Tag Archives: love

The Human Side of the Bible

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! 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

The Making of a Con-Artist

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

Follow the Script

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, 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. So now, my son, do exactly as I command you. 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

A Place Where Giving and Love Co-exist

From Mark 1:35-38 to the passage below, Jesus led my example. As the Son of God gathered 12 men to begin his earthly ministry, he immediately introduces them to what a daily quiet time with God resembles. Meanwhile, Jesus doesn’t just invest 3 years of his life into these men, Jesus loved each of them as a humble servant of God. Despite knowing his future destination on a cross, Jesus created a place where giving and love co-exist.

[Now] before the Passover Feast began, Jesus knew (was fully aware) that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. And as He had loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the last and [a]to the highest degree. So [it was] during supper, Satan having already put the thought of betraying Jesus in the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, [That] Jesus, knowing (fully aware) that the Father had put everything into His hands, and that He had come from God and was [now] returning to God, John 13:1-3.

Most college students spend 4 years to complete their undergraduate degree. Yet, there are some like me who needed 5 years to complete this process. Jesus wasn’t just a ministry leader, He served as a leader, teacher, and spiritual guide for 3 years. John’s gospel spends chapter 12-21 on Passion Week, Jesus’ final week leading up to his death on a cross. This book ends with the restoration of Peter, giving him a second chance, based upon God’s love.

Got up from supper, took off His garments, and taking a [servant’s] towel, He fastened it around His waist. Then He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the [servant’s] towel with which He was girded. When He came to Simon Peter, [Peter] said to Him, Lord, are my feet to be washed by You? [Is it for You to wash my feet?] Jesus said to him, You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later on, John 13:4-7.

While all human beings fall short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23, there is a place where giving and love co-exist. You won’t find this in every church, but where believers are united on fulfilling the great commission, Acts 1:8, giving and love can be found. Humble servants won’t advertise or boast about this spiritual climate. Rather, givers focus on love in action that conceives a place where giving and love co-exist.

by Jay Mankus

The Crossover Connection Week 12: The Wilson Phillips of Christian Music

Back in the 1980’s, movie soundtracks played a big part in selling albums as well as growing the brand of secular artists. Following the popularity of Pretty Woman in 1990, Wilson Phillips’ debut album sold over 5 million copies two years later in part due to the hit song Hold On. As I expanded my Christian music collection in college, I came across an artist, Linda Elias, who has a similar sound as Wilson.

And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him, 1 John 4:16.

The music of Linda Elias spoke to a number of my Christian friends at the University of Delaware. While Linda is usually overshadowed by her husband Rick, a founding member of Rich Mullins’ Ragamuffin Band, they each sing backup on their spouses’ solo albums. If you just want to have fun by singing out loud to music with friends, the Meaning of Love album contains several memorable songs to shout out in public. May the lyrics of Linda Elias music touch your heart this week like it’s moved me the past 30 years.

by Jay Mankus

S.A.N.S. Episode 337: Epidermis Girl

Today’s song speaks to a desire to go beyond the physical aspect of love. The term epidermis means the surface epithelium of the skin, overlying the dermis. Unfortunately, too many men place appearance as a top priority in a future mate which causes many Christians to fall into the same trap as Samson. Despite Delilah’s impure motives, it only took one night to be there this woman before Samson fell in love, head over heels.

Then Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her. The Gazites were told, Samson has come here. So they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the gate of the city. They were quiet all night, saying, In the morning, when it is light, we will kill him. But Samson lay until midnight, and [then] he arose and took hold of the doors of the city’s gate and the two posts, and pulling them up, bar and all, he put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that is before Hebron. After this he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah, Judges 16:1-4.

The group Bleach sings about wanting to go deeper, beyond the epidermis to find out what’s inside the heart and soul of a woman. Rather than endure the hardship, pain and suffering that Samson went through, basing your feeling and love on physical features isn’t worth it. May the lyrics of Epidermis Girl convict you to find a woman who like David, 1 Samuel 16:7, is set on pursuing the desires of God’s heart.

by Jay Mankus

A Moment Closest to Christ in the Face of Adversity

When I was in college, I attended a Walk to Emmaus Weekend. Following this amazing retreat with men, a group of us started an accountability group to keep the spiritual momentum going. Ed hosted this weekly get together on Monday night which was attended by Dave, D.R., Jack and me. The Reunion Group relied on an outline for sharing that included your moment closest to Christ. While at work today, the Holy Spirit opened by eyes and heart to a spiritual element that has been missing from my life.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— 17 The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you, John 16:16-17.

The emotions that I experienced were brought on due to my sister’s current battle with ovarian cancer. When I first moved to Delaware 25 years ago, I spent the first 10 years getting together on Friday nights for a combination of cards and games. While these nights at her house were often competitive and intense, this time brought our families together as my two oldest boys got to spend time with their older cousins Lizzy and Rachael. Unfortunately, over the past 15 years I’ve become so consumed with my own life that I haven’t spent enough time with the people I love.

I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you. 19 Just a little while now, and the world will not see Me any more, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. 20 At that time [when that day comes] you will know [for yourselves] that I am in My Father, and you [are] in Me, and I [am] in you, John 16:18-20.

My moment closest to Christ came in the form of a rhema, a message from the Holy Spirit. I was reminded of the song Wanting the Things You Get by Santa Fe. The message of the attached You Tube pierced my heart, flooding my soul with conviction of not investing my time on earth in relationships. Instead, I’ve wasted a decade on self-indulgence on my computer, phone and watching television. My pledge for 2023 is to begin focusing my life and time centered around getting to know and love my neighbors. As I continue to pray for the miracle of healing for my sister Kathie, seize every moment that you have with family this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

S.A.N.S. Episode 290: Household of Faith

Sometimes you hear a song on the radio, but the DJ fails to tell you after the song is over who this was by. I first heard this song months ago but didn’t catch the artist’s name. While I assumed the title was Household of Faith, something distracted me on my way home from work. Subsequently, my short-term memory erased the lyrics from my mind. After a recent You Tube search, this song was on the top of my computer screen as I discover Household of Faith is by Winner and Shen.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

As someone who was witnessed multiple friends and neighbors have their marriages end in divorce, the lyrics of Household of Faith serve as a prayer to keep faith at the center of your marriage. Unfortunately, when couples lose the will to love one another, it’s like Eve in the Garden of Eden staring at the forbidden fruit hanging from the Tree of Knowledge. May today’s song inspire you to hold fast to faith whenever a spiritual storm approaches.

by Jay Mankus

S.A.N.S. Episode 287: Grace

Jonathan McReynolds was raised by a single mother in Chicago, Illinois. Thanks to a loving church family, Jonathon learned how to play the drums at age five. This love for music opened future doors to become a Grammy winning gospel singer. Rather than succumb to gangs which is prevalent in the Chicago area, the Lord has truly blessed Jonathon McReynolds with songs like Grace.

But if it is by grace (His unmerited favor and graciousness), it is no longer conditioned on works or anything men have done. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace [it would be meaningless], Romans 11:6.

As a former Roman Catholic, good works was what I was taught to strive for in life. While isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it prevented me from embracing God’s grace. Like the words written to members of the Church in Rome in the passage above, grace replaces a works mentality. Instead of earning your way into heaven, the reality of God’s grace makes me to love and serve others.

by Jay Mankus

What Will You Be?

Americans spent $10.14 billion on Halloween in 2021. A majority of this amount is centered around one question: what will you be for Halloween this year? Die hard Halloweener’s plan a year ahead, trying to outdo their costume from the previous year. For one night every year, kids and adults roleplay the creature, individual or superhero they dress up as. Yet, the Bible speaks of a spiritual costume.

And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God), Colossians 3:2-5.

The apostle Paul writes about the mental preparation involved in being a biblical follower of Jesus. Once Halloween is over, as you leave your home daily, who will you be today? Will you put on your happy face, drag down your co-workers with criticism or lead by example? Just as Galatians 5:16-18 speaks of the internal struggle between the flesh and God’s Spirit, your thought life will dictate who you will be on any given day.

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. 13 Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony], Colossians 3:12-14.

After writing about putting to death your old self, Paul transitions to putting on Christ like qualities. Unfortunately, maintaining a positive perspective on life when things don’t go your way isn’t easy. What will you be can change in an instant if prayer and daily Bible Study becomes part of your routine. Therefore, if you want to be Jesus the other 364 days of the year, put an end to bad habits of your past and start putting on the love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus