Tag Archives: truth

The Danger of Bearing False Witness

Posted on October 5, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-oXbse0EkA

At some point over the last 25 years, exaggerating and lying have become a part of American politics.  The value of honesty and integrity have been replaced by a “do whatever it takes to win” attitude.  If this current trend continues, society will experience the side effects of bearing false witness.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor, Exodus 20:16.

When individuals begin to hold worldviews that believe absolutes are not realistic to obtain, a vacuum is created for falsehood to reside.  Meanwhile, the media understands if you repeat a lie over and over again, the public will likely begin to believe this as truth.  Until corruption, deceit and untruths are daily exposed, politicians will continue to lie.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another, Ephesians 4:25.

A growing number of churches are encouraging their members to fast and pray in the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election.  The more who join this movement can shift the spiritual momentum in this country.  Yet, without faith in action from godly leaders, this climate will not change.  May the power of the Holy Spirit move you to speak the truth in love to make this world a better place.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Far From the Truth

Posted on September 26, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are examining biblical principles, the constitution or terrorism, answers will vary depending upon the world view you can eventually adopt.  When America was founded, Christian theism was the most dominant worldview.  Yet,  post-modernism has now surpassed theism, redefining that which was once true.  What makes post-modernism attractive to millennials is that this worldview believes human beings only have a limited knowledge.  Thus, man cannot know anything absolutely, a view far from the truth Americans once held as a nation.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me, John 14:6.

As the media now airs, presents and reports current events, every story is filtered through worldviews.  While post-modernism is predominant, journalists may also adhere to Existentialism, Nihilism and Pantheism.  Existentialism believes each individual creates who they are by the choices they make in life.  Nihilism states that laws and values the government tries to indoctrinate or force upon a person can justifiably be resisted which explains the recent violence within protests.  Finally, New Age Pantheism believes that you can become a god by raising your consciousness.  So the next time you hear, see or read about current events, the context of what actually happened may be far from the truth.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth, Psalm 145:18.

One of the reasons why sites like the Drudge Report have become so popular is that the news is presented unfiltered.  Meanwhile, the motto of Fox News, “We Report and You Decide” is also appealing to those who feel like the press isn’t being fully honest and open.  As the Lord continues to change, other new worldviews will arise and take shape.  Thus, unless you stay updated on the latest trends, your understanding of current events will be far from the truth.  Therefore, be diligent in, educated and seek the Lord to obtain understanding.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Accusations Without Reason

Posted on August 24, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcC295fagCo

Over the last 23 years, more than 2000 inmates have been exonerated after being falsely accused of a crime.  Unfortunately, these individuals spent more than 10,000 years combined before the truth set them free.  This time away from family, friends and void of freedom can never be returned.  Yet, this statistic serves as a remainder to never make accusations without reason.

Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm, Proverbs 3:30.

Exaggerations, lies and untruths are nothing new.  Perhaps, Solomon came to the conclusion that the sinful nature serves as a defense mechanism.  Whenever accusations, blame or indictments come your way, human nature’s first reply is usually “I didn’t do it!”  Nonetheless, DNA tests, lie detectors and modern scientific devices have been created to prevent further injustices from occurring.

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers, Proverbs 21:15.

Following their exoneration of rape charges, Duke Lacrosse players David Evans, Reade Seligmann, and Collin Finnerty have joined the Innocence Project.  This organization files appeals on behalf of individuals wrongfully punished for crimes they never committed.  When an innocent poor person can’t afford a good defense team, this group and others like it fight for the little guy.  May this blog inspire you to defend and stand up for those falsely accused in your spheres of influence.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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If You Rush To Judgement… Someone’s Life Might Be Ruined

Posted on August 23, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwE4ixCrIFM

After watching a rerun of ESPN’s 30 for 30, Fantastic Lies, I received a new perspective.  During this documentary, I missed an important statement the first time around.  One of the journalists who believed the Duke Lacrosse players raped an African America woman provided an insightful comment.  When asked about why the nation felt like these three players were guilty, he responded, “If you air opinions over and over again in the media, these fantastic lies become fact.

Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 1 John 2:4.

This observation applies to our daily life.  Every day blogs, cable news networks and news papers publish exaggerations, take comments out of context or with hold information to make liberals look great and portray conservatives as liars.  This rush to judgment often ruins the lives of those who receive negative press.  Just examine or do a fact check of political ads and you’ll find a willful attempt to smear their opponents.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The apostle Paul speaks of a moment when you have the chance to decide “do I do the right or wrong thing?”  At this place in time, Paul learned that you don’t always have to give into temptation.  Rather, the Lord does provide an escape route, an option that does not lead to guilt, shame or regret.  Therefore, the next time you have an urge to condemn, trash or verbally assault an individual’s character, ask the Lord for discernment.  Or else your quick rush to judgement may result in the demise of a strangers reputation.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Where Are Your Footprints Leading?

Posted on July 16, 2016 by expressyourself4him

For those of you who have pets, it doesn’t take much for a kitten, puppy or other new member of the family to reap havoc.  Like any child who knows their in trouble, sometimes animals try to hide their mess.  In this case, all you have to do is follow visible signs of destruction before you reach the guilty party.  Yet, child and pets aren’t alone as even adults have moments of weakness, sending a poor message by taking steps in the wrong direction.

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth, 1 John 1:6.

Unfortunately, grown ups tend to make life much more complicated than it is.  Subsequently, sometimes its important to simplify life, going back to the basics.  The Bible kids classic song Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See is a great place to start.  These lyrics warn individuals of the lasting consequences of walking in darkness.  Tasting forbidden fruit, lusting for someone or something or crossing the line known as sin, could become a life style if you’re not careful.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.   But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23

In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares the correlation between your eyes and sin.  Essentially, eyes are a lamp created to guide and direct people throughout life.  However, if used inappropriately, these beacons of light can become a source for evil.  Thus, whether you are young or old, Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See still applies.  In view of this choose wisely and if you make mistakes along the way, repent quickly.  May the footprints that you leave on earth point souls to the love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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A Sad Sign of Troubled Times

Posted on July 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The History Channel has a series of shows related to prophecy.  Nostradamus programs tend to get the most publicity, concentrating upon his published collection that first appeared in 1555.  While there are shows dedicated to Bible prophecy, there is one author who gets overlooked.  The apostle Paul makes a prediction in a letter to one of his disciples which is like a headline from one of the major tabloids.

They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 2 Timothy 3:6.

Apparently, there was a growing trend of bad boys having a negative influence on woman during the first century.  Based upon the vocabulary used in the passage above, Paul suggests that men were preying on gullible women, then manipulating females to get what they want.  Based upon the amount of children born out of wedlock and dysfunctional homes in America today, Paul’s prophecy is a sad sign of troubles times.

Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 3:7.

The notion that love is blind applies to this moral dilemma.  While many individuals often say, “I’ll never do that again,” when push comes to shove several repeat the same mistakes time after time.  Thus, bad boys continue to intrigue naive woman, curious what it would be like to date them.  Unfortunately, despite having a knowledge of right from wrong does not stop the desperate or tempted from tasting temporary pleasures.  May the Holy Spirit pierce through this darkness so that these sad signs of a fallen society will turn around soon.

by Jay Mankus

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Reactions Without Responsibility

Posted on July 10, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Any parent who loses a child to a drunk driver, victim of a crime or family member of a relative fatally shot wants to see justice prevail.  In the heat of the moment, especially after receiving this bad news, emotions can cause harsh reactions.  Yet, in America people are suppose to be innocent until proven guilty.  Sure, it would be nice if the court systems could speed up this process.  However, until individuals have their day in court, its irresponsible to incite violence, rush to judgment or use social media to encourage others to seek revenge.

How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? – Matthew 7:4

In the hours following the unfortunate shooting deaths of African Americans by police officers in Louisiana and Minnesota, reactions in the media were fast and furious.  Apparently, some people took black leaders, politicians and twitter posts literally.  Subsequently, now there are six dead police officers in 2 states, several more wounded and public servants have been betrayed by the citizens they are paid to protect.  The response by celebrities to the initial two deaths is a clear indication that reactions have consequences.

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye, Matthew 7:5.

America has come to a cross roads, on the verge of a racial divide.  The leadership and message provided by Dr. Martin Luther King has either been forgotten or is absent from this current generation.  In view of this dire situation, its time for personal responsibility, realizing that everyone is imperfect.  During his sermon on the Mount Jesus encouraged followers to get their own lives in order before criticizing or judging other people.  The same truth applies to Americans today.  Therefore, the next time you have an urge to lash out, over react or post complaints on social media, remember these words of Jesus.  If put into practice, God’s Word can begin to transform lives one soul at a time.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Constant Friction

Posted on June 30, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Every day in the world friction exists.  This may take the form of an altercation, falling out or squabble.   As individuals struggle to remain in control, attitudes, egos and personalities clash.  This constant friction leaves behind a trail of alienation, enmity and strife.

And constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain, 1 Timothy 6:5.

In this age of enlightenment, minds are open to new ideologies, philosophies and teachings.  Subsequently, sometimes curious individuals seeking answers to the meaning of life will begin to cling to strange new ideas.  Desperate for logical explanations, some will even abandon former beliefs to justify or rationalize where they are spiritually.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ, Colossians 2:8.

Decisions made without thorough investigation can lead to what the apostle Paul refers to being robbed of the truth.  While visiting the city of Colossae, he realized how vulnerable young people are to being swayed by human tradition.  In view of this, before you fully develop and embrace a worldview, follow the principles of 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.  Test everything you hear with God’s word and cling to that which is good.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Returning to the Scene of the Crime

Posted on June 28, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the film Absolute Power, Clint Eastwood plays a jewel thief who witnesses a murder during one of his heists.  When the secret service tries to cover up the president’s affair with a powerful donor’s wife who is now dead, only one person knows the truth.  On the verge of fleeing the country, a press conference infuriates Eastwood who is forced to return to the scene of his crime.

As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly, Proverbs 26:11.

In the spiritual realm, there are some people who tend to repeat the same mistakes over and over again without learning from their consequences.  The wisdom of Solomon relates this individual to a dog who returns to their vomit after throwing up.  This strange behavior is indicative of a fool who does not mature, lured into an addictive cycle that never disappears.

Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud,” 2 Peter 2:22.

In life, its much easier to run away from the truth and hide than confront the real issue.  While prepared to live the rest of his life off the grid, Clint Eastwood’s conscience urged him to take on the leader of the free world.  Despite the overwhelming odds he faced, Eastwood did the right thing, returning to the scene of the crime and putting back everything he stole.  Whatever situation you are currently facing, may you stand up for justice so that the truth will set you free.

by Jay Mankus

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A Lost Art or a Ceased Power

Posted on June 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

When you study history, centuries are remembered by the movements within each age.  Whether you are talking about the Renaissance, Industrial Revolution or Nuclear Age, culture. technology and trends shape the next generation.  As philosophers like Plato once proclaimed, these shifts have caused human beings to turn their faith from above to within.

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you, 1 Timothy 4:14.

During periods of spiritual Dark Ages, individuals wandered away from the truth.  As access to the Bible was limited to priests and spiritual leaders, saints were unable to fully practice the apostles teachings.  Thus, the notion of laying hands on individuals was likely a foreign concept.  It wasn’t until the 15th century when Johan Gutenberg’s printing press provided Bibles for the masses, making sure there no excuses from here on out.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress, 1 Timothy 4:15.

Within one of the apostle Paul’s letters is an interesting concept, spiritual gifts are conceived following the laying on of hands by elders of a church.  In fact in the next verse, spiritual progress is attributed applying spiritual gifts and laying hands on needy people.  This leads me to ponder, is this a lost art or a ceased power limited to the Pentecost generation?  While theologians will tend to lean toward the latter, perhaps this lost art is the difference between a dying church to one on the verge of revival.  Whatever you believe, the next time you have an opportunity to reach out, say a prayer and release the power of the Holy Spirit, just do it!

by Jay Mankus

 

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