Tag Archives: truth

Fifty Shades of Grey

Posted on February 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The twentieth century wasn’t ready for the film Fifty Shades of Grey based upon E. L. James’ best selling novel.  However, the Hot Tub Time Machine generation welcomed this erotic romance, on pace to make over sixty million dollars during its opening weekend at the box office.  Fueled by declining absolutes in society, a wide range of patrons came out in droves, not caring whether or not their support was right or wrong.

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.             Judges 21:25

Similar to Eve in the Garden, curiosity, enticing fantasies and lust led people to taste that which was once forbidden.  Now passe, kissing and telling is the rage, posting selfies on Instagram and the like.  Thus, the envelope continues to be pushed, with no restrictions in sight.  Go big or go home evolves with each flick, taking viewers where grandma and grandpa never imagined.

A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one. – Ecclesiastes 10:2

Despite what preachers may say, free will is offered to all human beings.  No one, especially God, is forcing you to stay home on the weekends to watch reruns of Little House on the Prairie.  Nonetheless, each decision you make on earth does have consequences.  Living life from a Fifty Shades of Grey perspective will leave you further and further from the truth, John 18:38.  May this blog speak to the Jonah’s of today, running in the compete opposite direction of God so that Fifty Shades of Grey doesn’t lead to an eternity in hell.

by Jay Mankus

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The Lie-Oh-Meter

Posted on February 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In politics, the experts, life long politicians and successful campaign managers have suggested lying is all part of the game.  Little white lies are like wild cards in poker, waiting for just the right moment to be played.  While this style may work in the corporate world, sooner or later, what comes around goes around.  When this moment arrives, the Lie-Oh-Meter will expose the shady for their untruthful ways.

I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. – Psalm 119:163

As for parents and teachers, a face to face encounter, staring a suspect in the eye is a good starting point.  Based upon the television series on Fox, Lie To Me, which aired for two full seasons beginning in 2009, liars tend to demonstrate facial expressions.  Thus, law enforcement officials use this science based upon research done by Paul Ekman, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California in San Francisco.  Instead of relying on out dated polygraph tests, body language has become the new Lie-Oh-Meter.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22

From God’s perspective, a false witness is a punishable offense, Proverbs 19:9.  Going one step farther, deceitful ways can result in being excommunicated from part of God’s family, Psalm 101:7.  Yet, Christians alike have embraced the practice of embellishment, creating a society of hypocrites.  The only way to break free from this addiction is to cherish God’s law.  Only when this is achieved will souls begin to love God’s commands like the Psalmists of old.  Until this day, rely on the Bible to ascertain truth from fiction, serving as a modern day Lie-Oh-Meter.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Three Years and Counting

Posted on February 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

This blog marks the end of 3 years of writing, ignited by a Discernment Conference I attended on February 1st and 2nd, 2012.  Since this day, each of the past 3 years represent different phases that I have undergone, summarized by 3 words: disappointment, transition and recovery.  Becoming unemployed is one thing, but losing a position that you were born to do was a tough pill to swallow in 2012.  Meanwhile, re-defining my career path in 2013 was a longer journey than I expected, often spent in the wilderness, trying to find my way home.  Finally, 2014 provided clarity, stability and a clear passion, to one day write full time, averaging one screen play per year, God willing of course.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come, John 16:13.

In the meantime, its important to ask for and receive feedback from my readers.  Depending upon current and world events, I want to continue to provide a biblical response or perspective on these topics.  However, without having a pulse of my readers, its impossible to meet their needs as well as grow this site.  Therefore, I am urging you to participate in the first poll that I have created below.  This will give me instant feedback that will shape this blog throughout 2015.

To complete my final blog of year 3, I want to offer you essential steps to walking with God.

1) You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.              Deuteronomy 5:33

2) Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.           Psalm 119:133

3) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.                                     James 4:7

May the Lord mightily bless you as you talk one step at a time, obeying His decrees along the way.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Invisible Bank

Posted on February 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

From an early age, piggy banks teach children the importance of saving money.  Although a full compartment filled with coins may not add up to much initially, the discipline of being a good steward of your possessions can last a lifetime.  Until this quality is acquired or obtained, checking into the invisible bank is a must.

Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. – Psalm 119:153

The Bible is like an international financial center, full of promise notes, waiting to be cashed in by faith.  Available 24/7, unless you check in regularly, you don’t know what you’re missing out on.  On loan from God, the Word is living and active, rich in nuggets of truth.  Previous readers have compared these principles to be greater than silver and gold, Psalm 12:6.

Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. – Psalm 119:154

Despite these beliefs, when the storms of life engulf you, this bank becomes invisible.  Skeptics often look in a different direction, trusting in what they can see.  This stance causes minds to become closed, turning God’s truths into fiction.  Subsequently, a generation may never enter the spiritual door of this invisible place.  Therefore, the next time you encounter a bitter soul, you may want to point them in the direction of the invisible bank.

by Jay Mankus

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The Unfolding of God’s Word

Posted on January 29, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. – Psalm 119:130

I must confess that there are times when I open the Bible that I feel lost, unable to get the point the author is expressing.  On other occasions, my minds whispers words of doubt, “you could never be like that!”  However, its days when the Holy Spirit unwraps for me nuggets of truth that my eyes are opened, creating a desire to want more.

I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. – Psalm 119:125

As discerning thoughts penetrate my heart, the unfolding of the Bible begins.  This process is described within Hebrews 4:12, initialized by living words.  Similar to a transformation of a caterpillar within a chrysalis, these spiritual words breathe new life into individuals, bringing souls to new heights like a butterfly.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.   Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account, Hebrews 4:12-13.

Although humans can not literally fly, the precepts inside of God’s Word provides light in times of darkness, Psalm 119:105.  As spiritual disciplines form, the Bible unveils the correct path to choose, shining light on the obstacles in front of you, Psalm 18:36.  Thus, the next time you open the Bible, pray that the unfolding of God’s Word will revitalize your soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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What Disturbs the Devil?

Posted on January 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiN5PNzabYc

1) Obedience

Whenever someone refuses to break a rule, fails to compromise or take a short cut, the Devil becomes unsettled.  Therefore, expect a heavy dose of temptation in minds to challenge authority, doubt absolute truth and draw a new line for modern times.  Hollywood is a pawn that continues to remake documentaries and movies about American history, Bible stories and godly leaders in the past, hoping to rewrite a legacy void of character, integrity and truth.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!   I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.   I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.   So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. – Luke 15:17-20

2) Repentance

Any act, attempt or consideration to reconcile unhinges the Devil.  Whenever you confess your sins, you attract God the Father’s attention, thereby creating panic within the realm of fallen angels.  To squash any thoughts of this, don’t be surprised by spirits of bitterness, grudges and or pride getting in the way of restoring broken relationships.  Those on the verge of mending friendships will have unusual things occur, trying to distract and prevent you from publicly expressing your sorrow, James 5:16.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil.   After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. – Matthew 4:1-2.

3) Fasting

Finally, the spiritual practice of forgoing food to draw near to the Lord will certainly be like stirring up a hornet’s nest.  Fearful of the powerful results portrayed throughout the Bible, Satan will pull every dirty trick out of his play book to prevent you from entering this state of worship.  Mental, physical and spiritual attacks always follow this practice so be on guard if the Holy Spirit encourages you to participate in a fast, Ephesians 6:11-12.  Arm yourself with the attitude of Christ so that you will be reach new heights in your relationship with God.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When Your Soul is Weary

Posted on January 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As the newness of 2015 wears off, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it won’t be long until you experience a tired and weary soul.  Whether its the cold and rainy weather on the East Coast or a lack of sunlight to brighten my day, it took less than a week for me to reach this state.  Looking for a boost of energy, the Psalmist provides a message of hope.

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. – Psalm 119:28

The secret to overcoming this condition begins with searching for answers in the right place.  Although advisers, counselors and friends may offer meaningful advice, there is one book that is living and active, Hebrews 4:12.  When opened, the Bible possesses spiritual natural power to replace sorrow with faith, Romans 10:17.  The more individuals begin to listen, mediate and study principles of truth inside, Joshua 1:8, souls become revitalized.

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

In his farewell address as Israel’s leader, Moses simplifies the choices you have when you become weary in Deuteronomy 30:15.  You can either spend your time on earth doing things that invigorate your life or focus on the negative, resulting in a slow death to your soul.  Though you may be tempted by bitterness to complain, be wise in your response to suffering, 1 Peter 3:17-18.  May God’s promises in the Bible lift you up whenever you face a tired and weary soul.

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.  Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. – Psalm 119:36-37

by Jay Mankus

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Walking in Freedom

Posted on January 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you prefer the day or at night, taking a walk with a friend or friends often yields fond memories.  Beside the exercise, special bonds can develop as one opens their heart to another soul.  Looking back in time, some of the best conversations I have ever had on earth occurred while taking a walk.

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. – Psalm 119:45

One of the most famous walks in the Bible occurred over a 7 mile stretch, from Jerusalem to Emmaus, Luke 24:13-35.  Following the crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples were trying to make sense of the events that had just taken place.  This hour long conversation involved a mystery guest, listening to the voices of these men.  Distracted by an eagerness to speak, Jesus’ presence was overlooked.  Playing coy, Jesus pretends to know nothing, asking question after question along the way.  Based upon the topic in Luke 24:25-30, unbelief was keeping these individuals from walking in freedom.

As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. – Luke 24:14

Psalm 119:43-48 provides instructions on how to reach this spiritual state.

1) Preserve your lips with God’s truth, verse 43.

2) Resolve to obey God’s laws, verse 44.

3) Seek God’s precepts on a daily basis, verse 45.

4) Boldly proclaim God’s ways to the leaders on earth, verse 46.

5) Delight in and embrace God’s commands, verse 47.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeKv4C5eDOQ

As soon as believers pray for and mediate on God’s Word, little by little, you will begin to walk in freedom.

by Jay Mankus

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Waking Up in the Wrong World

Posted on December 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In the not so distant past, complainers were once ignored.  As time was wasted by being petty, hard working individuals built this country, trying to earn a piece of the pie.  Dreams were acted upon, not just idle talk without action.  Like waking up in a daze, I now find myself stuck in the wrong world, trying to figure out how this happened so fast.

Unfortunately, atheists have led the way, convincing lawyers that being offended by God has to stop.  Thus, the minority is the majority, transforming the spiritual climate of the United States.  When you add in political correctness, education without morality and families without faith, the days of Father Knows Best and Leave It To Beaver are gone.

11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. – 1 Peter

While driving back and forth to work, I stumbled across House of Their Dreams by Casting Crowns.  These lyrics talk about people who come to the realization that their career and or life isn’t what they had in mind.  This stunning truth is like a prodigal who comes to their senses, Luke 15:17.  Whether its Christmas or the dawn of a new year, may the state of your soul inspire you to seek something more, John 10:10.  Although we all have to cope with a wrong world, apply the principles of 1 Peter 2:11-12 so that you don’t wake up in the wrong eternal destination.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Lying on the Line Until It Disappears

Posted on December 9, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a former teacher, boundaries are essential to define, maintain and uphold with consistent discipline to ensure a healthy learning environment.  The moment this line is challenged, pushed or questioned, reason must be ready to account for these dissenters.  If seeds of doubt enter this discussion, lying spirits will lie on the line until it disappears.

Outside the classroom, the world has ample examples to illustrate this fact.  Do you remember when Bill Clinton, during his impeachment hearing responded, “it depends on what the meaning of the word is is?”  Unfortunately, this has become a common tactic for politicians to avoid answering the question at hand.  Bobbing and weaving like a champion boxer, truth is disappearing as lying is blocking the line of integrity.

Where did honesty go?  Do we have to put out an APB, all points bulletin, to locate it?  Perhaps, communities need to begin to police each other, like the old days when every child had multiple parents where there’s wasn’t around.  Instead of justifying poor actions, making excuses for bad behavior and playing the victim card, individuals need to start Lent early by giving up lying before the line of right and wrong disappears forever.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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