Tag Archives: Come to your senses

When God Comes Looking for You

Posted on March 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are 42 parables of Jesus recorded in the Bible. However, when you consider that Jesus spent the last three years of His life on earth preparing 12 disciples to become spiritual leaders of the church, Jesus told many more, John 21:25. One of the most famous parables is found in Luke 15 where 3 separate stories build upon one another. God goes after a lost sheep, searches for a valuable family heirloom and waits on the front porch for a prodigal son to come home.

Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apronlike girdles. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? – Genesis 3:7-9

The first two residents on earth lived in paradise, calling a lush garden watered by tropical springs their home. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before Eve pressed her luck, seeking to go beyond the boundaries set by God in Genesis 2:15-17. Having just one rule to abide by sounds like freedom, but a serpent planted a seed within Eve’s mind that God was holding them back. Justification and rationalization led the way to eat from the forbidden tree.

 He said, I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate, Genesis 3:10-12.

The moment this couple took their first bite, innocence was lost. Conviction, guilt, and shame consumed each of their souls, causing Adam and Eve to hide from God. This is when God comes looking for you, hoping that you may come to your senses quickly. Yet, rebels often learn the hard way, too proud to be seen in their current condition. If you find yourself slip sliding away, drifting further and further from the Lord, God will use others to gather a search party so like the lost sheep and prodigal son, you too will return soon.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 351: More Beautiful You

Posted on January 19, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Book definition of beautiful is a person, place or thing that is pleasing to your senses or mind aesthetically: Today’s song More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz illustrates the struggles a father of daughters deals with as their baby girl or girls grow up. As girls experience puberty, trying to fit in can be a difficult process, often changing their appearance to be accepted by their peers. The lyrics of Diaz’ song seeks biblical guidance to discover the beauty inside of you transformed by God’s Spirit.

A capable, intelligent, and [b]virtuous woman—who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. 12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her, Proverbs 31:10-12.

The attached clip from Joan of Arcadia season two is entitled waiting for beautiful. As Joan struggles with jealousy in this episode, her mother is approached by an old high school sweetheart. Both are tempted by envy, wondering what life on the other side of the fence is like. While Joan fails the test God sets before her, Joan’s mom comes to her senses before exploring a potential open door. May these two videos help guide future teenage girls toward finding the more beautiful you in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 343: Welcome Home

Posted on January 11, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are two passages in the New Testament that speak about welcoming home individuals. The first comes in the form of the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. After quickly squandering away his inheritance, a younger son ends up bankrupt, working on a farm, yearning for the slop that he feeds to pigs. When this young man came to his senses, he returned home, replaying in his mind what he was going to say to his father. Upon his return, his father ran and greeted him with the words,” welcome home.”

Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude]. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me, Revelation 3:19-20.

The second account takes place in John 14 as Jesus talks about going on ahead of his disciples to prepare a place for them in heaven. One of Jesus’ disciples who was present for this conversation has a vision in the passage above. Jesus doesn’t force individuals into heaven but offers human beings free will to decide for themselves. This door to heaven only has a handle on our side. When God knocks, only we can let Him in. When we open this door God replies with a similar message, “welcome home.”

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 336: God’s Grace

Posted on January 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

One of my older friends from high school was a former member of the Crips. Like the attached video, this young black man left one of the famous gangs in New York City. However, in my friend’s case, his mother moved abruptly one night, afraid her son would never get out of this gang. Needless to say, no one at my high school ever messed with this dude as if anyone did, he could make a phone call and within 24 hours this person would be history.

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8.

From a spiritual perspective, it doesn’t matter who you’ve been associated with or where you’ve been in life as God’s grace is the great equalizer. All it takes to get right with God is a spirit of confession and contrition. As various prodigals finally come to their senses, God’s grace is new every morning, Lamentations 3:19-22. Therefore, as a new year begins, may God’s grace be constantly on your mind like the song by Trin-I-Tee 5:7.

by Jay Mankus

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Bouncing Back from a Rough Start to Finish Strong

Posted on December 7, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Leaving a good first impression with a boss, co-workers and neighbors is valuable to get ahead in life. Yet, one bad day can trigger an avalanche of chaos that can bury you for weeks, months or for a year. Whenever someone loses faith in you or wavers on trusting you, you need to bounce back as quick as possible. You may not change their minds initially, but consistent dedication will pave a path for reconciliation.

What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go and work today in the vineyard. 29 And he answered, I will not; but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 Then the man came to the second and said the same [thing]. And he replied, I will [go], sir; but he did not go, Matthew 21:28-30.

Jesus understood that parents will be disappointed by their children. This may explain the Parable of Two Sons and the Prodigal Son. In both of these stories, these young men display disobedience and rebellion. Human nature causing males and females to change their minds, often doing the exact opposite of what was previously stated. Perhaps, conviction or embarrassment serve as inspiration to bounce back from a rough start.

Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants. 20 So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [[j]fervently], Luke 15:17-20.

The Parable of the Prodigal is a much more famous and intriguing story. When a younger son begs his father for his inheritance, this money is quickly squandered through wild living. As homelessness and hunger arrives, this immature son comes to his senses. After putting aside his pride, he takes the walk of shame back toward home. Before you can bounce back, you need to see the error of your way so that your faith will result in a strong finish, Philippians 3:9-12.

by Jay Mankus

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Going Beyond Just Being a Religious Person

Posted on November 20, 2021 by expressyourself4him

When I studied the New Testament for the first time, my perception of religion changed. I guess being a good person was so ingrained into my head while being raised in a Roman Catholic Church, I overlooked the message of the gospel. The apostle Paul taught me that no matter how hard I tried to please God, following religious practices only takes you so far, Romans 3:9-12. Subsequently, I was no better than the prodigal son, a sinner in desperate need of a Savior.

Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants, Luke 15:17-19.

When I read the Bible sometimes, thoughts like “I can’t believe they did that” race through my mind. Yet, if the tables were turned and I was living in the first century, I’m sure I wouldn’t like the person who would portray me. Despite attempting to live a decent, good and upright life, I’ve made my own spiritual messes. I’ve squandered money like the prodigal son on all sorts of temporary pleasures. Just when I thought I hit the bottom of the barrel, I broke through to reach lower depths.

So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [[j]fervently]. 21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]! 22 But the father said to his bond servants, Bring quickly the best robe (the festive robe of honor) and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet. 23 And bring out [k]that [wheat-]fattened calf and kill it; and let us [l]revel and feast and be happy and make merry, 24 Because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to [m]revel and feast and make merry, Luke 15:20-24.

One of the lesser stressed parts of this parable is the type of a relationship that God desires. When you finally come to your senses, asking for forgiveness and mercy is just the beginning. While Jesus suggests Christians should strive for perfection in Matthew 5:48, this is merely a religious exercise. Rather, Jesus wants a permanent meaningful lasting relationship. If you’re tired of being a flawed perfectionist, it’s time to move beyond being a religious person toward a special connection with God, John 3:16-17.

by Jay Mankus

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When Everyone Else Has Given Up on You

Posted on April 26, 2021 by expressyourself4him

White Cross released In the Kingdom in 1991. One of the singles from this album is No Second Chances. The context of these lyrics refer to when you die, there isn’t a second chance to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, Romans 10:9-10. However, the Bible does suggest that some Christians will just barely get into heaven, Hebrews 10:26-27. If this is true, what does the Bible say when everyone else on earth has given up on you?

You are to deliver this man over to Satan for physical discipline [to destroy carnal lusts which prompted him to incest], that [his] spirit may [yet] be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus, 1 Corinthians 5:5.

In the city of Corinth, a member of the church who is either a teenager or young adult has taken his father’s wife for himself. This act of incest angered Paul and inspired the words above. Just as Jesus handed over Judas Iscariot over to Satan, Paul does the same for this man. Despite the tone of Paul’s letter, there is a sliver of hope that severe church discipline will somehow save this lost soul.

For it is impossible [to restore and bring again to repentance] those who have been once for all enlightened, who have consciously tasted the heavenly gift and have become sharers of the Holy Spirit, 5 And have felt how good the Word of God is and the mighty powers of the age and world to come, 6 If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance—[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

Meanwhile, the author of Hebrews points to a Christian struggling with addiction. While there is no description of this bad habit or habitual sin, there isn’t any sign of contrition or a willingness to change. Coaches, parents, or teachers encounter individuals like Hebrews 6:6 every year. Unfortunately, these prodigals haven’t reach rock bottom or come to their senses. My prayer to anyone who thinks they are too far gone, remember the words of Luke 15:18 because God never gives up on lost sheep.

by Jay Mankus

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When God is No Where to be Found

Posted on January 28, 2020 by expressyourself4him

At the beginning of chapter 23, Job is in a desperate search to find God. Despite crying out to God in prayer, the Lord was silent. When Job’s own friends began to assume that his current hardship was part of a curse, payback for some hidden or un-confessed sin, panic set in. When no one believed that Job was innocent, demons of doubt, frustration and uncertainty wore on Job’s soul.

If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!
4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments, Job 23:3-4.

Perhaps, 2020 has brought some unpleasant experiences so far. Maybe, one of you has endured a Murphy’s Law kind of week, “if anything can go wrong, it does.” Just as military leaders prepare soldiers and troops for worse case scenarios, the Bible seeks to prepare Christians for the “what ifs” in life. Yet, tragic news like the sudden death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter have left many running to God for answers.

5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say to me. 6 Would he vigorously oppose me? No, he would not press charges against me, Job 23:5-6.

Fortunately, Job understood the nature of God, that it’s okay to vent the burdens on your heart. When God is no where to be found, Jesus encourages believers to ask, seek and keep knocking until you receive a reply, Matthew 7:7-8. While many quit before finally sensing the presence of God, the parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8 serves a blue print to get God’s attention. Although you may experience days, weeks, months and years where God is silent, sometimes you simply need to come to your senses like the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-31. Whatever your current circumstances, may this blog provide some peace of mind to weary souls.

by Jay Mankus

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Breaking Up With God

Posted on June 27, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield co-wrote the song Breaking Up is Hard to Do.  Sedaka recorded two different versions of Breaking Up is Hard to Do with the first released in 1962.  Thirteen years later the arrangement and style changed with the times.  This theme came full circle in 2011 with the jukebox musical Breaking Up is Hard to Do.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living,” Luke 15:13.

While most people think of breaking up in reference to boy and girl friends, this can also relate to families.  The prodigal son couldn’t wait to leave home.  Unfortunately, he rushed off without any foresight, squandering his inheritance.  Immaturity, selfishness and pride severed the prodigal son’s relationship with his father.  This break up left this young man homeless, starving and spiritually dead.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants,’ Luke 15:17-19.

The parable of the prodigal son illustrates what happens when people break up with God.  Initially, instant gratification provides moments of pleasure.  However, when your expectations are not meet or fulfilled, a sense of emptiness enters the human soul.  Subsequently, purpose or meaning for life is lost, replaced by a void within hearts that only Jesus can fill.  May those who have wandered away from God come to their senses by repenting and drawing near the Lord.  Don’t let guilt or resentment delay your return.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year Without Church

Posted on December 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXb45UTUFWU

Before his tragic death in a plane crash, Keith Green created the song Asleep in the Night.  Although the original context refers to someone sleeping in, missing church on Easter Sunday, this song applies to my current dilemma.  Due to my grave yard work schedule, I can’t seem to get my lazy butt out of bed on Sunday morning.  Subsequently, 2016 can be described as a year without church, the fewest weeks I’ve ever attended.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living, Luke 15:13”

I wish I had a decent excuse, but what good would that do.  Like any other sin, missing church involves a lack of discipline, choosing laziness over obedience.  Instead of receiving God’s blessings of fellowship, praise and words of inspiration, I have become like the prodigal who continues to move in the wrong decision.  Hopefully, I will come to my senses soon so that I can spent 2017 in the house of God.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you,” Luke 15:17-18.

When you miss a day praying or reading the Bible, you can’t get it back.  Sure, you might try to do twice the praying or reading the next day to make yourself feel better, but the truth is something else was more important to you on the days you tuned out God.  Part of me still sees the Lord from an Old Testament perspective, one of judgement and wrath.  Yet, the New Testament opens the door on a loving God, desperately waiting for his children to give Him the attention He is worthy of.  May you learn from the errors of my way by visiting a local church regularly and invest time at home daily with the living God of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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