Cutting the Ties with Your Past

Posted on October 2, 2019 by expressyourself4him

In 1982, Don Henley released Dirty Laundry, a single from the I Can’t Stand Still album. This former number one hit refers to personal and private affairs that individuals do not want made public. Unfortunately, sooner or later this truth usually gets out via gossip or rumors. Even when some of these deeds of darkness are untrue, dirty laundry can permanently damage or ruin reputations.

As it is written and forever remains written, “There is none righteous [none that meets God’s standard], not even one,” Romans 3:10.

The apostle Paul brings up the topic of dirty laundry in a letter to the church at Rome. Paul quotes the Old Testament making it obvious that no one is righteous, not even one. Based upon the context in Romans 2, Christians in Rome began to compare themselves with pagans, prodigals and sinners. The passage above deflates any hopes for self-righteous, a painful reminder of mankind’s inability to always do what is right.

So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God]. 6 Because of these [sinful] things the [divine] wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience [those who fail to listen and who routinely and obstinately disregard God’s precepts], 7 and in these [sinful things] you also once walked, when you were habitually living in them [without the knowledge of Christ], Colossians 3:5-7.

During a letter written to the church at Colosse, Paul urges readers to cut ties with their past, by stop indulging the sinful nature. In the beginning of chapter 3, Paul insists that the only way to truly be free is by first cutting ties with your past. Then, as you do this, you must replace your sinful nature by putting on Christ. Beside arming yourself with God’s armor, Ephesians 6:12-18, your heart and mind must be aligned with Christ. Until this spiritual discipline is exercised, you will never be able to fully cut ties with your past.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Picking Up the Pieces to Another Broken Dream

Posted on October 1, 2019 by expressyourself4him

A college student used a sign during the taping of ESPN’s College Game Day in Ames, Iowa before Iowa State faced their state rival Iowa in football on September 18th, 2019. Carson King was merely a thirsty college student looking for handout when he displayed the sign “Busch Light Supply Needs Replenished.” Carson had the foresight to place his Venmo handle on this sign. This stunt seeking 15 minutes of fame snowballed into thousands of dollars pouring into his account. At some point, God changed his heart, making a million dollar donation toward a local Children’s hospital.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.

Rather than ending like a fairy tale, an article written by a reporter for the Des Moines Post brought up a stain from King’s past. This reporter discovered racists and inappropriate social media posts when Carson was a teenager. Known as the Cancel Culture movement, King’s posts from his past caused Anheuser-Busch InBev to cut ties with King. According to the Des Moines Post, racist tweets inspired this hit piece on Carson. Despite all of Carson’s recent good efforts to restore his reputation, a couple of foolish posts from his past has derailed a dream month in the spotlight.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28.

What happened to Carson King should serve as a warning to any young person who is about to send something inappropriate. Whether it’s think before you tweet or re-examine your words before you hit send, make sure you are careful about the message you are sending. In my 7 years of blogging, I have had to delete, edit and put on hold a topic that I wanted to write about. Sometimes emotions can make you too blunt or express unfiltered thoughts. To avoid picking up the pieces to another broken dream, be careful that loose lips don’t sink ships; goals you want to accomplish in life. While there will always be unforeseen roadblocks, lean on God to guide your future steps.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

To Impeach or Not to Impeach?

Posted on September 30, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Impeachment is the process by which a legislative body, the House of Representatives in the United States, levels charges against a government official. A decision to impeach a government official is equivalent to an indictment in criminal law. This act does not actually remove an official from office. Rather, this statement of charges is voted on by the House. If enough votes are received, the Senate conducts a trial based upon articles of impeachment vetoed upon. The last president to be impeached by Congress was Bill Clinton in 1998.

So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciplesm John 8:31.

While this decision more than 20 years ago seemed logical at the time for Republican leaders, impeaching Clinton back fired resulting in Democratic wins at the ballet box during the 1998 elections. The impeachment frenzy was revitalized this past week, bombarding viewers on cable news and setting social media on fire. After reports were leaked of a conversion between President Trump and the new Ukrainian president, Democratic leaders have initiated an impeachment inquiry. Meanwhile, Republican members of Congress claim this decision is merely an attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 presidential election.

And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin],” John 8:32.

As an observer of this political drama, our justice system is on the verge of collapse. The concept of innocent until proven guilty apparently does not apply to President Trump, a former Democrat who is now the leader of the Republican party. High ranking progressive leaders continue to presume that our 45th president is guilty without any clear evidence of a crime committed. Whether it’s Russian interference, endless classified leaks or this new Ukrainian phone call, certain Democratic leaders are itching to impeach President Trump. Yet, without any concrete evidence, history could repeat itself in 2020. As concerned citizens watch this chaos, all you and I can do is pray for clarity so that the truth will set Congress free.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Fighting Off Urges to Be Lazy

Posted on September 29, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Idle, lethargic, languishing, plodding and remiss are words associated with lazy. After a hard week of work or mentality exhausting day of school, laziness is an appealing option. Escaping from the stress that life throws your way seems logical. Losing yourself on your phone, playing Fortnite online or indulging in social media are common hobbies where time is wasted daily. Yet, at what point does rest and relaxation turn into laziness?

I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding and common sense; 31 And, behold, it was all overgrown with thorns, and nettles were covering its surface, and its stone wall was broken down, Proverbs 24:30-31.

Solomon uses an example from his own life to rail against the urge to become lazy. This king isn’t alone as the Bible consistently warns readers against choices, decisions and desires to become inactive. The term work is portrayed in God’s Word as action, progress and production. Any contrary acts are compared with sloths, like giving into fleshly cravings to hit your snooze button over and over again. At these moments in time, you have to fight off urges to be lazy.

When I saw, I considered it well; I looked and received instruction.
33  “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest [and daydream],” 34  Then your poverty will come as a robber, and your want like an armed man, Proverbs 24:32-34.

During stretches of 2019, I have repeatedly given into urges to be lazy. This bad habit normally occurs at the end of my work week. As I collapse into my bed. whispers of justification have persuaded me to listen to my sinful nature. As I have tried to snap out of my spiritual slumber, passages like Hosea 4:6 come to mind. Most translations blame laziness on a lack of knowledge. Another version suggests that people perish for a lack of vision. Well, as I continue this weekly battle, to fight off the urge to be lazy,, I must turn my life around with a vision that aligns with God’s will for my life.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

The End of Integrity

Posted on September 28, 2019 by expressyourself4him

At the beginning of my adult life, doing what is right when no one is looking was a motto adopted by some of my mentors. Developing a good reputation at school, work and in your community was the way I was taught to make it in this world. By going the extra mile, arriving early and staying late was how individuals got noticed by their boss or owner. The more integrity was displayed, the greater your chances were to succeed and advance.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

During my final year of college, I became friends with the owner of a local Christian bookstore. Whenever I heard a song on the radio that I liked, I would go to Jackie to find this artist or specific song. This relationship ignited a life long quest for quality Christian music. When my life was void of integrity, inspirational lyrics gave me hope to press on despite bad habits, depression and periods of hypocrisy.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love, 2 Peter 1:5-7.

If you follow current events or politics, you are likely witnessing a different standard being applied, “do as I say, not as I do.” Instead of choosing integrity, the elect are using power to bend the rules in their own favor. Even if lies have to be spread daily, the end result trumps the means. If current leaders continue down this path, I’m afraid that the end of integrity is approaching. Now is the time to pray for conviction and revival.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

The Joy of Parenting

Posted on September 27, 2019 by expressyourself4him

As a parent with 3 children over the age of 15, my days of having a full house are nearing an end. This reality has prompted me to make my two younger children a weekly priority. When I came home from work earlier this week, there was a sticky note for me from my son Daniel. Hoping to play frisbee golf after class, I made arrangements to have lunch and play afterwards. While neither of us played that well, spending a couple hours together brought joy to my heart.

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist, 1 Corinthians 8:6.

When I got back home, I remembered that my daughter Lydia had a volleyball at 3:45. Despite an urge to be lazy, I jumped in the shower, got dressed for work and rushed out the door. Despite some traffic, I arrived as the first serve was being struck. I’ve seen better performances, yet being able to watch Lydia play the sport she loves was worth the 30 minute drive. The team had some good stretches of play, but watching Lydia set the match winning spike was priceless.

Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? – Malachi 2:10.

My efforts to be a good parent was just one day. The God of the Bible does this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, keeping watch over his spiritual children on earth. Rarely, do I comprehend the joy that comes from being a parent. Since we live in a society and world that is becoming more and more negative, hearing a positive story is a rarity. Yet, I feel compelled to write this blog today to proclaim parenting is not dead. It’s not easy, but as parents study the Bible to train children in the way they should go, the joy of parenting is experienced.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

Posted on September 26, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the song Don’t Go Breaking My Heart under the pseudonyms “Ann Orson” and “Carte Blanche” respectively. The goal of this project was intended to serve as an affectionate pastiche of the Motown style. This single debuted in 1976 as a duet by Elton John and Kiki Dee. However, this expression is not new, containing origins that date back to the first century.

As we were staying there for some time, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to [see] us, he took Paul’s [wide] band (belt, sash) and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this same way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this band, and they will hand him over to the Gentiles (pagans).’” 12 Now when we had heard this, both we and the local residents began pleading with Paul trying to persuade him not to go up to Jerusalem, Acts 21:10-12.

According to Luke, the apostle Paul used the phrase “weeping and breaking his heart” after receiving a prophecy from Agabus. This prophet from Judea uses an exercise similar to active learning techniques to illustrate a message that Agabus received from God. The thought of martyrdom inspired family and friends to persuade Paul from welcoming this fate. Yet, Paul appears to reach a point in his life like the character in the Green Mile, John Coffey. Tired and worn down by his missionary journeys, Paul was willing to embrace the Lord’s will for his final years on earth.

Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart [like this]? For I am ready not only to be bound and imprisoned, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be dissuaded, we stopped pleading and fell silent, saying, “The Lord’s will be done!” – Acts 21:13-14

No one likes to do unpleasant projects. Nor do people enjoy moving, saying goodbye to the individuals who have become part of their family, Nonetheless, sometimes God’s will calls you to go into uncomfortable places. In the process, hearts will be broken, especially if anyone dies a martyr’s death. There are many things that don’t make sense on earth. Yet, if obedience results in sending souls to heaven sooner rather than later, the people in this first century house came to a silent agreement. The Lord’s will be done even if hearts break now before being reunited in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Compelled and Obligated

Posted on September 25, 2019 by expressyourself4him

During a visit thirty miles south of Ephesus, the apostle Paul feels compelled to reach out to nearby church leaders. This desire pushed Paul to summon for elders in Ephesus to meet him in Miletus. Apparently, the Holy Spirit informed Paul that this would be the last time he would see these individuals. Like a sense of duty, Paul does not hold anything back, compelled to give one more inspiration speech.

And now, compelled by the Spirit and obligated by my convictions, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, Acts 20:22.

In the passage above, Paul communicates the connection between being compelled by the Holy Spirit and obligated to follow biblical convictions. Keeping in the step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, requires a drive and urging from God. As the Spirit prompts you to seize the day, making the most of an open door, an opportunity to use your God given talents, your degree of conviction will make the difference. When conviction is lacking, souls will bypass the Holy Spirit to indulge their sinful nature. Thus, many discard, ignore or reject their obligation to follow God’s calling.

So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]— 13 for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever, Romans 8:12-13.

In a letter to Christians at the church in Rome, Paul uses tough love to reinforce the importance of being compelled and obligated to Christ. Two chapters later, Romans 10:9-10, Paul eludes to those who have believed in their hearts and confessed with their mouths that Jesus is Lord. For those who make this commitment, this public confession requires a transformation from giving into your flesh to living in the power of the Holy Spirit. As believers daily and habitually put to death their sinful deeds, the Holy Spirit compels souls to act via an obligation fueled by biblical convictions.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Under the Influence of Hypocrisy

Posted on September 24, 2019 by expressyourself4him

The definition of under the influence refers to the capacity or power of a substance to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, and language of individuals. This phrase is often used in the context of driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Terms such as drunk, inebriated, intoxicated and tipsy are synonyms to describe someone who is under the influence of a foreign substance. If souls make a conscious decision to participate in this type of behavior, are there other spiritual forces that affect, burden or control minds?

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye, Matthew 7:5.

If you are like me, you probably know someone who lives by the motto, “do what I say, not as I do.” The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not reflect is hypocrisy. These type of individuals can be annoying, ruining a school or work setting. However, what if you reach a point in your own life where you possess good intentions, but you never carry out your convictions. Unfortunately, I find myself in this very predicament, under the influence of hypocrisy. I have become that which I despise.

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen, 1 John 4:20.

One of Jesus’ disciples brings up a similar issue which began to occur during the first century. As new converts dedicated their lives from their past, sinful thoughts remained. Thus, while people could say they love God, many still harbored hate within their hearts, unable to forgive some people. In the initial portion of his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5, Jesus gives tangible examples of how to live out the 10 Commandments. During a debate with religious leaders, Jesus simplified these rules into 2 simple goals, love God and love your neighbor as yourself, Matthew 22:37-40. This is the only way I know to be set free from being under the influence of hypocrisy. If you still can’t break free, rely on prayer to rescue your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Stopping to Take a Deep Breathe

Posted on September 23, 2019 by expressyourself4him

The idiom “taking a deep breathe” refers to pausing for a moment to calm and compose yourself. If you work in a stressful environment like me, taking a personal day or vacation is essential to prevent emotional or physical burnout from occurring. Removing yourself from deadlines, hectic circumstances and pressure for a while is good for your own mental health.

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth,” Psalm 46:10.

One of the Psalms of the Bible is entitled God the Refuge His people. This chapter is dedicated to the chief musician. The sons of Korah wrote this song, Psalm 46, set to soprano voices. The end of this piece contains one of the most famous and quoted stanzas of the Bible. When disappointment, hardships or trials begin to stress you out, the Psalmist urges believers to slow down by being still before God.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower], Psalm 46:11.

No matter how many friends or relationships you may have, there will always be at least one moment in time where no one will know what to say to you. When comfort can not be found by human means, the Lord is always available. Thus, when you reach a point of despair, stop to take a deep breathe. As you do, pour out your heart to God in prayer so that Selah is achieved, a peace that surpasses all understanding.

by Jay Mankus

1 Comment

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