Category Archives: truth

Recovering from an Uprooted Faith

Posted on August 23, 2021 by expressyourself4him

As the summer comes to an end on the East Coast, the Atlantic Hurricane season tends to intensity. Whether you’re talking about a nor’easter, tropical depression, super storm or major hurricane, these weather events wash away dreams and uproot lives. When these systems dissipate, survivors are forced to come together as communities to pick up the pieces of what these storms have left behind to be salvaged.

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity], Psalm 1:1-3.

The Psalmist compares a healthy individual to a tree planted by flowing streams of water. This daily nourishment promotes growth that enables fruit to prosper in season. Whenever an internal or physical storm uproots your faith, reading and meditating upon God’s promises in the Bible is the best way to start your recovery. When all seems lost, these living words stirs hearts and touch souls, Hebrews 4:12.

As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7.

According to the apostle Paul, there is only one Cornerstone upon which you can rebuild your faith. Jesus is like a thermostat that allows Christians to regulate their lives and recover from storms that uproot your lives. The more you read, study and share what you believe, Romans 10:17, faith springs to life. The more Jesus becomes your firm foundation for faith, a spirit of thanksgiving is conceived to give you a proper perspective after any storm.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Hard to Get Plugged In When You Can’t Find the Outlet

Posted on August 22, 2021 by expressyourself4him

In this age of technology and social media, there are several cords and plugs scattered around my house and inside my car. When a cell phone begins to loose it’s power, it’s helpful to have one of these chargers already plugged in. However, what happens when a cord stops working or the battery stops holding a charge. Meanwhile, if you visit a new country in Europe and don’t buy an adapter prior to your trip, it’s hard to get plugged in when you can’t find the right outlet.

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[d]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue), 2 Peter 1:3.

One of Jesus’ disciples uses a similar analogy while writing a letter to first century Christians scattered throughout the Middle East. While Peter doesn’t go into specific details, the passage above suggests that Christians began to feel powerless to change their lives. Thus, the beginning of Peter’s letter serves as a pep talk to uplift those Christians who feel defeated. Paul reminds his audience that God has given us everything we need in this life.

By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature, 2 Peter 1:4.

What Peter is referencing is the power of the Holy Spirit. Whenever anyone enters into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10, this spiritual counselor becomes available. However, unless you’re plugged in spiritually via prayer and studying the Bible, you won’t be able to tap into God’s power. Therefore, when your faith starts to erode due to moral decay, remember the promises in the Bible which is the outlet you need to get plugged in on a daily basis.

by Jay Mankus

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Fighting a Battle You Can’t Seem to Win

Posted on August 21, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul says the same thing to two different churches. In his letter to Galatia, Paul reveals a troubling reality about human beings that is taboo, often swept under the rug. Meanwhile, Paul takes this premise and applies it to his own personal life within a letter written to the Church at Rome. Based upon Paul’s confession in Romans 7, Paul was fighting a losing battle.

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. 18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law, Galatians 5:16-18.

Paul’s initial passage serves as guide for what to expect. The internal war is a battle for human souls as fleshly cravings seek to shut down any supernatural attempts to take over your body. Unless you’re outgoing, this invisible war go on 24 seven, 7 days a week without most people paying attention. Only when evil begins to win or good triumphs will family and friends take notice of your rise or fall.

For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [[b]which my moral instinct condemns]. 16 Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. 17 However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me, Romans 7:15-17.

At the end of Romans 7, the apostle Paul comes to a conclusion. Without Jesus via the Holy Spirit working in your life, mankind is doomed. The symptoms of fighting a battle you can’t seem to win are on display daily. Some signs are more obvious than others. Nonetheless, as human beings go through life using trial and error as their guide, reach out to Jesus so you can start winning those battles that you’ve lost in the past.

by Jay Mankus

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Mind Games

Posted on August 20, 2021 by expressyourself4him

As a teenage boy, I wasn’t charismatic or eloquent. I struggled to maintain a B average and entered high school at 5 feet tall and 100 pounds. While competing in sports was my first love, attractive females began to get my attention. Unfortunately, I was so small and quiet, that I was invisible when other guys were around. Subsequently, dating was something that I longed for, but was unable find someone that liked me more than a friend.

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

What made matters worse was a severe speech impediment. When I opened my mouth, I never knew if I was going to embarrass myself in class or actually spit something out. I could visualize what I wanted to say, but my mind would play tricks on me. The longer this condition persisted, I began to develop an ungodly belief that I would never be able to share what was in my heart and on my mind.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.

After entering into a personal relationship with Jesus as a sophomore in high school, I was introduced to the promises of the Bible. When I learned about my own internal struggles in Galatians 5:16-18, the miracles of Jesus gave me hope. My prayers began to focus on healing my stuttering so that this mind game would end. Twenty years after my condition was first diagnosed, the power of the Holy Spirit finally broke through. While the Devil still tries to remind me of my past, the Bible has steadied my faith as this spiritual mind game continues today.

by Jay Mankus

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When America Lost their Spiritual War

Posted on August 19, 2021 by expressyourself4him

As I student, I learned great details about World War 1 and World War 2 in History class. Between reading books and listening to lectures, I was forced to memorize important battles, dates and leaders to pass unit tests. While I am grateful of the public education that I received, one topic was never touched. I had to attend seminary to ascertain the true history of America minus the politics and politically correct textbooks,

Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden? – Genesis 3:1

Institutions up and down the East Coast like Harvard and Duke were established by churches. These schools for higher education were initially Christian based designed to spread and fulfill the Magna Carta and Great Commission. Yet, just as the Judges in the Old Testament began to do what was right in their own eyes, America has forgotten it’s spiritual heritage. Although Great Awakenings revived faith in this country, America lost their spiritual war in the middle of the 20th Century.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place], Ephesians 6:10-13.

on June 18, 1963, Atheists won their case before the Supreme Court. This victory for the left was the beginning of the end of Christianity as the dominant worldview in America. When this highest court in the land made it illegal for the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:1-15) to be said and the Bible to be read in public schools, God was officially removed from education. While Christian Academies still exist today, traces of God continue to be removed from public squares across the country. America’s current spiritual conditional is merely the consequences of losing this spiritual war. Perhaps, the prayers of the saints is the only thing left to save America from becoming the latest fallen empire.

by Jay Mankus

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Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil

Posted on August 18, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The expression “hear no evil see no evil” originated from an ancient Japanese proverb. The full proverb is “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” This phrase was popularized in the 17th century as a pictorial Shinto maxim, carved in the famous Tōshō-gū Shinto shrine in Nikkō, Japan. Meanwhile, in the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul used conspicuous while referring to bad and good behavior evident to all who are watching.

The sins of some men are conspicuous (openly evident to all eyes), going before them to the judgment [seat] and proclaiming their sentence in advance; but the sins of others appear later [following the offender to the bar of judgment and coming into view there], 1 Timothy 5:24.

Perhaps referencing a previous letter sent to Galatia, Paul pulls back the curtains of the spiritual realm in Galatians 5:16-25. Deep inside of every human being is an internal struggle between good and evil. This particular passage is where the term dualism comes from. This biblical theology states that the universe contains opposing powers of good and evil, seen as balanced equals where a third party, a judge is necessary to intervene.

So also, good deeds are evident and conspicuous, and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden [indefinitely], 1 Timothy 5:25.

From a modern perspective, gossip and slander are never a good thing to practice. Paul urges the church of Philippi to focus on the positive, Philippians 4:8-9. While you will have opportunities, moments in life to correct and or rebuke close friends, don’t dwell on the negative. If you want to be depressed, just watch the nightly news. The best way to be a source of hope and light in this world is by taming your tongue, James 1:19 so you can keep the Proverb Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil .

by Jay Mankus

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A Stranger in the House of God

Posted on August 17, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Unless individuals were attending a local synagogue in the first century, church goers met inside a home or outside at a local park. While thousands of people regularly gathered to hear Jesus speak and teach, worshiping God with strangers can be awkward. If the person standing next to you is extremely jubilant or you’ve never heard the song that everyone else is singing, you may feel a little out of place.

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to dine with him, and He went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the town who was an especially wicked sinner, when she learned that He was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment (perfume), Luke 7:36-37.

This is how one woman felt while Jesus dined with a group of Pharisees. As these men were reclining at a dining room table following their meal, an adulterous woman approached Jesus. It’s unclear if this woman came to confess the sins of her past, but she was suddenly overwhelmed by emotions. Perhaps, the Spirit of God prompted her to wash Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume that she was able to purchase due to her unwholesome occupation.

And standing behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with [her] tears; and she wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed His feet [affectionately] and anointed them with the ointment (perfume). 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw it, he said to himself, If this Man were a prophet, He would surely know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching Him—for she is a notorious sinner (a social outcast, devoted to sin), Luke 7:38-39.

Despite being a stranger in a house of God, all this woman wanted was to be with Jesus. It didn’t matter what all these men thought or that she was throwing away this valuable ointment. Whether you’re on vacation or simply visiting a new church, when you come to worship God it’s all about Jesus. The next time you feel like a stranger in the house of God, remember the act of this woman so that you will develop the right mindset to worship God.

by Jay Mankus

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Experts in the Wrong Field

Posted on August 16, 2021 by expressyourself4him

I changed my major 3 times in my first three years of college. My indecision forced me to spend five years for my under graduate degree instead of 4. Meanwhile, by the time my I completed my internship in golf course design and maintenance, I realized that I had become an expert in the wrong field. By the mid 1990’s most golf clubs wanted to hire former famous members of the PGA Tour rather than a no name golf course architect.

Did that which is good then prove fatal [bringing death] to me? Certainly not! It was sin, working death in me by using this good thing [as a weapon], in order that through the commandment sin might be shown up clearly to be sin, that the extreme malignity and immeasurable sinfulness of sin might plainly appear. 14 We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a creature of the flesh [carnal, unspiritual], having been sold into slavery under [the control of] sin, Romans 7:13-14.

In one chapter of the Bible, the apostle Paul makes an ironic confession. This individual called by God to become a special messenger to spread the good news about Jesus reveals his own addiction to sin. Despite his missionary journeys and special connection with some of Jesus’ disciples, Paul was an expert in the wrong field (SIN). An entire chapter of his letter to the Church at Rome reveals Paul’s internal battle.

However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.] 19 For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing, Romans 7:17-19.

Romans 7 depicts Paul as an average human being struggling to get by. Perhaps, conviction consumed Paul to finally let the cat out of the bag, that he didn’t have everything together. Instead of living a lie, Paul comes clean to open up about how sin was controlling his life. While not many people want to admit it, we are all experts in the field of sin, Romans 3:23. Although you may try to conceal this, don’t be afraid to come out of the closet as an expert in the wrong field so that other people who hear your confession may be encouraged to make a u-turn back to God.

by Jay Mankus

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The Source Behind a Fall from Grace

Posted on August 15, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon your reading comprehension, you may read for speed to get through as many pages as possible or take your time so that you don’t miss anything. I tend to follow the latter, slow and steady, searching for patterns that tie everything together. After reading 1 Timothy 4, I was reminded by something I read earlier in this letter written by the apostle. What I found was a similar explanation to explain an individual’s fall from grace.

And it was not Adam who was deceived, but [the] woman who was deceived and deluded and fell into transgression.15 Nevertheless [the sentence put upon women of pain in motherhood does not hinder their souls’ salvation, and] they will be saved [eternally] if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control, [saved indeed] through the Childbearing or by the birth of the divine Child, 1 Timothy 2:14-15.

According to the apostle Paul, the source behind original sin was deception. As the Spirit of Lucifer entered into the serpent in the Garden of Eden, Eve was convinced that God’s rule about eating fruit from the Tree of Knowledge was holding her back. Rather than reject this new age of thinking, thoughts planted within Eve gave birth to a spirit of lust. The more Eve stared at this low hanging fruit, it was only a matter of time before her fall from grace.

But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, 2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

As the second coming of Jesus approaches, a similar mindset will return. Rather than using merely deception to delude God’s commands, demonic spirits will seduce weakened minds. Like itching ears eager to indulge in gossip, a simple story is taken out of context, filled with distortions, exaggerations and lies. If a lie is told over and over again, especially by the media, it won’t be long before the innocent are deceived, on their way to another fall from grace.

by Jay Mankus

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One Step in Front of the Other

Posted on August 14, 2021 by expressyourself4him

If you’re forced to travel a long distance by foot, you’ll get there if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other. “Put One Foot in Front of the Other” is a song featured in the 1970 Christmas classic Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. The context of this show tune occurs following a conversation between a young Kris Kringle and the Winter Warlock. The morale embedded within the lyrics urges listeners to bounce back by getting up as soon as you fall.

Shun immorality and all sexual looseness [flee from impurity in thought, word, or deed]. Any other sin which a man commits is one outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, 1 Corinthians 6:18-19.

Whether you endure an embarrassing moment, a disappointing defeat or a self inflicted fall from grace, you can’t beat yourself up forever. The context of the passage above involved a sex scandal within the Church at Corinth. News of this inappropriate relationship quickly reached the apostle Paul. This portion of Paul’s letter provides advice for bouncing back spiritually.

You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body, 1 Corinthians 6:20.

Anyone who is struggling to break free from an addiction or bad habit, needs to quickly cut ties from this by shunning any traces of immorality. This includes the environment or the individuals who drag you in to participate. If you want to put your best foot forward, view their body as a holy temple where God’s Spirit resides. When you develop this mindset, you can begin to put one foot in front of the other so that you can eventually be set free,

by Jay Mankus

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