Tag Archives: state of mind

Preserving Your Soul During COVID-19

Posted on November 29, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Prior to modern electricity and appliances, there wasn’t a way to store a large quantity of food. Back in the first century, salt was used to extend the life of and preserve meat. Since all living things require water and cannot grow in the absence of it, salt dries out food and prevents bacteria from growing. In the passage below, Jesus uses salt as a way to add flavor. However, instead of referring to food, Christians should add flavor to the lives of the people you come in contact with daily.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men, Matthew 5:13.

Unfortunately, as the weight of the worries in this world take a toll on human souls, you may not feel like passing on God’s love. The apostle Paul writes about this state of mind in Philippians 2:1-4. When you let yourself get run down, you lose the ability to help other people effectively. If you ever find yourself struggling to get through each day, you need to take time to renew and revive your own soul. Then and only then will you be able to preserve the lives of others.

But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery (perdition) and are utterly destroyed, but we are of those who believe [who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul, Hebrews 10:39.

In the last passage leading up to the Bible’s version of the Hall of Fame, Hebrews 11, the author eludes to individuals who left their faith. At some point in life, these Christians abandoned their new life in Christ to indulge the addictions, bad habits, cravings and desires of their past. To avoid making the same mistakes of these wayward believers, the author points to heroes of the Christian faith. By examining and studying the choices that they made, you will be able to preserve your soul in the future regardless how long COVID-19 continues to last.

by Jay Mankus

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Overcoming the Side Effects of Puberty

Posted on October 26, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Attitude of one of those traits that when you see it exude out of a confident individual, it’s easily recognized. Parents often come face to face with attitude as children begin to experience puberty. By the time this internal change is nearly complete, teenagers tend to verbalize attitude in cruel, inappropriate and vicious manners. Unless this evil transformation is confronted, side effects of puberty will linger into adulthood.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20.

An Old Testament prophet appears to address a similar issue while serving as a spiritual advisor to the King of Israel. Based upon the context of this chapter, Isaiah is bringing forth a rebuke. This prophet receives a negative message from the Lord, blaming their current state of mind on a lack of knowledge of God. This weak spiritual foundation opened the door for evil to be confused with truth and vice versa.

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate, Proverbs 8:13.

A wise king of Israel addresses the need to drop the attitude conceived by puberty in the passage above. The choice of Solomon’s words imply this topic is no laughing matter. Whenever individuals are missing or void of a personal relationship with God, arrogance and pride loom. If these urges aren’t met with resistance, perverted speech will soon follow. Therefore, to avoid falling prey to this internal attack, drop the attitude before it poisons your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Pushed to the Brink of Letting Go

Posted on August 3, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Whenever your job description changes over night, an unsettling feeling may overwhelm your soul.  As you search for answers, your nerves may be calmed or a dysfunctional situation only gets worse.  Depending upon your state of mind, anger may brew, bitterness boil and frustration mount.  Yet, perhaps all this has happened to you, pushed to the brink by stress to let go of control by allowing God to take the reigns.

And [later] she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept the flocks [of sheep and goats], but Cain cultivated the ground. 3 And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. 4 But Abel brought [an offering of] the [finest] firstborn of his flock and the fat portions. And the Lord had respect (regard) for Abel and for his offering; 5 but for Cain and his offering He had no respect. So Cain became extremely angry (indignant), and he looked annoyed and hostile, Genesis 4:2-5.

In the passage above, an older brother becomes jealous of his younger brother.  The long hours of farming gradually took a toll on Cain’s state of mind.  After coming home dirty and exhausted, Abel appeared to have a much better job and life.  However, when Cain was pushed to the brink, he chose to question God as detailed below.  This venting session provided Cain with advice on what to do next, toward an open door to escape temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

And the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you so angry? And why do you look annoyed? 7 If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it,” Genesis 4:6-7.

Anyone who is about to lose it emotionally needs to reflect upon the passage above.  Every day sin crouches at your door, waiting for foolish souls to welcome it in.  Unless you practice the self discipline referred to in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, sin will overpower you.  Thus, if you want to avoid the same fate of Cain, you must learn to control your body like a competitive athlete.  This pursuit results in a calm and well balanced mind.  Thus, if you are prepared, the next time you are pushed to the brink of frustration, letting go by trusting God will become a natural transition.

by Jay Mankus

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Fighting for Harmony

Posted on July 2, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Most people don’t view life in terms of harmony.  Yet, musicians and song writers seek a place or state of mind where creativity flows.  Others withdraw to a secluded location, retreating to regain joy and purpose for life.  Behind the scenes, in one way or another, we are all struggling to find harmony.

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding, Romans 14:19.

Prior to beginning his earthly ministry, Jesus spent forty days in the desert.  Fasting, praying and seeking God for insight, Jesus avoided the typical distractions within daily life.  This time of reflection served as a transitional period from a carpenter to a fisher of men.  Jesus turned his attention away from financial needs toward building a spiritual team of disciples.  Along the way, Satan arrives in Matthew 4:1-9 to disrupt this harmony.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind, 1 Peter 3:8.

Similar visits occur today by demons seeking to divide families, communities and nations.  Based upon current events, it appears the Devil is accomplishing his goal.  Anger, dissension and gossip are on the rise, fueled by social media.  Instead of attacking the source, people are fighting one another with words of hate.  Perhaps, it’s time to withdraw into the wilderness to reverse this trend by fighting back to regain a sense of harmony.

by Jay Mankus

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Are You Finding Delight in the Lord?

Posted on April 23, 2017 by expressyourself4him

While few people verbalize this topic, there appears to be a love hate relationship with God.  When things seem to go your way, life is great, perhaps a reward for your hard work and good behavior.  Meanwhile, as fortunes begin to change, anger, bitterness and frustration arises with God.

Will they find delight in the Almighty? Will they call on God at all times? – Job 27:10

This is the state of mind that we find Job within the passage above.  When you add the suggestions from a few close friends that the Lord is punishing Job for some unconfessed sin, agitation increases.  Subsequently, finding delight in God Almighty becomes the last thing on your mind.  Yet, as emotions die down, Job does leave individuals with advice to find delight in the Lord.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart, Psalm 37:4.

Job wonders if those discontent with life are using God as a crutch.  This occurs when you call on God only in times of trials and tribulations.  This decision often breeds resentment, eliminating any delight that you may have for God.  Instead of fully trusting God in all ways, there is a temptation to take back the wheel, seeking to control your own life.  If you truly desire to delight yourself in the Lord, don’t go half way.  Rather, follow Job’s advice by calling on God at all times, in the good and bad moments of life.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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The Healing of the Mind

Posted on June 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The expression “I’m my worst own enemy” is supported by biblical truth.  The apostle Paul, one of the godliest men to walk the face of the earth, referred to himself as the greatest sinner of all, losing control of his body due to a sinful nature, Romans 7:15.  Thousands of people who saw the son of God heal and speak possessed blind eyes, numb hearts and deaf ears.  Somewhere inside their heads, a previous disappointment, failure or set back has convinced these individuals that healing and victory over their flesh will never come.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst, 1 Timothy 1:15.

This is the state of mind which confronted a woman within Mark 5:25-34.  After 12 years of doctor’s bills left her condition unchanged, doubt, hopelessness and self-pity likely filled her thoughts.  Broke and suffering, a light went on inside of her head, “if only I could touch Jesus’ cloak, then will I find healing.”  Battling the crowds, this woman fought until Jesus’ rabbinical robe was within her reach.  Like a dream come true, one touch released a powerful surge of energy throughout her body to cure her medical condition.

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.  He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” – Mark 5:33-34

Today, countless depressed souls are wondering, “are there any miracles leftover for me to experience?”  Downcast, pessimistic and skeptical, good things will not come until minds are transformed.  Sure, belief begins with the heart and mouth, Romans 10:9-10, yet victory is obtained by the renewing of the mind, Romans 12:1-12.  May the words of Colossians 3:1-4 serve as rehab until the healing of the mind is complete.

by Jay Mankus

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A Hostage of Peace

Posted on March 27, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2LfNVto5oc

Words like captive, pawn and victim are often associated with a hostage.  Despite this negative connotation, hostages can find a state of mind where peace is achieved.  Such is the case for a pastor arrested in communist China, sentenced to a prison camp for proselytizing where a cess pool became his home.  Days led to weeks, weeks to months and months to years, forced to dwell in a place which most gagged on the stench.  Yet, in this living hell, this man of God imagined the words of the Bible he read throughout his years of ministry.  Overtime, a transformation conceived a hostage of peace.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you, Isaiah 26:3.

In August of 2012, Tenth Avenue North released The Struggle, an album that featured several songs with powerful lyrics.  One of my favorites is Hostage of Peace, commences with the idea earthly battles begin in the heart.

Feel the silence
There’s a war beneath our skin
Let it begin
It’s hard to fight
It’s hard to lead resistance
It’s our hearts we’re up against

Although the world around human beings may fall apart, Ten Avenue North encourages individuals to cling to the promises in the Bible.  When danger approaches, the author of this song suggests to cry out to in prayer to find the loving arms of our heavenly Father.  This is where an individual can become a hostage of peace.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord, Hebrews 12:14.

Decades following this pastor’s travails, would modern Christians be able to survive if stripped away from their spiritual foundation?  With temptations lurking around every corner, waiting to pounce on unprepared souls, could a strong faith endure without access to the Bible?  God willing, American believers won’t have to experience the trials of nations in spiritual bondage.  However, if the culture continues to embrace and lean toward leftist beliefs, church leaders will need to prepare their congregations to obtain a hostage of peace.

by Jay Mankus

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Weaned From Violence

Posted on April 30, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Unfortunately, a day rarely goes by without a fight, shooting or stabbing making headline news.  Students, workers and innocent bystanders are being caught in the cross fire of violence.  As a vehicle of peace, Gandhi believed you had to slowly wean people from violence without force.  Over time, you will win people toward your point of view.

Jesus demonstrated this belief during his 3 year ministry in the late 20’s of the first century.  When his fellow Jews flirted with the idea of overthrowing the political leaders in Israel, Jesus chose peace.  Despite being falsely accused of crimes he did not commit by the Sanhedrin, Jesus gave up his right to life so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, Matthew 26:52-56.  Although he invested 3 years into 12 men, the temptation to fight back could not be quenched.

Today, domestic violence is a common occurrence, like a nagging cold that won’t go away.  Instead of demonstrating temperance, going the right distance and no further, human beings have lost control of their emotions.  Patience has been discarded, as anger, control and power is urging frustrated souls to lash out, often harming family members.  The only way I know to wean people from violence is to adhere to the apostle Paul’s advice in Ephesians 4:25-32.  When you reach this state of mind, God will lead you to lay your weapons down.

What’s your solution to wean Americans from violence?

by Jay Mankus

 

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What Did He Know that Others Didn’t?

Posted on January 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

According to Webster, confidence is a feeling or belief that someone is good, possessing the ability to succeed.  Although this may be confused with cockiness, success is a state of mind, ushering individuals toward pleasant places.  Apparently hidden within the words of Psalm 16 are clues to the meaning of life, left behind by a man who possessed a heart of gold.  However, its worth pursuing, what did David know that other kings of Israel never grasped?

Some how David understood the teachings of Jesus without ever meeting him.  If you don’t believe me, take for instance the words of Psalm 16:2 and John 15:4.  While Jesus is using a parable about a vine, gardener and branches, David came to this conclusion on his own.  Meanwhile, the concept of Psalm 16:11 and John 10:10 are nearly identical minus the portion about the thief called the devil.  Sure, David was a shepherd prior to becoming king and Jesus was a shepherd for lost people, Luke 19:10, but who communicated these spiritual truths to David.

Despite his complaining, disappointment and frustration from seeing the wicked prosper, God used prophets, the words of the Old Testament and a still small voice, known today as the Holy Spirit to bring David to a place of spiritual maturity.  The king recognized failures often occurred when he relied on his strength and wisdom.  Furthermore, David had reached an age where he began to see answered prayers, blessings and miracles from time spent on his knees.  Thus, the path of life, his purpose for being born and taste of the abundant life filled this king with a blessed assurance.  May you come to a place like David where God is real and his promises are fulfilled!

by Jay Mankus

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