RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

The Bible’s Indecent Proposal

Posted on February 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The storyline behind the 1993 film Indecent Proposal shocked many married Americans when it debuted in theaters 30 years ago. Unfortunately, the envelope has been pushed so far beyond what is good and decent that it takes a stunning plot like Indecent Proposal to get the attention of Christians. After losing all their money in Las Vegas, a couple is approached by a billionaire who offers a million dollars in exchange for one night with Diana. Yet, the Bible has its own indecent proposal.

And when he was about to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, I know that you are beautiful to behold. 12 So when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say, I beg of you, that you are [c]my sister, so that it may go well with me for your sake and my life will be spared because of you. 14 And when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15 The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into Pharaoh’s house [harem], Genesis 12:11-15.

Moses provides a summary of Abram’s call from God to leave Haran for another land beginning in Genesis 12:1. While a timeline is not mentioned, a famine forces Abram to reside in Egypt until this food shortage subsides. This sets the scene for a man who was called by God, but his action reveals that Abram had not fully trusted God on his way to a promised land. Subsequently, Abram tells Egyptian leaders that Sarai is his sister, lying to save his own life.

But the Lord scourged Pharaoh and his household with serious plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, She is my sister, so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her and get away [from here]! 20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him, and they brought him on his way with his wife and all that he had, Genesis 12:17-20.

Abram’s indecent proposal opens the doors for Sarai to be added to Pharoah’s harem. While Moses doesn’t specify if Pharoah had sex with Sarai, he does take her to be his wife. Whatever this ceremony consisted of Abram was powerless to act. If Genesis 12 was made into a movie, Abram would have the same agonizing emptions as David Murphy in Indecent Proposal. As you consider the Bible’s version of Indecent Proposal, may the Holy Spirit guide you to make prudent decisions in the future.

by Jay Mankus

Advertisement

Leave a comment

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

When Your Dream Gets Shattered

Posted on January 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When my family moved to Delaware in the summer of 1977, I was welcomed into a neighborhood with several kids my age. On rainy days or summer nights, a couple of my new friends invited me over to play Monopoly. Some of these games lasted hours until everyone went bankrupt. except for the winner who had bragging rights until our next marathon session. Losing often as a child helped prepare me for real life when my dreams did get shattered.

 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [in Babylonia], Genesis 10:10.

Moses introduces readers of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, to Nimrod, the son of Cush. When Nimrod laid eyes on the land of Shinar, modern day Babylonia, he thought this would be a great place for a city to be erected. Nimrod was a visionary who may have been the mastermind behind the Tower at Babel. While Moses does not mention Nimrod by name during the construction of this elaborate city, this was likely a major dream and goal of his.

Come, let Us go down and there confound (mix up, confuse) their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from that place upon the face of the whole earth, and they gave up building the city. 9 Therefore the name of it was called Babel—because there the Lord confounded the language of all the earth; and from that place the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of the whole earth, Genesis 11:7-9.

While there are always construction delays in every project, the passage above details something out of this world. Moses’ use of “Let us” refers to God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. Moses paints the picture of a spirit of confusion likely in the form of new languages each worker began to think about. Whatever happened on this day, Nimrod’s dream of a great tower was never completed. Like Nimrod, we all have at least one thing we want to accomplish before we die. Therefore, as you endure disappointment, failures, and setbacks in life, don’t give up on your dreams; don’t ever give up, Galatians 6:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Walking in Habitual Fellowship with God

Posted on December 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When you read the four gospels in the New Testament of the Bible, the majority of the travel over land occurs while walking. These trips throughout the eastern Mediterranean region of the Middle East often occur in groups. Jesus sent the other seventy disciples in Luke 10 in pairs of two. Meanwhile, the twelve disciples walked together from place to place, observing and watching their spiritual leader. As Matthew, Mark, Luke and John reflect upon Jesus’ life on earth, He walked in habitual fellowship with God.

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 5:22-24.

After the first six generations of descendants of Adam were mediocre at best, a shining star is born to Jared and his wife not mentioned by Moses. While the first boy in the Bible called Enoch is Cain’s first son who he built a city in his honor, Moses does not reveal Jared’s inspiration for naming his first son Enoch. The key point to remember about this second Enoch of the Bible is that he habitually walked with God daily. Enoch made the Lord his best friend on earth, praying to Him without ceasing.

And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a [u]deserted place, and there He prayed. 36 And Simon [Peter] and those who were with him followed Him [[v]pursuing Him eagerly and hunting Him out], 37 And they found Him and said to Him, Everybody is looking for You. 38 And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out. 39 [So] He went throughout the whole of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons, Mark 1:35-39.

The best example of what habitually walking with God resembles comes from the passage above. John Mark recalls an account from one of the disciples who went searching for Jesus early one morning. As the twelve disciples became stressed out, Jesus was receiving instructions from the Holy Spirit on where to go and what to do, Galatians 5:25. Jesus modeled how to keep in step with the Holy Spirit by his spiritual discipline of an early morning walk and time of prayer. As 2023 approaches, may you be inspired to devote next year to habitually walking in fellowship with God.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Forged by An Inner Desire

Posted on December 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Forged by Fire is a 1997 novel by Sharon M. Draper. While critics gave positive reviews of Draper’s realistic fiction book, the Reality Television Show which shares the same name has stolen most of the headlines. Beginning in 2015, Forged in Fire is approaching its 9th season. Before his sudden death last January, my wife’s uncle John forged his own rifles as I enjoyed listening to his stories on specific guns that he made, forged by an inner desire.

Zillah bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all [cutting] instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah, Genesis 4:22.

While studying the first book of the Bible, I discovered the individual who invented the forging process. According to Moses, Tubal-cain began to experiment with bronze and iron. As Tubal-cain began to perfect the forging process through trial and error, Moses refers to him as the forger of all cutting instruments. While the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century has received a majority of the credit for modern technology, there is nothing like a hand-crafted tool forged by fire.

That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [[c]with those of the elders at your ordination]. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:6-7.

The New Testament of the Bible speaks of an internal forging process, 1 Peter 1:6-7. Jesus’ earthly brother writes about how hardships, trials and tribulations shape who we become, James 1:2-4. As circumstances, events, and situations mold and fashion human beings like a potter that shapes clay, everyone reaches a point in time where you realize why you were born, your purpose on earth and God’s plan for your life, Romans 12:1-2. Take whatever gift, talent or skill that you possess, flame it into flame via the Holy Spirit, forged by an inner desire to complete the good works prepared in advance by God, Philippians 1:6.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 298: Heartbeat

Posted on November 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The lack of techno in Heartbeat by Elevation Rhythm makes this one of my favorite electronic praise songs. The lyrics of Heartbeat point to the word of Jesus in the passage below. If the heart is the well spring of life, Proverbs 4:23, then putting your heart into your faith in Jesus is a game changer. According to Jesus, loving God with all your heart, soul and mind is the greatest commandment to keep in life.

Teacher, which [e]kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light—which are heavy?] 37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). 38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment, Matthew 22:36-38.

When hearts are set on things above, Colossians 3:1-4, loving your neighbor as yourself is attainable. C.S. Lewis claims that only Christians have access to biblical love as this is one of three theological virtues mentioned at the end of 1 Corinthians 13. When the Holy Spirit enters your heart via a public confession of faith, Romans 10:9-10, hearts are transformed. May the lyrics of Heartbeat inspire you to continue to love God with all your heart, soul and mind.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 258: Devil

Posted on October 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Anne Wilson made her debut as a Christian artist in 2021. Wilson’s version of “My Jesus” reached number one on Billboard ‘s Hot Christian Songs chart. Perhaps Anne’s timing was ideal like the words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:4. Regardless of the reason for Anne’s success, I was impressed my Wilson’s most recent single Devil.

Then Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. 2 And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [[a]loaves of] bread. 4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God, Matthew 4:1-4.

When I heard this song on K-Love Radio a few weeks, I was immediately reminded of the passage above. After fasting for 40 days to prepare Jesus for his earthly ministry, the Devil tried to catch Him off guard. Jesus was tempted physically, mentally, and spiritually before telling the Devil to get lost. The lyrics of Devil reference the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:54-58. May Anne’s song bring you comfort the next time you are tempted.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Afraid of the Silence

Posted on September 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The pastor of the church Leanne and I attended on Sunday did a ten second experiment in the middle of his sermon. After reading Psalm 46:10, he glanced at his watch, not saying a word. This awkward silence felt longer than ten seconds, but he was trying to prove a point. The next portion of his message illustrated how most adults are afraid of silence, drowning it out with noise from some form of electronics.

My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him, Psalm 62:5.

Back in high school, silence was never a good thing on a date. Despite my fears of stuttering, I tried to say something funny to keep a conversation going. From a relational point of view, silence is either a sign of boredom or a lack of compatibility. As an adult, my own silence is usually a byproduct of shear exhaustion. While I enjoy talking, I don’t mind the silence as much as it gives me time to reflect upon life.

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips, Psalm 141:3.

According to the Psalmists, a collection of chapters written by different authors, silence is symbolic of a mature faith. When you don’t like your job or work, anyone can become great at procrastinating. Yet, the more time you kill in idle adventures, the less time you have to connect with and stay in tune with God. When you’re talking over someone, it’s hard to listen. Even if you’re afraid of the silence of being alone like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, when the Holy Spirit speaks God’s message, it’s clearer in the silence.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

The Unleashing of the Seven-Fold

Posted on July 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Over the past 30 years, I have been introduced to theology which is the science of God. After attending seminary for a couple of years, the deeper you get, the more confusing the spiritual realm becomes as you’re introduced to various theologians with opposing views. During a recent study of the Book of Revelation, I discovered a new concept that John calls the seven-fold Holy Spirit.

I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you, John 14:25-26.

John was first introduced to the Holy Spirit during a conversation with his spiritual mentor. Jesus’ last week on earth has been given the title Passion Week. As His death on a cross approached, Jesus turned to the future when his presence would be replaced by an invisible counselor. Jesus compares this spiritual entity as an advocate and intercessor when you are in need or uncertain of what to do.

Out from the throne came flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne seven blazing torches burned, which are the seven Spirits of God [[c]the sevenfold Holy Spirit]; Revelation 4:5.

Acts 2 describes the unleashing of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. A first century doctor is like a reporter on the scene explaining this as a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, Acts 2:2. As great as this encounter was for Jesus’ followers, John has a vision of the sevenfold presence of the Holy Spirit. This unleashing of the Holy Spirit provides a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

S.A.N.S. Episode 163: Bride of Restoration

Posted on July 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Mark Pogue & Fortress is one of those groups that was overshadowed by other more popular Christian artists. When I searched on the internet for the bio of this band, I didn’t find any new information that I don’t already know. One of the highlights of Mark Pogue & Fortress’ Restoration album is the ballad Bride of Restoration. Since human being all fall short of God’s glory, we all need to be restored.

For I will restore health to you, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no one seeks after and for whom no one cares! – Jeremiah 30:17

Mark writes about how Jesus changed his life after failing as a husband. Similar to the storyline in the film Fireproof, Mark was able to save his marriage thanks to a newfound faith in Christ. Yet, unless your faith is active, James 2:26, you are dead inside until the Holy Spirit awakens your soul. May the testimony of Mark Pogue inspire you to draw closer to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Forever

Posted on July 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Every love story begins with the thought of together forever. As engaged couples eagerly prepare for their wedding day, forever is a hope like marriage vows of “to death do us part.” FM Static sings about this special day in their song Moment of Truth. According to a 2021 study, 2.7 marriages out of 1,000 end in divorce so forever is not guaranteed.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh, Genesis 2:24.

Biblical marriage is designed around two key issues. First, the covenant of marriage was meant to be for a lifetime as two individuals become one flesh. Meanwhile, biblical marriage calls new couples to propagate the earth by having children. While some may not be able to complete this call due to health and medical conditions, the intent for newlyweds is to be together forever.

Let marriage be held in honor (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things. And thus let the marriage bed be undefiled (kept undishonored); for God will judge and punish the unchaste [all guilty of sexual vice] and adulterous, Hebrews 13:4.

The author of Hebrews calls couples to keep their marriage pure and free from temptation. To promote this position a disclaimer is used at the end of the passage above. Anyone who fails to keep their vows in the presence of family and friends will be judged and punished by God. In view of this warning, may the Holy Spirit fill you with a will to stick to your spouse forever.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→
%d bloggers like this: