Tag Archives: overcoming bad habits

Exceedingly Grievous

Posted on March 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Grievous refers to something bad, very severe or serious. Whenever you add exceedingly in front of grievous, God is magnifying the great extent of a specific addiction, bad habit or unwholesome cravings. King Solomon devotes a portion of his teaching to what God detests, Proverbs 6:16-19. This clarifies what breaks God’s heart like the words of Moses in Genesis 6:5.

And the Lord said, Because the shriek [of the sins] of Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is exceedingly grievous, 21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether [as vilely and wickedly] as is the cry of it which has come to Me; and if not, I will know, Genesis 18:20-21.

Today, cable channels design entire shows on evil with episodes that follow real life cold case murders. If history often repeats itself with a series of cycles. The end of the earth’s first cycle was highlighted by every imagination and intention of all human thinking was set on evil continually. Rather than wait on the first Great Awakening to occur, God chose to send a worldwide flood to start over with Noah and his family.

Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. 17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever, 1 John 2:15-17.

If parents checked out the content of mature video games before purchasing them for birthdays and Christmas, some adults would feel the same way God felt in Genesis 18, exceedingly grievous. Since God promised to never send another global flood to destroy the earth, what should Christian’s do next? What’s our next move? Pointing the finger to blame others will only elevate hostility. Beside emulating Jesus, Matthew 5:13-16, fast and pray for another Great Awakening to reverse this trend of exceedingly grievous public acts.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Unfinished

Posted on June 12, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Every once in a while, I will get ahead of myself. Instead of finishing strong, I will celebrate too early, before an outcome has been determined. This premature response often causes individuals to take their foot of the gas, coasting the final portion of a contest, day or game. Whether arrogance, overconfidence or pride is to blame, victory tends to slip out of your hands as you try to run out the clock.

For it is impossible [to restore and bring again to repentance] those who have been once for all enlightened, who have consciously tasted the heavenly gift and have become sharers of the Holy Spirit, 5 And have felt how good the Word of God is and the mighty powers of the age and world to come, Hebrews 6:4-5.

The author of Hebrews writes about a similar mindset, Christians who want to fast forward to heaven. Although a specific person is not mentioned, it appears that first century converts from Judaism to Christianity became complacent. Instead of growing closer to God day after day, spiritual exercise was replaced by a casual faith. One of Jesus’ disciples refers to this condition as a lukewarm spirit in the first century.

If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance—[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace, Hebrews 6:6.

Those who allow this trend to continue end up an unfinished product, not fulfilling God’s calling, plan or will. The words used in the passage above imply a stubborn heart has resulted in a lack of urgency. Like a scene from the 1993 film Groundhog Day, souls keep falling prey to temptation, committing sins over and over again. If want to break free from this addictive pattern, it’s time to invite Jesus to become the Lord of your life so that unfinished areas are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Rebounding Like a Boomerang

Posted on March 5, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The oldest surviving Australian boomerangs come from a cache found in a peat bog in the Wyrie Swamp of South Australia. Boomerangs date back several thousand years to some of the earliest Aboriginal tribes of Australia. Boomerangs had several initial uses such as hunting weapons, percussive musical instruments, fire-starters and decoys for hunting waterfowl. When thrown with a high spin, the boomerang flies in a curved manner rather than in a straight line. When thrown correctly, boomerangs return to its starting point.

And David says, Let their table (their feasting, banqueting) become a snare and a trap, a pitfall and a just retribution [rebounding like a boomerang upon them]; Romans 11:9.

King David suggests that God allows individuals to stumble and fail. Whenever you experience failure, there are consequences. For example, if you reap what you sow, seeds of doubt, envy or hatred can boomerang back upon you. This is the retribution referred to in the passage above. Addiction, bad habits and poor choices can leave long lasting effects. Yet, humility opens the door for repentance. When individuals learn from their errors, mistakes and sin, faith can rebound like a boomerang.

For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint, Galatians 6:8-9.

Perhaps, this explains why the apostle Paul urges believers against giving up. Although your life may be currently falling apart, starting to sow spiritual seeds can turn your life around. Instead of giving into hopelessness, God is not done with you yet. To those who persevere, rising from the ashes of despair is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. Do not lost heart as Spring is right around the corner. May this blog inspire you to rebound like a boomerang. With God, anything is possible, even a faith in desperate need of renewal and revival.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Do Not Miss Your Moment

Posted on January 2, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The best part of any new year is that you have a clean slate, a fresh start. As the 20’s commence on January 1st, the possibilities of what may happen are limitless. Your first day, meal, pay check, vacation, etc. However, when you wake up for the first time, make sure that you don’t miss your moment, Ephesians 2:10, what God has prepared in advance for you to do this year.

When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? 11 She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more, John 8:10-11.

One of the things that keeps individuals from reaching their full potential are addictions, bad habits and disobedient acts. Unless conviction elicits a sense of urgency, most people will tarry on with a mediocre life, void of any major accomplishments, dreams or goals fulfilled. The danger of sin is that spiritual separation will prevent you from recognizing God’s will for your life, distracted by temporary pleasures on earth.

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion? – Esther 4:14

In the case of Esther, God used her cousin Mordecai to help her see why God enabled her to became queen. This wasn’t just a coincidence, Esther’s moment on earth had arrived to be a vessel for God. Apparently, the pressure got to Esther, asking Mordecai and as many Jews as possible to fast and pray for her. When you don’t think you can fulfill God’s will, ask other believers to pray for you so that you don’t miss your moment to shine.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Not My Finest Moment

Posted on July 2, 2019 by expressyourself4him

As a child, my parents placed training wheels on my first bike until I was able ride it safely.  Once I demonstrated that I was able to ride without these aids, I was eager to prove myself.  After a few weeks of caution, I became careless, taking some unnecessary risks.  While riding in the rain, I started swerving at an increasing speed.  When I hit a rock, my front wheel turned sideways, forcing me over the handle bars.  I fell face first into the pavement, resulting in a bloody nose, chipped tooth and swollen chin.  This was not one of my finest moments.

We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me, Romans 7:14-17.

In the passage above, the apostle Paul refers to the force behind what causes individuals to do stupid things.  While Paul doesn’t describe a specific embarrassing moment, he looks back on a stage in life where he lost control.  Despite his attempts to do the right thing, Paul fell prey to an addictive trend, bad habits and poor decision making.  When you feel powerless to alter your current path, sin is likely living inside of you.  For those who endure these helpless periods, full of not so fine moments, there is only one way to escape.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God, Galatians 5:16-21.

Later on in the New Testament, Paul discovers treatment to overcome sin.  The passage above describes an invisible tug of war between God’s Spirit and sin.  If you want to take your own spiritual temperature, examine your daily acts.  Are they representative of the acts of the flesh or closer to the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23?  If you are fighting a losing battle, bound and enslaved by sin, Jesus is only a prayer away, Romans 10:9-10.  The further you fall in life, the hardest it becomes to purge yourself from sinful desires.  May common sense shine through to bring souls back like lost sheep who find their way back home to God.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Lulling Yourself to Sleep

Posted on January 14, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0NNVmDlZCo

There is an epidemic occurring across America and throughout the world.  At the beginning of every New Year, conviction, consciences and desperation lead many to make resolutions for change.  Unfortunately, like a diet that never makes it beyond the first week, a lack of action is lulling many to sleep.

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1 Corinthians 15:51.

This week I found myself saying the same thing day after day, “I need to do this or that.”  Comfortably numb by bad habits, I feel paralyzed, unable to apply that which I desire.  Anyone who attempts to become transformed externally without a changed heart will regularly experience failure.  The passage above suggests that individuals need to die to one’s self before a resurrected life takes shape.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do, Romans 7:15.

Despite an amazing ministry on earth, even the apostle Paul could not defeat all of his inner demons.  2 Corinthians 12:7-12 refers to some sort of illness, medical condition or addiction which Paul count not overcome.  While I often feel held captive by a poor daily routine, I’m tired of being lulled to sleep.  Before you fret any longer, call out to Jesus to set yourself free from a mundane life so that through the power of the resurrection you might achieve new heights in 2017.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Learn from History or Relive Past Mistakes

Posted on December 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If each life were made into a book, biographies would possess a section where readers scratch their heads.  The audience may think, “I can’t believe they are making the same mistake over and over again.”  Backsliding, downward spirals and periods of neglect cause the average person to repeat the sins of their past.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

During a visit to the city of Corinth, the apostle Paul witnessed a cycle church members were stuck in.  Wondering if these people knew the history of Israel, he begins to share life lessons from past failures.  Since Corinth was a port city, an influx of outsiders were leaving a negative impact on the culture, causing many to relive past mistakes of previous civilizations.  The point of Paul’s message was to learn from history or relive the past.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come, 1 Corinthians 10:11.

No matter how hard I try to follow my New Year’s resolutions, its not long before I fall back into bad habits.  When I go a day or days without reading and studying the Bible, I’m one step closer away from embracing sins of the past or welcoming temptations of the present.  The disciple whom Jesus loved was right, “you can’t remain within Christ if you become unattached.”  In view of this, may those hungry for change turn back to the ultimate power source, Jesus Christ to get plugged in so that you learn from the history by avoiding past mistakes.

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.

The Land of Look Behind

Posted on April 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the 1982 documentary, a region known as The Land of Look Behind served as a refuge from slavery.  Jamaica’s interior topography, called Cockpit County, includes a mountain range with dense vegetation.  When the opportunity presented itself, oppressed slaves fled to the hills, trying to avoid their masters who sent the police for their return.  Some were successful, able to chart out a new life.  Unfortunately, most were caught; only able to imagine what could have been.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Living with regrets can be agonizing, wishing you can go back in time to change the course of history.  Yet, the reality of this life is that guilt, shame and remorse hover over sinful human beings.  There are many days I feel like a hostage, unable to break free of the hold of bad habits that have taken control of my decision making.  Subsequently, the words of Romans 7:15 have come to fruition in my life.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. – Romans 7:15

Now that Easter has passed, its important to look behind before you can move ahead.  Although problems will continue to exist, reflecting on past failures can set the stage for future success.  Since the story of the resurrection is fresh in the minds of believers, may the power of the Holy Spirit elevate individuals to new heights.  If the Pentecost could transform the disciples, why can’t the same Spirit inspire souls to usher in heaven on earth today?  Therefore, it’s time to catch a glimpse of the land of what can be.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

A Prayer for Significance

Posted on June 14, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Unless you are feeling depressed, no one wants to live a meaningless life, void of any worth or value.  Something within the human soul cries out for purpose in life, hoping to make a difference in this world.  Deep inside the longest chapter of the Bible, lies a prayer for significance, Psalm 119:36-37.

This prayer begins with the heart, shifting one’s attention toward the statues written in the Bible.  Following this call, one must crucify their selfish desires and passions as the apostle Paul suggests in Galatians 5:24.  Once these habits, patterns and ways are purged from one’s mind, a new person can emerge.

The second portion of this prayer focuses on replacing the old with an entirely new perspective.  Like an addict starting over from scratch, individuals must learn what it means to invest your time in worthwhile activities.  As eyes and ears start to grasp the truths of Scripture, Psalm 119:9-11, this journey commences.  Within a Romans 12:1-2 attitude, the words of the Bible can preserve your steps, leading you to significance!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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