Tag Archives: heart

Taking a Closer Look at the Meaning of Life

Posted on June 29, 2015 by expressyourself4him

An apostle of Jesus once made a distinction between the Bible and all other books.  According to Hebrews 4:12, the Bible is living and acting.  This passage suggests that each time you open up any of the 66 books inside, the Holy Spirit will teach you something different or new depending upon what you are going through or have recently experienced.  Unfortunately, many readers succumb to pride with thoughts such as “been there done that, heard that before or how many times do I have to hear the same old story?”

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it, Mark 8:35.

As I was minding my own business this weekend, God awakened me, providing discernment to take a closer look at the meaning of life.  The verse above struck a nerve as if to say to me, “you’re going down the wrong track, trying to hold on to your life.”  Immediately, I was confronted with my current situation, trusting in my own abilities and talents to provide for my family rather than solely rely on Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides.  I know this may sound crazy to some or many of my readers, yet listen to the case study below.

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? – Mark 8:36

From 2002-2012, I spent a decade losing my life as a high school Bible teacher, placing everything into God’s hands.  Subsequently, despite making much less than public school teachers, the Lord supernaturally provided daily bread.  Checks came in the mail at the perfect timing, secret donors paid for my children’s tuition and relative strangers handed me cash to stay out of debt.  Whereas the past 3 years since leaving youth ministry, trying to save my life has resulted in mounting debt.  It shouldn’t make sense, yet in biblical terms it does.

Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? – Mark 8:37

Nobody wakes up one day and says, “I’m going to forfeit my soul.”  Rather, this is a gradual process of choosing to save your own life instead of laying it down into your heavenly Father’s hands.  Sure, it feels good to be in the driver’s seat, maintaining control.  However, in the long run, lives are wasted in exchange for the temporary pleasures in life.  Though my testimony may be unbelievable, I pray that the next time you open the Bible, your heart, mind and soul will possess a teachable spirit so that the Holy Spirit will help you to embrace this living and active book.

by Jay Mankus

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Teetotalism in Religion

Posted on June 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As dictionaries are updated annually, important words from history are fading from the forefront.  Instead, slang, tech terms and pop culture is redefining societies vocabulary.  One of these obsolete words is teetotalism, a stringent form of following the rules.  Islam or Muslims  is one of the few faiths which practice teetotalism in adherence to the 5 pillars.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28.

In his classic book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis addresses teetotalism in a chapter called The Cardinal Virtues, values that anyone can possess.  Lewis suggests that initially, teetotalism was a form of temperance, going the right distance and no further.  Like anything in life, context, time and understanding alter the meaning of words.  Thus, teetotalism in the context of religion is merely knowing the boundaries between the right and wrong and failing to cross over this line.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, Matthew 11:29.

However, when faith is limited to an adherence to rules, meaning can be lost like Pharisees who strayed from God’s commands.  Rather, Jesus doesn’t care what you wear to church on Sunday; only that you come as you are, ditching the facade the fake put on.  Once souls reach the understanding that you can’t do it on your own, Romans 6:23, spiritual hunger is conceived.  Free will enables hearts to wait until they are ready.  When this day arrives, believers won’t have to rely on teetotalism anymore.  Instead, a desire for biblical truth will prompt individuals to pray, read the Bible and worship the Lord 7 days a week.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Clean or Unclean: The Debate Continues

Posted on June 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Attracted to junk food growing up, I regularly heard the expression, “you are what you eat.”  Whether it was an adult or a concerned friend, the taste of sweets were too delightful to pass up.  Thus, I tended to run on sugar highs before crashing, void of any protein inside my stomach.  By modern standards I would be labeled as unclean, indulging in non-nutritional foods.

Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them, Mark 7:15.

The book of Leviticus is dedicated to defining for readers the difference between wholesome and unwholesome food.  As vegetarian diets continue to attract people seeking to change their eating habits, those that don’t adhere may experience cultural peer pressure to stop eating meat.  If this trend continues, individuals will follow in the footsteps of the Pharisees, making the same mistake they made by prejudging others.  What you eat does not define who you are.

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of, Luke 6:45.

According to Jesus, the heart is the organ which dictates your spiritual classification.   Solomon goes one step farther, referring to the heart as a well spring to life, Proverbs 4:23.  Meanwhile, the apostle Paul adds the mind into this principle, urging Christians to set your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-4.  Finally, Jesus ties this discussion together by revealing the relationship between the eyes and heart, Matthew 6:21-23.  Therefore, don’t judge others based upon their appetite.  Rather, clean and unclean is determined based upon the treasures of your heart.  May you choose life over pleasure as the debate over clean and unclean continues today.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When People Die Before They Reach the ER

Posted on June 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Unfortunately, tragedy makes the headlines as well as the front pages of news papers every summer in the form of heat stroke related deaths, infants left in vehicles too long or wandering into the wrong place at the wrong time.  Former NFL player and head coach Herm Edwards tries to mentor rookies each season by proclaiming, “nothing good ever happens after midnight.”  Despite these warnings, curiosity often cause people to die before they reach the Emergency Room.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell, Matthew 10:28.

Addiction is one of many silent killers that can be curtailed by accountability.  In biblical times, communities, families and the local synagogue served as positive peer pressure, providing boundaries to keep morality in and evil out.  While everything is cyclical, apathy, humanism and vanishing absolutes are re-writing how individuals should live.  This loosening of society has perverted freedom, resulting in chaos on the streets of major cities.  According to Jesus, the seed of murder is conceived when a spirit of anger consumes a human heart.

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell, Matthew 5:22.

Despite Eve’s sin, Adam’s lack of leadership and a world falling apart at the seams, no one seems to care.  An avalanche of emotions is stoking a fire of hatred, resentment and revenge.  What ever happened to common sense?  Will anyone ever wake up to smell the coffee of a society slipping away from God?  If these warning signs continue to be ignored, doctors will be helpless to act, like a M.A.S.H. unit who receives their patients too late, dead on arrival.  May the  words of a classic song “Stop Children What’s that Sound ” prompt hearts of actions to reverse the trend of a culture slip sliding away from God.

by Jay Mankus

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The Conscience, Guilt and Fear

Posted on June 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Regardless of your beliefs, environment and upbringing, three invisible forces guide each soul.  As C.S. Lewis suggests in Mere Christianity, the conscience is a moral compass, providing a sense of right and wrong.  Guilt is a by product of the conscience, like a warning signal that cuts to the heart when you sway off course.  Finally, before there was a reality show, God uses fear to scare people straight off the road which leads to destruction, Matthew 7:13-14.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:18.

The Law of Human Nature works hand in hand with the conscience, guilt and fear.  Whether human beings like it or not, each have a curious idea within their mind that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it.  Nonetheless, C.S. Lewis breaks the bad news in his chapter with the same title, individuals do not behave in this way despite their knowledge of the Law of Nature; breaking it like the apostle Paul’s confession in Romans 7.

Because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him, Mark 6:20.

An example of the conscience, guilt and fear can be found in Mark 6:14-28.  King Herod probably felt it was wrong for him to take his brother’s wife while he was still living.  John the Baptist’s teaching  exposed Herod’s sin, causing his wife to hold a grudge, looking to eliminate this voice of reason.  Meanwhile, despite his wrong actions, John’s words stirred Herod’s soul, instilling a sense of fear within.  Although Herod had John the Baptist murdered to keep an oath made in public, this decision likely haunted the king for the rest of his life.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did,         1 Corinthians 10:6.

Today,  a progressive society is hoping to nullify the conscience, guilt and fear.  Trying to relive the Age of Enlightenment, educators are encouraging children to do what’s right in their own eyes.  This philosophy didn’t work out so well for the Judges of the Old Testament so why listen to this lie now.  Rather, be open to the guiding light of your conscience.  Treat guilt like a step in the wrong direction and continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Pain of Death

Posted on June 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

A member of St. George’s 2014 golf team died in a car accident while driving home from school Tuesday afternoon.  A parent’s worst nightmare came true for the Leonzio family.  In a flash, before you can say goodbye for the final time, Tim’s life was snuffed out.  This is the pain of death.

He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” – Mark 5:23

In Mark 5:22-42, a concerned father reaches out to Jesus.  Jairus, a synagogue leader turned to Jesus as a last resort as doctors could not improve his daughter’s condition.  Despite what any Pharisees thought about Jesus, Jairus had a feeling deep down inside his heart his daughter would be healed.  On their way home, his efforts were a little too late as Jairus received the bad news.

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” – Mark 5:35

Unfortunately, Jesus can’t bring Tim back to life like Jairus’ daughter.  Now, whenever my own son doesn’t come home on time, I start to worry, imaging a worst case scenario.  This is where faith must take over.  Although death in inevitable, belief in Christ, the promise of salvation and eternity in heaven can ease your pain.  May the prayer of the Psalmist provide comfort, healing and peace when the pain of death knocks on your door, Psalm 34:18.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Healing of the Mind

Posted on June 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The expression “I’m my worst own enemy” is supported by biblical truth.  The apostle Paul, one of the godliest men to walk the face of the earth, referred to himself as the greatest sinner of all, losing control of his body due to a sinful nature, Romans 7:15.  Thousands of people who saw the son of God heal and speak possessed blind eyes, numb hearts and deaf ears.  Somewhere inside their heads, a previous disappointment, failure or set back has convinced these individuals that healing and victory over their flesh will never come.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst, 1 Timothy 1:15.

This is the state of mind which confronted a woman within Mark 5:25-34.  After 12 years of doctor’s bills left her condition unchanged, doubt, hopelessness and self-pity likely filled her thoughts.  Broke and suffering, a light went on inside of her head, “if only I could touch Jesus’ cloak, then will I find healing.”  Battling the crowds, this woman fought until Jesus’ rabbinical robe was within her reach.  Like a dream come true, one touch released a powerful surge of energy throughout her body to cure her medical condition.

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.  He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” – Mark 5:33-34

Today, countless depressed souls are wondering, “are there any miracles leftover for me to experience?”  Downcast, pessimistic and skeptical, good things will not come until minds are transformed.  Sure, belief begins with the heart and mouth, Romans 10:9-10, yet victory is obtained by the renewing of the mind, Romans 12:1-12.  May the words of Colossians 3:1-4 serve as rehab until the healing of the mind is complete.

by Jay Mankus

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Are You Leaving a Trail of Breadcrumbs Behind?

Posted on May 18, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Will Smith played Detective Del Spooner in the 2004 film I Robot.  A hologram chooses Del to investigate the murder of Dr. Alfred Lanning, who saved Spooner’s life years earlier after a car accident nearly ended his own life.  Trapped by his work at United States Robotics to roll out a new line of S5’s, Dr. Lanning turns to Hansel and Gretel to leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind after his death.

The farmer sows the word, Mark 4:14.

Oddly enough, Jesus uses a curious expression in one of his well known parables.  Often overlooked, Jesus compares the sowing process to a farming planting his annual harvest.  However, there is a twist, your actions leave behind an imprint.  Thus, individuals are either leaving a trail of breadcrumbs behind that reflect biblical principles or worldly desires.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap, Galatians 6:7.

If someone was designated to shadow you, following your attitude, behavior and words of the last 24 hours, week or month, what clues would this person uncover?  Are you living a consistent life, clear and easy to recognize?  Or would certain inconsistencies confuse, throw off and make discerning souls question the existence of this life?   The four words of Mark 4:14 struck my heart with conviction, causing me to re-evaluate my own witness.  May Jesus’ teaching inspire you to become a modern day farmer who sows the word of God, prepared to become a fisher of men, women and children.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Tebow Time

Posted on April 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of the wisest kings to walk the face of the earth once said, “there is a time for everything.”  Sometime in the past month, the mind of Chip Kelly, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, decided his roster needed one more player prior to the start of this season’s first mini-camp.  Finalized last weekend, its officially Tim Tebow time in the city of brotherly love.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, Ecclesiastes 3:1

Whenever you have a polarizing figure, the world of Twitter explodes with opinions on either side of the fence.  Since the Tebow signing, NFL experts have given their typical criticism, expecting Tim to fail before he evens starts this new journey.  While these commentators may be correct, time will be the ultimate judge.

God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

If individuals believed everything their peers told them, dreams would not exist.  Against all odds, the human will can elevate the unlikeliest characters to become the next Rudy Ruettiger, Vince Papale and Kurt Warner.  In my own pursuit of happiness, I’ve learned to reach for the stars and if you fail perhaps you might inspire someone else to do the same.  As for Tim Tebow, only the Lord knows what the future holds, but for now let Tim enjoy the next challenge in his life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Mystery of Praise

Posted on April 21, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Unless you are a morning person, most people take time to wake up.  This lack of energy makes the likelihood of praise to be displayed as a natural occurrence.  As for me, only when the right kind of music is present or a tune prompts my heart does a spirit of praise arrive.  Beside this perfect setting, praising God is a mystery.

To carry out the sentence written against them— this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the LORD. – Psalm 149:9

According to the book of Hebrews, its impossible to please God without faith.  Thus, when you read the prophecies of the Bible, you can’t view each with skepticism.  Beyond the words from this ancient book, one must believe God will eventually fulfill each promise.  Although doubts will arise if a prolong time passes without any fulfillment, yet praise is conceived when individuals see the the Bible come true like the words of Psalm 149:9.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see, Hebrews 11:1.

If someone spends days, months or years praying for a miracle without any results, any desires to praise God often fade away.  Families who have lost a member to a killer disease experience arid periods, void of joy.  Subsequently, many venture off, putting God on hold until they can comprehend of what just happened.  Although the wait is agonizing, the hope of a prodigal returning to their senses brings angels to praise God in heaven and rejoicing souls on earth.  May the mystery of praise not serve as a stumbling block to pursuers.  Rather, may the Holy Spirit revive your heart with a new sense of appreciation for the hand of God at work in this life.

by Jay Mankus

 

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