Tag Archives: opinions

God Wants Your Sex

Posted on July 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

What?  Am I in the right place?  Are you sure you’re not referring to the George Michael song?  During a private conversation between Moses and God, Exodus 31:18, this concept was first introduced to the Israelites.

To prevent the excuse, “well, no one ever told me,” the Lord lays out His position about sex in plain view for all to see, Leviticus 18.   The first sex education message may be graphic in nature, yet God’s boundaries are clearly defined.  Every possible scenario, no matter have perverted, establishes a line in the sand to discourage unlawful sexual acts.   If Adam couldn’t keep the only law in the garden, Genesis 2:17, what’s going to keep mankind from pushing the sexual envelope.

To combat this temptation, God introduces the acts of the sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21.  It’s not a coincidence that sex is linked to the first and last desire.  Sexual immorality is like an open door that many walk through, attracted by temporary pleasures and illicit scenery.  When lust becomes full blown, individuals are persuaded to partake in orgies, losing control of their sexuality.

According to the apostle Paul, the church in Corinth struggled to control their bodies.  Subsequently, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 is written to help those who have strayed off course.  Beyond these addictive habits, soul ties merge you with a sexual partner.  These bonds often confuse souls, destroying relationships and preventing true intimacy from forming.  In view of this, God wants your sex so that your temple, physical body, will be offered as a living sacrifice, Romans 12:1-2.  Please share your feelings, opinions and thoughts on this controversial topic.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Do Whatever He Tells You

Posted on April 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you were raised in a military family, questioning a person of authority isn’t an option.  Colonel Jessup played by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men illustrates this truth during direct examination by Tom Cruise in a military court, “if marines don’t follow orders in Cuba, people die!”  Once any individual earns the respect of their fellow civilians, peers or platoon, most will do whatever he or she tells you to do.

In the case of Mary, mother of Jesus, she knew her son was special by age 12, Luke 2:51-52.  Eighteen years later, her opinion had not changed, believing her son had divine powers, John 2:3.  Thus, when a friend was about to face public humiliation, running out of wine at a wedding ceremony, Mary relies on Jesus to come to the rescue.  However, there was a problem, Jesus had only called 6 of his 12 disciples, John 1:35-51, with 6 more remaining to complete his ministry team.  Initially, he refuses to act, explaining God’s timing to commence his 3 year ministry had not yet arrived, John 2:4.  Nonetheless, Jesus keeps the vow he made following his bar-mitz-vah to honor his father and mother, Exodus 20:12.

As soon as this conflict was settled, Mary moves into action, ordering the servants at the reception to “do whatever Jesus tells you,” John 2:5.  Led by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 4:1 and angels, Matthew 4:11, Jesus examines the situation, develops a plan and gives orders to the servants, John 2:6-8.  With their jobs and reputations on the line, these workers carefully follow Jesus’ instructions.  Likely scratching their heads, hoping for the best, these servants wait in fearful anticipation of the master’s first impression, John 2:9.  Not sure if they will be embarrassed, curiosity holds their attention until each receives good news, John 2:10.  If this first miracle of Jesus teaches us anything, do whatever He tell you and good things are bound to follow.

If you’ve experienced or seen any modern day miracles, feel free to share in the comment section below.

by Jay Mankus

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Wars You Can’t Win

Posted on January 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Political battles rage daily in congress, making their case of pulling out, not backing another country or recognizing that some wars you can’t win.  Whether its the war in Afghanistan, Iraq or the next tense situation, common sense screams, “certain places in the world aren’t worth fighting for since there is no clear winner if you engage in war!”  When this or that country has been battling it out for centuries or close to a thousand years, why shed innocent blood?  Hopefully, someone in Washington D.C. will learn this lesson soon.

On American soil, there is a different kind of war brewing, the war of public opinion.  In the 1997 film Wag the Dog, Dustin Hoffman plays a Hollywood producer who deceives the American people of a fictional war in Albania.  Using special effects, talking points and a montage of sound bytes, Hoffman convinces the people of a war that doesn’t exist.  Today, Blogs, Facebook, Twitter and Youtubes are the weapons of choice, steering minds in their direction.  In a world of shrinking absolutes, where opinions have become elevated to fact status, this war is like chasing the wind.

The only thing you can control in this life is your own character.  Sure, your enemies will attempt to assassinate your reputation, yet your actions, attitude, behavior, body language and words serve as a means of defense.  As long as you are consistent, you can’t control what others says on blogs, Facebook or Twitter.  Therefore, fighting back or responding to your critics is futile.  By coming down to their level, you are strengthening their argument.  Despite the mud opponents sling your way, display prudence by recognizing they are some wars you just can’t win.

by Jay Mankus

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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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Not A Clue?

Posted on January 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

I’m not sure who has a worse track record: global warming predictions or the daily weather forecasters?  According to Al Gore, you know the guy who created the internet, polar bears were suppose to be near extinction due to the last of the polar ice caps melting by now.  Meanwhile, meteorologists have become so dependent on technology and weather models, they’ve overlooked common sense and God given instincts like Bill Paxton’s character in the 1996 film Twister.  I wish someone in either of these 2 groups would just be honest, professing to the world, “I don’t have a clue?”

Based upon actual scientific data, global cooling and warming is influenced by major volcanic eruptions or lack there of.  Temperature patterns going back to the early 1800’s reveal the world wide temperatures decline the year following a major eruption, decreasing between 1-4 degrees fahrenheit on average.  A modern example of this occurred following Mount Saint Helen’s explosion on May 18, 1980 as scientists began to suggest the world was heading toward its next ice age.  In the year’s following little or no volcanic activity, ocean temperatures often rise creating an El Nino affect.  However, computers can only make an educated guess on the future, often not having a clue to God’s daily forecast.

Having confidence in an ability, skill or talent is not a bad thing.  However, there is a growing trend in the media to avoid showing weakness unless you are a politician who has just been caught in a scandal.  Then, consultants will encourage individuals to go an Oprah, spill their guts and shed a tear or two to show the American people your sorry.  Yes, its important for college professors, guest analysts and professionals to be well informed, but what’s wrong with a little humility.  I want real people who aren’t afraid to proclaim “I don’t know,” instead of fake people hiding behind a facade.  Feel free to express your opinion or stand out up your soap box for a few minutes.

by Jay Mankus

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Who… Me?

Posted on January 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you believe in one or not, God has created a melting pot of individuals who are just as different on the inside as the color of their skin.  Personalities range from those who enjoy going to the mall to people watch, others prefer to listen, asking questions instead of talking too much and the strong willed seek to express their opinions and point of view.  Meanwhile, the active can’t get enough time with their friends, the sloths are always looking for an excuse to rest and modern technology has made the masses co dependent on their computer, phone or television.  When confronted or asked to changes their ways of in 2014, many will respond, “Who, me?”

The memories of Adam and Eve has been passed down from generation to generation, entering our D.N.A. in the form of the sinful nature, Romans 3:9-12.  Thus, whenever you make a mistake or screw up, you have a blue print to follow, Genesis 3:12-13.  “The devil made me do it!”  “It’s her fault your honor, not mine!”  “If God didn’t introduce me to this person, I would have never done that!”  There are somethings in life you don’t have to learn, it just comes naturally like blaming others, failing to take responsibility for your actions and justifying what you did to escape punishment or minimize the consequences.  As a result, Reality Television is filled with examples of adults acting like little children who got their hand caught in the cookie jar, “Who me?”

For any avid sports fans, especially during this Bowl Season, NFL playoffs or March Madness, this same mindset is played out daily in front of a national audience.  When committing a penalty in football, a foul in basketball or taking a dive to draw attention to the referee is hockey and soccer, pouting faces say a thousand words.  While watching the replay on the jumbotron, I’m surprised more athletes don’t go into acting, pleading their innocence.  However, replays never lie and the guilty will be penalized or fined for their illegal play.  Maybe one of the games this weekend will include a player who actually puts up his hand, signaling, “my bad, I didn’t it!”  Despite this optimism, there will be crying, complaining and disbelief today, as the next guilty player will express body language which suggests, “Who me?”

by Jay Mankus

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Twisting Words

Posted on December 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The game of Twister is classic interactive board game of bending your body in all sorts of positions.  Before Ice Breakers were a common teaching aid, Twister was a great activity for getting to know a group of people.  Men in Black II even devotes a scene of their movie to this game as the light of Zartha passes time with aliens.  However, when words are twisted toward your direction, pain can be felt beneath the surface of your body, affecting your heart and deflating your soul.

Exodus 23:8 introduces the Israelites to God’s vision for social justice.  Although its normal to embrace likable individuals, God warns human being against showing favoritism.  If practiced, justice can be perverted when allegiances are made, opening the door for bribes.  This temptation blinds society from the truth as political talking points are exchanged in place of integrity.  As a result, the words of the righteous are twisted, becoming campaign slogans, trashing reputations for a chance at re-election or taking control of power in Washington DC.

There was a time not so long ago that liars were called out, held accountable for the words they have spoken.  I guess when the Bible is replaced by social agendas, right and wrong have turned to gray and opinions elevated to a fact status.  Its’ no wonder Jesus said in his day, “you have ears but do not hear and eyes, but do not see!”  May this blog cause people to stop, reflect and think about their lives.  Through God’s grace, may twisting words cease, replaced by words of love, joy and peace, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

by Jay Mankus

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Faith Like A Bread Crumb

Posted on November 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

In many avenues of life, a person of faith may be viewed as a dreamer, with good intentions yet far from reality.  Other optimistic individuals may be seen as crazy, with loose wires some where in their brains.  Although opinions may not be shared or spoken to their face, skepticism abounds as many have given up hope of believing in a God who does not meet their expectations or perceived needs.

Matthew 15:21-28 introduces the world to an outsider, a Canaanite whose culture was known for worshiping the devil.  Without any background about her, it appears that her nation’s god, Baal, had not been able to heal her child.  Thus, hearing that the circus was in town, Jesus’ earthly ministry, she pushes her way through the crowd.  Like a union boss during a strike at his plant, this desperate woman made her way to Jesus’ disciples, demanding a face to face encounter.  Not taking no for an answer, the disciples throw their hands up in the air, giving up, encouraging Jesus to send this woman on her way.

Jesus gave this Canaanite every opportunity to go home.  Jesus kindly reminds her that his initial mission was to come for the lost sheep of Israel.  Considered dogs by Jewish culture, he bluntly asks, “why should I waste my time with you,” possibly referencing his earlier words in Matthew 7:6.  Yet, each time she came back with a reply more determined than before, refusing to take no for an answer.  Finally, with faith like a bread crumb, this persistent woman receives the answer so longed to hear.  Living out the words of Matthew 7:7-12, she specifically asked God, seeking Jesus day after day and when no or not now was the answer, she kept knocking until her daughter was healed.  As you start tomorrow, don’t forget to seek a faith like a bread crumb.

by Jay Mankus

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Why People Don’t Listen

Posted on October 5, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Eyes

As a former teacher, there were many days I talked to blank stares, bowed heads and confused faces.  Maybe the topic I spoke on was boring, students stayed up too late the previous night or I was tuned out by their minds, not as entertaining as their favorite television stars.  However, one of the main reasons people don’t listen is because deep down inside, they probably don’t believe what you saying applies, will change or impact their lives.

 

Moses encounters a similar experience within Exodus 6:9-12, confused by Israel’s response to the message God gave him.  Based upon verse 9, the distress of slavery and the wear and tear of beat downs by Egyptian officials took a toll on their hearts.  After approaching a 4th generation of bondage, it appears no one could foresee the miracle God was waiting to perform.

This mentality is alive and well today, made stronger by an I know it all attitude.  If you include opinions, political views and well defined worldviews, breaking down the walls to clear communication is extremely challenging.  This likely explains why Jesus used the phrase “you have ears but don’t hear and eyes but do not hear,” addressing the Pharisees for their stubbornness.  May the Holy Spirit help you conquer this worldwide dilemma, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, to influence those whom you come in contact with daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Ruffling Feathers

Posted on March 10, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The expression ruffling feathers refers to annoying or irritating someone.  When you speak your mind, its easy to upset individuals, like a bird those feathers become uneven, ruffled due to excitement or fear.  In this politically correct age, its rare that someone actually verbalizes their beliefs in public.

Jesus never had this problem, speaking in parables to the masses, Mark 4:34 and using open ended questions when addressing the religious leaders in Mark 3:23.  Trying not to create co-dependents, Jesus wanted people to figure things out on their own, Matthew 9:12.  However, there were teachable moments when Jesus forced the Pharisees to rethink their traditions, Mark 3:2-4.  As a result, he ruffled their feathers so much that the Pharisees began to plot with the Herodians to kill Jesus.

Type A personalities like Jesus aren’t concerned about the consequences of expressing their opinions.  After denying his relationship with Jesus in Mark 14:66-72, Peter learned a tough lesson.  Reflecting upon this in his own letter, Peter shares a powerful truth.

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  Do not fear what they fear; do not be threatened (by death).” – 1 Peter 3:13-14

Even if you ruffle feathers, its better to do God’s will, by risking failure when the Holy Spirit puts a burden upon your heart, 1 Peter 3:17.  Yet, speak to all with gentleness and respect so your conscience may be clear, Colossians 4:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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