Tag Archives: Human nature

Size is Just A Number When Faith Stands Tall

Posted on December 3, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Children are introduced to the first century tax collector Zacchaeus as a wee little man. From a politically correct perspective, modern songs would refer to Zacchaeus as vertically challenged. Unfortunately, human nature causes individuals to be attracted to height and physical features, 1 Samuel 16:6-7. Yet, God cares about how big your faith is and your heart.

And [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 And there was a man called Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, and [he was] rich. 3 And he was trying to see Jesus, which One He was, but he could not on account of the crowd, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass that way, Luke 19:1-4.

Whenever Christians are on fire for Jesus, faith overlooks any obstacles that might stand in your way. Despite being under five feet tall, Zacchaeus used his excitement to finally see Jesus, climbing a nearby tree. The citizens of Jericho heard of all the miracles Jesus had performed, reaching legendary status. This is the context of the above passage.

And when Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today. 6 So he hurried and came down, and he received and welcomed Him joyfully. 7 And when the people saw it, they all [a]muttered among themselves and indignantly complained, He has gone in to be the guest of and lodge with a man who is devoted to sin and preeminently a sinner. 8 So then Zacchaeus stood up and solemnly declared to the Lord, See, Lord, the half of my goods I [now] give [by way of restoration] to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I [now] restore four times as much. 9 And Jesus said to him, Today is [[b]Messianic and spiritual] salvation come to [all the members of] this household, since Zacchaeus too is a [real spiritual] son of Abraham; 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:5-10.

When the prophet Samuel was in the process of appointing a new king for Israel, even the godly were searching for someone who looked presidential. Yet, God looks at your heart. Despite Zacchaeus’ profession and shady business deals, he was open to the Gospel message, John 3:16-17. Therefore, don’t let a lack of size limit your future. Rather, put your trust in the Lord so that your faith stands tall, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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This World Doesn’t Need Another Pharisee

Posted on November 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former seminary student, I’m turned off by individuals who like to brag and show off. As a young college student just starting my faith journey with God, there was always at least one person who tried to impress my Sunday School teacher. While some of the information shared was beneficial for the topic at hand, this world doesn’t need another Pharisee.

Now listen and give heed, O Israel, to the statutes and ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live and go in and possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you. 2 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.

Unfortunately, human nature causes many people in life to fall back on humanism, Judges 21:25. Rather than honoring and holding fast to the Bible, doing what’s right in your own eyes is the easy thing to do. When you add pride to this equation, no one wants another leader to live by the motto, “do what I say, not as I do.” These are the kind of people Jesus confronted in His day.

Now when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced ([d]muzzled) the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of their number, a lawyer, asked Him a question to test Him. 36 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. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. 40 These two commandments [f]sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 22:34-40.

Another subtitle for Matthew 22 could be,” I’m smarter than you” as a number of Pharisees tried to trick Jesus. One by one came and each left disappointed as Jesus was unwilling to over emphasize or minimize commands in the Bible. Matthew points out that Jesus muzzled the Pharisees by shutting down their attempts to add and subtract to the Bible. Rather than correct everyone, avoid the urge to be a modern-day Pharisee by demonstrating God’s grace and love daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Just Sit There… Do Something

Posted on September 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child who struggled with stuttering, I decided to become a follower of others at an early age. Rather than show any initiative, I did whatever people told me to do, even if it was something questionable. Whenever you fail to lead or volunteer, most people simply sit back and wait for others to do something. As I stood on the sidelines of life until high school, I finally started to do something.

Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die. 3 So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt, Genesis 42:1-3.

At this time in Jacob’s life, his old age limited his ability to go on long trips. Subsequently, as Jacob became frustrated with his own weaknesses, he was hoping that one of his sons would take charge. When this didn’t happen as his grown kids complained about being hungry, Jacob finally lost it exclaiming, don’t just sit there… Do something! While the attached translation is slightly different, do something is more of a modern expression.

He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame, Proverbs 10:4-5.

King Solomon does a simply compare and contrast in the above passage. Human nature has a way of enticing individuals to eat, sleep, and be merry. However, Solomon doesn’t hold back, calling it as he sees it. The lazy breed idle hands which often leads to poverty. Meanwhile, the diligent possess a vision-oriented mentality, always looking to seize each day or opportunity. May today’s passage inspire you to stop observing by getting up and doing something to make a difference in life.

by Jay Mankus

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An Improper Response to a Moment of Weakness

Posted on August 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Some Hollywood movies are often inspired by the main character rebounding from a crushing moment in their lives. The context for someone’s irrational decision could be following an accident, broken relationship or death of a loved one. In the passage below, Moses touches on one such improper response to a moment of weakness. After Rachel’s sudden death, Bilhah, Rachel’s former maid and Jacob’s secondary wife, seeks comfort from Reuben which gets out of hand.

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar (monument) on her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Then Israel journeyed on and spread his tent on the other side of the tower of Edar. 22 When Israel dwelt there, Reuben [his eldest son] went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Now Jacob’s sons were twelve, Genesis 35:19-22.

As someone who grew up at a local pool, adult swim was a time where the kids went outside the gate to play whiffle ball as parents enjoyed a peaceful and quiet time swimming. However, Adult Swim is often the name of a cable program that airs mature content. As I continue my study of the book of Genesis, I’m shocked by the amount of X-Rated content that catches me by surprise. First Lot’s daughter’s get dad drunk and each have sex with him; now Reuben sleeps with his dad’s wife.

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.

Human nature is one of those mysteries in life which clouds your judgement. Although Moses doesn’t give readers a play by play on what happened or any comments like, “we shouldn’t be doing this,” sin happens. This is why the apostle Paul urges modern day Christians to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Whenever a sweeping urge of temptation consumes your soul, fight back spiritually by looking for a way out. The more you begin searching for a better alternative, the less likely you’ll find yourself immorally responding to a moment of weakness.

by Jay Mankus

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What Are You Talkin’ About Laban?

Posted on July 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The television series Different Strokes aired for 8 seasons: running from 1978-1986. This popular comedy starring Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges was cancelled before I began my senior year of high school. One of the most quoted lines from this show was Coleman’s response to his brother, “What are you talkin about Willis?” These words were relived in my mind as I studied a heated conversation between Laban and Jacob.

Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent on the hill, and Laban coming with his kinsmen pitched [his tents] on the same hill of Gilead. 26 And Laban said to Jacob, What do you mean stealing away and leaving like this without my knowing it, and carrying off my daughters as if captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly and cheat me and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and gladness and with singing, with tambourine and lyre? 28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons [grandchildren] and my daughters good-bye? Now you have done foolishly [in behaving like this]. 29 It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently]. 30 And now you felt you must go because you were homesick for your father’s house, but why did you steal my [household] [c]gods? – Genesis 31:25-30

During his 20 years of working for his father-in-law, Jacob’s wages were changed 10 different times. Based upon Moses’ description of this dispute, Jacob seems to have gotten his wage cut multiple times. Subsequently, as Laban hunts Jacob and his family down like a band of criminals, he reaches a breaking point. Although Jacob doesn’t literally use the expression, “what are you talkin’ about Laban,” this tone can be detected Jacob is staring at the real thief.

Then Jacob became angry and reproached and argued with Laban. And Jacob said to Laban, What is my fault? What is my sin, that you so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched and felt through all my household possessions, what have you found of all your household goods? Put it here before my brethren and yours, that they may judge and decide between us. 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your she-goats have not lost their young, and the rams of your flock have not been eaten by me. 39 I did not bring you [the carcasses of the animals] torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss of it; you required of me [to make good] all that was stolen, whether it occurred by day or by night, Genesis 31:36-39.

From a modern perspective, Jacob could have responded, “are you done yet?” If Jacob allowed his human nature to get the best of him, a few choice words might have been exchanged in the heat of the moment. Perhaps years of being the whipping boy in his family triggered Jacob to finally snap, venting all of his frustrations built up over 2 decades of working in an unhealthy environment. If Jacob had an opportunity to learn from Jesus or the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:2, what you talkin’ about Laban would be replaced by remove the plank from your own life before judging others, Matthew 7:1-5.

by Jay Mankus

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What is my Fault and Where is my Sin?

Posted on July 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The expression “there’s always a different point of view, which is entitled to be heard,” dates back to England in 1742. This is the origin for the idiom “there are two sides to every story” which was later replaced by two sides to every coin as currency was developed. This saying was brought to the United States via the 1802 ‘Diary and Autobiography of John Adams.’ Yet, the Bible uses a similar term after Jacob was accused of being a thief yelling “what is my fault and where is my sin?”

Then Jacob became angry and reproached and argued with Laban. And Jacob said to Laban, What is my fault? What is my sin, that you so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched and felt through all my household possessions, what have you found of all your household goods? Put it here before my brethren and yours, that they may judge and decide between us. 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your she-goats have not lost their young, and the rams of your flock have not been eaten by me. 39 I did not bring you [the carcasses of the animals] torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss of it; you required of me [to make good] all that was stolen, whether it occurred by day or by night, Genesis 31:36-39.

The apostle Paul takes this question in a completely different direction in the New Testament. While writing a letter to a teenage pastor, Paul reflects upon his previous life as a Pharisee and persecutor of the first century church. Paul takes a proactive approach to the topic of sin. Rather than ignore the obvious, Paul realized that the closer he drew near to God, the more the Holy Spirit exposed his sinful condition. This led Paul to believe that he was the greatest sinner of all.

Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace (unmerited favor and blessing) of our Lord [actually] flowed out superabundantly and beyond measure for me, accompanied by faith and love that are [to be realized] in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost, 1 Timothy 1:13-15.

Does the truth lie somewhere in between? According to Moses, Jacob was not aware that his own wife stole images of gods worshipped by Laban. If Rachel revealed this information to Jacob, he would have likely refrained from declaring, “What is my fault and where is my sin?” Perhaps, this was simply human nature bearing its ugly head. Whatever this reason for Jacob’s fiery response to Laban’s accusation, adopting the humility of Paul is a much better way to handle future altercations.

by Jay Mankus

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The God of Your Father

Posted on July 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Ther term Genesis refers to the origin or mode of formation. This newness of life opens the door for human nature to enter the hearts and minds of God’s Creation. Subsequently, this opening book of the Bible is filled with mistakes, learning by trial and error. As each new generation began to stumble and fall, one truth remained: the God of your father Abraham.

It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently], Genesis 31:29.

As the book of Genesis unfolds, God’s way of communication transitions from taking a walk with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to taking a backseat by delegating this to others. While God sent angels to warn Lot, from time to time, God spoke directly to individuals in dreams. Although God did not stop Cain from murdering his brother Abel, a dream is used to prevent Laban acting upon his anger.

For although there may be so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many of them, both of gods and of lords and masters, 6 Yet for us there is [only] one God, the Father, Who is the Source of all things and for Whom we [have life], and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through and by Whom are all things and through and by Whom we [ourselves exist], 1 Corinthians 8:5-6.

One of the ways Jacob was introduced to the God of his Father was through answers to prayer. Abraham and Isaac each dedicated wells to the Lord after struggling to find water in the desert. While God rarely speaks to individuals directly today, the Holy Spirit gives modern day Christians everything we need in life to know with full assurance the God of our Fathers, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Don’t Go There Again

Posted on July 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

History repeats itself when individuals fail to remember past mistakes. To prevent this from reoccurring, Jewish families spent time each evening recalling the lives of their patriarchs. This practice began after Rachel’s life. Apparently, she hadn’t heard about Sarah’s irrational decision to let her husband sleep with Hagar. Or she was so desperate, Rachel would have done anything to have a child, even allow her own husband to sleep with her maid.

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, See here, the Lord has restrained me from bearing [children]. I am asking you to have intercourse with my maid; it may be that I can obtain children by her. And Abram listened to and heeded what Sarai said. 3 So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her Egyptian maid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his [secondary] wife. 4 And he had intercourse with Hagar, and she became pregnant; and when she saw that she was with child, she looked with contempt upon her mistress and despised her, Genesis 16:1-4.

When Hagar conceived and gave birth to Ishmael, Sarah was filled with envy and jealousy. Since Ishmael went on to become the father of the Arab nations, Israel is still dealing with the consequences of Sarah’s irrational decision. If only somebody warned Rachel of Sarah’s stressful ordeal, she might have been persuaded to not go there again. Nonetheless, human nature is a real force that leads many individuals into repeating the same mistake over and over again.

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister, and said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I will die! 2 And Jacob became very angry with Rachel and he said, Am I in God’s stead, Who has denied you children? 3 And she said, See here, take my maid Bilhah and have intercourse with her; and [when the baby comes] she shall deliver it upon my knees, that I by her may also have children. 4 And she gave him Bilhah her maid as a [secondary] wife, and Jacob had intercourse with her, Genesis 30:1-4.

Looking back on my own life, high school and college relationships taught me a lot about myself. As long as I avoided desperate situations, I didn’t do something that I regretted, Romans 7:16-18. However, when I put myself into a tempting situation over and over again, I did the exact opposite of what I wanted to do. Therefore, if you find yourself slip, sliding away from the Lord, 1 Corinthians 10:13, look for the way out of temptation so that you don’t go there again.

by Jay Mankus

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Do Not Hinder or Delay

Posted on May 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Procrastination is a common default of human nature. While everyone has aspirations, dreams and goals in life, anyone who is afraid to fail will put this a hold temporarily. Once you fail to act or exercise, it’s even harder the next day to get back into living a disciplined life. Subsequently, as Eliezer is ready to return home to fulfill his mission, he refuses to wait another day, eager to act and proceed now.

Then they ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and stayed there all night. And in the morning they arose, and he said. Send me away to my master. 55 But [Rebekah’s] brother and mother said, Let the girl stay with us a few days—at least ten; then she may go, Genesis 24:54-55.

Anyone beaming with confidence, won’t be afraid to try something new. Meanwhile, those who have experienced an extended period of failure, will be more likely to put something off, delaying the inevitable in their minds. This is where Eliezer remains mentally tough, focused on prayer and God’s blessing for his quest to find Isaac a wife.

 But [the servant] said to them, Do not hinder and delay me, seeing that the Lord has caused me to go prosperously on my way. Send me away, that I may go to my master. 57 And they said, We will call the girl and ask her [what is] her desire. 58 So they called Rebekah and said to her, Will you go with this man? And she said, I will go, Genesis 24:56-58.

As I write this blog, I find myself more of the latter, delaying one major project as I’m afraid it won’t turn out like I hope and want. Perhaps, Eliezer ‘s success is more about a positive mindset, prayer and expectation that God will bless his journey. Whatever you’re currently facing in life, may you learn from Eliezer to do not delay or hinder what God has in store for your future. If you can live out Proverbs 3:5-6, God will take care of the rest.

by Jay Mankus

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God Hears Your Voice

Posted on April 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When I first began my faith journey on December 4th, 1983, my prayer life can be best described as babbling out loud to God. Whenever anyone lives for themselves for the first 14 years of their lives, it takes time to learn how to live according to a new set of rules. Subsequently, praying to an invisible God felt like I was talking to myself. It wasn’t until college as I matured spiritually when I believed and sensed that God heard my cries for help.

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. 17 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, Genesis 21:15-17.

Unfortunately, human nature and concepts like rugged individualism leads many people to trust in their own abilities. God is usually placed on the back burner until desperation results in calling out to the Lord as a last resort. This is the context of the passage above as Hagar comes to the conclusion that her baby boy is going to die. Homeless, dehydrated and left to fend for themselves in the middle of a desert, Hagar weeps in prayer.

The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent, Psalm 34:16-18.

Hagar’s answered prayer reminds me of God’s promise in the passage above. As for the righteous part from the Psalmist, Isaiah 1:15-20 uses snow in connection with confession. Those who fully repent of their mistakes to God are forgiven like the righteous. Therefore, whenever anyone pours out their heart in prayer like Hagar, can be assured that God does hear your voice.

by Jay Mankus

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