Reproofs and Consequences

Posted on July 9, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The term “Reprove” comes from Elizabethan English. The biblical definition of reproof has a variety of meanings depending upon the context. A reproof could refer to convince, disprove, rebuke or reject. In many cases, reproofs occur when a spiritual leader catches a believer doing or saying something that is out of character. While most churches have become too lenient on Christians living outside of church, a reproof is designed to correct wrong behavior.

To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a loose woman. 25 Lust not after her beauty in your heart, neither let her capture you with her eyelids. 26 For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress stalks and snares [as with a hook] the precious life [of a man], Proverbs 6:24-26.

While God promises to forgive those who repent, the consequences for any sin remains. In the passage above, King Solomon uses the example of a lonely man who seeks to fulfill his sexual desires with a one night stand. However, whenever two individuals participate in a sexual encounter, soul ties are developed and last long after this one excursion. Like any type of addiction or bad habit, inner cravings continue to grow via temptation until you are lured into another comprising position, James 1:13-15.

Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, doing evil in His sight? You have slain Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife. You have murdered him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because [you have not only despised My command, but] you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. 11 Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your [a]own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun, [Fulfilled in II Sam. 16:21, 22.] 2 Samuel 12:9-12.

No one is exempt from the consequences of sin, even if you are a man or woman after God’s own heart. In the passage above, the prophet Samuel shares the penalty for David’s act of adultery and murder. Unfortunately, David got a taste of the expression “what comes around goes around.” Reaping the seeds of sin, David’s family and life became a living nightmare. May the consequences of sin strike a nerve in your heart so that you’ll learn quickly from the next reproof that you receive.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Mind Your Own Business

Posted on July 8, 2021 by expressyourself4him

In my younger years as a student, if I was caught eavesdropping or asked too many questions, an insider would reply “mind your own business.” This idiom means to refrain from meddling, by keeping to your own affairs. Apparently, this expression was first used in the first century by the apostle Paul. Perhaps Paul was referencing part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:1-5. Instead of judging others, Paul wants believers to get your own affairs in order first.

To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you,12 So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.

In a letter to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul builds upon this concept. No one likes a control freak who points their finger to cast blame upon anyone who makes a mistake. If I could paraphrase the words above into modern lingo, “don’t tell people how to live, show them by your own example.” Christians who focus on studying the Bible, praying and applying biblical truth set the tone and become the light of the world, Matthew 5:14-16.

Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. 4 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others, Philippians 2:3-4.

Instead of using similar terminology like take the plank out of your own eye first, Paul focuses on priorities. If your own life is falling apart, you won’t be much help to anyone in need. While Paul doesn’t say be selfish in the passage above, he suggests that you need to take care of your own interests first. Once you get your own house in order by removing any signs of hypocrisy, you can begin to look out for the interests of others.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Abstain from and Shrink any Hints of Evil

Posted on July 7, 2021 by expressyourself4him

When it comes to sex education, abstinence remains the best policy. Abstaining from sex provides a 100% guarantee that teenagers will avoid becoming pregnant or contract a sexual disease. Unfortunately, administrators, educators, and school boards abandoned biblical principles back in the 1960’s. In the last 50 years, elementary, junior high and high schools pass out condoms like candy. Instead of making sex education safer, students are encouraged to experiment with condoms or explore what pronoun they prefer.

For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, 1 Thessalonians 4:3.

The apostle Paul doesn’t hold back his feelings about sexual desires in the passage above. Paul urges one church to abstain from and shrink any ties to lustful desires, Galatians 5:19-21. Whether it’s a coincidence or not, the first and last act of our carnal desires are sexual in nature. The first is a gateway sin known as sexual immorality, opening the door to ungodly relationships. The final act is participating in orgies which is essentially full blown sexual sin.

That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, 5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5.

The passage above provides guidelines to abstain from and shrink all sexual vices. This requires a substitute, a replacement in the form fruits of the spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. In order to control and manage your own body, abstinence from carnal appetites is essential. Since God calls Christian’s to higher standards than the world, self control must lead the way. Until individuals understand the internal battle going on daily, Galatians 5:16-18, you won’t be able to abstain from and shrink the sexual disease known as sin. Flee now while you still have time to turn around.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Living a Mixed Message

Posted on July 6, 2021 by expressyourself4him

While believing in yourself is an important quality to possess, when mixed with superficial wisdom, people tend to change. According to the apostle Paul, a spirit of justification and rationalization often enter human beings, altering their personality. Paul compares this subtle change to a wild animal, unspiritual in nature. If Christians are oblivious to their new attitude, it won’t be long before people of faith begin living out a mixed message.

Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth, James 3:13-14.

When unobtrusive humility is absent, true wisdom is blocked from unveiling the error of your way. If this trend continues, the door is ajar for the sins of the flesh to enter your life, Galatians 5:18-21. According to the apostle Paul, when you’re not guided by the Holy Spirit, Christians begin to live and send a confusing message. If what you believe isn’t backed up with fruits of the Spirit, faith begins to fall apart and decay.

This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). 16 For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices, James 3:15-16.

The passage above reveals byproducts of a wayward faith. A spirit envy and jealousy led to the downfall of Cain, unable to let go of the root of bitterness and resentment within his heart, Genesis 4:6-9. If you don’t get your way, a spirit of complaining, criticizing and condemning has a tendency to take over. If you want to remove this rebellious nature, pour out your heart to God, James 5:16 so that healing and restoration can begin.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Remember, Remove and Refocus

Posted on July 5, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Remember not the sins (the lapses and frailties) of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your mercy and steadfast love remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord, Psalm 25:7.

Darryl Worley released the song Have You Forgotten in 2003. In the years following September 11th, 2001, politics began to influence television. The more liberal and progressive that the United States has become, images of attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon are considered unfit for the eyes of viewers. Unfortunately, with each passing decade, public education is rewriting history so that America’s Christian heritage and founding has been erased from college and high school textbooks.

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.

While human beings can’t change the current path of the world, you can remove obstacles from your own life so that you can make a difference. The author of Hebrews uses the analogy of running a marathon. The longer this race goes on, the more hot, tired and weak you become. In the same way, invisible sins can weigh down souls so that individuals become entangled in a web of lies and lust. Until you begin to unload these internal or external weights holding you back, you won’t be able to experience spiritual freedom.

If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God, Colossians 3:1-3.

The apostle Paul devotes an entire chapter to those believers who need to refocus. After remembering that God has removed your sins as far as the east is from the west, Psalm 103:11-12, discard bad habits so that your mind can start focusing on Jesus again. Like a person preparing for a fast due to an upcoming procedure, spiritual focus starts by purging any reminders from your past life before knowing Jesus. When your mind is transformed by God’s Word, Romans 12:1-2, setting your heart and mind on things above becomes achievable. Remember, remove and refocus this fourth of July weekend.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Enlisting in God’s Army

Posted on July 4, 2021 by expressyourself4him

During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress established different oaths for the enlisted men and officers of the Continental Army. The oath of enlistment is administered by commissioned officers to any person enlisting or re-enlisting for a term of service into any branch of the military. From 1917-1973, the United States instituted a draft when enlistment numbers weren’t enough to field enough soldiers to build a competitive military.

As they talked, behold, Goliath, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, came forth from the Philistine ranks and spoke the same words as before, and David heard him. 24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, terrified, 1 Samuel 17:23-24.

David was a teenage shepherd when his older brothers became members of Israel’s army. According to Samuel, David’s father sent David to visit his brothers, bringing care packages from home. Based upon Samuel’s details in chapter 17, David was curious and eager to find out how the war with the Philistines was going. As Goliath stood up to make his daily challenge, David was offended while everyone else ran away in fear.

And the Israelites said, Have you seen this man who has come out? Surely he has come out to defy Israel; and the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free [from taxes and service] in Israel. 26 And David said to the men standing by him, What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? – 1 Samuel 17:25-26

Initially, David’s brothers were convinced that their little bro was pulling a publicity stunt. While his brothers thought he was merely seeking attention after being surrounded by sheep daily, David was serious about volunteering. This decision to enlist in God’s army transformed David’s life from a shepherd boy to a war hero. The apostle Paul explains what modern day Christians need before they enter the battlefield called life, Ephesians 6:10-18. This is the spiritual armor necessary to be a successful soldier in God’s army.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Seeking out What is Right

Posted on July 3, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Before the creation and evolution of the internet, students went to the library to find the right answer. After going through the card catalog, I usually went to a librarian to expedite my search for the book with the answer to my question. As I got older, I was introduced to Cliff. If time was running out before a due assignment, Cliff Notes was a reliable source until one of my teachers caught on to the short cut that many of us were taking to find out what we needed to know.

These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. 18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren, Proverbs 6:16-19.

From a Biblical Worldview, the Bible is the place to seek out what is right. According to one first century author, the Bible is living and active, able to penetrate souls, Hebrews 4:12. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul refers to God’s Word as the source for correcting, rebuking and teaching individuals what is right, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. A first century church developed a practice for testing new philosophies by examining them with the Old Testament, Acts 17:11-12.

Lying lips are extremely disgusting and hateful to the Lord, but they who deal faithfully are His delight. 23 A prudent man is reluctant to display his knowledge, but the heart of [self-confident] fools proclaims their folly, Proverbs 12:22-23.

King Solomon is much more direct in the passages above. Before you fully understand what is good and right, you need to know what God detests. If any act falls under one of these 7 categories, the Lord wants any of his followers to flee from these behaviors. One of Jesus’ earthly brothers called first century believers to draw near to God while resisting temptation, James 4:7. In his final remarks in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides a blueprint in Matthew 7:7-8 for seeking out what is right.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Tell It How It Is

Posted on July 2, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Every month businesses, media sites and television networks preach to the masses about Black History, Woman’s History, Gay Pride and so on as the calendar year unfolds. Whether you’re attending school, walking into a retail store or work for a large corporation, monthly themes often take on the form of propaganda. Advertisements, commercials, internet pop up ads and posters bombard individuals with a specific message or spotlight every week.

Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God’s law by transgression or neglect—being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will), 3 John 4.

While many great people have been overlooked or omitted from history, who you are and what you become is based upon the choices that you make in life. If you come out of the closet to profess a desire to be recognized as homosexual or transgender, these individuals are now celebrated and praised by the national media. Meanwhile, if you speak up about being a devout Christian or Trump Supporter, you’ll probably be labeled a bigot, narrow minded or be accused of being a racist. Freedom of Speech appears to only apply to those who hold a progressive worldview.

Who of you convicts Me of wrongdoing or finds Me guilty of sin? Then if I speak truth, why do you not believe Me [trust Me, rely on, and adhere to Me]? 47 Whoever is of God listens to God. [Those who belong to God hear the words of God.] This is the reason that you do not listen [to those words, to Me]: because you do not belong to God and are not of God or in harmony with Him, John 8:46-47.

The world is like a series of cycles which go up and down and back and forth. In the days following September 11th, 2001, more people went to church than ever before in the United States. However, in the last 20 years, a sense of urgency has been lost as individuals have found other hobbies, things and ways to replace God. The apostle Paul says it best about maintaining a biblical worldview in Galatians 1:10. The choices that you make will reveal if you’re pleasing God or pleasing others. You reap what you sow whether good or bad. This is how it is. Choose wisely, Deuteronomy 30:15-18.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Tuck in Your Shirt

Posted on July 1, 2021 by expressyourself4him

I spent a decade of my life teaching the Bible at a large Christian Academy. On chapel days boys were required to wear a dress shirt and tie while girls had to wear a dress or skirt. Just before this worship service, teachers were expected to do a quick check for any dress code violations. Homeroom teachers were encouraged to remind boys to tuck in their shirt prior to walking over to the sanctuary or else face the risk of receiving a demerit.

We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience, 2 Corinthians 4:2.

The apostle Paul introduced the concept of the belt of truth in the first century. In a letter to the Church at Ephesus, Paul urges readers to fastened the belt of truth, Ephesians 6:14. As a Roman Soldier prepared for battle, securing this belt was crucial for maximizing their mobility so they do they won’t get caught on anything. Yet, when you tell a teenage boy tuck in your shirt, most don’t know why it’s necessary or simply don’t care.

You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false, John 8:44.

Paul equates this belt with truth. When individuals allow exaggerations, half-truths, lies and ungodly beliefs to enter their mind, gray areas begin to develop and expand. The Bible is designed to bring clarity and light to confusing or difficult concepts to grasp. However, when Christians go days, weeks and months without opening this book, rules like tuck in your shirt are quickly dismissed. If anyone becomes disconnected from God’s Word, John 15:1-5, you will be susceptible to the father of lies who can deceive you from what is true. May God’s Word open your eyes to help to see the big picture for tucking in your shirt.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Spiritual Aerobics

Posted on June 30, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Aerobics is a vigorous exercise designed to strengthen the heart and lungs. Besides running, swimming and walking which most of you can do by yourself at home or in your neighborhood, there are an unlimited supply of videos on aerobics. Whether you follow along to a workout video or you tube, there are numerous ways to get back into and stay in shape. However, if you keep putting this off day after day, you’ll lose all motivation for physical exercise.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. 25 Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. 26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit], 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

The apostle Paul introduces readers to the concept of spiritual aerobics. Using the host city of the Isthmian Games as a backdrop, a prestigious track and field event held during the off years of the Olympics, Paul references the strict training of these athletes. Spiritual aerobics is designed to strengthen your heart, soul and mind. Whether you’re reading the Bible, praying or participating in a worship service, these exercises energize your spiritual life.

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, 2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God, Hebrews 12:1-12.

The author of Hebrews takes spiritual aerobics to the next level, comparing this to running a marathon. I once ran 15 miles in an afternoon training for my senior year of cross country in high school. While one of my teammates easily cruised through the final few miles, I struggled to finish as my legs got heavier and heavier with each stride. The key to spiritual aerobics is unloading and throwing off anything that is holding you back or slowing you down. Instead of dreading the race called life, keep your head up and fix your eyes on Jesus so you will find the strength to make it to the finish line.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →