into him. Yet, on this occasion Isaac’s father sent out a party led by Eliezer to find him a woman to marry. Like a boy scanning under the tree for presents on Christmas morning, Isaac can’t wait to find out what his wife looks like.

And Rebekah and her maids arose and followed the man upon their camels. Thus the servant took Rebekah and went on his way. 62 Now Isaac had returned from going to the well Beer-lahai-roi [A well to the Living One Who sees me], for he [now] dwelt in the South country (the Negeb), Genesis 24:61-62.

This same pitter patter appears to be going on inside of Rebekah’s heart as well. While I’ve ridden on a pony, traveling on a camel in the desert is far worse than a long summer car ride. As this caravan comes over a ridge, making a descent into a camp of tents, a man stares into the distance to see who is arriving. When Eliezer gives word that they’re almost there, Rebekah asks about the curious man coming towards them.

And Isaac went out to meditate and bow down [in prayer] in the open country in the evening; and he looked up and saw that, behold, the camels were coming. 64 And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel. 65 For she [had] said to the servant, Who is that man walking across the field to meet us? And the servant [had] said, He is my master. So she took a veil and concealed herself with it, Genesis 24:63-65.

Back when I was in high school, there wasn’t an ESPN, Fox Sports or any other sports channel. The any program devoted to sports weekly was ABC’s Worldwide of Sports. This is how I was introduced to gymnastics. When Rebekah eagerly dismounts the camel she was riding, I immediately envisioned a woman’s dismount from the bars, balanced beam or rings. A dismount in gymnastics is symbolic of the grand finale, end of a routine. For Rebekah, this dismount signaled the beginning of a new life with a man she’s never met. This is true faith.

by Jay Mankus

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