Tag Archives: minds

Trying to Understand a World Turned Upside Down

Posted on January 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon one’s worldview, the beliefs you develop will reflect how you see the world.  Thus, one religion might view a suicide bombing as a righteous act.  Meanwhile, someone who saves a whale is deemed a hero.  On the other hand, a similar attempt to save an unborn child’s life might result in persecution, earning a reputation as a bigot.  Either the world has been turned upside down or worldviews have poisoned the minds of this generation.

Humans tend to form their opinions based upon personal experiences.  The more someone encounters attitudes, behaviors and ethics, ideals slowly take hold, shaping the individual as they absorb the world around them.  Therefore, the adults, fatherly figures and leaders one comes into contact with on a daily basis will influence who children become.  Whether its the music they hear, shows they watch or conservations they observe, all play a factor.  If a mind is a beautiful thing to waste, warped worldviews is a major reason why the world appears to be turned upside down.

Jesus faced a similar crowd early in the first century.  When Pharisees placed so many regulations on the Sabbath, their hearts turned cold toward healings Jesus performed on the Lord’s day.  Instead of rejoicing, the zealots forgot what being a follower of God was all about.  This convoluted belief blinded many of these religious leaders from seeing Jesus for who he was, the son of God.  However, if someone like Nicodemus can be transformed from a Pharisee in John 3 into one of 2 people not afraid to bury Jesus in John 19:38-42, then our minds can also change today.  Help play a role in changing the world right side up, one mind at a time.

by Jay Mankus

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Lurking in Darkness

Posted on January 13, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The term lurking means to remain hidden, waiting for the perfect time to ambush someone or something.  Whether an animal is preying on a lesser member of the food chain or a bully picks on a weaker individual, each attack if often unexpected, catching the victim off guard.  As a result, predators remain active today, searching for those alone, separated from society, lurking in darkness waiting to pounce on an innocent soul, 1 Peter 5:8.

Unlike Hollywood, the devil doesn’t have horns, a pitch fork or has steam coming out of his ears.  Rather, this spiritual creature is as sly as a serpent, slithering up on someone without any hints or warnings.    Like a chameleon, Satan is able to duplicate angelic acts, 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, similar to the magicians during the days of Pharaoh, Exodus 7:11.  Thus, when you hear in the news of another saint giving into temptation, committing the unthinkable act, the great deceiver was likely the root cause, convincing minds that wrong is right or okay.

You and I aren’t immune as any misstep can lead to a decision that will ruin your reputation.  While David beat Goliath once, devilish Goliath’s are nearly undefeated, dragging their victims into sin, one compromise at a time.  Its no wonder the apostle Paul includes 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 as a precursor to prevent anyone from becoming overconfident.   As the mysteries of the future will be played out tomorrow, make sure that you are ready for enemies who continue to lurk in darkness, Ephesians 6:11.  Remember great is He who is in you than he who is in the world, Romans 8:38-39.

by Jay Mankus

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The Funeral Ends Today

Posted on December 31, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As human beings with hearts, souls and minds, its hard to move on, especially when someone or something is gone.  Just before Christmas an old friend had their grandparents house explode due to a gas leak, erasing any existence of their home and possessions.  Fortunately, they were not home at the time, but every album and cherished picture was obliterated, becoming a distance memory.

In the film We Are Marshall, based upon a true story, when a plane crash wipes out 69 members of the Thundering Herd football program during a storm in the late 1970’s.  Jack Lengyel, played by Matthew McConaughey is hired to rebuild a program, attempting to rise from the ashes of this disaster.  Slowly rebuilding a team, piece by piece, Coach Lengyel gives a touching pregame speech in front of the statue dedicated to their fallen teammates.  Before getting back on the bus to play their game, the motivational talk ends with the words, “the funeral ends today!”

While just a movie, these words provide sound advice for 2014.  The apostle Paul uses a similar expression in Philippians 3:12-14.  Despite what you’ve accomplished in the past, whether good or bad, its pointless to beat yourself up inside, leading to misery and regret.  Therefore, you should press on toward the future, taking hold of the things God has called you to do on earth.  Whatever pain you’ve endure throughout your life or in 2013, make Coach Lengyel’s words your prayer, “the funeral ends today!”

by Jay Mankus

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The Breathe Prayer

Posted on November 11, 2013 by expressyourself4him

John Michael Talbot’s music career took an unusual turn in 1977 as he withdrew from the world to study Catholicism.  This new direction inspired albums like The Lord’s Supper and Come to the Quiet.  Today, John Michael has become an author, motivational speaker and pioneer, blazing a trail a faith for others to follow.

One of his more popular teachings today is on the Breathe Prayer.  Following a prayer of one of the earliest Christian Churches, Talbot has  created a series of youtubes to guide others as they follow this traditional prayer.  However, Talbot incorporates Christian meditation to empower and enhance a believers prayer life.  As you call on the name of the Lord, you breathe in.  When you say, “have mercy on me” you believe out.  Like a chant, you continue this for several minutes.

The word Lord is derived from 2 old English terms, Loaf and Warden.  Once these 2 words are combined, you get the meaning “the Keeper of the Bread.”  The Jewish process of making bread is listed below:

1) Wheat is cut off at the base.

2) A community of workers gather the stalks together.

3) Threshing the wheat off the stalk at the threshing floor.

4) Letting the wind, separate the wheat from the chaff, usually on a tarp, throwing each up in the air.

5) Crushing the wheat into fine pieces with a grinding stone.

6) Adding water and yeast to the flour you made.

7) Kneading the dough, placing it in a pan.

8) Baking and poking the loaf 3 times so it doesn’t explode.

Since Jesus is called the Bread of Life in John 6:25-40, the breathe prayer serves as a visual exercise, reminding hearts and minds of the identity of Christ.

Although I am an amateur in the field of Christian meditation, its refreshing to see someone develop these prayers and practices.  Since the modern church has sat back and watched as yoga has hijacked the practice of meditation from the Christian faith, there is a place for this lost art, Joshua 1:8-9.  May John Michael Talbot’s material draw you closer to God.

by Jay Mankus

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Let The Redeemed Say No

Posted on October 31, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Anyone can say yes, especially toward a proposition relating to sex.  In reality, it takes a strong man or woman to take a stand, going against the temptations of this life, 1 John 2:15-17.  Therefore, its essential for God’s children to walk according a different beat, Matthew 7:13.  The time is now for followers to proclaim, “let the redeemed say no!”

 

The fifth chapter of Galatians contains 2 great winds, pushing in opposite directions.  While one can guide you to safety, the other is set on pushing you over a cliff, causing your conscience to become disabled.  Compromise is rolling into town, with a gentle breeze of “can I get some?”  Meanwhile, common sense is holding its ground, like a trade wind, constantly whispering its motto to hearts and minds willing to change.  This spiritual weather system is on display in Galatians 5:16-17.

The ghost of Eve walks these streets, knowing what’s right, but curious, intrigued by the unknown.   Demons and evil spirits play Trick or Treat, handing out over-hyped Halloween Candy.  Inside these Turkish delights lie a cold heart, like a wicked witch with dishonest intentions.  Invisible to the naked eye, guardian angels intervene, trying to break the spell souls have fallen prey under.  With the conclusion of this tug of war no where on the horizon, the Holy Spirit provides one last message to ears that can hear, “let the redeemed say no!”

by Jay Mankus

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I Can’t Help You With That

Posted on October 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him
 The realist inside my heart has often led me to deviate from the script, persuaded by bored faces, uninterested glances and sleepy heads.  Perhaps, God has taught me that situations vary in life, different for each individual.  Thus, making a blanket remark or statement to anyone can be construed as inconsiderate, especially to a troubled soul.  Therefore, I have learned to be honest, saying to former students and peers, “I can’t help you with that” when I don’t know.

 

Unfortunately, Christians can come off cold as ice, unattached by responses like, “it must have been God’s will.”  When someone dies, gets diagnosed with a terminal illness or is left paralyzed by an accident, people need your love, prayers and support not a text book reply.  Maybe this is what the apostle Paul was eluding to in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.  You can have the best personality, multiple talents and good intentions, yet without love you are nothing.

 

Pride is likely involved, puffing someone up in their minds until the frailty of life comes knocking at their door.  When roles are reversed, I wonder how this person will feel if a fellow believer serves up a patented quote from the Bible.  As Job endured heartbreak, trial and betrayal from his friends, Job 8:1-4, I can’t imagine the loneliness and pain he experienced.  If only someone stood up, broke from tradition and sincerely confessed, “I can’t help you with that, but God can!” – Luke 1:37

by Jay Mankus

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When Hatred Erupts

Posted on August 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A volcano goes through a 3 step process before an eruption occurs.  First, magma which forms when part of the upper or lower mantle begins to melt, creating a buoyancy.  As this pressure from dissolved gases builds, a new batch of magma enters a chamber already filled to capacity.  The next stage involves melting rock inside the earth, where its mass remains the same, but the volume increases.  The lighter magma is forced to the top of the earth’s surface through buoyancy.  Finally, when the density of magma becomes less than the overlying and surrounding rocks, magma reaches the surface, erupting through a vent forming a volcano to explode.

Anthony (no last name available) looks over a memorial for his friend Eugene Clark, 25, who was shot and killed Saturday on July 22, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Hatred within the human soul takes a similar course.  However, the magma is equivalent to envy and or jealousy.  When envy or jealousy is conceived, hatred is born within the hearts and minds of individuals.  When the person or source of anger maintains daily contact with an afflicted soul, hatred expands, like buoyancy, rising to the surface in the form of discord, gossip and slander.  If the density of hate causes a conscience to rationalize retaliation, hatred will erupt, leaving behind an onslaught of crime and murder in its wake as demonstrated by the violent deaths among teenagers living in Chicago.

This pattern is also found in Genesis 37:1-11.  When Joseph’s brothers recognize they are not their father’s favorite, jealousy emerges.  As Joseph rubs salt into their wounds a verse later, Genesis 37:5, sharing a dream of God’s blessing on him, their hatred spreads.  Not knowing when to stop when he is ahead, Joseph continues to boast of God’s favor on him, resulting a plot to kill him in Genesis 37:18.  At least this story has a happened ending, when big brother Reuben persuades the clan to throw Joseph in an empty well to teach him a lesson.  However, Jesus taught us long ago that hatred is equal to murder during his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:21-22.  Therefore, don’t let anger dwell within you, Ephesians 4:26-27.  Let God flush your emotions before hatred erupts once again.

by Jay Mankus

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The Video Game Mentality

Posted on July 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Young people have become experts in the video game realm.  Whether its XBox, Play Station, Wi or online gaming, their hours spent learning how to play, reading books on short cuts and mastering each level of their favorite game is impressive.  Yet, if I asked these same people if they knew what the King James, Living, NAS or NIV was, most would struggle to comprehend why there are so many different versions of the Bible.  However, if I combined the 2, maybe I could reach a common ground to speak on their level, with a video game mentality.

One of my favorite passages of the Bible is Colossians 3:17 and 3:23.  The New International Version  says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, verse 17a.”  Or with a similar concept, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, verse 23.”  If there was such a thing as the New Video Game Translation, this is my best interpretation of this passage.  Put all your effort and focus into each game, hitting the reset button if necessary.  Keep on trying until you reach the next level.  Don’t stop there.  Rather, keep going until you know every move, every aspect and every secret of each game.  Pass on your knowledge and move on to the next adventure, challenge and further versions.

If young people dedicated their lives to Christ like they do with video games, the next great awakening would commence.  Likewise, if prayer replaced countless hours in front of a computer, game system or television screens, endless lives could be transformed.  However, living in the world and not being lead by it is another story.  Achieving balance in life is crucial, maximizing your time with fun, pleasure and work.  When these games become the Lord of young people’s lives, behaviors often change for the worse as an addictive nature engrosses their minds.  The only way to crack this video game mentality is through the giver of life, James 1:18.  Don’t ever stop believing that young men and women can change, Romans 12:1-2.  Place your requests before the Lord so that this mindset can be broken, 2 Corinthians 4:4.

by Jay Mankus

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Theological Divides

Posted on June 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Early in the first century AD, a spirit of jealousy entered into Jewish believers, Acts 15:1-2.  Since the introduction of the covenant of Circumcision in Genesis 17, God had set apart the descendants of Abram as His chosen people.  Thus, the thought of any Gentile receiving the grace of God was foreign, rejected by those who clung to the theology of the Pharisees, Acts 15:5.  Like the Judiazers within Galatia, to become a Christian was to follow in the traditions of the Old Testament, causing even Barnabas to stumble, Galatians 2:11-13.

Today, a new form of Judiazer is present as the elite and misguided perform isogesis, reading their own beliefs into passages of the Bible not supported by the original context.  As a result, heresy’s come and go, confusing the faith of new believers and ticking off others within the body of Christ.  Sects of the pentecostal movement claim salvation is dependent upon speaking in tongues, with hell destined for those who don’t.  Meanwhile, liberalism has allowed a spirit of fear to enter into the pulpit, leading some pastors to become afraid of offending their members with the Word of God.

From my view in the bleachers, another Acts 15 letter needs to occur to straighten out the confusion which exists within 21st century followers of Christ.  Instead of obtaining Psalm 133:1, Satan has poisoned innocent minds, Acts 14:2, leaving behind a wall of theological divides.  May the words of Colossians 3:12-14 serve as an outline, a starting place to tear down these invisible walls.  Pray that Colossians 3:15-17 would become a reality before the church in America becomes a museum like Europe.  Act now to demolish these divisive barriers.

by Jay Mankus

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The Trial Road

Posted on May 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Human nature influences  individuals to question God, especially when the path you are traveling on does not lead you to where you want to go.  Yeah, there are obvious situations when you are to blame.  Yet, there are just as many times in life where you are left scratching your head, trying to figure out the logic of God.

Early Christians likely began to develop a similar belief.  Following the crucifixion of their founder, most thought the worst was over.  However, Acts 8:1 reveals more unfair treatment: a stoning death, imprisonment and relocation due to Saul’s persecution of the church.  As men and women were dragged away from their families, doubt crept into the hearts and minds of Christ followers.

Underneath the surface, a trial road was under construction.  The blueprints were established in Acts 1:8, but complacency kept the church within their own little comfort zones.  By the hand of God, winds of persecution put into motion the initial fulfillment of the great commission as Jerusalem had heard the gospel.  While unpleasant at the time, this trial road opened the door for stage 2 to be complete, spreading the good news about Jesus to Judea and Samaria.  Thus, as you hit your own bumpy stretch or section of potholes, remember the role trials play, James 1:2-4, leading you toward God’s ultimate will, Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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