Tag Archives: Spanish

Living in a State of Confusion

Posted on February 21, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Prior to entering high school, my junior high guidance counselor told me if I wanted to attend college, I needed to take as many foreign language classes as possible. After four years of French and two years of Spanish in an honors class, mission accomplished. However, what if you went on a trip overseas during Spring Break and everything you learned in class was meaningless as every foreigner spoke too fast? I wouldn’t know as I never went, but this is likely what the residents of Babel experienced in the passage below.

Therefore the name of it was called Babel—because there the Lord confounded the language of all the earth; and from that place the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of the whole earth, Genesis 11:9.

My first full-time job after graduating from the University of Delaware was as a social worker. My official title was Workcamp Coordinator for the Methodist Action Program. One of my responsibilities was to help renovate the Spanish community center in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. I could pick up verbs like Mirar, “watch me; look what I’m doing.” Unfortunately, everything else was confusing, as I was unable to understand complete sentences.

Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy ([a]interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). 2 For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. 3 But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who [b]interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation, 1 Corinthians 14:1-3.

Imagine if you were a skilled construction worker, building the tallest skyscraper in the world. After returning to work Monday morning, the people you spoke with daily at work were suddenly fluent in a completely different language. This Spirit of Confusion was like Hooked on Phonics on steroids. Despite this setback in the Old Testament, the Day of Pentecost mentioned in Acts 2:1-6 repaired this communication barrier. As the apostle Paul describes in the passage above, this unique gift does present itself to some in the form of spiritual gifts to overcome living in a state of confusion.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 306: Suelto

Posted on December 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Based upon a recent survey, 13 percent of residents in the United States speak Spanish. As migrants from Central American countries continue to flock to the United States border with Mexico, this number will likely continue to climb. As someone who took two years of Spanish in high school and another two classes in college, I thought it would be appropriate to feature my first Spanish artist Sarai Rivera.

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it, Ephesians 4:29.

The song I selected is Suelto which translates into English means loose. Like any word, you have to know the context in which this word occurs and takes place. While my Spanish is still pretty rough, Sarai’s song brought me to the passage above. The apostle Paul calls the Church at Ephesius to avoid being loose with their words. Meanwhile, anyone who may be hindered by some sort of a speech impediment can be loosed and set free by the power of the Holy Spirit. May Suelto speak to your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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The Coup d’état

Posted on July 17, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The pronouncement of a coup d’état derives from the Spanish expression golpe de estado. Commonly used in Spain and South America, this refers to a formal explanation for the deposing of a regnant government.  Ousting, overthrowing and seizing power is justified with an installation of a new government, considered in the best interest for the future of a country.  Whether this is true or not does not matter as long as any opposition forces are eliminated.

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning, Luke 10:17-18.

Coup d’etat’s are not limited to the political realm.  Rather, one spiritual elite conceived a plan to alter God’s grand design for planet earth.  Instead of allowing mankind to rule, a fallen archangel conspired with his cohorts, a third of heavens angels to regain control.  Thus, this sly creature entered a snake to commence operation sin.  Sure, the thought of a woman talking to a snake doesn’t make much sense, but prior to the confusion of speech within Babel, Genesis 11:1-9, some scholars believe animals were initially able to talk with human beings.

Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, “Can it really be that God has said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?”- Genesis 3:1

The Coup of all coups began with one subtle question, “did God really say?”  After a persuasive conversation, it didn’t take long before minds were teased with the possibility of becoming like God.  This thought was too tempting to let go of, day dreaming of what this might be like.  Without much resistance, Adam and Eve handed over their authority of earth over to Lucifer who remains in power today as ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2.  What a waste, foregoing the future of a perfect life on earth to indulge in an instant of gratification that quickly fades.

13 For such men are counterfeit apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:13-14.

Unfortunately, the Coup of all coups continues today in relative obscurity.  The worse part is that Satan has deceived some church leaders to twist and alter truth of the Bible.  This has led certain Christian denominations to not believe in the Devil.  The watering down of God’s Word is enabling individuals to be deceived daily while Satan continues to masquerade as an angel of light.  May this blog awaken hearts and alert minds to this spiritual danger.  May the Holy Spirit give you eyes to see through this darkness so that Satan’s coup d’état doesn’t destroy another life.

by Jay Mankus

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A Spiritual Flotilla

Posted on September 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The term flotilla is Spanish, referring to a fleet of boats or ships.  From a naval perspective, a flotilla consists of a minimum of two squadrons of small warships.   The old adage of “there’s power in numbers” often prevents other nations from attacking a flotilla, intimidated by a demonstration of size and fire power.

From a biblical point of view, a city on a hill is similar to a flotilla, as the light of Christ inside members of the church reveal traces of an Almighty God, Matthew 5:13-15.  When united, this body of believers is like an impenetrable force, able to bring glimpses of heaven to earth, Matthew 6:10.  Regardless of the persecution, setbacks or trials this spiritual flotilla endures, the Holy Spirit’s power turns weakness into strength, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

In an ideal world, this flotilla can’t be stopped.  However, division, factions, pride and stubbornness are sinking the churches flotilla.  Theology is one of the major stumbling blocks today, as debate continues over baptism, predestination and spiritual gifts.  Like survivors of the Titanic, fighting for a limited number of life boats, Christians are kicking their fellow brethern overboard, not wanting to lend a helping hand to drowning souls.  Casting Crowns illustrates this truth in their song City on a Hill.  May Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13 serve as conviction to reunite this broken and dying spiritual flotilla.

by Jay Mankus

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Spam I Am

Posted on June 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I became enamored with Dr. Seuss at an early age.  The advent of television brought his books to life, especially the Christmas classic The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  Now as an adult, a new project comes to mind, how to eliminate spam from the internet.  Yet, for today, Spam I am.

Thanks to Google Translate, I am able to decipher spam written in German, French and Spanish from my bi-lingual audience.  Despite taking 4 years of French and 3 in Spanish, I still need to rely on this site to insure I am interpreting each comment accurately.  However, spam has recently overrun my email account, like bacteria attacking internal organs.  Like pop up ads on commercial websites, these images tempt one to indulge their curious nature.

If you seek to please God as the apostle Paul urges the church in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, spam needs to be monitored closely.  When you do your do diligence, organizing your life properly, God can place a lock and key on these unwanted messages.  On the flip side, if you are careless, this can open the door, leaving a foot hold for the devil, Ephesians 4:26.  One can, two can, 3 spam cans, don’t ease up or you might be Spam I am.

by Jay Mankus

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