Tag Archives: starting over

Saving Yourself from Shame

As of now, everyone is perfect in 2015 as God has wiped everyone’s slate clean, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  However, its only a matter of time before someone says, “I can’t believe I just said that!”  It only takes a minuscule act, slight compromise or momentary lapse in judgment to ensnare a soul forever.  As this new year begins, what’s saving you from shame?

Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. – Psalm 119:6

Eve’s world began with perfection, no afflictions, illness or pain to complain about.  With only one rule to follow, Genesis 2:15-17, everything was available to the first family except for the Tree of Knowledge.  Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Lucifer to plant seeds of disobedience on the earth, Genesis 3:1.  Instead of walking away from temptation, Eve thought she could handle it own her own, excluding the Lord and her husband from this conversation, Genesis 3:2-6.  Once you engage temptation, shame often follows, Genesis 3:7.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFvIBxEC0CE

The Psalmist provides helpful hints to keep your reputation clean in 2015.

1) Be steadfast in obeying God’s decrees, Psalm 119:5.

2) Avoid careless mistakes by memorizing God’s commands in the Bible, Psalm 119:6.

3) Devote your heart to righteousness, Matthew 5:6.

4) Cling to purity by walking in the ways of the Lord, Psalm 119:9.

5) Hide God’s Word in your heart to remain on the narrow path, Psalm 119:10.

Although Calvinists might say you’re destined to fail, solely reliant on God’s grace, the apostle Paul suggests that you have some say in your day to day decisions, Philippians 2:12.  Essentially, Paul is warning individuals about getting too comfortable like Eve, 1 Corinthians 10:11-12.  As Solomon once said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6.  By following this advice, God willing, you will be saved from shame in 2015 and beyond.

by Jay Mankus

 

Living Life in Your Rear View Mirror

Although many people enjoy playing the role of Monday morning quarterback, some are haunted by prior mistakes.  Like a back up quarterback who is adored until they get in the game, an embarrassing moment while in the spotlight can stay with individuals for years.  Every time someone tries to move on, the stains of time appear in the rear view mirror.

As for me, I can think of several days I would like to forget or get a mulligan to do over.  One of things I regret the most in life  is not telling one of my best friends from high school the reason for my new found joy.  Before I had another open invitation to share my faith, she died of cancer.  This image returns in various forms such as her favorite songs, topics of previous conversations and visions of a precious smile.  Even when you try, its hard to let go of pain from your past.

A common theme professed by pastors in history refer to the devil reminding sinners of their past.  Once preoccupied by guilt, remorse and shame, new believers are unable to experience the new beginning promised by Jesus.  Thus, souls live in fear, with one eye on the future and the other in their rear view mirror.  May any of you stuck in the past experience a resurrected spirit, washed by the blood of the Lamb, Colossians 2:13-15.

by Jay Mankus

 

To Enjoy, Invest or Waste?

If each day on earth is considered a gift, then individuals have 3 choices.  You can enjoy each moment, soaking in the world around you.  Another option is  investing your energy, talents and time into hobbies, interests or passions.  Finally, the self-absorbed might follow the path of the prodigal son, wasting life savings to satisfy their fantasies.

While reflecting on my own life, I wish I could say that my time has been well spent.  Unfortunately, transitioning to my new work schedule has resulted in countless unproductive hours.  Although I hope to develop healthier patterns, I can’t replace the time that I’ve lost.  In view of this, I need to hit the reset button to begin again, Lamentations 3:22-23.

When you go through patterns of disappointment, keep your head up, Galatians 6:9-10.  With Christ’s help, Philippians 4:13, you can stop negative momentum.  If you want to turn the pages of your past toward love, joy and peace, emulate the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.  By doing this, you will find enjoyment while investing in kingdom activities during your days on the earth, Matthew 6:19-22.

by Jay Mankus

 

To Be Somebody

American sitcoms feed on a hidden desire within the human soul, everyone wants to be somebody.  This sense of desperation often causes young people to force the issue, pretending to be someone on television rather than come to grips with reality.  As a result, immaturity extends into the twenty somethings, seeking approval instead of developing the person inside.

The group Thousand Foot Krutch sings about this topic in their song Be Somebody, appearing on their 2012 album The End is Where We Begin  These lyrics indirectly mention the  apostle Paul’s image of a boy looking into a mirror, hoping to grow out of childish ways, 1 Corinthians 13:11-12.  Like anything in life, change takes time, especially if ignorance, peer pressure or rebellion lead you down a path you didn’t want to follow.

The Bible provides an alternative road for those who seek a greater meaning and higher purpose in life.  Psalm 1:1-3 paints a picture of an evergreen tree, staying green year long, not changing colors like a chameleon to blend into their environment.  Jesus offers a fresh start, John 8:10-11, as long as you are willing to leave your life of sin.  If you truly want a legacy, to be somebody beyond your wildest imagination, your first step is to become born again, John 3:3-5.  The choice is yours.

by Jay Mankus

A Forgiving God

Words like “I’ll forgive, but I won’t forget” tend to permeate throughout modern Hollywood productions.  This mindset has led many to adopt similar attitudes, especially toward those who have broken or crushed their heart.  When forgiveness is absent, nastiness within the human soul rears its ugly head.  As a result, bitterness, divorce and hatred have taken center stage in America.

Unless you hear or read it for yourself, Romans 10:17, memories quickly forget the presence of a forgiving God.  Although sin does not go unpunished, Psalm 99:8 provides water for a thirsty soul seeking to shed spirits of guilt, remorse and shame.  Tattered and weary individuals are crying out for a fresh start, hoping for a clean slate, erasing the pain of the past, Psalm 103:11-12.

Often, the only person standing in the way of forgiveness is yourself.  Speaking from experience, beating yourself up internally only benefits the devil who wants to keep you distracted, Matthew 6:15.  Therefore, remember the compassion of the Lord, spreading the great news of a forgiving God, Lamentations 3:17-23.  Once you accept this truth, hope will plant a seed of  belief which can provide a spiritual root system to carry you through the storms of life!

by Jay Mankus