Category Archives: Truth

Passage of the Day:

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ¹⁶ for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”^{[a] 17} Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. ¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. ²⁰ He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. ²¹ Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. ²² Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart, 1 Peter 1:13-22.

Reflection:

Purify refers to removing contaminants from someone or something. From a spiritual perspective, purifying your soul involves the drastic steps called for by the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:5-9. When the sinful nature is allowed to control, dictate and rule your life, there is no place for the Holy Spirit to dwell. Romans 8:5-8 describes this battle for your mind and soul as the human flesh and Holy Spirit are in direct conflict to one another. The key to winning this spiritual battle is to remember the obligation Christians have to God’s Spirit.

Prayerful Action:

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[e] his Spirit who lives in you. ¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, Romans 8:11-13.

Refreshing Your Soul:

One of Jesus’ disciples puts purifying your soul into much clearer terms, 1 John 1:5-7. The key to purifying your soul is to habitually walk with God. However, when you do stumble and fall, be honest by confessing your shortcomings, James 5:16. Anyone who deviates from John’s instructions is simply living in darkness and not walking in the light.

Song of the Day:

Purifying your soul is similar to the sanctification process, taking a lifetime to complete. There will be ebbs and flows in this life from obedience to disobedience. Confess when you fall short of God’s glory and strive to habitually walk with God. Purifying your soul is a journey of faith, living one day at a time.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

I love you, Lord, my strength. ² The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield^[b] and the horn^[c] of my salvation, my stronghold. ³ I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.⁴ The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.⁵ The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. ⁶ In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears, Psalm 18:1-6.

Reflection:

Sometimes I find myself in survivor mode, tired and weary, just hoping that God gives enough strength tp get through a day or week. This is the context of the beginning of David’s Psalm, written after the Lord delivered David from the hand of Saul. While everyone has bigger dreams and goals in life, sometimes making through a difficult stretch of trials is enough to please your soul.

Prayerful Action:

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.⁷ He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,⁸ for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.⁹ Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul, Proverbs 2:6-10.

Refreshing Your Soul:

For control freaks and the stubborn, taking advice from someone else is difficult. Yet, when the Lord gives you the answers to solve whatever problem you’re dealing with, this acquired knowledge will be pleasing to your soul. Unfortunately, many Christians are like the Israelites traveling to God’s promised land, walking in circles for 40 years. May King Solomon’s words open your mind to the possibilities as well as encourage your soul.

Song of the Day:

Sometimes Christians can find yourselves living double lives, dangling with one leg on each side of the spiritual fence. If you want to please your soul and avoid a lukewarm faith, take the spiritual plunge by not looking back on your past.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! ² My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.³ Even the sparrow has found a home,  and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. ⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.^{[c] 5} Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.⁶ As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.^[d]7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. ⁸ Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.⁹ Look on our shield,^[e] O God; look with favor on your anointed one.¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. ¹¹ For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 Lord Almighty blessed is the one who trusts in you, Psalm 84:1-11.

Reflection:

My friend from college was in a Christan band called Surrender 18. This name was inspired by the physiological fact that the head and human heart are separated by 18 inches. This mere foot and a half is the difference between spending eternity in heaven from spiritual damnation in hell. One of the Sons of Korah echoes a previous analogy in Psalm 42:1, “as a deer panting for water so my soul longs for the Lord.” This is what I mean by fulfilling your soul’s spiritual longing.

Prayerful Action:

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them,” John 7:37-38.

Refreshing Your Soul:

According to John 7:39, Jesus is speaking about the promise of the Holy Spirit, John 16:13. As Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount, specifically Matthew 6:33, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will fulfill the longing of their soul. Yet, this is easier said than done as the human flesh serves as a constant distraction in life, Galatians 5:16-17. May today’s blog inspire you to overcome the doubts that exist in your mind to find belief in your heart, Romans 10:9-11.

Song of the Day:

The lyrics of Manner of Man by In Reach highlight the human condition of mankind. May today’s song and verses inspire you to fulfill the spiritual longing of your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you. ²³ The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. ²⁴ A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can anyone understand their own way? ²⁵ It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows. ²⁶ A wise king winnows out the wicked;   he drives the threshing wheel over them. ²⁷ The human spirit is^[a] the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being, Proverbs 20:22-27.

Reflection:

Psychological evaluations are typically required when an employee endures or suffers a traumatic event during their shift at work. Psyche evals are a common practice for law enforcement when agents, detectives or officers are shot or witness a death. Yet, in this age of mental health awareness, I have never heard someone suggest an individual undergo a soul evaluation. King Solomon lays out a series of hypothetical situations that you might find yourself in. Yet, at the end of this passage, Solomon points out how the Lord sheds light on one’s inmost being, your soul.

Prayerful Action:

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers, 1 Timothy 4:13-16.

Refreshing Your Soul:

Each time you open the Bible to study this book on your own, you undergo a soul evaluation, Hebrews 4:12. The words of the Bible are living and active, which may result in conviction, guilt, inspiration and or motivation to keep growing spiritually. The apostle Paul urges a teenage pastor in the above passage to actively exercise your spiritual gifts as well as devote your life to following God’s commands, decrees and precepts. Those who put into practice the principles of the Bible will preserve their soul by listening to the Bible’s teaching. This is an example of a successful soul evaluation.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Some soul evaluations will reveal that you’ve reached the bottom of the barrel like the prodigal son in Luke 15. The lyrics of Red Carpet provide a new spin on this famous parable. When pain brings spiritual relief, you’ll know you are on the road to recovery for your soul to be revived.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ² Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. ³ Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. ⁴ You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. ⁵ For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. ⁷ You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? ⁸ That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. ⁹ “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” ¹⁰ I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. ¹¹ Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. ¹² As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! – Galatians 5:1-12

Reflection:

Devout Jews in the first century struggled with the freedom that Jesus brought to local synagogues. Subsequently, those who were unable to let go of their strict religious practices joined a sect known as the Judaizers. This group infiltrated the Church at Galatia and began to add stipulations to salvation, breaking a command God gave Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2. Anyone new convert who wasn’t already circumcised was pressured into doing this if they really wanted to be saved. This is the reason for the apostle Paul’s warning about the yoke of slavery. Modern day Judaizers continue down this road by claiming if you don’t speak in tongues, you truly aren’t saved. This is the type of teaching that results in spiritual bondage, overwhelming the souls of new converts to Christ.

Prayerful Action:

Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.⁷ Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me, Psalm 142:6-7.

Refreshing Your Soul:

While addressing the church leaders of Galatia, Paul asks “who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” Unfortunately, life is full of distractions which cause many Christians to get sidetracked. If you are young in your faith and don’t know any better, you can easily be misled. This is one of the reasons the Psalmist cries out to God for help. If you feel like you’re being held back due to some sort of spiritual bondage impressed upon you by modern Judaizers, cry out to the Lord so that you might be rescued and set free.

Song of the Day:

When I wasn’t really good at praying, I would incorporate the words of Christian songs into my prayers. The lyrics of Rescue Me provide a good outline for pouring out your heart to God so that in time your soul will be freed from spiritual bondage.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, ¹⁴ saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”^[d] 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. ¹⁶ People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. ¹⁷ Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. ¹⁸ God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. ¹⁹ We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, ²⁰ where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek, Hebrews 6:13-20.

Reflection:

Ancient anchors were originally a pierced or indented stone found in the Mediterranean Sea. Since four of the first disciples were fishermen by trade prior to being called by Jesus, an anchor is something that Peter, Andrew, James and John used often and took care of on their boats. The author of Hebrews takes this useful device and compares it with the anchor for the human soul. The context of this passage points to God’s unchanging nature, God’s promise to become heirs and the hope set before Christians as we wait for this fulfillment. When you add these three things together, this becomes the anchor of our faith in Christ.

Prayerful Action:

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. ² Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken, Psalm 62:1-2.

Refreshing Your Soul:

When occasional storms pop up suddenly, an anchor is dropped from the bow, the front of a ship to secure a vessel to solid ground below. An anchor keeps the bow pointed into the wind as the ship safely pivots around gusty conditions and crashing waves. As Christians experience spiritual storms that rock your world as you know it, the anchor for your soul, Jesus, is the rock that holds you together until trials subside. As you learn to trust this spiritual anchor, faith is strengthened which comforts your soul.

Song of the Day:

When you feel like your life is failing apart, the attached song provides a comforting message. May the lyrics of the Anchor Holds remind you that Jesus is the anchor for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶ Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. ²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:25-30.

Reflection:

Prior to today’s passage, Jesus rebukes the unrepentant towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Based upon Jesus’ words to the adults in these places, complacency appears to have set in. Perhaps, this is a byproduct of a lukewarm spirit that caused many to take Jesus for granted. Whatever the reason for this disdain, Jesus turns his attention to young children. Before these little ones become overwhelmed by the worries of life, Jesus introduces the solution to refreshing a weary soul.

Prayerful Action:

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity,^[c] the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The Lord bless you, you prosperous city, you sacred mountain.’ ²⁴ People will live together in Judah and all its towns—farmers and those who move about with their flocks. ²⁵ I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint,” Jeremiah 31:23-25.

Refreshing Your Soul:

Today’s two passages highlight a common theme, one from the Old and another from the New Testament. While the circumstances and context are different, God promises to refresh the weary souls of Israelites who endured living in captivity. Meanwhile, Jesus offers a personal invitation to the children of unrepentant parents so that if they ever felt overwhelmed by the troubles of life, they would know where to go to unload the burdens deep inside their hearts in prayer.

Song of the Day:

Whenever I find my soul battered, overburdened and weary, today’s attached song lifts me up. May the lyrics of Ron David Moore’s song remind you of Jesus’ invitation to all who need to be refreshed from a weary soul.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other, Galatians 5:22-26.

Reflection:

Before attending a Youth Ministry Trade School after graduating from the University of Delaware, I had to read two books: How to Win Friends and Influence People and Bringing Out the Best in People. While the first is well known, written by Dale Carnegie, the second book set the foundation for me to become a more optimistic individual. From a spiritual perspective, the best way to become more positive is by filling your soul with the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Prayerful Action:

So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”^[f]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. ⁴⁶ The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual, 1 Corinthians 15:45-46.

Refreshing Your Soul:

If you had to track your spiritual life on a flow chart, there would be a series of peaks and valleys. When your priorities include Accountability, Bible Study, Fellowship and Prayer, you’ll likely be encouraged, inspired and or motivated to fill your soul with God’s Spirit. However, as you slowly slide away as other things in life take God’s place, these spiritual disciplines will likely be broken. Perhaps, this is why Paul uses the phrase, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12, as a spiritual push to get you back on track. The more you walk with God, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit will become like a second nature as you fill your soul with spiritual fruits.

Song of the Day:

The lyrics of Always on My Mind is a great place to start your journey toward Filling your soul with God’s Spirit. May today’s song inspire you to keep in step with the Holy Spirit daily.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” ¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil, Ephesians 4:29-5:16.

Reflection:

In a letter to the Philippian Church, the apostle Paul explains that sometimes you have to get your own life right before you can effectively help other people, Philippians 2:1-4. Yet, as you mature in your faith, you’ll have the opportunity to comfort other souls. However, when you begin to confront, expose and point out weaknesses in the lives of other Christians, these moments can be awkward and tense. Nonetheless, if you imitate the love of Jesus in these interactions, these conversations can comfort and encourage other Christians.

Prayerful Action:

The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.^{[c] 24} Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones, Proverbs 16:23-24.

Refreshing Your Soul:

Although I was unable to determine the origin of this saying, the expression “it’s not what you say-but how you say it” this speaks for itself. This could be modern interpretation to the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Despite your initial motive and talents, if your body language, expression and tone does not contain the love of Jesus, your words are meaningless. Only when individuals begin to apply the advice of King Solomon, can gracious words comfort souls and heal the broken hearted.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

If you find yourself on the receiving end of sticks and stones, you may respond in a defensive manner. However, when you make an effort to build others up with wholesome words, you will comfort other souls.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. ² Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live ³ The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. ⁴ Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” ⁵ The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. ⁶ The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. ⁷ Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you, Psalm 116:1-7.

Reflection:

Everyone tends to develop their own happy place on earth. This could be a certain place, town or relative’s home where you tend to have your internal batteries recharged each time you visit. For me, the beach is where I find rest for my soul. Something about riding waves on my boogie board, body surfing or searching for shells on the shore allows me to forget about all the worries in my life. The Psalmist writes about how the Lord uses trials in your life to help you see how good the Lord has been to you, even if it takes a while to notice.

Prayerful Action:

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress, Psalm 46:10-11.

Refreshing Your Soul:

As someone who has spent the majority of my life living in and near a megalopolis, I always seem to get caught up in the rat race called life. Being a recovering workaholic doesn’t help as I can get so consumed by what I am doing. Subsequently, when the Psalmist calls readers to be still, this concept is extremely foreign to me. However, when I do withdraw to a quiet place to read the Bible, pray and listen to Christian music, these brief moments do find rest for my soul.

Song of the Day:

To those who take time out of their busy schedule to meet with God, you may have a similar experience to the lyrics of Consume Me. The more Christians slow down to acknowledge God’s omnipresence, God’s promises in the Bible will help find rest for your soul.

by Jay Mankus