Tag Archives: mind

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

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Thinking Outside the Box

Posted on June 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the creation and evolution of the internet, students relied on books, creativity and listening for education.  Today, the mind has been spoiled by GPS, 4G and ever changing technology to make life more convenient.  Subsequently, the concept of thinking outside the box is becoming a lost art.  Thus, most of society is going along with the flow, oblivious to the decay of the human minds in America.

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late.  Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” – Mark 6:35-36

Before the advent of credit cards, fast food and professional catering, Jesus and his friends found themselves in a conundrum.  Five thousand men, excluding woman and children, traveled to a remote location without any access to food.  This memorable event is the only miracle mentioned by all 4 gospel authors, a prime example of outside of the box thinking.  Though the 12 disciples tried to pass the buck, sending the crowds away, Jesus had another plan in mind.

But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” –  Mark 6:37

Jesus took what they had and turned his attention toward heaven.  While there are several different theories on the feeding of the 5,000 as portrayed in recent movies and mini-series on the life of Christ, two truths can be extracted by this passage.  First, whenever you face an impossible situation, put your faith and trust in God to act on your behalf.  Second, although God may not answer your request exactly how you want, the Lord will provide enough daily bread to get you through each day.  In the future, don’t be afraid to think outside the box by lifting your concerns up to heaven.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Don’t Be Afraid… Just Believe

Posted on June 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

A little over a year ago, I laid in an emergency room, surrounded by doctors, interns and nurses ready to perform an unusual surgery.  Before receiving drugs to kill the pain and put me asleep, a part of me thought, this could be the end.  Gasping for breath with two broken ribs, a collapsed lung and internal bleeding, my faith was waning.

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” – Mark 5:36

When in the presence of doubt, pessimism and unbelief, Jesus remained positive.  Instead of accepting the inevitable, Jesus took faith to a new level.  As a twelve year old girl passed away, Jesus removed everyone from the house except for the girl’s parents and his inner circle, Peter, James and John.  This set the scene for an environment for healing.

He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”) – Mark 5:41

Depending upon your current situation, complainers, whiners and skeptics abound.  If you’re not careful, these opinions can spoil your mood or poison your mind.  As Tin Cup, played by Kevin Costner once said, “everyone will face defining moments where you can define the moment or the moment will define you”  When these days and situations arise, follow in the footsteps of Jesus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe!”

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Clouds of Darkness

Posted on May 31, 2015 by expressyourself4him

It doesn’t always take a meteorologist or radar to predict a pending storm.  Temperatures may drop, wind gusts rise and skies blacken to serve as a warning sign.  Before the thunder claps, streams of showers on the horizon begin to fall like a ballet in the distance.  However, until it comes, nobody knows what’s hidden in the clouds of darkness.

This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.  For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet.  No one was strong enough to subdue him, Mark 5:3-4.

Besides weather, clouds of darkness can hover over individuals.  Elements could be demonic, a product of bad environments or caused by poor decisions.  In this state, people can take a change for the worse, often reaching a place where they appear to lose their mind.  Loved ones become helpless, unable to snap friends, neighbors and co-workers out of the spell, veiled by a cloud of darkness.

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid, Mark 5:15.

Prior to the arrival of Jesus, those held hostage by these clouds were helpless.  However, resurrection power changed the fate of those living in darkness forever.  Today, healing is just a prayer away.  Complete restoration doesn’t usually occur overnight.  Rather, ungodly beliefs take time to be purged, cleansed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  If clouds of darkness start to surround you, may the Lord of Light stand with you until the storm is over.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Out of Touch; Nearly Out of Time

Posted on May 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Late Night Shows and comedy segments often do a Man on the Street interview to get a laugh.  If the topic was the meaning of Memorial Day, young kids would likely reply with selfish comments.   “A three day weekend, time off school, the first day of summer”.  Unfortunately, remembering those who have died while serving the United States has become out of state out of mind.

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth, 1 John 1:6.

The concept of the soul was inspiration for Hall and Oates 1985 song Out of Touch.  Afraid individuals would lose their soul, John Oates etched this chorus: You’re out of touch I’m out of time But I’m out of my head When you’re not around.  This sense of urgency is missing from a generation spoiled by the freedom in America.  As more and more veterans pass away annually, their time has come to an end.

Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did, 1 John 2:6.

Spiritually speaking, the church is out of touch and nearly out of time to sway a country leaning to the left.  As hearts and minds embrace secular humanism, who will stand up, blaze a new trail and ignite souls to pursue Christ.  Perhaps, most are still out of touch, distracted by a world gone wild.  Nearly out of time, who will come forth to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

1 Comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Choking the Word Out of Your Faith

Posted on May 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of the assumptions Christians often make is “once saved, always saved,” suggesting salvation can not be lost once you profess faith in Christ, Romans 10:9-10.  However, Jesus provides three exceptions to this rule, real life scenarios that disrupt one’s initial commitment to God.  After the crowds left his presence, Jesus reveals the meaning of the Parable of the Sower to his disciples, exposing how certain things can choke the Word out of someone’s faith.

But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful, Mark 4:19.

1. The Worries of this life: Beyond food, clothing and shelter, the human mind can race while trying to sleep.  Financial concerns often lead to stress, sucking the joy of one’s life.  Subsequently, the poor begin to think, “if I only had money, then I will truly be happy.”

2. The Deceitfulness of Wealth: You don’t have to venture far into statistics to see how greed can ruin the lives of individuals.  In a Case Study based upon winner’s of the lottery, only a small percentage found true contentment.  Several families were torn apart by selfish expectations, others went bankrupt by burning through their lump sum jackpot and some ended up in prison, corrupted by the love of money.

3. The Desire for Other Things: You don’t have to be rich to lose your way in life.  However, wealth tends to open up doors, leading to opportunities never dreamed of before.  Thus, the need for God and a Savior wane.  In the end, Bibles collect dust, sitting in a drawer for most of one’s life.  If you’re not careful, this gradual process can invade your soul, choking the Word out of your faith.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

When the World Passes You By

Posted on May 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

I can’t speak for anyone else, yet I tend to believe that the older you become the greater the likelihood of being passed by.  The generation before me grew up with type writers, record players and the radio.  Although some of the new gadgets are enticing, the stubborn cling to their past.   Before long technological advances can leave even the educated lost in the dark.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1

While getting lost last weekend, I realized how dependent individuals have become on GPS.  In a car full of hungry stomachs, the old school, maps, were bickering against the voice on a cell phone.  Neither seemed to be reliable as a 10 minute car ride turned into a 45 minute argument.  Perhaps the more one trusts in apps, technology and websites, the weaker the human mind becomes.

I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their ancestors did.” – Judges 2:22

From a spiritual perspective, sometimes the newest teachings are merely recycled lies from the past.  The New Age Movement began in the Garden of Eden inspired by Lucifer.  Humanism was conceived during the days of Judges when people did what they thought was right in their own eyes.  Finally, the idea that there are many paths to heaven was confronted by Jesus during the first century, John 14:6.  Thus, if you feel like the world is passing you by, lean on God’s Word, the Bible to find your way home, Psalm 119:105.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

False Assumptions

Posted on April 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The analytical may not always develop the simplest solution, yet the end result makes much more sense than policies created by politicians.  In many cases, adults are treated like high school students, punishing the masses for the sins of a few.  Meanwhile, public service announcements assume that alcoholics, drug addicts and out of control gamblers can change just by listening to an ad.

A psalm of David. I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you, Psalm 141:1.

According to motivational speakers, the key to transforming individuals begins and ends with one’s attitude.  Attitudes are like navigational devices, steering people based upon their moods either in positive or negative directions.  However, if you can encourage someone’s attitude to change, they can turn around their own life.

Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies, Psalm 141:4.

Any plan which neglects attitudes will lead to false assumptions.  Few addicts can and will able to quit cold turkey, able to walk away without ever succumbing to temptations of the past.  Rather, if anyone wants a realistic approach to break free from past demons, pray for a new attitude.  May this journey lead to life altering results.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

It’s Not a Matter of If… But When!

Posted on April 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Back in 1991, Michael W. Smith sang about finding his Place in the World.  Sure, its a noble effort, yet the pessimistic didn’t want to get their hopes up only to be disappointed once again.  As for me, this concept was like a dream that didn’t seem achievable until I began to open up the Bible.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. – Psalm 143:10

According to King David, discerning God’s will isn’t a matter of if, but when.  Prepared by countless hours in the fields as a shepherd, trusting the Lord was a daily occurrence providing grass for the herd, protection from wild animals and daily bread to survive.  Like a spiritual antenna, David learned to follow the Spirit of the living God, leading him to solid ground.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

Although I don’t have the faith of David, I am making progress, trusting that the work God began in me will be carried on to completion, Philippians 1:6.  Sure, I’ve had my doubts along the way and periods of darkness, unaware of my next step in life.  Even still, my soul finds comfort in writing as I try to find my place in this world.  I’m not there yet, but it’s not a matter of if, but when.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →