Tag Archives: second glance

Pleasant to the Sight

Posted on December 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The King James Version uses the word pleasant 57 times in the Bible. The context of this usage ranges from pleasant to the sight to delightful places on earth. Human nature tends to focus on the physical aspect of pleasant. According to Jesus’ earthly brother, anyone who fixates on physical features with a second glance opens the door for lust to enter your life, James 1:13-15. This is what happened to Eve in Genesis 3:6, turning what God meant for good into the rebellious act of sin.

And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight or to be desired—good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life also in the center of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of [the difference between] good and evil and blessing and calamity, Genesis 2:9.

Like any famous garden, there are certain centerpieces that attract visitors from across the country annually. According to Moses, the focal point of the Garden of Eden was the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge. Based upon the passage above, both were located in the center of Eden. The beauty of this garden inspired the name for this special place as the word Eden means delight when translated into English.

The Lord is my chosen and assigned portion, my cup; You hold and maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good heritage, Psalm 16:5-6.

The apostle Paul explains the internal struggle that takes place within every human being, Galatians 5:16-18. While certain individuals and places have been blessed with attractive physical features, you have to make sure appreciation doesn’t turn into enticement. Jesus compares eyes to the lamp of human bodies, Matthew 6:22-23. If a lack of discipline causes your eyes to turn toward darkness, you’ll likely experience unwholesome lust, 1 John 2:16. May this blog urge you to center your attention on appreciation rather than lust.

by Jay Mankus

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The Tree of Life and Knowledge

Posted on November 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a student at the University of Delaware who majored in Golf Course Design and Maintenance, I was forced to take Botany I and Botany II. These were probably two of the most boring classes that I ever experience, but I did learn tons about plants, especially their Latin names. Although I never studied the Tree of Life or Tree of Knowledge, I did learn about the century year old trees on campus. According to Revelation 22:1-2, the Tree of Life will bear 12 different kinds of fruit.

And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight or to be desired—good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life also in the center of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of [the difference between] good and evil and blessing and calamity, Genesis 2:9.

This miracle tree will yield a different fruit each month. Meanwhile, John infers that the leaves of the Tree of Life have the ability to heal nations. On the other hand, the Tree of Knowledge is thought to be a fig tree based upon Jewish and Christian traditions. I’m not sure what caused Eve to stare at a particular fig, low bearing fruit? Perhaps, hunger led to a second glance that planted the seed of sin within Eve’s heart. At some point, Adam and Eve talked about this as both gave in without a second thought.

 Blessed (happy and [c]to be envied) are those who cleanse their garments, that they may have the authority and right to [approach] the tree of life and to enter through the gates into the city, Revelation 22:14.

My favorite modern tree is the Japanese Cherry Tree. For the past 25 years, each Spring I waited for the pink flowers to bloom. While millions flock to Washington, D.C. each March to see white and pink cherry trees in full blown, all I had to do was walk out of my front door. Over the years, my kids have taken pictures in this tree to mark their growth. Since we moved this summer, next spring we’ll have to find another tree to celebrate. Then again, there will the tree of life awaiting in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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Is it the Devil or My Own Sinful Desires?

Posted on October 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Comedian Flip Wilson popularized the phrase “the devil made me do it,” back in the 1970’s. A few years later the first Stars Wars film introduced the dark side as an alternative excuse for why someone makes a bad decision. While Jesus did battle a real Devil early in the first century, the apostle Paul makes the best argument in Romans 7 and Romans 8 for why people continue to sin and fall short of God’s glory daily.

And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [[a]loaves of] bread. 4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and placed Him on [b]a turret (pinnacle, [c]gable) of the temple [d]sanctuary. 6 And he said to Him, If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, He will give His angels charge over you, and they will bear you up on their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said to him, [e]On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, [f]test thoroughly, or [g]try exceedingly the Lord your God, Matthew 4:3-7.

Galatians 5:16-25 highlights the internal struggle that every human being faces. You can follow Jesus by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Or you can choose to fulfill any earthly pleasure that you may have by indulging your fleshly desires, Romans 8:5-8. Free will offers everyone daily opportunities to decide for yourself like the archangel Lucifer and 1/3 of the angels in heaven.

We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a creature of the flesh [carnal, unspiritual], having been sold into slavery under [the control of] sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [[b]which my moral instinct condemns]. 16 Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. 17 However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me, Romans 7:14-17.

Jesus’ earthly brother addresses the question: did the Devil make me do it or am I my worst enemy? James 1:13-15 clarifies that God is not to blame. Rather, enticement and lust continue to deceive and lead astray millions of people, especially Christians. Just like Eve in Genesis 3:3-6, a second glance at the Tree of Knowledge hooked her immediately. In Eve’s mind, the decision to sin was conceived. While one of Jesus’ disciples suggests that the Devil does know our weaknesses, 1 Peter 5:8, how you respond to temptation is often based upon your mindset, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Look for the way out of sinning.

by Jay Mankus

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The Second Glance

Posted on April 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Casting Crowns uses the expression second glance in their song Slow Fade, on their The Altar and the Door album.  From an earthly sense, taking a second glance is normal, a natural inclination of a curious flesh.  However, when you consider the context of these lyrics in light of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:27-30, the second glance leads to lust, which Jesus equates with adultery.

While working on a service project last week, I listened to the same Casting Crowns album twice on my MP3 Player.  Initially, the background music served as motivation, an adrenaline rush to inspire me to complete my task.  Yet, the second time through my focus shifted from an earthly view to a spiritual perspective.  Upon hearing the lyrics of Slow Fade, I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit.

This whisper kept repeating over and over in my mind, “the second glance seems innocent, but leads to a slow fade within your faith.”  Like a cross country runner who stops training, it doesn’t take long for the discipline of running to cease.  Therefore, aim yourself with the attitude of Christ, 1 Peter 4:1, sharpening your mind like the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.  Avoid the second glance by developing a Job like mentality, Job 42:5-6, swapping a slow fade for a raging fire of faith!

by Jay Mankus

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