Category Archives: Uncategorized

To Borrow or Buy?

Before the days of importing goods, products made in America were built to last.  Although the price may have discouraged many from purchasing home improvement items, the investment was often worth it.  Subsequently, the middle class had to decide, should I ask a neighbor to borrow their tool or buy my own?

Unfortunately, consumerism has inspired an era of disposable objects of every shape, size and color.  Low prices have made almost anything you need affordable.  In the meantime, relationships between neighbors have drifted apart, able to buy what they need instead of relying others nearby.  Whether you choose to borrow or buy, each decision will affect you financially or socially.

When Jesus was crucified, he was buried in a borrowed tomb, John 19:38-42.  Surely, Jesus knew he would be only staying a couple days, busting out to attend a resurrection party, John 21:10-14.  As Rush Limbaugh often states, the apostle Paul clearly confirms, “our talents are on loan from God,” borrowed until the day Jesus calls us home.  Until this day arrives, your temple, earthly body, has been bought with a price, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; therefore honor God with the talents you have received, 1 Corinthians 12:6-11.

by Jay Mankus

 

Don’t Waste Your Vote

My first experience with politics was during a debate I attended in Wilmington, Delaware during my senior year of high school.  Before the days of attack ads, candidates often met in public forums, hosted by local churches to give citizens a chance to see what each individual stood for and was against.  Since this site was where I went to youth group, I was a curious onlooker, sitting back and absorbing the 3 nominees.

Looking back, the most impressive individual in my eyes was a pro-life democrat.  Since the incumbent was a Rhino Republican with all the experience and money, my guy never had a chance.  Unfortunately, pro-life democrats at the national level have become extinct.  In fact, the Progressive Movement has swallowed up the entire Democrat Party with eyes on engulfing the Republican Party as well.  As Independents sell their votes to the highest bidder, its easy to become a disenfranchised voter.

However, as Election Day 2014 arrives on Tuesday, don’t waste your vote.  While you might have voted your party line, cast your ballet for who your peers suggested or bet on the person who promised you the most, make your vote count this year.  Listen to the 4 men in the you tube attached as each have experienced a defining moment.  In view of potential fraud, a biased media and illegal votes already cast in several states, make the most of your privilege to select the future leaders in America.

by Jay Mankus

 

Up the Down Staircase

Bel Kaufman’s novel Up the Down Staircase spent more than a year on the New York Times Best Seller’s List in the late 1960’s.  This success evolved into a movie and a play, the first one I ever saw in person.  However, as I try to bob and weave my way  through life, I often find myself going up the down staircase.

Humility and pride serve as ebb and flow, bringing me back to earth from past successes while lifting me up when I  fall.  On the days I leave my house thinking, “now I’ve got it all figured out,” trials flare up, knocking me off my feet.  Meanwhile, on the days I don’t want to get out of bed, with little strength to tarry on, a mysterious force carries me to places I never thought I could go.

From a spiritual perspective, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 illustrates what its like to go up the down staircase.  Ignorance causes individuals to repeat past failures daily.  A surely that won’t happen to me mentality breeds overconfidence, leading souls toward a moment of decision, 1 Corinthians 10:12.  In the end, there are only 2 logical choices: trusting God or yourself.  As you contemplate your current footing, may you place your feet on the solid rock of Christ, Psalm 30:1-3.  By doing so you will avoid of pain of going up the down staircase.

by Jay Mankus

You Don’t Have to Wish Upon a Star to Make Your Dreams Come True

To most American children, visiting Disney World is like a rite of passage.  I still remember my first visit, seeing Snow White’s Castle, going on a steam boat and riding on “It’s a Small World.”  The fascination with this magical place continues today, enticing families with the promise,” if you wish upon a star your dreams will come true.”

When I started this blog back in February of 2012, I never imagined that I would write 1000 articles.  Initially, I wanted to keep my writing skills sharp in case I felt called to go back into teaching.  However, now this journey is preparing me of a dream to become a screen writer for Hollywood.  While this may years away, you won’t find me wishing upon a star.

When you open up the Bible, there are thousands of passages that contain hope.  Yet, few compare with Jesus’ words in Mark 11:24.  One of the crucial elements to make dreams come true is belief.  When doubt exists, prayers go unanswered.  Therefore, if you want your dreams to come true, don’t wish upon a star.  Instead, place your trust in the One who has the power to make all things possible, Luke 1:37.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

Giving a Voice to Your God Given Talent

Francis Ouimet was like any other young athlete, aspiring to become like his mentor Harry Vardon.  Unfortunately, he wasn’t born into the right family, a second class citizen.  Golf was considered a gentleman’s game, a place for the rich and wealthy, not for the poor like Francis.  Thus, class boundaries stood in the way of Ouimet from fulfilling his dreams.

As a 20 year, forced to quit golf after losing a bet with his father, Francis attempts to find a career working for a sporting goods store.  When the 1913 U.S. Open comes to Brookline Country Club, across the street from his house, Francis has a change of heart.  Receiving an invitation to the local qualifier, fate allows Francis to compete against his childhood hero.  However, a feud develops between his mom and dad.  Only a mother’s discernment can see that this competition is giving a voice to her son’s God given talent.

Today, disappointment, failure and setbacks cause many to give up on their aspirations before tasting success.  Subsequently, heart broken souls settle for their second, third or forth choice in life.  Wondering what it would be like, some swing for the fences, not giving up until the final out is recorded.  Before the hourglass of time runs out on you, don’t give up on the lofty goals you have set.  Find an avenue to voice your gifts, 2 Timothy 1:6, so that whether you win or lose, you go down knowing you gave everything you had.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

How Would You Respond to This?

Like most men, I’m not as emotional as my wife, nor do I get involved in the lives as others like she does.  However, today I witnessed something gut-wrenching.  On my out of a local restaurant, I saw an elderly man with his head down on a table.  Continuing toward the exit, I noticed the reason for his grief on the other side of the glass, a lone suitcase on the floor.

Before the days of retirement communities, families took care of and watched over their grandparents.  This wasn’t a nuisance or something to dread, rather it was expected.  This was the least you could do to pay homage to the legacy each lived.  Unfortunately, this man is a casualty of the times, a victim of families destroyed by abuse, abandonment and divorce.  With no where to go, this broke man took a break from his misery, hoping to wake up with a place to call home.  How would you respond to this situation?

Before my eyes was a modern day parable of the good Samaritan, Luke 10.  Immediately following the sending out of 72 disciples, they were put to the test to see what they were made of.  As for me, I re-enacted the character of the priest and Levites, pausing before moving on with my life.  Disappointed by my failure, I pray that a good Samaritan arrives to lend a helping hand.  When you face a similar scene, how will you respond to this?  May the Holy Spirit fill you with a heart of action to be the hands and feet of Christ to the brokenhearted.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

Reaching Your Desired Destination

Whether you’re a child busy day dreaming or an adult trying to crunch financial numbers, everyone has a desired destination.  Some dreams may appear lofty, others middle of the road with a few unrealistic.  Nonetheless, without vision, people perish, Hosea 4:6, dying inside without anything tangible to live for.

Israel longed for a promised land, African Americans envisioned a nation free from slavery and the poor seek a life without hunger.  On the road to success, doubt, a lack of resources and time stand in the way.  Depending upon the voices you hear, the people you surround yourself with and what you choose to believe, your destination may be altered, seeing but never reaching the Land of Oz.

The apostle Paul understood this concept, writing to the church in Philippi, Philippians 3:12-14.  Pride didn’t get in the way of his goal.  Despite his past ideology, Paul set his mind on heaven.  While his life was cut short on earth, martyred for his belief in Christ, faith allowed this servant of God to reach his desired destination.  May promises like Philippians 1:6 encourage you to never waiver until you arrive where you belong.

by Jay Mankus

 

Keep on Reading…Until You Receive Inspiration

Although apathy permeates throughout several segments of society, there are beacons of hope that exist.  If you are a historian, books contain powerful messages of leaders who transformed their nations.  Meanwhile, starving souls searching for the meaning of life, keep on reading, flipping through pages until inspiration is found.

As for me, the Bible has become a well spring, the driving force behind this blog.  After reaching 10,000 hits today, I can’t take credit for the articles, titles or words.  Rather, I felt compelled to rely on meditating on the Bible, sermons and words that would connect with common struggles people undergo.

Whether you’re talking to someone every day at work for 3 years or writing 1000 different blogs, the longer you go, the harder it becomes to come up with new material.  While you might have some good days, conversation and pieces can become stale.  Therefore, in my quest to keep a dream alive, I will keep on reading until I receive inspiration.

by Jay Mankus

Pump Up The Volume

For the meek, shy and soft spoken, its easy to allow others to walk all over you.  Although, the silent majority once ruled the roost, the brash, power hungry and rude have shouted down Americans toward their ideology and worldview.  Subsequently, atheists,  lawyers and politicians have redefined the rules, pumping up the volume of their talking points.

In the aftermath of this stampede, foundations have been cracked and principles weakened, leaving historians scratching their heads.  When England began to limit their citizens to worship God in one church, the Magna Carta was conceived, leading the way for colonists to set sail for a new land.  This excitement stoked a passion in the founders, pumping out the volume to remind people of the reason each crossed the Atlantic.

When Patrick Henry stood up to naysayers at the Virginia Convention in 1775, he spoke out of the overflow of his heart, crying out for freedom.  “Give me liberty or give me death,” swayed those who were on the fence, paving the way for  the Revolutionary War.  If the United States of America has any hopes of surviving, there needs to be a spiritual revival so that God’s blessing will not removed permanently.  As you cope with today’s grim reality, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to pump up the volume, Acts 4:29, to ignite a movement to win back our moral compass.

by Jay Mankus

 

Words of Healing

When someone is down in the dumps, its hard to break through the shell holding in their misery.  Good intentions, kind words and loving attempts don’t always work to uplift downcast spirits.  Nonetheless, when all else fails, there is one source that provides words of healing, Psalm 107:20.

Growing up, I often experienced a wide range of emotions.  On the good days, I could lift others up, elevating their moods to my level.  Meanwhile, if depressed, I made sure no one had a smile on their face, bringing whoever I could down into my pit of despair.  Only a couple friends developed a few tricks to snap me out of these gloomy states.

Today, I have learned to become more self-reliant.  Not in my own abilities.  Rather, I trust in the power of God’s Word to infuse my soul with the strength to carry on, Isaiah 40:31.   Therefore, if you’re having a bad day, feeling hopeless or stuck in a rut, open up the Bible today to find words of healing, Matthew 11:28-30.

by Jay Mankus