Tag Archives: purification

Purify Your Heart with Sincere Affection

Posted on February 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes the truth that a friend shares strikes a nerve. Such is the case of one Old Testament prophet who reveals a painful truth in Jeremiah 17:9. When your heart becomes open to the possibility that you’re not as nice as you should be, your soul becomes open to changing for the better. This is the message that Peter has for a teachable spirit: purify your heart with sincere affection.

Since by your obedience to the Truth through the [Holy] Spirit you have purified your hearts for the sincere affection of the brethren, [see that you] love one another fervently from a pure heart, 1 Peter 1:22.

Purification usually involves some sort of filtration process. Whether this is accomplished through cleansing, decontaminating or sterilizing the imperfections, purifying anything takes time. According to one of Jesus’ disciples, purifying your heart is based upon your degree of obedience to God’s commands. As the Holy Spirit convicts Christians for any wrongdoing, your heart begins the purification process.

So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. 9 [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins], James 4:7-9.

Yet, to achieve sincere affection, Christians must seek the Theological Virtues of hope, faith, and love. According to C.S. Lewis, Cardinal Virtues are available to anyone, but Theological Virtues are only accessible through the power of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 13:13. Actions and faith must work hand and hand so that hearts will be purified as the fruits of this process develop into sincere affection.

by Jay Mankus

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The Final Word

Posted on January 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The French expression Je suis fini when translated into English means I am finished.  However, from a contextual point of view, this translation is flawed.  In reality, when someone says Je suis fini, its their final word before dying, done with life.

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, Hebrews 1:3.

In the Bible, a similar analogy exists.  Whenever Jesus referred to sitting down, its symbolic of completion, a final resting place.  Thus, when you read the words Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father, this means that Jesus completed God’s plan and will for his life.

But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom, Hebrews 1:8.

Today, human nature encourages some to fight for the last word, always wanting to get in one last comment.  While many individuals join in this daily game, there is only One who came claim to have made the final word.  After struggling to hold on to life for several hours on a cross, Jesus let go by saying, “it is finished!”  Yet, his final statement, the resurrection sealed the deal, opening the gates of heaven to those who believe.  May the community of faith take hope in the promise of salvation and eternal life, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

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What is God Cooking Now?

Posted on December 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Anyone who desires or longs to be a cook may choose a career in culinary arts.  This school involves teaching students government standards, preparation procedures and provide wisdom about what it takes to be successful.  However, novice chefs tend to learn from trial and error.  Meanwhile, others learn the hard way that they don’t belong in the kitchen.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me, Philippians 3:12.

Beyond menus and specials, God has His own way of cooking.  The Bible refers to methods like smelting, pottery and purification.  Trials in life are like sitting in a crock pot, slowing blending a myriad of ingredients into a tasty meal.  Likewise, God takes the gifts and talents individuals possess, using disappointment, heartache and setbacks to mold people into vessels, instruments ready to serve the kingdom of God.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13.

However, like secret recipes of famous restaurant chains, God’s seasoning is unknown.  There are instructions inside the Bible, but the time and temperature is still a mystery.  Faith is the missing link, the glue that holds the church together until the final dish is unveiled.  In the mean time, may the Lord give you guidance, patience and understanding as you eagerly wait for God to finish what’s brewing inside of you.

by Jay Mankus

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God’s Favorite Color

Posted on January 11, 2014 by expressyourself4him

I know what you’re thinking; God doesn’t have favorites.  The earthly brother of Jesus testifies to this fact with his own eyes, James 2:1.  The rest of you are probably like, “who cares; why does it matter anyway?”  You may be right, but the symbolism behind this color provides insight to God’s character and nature.

While God’s favorite metal is gold, fashioned, molded and shaped into every aspect of the tabernacle, Exodus 25-31, acacia appears to be the perfect wood for constructing non metallic pieces.  Beside the 12 jewels representing each of the 12 tribes of Israel, blue, purple and scarlet appear to be God’s favorite mix of colors.  Each of these 3 colors are woven into coverings, curtains and special garments worn by priests.

I’ll be honest; there are certain sections of the Bible that are hard to hold a person’s attention, especially this portion of Exodus and Leviticus.  However, the Holy Spirit is teaching me there is a purpose for the details enclosed within this book.  For instance, blue is symbolic of heaven and holy service.  Meanwhile, purple represents royalty, a sign a riches due to the scarcity of this dye.  Finally, scarlet is commingled with crimson in different translations, referring to blood, cleansing of sin, life and purification.  When you follow the laws handed down by God to Moses, you are essentially displaying blue, purple and scarlet through your actions.  May the prayer of David in Psalm 51:10-12 become a reality for you in 2014, illuminating blue, purple and scarlet!

by Jay Mankus

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