Tag Archives: perception

An Image of Leadership in Progress

Posted on February 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

First impressions can be powerful and disappointing. Whenever an individual doesn’t live up to your expectation, there will be a permanent strain on this relationship. This is how I felt about Abram who eventually changed his name to Abraham. Shortly after Abram is introduced by Moses in Genesis 12, he chooses lying rather trusting God, Proverbs 3:5-6. Based upon the actions of his son Isaac when placed into a similar situation, Genesis 26:7, one of Abram’s spiritual legacies is as a liar.

And they also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods away with them. 13 Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew [one from the other side], who was living by the oaks or terebinths of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and of Aner—these were allies of Abram. 14 When Abram heard that [his nephew] had been captured, he armed (led forth) the 318 trained servants born in his own house and pursued the enemy as far as Dan, Genesis 14:12-14.

Yet, my perception of Abram began to change after reading Genesis 14. While every human being has fallen short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23, Abram’s swift action in the passage above paints a different picture than just someone who struggles to tell the truth. When a family member was placed into immediate danger, Abram jumps into action by forming a squadron of 318 men. Although Moses is silent on their training prior to battle. Moses presents Abram as a leader in progress.

He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and attacked and routed them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods and also brought back his kinsman Lot and his possessions, the women also and the people, Genesis 14:15-16.

The apostle Paul writes about the unfinished work among members of the Church in Philippi, Philippians 1:6. Another letter to the Church at Ephesus compares Christians to God’s craftsman, called to act, built and complete what God has called you to do, Ephesians 2:10. Abraham doesn’t become a member of the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11, for lying. Rather, Abram was a work in progress just like you and me. May we all learn from Abram’s faith journey so that we become obedient to God’s calling in 2023.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Again, Again and Again

Posted on June 26, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Again refers to once more or another time. Meanwhile, déjà vu is a feeling that one has seen or heard something before. This occurs as an illusion of remembering scenes and events when you experience it. If you’ve ever felt this sensation, it’s like your mind is playing tricks on you. If a series of bad luck comes your way, happening over and over again, most people begin to wonder, “why is this happening to me?”

Because it was our will to come to you. [I mean that] I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered and impeded us, 1 Thessalonians 2:18.

Humans beings tend to look for patterns in random data as a way to extract order from disorder. This tendency was first identified by German scientist Klaus Conrad. While studying people suffering from the onset of schizophrenia in 1958, Conrad described this condition as apophenia. Whatever you want to call this perception of how certain events are linked or tied together, when you hit a rough patch in life it’s hard to keep fighting through adversity.

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour, 1 Peter 5:7-8.

After repeated failed attempts to visit the Church at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul didn’t have to speculate. Due to his years in ministry, Paul didn’t need a Saturday Night Live skit to recognize Satan’s schemes, Ephesians 6:10-12. Meanwhile, one of Jesus’ disciples refers to the Devil as a predator waiting for a weak individual to pounce upon. If what is happening to you doesn’t make any sense, it’s time to turn to prayer again, again and again to find answers.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Devoid of Light

Posted on October 20, 2018 by expressyourself4him

A recent eye examine revealed that I am practically blind in my right eye.  The culprit is a large cataract in my eye that is blurring my vision daily.  Subsequently, for the second time in three years I will be having surgery to hopefully improve and repair this condition.  For someone who writes daily and desperately wants to pursue a career as a Hollywood screen writer, the odds are stacked against.  When you find yourself devoid of light, unable to see what you’re reading or about to type, my future seems bleak.

“No one lights a lamp and then puts it in a cellar nor under a basket [hiding the light], but [instead it is put] on the lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 The eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive, focused on God], your whole body also is full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts]. But when it is bad [spiritually blind], your body also is full of darkness [devoid of God’s word], Luke 11:33-34.

In the passage above, Jesus compares eyes to the lamp of the human body.  The goal is to place yourself into ideal positions, able to see every angle of what’s happening around you.  Just as fashion designers put lighting to highlight certain aspects of a new home, eyes were created by God to provide spiritual discernment and perception.  The more you focus on God, the clearer things become in life, resulting in good choices.  However, the moment you allow spiritual blindness to enter your life and persist, lives can spin out of control.  Thus, decision making is like being in a fog, devoid of light to lead you out of this darkness.

Be careful, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness. 36 So if your whole body is illuminated, with no dark part, it will be entirely bright [with light], as when the lamp gives you light with its bright rays,” Luke 11:35-36.

Beginning in the Old Testament, authors referred to the Bible or Word of God as a source of light.  Amy Grant and Michael Card once sang about this truth in the song Thy Word.  The chorus is straight out of scripture, Psalm 119:105.  God’s Word is like an old oil lamp shinning light into the darkness of night.  Although you may not know where to go initially, wise teachings serve as a light to direct and guide your feet.  While I am anxious about my upcoming eye surgery the last week in November, I do have the promises within the Bible to keep me hopeful.  As I struggle with the possibility of being devoid of human light, seeing, I know my heavenly father has a plan for me to get me through this period of darkness.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Waiting for the Kingdom of God

Posted on June 13, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Deep inside of human beings, there exists a purpose and reason for getting out of bed each day.  This invisible drive may change from time to time depending upon your career, job or motivation level.  When this sense disappears, fades or becomes unclear, mustering up enough energy to make it through a day turns into a chore.  The Bible refers to this term as vision.  This perception guides believers through trials and tribulations, remaining focused on your ultimate goal.

When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent and respected member of the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God—and he courageously dared to go in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus, Mark 15:42-43.

In the first century, there was a man who found himself torn between his occupation and purpose for living.  According to a couple of verses, Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin.  This ruling council was essentially the Jewish High Court, the supreme court for religious debates.  Yet, this position didn’t satisfy Joseph’s soul, longing for something more.  This spiritual thirst conceived a desire to wait for the kingdom of God.

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body, John 19:38.

According to Luke 10, there was a secondary group of disciples chosen.  These seventy two individuals are not mentioned by name.  Yet, it appears Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple, perhaps working behind the scenes as one of these 72.  The crucifixion of Jesus served as a wake up call for Joseph, knocking on Pilate’s door while Jesus was still hanging from a cross.  Three hours earlier, at noon, the day turned to night.  This cosmic event is detailed by several first century historians.  This sign from God convinced Joseph that the kingdom of God was at hand.  May the Holy Spirit open your eyes today so that you too will respond to current events with a sense of urgency like Joseph of Arimathea.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

Closing Your Mind to God’s Power

Posted on June 1, 2018 by expressyourself4him

As a parent of three children between the age of 13 and 20, words reveal a common mindset that often goes unnoticed.  Perhaps, a decade of teaching high school has heightened my awareness to this growing epidemic.  A lack of confidence, low self-esteem and sheltered from positive influences is to blame for this spiritual condition.  What is this crisis?  Individuals who have closed their minds to believing in God’s power to change any grave or impossible situation.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.

This lack of perception was present among first century disciples of Jesus.  Human nature caused these servants of God to confuse being good with salvation.  When a model example of righteousness was turned away by Jesus, doubt began to creep into the disciples minds, wondering if anyone could be saved?  However, in the passage above, Jesus corrects this flawed mindset by highlighting that nothing is impossible with God.  Unfortunately, Satan has convinced many believers today that God doesn’t have the power to alter, improve or transform their current dilemma.

For nothing will be impossible with God,” Luke 1:37.

A first century doctor provides a cure for this lack of faith.  Luke prescribes that when doubt begins to weaken your faith in the power of the Holy Spirit, turn your attention toward history.  The past serves as a reminder of God’s previous power in the lives of Elizabeth, Mary and various miracles throughout the Old Testament.  This record proves that nothing is impossible with God.  Therefore, don’t let the father of lies convince you to close your mind to God’s previous miracles.  May the word of God, Romans 10:17, open your minds to the mega possibilities when you let the Holy Spirit into your life.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

What’s In Your Heart is Making You Cold

Posted on February 13, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Lately, I haven’t been myself.  Not just lately; rather for several years or so.  I usually have I good sense of perception, in touch with how I feel and why.  Yet, now I am lost, grasping at straws to comprehend the frustration within me.  Perhaps, knowing I’m not where God wants me to be and not doing anything about it is to blame.  Nonetheless, I heard a quote on the radio yesterday that might have diagnosed my problem,”what’s in your heart is making you cold.”

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9

Music tends to speak to me when I am depressed.  This quote reminds me of Foreigner’s classic song Cold as Ice from the 1977 album Feels Like the First Time.  The context of this song refers to a woman’s actions, suggesting a broken relationship has occurred and the interactions are tense, like a cold hearted soul who doesn’t care about you.  The prophet Jeremiah writes about the complex nature of human heart in the passage above.  I guess the heart is unpredictable, expressing what’s inside of you in the form of cruel words or harsh behavior as detailed by Jesus in Luke 6:43-45.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh, Ezekiel 36:26.

Diagnosing any problem is the first step, but without a solution, broken hearts will continue to convey negative emotions.  Thus, another prophet provides a prayer outline for any one who is willing to change.  This new spirit is like transforming your perspective from negative toward the positive.  Any change will take a transitional period to break old habits.  Yet, for those who bring your dirty laundry to the feet of Christ, Matthew 11:28-30, the heavy burdens on your heart can be eased.  As time proceeds, may your prayers for change exchange regret with God’s grace and love.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

When Jesus Gives People a Reason to Leave

Posted on October 30, 2017 by expressyourself4him

No matter when you were born, there will always be a culture, group or segment of society that is not welcome.  This perception begins through stereotypes, prejudging an entire race or nation based upon previous actions, beliefs and practices.  Such is the case of Canaan and Israel.  While Noah’s grandson gave birth to descendants who embraced evil, idolatry and wicked ways, God called Israel to be set apart from the rest of the world.  This tension continued during the first century when a needy woman approaches Jesus.

Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”  He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel,” Matthew 15:23-24.

Based upon the passage above, a Canaanite woman appeared to have heard about Jesus’ healing powers.  Desperate to find help for her demon possessed daughter, this woman makes a scene in public, hoping to get Jesus’ attention.  Approaching on her knees, Jesus offers two interesting responses to this Canaanite woman’s request.  If you just read Jesus’ reply, he is blunt, initially disregarding her plea.  If you read between the lines, Jesus is giving her a reason to leave, to walk away without receiving an answer to her prayer.

He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”  “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table,” Matthew 15:26-27.

The underlining theme of this passage is perseverance.  This woman refused to take no for an answer, doing everything in her power to convince Jesus to extend his power beyond the Jews.  She could have walked away disappointed upon hearing that Jesus came for the lost sheep of Israel.  Hanging on despite the initial response, Jesus’ second comment in the passage above would have sent most people away in tears.  Nonetheless, this woman showed resolve, coming back with a witty response to win Jesus over.  In the end, you have two choices in life: accept reality by walking away disappointed or persist until God answers your prayers.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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

Ignoring an Obvious Blessing

Posted on February 27, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As the sun rises on another day, alarms sound waking up individuals to begin a new adventure.  Pressed by hustle, bustle, and trying to get ahead in life, leaves many oblivious to a blessing right before their eyes.  The greatest miracle on earth are the children that are procreated and conceived by woman.

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. – Psalm 127:3-4

While the passage above is true, love, sex and relationships can’t be forced.  Panicking due to a barren womb, Sarah tried to force the issue by sharing her maidservant with Abraham, her husband.  This selfish act gave birth to Ishmael, the Father of Arab nations.  This momentary lapse of judgment has haunted the nation of Israel ever since creating a clear and present danger for the Jewish faith.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. – Psalm 127:1

According to Solomon, churches and homes can’t be manufactured.  Though each requires discipline, hard work and faith, the future of any heritage is dependent upon the Lord.  Formulas, gadgets and technology may give a perception of success, yet in the end God will either bless or curse man-made efforts.  Therefore, before you start your next adventure, project or task, follow the words of Deuteronomy 28:1-14 so you no longer ignore obvious blessings.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

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

A Woman’s Intuition

Posted on March 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

From the beginning of time on earth, there has always been a great mystery between men and women.  Dr. John Gray’s teaching series Men are From Mars; Women are from Venus tries to unravel these differences for couples.  However, there are certain things that will never been understood by the opposite sex.  Thus, woman will continue voicing their concerns, wanting to be heard while men tend to fix and solve problems, usually remaining oblivious to a woman’s true feelings.

Recently, God has been teaching me about a woman’s intuition.  Although, hesitant at first, my wife Leanne often has an inkling, instinct and sixth sense that tends to come to fruition.  Her perception is similar to that displayed by Pontus Pilate’s wife in Matthew 27:19.  Though God designed husband’s to be the head of their home, over his wife according to Ephesians 5:22-24, woman were created with this special feeling deep within their soul.  Unfortunately, like a typical man, warnings go unheard as Pilate gave into the cries of the riotous crowd, neglecting his wife’s sixth sense, being warned in a dream, Matthew 27:20.

A Canaanite woman also possessed this quality, a hunch that she followed by faith in Matthew 15:21-28.  Despite her status, being a Gentile, born outside of the nation of Israel, God instilled in her a strong motherly instinct.  When a child is in danger, helpless or ill, an adrenaline rush often kicks in energizing woman.  In the case of her inflicted daughter,  this outsider refused to take no for an answer, begging and pleading with Jesus.  Rewarded by her perseverance, a woman’s intuition brought her to the right place at the right time to the only One who could answer her prayer.  Listen and learn!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

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