Tag Archives: meditate

Losing Touch with Reality

Posted on March 15, 2018 by expressyourself4him

There are moments in life where you will be in high demand.  Depending upon the emergency, project or situation, people will turn to you for advice.  To avoid any impure motives, pride or selfish ambitions, Jesus developed a morning routine.  This spiritual discipline involved getting up early, withdrawing to a quiet place and praying to God.  As a way to clear his mind, Jesus meditated, listened in silence and poured out his heart to God.  This daily exercise prevented Jesus from losing touch with reality.

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there, Mark 1:35.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Jesus’ disciples.  Caught up in the instant rock star status of their leader, it appears the disciples were afraid to tell fans no.  After Jesus healed his mother in law, Peter sought to please people, hoping everyone could experience the joy his own family felt.  Subsequently, Peter became like Jesus’ agent, booking appointments for future healings and miracles.  When Jesus was located the next day, Peter had to scrap his plan as God gave Jesus a clear vision for the future.

Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, 37 and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!” 38 He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].” Mark 1:36-38.

Recently, I have been so consumed with my own dreams, goals and objectives that I have lost touch with reality.  I guess I became so focused, fixated on what I wanted that I haven’t taken the time to be still and meet with God.  Sure, I’ve had my morning devotions and prayer, but as soon as I was finished its back to what I want to do.  This is a dangerous place to find yourself, blinded by selfish ambition.  If you want to avoid making the same mistake that Peter and I have made, take a step back, find and quiet place and listen to the Lord.  If you make this a weekly practice, you will be less likely to lose touch with reality.

by Jay Mankus

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Standing, Kneeling or Sitting

Posted on September 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever attended a professional sporting event, before each game begins the MC or Voice of the radio play by play makes an announcement.  The words usually go something like this, “will you now rise, take off your caps and direct your attention to the flag as we honor America with the singing of our National Anthem.”  This tradition would have likely continued.  Yet, following the stance of Colin Kaepernick during 2 NFL preseason games by sitting down, then taking a knee, the National Anthem may become a thing of the past just like saying the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, Psalm 1:1.

On any given Sunday, you will find most players standing, a few on one knee and perhaps a rebel sitting on the team’s bench.  Yet, what does it really mean to stand, kneel or sit.  Whenever someone stands it represents a few things.  Standing symbolizes a willing participant, taking a stance or coming together for a common cause.  To take a knee suggests someone is resting, to gather their strength before moving on.  Meanwhile, kneeling is more of an act of worship, to bow down in humility to honor God.  Finally, sitting has multiple meanings.  Individuals can participant in sit ins, join others in protest or in the biblical context, sitting down refers to completing what you set out to do.

But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night, Psalm 1:2.

Going forward, I hope that singing the National Anthem doesn’t turn into the ACLU’s attack on the pledge of allegiance.  Nonetheless, how people live, the stances you take and the character displayed will be a greater factor than celebrities on television.  In this day and age, people are starving for leaders, someone you can believe in and follow.  In the absence of leadership, the Colin Kaepernick’s of this world will try to set new trends to follow.  In the end, its up to you, to either stand, kneel or sit as America’s freedom’s are under siege by those who detest the Christian heritage of this country.  What will you do?

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When Prayer Fails

Posted on March 4, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When things begin to unravel or fail apart, I’m the kind of person that wants to know why.  Thus, as I experience long periods of unanswered prayers, I begin to meditate, ponder and reflect on possible explanations.  What I discovered are three main reasons why some of my past prayers have failed.

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! – Isaiah 1:15

1. Confession without Contrition

There are times when individuals are sorry for sinful acts, but haven’t done anything to stop this from reoccurring.  In the days of the prophet Isaiah, some Jews began to offer sacrifices to the Lord without a contrite heart.  Thus, when people lifted up concerns to God before dealing with addictions, bad habits or wayward behavior, the Lord refused to listen.

However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you, Deuteronomy 28:15.

2. Walking in Disobedience

The longer I live, the more I find myself in some sort of spiritual funk.  Time has a way of altering priorities which usually leaves God low on your list.  According to Moses, getting God’s attention is fairly simple.  Obey the Lord and carefully follow all of the commands. Unfortunately, most forget about the all, picking and choosing the passages in the Bible that they like and disregarding those that are cumbersome.  Subsequently, many wander away like a prodigal, bringing curses instead of blessings from heaven.

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins, Matthew 6:15.

3. An Unforgiving Heart

While faith is a crucial element to seeing prayers fulfilled, refusing to forgive is like the kiss of death.  The concept of Reaping and Sowing directly applies to your heart.  Therefore, if you can’t let go, get over and move on, the Lord will not forgive you.  So if days, weeks, months or years go by without seeing any fruits of prayer, perhaps one of these three areas is preventing God’s power from being unleashed.  Whether its acts of contrition, making a U-Turn back to Jesus or finding the grace to forgive, may you be on your way to unlocking the barriers keeping you from seeing heaven come down to earth in the form of answers to prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Novel Concepts for Developing a Sound Mind

Posted on February 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you watch cable news or listen to talk radio, it won’t before an opposing opinion makes your blood boil, expressing a polar opposite worldview from what you hold.  When you add in the over dramatization of television along with paranoia expressed through future projections of pending storm systems, its hard to remain calm or maintain a sound mind.  Subsequently, I have tried to limit my intake of the media to weekends.  This novel concept has led to positive outcome so far in 2016.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful, Joshua 1:8.

After Moses retires, Joshua is chosen to lead Israel into the promised land.  However, the Lord is clear, providing careful instructions for God’s people to follow.  Trying to find a way around this system, Achan learns the hard way in Joshua 7, stoned to death along with his entire family.  If only Achan listened to Joshua the first time, mediating on the Torah, his fate would have been different.  Unfortunately, listening and doing are two different things.  Another novel concept is obedience, which must be demonstrated first prior to tasting prosperity and success.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline, 2 Timothy 1:7.

The final novel concept to developing a sound mind is discipline.  You don’t have to sleep all day, watch television for hours or waste countless hours playing video games.  According to one of the apostles, God provides the Holy Spirit in times of decision.  Don’t allow a weakened work ethic to give into temptation.  Feeling defeated is a choice, an attitude for losers.  Therefore, tap into God’s Spirit so that when your flesh is weak, Christ power is strong, propelling you toward a sound mind.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Zero Tolerance

Posted on November 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Every year, more and more businesses, organizations and schools are instituting zero tolerance policies.  Essentially, institutions punish any infraction of a rule, regardless of accidental mistakes or ignorance.  This movement is geared toward eliminating the use and possession of illicit drugs as well as preventing weapons from entering buildings.  Although every policy has its flaws, the overall goal is to provide a safe environment for children and adults.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go; Joshua 1:7.”

The Old Testament has its own zero tolerance policy.  Surrounded by cultures who worshiped gods and goddesses of earth, the Lord understood the temptations which lurk around every corner.  Thus, as Moses retires and is about to pass the torch to Joshua, God introduces his zero tolerance policy to the nation of Israel.  There was no ifs, ands or buts.  Rather, God urged Joshua to be all in to achieve blessings and success in life.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful, Joshua 1:8.

Today, anyone who holds to the principles within Joshua 1 is considered old fashion, radical and extremists.  The idea of following a set of rules and regulations seem foolish, especially since God is invisible.  Yet, if a mediocre life is what you desire, keep on living as you are.  However, if results is what you are hungering, then trust and obey the advice in the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

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Getting Close to God’s Heart

Posted on April 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

To sense the invisible, God created human beings with a conscious, a general awareness to lead you to the right path.  Beyond the ability to feel, hear, see, taste and touch, it takes time to draw near to God.  For some getting close to the Lord’s heart is a lifelong journey, using trial and error to find your way.

And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD, Psalm 148:14.

Along this search, obstacles, road closures and temptation pop up causing some to quit, giving up before acquiring a heart like David.  Finding the time the read the Bible, prayer and meditate on God’s principles is hard to fit into one’s daily schedule.  Thus the thought of getting close to God’s heart becomes a pipe dream for most, content with a mediocre faith.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:7.

According to Jesus, the heart is like a treasure chest, Luke 6:43-45.  What people store up inside come out in the form of actions, behavior and words.  The moment souls are irritated, pushed or prodded, either good or evil will come out.  In view of this reality, its essential to guard your heart, Proverbs 4:23, nourishing it with the promises of God in the Bible.  Then and only then will seekers begin to get close to God’s heart.

by Jay Mankus

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Where Does My Help Come From?

Posted on February 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The term apologetics in the context of theology (the science of God) is derived from expressing what you believe and why.  This process takes time to reflect, meditate and verbalize the rationale behind the beliefs you hold dear.  Thus, one of the areas a person may contemplate over the course of their life is this: where does my help come from?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? – Psalm 121:1

Those who claim to be rugged individuals, consisting of discipline, hard work and persistence, often give the credit of their success to how they were raised, trial and error and earning most of what they have received in life.  Meanwhile, victims are on the opposite side of the spectrum, learning to pass the blame for their failures on everyone or anything possible, creating an excuse for each loss, setback and unreached dream.  As for those somewhere in between, the divine, luck the family you are born into usually help to explain why help arrived or never came to the rescue.

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; Psalm 121:2-3.

Looking back on my own personal experiences, there have been too many occasions in the past to write off as mere coincidences.  During my sophomore year of high school, I first sensed the hand of God leading me.  Although I have endured periods where I felt abandoned by God, help eventually was provided by angels, conversations, letters, unusual encounters and whispers from the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, as for me and my household, our help comes from the Lord!

by Jay Mankus

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The Origin of Blessings

Posted on December 30, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The concept of blessings is a central focus of God’s covenant relationship beginning in the book of Genesis.  This term is mentioned over 600 times in the Old Testament.  Following the fall of human beings in the Garden of Eden, God countered the curse of Genesis 3:14-17 with a promise of blessings to Abraham and his descendents, Genesis 12:3.  However, this promise comes with a condition of obedience and if individuals stray from these commands this pattern can be reversed in the form of curses, Deuteronomy 27-28.

The Psalmist provides more concrete examples of blessings as well as how one arrives at becoming blessed.  The foundation of blessings derives from a blameless state, Psalm 119:1.  This process is achieved over time keeping the Bible’s statutes, seeking God with all your heart and walking in the ways of the Lord, Psalm 119:2.  To arrive at this desired goal, though perfection is unattainable, careful attention must be paid to decrees, avoiding short cuts and eliminating wrong from the equation, Psalm 119:3-4.  Passing the torch from one forefather, Moses, to another, advice has been passed on to maintain blessings, Joshua 1:8.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. – Joshua 1:8

Today, there are various beliefs, opinions and views on why someone is successful or not.  Yet, history contains examples of people, families and nations that were blessed over time as well as countless who experienced one disappointment after another.  Although the thought of being blessed by God is exciting, the work that goes along with this commitment can be exhausting.  Human nature causes even the strong to get side tracked and wander away from the truth.  Therefore, if you want to find God’s favor in 2015, follow the steps mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, Matthew 6:33-34 and Galatians 5:25.  Go with God and the Lord will walk by your side.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33

by Jay Mankus

 

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That Which You Gaze Upon… You Will Become

Posted on November 21, 2014 by expressyourself4him

While listening to talk radio today, I was struck by a caller to the Glenn Beck Show.  Beating around the bush, this man ctonfessed to an addiction to pornography.  During this struggle, one thought kept reverberating, “that which you gaze upon, you will become.”

One of Jesus’ 12 disciples recognized a similar pattern near the end of the first century, 1 John 2:15-17.  Inside of each human being, a hunger exists, searching for objects of desire.  Lusts, longings and pride can shift your focus from where it should be to behind the devil’s door, Ephesians 4:26-27.  In other words, be careful what you wish for.

One of Jesus’ best words of wisdom in his Sermon on the Mount can be found in Matthew 6:19-24.  The Lord knew before creation that which individuals gaze upon, they will become.  The cure to prevent addictions is to begin to store up treasures on earth.  The apostle Paul added to this in Colossians 3:1-4, urging readers to meditate on the Lord day and night.  If bad habits have you staring in the wrong direction, fix your eyes on the author and perfecter of life, Hebrews 12:1-3.

by Jay Mankus

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Snapping out of a Self-Induced Trance

Posted on November 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The Sermon on the Mount has been a wealth of spiritual insight since it was recorded in the first century.  Following this messakge, Jesus provides common sense for those inspired to practice these words, Matthew 9:12-13.  Anyone who is physically, mentally or spiritual sick should see a doctor for advice, counseling or medicine.  However, God expects the rest to be proactive and self-medicating so that these individuals will be  able to snap out of any self-induced trance.

Galatians 5:16-18 warns its readers against an invisible force able to lull you into a false sense of security.  Brought on by compromise, conceit or rationalizing daily choices, sin can cast a spell over any self-indulging suspect.  Whether its a mentality, new way of thinking or a worldview disguised with modern lingo, even some of Jesus’ own disciples were deceived into believing a lie, Galatians 5:7-9.

As for me, my eye sight has deteriorated over the last month.  Subsequently, reading the Bible or anything for more than a few minutes has been a struggle.  The less I read, the more vulnerable I become to a life without God.  Waking up in the middle of the night on my day off provided a dose of logic to snap me out of this sluggish spiritual condition.  This is why one of Israel’s leaders begged his people to meditate on the Bible day on night, Joshua 1:7-8.  By doing this, you too can snap yourself out of any prolonged trances induced by a sinful nature, Romans 6:23.

by Jay Mankus

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