Tag Archives: overcoming temptation

The Value of a Soul

Posted on August 1, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of Jesus’ commands made to first first century followers involves the human soul.  After the heart, the soul is placed in front of the mind as the second most important part of the human body.  The context of this passage summarizes the first and greatest commandment.  This message highlights the value of a soul.

Jesus replied: “ ’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,’ Matthew 22:37.

While talking to his disciples, Jesus suggests that its possible to forfeit your soul.  Maybe He was trying to warn Judas Iscariot of his initial thought of betrayal.  On the other hand, Jesus appears to recognize an unhealthy pattern within Peter.  Beginning to think like Satan, Jesus brings this concern front and center, afraid that one of his leaders could have their soul poisoned by evil.

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? – Matthew 16:26

This caution continues today with countless distractions to lure a soul away from God.  The Devil still uses the same temptations Jesus endured in Matthew 4.  Every day physical, mental and spiritual obstacles lurk around every corner.  The question is will you allow temporary pleasures to alter your standards?  Whatever your decision, may you embrace the value of a soul by resisting the Devil and drawing near to God.

by Jay Mankus

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What Happens Here Stains Eternity

Posted on May 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

A couple of times a year I put on a brand new shirt or sweatshirt for the first time, proudly seeing how it looks in the mirror.  Unfortunately, a careless bite later often produces a stain.  The only thing worse is putting a new outfit in the dryer without catching this blemish.  Once dried, there’s nothing you can do except donate or throw this piece of clothing out.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

If you watch a lot of television, you are probably beginning to see commercial blitzes for travel destinations.  This is the time of year that cities and states are trying to sway you to plan a summer vacation or visit during a long weekend.  Perhaps, I’ve never given it much thought before, but Las Vegas’ calling card, “what happens here stays here,” got under my skin recently.  In the spiritual realm, what happens here stains eternity.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings, 1 Peter 5:9.

In this day and age, no one is immune from embarrassing moments.  Friends may even bring up painful remainders of the past to keep you humble.  Yet, even Peter who denied Jesus in public three times learned from his previous mistakes.  Although what happens here on earth stains eternity, this portion of Peter’s letter highlights the importance of faith.  Thus, the next time you’re tempted to do something your heart or soul is telling you is wrong, resist this urge.  Rather, be alert and keep in step with the Spirit of God.

by Jay Mankus  

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Run for Your Life

Posted on April 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Some will point to the Woodstock Music Festival in the summer of 1969 as the birthplace of America’s sexual revolution fueled by recreational drugs.  This movement led the United States government to declare a war on drugs in the 1980’s.  Public service announcements were used to encourage young people to reject this temptation behind Nancy Reagan’s leadership.  Unfortunately, a commercial doesn’t help individuals when temptation arrives.  Thus, sometimes whether if it sounds smart or not, a prudent person will run for their life.

She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house, Genesis 39:12.

A naive Joseph finds himself in an awkward predicament, as his bosses wife wants to have sex, making a pass at him day after day.  Like a stalker waiting for the perfect moment, Potiphar’s wife get’s her wish, finally alone with Joseph.  Sensing the inevitable, Joseph flees the scene, knowing this time he will not be able to withstand her advances.  While the curious may celebrate and indulge in the pleasures of life, Joseph’s conscience prevents him from giving in to lust.

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it,”Genesis 4:7.

Unfortunately, sin if often premeditated.  Those who have already made up their minds, the only thing that remains is the actual act.  This is where we find Cain, as a spirit of jealousy has pushed him to the brink, contemplating the idea of getting rid of his brother.  If you ever reach this point, running for your life is one of the last viable options remaining.  Therefore, before you take a bite of forbidden fruit, follow in the footsteps of Joseph by fleeing from temptation.  By doing this, you will find favor from God.

by Jay Mankus

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The Allure of Money

Posted on March 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you are a fan of reality television, then you likely understand the allure of money.  Shows like Insane Pools, Tanked and Treehouse Masters help Americans visualize what a couple of hundred of thousand dollars can buy you.  Thus, if you’re not careful, the eternal can be replaced by temporary treasures, distracting individuals for a life time.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs, 1 Timothy 6:10.

Money in itself is okay, used to provide the needs of life.  The love of money is what is harmful.  This love refers to a lust, craving and coveting what you neighbors have instead of being thankful for what God has given you.  This obsession often leads to deception as individuals are lured away from the faith.  For many, they don’t recovery, dragged behind the devil’s door.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5.

The author of Hebrews provides the solution to the allure of money.  The key is maintaining a level head by staying content with the hand God has dealt you.  This is accomplished through a spirit of thankfulness.  When you possess this quality, individuals recognize God is the source behind your wealth.  Therefore, don’t be tempted by what you don’t have.  Rather, embrace the little things in life so that the allure of life won’t hold you down.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Council for the Tempted

Posted on March 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

One of the ploys of the devil is to make people think that they are all alone, with nobody who truly understands their situation.  Those who fall prey to this mentality often leads to isolation, causing struggling people to feel abandoned by God.  This lie blinds many from the reality that there is council for the tempted.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin, Hebrews 4:15.

According to the author of Hebrews, there is one person who is able to empathize with our weaknesses.  Yet, despite enduring the same temptations common to mankind, Jesus did not sin.  Thus, there is a reliable individual who can relate to the human race.  Therefore, when you are on the verge of giving in, fix your eyes on Jesus.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The apostle Paul discovered that there is a way out of every temptation.  Its unclear whether the Holy Spirit or Jesus himself revealed this information.  Nonetheless, for those of you facing extreme situations, these words are helpful council for the tempted.  Therefore, the next time you consider giving in, ask the Holy Spirit to show you the way out.  This bit of advice will provide the defeated with direction toward victory in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Serve the Lord Without Distraction

Posted on February 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul refers to a time in the future where peril will reign.  An era when the world will be influenced by sinful pleasures.  Whether today is that time, only God knows.  Nonetheless, its essential for Christians to hold fast by serving the Lord without being distracted.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days, 2 Timothy 3:1.

Despite this great dilemma, an Old Testament prophet provides a source of hope.  To prevent the love of Christ from being extinguished, the Holy Spirit will fill people of faith.  While the form in which the Spirit is poured out remains a topic of debate, this invisible force is essential to keep in step with God, Galatians 5:25.  If you try this alone, distractions will lure you away, halting your service for a season or more.

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions, Joel 2:28.

In reason years, the times I felt like I was on the right track, something got in my way.  Usually, pride lures me into a false sense of security.  A day, week or month later, all the spiritual momentum that I built up was gone.  Thus, I learned the hard way about the importance of a consistent witness.  Therefore, don’t allow distractions to linger.  Rather, lean on God’s grace and mercy to begin again to serve the Lord without distraction.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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When Sin is Consensual

Posted on May 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

It seems like every year there is some famous professional athlete, Hollywood star or politician involved in a scandal.  Cable news, the tabloids and twitter often explode over battles between he said, she said.  In the end, it takes two to tango, reaching a state where sin is consensual.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – 1 Corinthians 10:12

From a spiritual perspective, every day if like walking through a room with multiple doors.  On the way out, sometimes you might chose the wrong door, ending up in a bathroom or closet.  When danger arrives on the scene, those who stick around to see what will happen might just be an accomplice to sin.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

According to the apostle Paul, God provides an emergency exit for every sort of temptation.  This isn’t like the game show Let’s Make a Deal, having a choice between door number one, two or three.  Rather, the Lord has provided every human being with a conscience to follow the way out.  Conviction, guilt and uneasiness serve as a global positioning system to avoid evil.

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. – James 1:14

Nonetheless, the moment freewill is exercised, opting to indulge your fantasies, sin is consensual.  Instead of heeding the warning signs, enticement draws people toward temporary pleasures.  One of Jesus’ disciples uses the analogy of a fish lured out of hiding toward an attractive bait.  While some fish may see the attached hook, the grips of lust is too powerful.  This is where desire trumps common sense, leading saints and sinners to do the unthinkable.  The next time temptation calls your name, listen for God’s still small voice to find the way out of a difficult situation.

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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So Close, But yet So Far

Posted on January 8, 2013 by expressyourself4him

While I was tempted to name today’s blog, “So Close, but No Cigar,” common sense kept me from wavering off topic.  As I listened to Jentezen Franklin’s sermon on the Trinity Broadcast Network before attending church on Sunday, the Holy Spirit jogged my memory of the walls of resistance which deny believers from entering God’s promised land.  Moses dedicated his entire life to the nation of Israel, foregoing the riches of Egypt, Hebrews 11:24-27, yet the closest he came to a land flowing with milk and honey was a view from atop Mount Nebo.  Why did God deny him this privilege?  According to Numbers 20:6-13, Moses failed to carefully obey God’s command, striking a rock twice instead of just once.

Obedience is one wall to climb, but sometimes your own circumstances prove too much for a person to overcome.  Although hard to believe, my friend Harry endured a brutal set of events, triggering a back slide of historic proportions.  The person who led him to Christ committed suicide shortly after his conversion.  In the weeks that followed, one of his youth leaders who began to ease his pain, had an affair and abruptly abandoned the ministry, moving to California.  These poor witnesses kept Harry from entering a church for nearly 20 years.  My friend Eddy and I never thought Harry had been to church until a divine appointment at Cedar Point Amusement Park, reintroduced Harry to his former youth pastor.  In one moment, 20 years of severance was reunited, the first of many steps toward healing his bruised, confused and wounded heart.

Whether you feel like Moses today, with a mountain standing in between you and your dreams or as Harry did, coming to grips with a desolate soul, remember that sanctification is an on going process, not complete until the Lord takes you home.  Sure, you might have mountain top experiences, yet there is always a valley between mountains.  You may want answers, transformation and victory immediately, but sanctification occurs gradually, through a day by day process, Ephesians 2:3-7.  Therefore, live each moment on earth with a James 4:15 mindset, recognizing that you are close, but yet so far!

by Jay Mankus

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Escaping the Ghosts of Christmas Past

Posted on November 30, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Scrooged Poster

Movies like Elf, Home Alone, A Wonderful Life and Miracle of 34th Street have become an annual Christmas tradition for many American families.  While some people have become dependent on these movies to get them into the Christmas spirit, there is another classic which reveals a painful truth.  While fiction, Billy Murray’s version of Scrooged illuminates the fact that everyone has skeletons, ghosts of Christmas past.

Prior to 2012, I spent the previous 10 years in a bubble as a Christian school teacher, insulated from most of the temptations of this world.  Although not perfect, cursing was minimal, most of my interactions with parents were civil and I shared similar values with my co-workers.  Like the apostle Paul on his visit to Athens in Acts 17:16, 2012 has opened my eyes to the idols in our culture.  These images bring me back to my life prior to knowing Jesus, attractive to things like Music Television, R-rated movies and anything sports related.  These skeletons can haunt you, brought up by Satan just as ghosts haunted Billy Murray in Scrooged.

When attacked by these old desires, you have to flee or else ruin will follow, James 4:7.  This escape is not complete until God cleanses your heart and mind, James 4:8.  As you wrestle with your past, things like bad habits, past addictions, ungodly beliefs and soul spirit hurts, read passages like Galatians 2:20 and Philippians 1:21 to keep you on track.  These biblical truths should refresh minds of your new identity in Christ.  I can’t guarantee victory 100 % of the time, but I do hold fast to the promise of Romans 8:38-39 to insure success in the end.  If you run with a Hebrews 12:1-3 attitude, you should be able to escape the ghosts of your past!

by Jay Mankus

 

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