Tag Archives: conviction

On Again Off Again

Posted on March 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The origin of getting cold feet has three different links to history.  The first derives from an Italian play written in 1605 entitled Volpone.  The context of Ben Johnson’s words, “to have cold on one’s feet,” refers to having no money.  Two centuries later, a German novel uses a similar expression when speaking of gamblers who have cold feet as their money runs out.  Finally, Stephen Crane’s piece, Maggie: A Child on the Streets from 1894 has a modern understanding as cold feet is in reference to making tough decisions.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.- Hebrews 11:1

Today, On Again Off Again could be the title of the latest Reality TV Show as people change their minds on whether or not to get married.  However, this phrase is used by sports fans who jump on and off their favorite team’s bandwagon.  Whenever expectations of a relationship or viewing interest let you down, faith to continue your vested interest wanes.  Thus, the words On Again Off Again become a self-fulfilled prophecy.

That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 2:5

Unfortunately, these words often describe a Christian’s volatile relationship with God.  As long as things go well, their commitment remains true.  Meanwhile, the littlest sign of turmoil leads many to get cold feet wondering, “is this Christian thing really worth it?”  Anyone who has ever felt periods of distance from God might consider taking a break, putting the Lord on hold until you need Him again.  Regardless of where you may be, sincere faith requires trust.  Therefore, don’t live life like a roller coaster full of emotions.  Rather, remain steadfast on the narrow road which leads to heaven.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Voice of Experience

Posted on December 26, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Confidence isn’t lacking in society today as narcissists can be found in nearly every work place.  However, a humble voice of experience is missing from many segments, replaced by pride and arrogance.  When absent, people can lose their way, often repeating the same mistakes that have led past empires to disappear.

 Psalm 118

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

The words of Psalm 118:8-10 sound like something King David would have said.  After calling for and taking a census of Israel’s tribes, a spirit of conviction falls upon David.  Failing to listen to his commander Joab, a voice of experience, God punishes Israel’s for David’s sin of pride, 1 Chronicles 21:1-8.  When given three options for his penalty, David opts for the hand of God, 1 Chronicles 21:9-15.

Although Public Service Announcements for the Boys & Girls Clubs are important, its essential for mentors to rise up to begin influencing a generation looking for positive role models.  On the other hand, its also vital for adults to remain teachable so that advice from the Joab’s in your life aren’t ignored.  May you take heed of the Psalmist by learning to take refuge in God rather than trusting the hands of men.

by Jay Mankus

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Who’s Leading Who?

Posted on September 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Over the course of a year, there tends to be a couple of messages, sermons that I can’t avoid.  As conviction lingers, the truth conveyed doesn’t go away.  While laying in bed the other night, one thought kept repeating itself, “who’s leading who?”

When you enter into a new relationship, Romans 10:9-10, priorities should change.  However, if you are use to living a certain way, its hard to adjust or alter your lifestyle.  Although some Christians may talk a good game, yielding control over to Jesus as Lord can be a constant struggle.  Subsequently, some days you do it your way and occasionally you take God’s advice.

The apostle Paul suggests the an internal battle is brewing, Galatians 5:16-18, with sinful desires trying to remain in control.  Meanwhile, these distractions attempt to block your communication with God, Galatians 5:25.  The only way to distinguish God’s still small voice is by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.  The Lord doesn’t force the issue.  Rather, the choice is yours: to live by the Spirit or indulge your fleshly desires.  Who’s leading who?  This answer will be revealed by the fruit that you bear, John 15:7-8.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Another Hypocrite Behind the Driver’s Seat

Posted on August 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

When I get behind the wheel of my car, something happens to me.  Like an out of body experience, a spirit of impatience changes my personality inside.  All it takes is a few slow drivers, especially in the left hand lane and I become another hypocrite behind the driver’s seat.

Despite my prayers prior to entering my vehicle, the influences of the sinful nature leave my feeling like the apostle Paul in Romans 7:15.  The slightest error made by my fellow drivers erupts into an explosion of complaining, emotional distress and an occasional honk of the horn.  In my quest to fulfill Matthew 5:48, most trips behind the steering wheel often result in conviction, a painful reminder that I have a long way to go, Romans 3:23.

The imagery of 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 illustrates the fact that everyone has room for improvement.  Each soul has major flaws, needing to be transformed from a child into a mature Bible believing adult, Romans 12:1-2.  Unfortunately, there will always be growing pains and along the way, don’t be surprised if you see another hypocrite behind the driver’s seat.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Guard Rails: Real Life Bumper Bowling

Posted on July 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Its not uncommon for youth to embrace their parents’ hobbies.  A one time opportunity for me soon became a weekly obsession.  While some of my peers were out partying on Friday night, I spent 3 years bowling, filling in as a sub for a league.  Before the days of bumpers, there was nothing to keep loose shots from entering the gutter.

Outside of bowling lanes, Guard rails were designed to keep vehicles from straying into dangerous areas while driving.  Unfortunately, not every street  contains such a guide.  On country, desolate or rural roads, poor counties can not afford, support or justify spending that much money.  However, when someone dies in a car accident, their life is priceless.

From a spiritual perspective, the Bible is like bumpers, a guide to keep you from falling of course, Matthew 7:13-14.  The life lessons, principles and truth inside of God’s Word serves as a light source, Psalm 119:105, to help you see down the road.  Although invisible, conviction, gut feelings or promptings from the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, can lead souls through the darkness in life.  May the words of this book provide you with the direction you are searching for today.

by Jay Mankus

 

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No Intentional Passes

Posted on March 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As baseball fans await Sunday, March 30th, Opening Night for MLB as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks will meet in Sydney Australia, its time to freshen up on the lingo used in America’s pastime.  Whenever a clutch or power hitter faces a pitcher with runners in scoring position on either second or third base, its not uncommon to intentionally or unintentionally walk this player to face a less dangerous batter.  Great pitchers will try to fool these individuals with throws that look like a good pitch before falling out of the strike zone.  Although they may give up a walk, broadcasters will use the phrase, unintentional / intentional pass.

In life, this term has become too familiar, excusing individuals for their actions, behavior and comments.  Like Adam in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3:12, people have become experts in playing the blame game, passing the buck to someone else more fitting.  To escape punishment, rationalization has become a way of life to avoid consequences, shifting all the responsibility like a dishonest politician.  If this trend continues, no one will accept blame or take the fall, dodging the truth with distortion and lies.

According to Moses in Leviticus 4:22 and 4:27, unintentional sin is a common occurrence.  If someone has not heard, does not know or hasn’t been properly informed about God’s command, this individual is deemed amoral, not knowing right from wrong.  However, once this information has been clarified, no intentional passes should be granted.  Guilty parties should follow the principle set forth by Jesus’ own brother, James 5:16.  Since Jesus has become today’s great high priest, no shedding of blood is necessary anymore, Hebrews 4:15-17.  Thus, when you are convicted of a trespass against one of the Bible’s laws, approach the throne of grace with confidence God will pass over your sin, leading you around the bases of life.

Do you have a story of starting over that you’d like to share with my readers?

by Jay Mankus

 
    
 

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Clinging to the Security Blankets of Your Past

Posted on February 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Charles Schultz conjured up in his mind a fictional character with real life tendencies in his classic comic strip Peanuts.  Linus was a boy who never wanted to leave his favorite blanket, finding comfort from this childhood possession.  Today, infants have similar habits, becoming attached to binkies, serving as a calming device to produce sleep.  Despite purging closets each spring, most adults aren’t willing to let go of sentimental items, keeping a few like a security blanket from your past.

Peter was a professional fisherman whose new acquaintance introduced himself as a carpenter.  Luke 5:1-11 recounts this first meeting as Peter listens to Jesus speak after a long night of work.   Despite his initial hesitation, Peter is willing to trust someone from another occupation, based upon a gut feeling within his heart, Luke 5:6.  Subsequently, Peter reached a point of conviction, guilty of holding on to traditions instead of faith.  By the end of this passage, each member of his crew was touched by God, leaving everything they knew behind, letting go of their security blankets.

I’m not sure if its my ego, pride or stubbornness, but I find it hard to completely change the routines I have set in life.  Sure, every New Year’s provides a tempest, the perfect conditions to rededicate one’s life.  Nonetheless, the fear of uncertainty prevents permanent transformation from occurring.  Thus, when the going get’s tough, people fall back on what they know instead of following the advice of strangers.  This reality of life fulfills the words of Proverbs 27:19, “as water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.”  May the example of these fishermen inspire others to forgo the security blankets of their past with a faith for the future.

by Jay Mankus

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The Forgotten Commandment

Posted on November 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The Veggie Tales Video Series was created to introduce key biblical principles to children in an entertaining, yet simple manner.  The Fib from Outer Space and The Rumor Weed use a spiritual superhero, Larry Boy, to address common mistakes people make in life.  While some Bible scholars may claim the writers of these videos have sinned, using Deuteronomy 4:2 as their source of condemnation, this point of view neglects the forgotten commandment.  In a rush to judgment, millions daily break the 9th commandment with one sided testimony.

The word false refers to giving information not based upon fact or truth, deliberately attempting to deceive or sway individuals toward their side of the story.  Synonyms for false include distorted, erroneous, fallacious and incorrect.  Thus, whenever anyone gossips about an event from their day, any slight exaggeration of the actual encounter is an uncivil attack against their neighbor.  In God’s eyes, this is an act of disobedience against one of God’s own creations.

As my daily devotion took me through Exodus 20, my heart cringed when the words of verse 16 struck a cord with my soul.  As a person who doesn’t like confrontation, I often find myself complaining to my wife about others instead of trying to resolve these matters.  Subsequently, I forgot the true meaning of the 9th commandment, “You shall not give false testimony about your neighbor.”  Though most of my beefs have origins of truth, the drama king inside stretches the truth, thereby leading me into sin.  May the words of James 3:1-6 serve as a reminder of mankind’s fallen nature to guard our tongues from breaking the forgotten commandment.

by Jay Mankus

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A Spiritual Flotilla

Posted on September 13, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The term flotilla is Spanish, referring to a fleet of boats or ships.  From a naval perspective, a flotilla consists of a minimum of two squadrons of small warships.   The old adage of “there’s power in numbers” often prevents other nations from attacking a flotilla, intimidated by a demonstration of size and fire power.

From a biblical point of view, a city on a hill is similar to a flotilla, as the light of Christ inside members of the church reveal traces of an Almighty God, Matthew 5:13-15.  When united, this body of believers is like an impenetrable force, able to bring glimpses of heaven to earth, Matthew 6:10.  Regardless of the persecution, setbacks or trials this spiritual flotilla endures, the Holy Spirit’s power turns weakness into strength, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

In an ideal world, this flotilla can’t be stopped.  However, division, factions, pride and stubbornness are sinking the churches flotilla.  Theology is one of the major stumbling blocks today, as debate continues over baptism, predestination and spiritual gifts.  Like survivors of the Titanic, fighting for a limited number of life boats, Christians are kicking their fellow brethern overboard, not wanting to lend a helping hand to drowning souls.  Casting Crowns illustrates this truth in their song City on a Hill.  May Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13 serve as conviction to reunite this broken and dying spiritual flotilla.

by Jay Mankus

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The Conservative Conscience

Posted on September 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Conservative refers to holding firmly to traditional values.  From an American perspective, this means adhering to the biblical principles which the United States of America was founded upon.  Meanwhile, a conscience is an inner feeling or voice in your mind, serving to guide one’s behavior in the right direction.  Thus, the conservative conscience was designed by God, implanted within each soul, to impart prudence, temperance and fortitude to individuals.

An example of the conservative conscience is found in Genesis 42:21-23.  Reuben, the oldest of Joseph’s 11 brothers is steered away from blaming God for his trial.  Instead, Reuben’s conscience convicts him of throwing Joseph into an empty well, faking his death and lying to his father, by placing goat’s blood all over the special rob Jacob made for Joseph.  As long as a spirit of compromise does not enter your body, this conservative conscience is available to all human beings.

Unfortunately, the conscience has been under attack for more than 50 years in America.  Atheists convinced educators that God did not belong in public schools during the 1960’s.  Abortion made killing a children inside a mother’s womb legal in the early 70’s.  The Home Box Office brought nationwide cable television into homes by the 80’s.  Little by little, compromise by compromise, lie by lie, the conservative nature of the conscience has been lost.  Without many Reuben like role models, society has forgotten why the conscience exists.  May God has mercy on us, turn us back toward the Holy Spirit and rejuvenate the conservative conscience!

by Jay Mankus

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