Tag Archives: take your thoughts captive

Developing the Will to Love Your Soulmate

Posted on August 16, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Developing the will to love is similar to Olympic and professional athletes who develop the will to win. The context of today’s featured passage is referencing the Corinthian Games, also known as the Isthmian Games. This first century Track and Field event would take place in the years opposite of the Olympic Games held in nearby Athens, Greece.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. 25 Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.

Developing your own athletic and spiritual abilities have one thing in common: practice. As a former cross-country runner in high school, I forced myself to run five days a week every summer. Since my parents always spent a few weeks every August in the state of Maine, this included running in the mountains and being chased by stray dogs. Developing the will to love your soulmate can be just as painful.

Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit], 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.

Like Slyvester Stallone in Rocky IV, willing to love involves pushing your body to its limits. Meanwhile, the father of lies, John 8:44, will plant subtle selfish thoughts into your mind. Unless you learn to take your thoughts captive, 2 Corinthians 10:5-6, your will to love your soulmate will be stunted. Therefore, pump your mind with spiritual truths from Colossians 3:12-17 so that the will to love prevails with Jesus’ help, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Wedding Vibes

Posted on August 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A vibe is a person’s emotional state or the atmosphere of a place as communicated to and felt by others. When you attend a wedding as a friend of a friend, you may pay attention to certain details that others often overlook. Are you over or under dressed? How serious is this couple taking their wedding vows? Is the pastor or priest going through the motions or personalizing their message? As an eyewitness to my son Daniel’s wedding last weekend, my vibe was positive, impressed by the spiritual nature of the ceremony as well as the emotional speeches during the reception.

And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may [d]display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment], Philippians 1:9.

Vibes can be confused with discernment, gut-feelings or inclinations as you observe any formal gathering. One of the first weddings I attended with my wife Leanne, I got this overwhelming sensation that this couple’s marriage isn’t going to last. I wish my initial vibe was wrong, but there was a divorce before spending two full years together. When you encounter negative vibes, watch out that you don’t end up speaking this into existence a self-fulfilled prophecy by dwelling on negative thoughts over and over again.

So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble], Philippians 1:10.

During a first century letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul urges this congregation to focus on the positive things in life. The passage above highlights this point which Paul follows up on in Philippians 4:8-9 as a reminder to dwell on the excellent and praiseworthy things in life. Meanwhile, for anyone who takes vibes too seriously, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, make sure that you take your thoughts captive, making them obedient to Christ. Any concerns or worries that you may have from negative wedding vibes can be lifted up in prayer so that help arrives in the form of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

What Am I Supposed to Be?

Posted on April 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a member of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and James, John had V.I.P. access. One of the expressions John appears to have picked up from private conversations with Jesus is “conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action.” After ending one letter with this phrase, John alludes to the waiting process before God’s will is made clear. As Christians lift up daily concerns to the Lord, one prayer request should focus on what you shall be.

Beloved, we are [even here and] now God’s children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [[b]as God’s children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him [c]just as He [really] is, 1 John 3:2.

Shall is one of those termed used in self-fulfilling prophecies. If you tend to be negative, ungodly beliefs will fill your mind with thoughts of failure that often come to fruition. Yet, if you learn to take your thoughts captive by implementing Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 10:5, what you shall be improves. Philippians 4:8-9 is a great verse to meditate upon to shift your attention to the positive aspects in life. As your perspective changes, so does the prospect of a brighter future.

If you know (perceive and are sure) that He [Christ] is [absolutely] righteous [conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action], you may also know (be sure) that everyone who does righteously [and is therefore in like manner conformed to the divine will] is born (begotten) of Him [[r]God], 1 John 2:29.

Belief in one’s abilities in a step in the right direction. However, John suggests your degree of certainty that Jesus is the Christ is crucial to conforming to God’s will. When doubt or uncertainty creeps into your mind, your conviction and purpose in life will waver. If confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit to improve your life is restored, you will become closer to the person that God wants you to be. In the end, what you shall be is determined by the choices and decisions that you make daily.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Under the Sway of this Present Age

Posted on February 27, 2021 by expressyourself4him

To move or cause slow movement, often rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side is to sway. From a spiritual perspective, if your eye isn’t on the prize, Hebrews 12:1-2, the temptations of this present age may cause you to oscillate. Thus, if you aren’t secure by being deeply rooted in Christ, Colossians 2:7-8, you become vulnerable prey to the Devil. According to one of Jesus’ own disciples, behind the scenes there is a spiritual enemy who is constantly on the prowl, 1 Peter 5:8. This invisible roaring lion is the force of darkness behind this present age.

In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God], Ephesians 2:2.

While God is omnipresent, the ruler of the air is flying from place to place, searching for an open door. For those of you currently undergoing a fierce spiritual attack, God isn’t the one to blame. Rather, the sway of this present age feeds on enticement and lust, James 1:13-15, dragging curious souls further and further away from God. Like being under the influence of a spiritual spell, addiction, poor choices and unusual behavior make people do the opposite of what they want, Romans 7:15-17. According to the apostle Paul, this is when full blown sin takes over your body.

Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:11-12.

Four chapters after introducing the concept of a ruler of the air, the apostle Paul provides a blueprint on how to survive the sway of this present age, Ephesians 6:11-18. Another way of conceptualizing the armor of God, if you don’t put on this spiritual armor via prayer, it’s like fighting naked. Meanwhile, you can’t overlook the apostle Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, as your mindset makes a different. If you take your thoughts captive, you won’t be swayed. However, as soon as you let your guard down, a spirit of disobedience will poison your soul and pull you away from the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Replacing Your Filters

Posted on December 27, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon the quality of your air conditioner and furnace unit, air filters need to be replaced as soon as thirty days or as long as six months.  The U.S. Department of Energy claims that replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 10 percent.  Meanwhile, furnace filters should be changed every two to three months depending upon the size of your filter.  Whether you live in an apartment, condo or home, basic upkeep is essential to prolonging your appliances.

We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5.

The Bible refers to a different kind of filter.  According to the apostle Paul, the human mind is a spiritual filter.  Whenever a thought enters your head, God has given individuals the ability to stop evil from corrupting your body.  Before I became a Christian, I was oblivious to the concept of angels, demons and the powers of darkness.  Yet, the more that I read the Bible, the more I understand the importance of replacing your filter by making every thought obedient to Christ.  This is accomplished by memorizing and meditating upon verses of the Bible to prevent evil from persuading souls to give into temptation.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places, Ephesians 6:12.

While the media attempts to convince the world that certain individuals are the enemy, the apostle Paul corrects the record in the passage above.  Sure, there will always be people that rub you the wrong way by getting under your skin.  Yet, the Devil uses physical opponents to suppress any joy that you may have in your heart.  This is why replacing your spiritual filter daily with biblical principles, God’s promises and truth is essential.  The next time strange thoughts catch you off guard, replace the filter in your mind with the Word of God.  May this practice renew and transform your mind, Romans 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Overcoming an I Don’t Care Anymore Attitude

Posted on August 30, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Care refers to the provisions of that what is necessary.  Synonyms include alertness, attentiveness, cautious, guidance, management, protection, safe keeping and watchfulness.  As I reflect upon my early days as a father, I recall hearing the word “no” often.  This expression reveals human nature at work within the lives of children.  Before infants learn the English language, no is code for I don’t want or I don’t care.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, Philippians 2:4.

In 1974, Harry Chapin collaborated with his wife Sandy to compose the song Cat’s in the Cradle.  The lyrics of this classic convey a sad but true story about extreme dedication to work and its negative impact on a family.  Those who are workaholics place a higher priority on their career, leaving little or no time at home.  Spouses left at home with the kids regularly will likely begin think their significant other does not care anymore.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:32.

Those who develop an I don’t care anymore attitude often become jaded.  This process occurs gradually as disappointment erodes hope.  If negative conditions persist, optimism will be replaced by sarcasm, expecting bad things to continue.  Thus, if you sense this mentality beginning to take over, the apostle Paul provides useful advice in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  To break free from the temptation to not care anymore, you need to take spiritual measures to protect your mind.  Only when you begin to take your thoughts captive by making them obedient to Christ can you overcome an I don’t care anymore attitude.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Why Did This Happen?

Posted on October 7, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLJMyei8HXM

Since the Las Vegas mass shooting at the Harvest Country Music Festival on the evening of October 1st, 2017, everyone in the media is asking why did this happen?  As investigators begin combing through physical evidence, this reason for this evil act is still unknown.  While a timeline is being recreated, it’s hard to logically explain how someone could violently gun down so many.  Perhaps, the Bible can shed some light behind the mindset of a murderer.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it,” Genesis 4:6-7.

The first murder ever recorded occurs due to jealousy as a younger brother’s success becomes a motive for murder.  While Cain struggled to make ends meat as a farmer, God blessed Adam’s shepherding business.  When it came time to bring forth first fruits, similar to a modern day tithe, Abel had plenty to offer.  Meanwhile, Cain’s offering did not receive God’s favor.  As jealousy began to spread within his heart, the Lord confronts Cain in the passage above.

 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.  Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.  Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation,” Matthew 12:43-45.

When impure thoughts enter your mind, you have one of two choices.  You can listen to evil or take your thoughts captive by ruling over them.  This ongoing battle doesn’t take breaks so you may resist the first time, but as you grow tried and weary, individuals begin to give into temptation.  The passage above eludes to addiction as bad choices lead to a life style.  Once hooked on something, spirits often overwhelm weak souls.  In the case of Cain, once the idea of getting rid of the competition, his brother, it was only a matter of time.  Perhaps, Stephen Paddock allowed impure spirits to enter his body inspiring the murderous rampage he went on.  Although time will uncover more evidence, this blog gives a brief biblical explanation of why this tragic event happened.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Mindset of a Killer

Posted on May 16, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In light of yesterday’s indictment of Aaron Hernandez for a 2012 double murder in South Boston, family, friends and sports fans are left with troubling questions.  Yes, I know in America, you’re considered innocent until proven guilty, but how can a former rising star of the New England Patriots fall so far and fast?  If guilt is by association, what led Aaron to entertain such bad company?  What triggers someone to snap, inspiring the act to take another person’s life?  The answer lies in the mindset of a killer.

According to Psalm 64, there is an enemy who uses thoughts of conspiracy and evil to steer individuals off course.  The tongue serves like an invisible sword full of poison, aimed at bystanders that rub you the wrong way.  Anger, rage and hatred engage violence, tempting frustrated souls to leave prudence and temperance in their rear view mirrors.  Subsequently, a gang or mob mentality develops, persuading rushed vengeful acts.  At this point, the sinful nature grabs control of minds, Galatians 5:16-21, leading the lost down the highway to hell, Matthew 7:13-14.

In 1972, the United Negro College Fund created the slogan, “the mind is a terrible thing to waste.”  Whether you’re in high school contemplating college, a laid off employee forced to start a new career or a troubled soul bombarded by temptation, the mind plays a vital role in life’s final outcome.  If unwholesome thoughts begin to creep into your brain, take the apostle Paul’s advice in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  The sooner you take your thoughts captive, the less likely you’ll be heading toward a mindset of a killer.

by Jay Mankus

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

You Are What You Think: Champion or Loser

Posted on October 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Self fulfilling prophecy refers to one’s positive and negative expectations of an upcoming event which influences a person or group in a manner toward fulfilling their expectations.  The optimistic individual will tend to keep a good attitude regardless of the circumstance often resulting in a positive outcome.  Meanwhile, pessimists become flustered by the littlest trial, over acting like a drama king or queen, pushing pitiful souls toward disaster.  If you’re not careful, you can become what you think, unless of course the mind of Christ resides within you, 1 Corinthians 2:16.

One of the greatest examples of this theory goes back to 1993-94, coaching high school basketball in Indiana.  Except for our center, 6’4″ 250 pounds with hops, we didn’t have a team which intimidated others by our size.  However, each player grasped their defined role, shared the basketball and developed a hunger for victory.  During the regular season, we finished undefeated, never trailing for a second, tied at the outset of each game before taking a quick lead, usually by double digits.  In the city championship semi-final game, a last second 3 pointer by our opponent sent the game into overtime, before winning comfortably by 6.

 
However, the finals were a different story, disrupted by the host team’s fans, we never got into a flow for the game.  Facing our first deficit of the season, my team was down by 10 early, cutting the lead to 8 by halftime.  Like the locker room speech in Remember the Titans, our players wanted to remain perfect, without a blemish on their record.  Little by little, my team widdled the lead down to 2 points in the final minutes.  When we tied the game at 57, we needed one more defensive stand to have a shot to win.  After a solid defensive rebound and timeout, my team set up for one last shot.  Packing in their zone to take away our big man, we replaced our power forward with an extra shooter, our 6th man.  Though our best shooter missed with 3 seconds left on the clock, a long rebound to the weak side provided just enough room for our sub to float into the air to catch and tap in the miss before the buzzer sounded.  We believed and were crowned city champions.

In life, people are gifted in different areas.  Whether one is blessed in academics, athletics, drama, music or wisdom, you become a champion or loser within your mind.  Sure, there are various degrees and levels in each field, but the battle for success lies in your own mind, James 1:5-8.  The storms, waves and whitecaps in life will knock you down from time to time, leaving a sour taste.  Yet, don’t let a defeat or loss turn into a lifestyle.  Rather, guard your heart, Proverbs 4:23 and take your thoughts captive, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 so the memories of losing will be demolished.

by Jay Mankus

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Oppression vs. Possession

Posted on April 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him
Diagnosing the Demonic

One of the major theological debates in churches today revolve around the presence of demons within believers.  The Bible reveals that those who are filled with the Holy Spirit can not become possessed by a demon or foreign spirit, Romans 8:9-15.  Yet, skeptics make a valid argument when they ask, “if this is true, how do you explain the sin and violent acts committed by Christians?”

To honestly address this question, the concept of spiritual oppression arises.  The context of oppression refers to situations when a follower of Jesus is affected or influenced by an undetected force.  Matthew 16:23 is one of the best examples of oppression as Peter’s mind becomes poisoned by a worldly mindset.  Later on in Acts 5:1-11, Peter believed Satan could enter someone’s heart.  If these things happened to leaders, how often does this occur within an average church goer?

9780884690948

Jesus uses the parable of weeds to further the notion of oppression.  Matthew 13:24-26 illustrates how Satan can plant seeds while the church is sleeping.  This likely explains why the apostle Paul is so adamant about your thought life.  According to 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Paul urges fellow believers to take their thoughts captive, making each idea and image obedient to Christ.

Former Liberty University professor David Appleby and Dr. Ed Murphy have discovered the difference between oppression and possession is often interrelated.  Case studies, research and personal encounters by each of these men have brought some light to this taboo topic.  As progress continues in this area of spiritual warfare, maybe one day the church will be more open to this serious matter.  For now, anyone who desires to walk the less traveled road, Matthew 7:13-14, must put into practice Matthew 26:41 to ward off the daily schemes of the evil One, Ephesians 6:11.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.