Tag Archives: hope

A Spiritual Foreshadowing

Posted on April 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Foreshadowing is a term my high school English teacher ingrained within my head. Whether our class was reading Canterbury Tales or Romeo and Juliet, she would always urge students to think about the foreshadowing of a scene. In the passage below, Moses points to the foreshadowing of Jesus, initially mentioned in Genesis 3:15 following original sin, Adam and Eve’s fall from grace in the Garden of Eden.

Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the fire (the firepot) in his own hand, and a knife; and the two of them went on together. 7 And Isaac said to Abraham, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. [Isaac] said, See, here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice? – Genesis 22:6-7

As God puts Abraham’s faith to an unbelievable test, Bible scholars believe that the concept of a resurrection was conceived within Abraham’s mind. This is one of the few explanations that makes sense for a guy who had a tendency to rely on his own instincts rather than fully trust God. If this is true, Isaac’s hypothetical resurrection is a foreshadowing of Jesus coming back to life on Easter Sunday.

[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. 9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God, Hebrews 11:8-10.

All Christian’s hope that their life will leave behind some sort of legacy, to inspire others to elevate and take their own faith to new heights. The author of Hebrews nominates Abraham for the Bible’s Hall of Faith in the passage above. God’s initial promise to Abraham while residing in the land of Uz is a foreshadowing of the birth of a great nation, Israel. However, even Abraham struggled to believe in this promise until Isaac was finally born. As you read and study the Bible, may the Holy Spirit open your eyes to other foreshadowing’s found in this book.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Hears the Voice of the Youth

Posted on April 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Children have always gotten a bad rap over the years. Whether it’s parents who look down to these future leaders today or Jesus’ disciples who paid more attention to adults in the New Testament, God hears the voice of the youth. Mark 10:13-16 highlights the type of person Jesus is, welcoming little children with open arms. Rather than someone who doesn’t want to be bothered, Jesus wanted to hear what these kids had to say.

When the water in the bottle was all gone, Hagar caused the youth to lie down under one of the shrubs.16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about a bowshot, for she said, Let me not see the death of the lad. And as she sat down opposite him, [d]he lifted up his voice and wept and she raised her voice and wept, Genesis 21:15-16.

The inspiration behind this blog came from the featured passage above. Hagar was no longer welcome in Abraham’s house after Ishmael began taunting Isaac. As the heat of the desert took their toll on Hagar and Ishmael, his mom began to give up hope on life. At this moment of desperation, God steps in to rescue this single mom. Upon hearing the cries of Hagar’s weeping, Ishmael’s life is saved.

And God heard the voice of the youth, and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said to her, What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the youth where he is. 18 Arise, raise up the youth and support him with your hand, for I intend to make him a great nation, Genesis 21:17-18.

Hagar’s cry for help is like God’s promise in Psalm 34:18 to heal the broken hearted and saved those crushed and depressed. Matthew 18:1-6 illustrates how special children are to God. Jesus warns any adult who sets a bad example or causes a child to sin. The fate of this motley crew isn’t pretty. The point of today’s blog is to remind readers that young people are precious in God’s eyes, hearing their voices when they cry out, praying for help.

by Jay Mankus

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Sparing You from Temptation

Posted on April 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

According to Moses, there are times in life when a busy schedule filled with interruptions and meetings will spare you from temptation. This may be the work of angels, prayers in the form of a hedge of protection or God at work behind the scenes to keep you out of trouble. After reading the passage below, I can recall phone calls or unexpected visitors sent my way to avoid temptations that I wasn’t prepared to face.

But Abimelech had not come near her, so he said, Lord, will you slay a people who are just and innocent? 5 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 20:4-6.

After his servants greet Abraham and Sarah, a lie opens the door for Sarah to join the king’s harem of women. Like any political leader, there was always a thought that someone would try to overthrow the king. Subsequently, many kings used harems to have as many children as possible, especially boys so that there would be at least one potential heir to Abimelech’s throne. However, when Abraham visited, Abimelech was kept so busy by God that there wasn’t any time to consecrate his marriage to Sarah.

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [b]adjusted and [c]adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to [d]a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

While writing a letter to the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul provides a history lesson of Israel’s past failures. These major blunders which the Bible calls sin serve as a warning not to follow in their footsteps. The passage above is a blueprint for overcoming temptation. Rather than feed your sinful desires, Romans 7:14-18, Paul asks members of this church to look for an escape route, a way out of temptation. Although this is never easy, if you apply Paul’s advice, you too can be spared from temptation by seeking God’s righteousness, Matthew 6:33.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Talked Out Loud to Himself

Posted on March 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who struggled with stuttering for the first 20 years of my life, I often talked to myself. Since I rarely expressed how I felt inside my heart, talking to myself was more like a pep talk with the hope when I open ed my mouth in public I would communicate exactly what I wanted to say. Unfortunately, my nerves and or stuttering always prevented me from expressing a clear and concise message.

And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham [My friend and servant] what I am going to do, 18 Since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed through him and shall bless themselves by him? – Genesis 18:17-18.

I’ve read the Book of Genesis multiple times, but I never realized that God actually talked out loud to Himself according to Moses. Perhaps, this is what the Holy Spirit wanted Moses to mention in the passage above. Whatever the reason for this rare moment, God didn’t want to leave Abraham in the dark about his plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, where his nephew was currently living.

For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach and command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him. 20 And the Lord said, Because the shriek [of the sins] of Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is exceedingly grievous, Genesis 18:19-20.

The Holy Spirit was sent following Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Acts 2, to speak to modern day Christians. According to the apostle Paul, if you’re paying attention spiritually, Galatians 5:25, you can actually keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Paul’s message to the Church in Rome is similar, Romans 8:1-12, suggesting Christian’s have an obligation to God’s Spirit. While you probably won’t ever hear God talk out loud to Himself, God’s still small voice is audible if you’re listening, 1 Kings 19:11-13.

by Jay Mankus

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Vanished

Posted on December 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever lost something valuable in life, certain things seem to vanish. When I was a child, I asked my parents if I could hold the money for a local ice-cream shop at the beach. On the final night of our vacation, I was given the cash for everyone’s ice-cream. I remember grasping it tight, walking with my hands in my pocket. Yet, when I went to pull the money out of my pocket, it was gone. Despite desperately retracing my steps, the money vanished from sight, blown by the wind into the night.

And Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God; and he was not, for God took him [home with Him], Genesis 5:24.

One New Testament author speaks of Enoch, living seven generations from Adam, Jude 1:14. The author of Hebrews includes this same individual in the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11:5-6. According to Moses, one day when Enoch was 365 days old, about 36.5 years old if you consider the Open Canopy Theory which slowed down the aging process from the sun, this man vanished from the face of the earth. There were no milk cartons back then, but if there were his picture would have been on the back of one.

And when they had gone over, Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me. 10 He said, You have asked a hard thing. However, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you—but if not, it shall not be so. 11 As they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire parted the two of them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it and he cried, My father, my father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen! And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces, 2 Kings 2:9-12.

Jeremiah is much more descriptive when a similar event occurs several hundreds of years later. After Elijah had finished grooming his apprentice Elisha, Jeremiah writes about an event out of a science fiction film. According to Jeremiah, a chariot of fire and horses appeared in the sky. This wasn’t Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, but a spiritual prophet escorted by the Lord into heaven. Enoch and Elijah are the only two individuals who simply vanished from earth, never to experience death. May these two accounts make you a believer in an Almighty God this Christmas season, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 317: Hope Has a Name

Posted on December 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I first heard today’s song while driving home from work. I wasn’t able to catch the name or who this was by, but I couldn’t wait to get home to see if I could find Hope Has a Name on You Tube. Depending upon the musician, everyone has their own opinion of how a certain song should be done. Some focus on the melody, others on keys and notes and song writers add their own two cents on how a song can be enhanced. Yet, when you sing about hope, Jesus is His name.

For in [this] hope we were saved. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For how can one hope for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure, Romans 8:24-25.

The passage above comes from one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. The apostle Paul begins Romans 8 by comparing and contrasting the sinful nature with the Holy Spirit. The middle focuses on hope and the source of salvation. Yet, the ending is the most powerful as Paul declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God. As you listen to River Valley Worship’s version of Hope Has a Name, may you be touched as I was the first time, I heard this worship song.

by Jay Mankus

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Finding Help in God’s Promises

Posted on November 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Samuel Smiles published the first self-help book in 1859. The goal of Smiles book was to promote self-development in individuals who were struggling with confidence. In recent years, self-help books have increased in popularity. Yet, no book compares to the best seller of all time. The Bible is full of answers to life’s question as Christians weekly find help and hope in God’s promises within this book.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you, Philippians 1:6.

Unfortunately, as human beings we all have experienced the pain of broken and unfulfilled promises. If you have been burned multiple times by someone you care about or look up to, you may reach a point in life when you stop trusting people. Perhaps, this is why many Christians fail to take God and Jesus up on their promises. Ungodly beliefs like “this sounds too good to be true” or “the Bible isn’t completely true” conceive doubt and years of unbelief.

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.

Yet, anyone who has ever read Restoring the Foundations by Chester and Betsy Kylstra or attended one of their workshops, you will find help and power in the promises of the Bible. In a letter to the Church of Philippi, Paul encourages Christians not to give up hope as what God has started in your life will be brought to completion. Meanwhile, as believers begins to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, the spiritual climate is ripe to begin to grasp God’s will for your life. These two promises serve as steppingstones to dig deeper into God’s Word so you can begin to accept, believe in and claim these promises in a prayer daily.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 226: Glimmer of Hope

Posted on September 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I’m usually not a fan of thrash metal, but Glimmer of Hope by Ordained Fate brings up a topic that people even today have the guts to address. This mainly female band from Zion, IL use a series of sound bites from horror and western movies to ask the question, “who is to blame for all the violence in the world?” Is is television, social media or video games which make billions annually selling violence?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, Romans 15:13.

The Glimmer of Hope lyrics by Ordained Fate’s song is in a God who has a history of performing miracles. Parting the Red Sea to deliver the Israelites out of the hands of Egypt. Jesus rising from the dead three days after being crucified on a cross. While the media tries to hide it, miracles continue today without much fanfare. Noththeless, Jesus provides hope for those who lean on the Lord, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

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The Origin of Hope

Posted on September 10, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Before entering into a relationship with God as a sophomore in high school, hope was just another word to me. Hope was one of those words that self-help gurus used in infomercials to get you to buy their latest book or video. As I stood in front of my mirror performing a pep talk, “I think I can, I think I can,” was my man-made expression of hope.

My soul has them continually in remembrance and is bowed down within me. 21 But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: 22 It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness, Lamentations 3:20-23.

When I searched the internet for the origins of hope, my results were obscure. Therefore, I moved onto my first memory of Mere Christianity as a high school Bible teacher. According to C.S. Lewis, hope is one of three theological virtues along with charity (love) and faith. One of Jesus’ former disciples writes about how individuals can access hope, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses], Hebrews 11:1.

While Cardinal virtues are accessible to anyone, true hope is only available through the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul lists a series of traits that naturally flow out of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-11. This is the origin of hope which makes producing the spiritual fruits in the Bible possible, Galatians 5:22-25. I pray that you share this message with friends who need to experience hope. by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 202: Don’t You Run

Posted on August 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a band that formed after Jonathan Paganno’s current group was disintegrating. Drummer in Adam Gibson was his girlfriend’s brother and Jon Spinolla stood out in an audition to complete Novella. In 1991 this Jersey band released their debut album One Big Sky, but it was their second one entitled A Liquid Earth which put Novella in the national spotlight.

You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? 8 This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ], Galatians 3:7-8.

One of the hit songs from Novella which means story in Latin was Don’t You Run. The lyrics remind me of a similar message that the apostle Paul shared with the Church at Galatia. As a Jewish sect known as the Judaizes stunted the spiritual growth of many believers, God doesn’t want us to run away from conflict. Rather, as Christian’s experience trials, these events refine and test our faith to mature over time. I hope you enjoy Novella’s classic 1990’s rock and roll sound.

by Jay Mankus

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