Tag Archives: keep in step with the Holy Spirit

When Your Conscience and Faith Go Hand in Hand

Posted on October 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon your education, how you were raised, and your spiritual upbringing, the concept of conscience and faith will vary. After being introduced to the book Restoring the Foundations through a Sunday School class, my perspective has changed. Due to ungodly beliefs, personal opinions that deviate from the Bible, that are picked up over the course of your life, these flawed mindsets block you from being the person who God wants you to become, Romans 12:1-2.

And the king assigned for them a daily portion of his own rich and dainty food and of the wine which he drank. They were to be so educated and so nourished for three years that at the end of that time they might stand before the king. 6 Among these were of the children of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar [the king’s attendant], Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 8 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king’s rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself, Daniel 1:5-8.

Based upon the beginning of this book, Daniel was blessed with intellectual and physical features. Meanwhile, Daniel’s parents introduced the teachings of Moses to him at an early age, Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Subsequently, when the Babylonians begin to force customs which are in direct conflict to the Old Testament, Daniel’s conscience and faith go hand in hand as if to sound a spiritual alarm inside his heart.

 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do, Galatians 5:16-17.

The apostle Paul explains this sensation as an internal war between the Holy Spirit and sinful nature. This human flaw described in Romans 3:9-12 has caused every individual to fall short of God’s glory. Nonetheless, when Christians begins to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, your conscience serves as a flashlight to point you in the right direction. May today’s blog inspire you to hold your ground by uniting faith with your God given conscience to follow the narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, in a world of darkness.

by Jay Mankus

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Spicing Up Your Act

Posted on September 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Whenever teachers go through the motions of a lesson plan in class, students notice this lack of energy. Sometimes you can be so focused on what your Power Point says that you forget to read the room. The most successful teachers year after year are able to spice up their act annually to connect what they’re presenting with real life situations.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, Matthew 5:13-14.

Prior to modern day refrigerators, salt was used to preserve meat. Subsequently, when meat was removed from salt prior to being cooked in the first century, salt was used to add flavor to meat as well. Yet, in the above passage, Jesus appears to be referring to the faith of Christians. When your faith, your daily witness becomes stale, you’re no longer a positive influence to other people.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:15-16.

Jesus’ plan of action for preventing faith from becoming stale is by spicing up your actions. This begins by rejecting your old self and practices prior to becoming a Christian, Colossians 3:1-9. Then, once this becomes a daily priority, put on the mind of Christ, 1 Corinthians 2:16. As you learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, your actions will begin to resemble the salt and light Jesus desires in the Sermon on the Mount.

by Jay Mankus

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An Improper Response to a Moment of Weakness

Posted on August 10, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Some Hollywood movies are often inspired by the main character rebounding from a crushing moment in their lives. The context for someone’s irrational decision could be following an accident, broken relationship or death of a loved one. In the passage below, Moses touches on one such improper response to a moment of weakness. After Rachel’s sudden death, Bilhah, Rachel’s former maid and Jacob’s secondary wife, seeks comfort from Reuben which gets out of hand.

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar (monument) on her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Then Israel journeyed on and spread his tent on the other side of the tower of Edar. 22 When Israel dwelt there, Reuben [his eldest son] went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Now Jacob’s sons were twelve, Genesis 35:19-22.

As someone who grew up at a local pool, adult swim was a time where the kids went outside the gate to play whiffle ball as parents enjoyed a peaceful and quiet time swimming. However, Adult Swim is often the name of a cable program that airs mature content. As I continue my study of the book of Genesis, I’m shocked by the amount of X-Rated content that catches me by surprise. First Lot’s daughter’s get dad drunk and each have sex with him; now Reuben sleeps with his dad’s wife.

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [b]adjusted and [c]adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to [d]a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Human nature is one of those mysteries in life which clouds your judgement. Although Moses doesn’t give readers a play by play on what happened or any comments like, “we shouldn’t be doing this,” sin happens. This is why the apostle Paul urges modern day Christians to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Whenever a sweeping urge of temptation consumes your soul, fight back spiritually by looking for a way out. The more you begin searching for a better alternative, the less likely you’ll find yourself immorally responding to a moment of weakness.

by Jay Mankus

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Expressing Your Dependence Upon God

Posted on June 30, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Attention spans vary depending upon the situation, the topic, and the time of day. For example, if you’re in church and you have plans to do something afterward, your mind may wonder back and forth between the sermon. At the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He ends with a call to action. “Don’t just listen, but put my words into action.” How you respond will express your current dependence upon God.

 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. 8 When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine, John 15:6-8.

Prior to the introduction of the Ten Commandments in the book of Exodus, one common theme runs through the book of Genesis. This can be summarized by Moses’ description of Noah and Enoch’s lives: habitually walking with God. Genesis 5:22 and Genesis 6:9 set the standard for all those who seek to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. This is how modern Christians should express their dependence upon God.

And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and [x]learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. 29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his [y]magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? 32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. 33 But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:28-34.

The middle portion of Jesus’ sermon listed above is a convincing argument of why believers should place their hope and trust in God, Proverbs 3:5-6. Unfortunately, many minor miracles are overlooked daily. The half glass empty mindset casts doubt, sometimes leading to second guessing if a lifelong commitment to Jesus, Romans 10:9-10, is really worth it? However, those who take the plunge called faith put it all on the line by expressing your dependence on God to provide day after day. May today’s Scripture challenge you to go all in for Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Getting this Condition Under Control

Posted on April 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My daughter Lydia, a freshman at Liberty University, usually calls home once a week to check in. During a conversation over Spring Break, Lydia shared how excited she is about one of her classes. Global Studies sounds like one of those easy A’s students take to boost their GPA. However, the name is based upon the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20. Lydia’s latest project focuses on how to share the gospel , the good news about Jesus Christ, with someone from another country or religion.

For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [[b]which my moral instinct condemns]. 16 Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. 17 However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out,] Romans 7:15-18.

While I never took a Global Studies class, I did attend a student leadership conference as an adult chaperone when I taught high school Bible at Red Lion Christian Academy. The guest speaker was Dr. Jeff Meyers who spoke on a series of topics that built upon one another. During one session, Jeff shared that atheist, agnostics, and other world religious know what sin is, but they refer to it in various terms. If you want to follow in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis to using apologetics to reach a broad audience, speak in terms of addiction and bad habits.

For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and [d]pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and [e]seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. 6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that [f]comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. 7 [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot. 8 So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him, Romans 8:5-8.

While listening to one of my old Christian mixed CD’s on my long commute to work, I was reminded of a theme within one of DC Talk’s classic songs. In the Light contains the line “getting this condition under control.” Since everyone understands addictions, bad habits or unwholesome cravings, there is always something human beings need to reign in or work on. The apostle Paul explains this internal struggle in the passage above. While you will experience the agony of defeat, if you learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, getting your sinful nature under control is possible with God’s help, 2 Corinthians 12:7-12.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s About that Time for Another Spiritual Alignment

Posted on March 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

My wife Leanne spent the last four years working at the front desk of an auto repair shop in Delaware. While Leanne’s knowledge about cars started with basic details, every year she has picked up a keen sense to notice subtle sounds. These noises that don’t mean anything to me, serve as warning signals that a part is about to break, needs to be replaced or is wearing down. Just as my wife weekly points out these signs for me in my car, it’s about time for another spiritual alignment.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete), Genesis 17:1.

From a vehicle point of view, whenever a bus, car or truck is out of alignment, this unequally wears out the tread of your tires. If you don’t notice this sound or vibrations, you’re putting your vehicle at risk as well as increasing the cost of your next alignment. Based upon the passage above, the Lord provides instructions to Abraham for a spiritual alignment. God’s call is to walk with God habitually, day after day, with your whole heart, soul and mind.

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; 44 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 [aj]To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike]. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? – Matthew 5:43-46

In the first portion of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers a similar call to those in attendance. Recognizing man’s fallen state in Romans 3:9-12, Jesus isn’t demanding perfection; He is asking Christians to strive for perfection. Jesus expects Christians to go above and beyond how the world lives. Thus, the call is to pray for and forgive those who hate you. Spiritual alignments help you love God and love your neighbors as yourself, Matthew 22:37-40. This spiritual exercise allows believers to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, awake and alert for God’s next warning sounds in life.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Word of the Lord Arrives

Posted on February 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When it comes to planning, some like to wing it, others procrastinate until a deadline arrives while the organized are precise; knowing exactly what they want to do and when. To those who attend church regularly, most people just show up, some have their quiet time before and others wait in eager expectation for what God is going to do at some point during the service. To those paying attention, you’ll know when the Word of the Lord arrives.

After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram, I am your [a]Shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great, Genesis 15:1.

The context of the passage above occurs immediately after the events of Genesis 14. Highlights of this chapter contain Lot being taken as a prisoner of war, Abram forming an army and the successful defeat of the contries which captured Lot, Abram’s brother’s son. During his triumphant return, the King of Sodom offers Abram a generous reward, plunder from this battle. Rather than accept this gift, Abram tells this king to divide this among the allied forces that fought with Abram’s men.

And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [[a]loaves of] bread. 4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God, Matthew 4:3-4.

The Word of the Lord arrives in the form of a vision for Abram. God compares Himself to a shield of protection and an abundant compensation in the form of blessings. Receiving this gift from the King of Sodom would have comprised Abram’s faith and made this king feel like he added to Abram’s wealth. Just like the Devil who tried to tempt Jesus with food at the end of his 40 day fast, the King of Sodom was just as persuasive. Yet, when Christians look for the way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Word of the Lord keeps you in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Go and do likewise.

by Jay Mankus

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The Picture of Perfection

Posted on January 23, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a young aspiring athlete, my picture of perfection was the best player in every sport. Wayne Gretsky in hockey, Dr. J in basketball, Steve Carlton in baseball and Reggie White in football. Before the existence of social media, news was strictly based upon a player’s performance. Today, there is no picture of perfection as critics on the right and left pick apart rising stars like vultures during a feeding frenzy.

You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete [ak]maturity of godliness in mind and character, [al]having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect, Matthew 5:48.

The Sermon on the Mount points to perfection, but in the sense of striving towards it. The apostle Paul quotes an Old Testament prophet in Romans 3:9-12 to burst the bubble on human perfection. In case you haven’t heard, this is impossible as all men and women has fallen short of God’s glory despite how hard each has tried, Romans 3:23. Despite this painful reality, Hebrews 4:15-16 refers to Jesus as a great high priest who was a model of perfection, dying on our behalf.

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [d]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live], Ephesians 2:10.

If life is meant to be a series of trial and error, sooner or later you’ll start to take steps toward perfection. The apostle Paul compares God to a spiritual potter, constantly molding and fashioning us into His image, Romans 9:20-21. Meanwhile, Paul compares God to a carpenter in the passage above. Depending upon your gifts and talents, the Holy Spirit seeks to guide you toward the good works God has planned for you in the future, Philippians 1:6. As you keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, may your life resemble the fruits if God’s Spirit like a picture of spiritual perfection.

by Jay Mankus

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Not Just a Seasonal Holiday… A Daily Declaration

Posted on December 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I was introduced to the expression, “make room in your heart for Jesus this Christmas season” as a college student. I don’t remember if this was from the Black Student Union Bible Study I attended, Campus Crusade, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes or Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Whoever was the original source of this message, Christmas is not a seasonal holiday. Rather, the Mass of Christ should be a daily declaration.

But as he was thinking this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from [a]failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God], Matthew 1:20-21.

John 16 provides an introduction to what God with us will look like following Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. Starting with John 12, this final portion of John’s gospel reflects upon Passion Week, the week leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. From Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday was an emotional roller coaster for Jesus’ twelve disciples, 11 after Judas’ suicide. All these events took place to fulfill what was prophesized in the Old Testament. Like Christmas, Easter isn’t a seasonal holiday, it’s a daily declaration of a Savior to came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10.

All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, 23 Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us, Matthew 1:22-23.

The daily declaration is made possible by and through the power of the Holy Spirit who has given us everything we need for life. 2 Peter 1:3-4. Unfortunately, fictional characters like Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan played by Joy Keenan have convinced many Christians that God doesn’t exist and can’t speak audibly to human beings. Yet, for those who keep in step with the Holy Spirit via prayer and daily Bible Study, the Spirit of Emmanuel is alive and well. Therefore, as you open up your Christmas presents this year, don’t fall prey to a seasonal practice of Christmas. Rather, make Jesus Christ a daily declaration in your home and at work.

by Jay Mankus

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The One Who Keeps You From Stumbling

Posted on November 3, 2022 by expressyourself4him

King David likely wrote the below Psalm as he was reminded of his days serving as a lowly shepherd. David wrote about the rocky terrain which shepherds often faced after more favorable fields of grass were depleted. As a former cross-country runner, I know all about stumbling and twisting my ankles during races on an uneven terrain. Yet, David speaks of a God who can keep you from stumbling.

The God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect? 33 He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places, Psalm 18:32-33.

Despite this perspective, David did stumble and fall, big time, as described by 2 Samuel 11-12. David writes about this painful moment in Psalm 32 and Psalm 51. Idleness led David to not show up for work, going to war with Israel’s army, had an affair and once Bathsheba got pregnant, he tried to cover this up by giving her husband leave to sleep with his wife. When Uriah refused to go into his house, David panicked and sent Uriah out to die in battle.

He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber, Psalm 121:3.

While this fall from grace is epic, David learned to see God as the One who keep you from stumbling. Perhaps, David understood what the apostle Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 10:13, learning to search for the way out of temptation following his rebuke by the prophet Nathan. Then again, it’s possible David is literally focusing on God’s ability to keep his feet from twisting an ankle. Whatever the interpretation, both can apply as Christians learn to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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