Tag Archives: souls

Monday Morning Atheist

Posted on May 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

An atheist is defined as anyone who lacks belief or denies the existence of a God or gods.  Unfortunately, as another weekend flies by the anguish of starting a new week of work weighs heavy on restless souls.  Thus, when the average American awakes on Monday morning, not many people feel close to or seek God to find the strength to carry on.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ, Romans 10:17.

In his book entitled Monday Morning Atheist, Doug Spada encourages readers to switch God on as Monday morning arrives.  When Christianity becomes a religion, the emphasis is placed on Saturday or Sunday as the day of worship.  Thus, God can be limited to your churches doors if you embrace this mindset.  Faith is designed to be a relationship that lasts 7 days, not something that you pick up whenever you feel like it.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed, Mark 1:35.

Jesus sets the example for those who tend to be distracted by others or stressed by the upcoming schedule you have to meet.  While his disciples are swayed by human demands, Jesus took the first moments of each day to spend with his heavenly father.  Therefore, don’t allow worry to lead you to become a Monday morning atheist.  Rather, slow down, be still before the Lord and let the Holy Spirit influence the steps you take 7 days a week.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Lord’s Patience

Posted on May 22, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have children, coach or teach, then you understand willful disobedience.  Unfortunately, human nature tends to cause adults to become angry, frustrated or resentful.  In the heat of the moment, its not uncommon to say or do something you regret.  If only individuals possessed the Lord’s patience.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance, 2 Peter 3:9.

One of the more awkward conversations in the Bible occurs in John 21.  Peter meets face to face with a resurrected Jesus.  Without bringing up Peter’s public denial, Jesus asks him if he the loves the Lord three times.  These words cut to the heart, a painful reminder of Peter’s past transgression the week prior.  Before the day was over, Peter received a glimpse of the Lord’s patience.

Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go,” John 21:18.

In this age of instant gratification, its hard to allow time to take its course on life.  Instead of pressing others to comply with your rules and regulation, sometimes you have to let those whom you love to wander off.  Only when people come to their senses will the day of repentance arrive.  Therefore, as a friend, mentor or parent don’t force the issue.  Rather, pray that the Lord’s patience will awaken souls and lead to salvation.

by Jay Mankus

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Seducing the Unstable

Posted on May 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Fluctuating, volatile and unpredictable are terms synonymous with unstable.  This character flaw can cause individuals to be blown and tossed by winds of change.  When you throw in an invisible force luring souls with temporary pleasures, the stage is set for seducing the unstable.

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.

A pawn of Satan in the past, Peter is possibly referring to his own seduction.  Prior to Jesus’ resurrection, his faith was weak despite witnessing countless miracles.  Reflecting upon his previous mistakes, Peter appears to have been careless, unprepared for the Devil’s daily attacks.  This lack of insight influenced Peter to deny Jesus publicly three times.

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.

Now older and wiser, Peter leaves behind a game plan to avoid falling into this trap.  Although not mentioned, using prayer as a hedge of protection provides individuals with a barrier of resistance.  Thus, if you feel like you’re starting to teeter in the wrong direction, cry out to the Lord Jesus so that you will be spared from Satan’s seduction.

by Jay Mankus

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Evil Eyes

Posted on May 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Kim Carnes 1981 version of Bette Davis Eyes spent 9 weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  This song debuted on Mistaken Identity, fitting well into today’s theme.  If you have ever looked into someone’s eyes, you may receive a mixed message.  While one eye may appear to signal a friendly glance, the other may be checking you out.  Meanwhile, angry teachers have a tendency to point evil eyes in the direction of the chatty, disruptive or tardy.

With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; 2 Peter 2:14a.

Peter refers to a different concept in one of his letters to Christians in the first century.  During his interactions with Jesus, Peter met and likely had conversations with prostitutes.  Although its unclear which individual Peter is referring to, the Holy Spirit revealed a quality that people possess known as eyes full of adultery.  What I call the second glance, innocence is replaced by lust as carousing souls covet the physical features of others.

I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman, Job 31:1.

Wearing sunglasses may keep others from seeing your evil eyes, but God is not deceived.  Thus, if you’ve fallen into bad habits, you might find yourself consumed with an array of sinful thoughts.  If you find yourself leaning in this direction, take the pledge of Job.  While you will still have to overcome the temptation of the second glance, with God’s help all things are possible.  May these words open your mind to the dangers of eyes full of adultery.

by Jay Mankus

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The Black Hole Which Engulfs Souls

Posted on May 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

At one point in time, black holes were merely something in a Science Fiction film.  However, recent exploration of space have produced amazing videos like that of the Hubble telescope.  Subsequently, the gravitational pull inside these destructive masses will engulf anything that stands in its way.

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, Galatians 5:17.

In a spiritual sense, a similar process takes place inside physical bodies, unseen by the human eye.  Mankind’s carnal nature produces an appetite which few individuals can control.  Thus, the sinful nature is like a black hole, dragging people away from God like a giant vacuum cleaner.  If you ignore this condition, the perfect storm sets the scene for the black hole which engulfs souls.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:18.

Last week I was trying to figure out what happened to me.  I started off the year so strong and in a matter of weeks my disciplined, focused and productive season was gone.  I feel as if I experienced some sort of time warp, tracing my steps backward to figure how I ever got here in the first place.  Yet, as the apostle Paul writes, this black hole is merely my sinful nature, dragging me away from my Lord.  In view of this painful reality, all I can do is take the advice of Galatians 5:25, to begin again by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

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Unguarded

Posted on February 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Confidence, egos and pride tend to convince individuals that they can handle anything that life throws their way.  With success, this mindset gradually leads people to become self-reliant, trusting in their own strength and abilities.  And yet, these factors create the perfect storm, setting the stage for a demonic attack on the unguarded.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

The human mind is an accessory, a willing accomplice.  As the mind is a giant sponge, able to record and store millions of pieces of information throughout your life.  Some of this content triggers fond memories of former relationships, places or things.  Meanwhile, other events can expose or uncover secret scars, a painful remainder of nightmares from your past.  Subsequently, anyone who starts a day without the covering of prayer or a support system is vulnerable to invisible attacks known as spiritual warfare.

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold, Ephesians 4:26-27.

After a great first month of 2016, I’ve found myself falling back into careless patterns.  Any type of apathetic manner allows on open door for the Devil to come back into and torment your life.  This is why addiction, bad habits and unguided souls experience so much pain and remorse.  If you find yourself in this precarious situation, going through life unguarded, its time to create a war room, a place of prayer to prepare you for Satan’s schemes.  Like the old American Express Ad campaign, don’t leave home without it.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Radiation of Love

Posted on January 17, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Radiation is usually applied in a negative manner either in connection with chemotherapy or dangerous levels following a nuclear reactor accident.  Sometimes that which was designed to kill cancer cells ends up taking innocent lives.  Meanwhile, there are areas surrounding Chernobyl today, that are still off limits 25 years following the worst nuclear power disaster in history.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

If radiation is this powerful, imagine if caring souls began to demonstrate God’s love on a daily basis.  Sure, zones of doubt, fear and negativity will always exist, but agape love can transform communities by faithful ambassadors of love.  Unfortunately, the power source for tapping into the power of love has become disconnected.  Subsequently, as individuals continue to trust in their own strength, the radiation of love has grown cold.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another, John 13:35.

One of the few places where this radiance of love became reality was in the city of Antioch.  According to the words of Luke in Acts 11:26, converts to the faith emulated the practices of Jesus.  Thus, the term Christians was coined in Antioch as believers followed in the footsteps of Christ.  Since the first century, periods of love has led to revivals, but none lasted the test of time.  However, as the last days draw near, perhaps a movement may inspire a new generation to fan into flame the radiation of love.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Just Pray

Posted on January 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In recent years, my mother and wife’s mom have been rushed to the hospital.  The older you become, the closer death draws near.  Yet, when you reach that point of helplessness, worry doesn’t do anything but make matters worse.  Thus, as my wife returned from visiting her ailing mother, the first thing that came to my mind to cope with her stress was, “just pray.”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, Philippians 4:6.

Beside dealing with health concerns, almost everyone has a co-worker, family member or neighbor who is their own worst enemy.  This type of individual tends to be stubborn, failing to listen or take the advice of friends.  Thus, a vicious cycle is repeated as the same mistakes and sins occur over and over again.  Although gossip is often the first response to these unfortunate souls, a better alternative is to resist this temptation through prayer.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, Romans 8:26.

Jesus demonstrated an unusual but effective practice related to prayer.  Whenever a person was on the verge of death or presumed dead, Jesus told everyone to leave the room or house.  The purpose of this was to get rid of anyone who did not believe God could change a dire situation.  Essentially, Jesus removed doubt from hindering his prayers.  Subsequently, healings, miracles and resurrections occurred on a regular basis.  Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, when you feel like giving up, just pray.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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All These Things

Posted on January 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Prior to beginning his ministry on earth, Jesus faced three temptations during a forty day fast.  The first was physical as the Devil attacked the human bodies dependence on food.  According to Matthew 4:4, relying on the spiritual, the Bible, strengthens minds.  Yet, seeking God is much more than overcoming temporary pleasures.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33.

Not giving up, Satan fought back, testing Jesus to see if He was willing to use God’s power for his own glory.  The request was not impossible.  Jesus could have called on angels to save His life.  This mental temptation feeds on pride, daring souls to prove the Devil wrong.   Instead of participating in this folly by lowering God’s standards, Jesus quotes scripture to expose the Devil’s cunning plot.  The key to righteousness is remaining humble, wrestling with desires of the sinful nature to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own, Matthew 6:34.

The final obstacle Jesus overcame was devotion, who will you worship?  The Father of Lies continues to make empty promises today, deceiving the uneducated daily.  Knowing and practicing foundational biblical truths is the last step of obedience before you can experience the promise of Matthew 6:33.  Although young men stumble and fall, seeking God and his righteousness must be your top authority.  Until this occurs, all these things are just a fantasy.  However, when you cross this threshold, following in the footsteps of Christ, the Lord will begin to provide in supernatural ways.

by Jay Mankus

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When Pain is Your Teacher

Posted on November 22, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of Rush Limbaugh’s weekly quotes on his E.I.B. radio talk show is that learning never stops.  Commencement refers to the beginning, the start of a new life.  However, when pain becomes your teacher, few want to finish, often dropping out of the school of life.

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life, Genesis 3:17.

In the real world, tutors exist in the form of mentors.  If you earn their respect, perhaps you might be able pull from their years of wisdom to help you along the way.  Nothing is ever easy, but if you can endure failures, heartaches and setbacks, you might be able to graduate on the next class God has in store for you.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

Unfortunately, pain never ceases, a byproduct of original sin.  The remnants of the fiasco in Eden have gradually spread, poisoning souls to the core.  The events of modern terrorist attacks is merely the fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians.  Therefore, whether we like it or not, pain is the teacher which shapes the human heart.  As the school of hard knocks proceeds, may the trials of life serve as a purification process to refine faith in those who believe.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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