Category Archives: truth

Fighting an Invisible Enemy

Posted on August 13, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Like many teenage boys, I was drawn toward horror flicks in high school. I’m not sure why I developed this unhealthy attraction, but the adrenaline of being scared out of my mind brought me back to the movies time after time. When I dreamed that I was being chased around my neighborhood by a beast or killer, I just assumed this was a harmless nightmare, Little did I realize that I was actually fighting an invisible enemy.

For such men are false apostles [spurious, counterfeits], deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ (the Messiah). 14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; 15 So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond with their deeds, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

As another Friday 13th approaches, it’s fitting that I was born on Saturday the 14th. I won’t read too much into this irony, but the apostle Paul warns Christians of what believers in God are up against. Following in the footsteps of his heavenly identity Lucifer, this fallen angel is a spiritual magician who is the master of deception. Just as this cunning serpent deceived Adam and Eve, human beings are fooled every day by this invisible enemy.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:9-10.

In the passage above, Jesus suggests that Satan tries to convince people that there is more than one way to enter heaven. As the gullible begin to search for this back door, character is stolen, dreams are killed and lives are destroyed. Jesus didn’t come to earth to condemn those who wonder off, but to seek and to save the lost, Luke 19:10. Therefore, as your eyes are opened to this invisible enemy, come to Jesus so you can begin to experience the abundant life.

by Jay Mankus

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Nourishing Yourself on the Truths of Faith

Posted on August 12, 2021 by expressyourself4him

On a hot sunny day, nourishment usually comes in the form of a cold drink. Yet, as day turns into night, stomachs begin to grumble, yearning for solid food to quench hunger pains. However, nourishment isn’t limited to the physical. Beyond food and beverages, nourishment also involves other substances necessary for growth and health to remain in good condition. In the passage below, the apostle Paul eludes to spiritual nourishment.

 If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good [Christian] instruction which you have closely followed, 1 Timothy 4:6.

The most basic way to nourish yourself is by reading the Word of God, Romans 10:17. The more you read, minds are enlightened by spiritual truths to help you ascertain the will of God, Romans 12:2. According to one biblical author, as what you read begins to click and make sense, an assurance and hope is conceived, Hebrews 11:1. As the truths of the Bible take root within your heart and mind, Colossians 2:6-7, all things will work together for the good.

But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers’ tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. 8 For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come, 1 Timothy 4:7-8.

Unfortunately, many Christians tends to become bored which dulls their faith, Hebrews 5:11-14. If you get sloppy, stunted by an immature faith, you won’t be able to handle solid food. While speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus reminds religious teachers that the healthy can take care of themselves, Matthew 9:11-12. Meanwhile, it’s the poor and sick that need help. Therefore, as you learn to nourish yourself, you can begin to reach out to others by spreading the truths of faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Diet, Exercise and Rest

Posted on August 11, 2021 by expressyourself4him

In the past two years, medical doctors and experts have been in high demand on talk radio and television. Whether serving as a guest host or part of a panel, the public is eager to know what physicians believe and think about the Coronavirus. Some of the best advice I heard in 2020 about staying healthy contains a 3 step approach. The first part was getting 8 hours of sleep every night since a lack of rest weakens your immune system.

Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power. 13 Food [is intended] for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will finally end [the functions of] both and bring them to nothing. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but [is intended] for the Lord, and the Lord [is intended] for the body [to save, sanctify, and raise it again], 1 Corinthians 6:12-13.

The second part focuses on staying hydrated. According to a recent Harvard Study, drinking enough water daily regulates body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, delivers nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Just as getting enough rest rejuvenates your body, hydrating lowers your chances of becoming infected with the Coronavirus.

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, 20 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 6:19-20.

The final piece of advice from this doctor gave was to take care of your body by washing your hands and avoid close contact. While maintaining a healthy diet was not mentioned directly, it was assumed to eat fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. In the passages above, the apostle Paul eludes to food addictions and bad habits. Trying to change anything is hard, but if you can begin to view your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, this may provide the inspiration needed to diet, exercise and rest every week.

by Jay Mankus

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Embrace Adversity Before it Gets the Best of You

Posted on August 10, 2021 by expressyourself4him

All of the stories ever told involve some sort of conflict. Without this adversity, there is no room for growth, James 1:2-4. Whether humans beings have to endure affliction, bad luck or distress, these obstacles remove an individual from their comfort zone and force them to face the barrier standing in their way. There is really only one decision to be made, embrace adversity before it gets the best of you.

Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. 36 For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and [e]carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised, Hebrews 10:35-36.

While Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was introduced in 1943, this five-stage model was expanded to include cognitive and aesthetic needs initially in 1954 and transcendence needs in 1970. Maslow understood that as human beings have their own basic needs met, there are still many more stages that one must go through until self-realization is reached. Learning to embrace adversity is a basic step toward moving up to the next level on Maslow’s chart.

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.

Near the end of the first century, the author of Hebrews reveals the importance of adversity. When your confidence is shaken, the energy and endurance to face adversity weakens. Yet, if you want to fully accomplish God’s will for your life, you have to hang in there through thick and thin. In the passage above, you have to throw aside every encumbrance that is holding you back. Once this is discarded, you can run with perseverance as you face adversity.

by Jay Mankus

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Cauterized Minds

Posted on August 9, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Cauterize refers to the burning of skin or flesh with a heated instrument. This is done with a caustic substance, typically to stop bleeding or prevent the wound from becoming infected. This is a common practice used for getting rid of genital warts as these are initially frozen before cauterizing. In a harsh warning to a teenager pastor, the apostle Paul guards against falling prey to hypocrisy and lies.

Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 1 Timothy 4:2.

The term brain freeze originated in the early 70’s. Associated with drinking a Slurpee from 7/11 too fast, a sudden shooting pain in the head appears. When individuals have a senior moment, forgetting what you were talking about is also attributed to brain freeze. Beside age, what causes human minds to become cauterized? Beyond physical science, what supernatural forces are at work to alter healthy minds.

[And may show their soundness by] ceasing to give attention to Jewish myths and fables or to rules [laid down] by [mere] men who reject and turn their backs on the Truth. 15 To the pure [in heart and conscience] all things are pure, but to the defiled and corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure; their very minds and consciences are defiled and polluted, Titus 1:14-15.

In a letter to a young pastor, the apostle Paul blames this on deluding and seducing spirits, 1 Timothy 4:1. Earlier in 1 Timothy 2:14 Paul writes about Eve’s mind being deceived and deluded prior to giving into temptation. Meanwhile, Paul suggests that fables and myths passed down to children can defile and pollute consciences. Unless Christians learn to hide God’s Word in their hearts, Psalm 119:9-10, you won’t be protected against demonic attacks to sear your minds, Ephesians 6:12.

by Jay Mankus

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Find Your Passion and Pursue It

Posted on August 8, 2021 by expressyourself4him

When I was in high school, Michael W. Smith was the top Christian artist in the nation. Songs like Go West Young Man, Secret Ambition and Place in this World inspired me to start thinking about the future. While in college at the University of Delaware, I was torn between becoming a golf course architect and serving as a youth pastor. Following a dual internship in Cleveland, Ohio, I discovered my true passion and began to pursue it.

Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own, Philippians 3:12.

After working as an Inner City Workcamp Coordinator and Youth Director at a Methodist Church, I wasn’t sure about how to build a ministry. Following a visit to a Youth Ministry Trade School, a renewed passion was conceived as this training gave me the knowledge and vision to succeed. However, in any ministry there are big egos with a tendency for control and power which make maintaining healthy relationships difficult.

I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward, Philippians 3:13-14.

Over the years I’ve learned that desires and passions come and go. What you believe and think about your role in life today may change as the situations around you fluctuate. Just as societies and the world evolves, it’s important to re-evaluate where you want to go and what you want to do. Once you discover your spiritual gifts and unleash the desires within your heart, pursue God’s will as you seize each day.

by Jay Mankus

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Sleep Well and Dream Big

Posted on August 7, 2021 by expressyourself4him

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/olympics/molly-seidel-wins-bronze-olympic-marathon-after-battle-through-heat-n1276240

The origin of the phrase ‘third time’s a charm’ dates date to ancient times.  Things that come in sets of three have often been associated with good luck. As an element of astrology and fortune-telling, numerology has long been employed to predict future events. From a biblical perspective, the Bible is full of symbolism. The number 3 is used 467 times in the Bible with an imagery of completeness like the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. 12 Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you, Jeremiah 29:11-12.

During a 4th grade Art Class, a little girl from Wisconsin draw a little picture with a dream beneath it. Molly wrote “one day I am going to complete in the Olympics and win a gold medal.” Fast forward two decades and Molly Seidel competed in her second marathon ever. This race just happened to be the qualifier for the 2020-21 Olympics. Despite her limited experience as a long distance runner, Seidel finished second and earned her spot on Team USA.

A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure, Proverbs 16:9.

After waiting an additional year due to Covid-19, Molly ran in her third marathon earlier today. While she did not earn the medal in her childhood dream, Molly Seidel became the second American woman to ever medal in the Olympic Marathon. The passage above is a reminder that you may have certain aspirations, but the Lord’s purpose prevails. May the bronze medal that Molly Seidel earned today inspire you to sleep well and dream big.

by Jay Mankus

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Touching the Top of the World

Posted on August 6, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Erik Weihenmayer is not your typical mountain climber. Erik’s first big climb was a mountain in Denali back in 1995. This accomplishment inspired Weihenmayer to want to reach the top of the world. Not bad for a blind man who took 6 blind Tibetan teenagers on his 2001 expedition where his team successfully reached the north side of Mount Everest. After this amazing feat, one of Erik’s mentor said, “don’t let climbing Everest be the highlight of your life.”

Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory (the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them, Matthew 4:8.

This comment struck a nerve within Erik. Like any ambitious athlete, Weihenmayer began to search for his next mountain to climb. More than a decade later, Erik decided to take to the water, going between the mountains. On September 7th, 2014 Erik set out to Solo Kayak the entire 277 mile stretch of the Grand Canyon. Using his ears to steer him through the white water rapids of the Colorado River, Erik’s remaining senses made this feat possible.

And he said to Him, These things, all taken together, I will give You, if You will prostrate Yourself before me and do homage and worship me. 10 Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve, Matthew 4:9-10.

When I look back on my own life, I’ve been told by numerous people that I couldn’t do this or that. While sometimes these individuals were correct in their assessment, I haven’t let the concerns of others prevent me from touching the top of the world. While I don’t have any aspirations to climb Mount Everest, I do want to live the abundant life promised by Jesus in John 10:10. As I draw near to God, I pray that I might possess the faith of Erik Weihenmayer so that the Holy Spirit will lift me to new heights.

by Jay Mankus

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Concentrate Your Prayers

Posted on August 5, 2021 by expressyourself4him

When individuals participate in a long conversation, you may reach a point where you lose focus. While some topics are so fascinating that discussions will last for hours, others get old fast as you try to slip away to avoid wasting any more time. The talks that I remember the most in life are the ones that I was captivated by someone or something. Your degree of concentration tends to make the difference between a boring and interesting conversation.

Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 19 Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19.

Conversation is the action or power of focusing one’s attention by using a concerted mental effort. When Christians enter into a conversation with God via prayer, there are many distractions that may abruptly end this spiritual connection. The apostle Paul wrote two letters to the Church at Thessalonica. In each letter Paul makes a point to encourage believers to concentrate their prayers.

Furthermore, brethren, do pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed on (spread rapidly and run its course) and be glorified (extolled) and triumph, even as [it has done] with you, 2 Thessalonians 3:1.

The first mention refers to developing a prayerful mindset. When prayer become unceasing, a hedge of protection is formed so that you will be prepared for whatever circumstance comes your way. Meanwhile, if you begin to pray for the Great Commission to be fulfilled, Matthew 28:19-20, the Word of the Lord will continue to spread. Despite the rise and fall of emotions in this life, concentrate your prayers so that God will be glorified.

by Jay Mankus

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The Mystic Secret of Faith

Posted on August 4, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The English term Mysticism comes from the Greek word μύω meaning “I conceal”. The Greek derivative μυστικός, also known as mystikos refers to “an initiate.” The Christian definition of Mysticism is that part, or element, of Christian belief and practice that concerns the preparation for, the consciousness of, and the effect of a direct and transformative presence of God. The mystic part comes into play when the Holy Ghost, an invisible presence can transform the life of a rebellious and wayward soul.

They must possess the mystic secret of the faith [Christian truth as hidden from ungodly men] with a clear conscience, 1 Timothy 3:9.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul claims that the truth about Christianity is hidden from the ungodly. Since Paul doesn’t go into greater details, perhaps Paul is referring to individuals who are self absorbed by their own sinful nature. Jesus uses imagery like light shining into darkness, John 1:5. One of the ways truth is hidden is when Satan snatches away what was sown in someone’s heart, Matthew 13:19. When you add this to lust of the flesh and pride. 1 John 2:15-17, the love of the world prevents many from trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior, Romans 10:9-10.

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you, John 14:26.

As Passion Week began, Jesus gave hints to the transformative presence of God. The Holy Spirit is like an inner guide who helps, discerns, intercedes and guide you toward what God wants you to do and where you should go. Jesus demonstrates the mystic secret of faith while praying early in the morning, Mark 1:35-36. While the disciples had their own ideas on how they were going to spend the day, the Holy Spirit gave Jesus precise instructions. To a certain extent, I never really know what topic I am going to write about each week, but when the Spirit moves I follow by typing until my blogs are completed. In the end, faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ, Romans 10:17.

by Jay Mankus

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