Tag Archives: mind

Be Grateful For What You Have; Not What You’ve Lost

Posted on January 1, 2017 by expressyourself4him

In my first year as a high school teacher, I stayed up well past midnight preparing for the next day.  While attempting to create challenging lesson plans, I overlooked one important truth.  This quest for perfection often left me feeling empty as the good was overshadowed by negative reactions by parents and students.  Instead of being grateful for what I had accomplished, my heart, soul and mind spent most of the time focusing on what I had lost.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

A little more older and wise now, writing this blog has helped transform my perspective.  Rather than worry about the next issue, subject and topic I am going to address, the Lord has given me a sense of peace, knowing that somehow, someway God will provide new ideas.  Whether I’m reading an article waiting for my next eye doctor appointment, listening to talk radio or watching television, interesting concepts continue to flow.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive, Acts 20:35.

After not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve, I stumbled upon a documentary aired on the Golf Channel about former British Open Champion Darren Clarke.  Labeled as one of the best tour players not to win a major, Clarke faced something more important winning a golf tournament.  When Darren’s wife Heather was diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the second time, she succumb to this disease in 2006.  Always staying positive to the end, Heather left behind a message to visitor’s of her tombstone.  “Be Grateful For What You Have; Not What You’ve Lost.”  May these words inspire you to apply this mindset in 2017.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Congested Mind

Posted on December 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

At this time of the year 2 types of congestion appear, one that attacks our body and another which tries our patience.  The text book definition refers to being blocked up or too full of something.  As winter colds begin to develop within heads and sinuses, holiday traffic can elicit fits of anger or road rage.  Either one of these symptoms can result in a congested mind.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ, Colossians 2:8.

In the other 3 seasons of the year, the mind is under assault by opposing world views seeking to convert you to their ideology.  College professors do this through philosophy, challenging freshman to question their religious beliefs.  Unfortunately, a growing numbers of Christians abandon their faith before graduating, undoing the family values instilled by parents in less than 4 years.  Instead of dealing with this congestion, minds often cave into peer pressure.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

Today, if you’re healthy, just driving to and from work can give you a headache.  Whether its people with cell phones in their lap talking or texting, its miracle that more people don’t get into accidents.   Anyway, the apostle Paul urges believers to be sober-minded, aware of the schemes of the devil.  If not you will suffer from a congested mind, likely falling prey to an enemy seeking to devour lost and lonely souls.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Getting to Know God Through Fasting

Posted on December 16, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When you are young and begin to notice the opposite sex, there are 5 things you can do to get someone’s attention.  The first three are obvious: shave and shower, put on cologne and deodorant, get dressed to impress others.  However, the final two require dedication and sacrifice.  Fully commit and submit to one person; then have the will to be faithfully compliant for the rest of your life.

Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking, Ruth 3;3.

Naomi’s mother in law provides similar advice after Naomi was done grieving the death of her husband.  Since Boaz is in line to be a kinsman redeemer, he becomes the obvious choice.  Yet, Naomi needed to take a bath, find her best perfume and replace her grieving clothes with a new attractive outfit.  The remaining two words of advice require action and an understanding of Jewish tradition.  Uncovering the feet of someone and lying at their feet is symbolic of full submission to an individual.  The last piece of advice in the verse below refers to fully committing, doing what is next.

When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do,” Ruth 3:4.

This 5 step process also applies to fasting.  The first step involves being freshly cleansed to get God’s attention, Isaiah 1:16.  When completed anoint yourself with the sweet fragrance of the word of God like the imagery within Ephesians 5:26.  Third, people need to replace a spirit of complaining by putting on the garment of praise, Isaiah 61:10.  Next, its vital to become fully committed and submissive by setting your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-3.  Finally, as you get to know God through fasting, faithfully commit to following God’s will, remembering the words of Jesus, “not my will, but yours be done,” Luke 22:42.

by Jay Mankus (inspired by a Jentezen Franklin sermon)

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The Sword of the Lord

Posted on December 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When I was a child, I felt invincible.  Yet, age is the great equalizer.  Subsequently, in my latter years, I have experienced times when I feel like God has abandoned me.  These moments in times have left me lost in a world of darkness.

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian,” Judges 6:13.

After Joshua’s death in the Old Testament, Judges began to lead the nation of Israel.  Unfortunately, Gideon endured a similar fate, wondering if God had forgotten the promises made to his chosen people.  During a conversation with an angel, Gideon poured out his heart, sharing his concerns.

The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!”

Judges 7:20

In the hours and days that followed, the Spirit of the Lord fell upon Gideon.  This encounter empowered Gideon to free Israel from the hands of the Midianites.  Although, there were likely some concerns with Gideon’s heart and mind, the Sword of the Lord was the source of victory.  This invisible power provided a miracle which generations continue to recount.  If you are feeling helpless today, cry out to God so that the Sword of the Lord will rescue you from trouble.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Human Spirit

Posted on December 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When someone refers to the human spirit, they are usually talking about a combination of the heart, soul and mind.  While the heart is the life source of the body, the mind regulates our mental state.  Yet, the soul is the essence of human beings, setting one person apart from the next.

The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being, Proverbs 20:27.

According to Solomon, the human spirit is like an internal light that highlights who you are.  This lamp reveals what is in your heart.  This reflection comes out in the form of words.  If you are wounded by individuals in your past, your vocabulary will reflect this.  Subsequently, hurt people will hurt other people.

But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them, Matthew 15:18.

This built up angst is what defiles people according to Jesus.  Its no wonder that King Solomon urges Israel to guard your heart for it is the well spring of life.  The apostle Paul takes this concept one step further in Colossians 3:1-3, to set your heart and mind on things above.  If you want to preserve the human spirit, these instructions are vital to maintain health, life and the pursuit of happiness.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Run Out of Words to Say

Posted on December 11, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As someone who clings to pray, I experience many days where I draw a blank.  Unable to come up with the words to express what I’m feeling, I pause, wondering where to go next.  Unfortunately, no matter how hard I try, I don’t have the gift of conversation.  Sure, I have my hot button issues that friends may tell me to shut up or change the topic.  Nonetheless, most of the time I am tapped out, running out of words to say.

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, Ezekiel 11:19.

When it comes to prayer, some people truly have a gift.  As these individuals open their mouth, words flow freely as it God is in room with them.  Trying to follow anyone like this in a prayer group can be humbling, spitting out whatever comes to my mind.  Yet, there is much to learn from those who possess the gift of prayer.  Asking, probing and seeking wisdom is a great place to start, especially if you struggle like me to come up with words to lift up to God as you pray.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, Luke 12:34.

Several years ago I attended a Bible Study with a couple of doctors.  One was a physician and the other a vet.  One thing I took away from these interactions was the need to focus on a specific word when you pray.  When my eye was beginning to revert back to its pre-surgery state the word regeneration came to my mind.  Immediately, I began to ask God to regenerate the cells within my eyes, to restore that which was lost.  Suddenly, I noticed a quick improvement.  Although my eye hasn’t been completely restored, when you run out of words to say in the future, narrow in on a key word and pray with faith for a miracle.

by Jay Mankus

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An Old Prayer for a New Place

Posted on November 25, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If I have learned anything as a coach, parent and teacher is that nothing is immune from evil.  Some of the godliest churches, people and nations have fallen away from God and slipped into a state of darkness.  Trying to turn these dire situations around by mere human strength is impossible.  The next time this occurs its important to seek a higher authority by applying an old prayer for a new place.

Then Abraham approached God and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?  What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?  Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”  The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake,” Genesis 18:23-26.

Even democrats and republicans can agreement that this past election cycle has been as bad as it gets.  The desire to win has created one of the nastiest and ugliest campaigns ever.  After the last votes have been counted, some cities and states have gotten worse, turning loses into riots.  Despite whatever ideology you may share, its time to come together, uniting under one mediator, the Creator of the heavens and earth, to approach God with a plea to spare this nation for the sake of the righteous.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:43-44.

Perhaps Jesus was thinking about the United States of America circa 2016 when He shared these words above.  The easy thing to do in life is love those who think like you and hate everyone else.  Yet, Jesus has higher standards for those who long to be followers of the cross.  Therefore, ask the Lord to transform your heart, soul and mind.  Turn hatred into love and enemies into friends.  When individuals begin to rely on old prayers for new situations, nothing is impossible for God.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Jumper Cables

Posted on November 13, 2016 by expressyourself4him

According to Mark Twain, age is an issue of mind over matter.  This concept has led some to believe age is just a number.  Nonetheless, individuals either young or old will experience days when you can’t or don’t want to get out of bed.  Subsequently, every now and then you might need to have your internal batteries jumped.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you, John 14:26.

Whenever a car, truck or vehicle door is left slightly open, the battery slowly loses its energy.  If you have driven long enough, you will encounter the inconvenience of a car that does not start.  Depending upon who is available, you will need a boost to get back on your way.  This is where jumper cables and a good Samaritan can come to your rescue.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, Romans 8:26.

In the spiritual realm, everyone reaches a point where you can’t go any further on your own.  When counsel is not available or accessible, God does provide a spark like jumper cables.  However, in this case this source is invisible.  Thus, if this blog finds you down in the dumps or void of passion, call out to Holy Spirit to rejuvenate your soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Where Did I Go Wrong?

Posted on November 2, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Life tends to be a series of choices which lead you to the place where you end up.  Sure, accidents, illness and tragedy may be the exception to this rule, but it doesn’t take much to take the wrong path.  Compromise starts off subtle, lulling souls to sleep spiritually.  Before you know you have a problem, its often too late as people are left to ponder, “where did I go wrong?”

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot, Romans 8:7.

Some might argue that its impossible to know if you are exactly where God wants you to be.  Meanwhile, others claim the conscience was designed into every human being to regulate your soul.  Yet, if your mind isn’t right, thoughts can become hostile to God.  Whenever anyone drifts off course from the path God desires you to take, Satan can use your own mind against you to justify false actions and behaviors.  Thus, determining where you went astray can be more difficult than it seems.

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” Joshua 24:15.

As Joshua leads a new generation into God’s promised land, it was fitting to urge Israel to consider who they are willing to serve.  The blessings are out there, fruits for those who remain on the straight and narrow.  Yet, the sooner you recognize where you went wrong, the quicker you will find reconciliation.  Therefore, I’m calling all prodigals to come to their senses to find forgiveness, hope and the peace of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Learning to Let Go of Those Things You Can’t Control

Posted on October 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

I spent a couple of hours in and out of waiting rooms on Friday, waiting to hear what the tests on my eyes revealed.  Like a prophet, I overheard a Christian woman provide some profound advice.  Chatting with a woman next to her, she replied, “I’ve learned you have to let go of those things you can’t control.”

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? – Psalm 56:3-4

Almost an hour later, I was prepared for the bad news that I received.  While various medical terms spoken were foreign to me, I was told eye surgery was imminent.  The doctors advice was the sooner was better, causing my mind to race about how this will change my life.  Yet, as the woman in the waiting room professed, you can’t worry about things beyond your control.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love, 1 John 4:18.

One of Jesus’ disciples shines some light on this topic.  Whenever faced with something beyond your control, fear is a common response.  However, the cure to overcoming this is the perfect love found in Jesus Christ.  As I cope with what awaits me in the next few weeks, I can’t say I am confident.  Nonetheless, my hope lies in Christ alone as I trust God’s providence to oversee that which I can’t control.

by Jay Mankus

 

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