Tag Archives: heart and mind

Seeing and Listening to the Anguish of Souls

Posted on September 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former high school coach and teacher, I was always drawn to students who didn’t look like their normal self. As someone who struggled with depression as a child, I didn’t want these teenagers to slip through the cracks as I did for many years. Subsequently, I made it my daily goal to see and listen to the anguish of souls displayed on the faces of my students.

And they said one to another, We are truly guilty about our brother, for we saw the distress and anguish of his soul when he begged us [to let him go], and we would not hear. So this distress and difficulty has come upon us. 22 Reuben answered them, Did I not tell you, Do not sin against the boy, and you would not hear? Therefore, behold, his blood is required [of us]. 23 But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter. 24 And he turned away from them and wept; then he returned to them and talked with them, and took from them Simeon and bound him before their eyes, Genesis 42:21-24.

There are countless books on the earthly life of Jesus. These resources point to Jesus as man in human flesh. Yet, one of Jesus’ greatest gifts was his ability to see and listen to the anguish of souls. Upon reaching rock star status as the leader of the 12 disciples, Jesus never ignored the anguish displayed on a stranger’s face, especially a child.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent, Psalm 34:17-18.

David touches on God’s character and nature in the passage above. The context of this occurs after David pretended to be insane before Abimelech. David’s heart and mind wasn’t in a good place at this time in his life. Subsequently, these emotions led David to remember the promises of God in the Old Testament: to be close to the broken hearted and heal those crushed in Spirit. May these words prompt you to begin to look and listen to the anguish of souls which surround you daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Unsullied Minds

Posted on April 19, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The United Negro College Fund recognized in 1972 that a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Just as an athlete stretches and trains to improve, minds need to be challenged and pushed daily to learn. One of Jesus’ disciples made it his objective to stir up unsullied minds. This was accomplished by reminding first century Christians of Jesus’ teaching over the course of his earthly ministry. Yet, if idleness sets in, minds will forget the biblical truths in the Bible.

Beloved, I am now writing you this second letter. In [both of] them I have stirred up your unsullied (sincere) mind by way of remembrance, 2 That you should recall the predictions of the holy (consecrated, dedicated) prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior [given] through your apostles (His special messengers), 2 Peter 3:1-2.

From time to time, I’ll stay up way past midnight writing until inspiration fades and words disappear. If I try to press on, it’s not uncommon to hit a wall mentally. When your body and mind grow tired, recalling important details that you want to communicate come to a grinding halt. There are 253 different passages in the Bible to call readers to remember a specific message of the past. This large number of reminders suggests that human minds are forgetful.

If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God, Colossians 3:1-3.

Perhaps this explains the words of the apostle Paul in the passage above. The only way to maintain sincere and unsullied minds is by participating in a spiritual exercise. Like a form of mediation, dwelling on God’s Word day and night, Joshua 1:6-8, provides spiritual clarity. When you set your heart and mind on things above, your perspective on life and this world will change. If you want to stay focused, daily Bible Study and prayer will result in unsullied minds.

by Jay Mankus

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Nourishing Yourself on the Truths of Faith

Posted on August 12, 2021 by expressyourself4him

On a hot sunny day, nourishment usually comes in the form of a cold drink. Yet, as day turns into night, stomachs begin to grumble, yearning for solid food to quench hunger pains. However, nourishment isn’t limited to the physical. Beyond food and beverages, nourishment also involves other substances necessary for growth and health to remain in good condition. In the passage below, the apostle Paul eludes to spiritual nourishment.

 If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good [Christian] instruction which you have closely followed, 1 Timothy 4:6.

The most basic way to nourish yourself is by reading the Word of God, Romans 10:17. The more you read, minds are enlightened by spiritual truths to help you ascertain the will of God, Romans 12:2. According to one biblical author, as what you read begins to click and make sense, an assurance and hope is conceived, Hebrews 11:1. As the truths of the Bible take root within your heart and mind, Colossians 2:6-7, all things will work together for the good.

But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers’ tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. 8 For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come, 1 Timothy 4:7-8.

Unfortunately, many Christians tends to become bored which dulls their faith, Hebrews 5:11-14. If you get sloppy, stunted by an immature faith, you won’t be able to handle solid food. While speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus reminds religious teachers that the healthy can take care of themselves, Matthew 9:11-12. Meanwhile, it’s the poor and sick that need help. Therefore, as you learn to nourish yourself, you can begin to reach out to others by spreading the truths of faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Establishing a Foundation for Victory

Posted on January 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

You don’t have to be in high school to discern whether or not you belong.  Based upon your personality and the people you encounter, conversations and friendships can quickly turn into tug of wars, seeking control.  My own defense mechanism causes me to begin cautiously, often listening more than talking before opening up.  However, once I feel comfortable in a certain setting or group of individuals, my true identity shines through.

However, there are many things which wage war against your soul in this life, making victory elusive, 1 Peter 2:11.  Depending upon your motivation or degree or perseverance, many give up, throwing in the towel before they taste success.  When you add this factor to the excess baggage people carry from their past, reaching the summit of John 10:10 seems unrealistic.  Spirits of doubt, failure and pessimism imprint a loser mentality upon the souls of many.  Instead of claiming the promise of Philippians 4:13, a lack of faith prohibits these bystanders from obtaining joy.

So how can someone establish a foundation for victory?  What must one do to turn their fortune from failure to celebration?  A Calvinist will say you don’t have a prayer; you’re either chosen or not.  The Arminian will disagree, claiming everyone has a shot.  While God’s grace does play a major role in victory, Ephesians 2:8, there is more as acts of contrition and penitence demonstrate whether or not someone is on the right track, James 2:26.  From my own journey, below are essential ingredients which have put me into position to achieve victory.

1) Like Jesus, you need to find a quiet place, seeking solitude daily to get your heart and mind in the right place, Luke 4:42.

2) You need to find and or develop friendships which elevate your self-esteem and spiritual hunger, Acts 2:42-47.

3) Fill your idle time listening to uplifting music whether through Pandora, Radio Stations or You Tubes that will get you through each day, filling your mind with wholesome lyrics and thoughts, 1 Samuel 16:23.

4) Try to read a chapter of the Bible daily which will enhance your faith while transforming your mind, Romans 10:17.

5) Spend time each day in some form of recreation, whether running, working out and investing in a hobby which makes you happy, providing a sense of accomplishment daily, 1 Timothy 4:8.

6) Once a week, write down, preferably in a journal, goals that you want to fulfill before the day, week or month is over.  This exercise provides needed vision for the future, Hosea 4:6.

7) Devote time once a month either helping, serving and volunteering within your church or community.  It’s better to give than receive.

May these ideas inspire you develop your own daily/weekly disciplines and practices which will lead you toward a foundation for victory.  May God honor the commitments you make to better yourself in 2014!

by Jay Mankus

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