Tag Archives: Old Testament

A Curse… Generational Sin… Or a Stern Warning to Repent?

Posted on August 29, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured passage is the Old Testament’s version of the Prodigal Son without the happy ending. If Judah would have remained loyal to his father Jacob as a shepherd, the passage below would have never happened. Nonetheless, Judah appears to have become bored, withdrew to a foreign land and began to indulge his sexual desires.

At that time Judah withdrew from his brothers and went to [lodge with] a certain Adullamite named Hirah. 2 There Judah saw and met a daughter of Shuah, a Canaanite; he took her as wife and lived with her. 3 And she became pregnant and bore a son, and he called him Er. 4 And she conceived again and bore a son and named him Onan. 5 Again she conceived and bore a son and named him Shelah. [They were living] at Chezib when she bore him. 6 Now Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn; her name was Tamar. 7 And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord slew him.

Depending on your personality type, if you begin to experience a stretch of bad luck and or a series of unfortunate events, you may start asking God, “why is this happening to me?” Meanwhile, the analytical tend to search for greater meaning by logically putting pieces together to comprehend what’s going on. Your answer is most likely some sort of curse, generational sin or life lesson that you reap what you sow.

Then Judah told Onan, Marry your brother’s widow; live with her and raise offspring for your brother. 9 But Onan knew that the family would not be his, so when he cohabited with his brother’s widow, he prevented conception, lest he should raise up a child for his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He slew him also.

Perhaps, reading the words of Deuteronomy 28 will open your eyes to why bad things happen in life. The apostle Paul warns one church that you should prepare for spiritual attacks that often catch Christians off guard, Ephesians 6:10-12. Unfortunately, answers don’t always come right away. While Moses blames the deaths of Judah’s two sons on unholy tendencies, why bad things happen to good people isn’t always clear. Follow the advice of James 5:16 so healing comes quickly.

by Jay Mankus

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Grow Up Old Man

Posted on July 15, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One Old Testament Bible verse that I was introduced to in college has made a major impact in my life. King Solomon writes in Proverbs 27:17 “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Solomon points to accountability and the need for Christians to have mentors in their lives. If you don’t have anyone to challenge you or highlight any of your flaws, you’re less likely to change.

I have been twenty years in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks; and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 And if the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Dread [lest he should fall] and Fear [lest he offend] of Isaac, had not been with me, surely you would have sent me away now empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and humiliation and the [wearying] labor of my hands and rebuked you last night. 43 Laban answered Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, these children are my children, these flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do today to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? – Genesis 31:41-43

During a heated discussion between Jacob and his father-in-law, there is a suggestion made by Moses in the passage above. While Laban was brought into Jacob’s life to teach him a valuable life lesson, “you reap what you sow,” he attempts to urge his father-in-law to grow up. Unfortunately, it’s hard to convince any narcissist that they themselves have done anything wrong.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

The apostle Paul provides one of the best pieces of advice about growing up spiritually. The context of this chapter is centered around charity, loving others by giving back. However, children get so consumed by temporary needs that most lose sight of the needs of others. If you ever reach a point in life where your faith is stagnant, this is probably a sign that you need to grow old by putting aside your childish ways, Colossians 3:12-14.

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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Are You Sure that You Want to Be Like Everyone Else?

Posted on June 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

For most of my teenage years, I was an emotional wreck. I could go from the life of the party in one minute to wanting everyone in the room to feel as miserable as me in an instant. This brought me to contemplate if the grass was truly greener on the other side of the fence or I simply needed time to reflect? During a moment of spiritual weakness, the elders of Israel wanted to become like all the other nations. Before accepting this idea, the prophet Samuel explains what this decision will mean for the rest of their lives.

When Samuel was old, he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second, Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. 3 His sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. 4 All the elders of Israel assembled and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 And said to him, Behold, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint us a king to rule over us like all the other nations, 1 Samuel 8:1-5.

This Old Testament paints a vivid picture of all the freedoms that Israel would lose if they decided to replace the Lord with a leader that they can see. Based upon the words of Hebrews 11:1-6, the decision to rely on a king was essentially a slap in the face, turning their back on the Lord. While Samuel tried to talk some sense into the elders of Israel, God convinces him to allow this to happen. From a modern perspective, Samuel was essentially saying, “are you sure that you want to be like everyone else?”

But it displeased Samuel when they said, Give us a king to govern us. And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken to the voice of the people in all they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not be King over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they also do to you. 9 So listen now to their voice; only solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them. 10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked of him a king, 1 Samuel 8:6-10.

Just as history repeats itself in a series of cycles, human beings tend to go through phases in life where they question if they’re on the right track. Since my move to South Carolina last July, I guess you can I’m still trying to find where I belong. If you’ve ever joined a new church in a new area, this is a similar process. Regardless of where I end up, the important part is maintaining faith throughout trials. While you may have a desire to put God on hold from time to time, keep the faith during the hard times in life, Jude 1:20-21.

by Jay Mankus

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A Spiritual Injunction

Posted on May 17, 2022 by expressyourself4him

An injunction is a judicial order that restrains a person from beginning or continuing an action threatening or invading the legal right of another. The purpose of an injunction is to compel a person to carry out a certain act or to make restitution to an injured party. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ disciples uses injunction in the context of a direct command from God. This spiritual injunction serves as a reminder of how God wants Christians to act, behave and live.

And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [[j]believer] also, 1 John 4:21.

In the days following Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit began to flow and move through people. The apostle Paul suggests that this spiritual injunction continues today, Galatians 5:25. While spiritual disciplines may be a daily part of your life, sometimes God’s Spirit may urge you to pray for someone. This direct order may include calling a person from your past or reaching out to someone in need. Whatever the injunction, your response should be fueled by love.

All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

King Solomon ends one of his Old Testament letters with something to consider. God will bring every act, behavior, careless word and deed into judgement. In view of this future reality, Christians should fear, revere and worship God. During his farewell address to Israel, Moses urged listeners to invest your time on earth on things that bring life, Deuteronomy 30:15-16. This spiritual injunction from the past serves as a focal point to cherish and love your neighbor.

by Jay Mankus

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The Guarantee of a Better Agreement

Posted on November 1, 2021 by expressyourself4him

An agreement refers to harmony in accordance with an opinion or feeling. This occurs when two parties reach a position where a joint settlement is finalized. Prior to any agreement being made, there are often sacrifices made on either side. Unfortunately, human nature causes many individuals to fall short of the oath, promise or vow made. Whenever your heart is broken in this life, entering into any future agreement may be difficult, struggling with the concept of trusting someone.

In keeping with [the oath’s greater strength and force], Jesus has become the Guarantee of a better (stronger) agreement [a more excellent and more advantageous covenant]. 23 [Again, the former successive line of priests] was made up of many, because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office]; 24 But He holds His priesthood unchangeably, because He lives on forever, Hebrews 7:22-24.

The author of one New Testament book refers to an eternal guarantee. Instead of relying on an Old Testament priest, the Bible introduces a stronger agreement. Rather than heading off to the temple to confess your sins so that a priest can offer a sacrifice up to God on your behalf, Jesus had a better plan. Fulfilling the prophecy in Genesis 3:15, Jesus became a perfect lamb to die once and for all sins past, present and future. Rising from the dead following his crucifixion assured the guarantee of a better agreement.

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. 11 The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed, Romans 10:9-11.

Typically, agreements are finalized with a hand shake, kiss or a financial commitment. Yet, the apostle Paul explains in the passage above how to enter into this spiritual agreement. This begins with the acknowledgement of your inability to religiously follow the Ten Commandments. Upon this confession, you are verbalizing your need for a personal Lord and Savior. Finally, as an act to seal and secure this guarantee, you must place your entire confidence and trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6. This is the guarantee of a better agreement.

by Jay Mankus

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The Purpose of the Law

Posted on October 15, 2021 by expressyourself4him

One of my first impressions of God as a child was a disciplinarian. If I made a mistake, did something bad or really screwed up, God would punish me like disobedient Israelites in the Old Testament. Perhaps, the Roman Catholic priests that I grew accustom of listening to each Sunday at mass ingrained this concept into my head. Everything seemed so absolute with right and wrong clearly defined in the Bible. Yet, from a logical perspective, I didn’t know the purpose of God’s laws.

What then do we conclude? Is the Law identical with sin? Certainly not! Nevertheless, if it had not been for the Law, I should not have recognized sin or have known its meaning. [For instance] I would not have known about covetousness [would have had no consciousness of sin or sense of guilt] if the Law had not [repeatedly] said, You shall not covet and have an evil desire [for one thing and another]. 8 But sin, finding opportunity in the commandment [to express itself], got a hold on me and aroused and stimulated all kinds of forbidden desires (lust, covetousness). For without the Law sin is dead [the sense of it is inactive and a lifeless thing], Romans 7:7-8.

The apostle Paul devotes an entire chapter to clearing up this matter for anyone who still may be confused or uncertain. According to the passage above, the purpose of the law is to recognize sin. When anyone goes outside the defined boundaries set in the Bible, you are proceeding into troubled waters. You may not feel any different at first. In fact, you may be amoral, not knowing right from wrong. Yet, the more you read the Bible, these words are like a lamp for our feet to guide your steps, Psalm 119:105.

For sin, seizing the opportunity and getting a hold on me [by taking its incentive] from the commandment, beguiled and entrapped and cheated me, and using it [as a weapon], killed me. 12 The Law therefore is holy, and [each] commandment is holy and just and good. 13 Did that which is good then prove fatal [bringing death] to me? Certainly not! It was sin, working death in me by using this good thing [as a weapon], in order that through the commandment sin might be shown up clearly to be sin, that the extreme malignity and immeasurable sinfulness of sin might plainly appear, Romans 7:11-13.

However, the Sermon on the Mount may reveal another purpose of the law. Jesus urges listeners of this famous speech to strive for perfection, Matthew 5:48. Unfortunately, anyone who seeks perfection will be consumed by disappointment and failure. This is what the apostle Paul realized as a former Pharisee. Despite possessing a zeal that surpassed most religious leaders of his day, Paul’s sinful tendencies was laid bare by God’s law. The true purpose of the law is to help human beings see their sinful nature so that confession compels trespassers to cry out to the Savior of the world, John 3:16-17.

by Jay Mankus

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Just Don’t Read…Get the Know the Shepherd

Posted on July 31, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. 3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake, Psalm 23:1-3.

Sheep are mentioned more than 500 in the Bible, more than any other animal.  Sheep were important to nomads and the agricultural life of Hebrews in the Old Testament.  Whether you’re talking about the 23rd Psalm or the Parable of the Lost Sheep, this animal is used to symbolize the relationship between God and his followers.  As you read the beginning of Luke 15, Jesus is like a shepherd who is willing to leave behind the faithful sheep to find the one who has wandered off.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over, Psalm 23:4-5.

Unfortunately, stubborn individuals are resistant to change. While people may experience moments of guilt from within their conscience to stop what they are doing, the disobedient tend to press on, full steam ahead. Regardless of how pure in heart that you may be, everyone dabbles in rebellion, especially when you come across a rule that doesn’t make any sense. However, until the Biblical Shepherd steers you in the right direction, you’ll do lots of wandering until you find your way home.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). 11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep, John 10:10-11.

The disciple whom Jesus loved compared his spiritual leader to a good shepherd. Instead referring to an actual shepherd tending after his sheep, Jesus served as a father figure to shelter human beings from the Devil. While the attacks of this spiritual enemy have continued long after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, just don’t read the Bible, get to know the Good Shepherd, aka God’s one and only son Jesus Christ. As you open the Bible, the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see what it takes to live the abundant life that Jesus promised in the passage above.

by Jay Mankus

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Getting Filled Up on Premium

Posted on March 12, 2021 by expressyourself4him

As gas prices continue to rise nationwide, it’s important to know the different between regular and premium gasoline. While premium gas averages 60 cents more per gallon, fuel with a higher octane rating can stand up to higher compression before it detonates. When you buy cheaper gas, regular gas has a lower octane, increasing the likelihood that detonation happens at the wrong time. Depending upon your vehicle, the gas you choose will influence the engine, mileage, and performance.

Then he said, Go around and borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels—and not a few. 4 And when you come in, shut the door upon you and your sons. Then pour out [the oil you have] into all those vessels, setting aside each one when it is full, 2 Kings 4:3-4.

The Bible refers to a different kind of oil in the passage above. This oil was used for cooking and lighting lamps. Down on her luck, a poor woman sought out Elisha to figure out a way to get out of debt. The widow was running out of options, open to a strange solution provided by this prophet of God. Although her neighbors were probably curious about why she was collecting a bunch of empty jars, this oil kept supernaturally flowing until every container was filled.

So she went from him and shut the door upon herself and her sons, who brought to her the vessels as she poured the oil. 6 When the vessels were all full, she said to her son, Bring me another vessel. And he said to her, There is not a one left. Then the oil stopped multiplying, 2 Kings 4:5-6.

The oil in this Old Testament passage is symbolic of God, not wanting anything to go to waste. Once all the collected containers were filled, the oil ceased. From a New Testament perspective, oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. When individuals get filled by the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:4, Christians are elevated to a new level. According to the apostle Paul, when your oil level gets low, it is possible to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Therefore, don’t forget to get filled up on God’s premium Spirit when you’re feeling low.

by Jay Mankus

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Starting Over in 2021

Posted on January 3, 2021 by expressyourself4him

ξεκινώντας από την αρχή is the Greek word for starting over. Meanwhile, the Latin expression for starting over is iterum incipi. When translated literally into English this refers to again, a second time. As 2020 is thankfully ushered out for good, it’s time to hit the reset button. While no one knows for sure how long the Coronavirus will stick around, starting over with a blank canvas gives me hope of a brighter future.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome, Jeremiah 29:11.

Despite earning a nickname as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah 9:1 and Jeremiah 13:17, there is a glimpse of positive news. In the passage above, the Lord finally gives Jeremiah a message of hope. These future plans includes blessings, dreams and a final outcome worth waiting for. Therefore, if you still haven’t gotten over the worst pandemic in the last century, the Bible provides some encouraging news.

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; 31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired, Isaiah 40:30-31.

Another Old Testament prophet provides an analogy that most adults can relate to. Between the spread of Covid-19, forced closures of businesses and the stress of trying to stay alive, 2020 has worn out countless souls. Thus, as many have lost their energy and joy for life, it’s time to place your faith in God’s hands again. Just as eaglets trusted their parents renew their strength, it’s time to place your faith in God to start over in 2021.

by Jay Mankus

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