Tag Archives: guilt

Take It or Leave It

Posted on March 22, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oY3_1jpteY

In recent years, those who live according to a secular worldview are claiming the Bible no longer applies to modern life.  Meanwhile, any law, principle or rule within the written Word of God is labeled as bigoted, discriminating and sexists.  Yet, if these skeptics actually took the time to read the Bible, individuals would begin to see the lofty expectations that exist.  Free will does not force anyone to adhere to these standards.  Rather, its up to you, take it or leave it.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect, Matthew 5:46-48.

The legal world uses an interesting term, plausible deniability.  This means that an individual can be excused from guilt, like a disclaimer or waiver.  The Bible uses a similar word to plausible deniability, amoral.  Moral refers to knowing what is right and doing it.  Immoral is the opposite, knowing what is right, but failing to obey.  Amoral comes into play when someone is held to a standard that they were never taught.  Subsequently, if you have never attended church, heard the gospel or read the Bible, you are only held accountable for that which you have been introduced.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 6:23.

The purpose of this blog is to simplify the message of the Bible, take it or leave it.  The consequence of sin results in a guilty verdict from the jury.  The punishment for this crime is death, eternal separation from God.  However, the judge steps in to offer a special plea deal.  Actually, God is willing to pardon all offenders with one simple gift.  Jesus paid your bail in full, but the choice is yours, take it or leave it.  You can receive this as your own, taking ownership of faith.  You can reject it and so by live according to the world’s standards.  Or you can wait for a while, but either way, the clock is ticking.

by Jay Mankus

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Lost Opportunities

Posted on January 24, 2017 by expressyourself4him

While listening to a sermon last weekend, a spirit of guilt began to consume me.  Like a movie playing within my mind, highlights of the person I could have been flashed before me.  Yet, a lack of faith, money and resources has caused me to chose a different path.  Part of me wants to make the most of what God has given me, but for now all I can see is a bunch of lost opportunities.

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem, Acts 13:13.

I guess you call this a crisis of faith or a mid-life crisis.  Either way I feel like I could do so much more with my life, but have lost the desire and passion to fulfill my potential.  In the book of Acts, Luke writes about someone who becomes homesick, leaving the mission field to return home.  This same individual eventually won back the apostle Paul’s trust and wrote the Gospel of Mark.  Since I am not a finished project, perhaps there is still hope for me.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:15-16.

After reviewing the Old Testament, I am reminded of the long detour taken by Israel on their way to the Promised Land.  A trip that was suppose to take a little over a month ended up lasting for 40 years.  This past failure helps me realize that I am not alone.  Though I don’t feel any better, this example provides insight about how disobedience disrupts your journey.  While lost opportunities will bring future disappointment, there is still time for a U-Turn here and there to arrive at the place where God wants me to be.

by Jay Mankus

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Mercy in Disguise

Posted on September 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you are caught doing or saying anything politically incorrect, mercy will be hard to find.  Rather, your reputation will be assaulted, tarnished or possibly ruined for the rest of your life.  When the dust settles, the heart broken long for mercy in disguise.

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment, James 2:13.

Growing up in Bethlehem, James’ older brother made great claims causing some to label him as a dreamer.  Subsequently, James bought into the rumors and stereotypes made about Jesus.  Thus, the context of the verse above refers to James’ acknowledgement of his own rush to judgement.  In the end, mercy triumphs over judgement.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need, Hebrews 4:16.

With the negativity that exists, especially within social media, its easy to lose sight of signs of grace.  Rather, harsh criticism is fueling a growing wave of guilt before all the evidence has been brought forth.  Thus, in an unloving world, its nice to know that there is a throne of grace available to those who believe.  Don’t let judgment drag you down; instead keep a close eye on mercy in disguise.

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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If You Rush To Judgement… Someone’s Life Might Be Ruined

Posted on August 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwE4ixCrIFM

After watching a rerun of ESPN’s 30 for 30, Fantastic Lies, I received a new perspective.  During this documentary, I missed an important statement the first time around.  One of the journalists who believed the Duke Lacrosse players raped an African America woman provided an insightful comment.  When asked about why the nation felt like these three players were guilty, he responded, “If you air opinions over and over again in the media, these fantastic lies become fact.

Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 1 John 2:4.

This observation applies to our daily life.  Every day blogs, cable news networks and news papers publish exaggerations, take comments out of context or with hold information to make liberals look great and portray conservatives as liars.  This rush to judgment often ruins the lives of those who receive negative press.  Just examine or do a fact check of political ads and you’ll find a willful attempt to smear their opponents.

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

The apostle Paul speaks of a moment when you have the chance to decide “do I do the right or wrong thing?”  At this place in time, Paul learned that you don’t always have to give into temptation.  Rather, the Lord does provide an escape route, an option that does not lead to guilt, shame or regret.  Therefore, the next time you have an urge to condemn, trash or verbally assault an individual’s character, ask the Lord for discernment.  Or else your quick rush to judgement may result in the demise of a strangers reputation.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Death of Professional Sports

Posted on July 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the 1996 film Jerry McGuire, Tom Cruise plays a hot shot sports agents who begins to develop a conscience.  When a defense men in the National Hockey League that he represents sustains another concussion, Cruise chooses money over his clients health.  Seeing right through this scheme, the son goes off on Jerry, setting the stage for conviction.  Unable to sleep with his guilt, McGuire has a vision which turns into a mission statement.  Unfortunately, this decision leads to his firing from the firm he practically built.  This mentality no longer exists just in Hollywood.  Rather, its a sign that the death of professional sports is near.

The way most leagues are run today, labor unions seek to get each player top dollar.  However, as salaries rise so do season ticket prices, parking and stadium concessions.  At some point, the annual income of fans will be tapped out; unable to commit to a full season.  Meanwhile, as stars continue to be insulted by excessive million dollar contracts not big enough for their ego, when will the masses begin to revolt?  Although I love watching sports on television, I see a day in the future when even I will tune out professional sports.

Back in its infancy, athletes worked jobs during the off-season as sports were more of a hobby with little pay.  This generation of stars played for the love of the game.  These pioneers made it possible for today’s athletes to flourish, earning more money than their wildest dreams.  Unfortunately, when individuals become bigger than life they lose touch with the middle class.  I try not to be negative, but if this current trend continues, it won’t be long before professional sports dies.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Where Are Your Footprints Leading?

Posted on July 16, 2016 by expressyourself4him

For those of you who have pets, it doesn’t take much for a kitten, puppy or other new member of the family to reap havoc.  Like any child who knows their in trouble, sometimes animals try to hide their mess.  In this case, all you have to do is follow visible signs of destruction before you reach the guilty party.  Yet, child and pets aren’t alone as even adults have moments of weakness, sending a poor message by taking steps in the wrong direction.

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth, 1 John 1:6.

Unfortunately, grown ups tend to make life much more complicated than it is.  Subsequently, sometimes its important to simplify life, going back to the basics.  The Bible kids classic song Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See is a great place to start.  These lyrics warn individuals of the lasting consequences of walking in darkness.  Tasting forbidden fruit, lusting for someone or something or crossing the line known as sin, could become a life style if you’re not careful.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.   But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23

In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares the correlation between your eyes and sin.  Essentially, eyes are a lamp created to guide and direct people throughout life.  However, if used inappropriately, these beacons of light can become a source for evil.  Thus, whether you are young or old, Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See still applies.  In view of this choose wisely and if you make mistakes along the way, repent quickly.  May the footprints that you leave on earth point souls to the love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Better Off Dead

Posted on March 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWTouGjZt6A

In 1985, John Cusack starred in Better Off Dead.  While this movie would be considered politically incorrect today for making fun of suicide, some high schools are now using this film in Sociology classes.  The idea for the title is based upon lonely and suicidal individuals who think that it would be better if they were dead.  The rationale is that killing yourself will make those who never noticed your existence feel bad through guilt and shame.

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds, John 12:24.

This concept also applies to the first century.  Sometimes in the late 20’s, early 30’s AD, Jesus began to share God’s grand design to his disciples.  Essentially, Jesus would be better off dead, needing to die once and for all, for all sin.  This message didn’t go over well as in the back of their minds, the disciples thought Jesus would become an earthly king.  Perhaps, this confusion and disappointment with Jesus might explain their actions following his betrayal and death.  John was the only disciple who wasn’t afraid to be seen with or associated with Jesus.  Beside Judas Iscariot who thought he would be better off dead, committing suicide, the other remaining ten men went into hiding.

Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life, John 12:25.

Since Jesus spoke in parables, only the discerning were able to figure out the point Jesus was trying to make.  Maybe John was the only one who understood the kernel analogy.  Nonetheless, the Bible exists today so that we can be certain of this life and the afterlife.  So if you too are fearful or worried about dying, remember you have to pass before you can be reunited with believers who have already entered the grave.  In case you’re still up in the air, make your reservation for heaven today, 1 John 5:13.  When you do, you might come around to embracing the notion of being better off dead.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Cleansing of a Conscience

Posted on March 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Regret can be a tough pill to shallow, especially if an action affects multiple lives.  The longer you live increases the probability that you will blow it big time, hurt others and mess up badly.  In the aftermath of these mistakes, consequences vary.  Yet, one thing is a constant, guilt will arrive in the form of conviction through an invisible force known as your conscience.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! – Hebrews 9:14

Whenever you let someone down, there is nothing like getting a do over, a fresh start on life.  This is where grace meets the cleansing of the soul.  Unfortunately, shame has a way of causing individuals to hold onto their sin.  While God promises to wash away your imperfections, some have a hard time forgiving themselves.  Thus, healing does not occur as consciences are manipulated by the devil, bringing up past transgressions from years ago.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool, Isaiah 1:18.

Confession is a powerful tool to begin the cleansing of your conscience.  However, those who are unable to get over stains from their past, need an accountability partner, friend or source of encouragement to get over the hump.  Reflecting on the promises of God is another step in the right direction.  Nonetheless, until you believe and receive these words, healing will only be temporary.  Therefore, let mercy reign as you complete the cleansing of your conscience.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Films that Persuaded a Generation

Posted on January 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

1. Fast Times at Ridgemont High

While cable television first became available in 1948, it wasn’t until the early 1980’s that the Home Box Office was made available to greater metropolitan areas.  About the same time, 1982, Fast Times at Ridgemont High was released nationally in theaters.  After going undercover in 1981 at Clairemont High in San Deigo, California, Cameron Crowe received the material he needed to complete this script.  Subsequently, this film persuaded a generation of teenagers to alter their values.  Instead of falling in love, sex became the ultimate goal of a relationship, fueling the sexual revolution that began at Woodstock.

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body, 1 Corinthian 6:18.

2. Animal House

Four years earlier, National Lampoon magazine created a movie based upon Chris Miller’s experiences as a fraternity member of Alpha Delta Phi at Dartmouth College.  Additional influences came from Harold Ramis and producer Ivan Reitman during similar encounters of fraternity life in college.  Although this comedy was meant to laugh at these endeavors, a generation of college students were inspired to emulate similar practices.  Since art often imitates life, ethics, faith and morality are being discarded or put on hold until fantasies and the pleasures of this world have been satisfied.

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever, 1 John 2:17.

3. Fatal Attraction

This final film is geared toward adults, for those individuals who have considered, contemplated or fallen into an extramarital affair.  In the 1987 thriller, Michael Douglas hooks up with a woman, Glenn Close, when his wife and daughter are away for the weekend.  When Close becomes obsessed with Douglas, this fatal attraction takes a toll on his life and marriage.  While couples initially flocked to the theaters to salvage their marriage, conviction and guilt did not last long.  Nearly thirty years later, fatal attractions seem to be a weekly occurrence either in high schools, college or the work place.  Somewhere along the way, these three films have persuaded a generation to abandon Judeo-Christian values for humanism, secularism or to satisfy worldly desires.  May a new film or movement shift the tides of change to prevent Americans from slipping closer over the edge toward hell.

by Jay Mankus

 

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