Tag Archives: relationships

The Message Behind the Music-February 19

Posted on February 19, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Love Will Keep Us Together:

Sometimes a song is meant for a specific artist before it reaches its greatest heights. Such is the case with Love Will Keep Us Together, written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. This song was recorded by Sedaka in 1973 with mediocrity. However, when Captain and Tennille released Love Will Keep Us Together 2 years later, this song became a worldwide hit.

Biblical Application:

The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling, 1 Peter 4:7-9.

Exegesis of Love Will Keep Us Together:

Love, love will keep us together
Think of me babe whenever
Some sweet talkin’ girl comes along, singin’ a song
Don’t mess around, you just gotta be strong

When you are on the road touring as a musician, temptations abound. Tennille is urging Captain to avoid any sexual urges that may arise with a fan or another woman.

Just stop, ’cause I really love you
Stop, I been thinkin’ of you
Look in my heart and let love keep us together

Tennille is reminding Captain of her love for him.

You (you) you belong to me now
Ain’t gonna set ya free now
When those girls start hangin’ around, talkin’ me down
Hear with your heart, and ya won’t hear a sound

Tennille appears to be the driving force that kept their marriage together for 39 years before their divorce.

Just stop (stop, stop) ’cause I really love you (really love you)
Stop (stop, stop) I been thinkin’ of you (been thinkin’ of you)
Look in my heart and let love keep us together
Whatever

Tennille fought for her husband to keep their marriage alive.

Young and beautiful
But someday your looks’ll be gone
When the others turn you off
Who’ll be turnin’ you on
I will, I will, I will, I will be there to share forever

Don’t fall for good looking woman as they too will age.

Love will keep us together
I said it before and I’ll say it again, while others pretend
I need ya now, and I need ya then

Love was the driving force of their marriage.

Just stop (stop) ’cause I really love you (really love you)
Stop, I been thinkin’ of you
Look in my heart and let love keep us together
Whatever (a-ba-da whatever)

Some people are less disciplined than others. Therefore, it’s important to place guard rails in a relationship to avoid having someone else interfere with your marriage.

I will (ever), I will (ever), I will (ever), I will
Ah-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da

Tennille appears to be a living example of love.

You better stop (stop) ’cause I really love you (really love you)
Stop (stop) I been thinkin’ of you
Look in my heart and let love keep us together
Whatever (a-ba-da whatever)

Focus on love, not fleshly and lustful desires.

I will (ever), I will (ever), I will (ever), I will
Ah-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da

Develop a will to love your spouse.

Final Thoughts:

Compared to many famous couples, Captain and Tennille stayed married for nearly 4 decades. Due to Daryl’s health problems, this couple split 5 years before Daryl Dragon’s death, aka Captain. May this story inspire you to keep love at the heart of your marriage so that you endure whatever trials that you face together.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 11

Posted on February 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Can’t Fight This Feeling :

Kevin Cronin began to reflect upon personal experiences from previous relationships. During these observations, Kevin tried to connect internal struggles with overwhelming feelings for a significant other. The lyrics of Can’t Fight This Feeling were conceived from feelings that became too strong to ignore. Cronin is able to take complex emotions that all human beings feel and clearly articulate this within a song.

Biblical Application:

If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you, John 14:15-17.

Exegesis of Can’t Fight This Feeling:

I can’t fight this feeling any longer
And yet I’m still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show

I can’t ignore what I’m feeling in my heart and soul. Yet I’m not sure how to express what I feel. This friendship has grown, but I’m scared to let her know.

I tell myself that I can’t hold out forever
I said there is no reason for my fear
‘Cause I feel so secure when we’re together
You give my life direction, you make everything so clear

Kevin is giving himself a pep talk, to have the courage to reveal how he feels. When he is with this individual, she gives him clarity, direction and security.

And even as I wander, I’m keeping you in sight
You’re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter’s night
And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might

Even when he is distracted, she is on his mind. This relationship is providing hope and warmth, creating a desire to want to become more intimate.

And I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever

Now is the time to make this commitment. Take action, lead and take a leap of faith to go all in on this relationship.

‘Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor, come crashing through your door
Baby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore

Kevin is going to do everything is his power to preserve this relationship.

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I’ve been running ’round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I’m following you, girl
‘Cause you take me to the places that alone I’d never find

This relationship is unlike anything Kevin has ever experienced. Bringing out the best in him.

And even as I wander, I’m keeping you sight
You’re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter’s night
And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might

Despite whatever is going on in life, Kevin wants to take this relationship to the next level.

And I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever

Love may make you do crazy things, but risking failure is worth it.

‘Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor, come crashing through your door
Baby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore

When you have something special in life, fight to save this relationship, even if it requires begging and humbling yourself.

Final Thoughts:

The fear of rejection prevented me expressing my feelings for girls until high school. This left regret, never knowing if the person I liked had similar feelings. Subsequently, in college I took more chances, wanting to know if feelings were mutual before I moved on, even if this resulted in heart ache. When the timing is right, don’t miss opportunities to tell others how you really feel. Part of learning to love is not being afraid of becoming vulnerable with someone you care about

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 10

Posted on February 10, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind the Power of Love:

Huey Lewis had a desire to create a song that would capture the essence of love as a transformational force. The composition of the Power of Love became a collaboration between Huey and two members of the News: Chris Hayes and Johnny Colla. These 3 men aimed to craft a song that would fit into the upcoming film Back to the Future. Subsequently, themes of adventure, human connection and travel were engraved into the lyrics.

Biblical Application:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth, 1 John 3:16-18.

Exegesis of the Power of Love:

The power of love is a curious thing
Make a one man weep, make another man sing
Change a hawk to a little white dove
More than a feeling, that’s the power of love

Love alters the actions, behaviors, and choices of individuals. Love brings a wide range of emotions. Love can transform a predator into a gentle and innocent human being. Love is more than a feeling. Love has the power to transform you.

Tougher than diamonds, rich like cream
Stronger and harder than a bad girl’s dream
Make a bad one good (mm), make a wrong one right
Power of love that keeps you home at night

This stanza reminds me of the old onion analogy. People can be rough on the edges, but when you start peeling off layers, you’ll be surprised by what you will find. The power of love keeps a married man home at night.

You don’t need money, don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
It’s strong, and it’s sudden, and it’s cruel sometimes
But it might just save your life
That’s the power of love
That’s the power of love

While superficial love may be bought in the early stages of a relationship, real love rises above fame and fortune. Love can be cruel, strong or unexpected, but the power of love can alter your life.

First time you feel it, it might make you sad
Next time you feel it, it might make you mad
But you’ll be glad, baby, when you’ve found
That’s the power makes the world go ’round

When love is confused with lust, you’ll be sad. Love may be jealousy as well. Yet, when you find the person of your dreams, you’ll be glad that you waited. A loving relationship brings the best out of people.

And it don’t take money, don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
It’s strong, and it’s sudden, it can be cruel sometimes
But it might just save your life

True love can’t be forced or manufactured. You have to let love happen naturally.

They say that all in love is fair
Yeah, but you don’t care
(Ooh) but you know what to do (what to do)
When it gets hold of you
And with a little help from above

Love can make people do the craziest things. Yet, when you meet the person that God created you marry, its amazing.

You feel the power of love
You feel the power of love
Can you feel it?
Hmm

The power of love is displayed through individuals who have been transformed by God and through a loving relationship.

It don’t take money, and it don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
Tougher than diamonds and stronger than steel
You won’t feel nothin’ ’til you feel
You feel the power, just feel the power of love
That’s the power, that’s the power of love

When the right person comes along, you’ll know for sure if you know what you’re looking for.

You feel the power of love
You feel the power of love
Feel the power of love

The power of love is finding a soul mate for life.

Final Thoughts:

In a leadership class that I taught for Juniors and Seniors in high school, one unit was entitled Finding Your Soul Mate. This unit began with a section on Self-Discovery. This involved creating a checklist of activities, hobbies, personality traits, and qualities students were looking for in a significant other. While there were other building blocks, the ultimate goal was for students to have a good ideal of people that they wanted to date in college. One of my former students, Dallas Saylor, who ended up as the valedictorian of his graduating class, used this information to find his wife in college. For me, this is the power of love.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 6

Posted on February 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Separate Ways:

Divorce was rare when I grew up as a teenager listening to Journey. Yet when guitarist Neal Schon and Bassist Ross Valory both went through painful divorces, these experiences shaped Journey’s Worlds Apart album. Song writers Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain were moved to find something positive amidst these tumultuous relationships. Steve and Jonathan wrote Separate Ways while on tour as a means to bring healing to their friends.

Biblical Application:

Some Pharisees came to him (Jesus) to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’[a] 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’[b]? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate,” Matthew 19:3-6.

Exegesis of Separate Ways:

Here we stand
Worlds apart, hearts broken in two, two, two
Sleepless nights
Losing ground, I’m reachin’ for you, you, you

The we in the opening stanza refers to marriages of Neal and Ross. What these 2 couples once had has now vanished. Broken hearts and sleepless nights are all the remains, wondering what went wrong. Despite feeling worlds apart, hope for restoration has not been lost.

Feelin’ that it’s gone
Could change your mind
If we can’t go on
To survive the tide, love divides

Too many adults fall into the feeling of love without fully understanding what love in the context of marriage requires. This is what likely led to this desperate situation. Once a partner’s mind is made up to leave a marriage, it’s only a matter of time. Love doesn’t divide; it’s the decision to give up on love, your marriage vows, which ultimately results in divorce.

Someday, love will find you
Break those chains that bind you
One night will remind you
How we touched and went our separate ways

When love returns to an individual who has been divorced, doubt symbolizes chains which may prevent this person from wanting to enter another relationship. When you are with someone new, your mind may still be with the person you divorced. Meanwhile, emotional soul ties with former relationships don’t just suddenly go away. The apostle Paul explains this special bond in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

If he ever hurts you
True love won’t desert you
You know I still love you
Though we touched and went our separate ways

Despite the divorces of these 2 band members, they want their former wife to be treated right. Biblical love won’t desert you, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Troubled times
Caught between confusion and pain, pain, pain
Distant eyes
Promises we made were in vain, in vain, in vain

This stanza highlights the events which lead to divorce. Difficult times, confusion, pain, growing apart and promises that weren’t kept.

If you must go, I wish you love
You’ll never walk alone
Take care my love
Miss you, love

A prayer for the future, wishing the best if this relationship can’t be saved.

Someday, love will find you
Break those chains that bind you
One night will remind you
How we touched and went our separate ways

This chorus points to the healing process after any divorce.

If he ever hurts you
True love won’t desert you
You know I still love you
Though we touched and went our separate ways

Wanting the best for someone who no longer wants you requires humility.

Oh

Someday, love will find you
Break those chains that bind you
One night will remind you

Those chains can also refer to an addiction or bad habit which lead to the demise of this relationship.

If he ever hurts you
True love won’t desert you
You know I still love you

As DC Talk once sang, love is a verb, not just a word.

I still love you, girl
I really love you, girl

A fond farewell, perhaps hoping for a second chance.

And if he ever hurts you
True love won’t desert you

No
No

If adults would stop talking by spending more time demonstrating acts of life, this world would have a lot less divorces and more thriving marriages.

Final Thoughts:

While in high school and college, I didn’t know what love was. Like many boys my age, I told several girls that I loved them. Subsequently, when I met my wife Leanne, I told her that I would never verbalize the word love until I was willing to marry her. Before I proposed. I began reading books on love where I was introduced to the concept of developing the will to love. Once I took ownership of the will to love, this unswerving desire has resulted in 30 years of marriage.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 5

Posted on February 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling

You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling is a classic ballad sung by numerous artists over the past 70 years. However, the original version was written by a trio of songwriters: Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector. The lyrics struck a chord with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love. The writers point to signs where intimacy starts to fade away such as “you never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.” The lyrics also serve as a warning to those blinded by love with a message love doesn’t always last.

Biblical Application:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve,” Jeremiah 17:9-10.

Exegesis of You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling:

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips
And there’s no tenderness like before in your fingertips
You’re trying hard not to show it (baby)
But baby, baby I know it

The passion of this relationship is starting to wear off. This initial excitement is fading away. Either the spark has dimmed or this relationship is becoming stale.

You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone

What has changed? Is their love just a feeling? Whatever happened, it is now noticeable.

Now there’s no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you

The body language shows some type of disinterest.

And now your’re starting to critisize little things I do
It makes me just feel like crying (baby)
‘Cause baby, somethin’ beautiful’s dyin’

When inirial feelings of love start to fade, you become who you truly are. The gentle spirit and kindness vanishes, treating your significant other like everyone else.

You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone

Now that love is starting to slip away, what can be done to save your relationship?

Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you

The man is trying to win back his love, begging and humbling himself.

If you would only love me like you used to do, yeah
We had a love… a love… a love you don’t find everyday
So don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t let it slip away

I thought we had something special, what went wrong? The man is willing to do whatever it takes to save this relationship.

Baby (baby), baby (baby)
I beg you please (please), please (please)
I need your love (I need your love), I need your love (I need your love)
So bring it on back (so bring it on back), bring it on back (so bring it on back)
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’

Remember what we had? Please come back to how this all started. Ignite the flame which brought us together.

Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone, gone
And I can’t go on
Woooo

This stanza serves as a call to action. Hoping to regain what they had.

Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone

A plea for love, think about what made us a great couple.

Final Thoughts:

I normally played the role of the desperate partner, trying to hold on to the past. This is where love becomes a will, not just a feeling. When two people have a resolve to endure whatever trials they may face, relationships are salvageable. Unfortunately, when one person starts to experience the worse portion of a vow, most bail, giving up on love. This is when hearts and minds must press on, taking negative thought captive, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 so that love endures.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 3

Posted on February 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind It Must Have Been Love:

Gessle wanted to convey a message within a song with Roxette that love may be lost, but it is never forgotten. It Must Have Been Love was a perfect fit for the film Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. This song addresses the theme of love and loss, especially when human beings become vulnerable by opening up about past failures in life. This timeless classic resonates with individuals who have endured the painful reality of lost love.

Biblical Connection:

If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

Exegesis of It Must Have Been Love:

It must have been love
But it’s over now
Lay a whisper
On my pillow
Leave the winter
On the ground
I wake up lonely
There’s air of silence
In the bedroom
And all around
Touch me now
I close my eyes
And dream away

Whenever a relationship ends, there is a noticeable difference. You grow so accustomed to being together and having someone in your life that you forget what it’s like to be alone. The lyrics in the opening stanza illustrate this eerie silence.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It must have been good
But I lost it somehow

The feeling of love vanished when this significant other left ia brought up. This relationship seemed like true love, but was lost for some unknown reason.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
From the moment we touched
Till the time had run out

The love this song is referring to is based upon emotions, focused too much on the physical aspect of a relationship.

Make believing
We’re together
That I’m sheltered
By your heart
But in and outside
I turned to water
Like a teardrop
In your palm

Sometime a relationship can begin like a Hollywood movie, too good to be true. When the honeymoon period is over, you have to work at a relationship to keep it going. If you don’t, everything you dreamed of can fall apart.

And it’s a hard
Winter’s day
I dream away

Dreaming is getting her through his absence.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It was all that I wanted
Now, I’m living without
It must have been love
But it’s over now
It’s where the water flows
It’s where the wind blows

Love requires action. Anyone can say, “I love you,” but true love is lived out like the analogy shared by the apostle Pail in 1 Corinthians 13.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It must have been good
But I lost it somehow
It must have been love
But it’s over now
From the moment we touched
Till the time had run out
Yeah, it must have been love
But it’s over now
It was all that I wanted
Now, I’m living without
It must have been love
But it’s over now
It’s where the water flows
It’s where the wind blows
It must have been love
But it’s over now

This extended chorus is searching for answers to why this relationship ended.

It must have been love
But it’s over now

Perhaps, watching Pretty Woman will provide further insight into the complexities of love.

Final Thoughts:

I had to write a research paper for a Philosophy class in college on Pretty Woman. I had to use philosophical terms to explain why a woman would turn to prostitution. While I don’t recall my final conclusion, I do see a lack of genuine love lived out by members of society. Instead of being doers of the Word of God by emulating the love of Jesus, too many people are all talk and no action. May today’s blog inspire you to demonstrate acts of love daily to give hope to others who have given up on love.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 2

Posted on February 2, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Exegesis of Love Bites:

The initial plan for Love Bites was designed to be a country ballad. Def Leppard took what was presented by their producer and added elements of rock mixed with rhythm and blues. The lyrics explore a fear of falling in love. Perhaps, band members were thinking about a good friend who they had thoughts of becoming emotionally involved with but didn’t want to ruin what they already had.

Biblical Connection:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Exegesis of Love Bites:

If you’ve got love in your sights
Watch out, love bites

The expression love bites can be explained by co-authors Chester and Betsy Kylstra in their book Restoring the Foundations. Chester refers to emotional wounds to your heart as soul ties. This encapsulates any brokenness, depression and pain from a previous relationship. This is the warning for anyone thinking about falling in love.

When you make love, do you look in your mirror?
Who do you think of, does he look like me?
Do you tell lies and say that it’s forever?
Do you think twice or just touch and see?

Who are you thinking about when you have sex? Are you stuck in the past, using your current relationships as some sort of an emotional rebound? Or have you moved on, focused on the present person in your life? The final 2 lines point to pain from the past, empty promises of love that were never fulfilled. The second warning about love is think before you act.

Ooh, babe
Oh, yeah

When you’re alone, do you let go?
Are you wild and willin’ or is it just for show?
Ooh, come on

The man behind the lyrics wants to know if his current relationship is more than just sex.

I don’t want to touch you too much, baby
‘Cause makin’ love to you might drive me crazy
I know you think that love is the way you make it
So I don’t wanna be there when you decide to break it, no

There is a fear of getting their heart broken again. Subsequently, it would be better to remain friends rather than having sex as this act changes everything as well as expectations.

Love bites, love bleeds
It’s bringin’ me to my knees

From the bands learned experiences in life, love has been more painful than pleasant. These past relationships have scarred members of the band, becoming hesitant about jumping into future relationships. This is why in their opinion love bites.

Final Thoughts:

Failed relationships have taken a toll on me over the first 20 years of my life. One led to a nervous breakdown, others left a trail of heart break and one in college left me scarred for several years. Yet, when God is the center of your relationship, love can be beautiful. Despite the positives of love, it still requires work like the words of the apostle Paul, learning to love others like Jesus taught.

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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Avoiding Another Hagar Scenario

Posted on May 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Forcing the issue usually doesn’t work out well in the end. Perhaps, this is what concerned Abraham about allowing Isaac to accompany Eliezer to find a future wife. Whenever something is not meant to be or not God’s will for your life, there’s a temptation to intervene to alter your destiny. This sense of desperation led Sarah to allow her maidservant Hagar to have a child with Abraham.

Abraham said to him, See to it that you do not take my son back there. 7 The Lord, the God of heaven, Who took me from my father’s house, from the land of my family and my birth, Who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, To your offspring I will give this land—He will send His [b]Angel before you, and you will take a wife from there for my son. 8 And if the woman should [c]not be willing to go along after you, then you will be clear from this oath; only you must not take my son back there, Genesis 24:6-8.

Whether you’re playing the role of an adult, coach, parent or teacher, anytime a child is specifically told not to do something, there’s the temptation to do the exact opposite. The apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 7:13-18. Even when God clearly lays out his expectations in Genesis 2:15-17 to Adam and Eve, the urge to cross this line comes naturally via freewill. Subsequently, Isaac is prevented from taking part in the search of his wife.

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.

Learning lessons from past mistakes may be painful at times, but 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 illustrates why its important to live and learn. Whenever you add desperation to human nature, minds don’t think clearly. Especially, if you’re tempted to seek an alternative solution on your own. May the passage above serve as a warning to avoid going outside of God’s will to achieve something you really want. Let go and let God lead the way.

by Jay Mankus

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Asking God about the How’s and Why’s in Life

Posted on February 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Regardless of the relationship that you are in, there will come a time when one individual will want more of a commitment or greater depth. If there isn’t a mutual consent or feeling, questions will be raised like, “don’t you love me?” This will force one person to explain their position. From a spiritual perspective, there are many times in my life that God and I weren’t on the same page. I expected one particular outcome and received a less desired result. This opens the door for my next why God prayer.

And Abram said, Lord God, what can You give me, since I am going on [from this world] childless and he who shall be the owner and heir of my house is this [steward] Eliezer of Damascus? 3 And Abram continued, Look, You have given me no child; and [a servant] born in my house is my heir. 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, This man shall not be your heir, but he who shall come from your own body shall be your heir, Genesis 15:2-4.

One of God’s servants finds himself in a similar position in the passage above. Three chapters after beginning his journey with God in Genesis 12, Abram has several questions that he wants God to explain. Abram was searching for clarity while he was waiting on the promise of becoming the father of a great nation. Abram’s main concern is that his wife Sarai is barren, and both aren’t getting any younger. Abram is eager to know how this is going to become a reality.

 And He said to him, I am the [same] Lord, Who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees to give you this land as an inheritance. 8 But he [Abram] said, Lord God, by what shall I know that I shall inherit it? – Genesis 15:7-8

King Solomon addresses this topic in Proverbs 19:21. Human nature paints a picture of how your life should go from a logical perspective. While you may have several plans for the future, the Lord’s purpose will ultimately prevail. This mindset leads Abram to think one of his servants, Eliezer of Damascus, will be how God starts the nation of Israel. After this back and forth of why God, the waiting game begins as God will make everything beautiful in His time, Ecclesiastes 3:11. May Abram’s faith journey serve as a teachable moment to help you discover God’s will and future for your own life.

by Jay Mankus

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