Tag Archives: The Holy Spirit

The Crossover Connection Week 51: Supernatural Pop and Rock

Posted on January 20, 2024 by expressyourself4him

I met today’s group while they were students at Liberty University. The concept of improv rap was new to me. To me this wasn’t music, but 40 years later DC Talk was on the cutting edge of music. While it’s been years since DC Talk toured together, choosing solo careers, the Supernatural album changed my perspective of Christian music. Prior to this release, most Christian music to me was blah. Yet, after listening to the entire album, something supernatural began inside of me.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the [g]breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart, Hebrews 4:12.

The song Red Letters points to the truth in the passage above. The Bible isn’t just a historical book on God’s relationship with mankind from the beginning of time. Rather, every time you open up the Bible to read, the Holy Spirit often points out things you never noticed in the past. As you begin a new year spiritually, I pray that the words of the Bible and lyrics to the songs on the attached You Tube will inspire you to reach new height in your faith in 2024.

by Jay Mankus

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Do Not Stifle the Work of God

Posted on December 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Bible is like a giant jigsaw puzzle with millions of pieces that you need to put together. If one piece is missing, you won’t fully understand the message God is trying to reveal. To provide a complete picture, I combined similar passages written to two different churches. These main verses should help you better understand how not to stifle the work of God.

Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning], 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20.

The apostle Paul begins this discussion by warning Christians to avoid quenching, suppressing or subduing the Holy Spirit. If you just read the above passage, Paul only mentions anyone devaluing specific spiritual gifts as well as prophetic messages uttered. In an earlier message to the Church at Ephesus, Paul expounds upon how Christians might individually stifle the work of God.

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. 28 Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. 29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:27-31.

Anytime a Christian begins to dabble in acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:16-21, God’s work is stifled. When your flesh overrides spiritual inklings, Galatians 5:25, the Holy Spirit is snuffed out. If this behavior becomes a habit, you are grieving the Holy Spirit like the words of Hebrews 6:1-6. May today’s blog serve as a warning to avoid falling down the slippery slope of grieving and stifling the work of God in you.

by Jay Mankus

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This is a Test of the Biblical Decision-Making Process

Posted on November 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are 3 questions Christians should ask themselves before making any decision. First, is the choice you are about to make consistent with advice found in the Bible, Acts 17:11. Second, if you’re unsure about the decision you’re about to make, seek godly counsel, Proverbs 27:17. Finally, is this something that the Holy Spirit would sanction, Galatians 5:25.

Yet even if I do judge, My judgment is true [My decision is right]; for I am not alone [in making it], but [there are two of Us] I and the Father, Who sent Me. 17 In your [own] Law it is written that the testimony (evidence) of two persons is reliable and valid. 18 I am One [of the Two] bearing testimony concerning Myself; and My Father, Who sent Me, He also testifies about Me, John 8:16-18.

The disciple whom Jesus loved points out an essential process of decision making in the passage above. Whenever two Christian comes to an agreement, this is usually a sign that these individuals are aligned with God. Meanwhile, Matthew 18:15-18, is a guide when someone trespasses against you, reaching out to two or three witness to address this issue before you give the Devil a foothold.

It has been resolved by us in assembly to select men and send them [as messengers] to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men who have hazarded their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 So we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will bring you the same message by word of mouth. 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these indispensable requirements: 29 That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and from [eating the meat of animals] that have been strangled and from sexual impurity. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell [be strong]! – Acts 15:25-29

Whenever you are forced to make a choice, don’t forget to consider whether your decision will be received, rejected or if this dilemma can be used to redeemed for good? The apostle Paul points to rejecting your fleshly desires by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. As believers begin to check with the Bible for advice, seek godly counsel if unsure and be open to the Holy Spirit, future decisions will likely turn out better for you.

by Jay Mankus

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When Your Conscience and Faith Go Hand in Hand

Posted on October 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon your education, how you were raised, and your spiritual upbringing, the concept of conscience and faith will vary. After being introduced to the book Restoring the Foundations through a Sunday School class, my perspective has changed. Due to ungodly beliefs, personal opinions that deviate from the Bible, that are picked up over the course of your life, these flawed mindsets block you from being the person who God wants you to become, Romans 12:1-2.

And the king assigned for them a daily portion of his own rich and dainty food and of the wine which he drank. They were to be so educated and so nourished for three years that at the end of that time they might stand before the king. 6 Among these were of the children of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar [the king’s attendant], Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 8 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king’s rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself, Daniel 1:5-8.

Based upon the beginning of this book, Daniel was blessed with intellectual and physical features. Meanwhile, Daniel’s parents introduced the teachings of Moses to him at an early age, Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Subsequently, when the Babylonians begin to force customs which are in direct conflict to the Old Testament, Daniel’s conscience and faith go hand in hand as if to sound a spiritual alarm inside his heart.

 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do, Galatians 5:16-17.

The apostle Paul explains this sensation as an internal war between the Holy Spirit and sinful nature. This human flaw described in Romans 3:9-12 has caused every individual to fall short of God’s glory. Nonetheless, when Christians begins to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, your conscience serves as a flashlight to point you in the right direction. May today’s blog inspire you to hold your ground by uniting faith with your God given conscience to follow the narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, in a world of darkness.

by Jay Mankus

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Exposing the Iniquities of Our Past

Posted on October 5, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you read the Bible long enough, you’ll see that you can’t hide from your past. Whether it’s the sins of the father developing in your own children or receiving what you have previously sowed, time has a way of exposing the iniquities of your past. This is the conclusion that Judah came to as the trick that he played on his brother Joseph was coming around to burn him once again.

Joseph said to them, What is this thing that you have done? Do you not realize that such a man as I can certainly detect and know by divination [everything you do without other knowledge of it]? 16 And Judah said, What shall we say to my lord? What shall we reply? Or how shall we clear ourselves, since God has found out and exposed the iniquity of your servants? Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, the rest of us as well as he with whom the cup is found, Genesis 44:15-16.

Whether you were called to the principal’s office as a child, questioned by your parents for suspicious behavior or pulled over by a police officer for going over the posted speed limit, these previous encounters serve as a form of discipline. Following an entire chapter known as the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, the author follows this up by writing about the importance of discipline. According to Hebrews 12:11, discipline is designed to expose any sort of iniquity.

 Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven ([e]left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have [f]given up resentment against) our debtors. 13 And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [g]reckless and willful sins, [h]leaving them, letting them go, and [i]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [j]reckless and willful sins, [k]leaving them, letting them go, and [l]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses, Matthew 6:9-15.

During one famous first century speech, Jesus adds another dimension to iniquity and transgressions. At the end of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus points out a condition to forgiveness. If you are willing to forgive and overlook any iniquities and transgressions made against you, God will show mercy by forgiving all of your sins. However, if you aren’t willing to forget the iniquities of others, God won’t forgive you. Therefore, as the Holy Spirit exposes the iniquities of your past, may God give you a heart of compassion and mercy.

by Jay Mankus

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Now the Hard Work Begins

Posted on August 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a young student, nothing came easy for me. Assignments that took my classmates a few minutes to complete, took me 15 minutes or more. Perhaps, this deficiency forced me to learn to grind things out at an early age. While I never became a great student, discipline and hard work propelled me to become who I am today. As newlyweds return from their honeymoon, now the hard work to become one flesh begins.

Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body. 24 As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, Ephesians 5:22-26.

Since many first century Christians were illiterate, pastors of churches would read the apostle Paul’s letters out loud to their congregation. Based upon the words of today’s featured passage, God has high expectations for married couples. Learning to love your spouse as Christ loved the church doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, this spiritual transformation takes a lifetime of studying the Bible, prayer, and practice.

That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. 28 Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, 30 Because we are members (parts) of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh, Ephesians 5:27-31.

The hardest part of any marriage is ridding your life of all of the bad habits that you’ve picked up from your parents, friends, and acquaintances. These flaws will cause you to do something or say something at the wrong time, hurting your spouse. This is what I mean by the title, “now the hard work begins.” Therefore, if you’re newly engaged or married, commit yourself to the words of Colossians 3:5-17 so that the Holy Spirit will slowly transform your life and marriage.

by Jay Mankus

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What is my Fault and Where is my Sin?

Posted on July 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The expression “there’s always a different point of view, which is entitled to be heard,” dates back to England in 1742. This is the origin for the idiom “there are two sides to every story” which was later replaced by two sides to every coin as currency was developed. This saying was brought to the United States via the 1802 ‘Diary and Autobiography of John Adams.’ Yet, the Bible uses a similar term after Jacob was accused of being a thief yelling “what is my fault and where is my sin?”

Then Jacob became angry and reproached and argued with Laban. And Jacob said to Laban, What is my fault? What is my sin, that you so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched and felt through all my household possessions, what have you found of all your household goods? Put it here before my brethren and yours, that they may judge and decide between us. 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your she-goats have not lost their young, and the rams of your flock have not been eaten by me. 39 I did not bring you [the carcasses of the animals] torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss of it; you required of me [to make good] all that was stolen, whether it occurred by day or by night, Genesis 31:36-39.

The apostle Paul takes this question in a completely different direction in the New Testament. While writing a letter to a teenage pastor, Paul reflects upon his previous life as a Pharisee and persecutor of the first century church. Paul takes a proactive approach to the topic of sin. Rather than ignore the obvious, Paul realized that the closer he drew near to God, the more the Holy Spirit exposed his sinful condition. This led Paul to believe that he was the greatest sinner of all.

Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace (unmerited favor and blessing) of our Lord [actually] flowed out superabundantly and beyond measure for me, accompanied by faith and love that are [to be realized] in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost, 1 Timothy 1:13-15.

Does the truth lie somewhere in between? According to Moses, Jacob was not aware that his own wife stole images of gods worshipped by Laban. If Rachel revealed this information to Jacob, he would have likely refrained from declaring, “What is my fault and where is my sin?” Perhaps, this was simply human nature bearing its ugly head. Whatever this reason for Jacob’s fiery response to Laban’s accusation, adopting the humility of Paul is a much better way to handle future altercations.

by Jay Mankus

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The God of Your Father

Posted on July 9, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Ther term Genesis refers to the origin or mode of formation. This newness of life opens the door for human nature to enter the hearts and minds of God’s Creation. Subsequently, this opening book of the Bible is filled with mistakes, learning by trial and error. As each new generation began to stumble and fall, one truth remained: the God of your father Abraham.

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], Genesis 31:29.

As the book of Genesis unfolds, God’s way of communication transitions from taking a walk with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to taking a backseat by delegating this to others. While God sent angels to warn Lot, from time to time, God spoke directly to individuals in dreams. Although God did not stop Cain from murdering his brother Abel, a dream is used to prevent Laban acting upon his anger.

For although there may be so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many of them, both of gods and of lords and masters, 6 Yet for us there is [only] one God, the Father, Who is the Source of all things and for Whom we [have life], and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through and by Whom are all things and through and by Whom we [ourselves exist], 1 Corinthians 8:5-6.

One of the ways Jacob was introduced to the God of his Father was through answers to prayer. Abraham and Isaac each dedicated wells to the Lord after struggling to find water in the desert. While God rarely speaks to individuals directly today, the Holy Spirit gives modern day Christians everything we need in life to know with full assurance the God of our Fathers, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Trapped by the Daily Grind

Posted on June 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former cross-country runner and swimmer in high school, I understand the concept of hard work. One of the difficulties of these sports is if you don’t prepare in the offseason, you’ll be way behind the other top performers as practices begin. Subsequently, if I wanted to compete with the best in the state, I had to daily grind my body into shape each summer before school began.

And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices [to offer] to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. 13 Next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, What is this that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening? – Exodus 18:12-14

Nearly 40 years, I find myself in a different kind of grind. While listening to an old Casting Crown album, the words of House of their Dreams spoke to me. The first stanza reminds me of my current state, stuck and trapped in the daily grind of work. When you add to this a 75-minute commute, I don’t how much free time, especially during my work week.

Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a dispute they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God and His laws. 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 You will surely wear out both yourself and this people with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it all by yourself. 19 Listen now to [me]; I will counsel you, and God will be with you. You shall represent the people before God, bringing their cases and causes to Him, Genesis 18:15-19.

The lyrics of the song House of Their Dreams was like God speaking directly to me. Moses writes about a similar experience in his own life. Moses served as the Chief Judge of Israel, working from sunup to sundown. Moses’ father-in-law became a voice of reason, “what you’re doing is not good.” While delegation may not be the answer for your daily grind, may the Holy Spirit direct you toward a solution to overcome being trapped by the daily grind.

by Jay Mankus

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The Diversion of Anger

Posted on June 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A diversion is an instance of turning something aside from its course. Diversions are usually found in Hollywood films, triggered by an event resulting in a chase scene. While often unrealistic, diversion scenes tend to be the most memorable such as the one in Bourne Identity and National Treasure. In the passage below, Rebekah comes up with a plan to save Jacob’s life, referred to by Moses as a diversion of anger.

So now, my son, do what I tell you; arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran; 44 Linger and dwell with him for a while until your brother’s fury is spent. 45 When your brother’s anger is diverted from you, he will forget [the wrong] that you have done him. Then [b]I will send and bring you back from there. Why should I be deprived of both of you in one day? – Genesis 27:43-45

When Esau realizes that he’s lost his father’s blessing of the first born to his younger brother, he loses it. Like the words of Hebrews 12:15, the root of bitterness took a stranglehold on Esau’s soul. When Rebekah overheard just how angry Esau became and what he was willing to do, she conceived another plan for Jacob. Rebekah thought that going away for an extended period of time would serve as a diversion for Esau’s anger.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:30-31.

Unfortunately, Able never got a warning from Eve, his mother, about Cain’s chilling plan. Perhaps Eve was a pacifist, not wanting to get involved or too consumed about her own life. Whatever the reason, there was no diversion for the hatred in Cain’s heart. The apostle Paul warns Christians in Ephesus to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit. The best modern diversion of anger is to follow the advice in the passage above. Those who put God’s Word into practice will be well on their way to diverting the anger fueled by their sinful nature.

by Jay Mankus

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