Setting Aside Self

Posted on April 12, 2018 by expressyourself4him

While social media is designed to express what you’re doing, thinking or updating your status, the Bible reminds readers of a much simpler time.  Before modern technological inventions, life revolved around family.  Whether this meant following in your father’s footsteps, setting out to explore a new frontier or take over a family business, you didn’t eat or drink without working hard.  People didn’t have idle time to contemplate whether your life was acceptable or worthy of by your peers.  Rather, selfish desires were set aside for the greater good.

Jesus called the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and [e]take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me], Mark 8:34.

In the first century, Jesus set high standards for his followers.  There were no surprises or speculation about what to expect.  Rather, Jesus required a full commitment, setting aside any selfish ambitions or desires.  In addition, Jesus laid out three major steps as well as a willingness to endure whatever may come during your faith journey.  According to the gospel of Luke, these extreme measures caused lesser known disciples to turn away, unable to commit.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7.

To a certain extent, some people are so over committed today that they do nothing well.  Others withdraw, doing little or nothing outside of school or work.  According to the apostle Paul, discipline is available through the power of the Holy Spirit.  This unseen force is attainable through the fruits of the Spirit, but only when you set aside self.  Many individuals struggle throughout life with discipline due to the inability to say no to their flesh.  This weakness is stunting their growth, unable to break free to reach their full potential.  If you are willing and spiritual hungry, set aside self so that God’s will may come into focus.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Patience of Jesus

Posted on April 11, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The capacity to accept or tolerate behavior, circumstances and people encapsulates the word patience.  Coaches, parents and teachers understand what it means to endure these trying situations.  True patience abstains from anger, emotional outbursts or becoming upset.  The key to patience is practicing restraint whatever suffering that you may encounter.  From a historical perspective, no one demonstrated patience than Jesus of Nazareth.

He replied, “O unbelieving (faithless) generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!” – Mark 9:19

After sending his disciples out in pairs of two, Jesus began to receive some feedback.  In the context of the passage above, one father was disappointed as the disciples were unable to heal his son.  Based upon Jesus’ comment, this wasn’t an isolated incident as it appears that several of his pupils were slow learners.  Thus, Jesus was forced to clean up they public relations mess his disciples made, diagnosing the problem before casting out an unclean spirit.

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience, Romans 8:25.

Jesus waited 12 years prior to be able to teach publicly.  Another 18 passed before God the Father wanted Jesus to begin his earthly ministry.  Perhaps, knowing his fate 3 years later enabled Jesus to wait patiently, preparing himself for what was to come.  Despite the failures of his disciples, Jesus remained calm, composed and displayed fortitude until completing God’s will.  While Jesus did express holy anger on a couple of occasions, he did not sin.  May we all learn from this godly example.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

Posted on April 10, 2018 by expressyourself4him

There’s an expression that has been used by various Hollywood productions in the last half century.  “Fake it until you make it” derives from cognitive behavior therapy.  This saying is meant to coerce someone into believing they can do something prior to possessing the confidence, knowledge and or training.  The idiom “act is if you are” is similar to Aristotle’s idea to be virtuous you must act as a virtuous individual.

Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!” – Mark 9:23

The opposite of this mentality is confessing your weaknesses.  This goes against modern beliefs that cause many to go through life living a lie.  Unfortunately, those who follow in these footsteps are not trusting God.  According to the passage above, all things are possible in life, but first you must believe and trust in Jesus.  If you come to your senses, you may be inspired like one father to profess, “help me overcome my unbelief.”

 Immediately the father of the boy cried out [with a desperate, piercing cry], saying, “I do believe; help [me overcome] my unbelief,” Mark 9:24.

The earthly brother of Jesus reflects upon his own struggle in life.  Jealous of his perfect brother, resentment filled his heart, not believing the outlandish statements of Jesus.  Like many unbelieving souls, the resurrection transformed James.  This led him to write James 5:16, noting that a public confession is the first step toward healing.  Therefore, if you want a fresh start in life, cry out to the Lord to help overcome any remaining unbelief.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Right Here Right Now

Posted on April 9, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Jesus Jones was the first to record the song Right Here Right Now in 1990.  Fatboy Slim, Zac Efron, Giorgio Moroder and Jordin Sparks have since followed this British alternative dance artist with their own version.  The original lyrics talk about a revolution, waiting for and taking advantage of the moment, right here, right now.  Unfortunately, many people have lost hope, doubtful and faithless that their life will make a difference.

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught, Proverbs 3:26.

While success breeds confidence, any type of extended losing stretch can crush fragile souls.  When individuals lose their momentum, assurance quickly fades away.  Subsequently, body language, certainty and positivity tends to waver.  Instead of seizing the moment like the song right here right now, its not uncommon for people to become a shell of themselves.  This is where you have a choice to bear down or throw in the towel.

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 2 Corinthians 3:5.

Following his conversion, the apostle Paul discovered an important lesson about life.  Although its natural to want to be in control of your life, faith has a way of altering your focus.  Instead of worrying about worldly aspects, Paul found sufficiency by trusting in God.  If you’re tired of dealing with the stress of life, its time to make a permanent change.  Therefore, right here right now place your trust in Jesus so that God will make your life whole, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

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Proud or Ashamed?

Posted on April 8, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Before adulthood tends to complicate life, children can wear their emotions on their sleeves.  Young people celebrate achievements with exuberance and gleeful satisfaction.  Unfortunately, at some point while growing up, minds become convinced that certain activities, beliefs and faiths are inappropriate.  Thus, peer pressure may cause something you were once proud of to be replaced with shame.

For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul? 37 For what will a man give in exchange for his soul and eternal life [in God’s kingdom]? – Mark 8:36-37.

Prior to the mass shooting that took the lives of 17 victims, students at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida weren’t experts on gun control.  Yet, in the days that have followed this tragic event, teenagers have been regularly used on cable news networks to ban, limit or repeal the second amendment.  Instead of correcting the flaws in their school safety policy or address the failure of school security guards to react, guns continue to be demonized along with those who own or use a gun.

For whoever is ashamed [here and now] of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels,” Mark 8:38.

This persecution of gun owners relates to Jesus’ words above.  How you respond to the Bible, faith and Jesus in public will influence how God treats you.  Those who disown their faith amidst criticism, pressure to conform or progressive views will be shunned by God.  Thus, you can’t be halfway, its either all or nothing.  Will you be ashamed due to what others think or will a zeal for the Lord reveal pride for God?  May the passage above serve as inspiration to strengthen your faith so that your choice is clear.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Are You in Tune with God?

Posted on April 7, 2018 by expressyourself4him

I spent five years as a member of my school band.  Playing the alto saxophone as a novice required hours of practice each week.  As long as I put in the necessary time, progress was made, developing an ear for music.  However, the older I became, other things took priority causing my musical talent to slip.  Before long I was one of the worst members of my junior high band, completely out of tune with the songs for our spring concert.

He was stating the matter plainly [not holding anything back]. Then Peter took Him aside and began to reprimand Him, Mark 8:32.

If setting aside time to perfect an instrument is key to remaining sharp, then spending a portion of your day praying, reading the Bible and listening to worship music is crucial to staying in tune with God.  Delaying, postponing or skipping this portion of your day will have a similar impact on your life.  Initial signs may be relatively obscure.  However, the more Bibles collect dust, prayers cease and Sunday becomes a day without attending church, attitudes, behavior and life styles will change for the worse.

But turning around [with His back to Peter] and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan; for your mind is not set on God’s will or His values and purposes, but on what pleases man,” Mark 8:33.

Whenever someone makes a scene in public, this is an obvious sign that an individual is out of tune with God.  After Jesus laid everything on the line to his disciples, disclosing his future death, Peter scolded Jesus.  While its unclear how long this occurred, Jesus responds with a powerful statement, referring to Peter as Satan.  Instead of meditating upon and pondering what Jesus said, Peter had an emotional outburst.  Though its never pleasant to see someone explode, these acts serve as a warning that you are not in tune with God.  Therefore, the next tune you are about to lose it, be still so that you can get back in tune with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Jesus Does Everything Well

Posted on April 6, 2018 by expressyourself4him

When Bo Jackson began to play professional baseball for the Kansas City Royals and football for the Oakland Raiders during his off-season in 1989, Nike took full advantage.  In one of the most successful marketing campaigns in American history, the Bo Knows movement took off spawning a series of advertisements, commercials and clothing lines with this slogan.  Christian T-shirt companies even got in on this fad by creating its own brand of Jesus Knows merchandise.  The idea behind this concept is that Jesus does everything well.

They were thoroughly astounded and completely overwhelmed, saying, “He has done everything well! He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!” – Mark 7:37

After being an eye witness to ones of Jesus’ miracles, the region of Decapolis developed a similar sentiment.  Known as the ten Hellenistic cities, based upon books of wisdom found in Catholic Bibles, Jesus’ presence left these crowds in awe.  According to Mark, the citizens were impressed by every aspect of Jesus’ life.  This includes his interactions with strangers, overall manners, teaching and willingness to help people in need.  Jesus was one of a kind, demonstrating the love of God daily.

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:1.

In a letter to the church of Corinth, the apostle Paul urges his readers to emulate Jesus Christ.  Jesus didn’t just preach a sermon, shake hands afterward and go back into his family room to chill out the rest of the day or night.  Rather, Jesus seized each day, making the most of his 33 years on earth.  The best way to honor the person who did everything well is to imitate his daily practices.  First century converts to Christianity living in Antioch took their faith so seriously that residents began to say, “hey, you remind me of Jesus.”  In a dark world looking for truth, may you strive to do everything well like Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Malevolent Thoughts

Posted on April 5, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Inside of every human being, subtle imperfections exist.  While its easy to focus on the negative, highlighting the good within people seems like a lost art.  Driven by a political climate where enemies are destroyed, discredited or smeared, malevolent thoughts are taking over.  Instead of listening to the guiding light of your conscience, a glimmer of darkness is infiltrating minds to promote hostility.

And He said, “Whatever comes from [the heart of] a man, that is what defiles and dishonors him. 21 For from within, [that is] out the heart of men, come base and malevolent thoughts and schemes, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 acts of greed and covetousness, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained conduct, envy and jealousy, slander and profanity, arrogance and self-righteousness and foolishness (poor judgment). 23 All these evil things [schemes and desires] come from within and defile and dishonor the man,” Mark 7:20-23.

During a parable known as the heart of man, Jesus’ harsh words made his disciples feel uncomfortable.  After the crowds went home, the disciples requested a private meeting, wanting to understand what Jesus meant by malevolent thoughts.  If the eyes are the lamp of the body, Matthew 6:19-24, the heart is the voice within.  Cursing, inappropriate language and swearing doesn’t happen over night.  Rather, words naturally flow out of what’s stored up inside your heart.

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. 17 For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do, Galatians 5:16-17.

The apostle Paul blames this conflict on a spiritual battle between 2 opposing powers.  If Lucifer infected Eve with lust in the Garden of Eden, the presence of sin has become a deadly venom poisoning once innocent hearts.  While cable news, social media and talk radio focus on outward actions, deeds and words, no one is addressing the heart of this matter.  Unless individuals begin to take this condition serious, malevolent thoughts will continue to create havoc.  May this blog awaken your soul so that you will become responsive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to overcome malevolent thoughts.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Anonymity: Show Me, Don’t Tell Me

Posted on April 3, 2018 by expressyourself4him

 

When you look up the term anonymity, you don’t get much, just a reference to remaining anonymous.  Depending upon the situation, there are various reasons why individuals decide to go unnamed.  Whether its an eyewitness to a crime, source used by a reporter or whistle blower, those who open up are afraid of a black lash by those involved.  In the past, writers afraid of what other people thought would sign their poem anonymous.

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it, Mark 7:36.

Jesus used anonymity for another reason.  After healing, performing a miracle or restoring someone’s life, Jesus gave a simple command prior to departing, “don’t tell anyone.”  On the surface this doesn’t make sense.  Yet, in same cases, Jesus gave strict instructions for individuals to go show themselves to a priest.  By doing this, Jews would be restored back into society, given a clean bill of health by religious leaders to resume a normal life within the Jewish culture.

She answered, “No one, Lord!” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more,” John 8:11.

If you read in between the lines, Jesus was saying, “don’t tell others God healed you, show your appreciation by transforming for life.  In the passage above, Jesus explains his philosophy on anonymity.  If Jesus healed people and they returned to their prior sinful life, this initial miracle would have been wasted.  Sure, telling other people the good things God has done in your life is noteworthy.  However, living out your faith after any miraculous event is more powerful.  Therefore, show the world your faith as actions speak louder than words.

by Jay Mankus

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Rock Gets Religion

Posted on April 2, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Alice Cooper wrote the forward to a new book entitled Rock Gets Religion by Mark Joseph.  Cooper who quit drinking and drugs after finding God talks about altering the content of his lyrics since his conversion.  This project examines the battle for the soul of secular music, called the Devil’s music when the church demonized pop culture in the 1950 and sixties.  When talented musicians like Keith Green were rejected by mainstream music companies, contemporary Christian music began.

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God, James 4:4.

This new industry used passages from the Bible like the verse above to justify this decision.  While this rationale makes sense, Jesus encouraged his disciples to live in the world, but not follow their standards.  Thus, this separation from society like the Amish didn’t engage the world.  Instead of shining light into the darkness of life, Christians artists were preaching to the choir, having little impact on the rest of the world for several decades.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one, John 17:15.

After nearly 4 decades of separation, Mark Joseph writes about how the influence of American Idol is reversing this trend.  Instead of being rejected by music executives, average Americans are deciding who advances on these reality shows.  As talented Christian artists are being discovered, more and more are choosing to appeal to a secular audience.  Subsequently, groups like Reliant K, Stellar Kart and Thousand Foot Krutch are adding a spiritual flavor to rock and roll.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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