Tag Archives: bad habits

My Blind Spot

Posted on November 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The other night at work I avoided a woman pushing a cart filled with boxes taller than herself.  Expecting the worst, I jumped out of her oncoming path.  When she finally saw me I was greeted by, “I’m sorry, you were in my blind spot.”

But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him, John 11:10.

Little did this lady know that 24 hours later I would be dealing with my own blind spots.  Unfortunately, a series of test over the last 2 weeks have revealed I can’t see that far on either side of my right eye.  Perhaps my eye surgery will improve this condition or keep it from deteriorating.  Either way blind spots are a way of life.

To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace, Luke 1:79.

In the spiritual realm, addiction, bad habits and poor choices blind people from their imperfections.  These warts don’t go away, especially when others enable individuals to justify inappropriate behavior.  Whenever anyone reaches this point, its essential to remember Jesus’ words, to leave darkness by coming to the light through confession.  While physical blind spots will always exist, may you come to the light so that healing will begin.

by Jay Mankus

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The Cords of Sin

Posted on September 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Bonds, fibers, links and twines are words synonymous with cords.  These flexible long strands are usually applied in a positive manner.  Yet, this material meant for good can also serve as a web of entanglement.  Thus, the cords of sin can ensnare any wayward soul.

The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast, Proverbs 5:22.

The author of Hebrews provides a different perspective.  Comparing life to a marathon, you never know what you are going to encounter.  Along the journey you take, its essential to unload anything that is weighing you down.  The sooner you act, the smoother your travels will go.  This is where perseverance will keep many from abandoning the race.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.

Whenever you hit a bad stretch in life, its hard to recover.  To make matters worse, its doesn’t take much to become held down by the cords of sin.  Obstacles may include addiction, bad habits and poor choices.  In view of this dangerous state, cry out to the Lord, reach out to fellow believers for help and purge those things that keep you from hearing God’s voice.

by Jay Mankus

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Following the Voice of Temptation

Posted on September 1, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM1OYxMYM04

At some point in the next 24 hours, it will happened to you.  No one is immune to this mystery guest.  While the exact circumstance, situation and time is unknown, the voice of temptation shows up unannounced.  Sometimes you might feel its presence with an impulse, grab your attention with a lustful sight or lure you away with an enticing whisper.  Either way if you’re not ready for her it might not be long before you start following the voice of temptation.

For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword, Proverbs 5:3-4.

King Solomon refers to this voice as the adulterous woman, promising ecstasy but delivering heartache.  Unfortunately, the rush of adrenaline tends to take individuals from maybe to when can I start to taste the temporary pleasures of life.  Those without a backbone, curious or hanging out by the fence line are usually the first to engage these voices.  Perhaps, Solomon is comparing temptation to some of the beautiful woman he couldn’t resist marrying or engaging in sexual fantasies.  Before he could stop, 1000 woman had him wrapped around their fingers.

Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.  She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it, Proverbs 5:5-6.

When morning arrives, emptiness, guilt and shame often follow those who listen to the voice of temptation.  Unless you can snap out of this sinful state, destruction await all those who continue to visit this mistress.  Those that hit rock bottom find themselves facing addiction, bad habits and a heart craving for a quick fix, a temporary high before this vicious cycle repeats itself.  If this blog finds you somewhere in this entangled web of deception, cry out to the Lord, confess any wrong doings, purge your life from any reminders of this voice and enter into accountability relationships so that you can come clean once and for all.  Hold on by committing yourself to Bible memorization to break free from these chains of sin.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Unguarded

Posted on February 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Confidence, egos and pride tend to convince individuals that they can handle anything that life throws their way.  With success, this mindset gradually leads people to become self-reliant, trusting in their own strength and abilities.  And yet, these factors create the perfect storm, setting the stage for a demonic attack on the unguarded.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

The human mind is an accessory, a willing accomplice.  As the mind is a giant sponge, able to record and store millions of pieces of information throughout your life.  Some of this content triggers fond memories of former relationships, places or things.  Meanwhile, other events can expose or uncover secret scars, a painful remainder of nightmares from your past.  Subsequently, anyone who starts a day without the covering of prayer or a support system is vulnerable to invisible attacks known as spiritual warfare.

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:26-27.

After a great first month of 2016, I’ve found myself falling back into careless patterns.  Any type of apathetic manner allows on open door for the Devil to come back into and torment your life.  This is why addiction, bad habits and unguided souls experience so much pain and remorse.  If you find yourself in this precarious situation, going through life unguarded, its time to create a war room, a place of prayer to prepare you for Satan’s schemes.  Like the old American Express Ad campaign, don’t leave home without it.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Take Out the Trash… so that You Don’t Stink

Posted on April 29, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Up until my senior year of high school, I spent the month of August in Maine.  After working countless hours throughout the year, my dad felt compelled to spent time with the family each summer fishing, golfing and swimming.  However, there wasn’t trash pick up so whenever the can was full its was time to go to the local dump.  Leaving any trash outside attracted bears, so each week I endured the gagging odor of the county’s waste center.

Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you,” Joshua 3:5.

Although technological has come along way, it still doesn’t take long to stink up a kitchen.  Whether you’ve enjoying crabs, fish or some other messy meal, the discarded pieces can create an offensive smell in a matter of hours.  One careless, forgetful or lazy act will leave a stench behind throughout an entire house.  Therefore, the sooner you take out the trash, the less likely you will be from needing an entire household of air fresheners.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account, Hebrews 4:13.

In real life, you don’t have to be labeled trailer trash to stink.  Rather, anyone who allows sin to linger in their lives will eventually give off a foul spiritual odor.  While some will hide addictions and bad habits better than others, God lays bear every sinful act.  Subsequently, the only way to come clean is through confession and prayer, Jude 1:20.  Consecrate yourself today for God is waiting to do amazing things through you, but only after you acknowledge your shortcomings.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door

Posted on December 29, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Certain topics are often swept under the rug.  Whether its abandonment, bizarre crimes or suicide, uncovering the reason for these acts is worth an attempt.  On the surface, it appears some of these unfortunate events can be explained by demons dragging their victims behind the Devil’s door.

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.-James 1:14

According to the earthly brother of Jesus, God does not tempt individuals, but allows human beings to be influenced sinful desires, James 1:13-15.  On the other hand, one person on earth to know Jesus better than anyone else, adds a new dimension.  John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, refers to forces in the world which adds fuel to temptations fire.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. – 1 John 2:16

Finally, according to Jesus, impure spirits can become attached, influence or possess weakened souls.  Although healing is possible, those freed are not out of the woods.  This stipulation is similar to those battling addiction, bad habits or poor choices as a genuine transformation requires daily discipline.  Subsequently, there is always a chance for any who regress to end up worse than their original state.

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.  Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.   Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” – Matthew 12:43-45

This is how a demon can drag someone behind the Devil’s door.  Voices may lead the unhappy to abruptly leave to start a new life.  Meanwhile, bizarre crimes are usually conceived in a mind, planned over time and acted out upon.  As for suicide, whispers of loneliness can prompt troubled and weary souls to pull the trigger.  In view of this, take heed by defending yourself with the armor, Ephesians 6:10-12.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Substitute for Reality

Posted on December 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a student, whenever a substitute was standing up front or sitting in a chair, it was like a holiday.  Although plans were passed on, most periods turned into a study hall, a break from the normal routine.  Whether this lasts for a day, week or longer, this individual serves as a substitute for reality.

Stressed out by the events of a week, human beings often turn to their televisions to escape.  Whether its a favorite channel, show or sporting event, this time mends the broken and heals wounded souls temporary.  However, if this habit becomes a life style, entertainment can become a substitute for reality.

Perhaps  the breakdown of the American family started with different viewing interests.  Once on, there isn’t a need for communication as the big screen turns into an alternate reality.  If this pattern continues, minds zone out, numb to deadening relationships inside their home.  As soon as the number of televisions increase to multiple rooms, the stage is set for a divided house.  May those on the verge of falling into this trap, awaken before this idol becomes a permanent substitute for reality.

by Jay Mankus

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And Then… It Was Night

Posted on November 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

There is something unusual that occurs as the sun goes down.  Perhaps people think that no one will see their actions, hidden by the dark.  This mentality is nothing new as even first century Christians fell prey to this flawed mindset, Romans 13:11-13.

When the night arrived, Judas Iscariot left the Last Supper.  Caught off guard by Jesus’ accusation of betrayal, a thought conceived in his mind was acted upon.  Unseen by everyone except God, Judas was exposed by his disingenuous kiss on Jesus’ check.

Whether you’re battling demons of addiction, bad habits or poor choices, don’t let the temptations of night knock your off track.  Although this is easier said then done, the environment you choose will be influenced by how well you listen and learn, Matthew 13:1-9.  Follow in the steps of Romans 13:14 so that when the night arrives, your soul will be prepared to ward off evil spirits of your past.

by Jay Mankus

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That Which You Gaze Upon… You Will Become

Posted on November 21, 2014 by expressyourself4him

While listening to talk radio today, I was struck by a caller to the Glenn Beck Show.  Beating around the bush, this man ctonfessed to an addiction to pornography.  During this struggle, one thought kept reverberating, “that which you gaze upon, you will become.”

One of Jesus’ 12 disciples recognized a similar pattern near the end of the first century, 1 John 2:15-17.  Inside of each human being, a hunger exists, searching for objects of desire.  Lusts, longings and pride can shift your focus from where it should be to behind the devil’s door, Ephesians 4:26-27.  In other words, be careful what you wish for.

One of Jesus’ best words of wisdom in his Sermon on the Mount can be found in Matthew 6:19-24.  The Lord knew before creation that which individuals gaze upon, they will become.  The cure to prevent addictions is to begin to store up treasures on earth.  The apostle Paul added to this in Colossians 3:1-4, urging readers to meditate on the Lord day and night.  If bad habits have you staring in the wrong direction, fix your eyes on the author and perfecter of life, Hebrews 12:1-3.

by Jay Mankus

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How Many Times Does God Have to Bail Us Out?

Posted on October 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon where you live, different phrases express the trouble that you are in.  Perhaps, you’re caught in a pickle, in the dog house, down the stream without a paddle or stuck in a precarious situation.  However you want to say it, it won’t be long before fate places you into a predicament where only God can bail us out.

Some of you may be like Joseph from the Bible, the envy of your family.  Thus, jealousy causes siblings to gang up on you, tease you or inflict emotional scars.  You press on only to find yourself falsely accused of someone else’s wrong doing.  As your reputation takes a hit, time and trust is the only thing you can do repair others opinions of you.  Despite the trials you endure, the Lord’s favor is upon you, showering you with blessings from heaven.

Unfortunately, most people fall into a different category, leaning more toward the prodigal son.  Curious, stubborn and unwilling to change, a series of poor choices results in a downward spiral.  By now, temptation is long gone, replaced by addiction, bad habits or cravings for temporary pleasures.  Call it human nature or self-realization, but until you come to your senses, Luke 15:17, you still think you can save yourself.  If this slide continues to the bottom of the barrel in life, your cries for help become more genuine, “help me Lord?”

How many times does God have to bail us out?   According to Matthew 18:21-22, forgiveness is suppose to be limitless.  If you reach out for help, God will extend hands of grace.  Therefore, whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, Romans 10:9-13.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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