Category Archives: Truth

Passage of the Day:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do, James 1:2-8.

Reflection:

I spent the majority of my youth riding the highs and lows in life, emotionally unstable. I let my circumstances, current situation and daily events dictate my mood. I could lift an entire room up before dragging everyone around me to the depths of my depressed state. This was my version of living a double minded life, in desperate need of a steady mind.

Prayerful Action:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶ And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷ As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. ¹⁸ For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ²⁰ Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.²¹ So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! – Romans 7:15-25

Renewing Your Mind:

When I have been at my weakest state mentally, I have sought out accountability partners to help restore me back where the Lord wanted me. When I was in college, I joined an accountability group with Christians who attended a three-day Chrysalis Weekend. Once a week we met a friend’s house off campus to hold each other accountability. Although some weeks were easily than others, developing a steady mind often requires intervention, tough love and a prayer warrior mentality.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: ¹⁰ If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. ¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? ¹² Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God, Romans 8:5-8.

Reflection:

Adam and Eve knew the only rule set by God in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 2:15-17. Unfortunately, this didn’t stop the Devil from planting the seed of doubt into Eve’s mind in Genesis 3:4-5. When harmless thoughts go unchecked and untested, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, sin is often conceived within human minds until it is acted upon. This is why you should pay close attention to mindful matters in 2024.

Prayerful Action:

But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life^[d] because of righteousness. ¹¹ 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 8:10-13.

Renewing Your Mind:

Letting go of earthly pleasures and treasures is not easy. However, if you continue to listen to secular music and television, your mind will be persuaded to compromise biblical values just like Adam and Eve. Therefore, the sooner you take a stand, Ephesians 6:10-11, your ability to reach your full potential spiritually will be greatly enhanced.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The Casting Crowns song House of Their Dreams serves as a reality check for Christians living in America. The lyrics talk about how easy it is to lose touch with others by getting wrapped up in your own world. May today’s song and the momentum of a new year inspire you to keep a close eye on mindful matters in 2024.
by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.^[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸ But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator, Colossians 3:1-10.

Reflection:

There are over 50 references in the Bible to putting on new clothes. While the Bible doesn’t directly refer to doing laundry, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of taking off your old self and replace this by putting on Christ Jesus. As minds become familiar with favorite desires of your past, it’s hard to change by simply turning a switch. Only when minds shift from temporary treasures toward the eternal can spiritual transformation become a reality.

Prayer Action:

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, Ephesians 4:22-24.

Renewing Your Mind:

Everybody I know tends to walk at a different pace. However, from a spiritual perspective, learning to habitually walk with God occurs by putting on the mind of Christ, day after day, 2 Corinthians 10:5-7. Yet, you must consider the obstacles along the way of this lifelong journey, Ephesians 6:12. The Father of All Lies, John 8:44, is working behind the scenes in the spiritual realm to hold your mind hostage. Faith needs to override doubt so that minds can reach their full potential. Matthew 21:20-22.

Song of the Day:

Final Thought:

As Christians begin to discern and keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, you will learn when it’s time to take off your old self and replace this with Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-12.

Reflection:

Addicts don’t wake up one morning and suddenly say, “I’ll never take this drug ever again.” While experiencing alcohol poisoning at age 24 did result in me giving up drinking, this is not normal. Human nature has a way of distracting, enticing and luring Christians away from God and into sin, James 1:13-15. As a new year is in its infant stage, now is the time to get it right, by turning away from sin and toward God.

Prayerful Action:

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[c] you want, Galatians 5:16-17.

Renewing Your Mind:

The book of Revelation opens with seven churches that are given a spiritual update by God on how they are doing. John highlights good and bad news of each congregation. Apparently. Christians in the church of Laodicea were living mediocre spiritual lives, going through the motions without any joy or passion for life, Revelation 3:15-16. As the newness of 2024 is present in your mind, seek to avoid a lukewarm spirit by getting your life right with God, James 5:20.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Nicodemus is mentioned three times in the New Testament. The first in John 3:1-17 as a Pharisee afraid to be seen with Jesus in public. John 7:50-52 shows Nicodemus defending Jesus as his peers accuse him of being one of his followers. Finally, John 19:38-42 reveals that Nicodemus got his life right with God by entering into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. ²⁰ I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. ²¹ Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: ²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him,” Lamentations 3:19-24.

Reflection:

You can’t change previous actions, behaviors or words spoken in the past. However, the weeping prophet, Jeremiah, has a refreshing message as you begin 2024. Despite the current consequences of previous errors, mistakes or transgressions, the Lord offers every morning as a chance for a fresh start. While human minds are full of ungodly beliefs such as “God will never forgive me, I’ll never be good enough and nobody cares about me,” each new sunrise serves as an opportunity for change.

Prayerful Action:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:16.

Renewing Your Mind:

All minds are programmed differently. However, as individuals seek to seize each day of a new year, there will be spiritual growing pains. Minds are sponges that absorb everything you listen to, read and watch. If minds are not fed daily words from the Bible, Hebrews 4:12, spiritual transformation will not occur. On the flip side, reading the Bible doesn’t guarantee change either. As Jesus stresses at the end of the Sermon of the Mount, “put my words into practice,” Matthew 7:24. Don’t just study God’s Word, renew your mind by meditating on the Bible, Joshua 1:8.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Set a smooth and steady pace in 2024.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.

by Jay Mankus

As someone who has spent the last decade working for Amazon, the first quarter of every year serves as a time to cut costs, evaluate current needs and make tough decisions going forward. While I was praying for the future of Express Yourself 4 Him, the Lord gave me a vision for 2024. Rather than provide a series of devotions from what God has been teaching me on random topics, I have broken down each season into monthly themes at the start of each new quarter.

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Quarter one will focus on your heart, soul and mind. Quarter two transitions toward action, behavior and spiritual fruit. Quarter three concentrates on Cardinal Virtues like discipline, temperance and fortitude, Finally, 2024 will end with the Theological Virtues of hope, faith and charity. Instead of following Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37, Bible verses on human minds will commence 2024, followed by heart verses in February and soul verses in March. The remainder of the topics are all in chronological order. All scripture will be from the New Internation Version.

by Jay Mankus

The Heroes Journey was developed by author Joseph Campbell as a story telling technique. In recent years, amateur screen writers have used the Hero’s Journey as an outline to follow while trying to craft their first movie. Campbell’s work has been turned into a cycle of life diagram where the hero of a story initially rejects a call to lead. After studying the context of Moses’ life, he is one of many saints who initially rejected God’s call.

And Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, I am not eloquent or a man of words, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and have a heavy and awkward tongue. ¹¹ And the Lord said to him, Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say. ¹³ And he said, Oh, my Lord, I pray You, send by the hand of [some other] whom You will [send]. ¹⁴ Then the anger of the Lord blazed against Moses; He said, Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know he can speak well. Also, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be overjoyed. ¹⁵ You must speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you what you shall do, Exodus 4:10-15.

When asked to be the mouthpiece for the nation of Israel, Moses began to focus on all of his weaknesses. Rather than trust in God to equip him properly for success, Moses thought about everything that he wasn’t good at or gifted in. Like the hero in Joseph’s Campbell’s story telling outline, Moses initially rejects God call. Plan B involves using his brother Aaron, a priest to fill in this role until Moses has the confidence to grow into this position.

Now the word of the Lord came to ^[a]Jonah son of Amittai, saying, ² Arise, go to ^[b]Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me. ³ But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His prophet] and went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading places then known]. So he paid the appointed fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His servant and minister]. ⁴ But the Lord sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to be broken. ⁵ Then the mariners were afraid, and each man cried to his god; and they cast the goods that were in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep, Jonah 1:1-5.

Meanwhile, God called Jonah to share the good news of God’s forgiveness to the sinful city of Ninevah. Rather than immediately respond to God’s call, Jonah gets on a boat heading in the complete opposite direction of Ninevah. Nonetheless, God send a storm so that Jonah takes the long way to get to the Lord’s desired destination. Although you may reject God once or twice, in His time, you’ll be prepared for your next calling in 2024.

by Jay Mankus