Tag Archives: bad habits

When Prayer Opens Your Eyes

Posted on April 17, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The earthly brother of Jesus begins his first letter to first century Christians with two harsh realities in life, James 1:2-4 and James 1:13-15. The first is a reminder that trials are placed in your life to promote spiritual growth. Unfortunately, addictions, bad habits, and unwholesome cravings can blind you from what’s really going inside of you, Galatians 5:16. Subsequently, God can use prayer to open our eyes to solutions to life’s problems.

And God heard the voice of the youth, and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said to her, What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the youth where he is. 18 Arise, raise up the youth and support him with your hand, for I intend to make him a great nation. 19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the [empty] bottle with water and caused the youth to drink, Genesis 21:17-19.

When you’re having a bad day or become depressed, you become vulnerable to self-fulfilled prophecies. These occur when you speak negative thoughts into existence. In the passage above, Hagar and Ishmael are asked to leave Abraham’s house. Subsequently, Hagar came to the conclusion that it was only a matter of time before her son would die. Hagar places Ishmael under a shrub, walking away so she doesn’t witness her son’s death.

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. 17 Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. 18 And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual], James 5:16-18.

However, when you cry out to the Lord with a desperate spirit, sometimes prayer opens your eyes. This can also occur when you confess your shortcomings to God. Like an addict going to an accountability group, publicly acknowledging your errors and mistakes is the first step to recovery. This opens the door for healing to begin. While there are consequences for every sin, prayer enables you to see the big picture. May Hagar’s experience help open your eyes to God’s hand in your life.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 344: Shackles

Posted on January 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If human beings could have access to or be privy to the spiritual dimensions, you will find shackles on many individuals. Whether this comes in the form of addictions, bad habits and cravings that never seem to go away, many people are bound in spiritual chains and are unable to break free on their own. Today’s song Shackles by Mary Mary reminds of the passage below of a married man who left his wife and children to live in the catacombs, fearful that he might hurt someone that he loves.

This man [a]continually lived among the tombs, and no one could subdue him any more, even with a chain; 4 For he had been bound often with shackles for the feet and [b]handcuffs, but the handcuffs of [light] chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he rubbed and ground together and broke in pieces; and no one had strength enough to restrain or tame him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always [c]shrieking and screaming and [d]beating and bruising and [e]cutting himself with stones, Mark 5:3-5.

Perhaps, the Parable of the Sower shines light on being shackled, Matthew 13:18-23. Jesus points to 3 different unhealthy environments that human beings grow up in that result in being spiritually shackled. The first soil is compacted, hard and difficult to grow anything for an extended period of time. The second soil is rocky, and shallow which prevents a strong root system from being established. Finally, briar patches and sticker bushes can suffocate people from experiencing joy, John 10:10. May today’s song inspire you to overcome any shackles that you may be carrying over from 2022 so that you’re able to praise God in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

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When Darkness Blinds Your Eyes

Posted on April 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Twenty-five years ago, I moved back to the East Coast to attend seminary. While pursuing my masters, I two worked jobs and took classes at night. While this schedule was grueling at times, I felt called to complete this higher education. After completing one third of my classes, I contracted a severe case of iritis. Following a trip to an emergency room, I was hurled into darkness with my future vision in doubt.

But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [[i]in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes, 1 John 2:11.

One of Jesus’ disciples is referring to a spiritual form of blindness. John isn’t taking about planks in your eyes that impairs your vision, Matthew 7:1-5. Rather, addictions, bad habits, and sinful tendencies allow darkness to enter your life. This spiritual darkness often prevents you from seeing clearly, unable to confront a sinful lifestyle that is so obvious to everyone who cares about you.

To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me, Acts 26:18.

According to Luke who just happens to be a doctor, Satan has the power to blind Christians. When your life is filled with darkness, your objectivity and perception to change is clouded. One of the ways to restore your spiritual vision is through confession and contrition. Another way to restore your sight is by reading and studying the Bible. As you uncover truth, the truth will set you free from sin, John 8:32.

by Jay Mankus

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Removing the Leeches from Your Life

Posted on January 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Leeches are an aquatic or terrestrial annelid worm with suckers at both ends of its body. Many species of leeches are bloodsucking parasites that are hard to remove once attached. My first encounter with a leech was in the state of Maine. Unaware of this native species, I was walking in swallow water when I first got attacked. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of using my finger to remove it which only made matters worse. This traumatic experience at age 7 made me want to immediately remove leeches from my life.

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 [[a]to save, sanctify, and raise it again], 1 Corinthians 6:12-13.

From a spiritual perspective, a leech can be anyone or anything that clings, drains, and or sucks the joy from your life. The imagery used by Jesus in John 10:10 compares the Devil to a spiritual leech. This invisible force seeks to steal, kill, and destroy lives. While praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus explains why it’s so hard to control human bodies. God’s Spirit is willing to help you remove the leeches from your life, but the human flesh is weak.

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, 20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a [b]preciousness and paid for, [c]made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.

This weakness is exposed through addictions, bad habits, and unwholesome cravings that individuals pick up over the course of their lives. While these inner desires may bring temporary pleasures, human bodies develop a dependency upon these highs that result in less and less satisfaction. In the passage above, the apostle Paul warns Christians against sexual immorality. This type of sin results in soul ties that make it harder to break free from. Perhaps viewing your body as a spiritual temple of God will give you the necessary motivation to remove all the leeches from your life in 2022.

by Jay Mankus

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The Balance Between Trusting Medication and God for Mental Health

Posted on October 15, 2021 by expressyourself4him

A 2018 article in Psychology Today addresses “The Voice Inside Your Head.” Author and Doctor Steve Taylor talks about his own personal experience as a teenager. This voice, whisper or thought does have a series of explanations. One could be your conscience designed by God to regulate and steer your body toward doing what’s right. The whisper could be advice imparted to you as a child or inner demons that attempt to drag you down. Meanwhile, thoughts can be the contemplation process in action, weighing the pros and cons. Yet, what is the balance between trusting medication and trusting God for your mental health?

But for [a]Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. 6 And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it, Genesis 4:5-7.

The passage above unveils the conversion that many struggling believers have with God. When things don’t go your way, you may become envious or jealous of that person you know who seems so blessed by God. This was the dilemma facing Cain as his younger brother had become a successful shepherd. Meanwhile, Cain was working his ass off as a farmer, but to no avail. As Cain became depressed about his lack of success in life, a root of bitterness began to take hold of Cain’s heart. Concerned by what Cain was thinking, God sought to intervene, Unfortunately, it was too late as Cain had already made up his mind, James 1:14-15. There was no medicine available at this time to alter Cain’s mental state.

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and [h][especially wicked] sinners came and sat (reclined) with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, Why does your Master eat with tax collectors and those [preeminently] sinful? 12 But when Jesus heard it, He replied, Those who are strong and well (healthy) have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy [that is, [i]readiness to help those in trouble] and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims. For I came not to call and invite [to repentance] the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin), Matthew 9:10-13.

Following a meal with religious leaders, Jesus began to open up about the balance between trusting medicine and God for your own mental health. Jesus makes a clear distinction between the sick and healthy. The spiritually mature tend to be able to manage whatever conditions arise, learning how to take care of themselves. Meanwhile, it’s the sick who need the help of a doctor. Whether you’re talking about addictions, bad habits or internal cravings, medical physicians will prescribe what needs to happen before a full recovery can be made. Sometimes this condition requires drugs and other circumstances call for discipline. The ultimate goal is to find that ideal balance between trusting God and medicine.

by Jay Mankus

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Unbridled Sensuality

Posted on April 1, 2021 by expressyourself4him

A bridle is used by trainers to bring a horse under control. Wild horses tend to respond with anger and resentment, especially by throwing up their heads and drawing in their chin. If this is how a young colt reacts to being reigned in, imagine what a rebellious individual will do when caught in the act of sin. As people cross the line between right and wrong, gray areas are formed, leading some toward unbridled sensuality.

Their moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. [They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart [to the insensitiveness of their moral nature], Ephesians 4:18.

As cultures become more and more progressive, what was once forbidden is now socially acceptable. Instead of encouraging and teaching abstinence in public school, commercials for new drugs are aired weekly to protect the sexually active. Rather than playing it safe, a growing number choose to keep feeding their sexual hunger, opening the door to contract various sexual diseases. Justification comes from the mindset, “if everyone else is doing it, why should I stop?” This is unbridled sensuality in action.

In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand], Ephesians 4:19.

According to the apostle Paul, sexual sins are different from all other sins, 1 Corinthians 6:12-19. While all sins have consequences, sexual sins result in soul spirit hurts as you become one with another human being. Sexual appetites tend to result in addiction, bad habits and or unhealthy cravings for sex. Before unbridled sensuality consumes any soul, reign in your flesh. This internal battle is on full display in Galatians 5:16-18, providing what you need to overcome these urges before you can regain control of your body.

by Jay Mankus

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The Impulses of the Flesh

Posted on March 3, 2021 by expressyourself4him

A sudden strong and unreflective urge doesn’t wait for an invitation. Like an itch that doesn’t go away, impulses tend to feed on moments of weakness. Whether this is a compulsive desire to raid your fridge for food in the middle of the night or an urge to buy whatever you see, impulses of the flesh are hard to control or tame. The more you feed these cravings, the hungrier your flesh becomes. Addictions, bad habits and poor decisions are merely byproducts of out of control impulses.

Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God’s] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind, Ephesians 2:3.

In the lyrics of their song Slow Fade, Casting Crowns eludes to the impulses of the flesh. Using the expression “the second glance,” this opens the door for enticement to consume human souls. One of Jesus’ disciples refers to this as the lust of the eyes in 1 John 2:16. If the eyes are the lamp of the body, Matthew 6:22-23, as soon as eyes convince your mind to act, the impulses of the flesh take over. This may explain the apostle Paul’s confession in Romans 7:19, “I can’t control myself.”

But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. 16 Do not be misled, my beloved brethren, James 1:14-16.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consumed by the agony of defeat, the apostle Paul does provide a solution in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Like an athlete going into strict training, extinguishing the impulses of the flesh requires complete concentration. The includes discipline, focus, and the will power to regain control of your body. Essentially, you need to exchange the impulses of the flesh with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. This process is made complete by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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Spiritual Liberation

Posted on February 15, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Liberation is the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression. This release results in deliverance, relief and salvation. According to the Bible, no human being can liberate themselves spiritually. Despite whatever good intentions that you may have, everyone possesses a fatal flaw. Whether this takes the form of an addiction, bad habit, or a weakness, human nature will feed these cravings, desires, and longings throughout the course of your life.

As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. 11 No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one! – Romans 3:10-12

This painful reality creates a felt need within human hearts for a Savior. Unfortunately, many attempt to fill this void with alternatives and substitutes. Whether you follow the path of a prodigal in Luke 15 or chase after the meaning in life, there is a book that holds all the answers, John 3:16-17. Nonetheless, if you force people instead of letting individuals search on their own, faith can’t be assigned and is something that must be personally embraced, Romans 6:23.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

While studying the origins of past Great Awakenings in seminary, spiritual liberation begins with a spirit of confession. However, this requires someone to become vulnerable, pouring out their heart and soul to a congregation or gathered audience. This isn’t an act or something that can be faked. Rather, when secret sins are laid bare for all to hear and see, others feel compelled to reveal their own dirty laundry. Therefore, if you want to experience spiritual liberation, get your life right with God by confessing your wrongful acts in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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When X-Rated Thoughts Become a Lifestyle

Posted on July 13, 2018 by expressyourself4him

A recent study discovered that the porn industry made over 13 billion dollars worldwide last year.  This is more profit than the National Football League, the premiere professional sports industry in the United States.  Then again, this might explain why advertisers create promiscuous commercials year after year to target a younger audience.  Based upon the statistics of pornographic viewership, at some point in the process of temptation X-rated thoughts are becoming a lifestyle.

Then it happened in the spring, at the time when the kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all [the fighting men of] Israel, and they destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem, 2 Samuel 11:1.

Like any bad habit or an addictive behavior, there is usually a pattern that leads up to engaging in the actual act of sin.  Step one begins when individuals have idle time.  In the passage above, David didn’t go to work.  Each spring when the snow melted and roads were passable, kings went out to work to defend their borders or expand their territory using force.  For some reason, David lost interest, searching for something else to do in life.

One evening David got up from his couch and was walking on the [flat] roof of the king’s palace, and from there he saw a woman bathing; and she was very beautiful in appearance, 2 Samuel 11:2.

Step 2 often goes hand in hand as boredom is a byproduct of idleness.  Free time can cause human minds to wander.  In the passage above, David was star gazing when an open window revealed a beautiful naked woman.  Instead of going back to the stars, David was fixated on each physical feature of her body.  After an initial subtle glance, lust conceived within David’s heart, opening the door for step 3, enticement.

David sent word and inquired about the woman. Someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” – 2 Samuel 11:3.

Enticement feeds on human nature using appeal, bewitchment and charm.  As if minds are trying to use logic to justify the thought of any wrong doing, enticement weakens souls.  While some may turn back after being enticed, day dreaming, fantasizing and ungodly passions take most people beyond the point of no return.  The only thing left is engaging in the actual act of sin.  Unfortunately, this is where common sense is abandoned as David disregarded the fact that this naked woman was married.  Enticement drags curious souls into a web of darkness that few escape or recover from.

 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). 15 Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death, James 1:13-15.

The passage above details how and why an X-rated mind can become a lifestyle.  The author of this book is credible, the earthly brother of Jesus who likely had a few minutes with him before his ascension into heaven.  James warns believers against blaming God for the choices they have made in life.  Those who give into temptation have placed themselves into environments that usually result in sin.  Therefore. if your minds is leading you where you don’t want to go, take the advice of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 so that X-rated minds can be cleansed and made whole.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Going Through the Door

Posted on June 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

When I was younger, I weekly told a coach, parent and teacher, I can’t do it.  Trying to take the easy way out, sometimes I was given a pass.  Yet, this mindset leads to co-dependence.  If you want to grow up and mature, at some point you have to go through the door the Lord provides alone.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me, Revelation 3:20.

In the game show Let’s Make a Deal, current host Wayne Brady often gives contestants three doors to choose from.  One has a grand prize, the other a small prize and the final one a prank for a laugh.  The game of life is similar but decisions replace doors.  Choices are made daily which will shape the outcome of your life for the good or bad.  God doesn’t force individuals to do this or that.  Rather, freewill is offered to walk through the door of your choice.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to members of a church struggling to overcome specific sins.  Whether he is addressing addicts, bad habits or poor decisions, Paul provide a blue print for conquering addiction.  When tempted God always provides a way out.  Therefore, when evil desires, lust or sinful urges come knocking, walk through the door that the Lord provides.

by Jay Mankus

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