Tag Archives: love

A Year 4 Transformation: Day 349-Charity Reflects Your Degree of Love

Posted on December 12, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command,” John 15:9-14.

Reflection:

Charity is one of those words that have evolved over the years. From a human perspective, charitable groups like Goodwill, March of Dimes, the Salvation Army is what introduced me to the concept of charity. Yet, the Bible compares charity to your degree of following Jesus’ command to love one another. After sharing an analogy about a spiritual Vine and its branches, Jesus explains how someone can become a true friend of God. The more God fills you with a desire to love your neighbor as yourself, acts of charity will naturally flow out of you.

Prayerful Action:

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other, John 15:15-17.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

Whenever a teacher repeats a specific message, this is a sign to students that you should probably write this down. As a former high school teacher, I tried to prepare my students for college lectures where professors rarely slow down. To anyone paying attention, Jesus’ one command is to love each other. Christian students should not be confused by the bottom line of this passage. The more the love of Jesus naturally flows out of your heart, charity will take the form of fruits of the Holy Spirit. Subsequently, charity will reflect your degree of love.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Linda Elias is the wife of Rick Elias, a former member of Rich Mullins’ Ragamuffin Band. During my final semester of college, the Meaning of Life became my favorite Christian album. May the lyrics of Where There’s Love inspire you like it did for me more than 30 years ago.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 348-Putting on Love

Posted on December 11, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity, Colossians 3:9-14.

Reflection:

One of my favorite books of the Bible as a new Christian was Colossians. My spiritual mentor informed me about the importance of putting to death your old self, highlighted by the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:5-8. Ken explained this to me as former addictions, behaviors, choices and earthly desires you indulged in prior to entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. In place of these old practices, God urges Christians to put on your new self. Similar to the fruits of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5:22-23, the key ingredient which binds each of these virtues together is love. Putting on love enables Christians to bear with, pray for and forgive all who trespass against you.

Prayerful Action:

 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, 1 Corinthians 13:6-7.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

Reading the Bible and putting Jesus’ words into action may take years before your life begins to bring light and love to others. Unfortunately, there are certain people that you cross paths with daily that are difficult to love. These individuals have a back story, painful experiences which often make them hesitant to love and trust other people. This inner pain is poured out in the form of anger, emotional outbursts and harsh words. Situations like this is why Jesus calls Christians to love and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-44. When God tests your faith, you’ll gain valuable experience in putting on love.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Difficult times shape who you are and provides opportunities for spiritual growth. May the lyrics of Love Like This help prepare you to put on love this Christmas season.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 338-Modeling Charity

Posted on December 1, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[c]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d]” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have,’ Luke 10:25-35.

Reflection:

While the third and final theological virtue in model translations is love, the King James version of 1 Corinthians 13:13 uses charity. One of best examples of charity in the Bible comes from the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Although this is most likely a fictional story, Jesus places two Jewish leaders in this illustration to prove His point. Charity doesn’t come from holding a leadership position in your local place of worship. Rather, charity is a conscious decision that you make daily with a prayer to guide your steps, “not my will, but may your will be done today,” Galatians 5:25. The priest and Levite were either afraid of becoming ceremonial unclean by touching this wounded individual, were on a time crunch so that neither wanted to get involved or were so self-absorbed like people on their cell phones, each passed by without a concern in the world. The bottom line of the Samaritan’s action in this passage is that charity takes time, and loving others can be messy.

Prayerful Action:

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise,” Luke 10:36-37.

Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:

If your car has ever broken down on the side of a road, you understand what it means to be in need. I recall losing power on an interstate, passed by hundreds of vehicles before a good Samaritan took me to a local towing company before cell phones existed. On the other hand, how many times have I passed someone in a similar situation? Over the years, I have failed to be charitable, following in the footsteps of the priest and Levite. If the Golden Rule states: “do unto others as you want others to do unto you,” Matthew 22:39, may the Holy Spirit convict and inspire all of us to love God and love one another as Christmas Day approaches.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

If you find yourself overwhelmed with another Cyber Monday, may today’s song and parable speak to your heart and soul. Those who are charitable run to those in need like God at the end of the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 33: The Christopher Cross of Christian Music

Posted on September 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him
After being born in New Jersey, my parents took me to the Jersey Shore each summer as a child. Before Atlantic City, New Jersey was known as a casino destination, this is where I fell in love with searching for shells on the seashore. On the ride there and back, the radio was tuned into soft rock where I was first introduced to Christopher Cross.

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ([b]your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us), 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Songs like Sailing by Cross set the mood and tone for my visits to the beach. When I first purchased the Maldwyn Pope album Love Will Find a Way years ago, I was brought back to my youth listening to Christopher Cross. While Mal has evolved over the years to more of a crossover artist, if you want to listen to soft rock to conclude the official summer of 2023, Mal Pope is your artist to listen to. Since I couldn’t find a full album, I included a mix of Mal’s music. I hope you enjoy this sound.

by Jay Mankus

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When One Child Ends Up Becoming Everyone’s Favorite

Posted on August 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a coach, parent and teacher, the Bible reveals to readers that God is impartial, Romans 2:11. Meanwhile, if you show partiality to one person over another, James 2:9, this is considered a sin by one of Jesus’ earthly brothers. In the passage below, Moses points out that traits and qualities within Joseph persuaded Jacob to hold him in high regards as his favorite son.

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 37:1-4.

Moses doesn’t go into specific details of exactly how Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, but the mention of a special tunic highlights Jacob’s favoritism. As a parent, when the actions of one child go above and beyond the others, this child is easy to love. However, Jesus calls Christians to love everyone, especially your enemies and those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-45.

So they went with haste and [[g]by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, 18 And all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary was keeping [h]within herself all these things ([i]sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them, Luke 2:16-20.

If Joseph’s brothers were frustrated, think about all of Jesus’ younger brothers and sisters. From early on, Mary knew that Jesus was special. When a child is conceived without having sex, any woman is going to wonder why this happened and who is this child going to become. Some people are blessed with a gift that makes them likeable, often more than everyone else. Therefore, if you aren’t the one everyone is talking about, reflect upon your purpose in life, 1 Corinthians 12:6-7.

by Jay Mankus

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When Lying was a Crime Against Humanity

Posted on July 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As someone who has worked in guest services, I learned that customers are always right. If a guest was not satisfied with their round of golf, getting cursed out became part of my job, regardless of how unpleasant it was for me. I was always taught to allow disappointed customers to finish their rant followed by my line, “is there anything else I can help you with today?” Since advertisement still comes down to word of mouth, being caught in a lie can and has ruined respectable businesses.

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.

From a biblical point of view, your name meant everything in Old Testament communities. If an individual did not follow through with what they had promised to do, it ruined this person’s reputation and cast a stain upon their parents and family members. Rather than take personal responsibility by reaping what you sow, Galatians 6:7-8, liars play the victim card. As good, decent and noble citizens have their lives destroyed by corrupt politicians, modern liars are creating a crime against humanity.

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who breathes forth lies shall perish, Proverbs 19:9.

From a more practical perspective, the Roman Catholic Church encouraged me to follow the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12. This verse was an integral part of my Confirmation process, “treating others as you want to be treated.” Jesus expands upon this during a conversation with a lawyer in Matthew 22:36-40. Loving others is motivated by loving God first. Those who struggle to love God often aren’t able to follow the Golden Rule. When communities replace love with hate, lying is used as a cover or excuse. When lying goes unpunished, this may lead to a crime against humanity as neighbors fail to uphold the Golden Rule.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Perspective is Poisoned

Posted on July 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former teacher, there were certain students that could do no wrong in my eyes. From time to time, I would visit the teacher’s lounge during my free period. If the timing was right, I asked other teachers for their perspective on a student to see how they behaved in their classroom. After listening to the insight of my peers, I began to see these imperfections for myself.

Jacob heard Laban’s sons complaining, Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s; he has acquired all this wealth and honor from what belonged to our father. 2 And Jacob noticed that Laban looked at him less favorably than before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, Return to the land of your fathers and to your people, and I will be with you. 4 So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock, 5 And he said to them, I see how your father looks at me, that he is not [friendly] toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me, Genesis 31:1-5.

Based upon the words of Moses, Jacob had developed a good work ethic as a herdsman and shepherd. Despite not being athletic, Jacob learned from others, adopting and using successful practices. Like a mechanic who could fix any vehicle, Jacob’s breeding practices where cutting edge. Unfortunately, as Jacob’s herd prospered, envy and jealousy poisoned Laban’s relationship with his son in law.

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:14-16.

If you allow yourself to become surrounded by negative people, it won’t be long before individuals you once looked up to will lose their shine. As bitterness, complaining, and grumbling alter your perspective, guard yourself from having your mind and soul poisoned by negativity. The next time you find your perspective poisoned, remember the words of Colossians 3:12-14, so that love will conquer all, and forgiveness will lead to second chances, Matthew 6:13-15.

by Jay Mankus

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The Human Side of the Bible

Posted on June 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Emotion runs deep within every young man and woman. When you add the element of physical and sexual relationships into this equation, emotions can become raw. As a young bride is eager to have children, Moses describes Rachel as an emotional wreck. After years of trying, Rachel approaches her husband, hoping for some type of sympathy. This is the context which illuminates the passage below, touching on the human side of the Bible.

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? – Genesis 30:1-2

There are certain things in life that only men and women can identify with or understand. When a woman loses an infant prior to being born, a husband can try to console her, yet not have a clue on how she actually feels. At this point in the Old Testament, a woman’s success was based upon how many children she gave birth to. Subsequently, Rachel’s emotional outburst in the passage above magnifies the human aspect of the Bible.

Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. 15 Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—Hebrews 12:14-15.

Similar to the envy and jealousy that waged war upon Cain’s soul in Genesis 4:6-7, Rachel reached her breaking point. Meanwhile, the roots of bitterness due to Leah’s ability to have children forced Rachel to publicly announce the pain within her heart. Although her individual quest to have children were put on hold, Rachel relied on her own maid to bear what she could not currently conceive. Based upon a recent study, 12-15% of women in America understand Rachel’s pain. May this portion of the Bible help readers connect with the human element of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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The Making of a Con-Artist

Posted on June 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A Con-Artist is a person who cheats or tricks others by persuading individuals to believe something that is not true. Attributes of con-artists include the ability to manipulate people into doing what they don’t want to do. In the passage below, Laban found out that Jacob kissed his youngest daughter. Rather than pay Jacob to work for him, he lets Jacob decide how he wants to be paid. Head over heels for Rachel, Laban agrees to give her away, but Jacob must work for him for 7 years.

When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his uncle, Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and watered the flock of his uncle Laban. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and he wept aloud. 12 Jacob told Rachel he was her father’s relative, Rebekah’s son; and she ran and told her father. 13 When Laban heard of the arrival of Jacob his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and embraced and kissed him and brought him to his house. And [Jacob] told Laban all these things. 14 Then Laban said to him, Surely you are my bone and my flesh. And [Jacob] stayed with him a month. 15 Then Laban said to Jacob, Just because you are my relative, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be? – Genesis 29:10-15

Sometimes you have to give con-artists the benefit of doubt. As for Laban, maybe he thought that some other man would come into Leah’s life to sweep her off and live happily ever after prior to Rachel’s planned wedding. As the courtship of Jacob and Rachel came to an end, Leah remained single, placing Laban into a no-win situation. If honesty is t he best policy, Laban turned to alcohol to deceive Jacob like he deceived his father Isaac years earlier.

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. 21 Finally, Jacob said to Laban, Give me my wife, for my time is completed, so that I may take her to me. 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast [with drinking]. 23 But when night came, he took Leah his daughter and brought her to [Jacob], who had intercourse with her. 24 And Laban gave Zilpah his maid to his daughter Leah to be her maid. 25 But in the morning [Jacob saw his wife, and] behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? Did I not work for you [all those seven years] for Rachel? Why then have you deceived and cheated and thrown me down [like this]? 26 And Laban said, It is not permitted in our country to give the younger [in marriage] before the elder, Genesis 29:20-26.

Back in ancient times, Jewish weddings would last a week which as illustrated in John 2:1-11. When Jacob got really drunk, it wasn’t hard for Laban to switch brides. While Moses doesn’t mention Rachel’s displeasure or frustration, Jacob is forced to wait until the end of the week, when the wedding party has ceased, to consecrate his marriage with Rachel. Nonetheless, a good con-artist doesn’t waste any opportunities, forcing Jacob to work another 7 years for Laban. Based upon Moses description of Laban within this chapter of the Bible is the making of a con-artist or God simply used Laban’s personality to teach Jacob the lesson: you reap what you sow.

by Jay Mankus

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Follow the Script

Posted on June 14, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Back in 2021, my screen writing friend Spencer and I committed to reading one famous screenplay per week. The goal and objective was to see how great writers craft award winning films. Depending upon the actors and actresses chosen for major roles, famous ones have the ability to alter and or change their dialog. If you read the screen play for I-Robot, you can tell Will Smith and the director made several changes which improved this Science Fiction movie.

Rebekah said to Jacob her younger son, See here, I heard your father say to Esau your brother, 7 Bring me game and make me appetizing meat, so that I may eat and declare my blessing upon you before the Lord before my death. 8 So now, my son, do exactly as I command you. 9 Go now to the flock, and from it bring me two good and suitable kids; and I will make them into appetizing meat for your father, such as he loves. 10 And you shall bring it to your father, that he may eat and declare his blessing upon you before his death. 11 But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Listen, Esau my brother is a hairy man and I am a smooth man. 12 Suppose my father feels me; I will seem to him to be a cheat and an imposter, and I will bring [his] curse on me and not [his] blessing. 13 But his mother said to him, On me be your curse, my son; only obey my word and go, fetch them to me, Genesis 27:6-13.

In today’s featured passage, Rebekah acts like a Hollywood director, going through her plan with her son Jacob. As this rehearsal plays out, the main actor begins to have second thoughts, doubting that he’ll be able follow the script. Rebekah takes charge as if to say, “if this doesn’t work, I’ll take full responsibility. ” While Moses doesn’t mention any nervousness, stuttering or sweating, Jacob follows Rebekah’s script perfectly, deceiving his father just as his mom had planned.

So [Jacob] went, got [the kids], and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared appetizing meat with a delightful odor, such as his father loved. 15 Then Rebekah took her elder son Esau’s best clothes which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. 16 And she put the skins of the kids on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17 And she gave the savory meat and the bread which she had prepared into the hand of her son Jacob. 18 So he went to his father and said, My father. And he said, Here am I; who are you, my son? 19 And Jacob said to his father, I am Esau your firstborn; I have done what you told me to do. Now sit up and eat of my game, so that you may proceed to bless me. 20 And Isaac said to his son, How is it that you have found the game so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord your God caused it to come to me. 21 But Isaac said to Jacob, Come close to me, I beg of you, that I may feel you, my son, and know whether you really are my son Esau or not. 22 So Jacob went near to Isaac, and his father felt him and said, The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. 23 He could not identify him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. 24 But he said, Are you really my son Esau? He answered, I am. 25 Then [Isaac] said, Bring it to me and I will eat of my son’s game, that I may bless you. He brought it to him and he ate; and he brought him wine and he drank, aGenesis 27:14-15.

There are some people who make their living on social media today, using scripted videos with the ability to go off script if necessary. Rather than working a typical 9-5 job, these creative entrepreneurs are spending their time doing what they enjoy and or love. However, like Jacob and Rebekah, sometimes you have to take chances in life. Perhaps, risking failure is an integral part of success, seeing what you’re capable of achieving and what’s beyond your abilities. Scripts serve as a boundary line with the Holy Spirit as the ultimate guide, Galatians 5:25, to lead you away from evil and toward what the Lord desires.

by Jay Mankus

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