Category Archives: Uncategorized

Passage of the Day:

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” ³⁷ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸ Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” ³⁹ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” ⁴⁰ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. ⁴¹ “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” Matthew 26:36-42.

Reflection:

A former high school coach once told me, “You’ll know who your true friends are when you experience hardships and trials in life.” Jesus had spent 3 years of his life disciplining, investing and teaching 12 men. Yet, in his greatest time of need, none of them could stay up late at night to pray for Him for an hour. Jesus points to the struggle that exists in remaining faithful, “the Spirit of God is willing, but human bodies are weak.”

Prayerful Action:

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God,” Mark 10:27.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

The human mind is capable of doing great things. Yet, when doubt enters the minds of Christians in the form of negative thoughts, certain things seem impossible. As a former Bible teacher, I would often go back to the Garden of Eden. Eve knew the only rule God established, the one boundary that was off limits. Nonetheless, the moment she opened her mind to the possibility that God was somehow holding her back, Genesis 3:4-6, faithful was pushed aside for a Turkish delight. The only way to continually to bear spiritual fruit in a fallen world is to lean on the strength of Jesus during your weak moments in life, Philippians 4:13.

Song of the Day:

My father and father-in-law lived in a period of life in America where corporations valued their employees, working their entire career with the same company. Unfortunately, as companies focus their attention on cutting costs and pleasing stockholders, faithfulness is rarely seen today. As you wrestle to live in, but not of the world, trust in Jesus to maintain faithfulness in a fallen world.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. ⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good, Romans 12:6-9.

Reflection:

There are some things that may come naturally to you while others seem so foreign. Perhaps, this is what the apostle Paul is referring to in the passage above. These abilities come in the form of spiritual gifts and unique talents that you are born with or have to develop. There are several books and online resources that explore spiritual gifts through assessments and tests to highlight specific strengths. However, whatever talent you possess must be exercised alongside a spirt of goodness.

Prayerful Action:

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:3.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

When I was younger, my father’s mom, grandmother, gave me an odd nickname. Whenever I arrived or left her house, she regularly exclaimed, “you’re such a good religious boy!” I’m not sure if my grandmother saw something inside of me or simply wanted me to become religious, but her words have stuck with me through the years. While no one is righteous, Romans 3:9-12, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for it, Matthew 5:48. As Christian develop and display a spirit of goodness, Matthew 5:14-16, the light of Christ will shine bright into a dark and dying world.

Song of the Day:

Christians who keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, often don’t realize the good that they are doing. When Christians seek to glorify God, they don’t care about getting credit for being good. May the attached lyrics inspire you to develop a spirit of goodness this June.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[i] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” Matthew 5:43-48.

Reflection:

The first time an adult Christian urged me to kill people with kindness, I had no idea what they were talking about. Perhaps, this individual was referring to the words of King Solomon in today’s call to action. Yet, Jesus lays out behavioral standards for Christians in the Sermon on the Mount. When people of faith begin to love and pray for their enemies, unexpected acts of kindness in the form of fruits of the Spirit is unexpected and can be overwhelming. This is where the expression killing others with kindness is derived.

Prayerful Action:

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
²² In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you, Proverbs 25:21-22.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

There will always be individuals who get under your skin, rubbing you the wrong way. When two polar opposite personalities clash, this will create friction. Since some people don’t know when to stop, the more frustrated you become, the more this individual will continue to push the envelope. However, when you go on to the offensive spiritually by killing others with kindness, these arch enemies won’t know how to respond to the love of Christ. Take the high road by striving to repay evil with kindness.

Song of the Day:

Being kind is much easier said than done. Therefore, may the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to live out a spirit of kindness.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? ¹¹ Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. ¹² I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.^[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,^[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”^{[g] 16} For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him, John 3:10-17.

Reflection:

Today’s title is the exact words my father told me when I hugged him to say goodbye on May 16th. Two days later, my father suddenly passed away. These five words resonate in my mind, wondering if my father somehow knew that this would be the last time we would talk. This will be the first time in 55 years that I won’t have a father to call on Father’s Day. While commercials continue to air, hinting at the best item to purchase for a father, the one gift that I will always remember from my father are the words, “I love you, my son.”

Prayerful Action:

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.^[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,^[c] Father,” Galatians 4:4-6.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

On a dark night, three of Jesus’ disciples listened from afar, wondering why a prominent Pharisee wanted to meet with Jesus. This is the context of one of the most famous verses in the Bible. Although Nicodemus didn’t understand the concept of being born again, the disciple whom Jesus loved does mention a subtle transformation in John 7:50-52 and John 19:38-42. While all human beings have their own version of a prodigal child, Luke 15:11-20, the best spiritual fruit that you can provide for your father today is a genuine exchange of “I love you.”

Song of the Day:

Rather than get caught up in the materialism of Father’s Day, spend quality time with family in your living years so that you won’t have any regrets when your earthly father passes away.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that^[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. ²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently, Romans 8:18-25.

Reflection:

Forbearance is the act of patience, leaning on self-control, restraint and tolerance to avoid losing it. I had a hot temper as a child, breaking and throwing things daily. When things didn’t go my way, I became an emotional wreck as if the world was going to end. Perhaps, childish outbursts in the first century inspired the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:11. Trials have a way of revealing your emotional state of mind. Through errors, failures and setbacks in life, patient remains a goal that is rarely obtained. Like the aging of a fine wine, forbearance takes years of practice to possess.

Prayerful Action:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God, Romans 8:26-27.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

I was urged years ago to avoid praying for patience. Those who seek forbearance will be placed into circumstances where patience will be tested. These extreme situations will overwhelm you with nearly impossible odds. Yet, patience is a fruit of God’s Spirit so it’s the unicorn for many Christians. Nonetheless, if you keep in step with the Holy Spirit and lean on the power of the Great I Am, even forbearance is possible to those who believe.

Song of the Day:

I have been praying for God’s will for my life since moving to South Carolina in June of 2022. This prayer remains a mystery to me. Subsequently, balancing patience without losing my sanity has been challenging. This is the humbling journey of those who seek forbearance.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

“All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ²⁸ “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe, John 14:25-29.

Reflection:

One of my favorite times in church was known as the passing of God’s peace. This was the only time in the Catholic Mass that you could reach out and greet the people around you. While my mother would hug me and kiss me on the cheek, everyone else shook hands with a grin on their face. When I started attending a Methodist Youth Group in high school, this portion of their service was known as offering the peace of Christ. Handshakes were replaced by hugs, often lasting several seconds. I wasn’t sure how to feel initially, but this too became a memorable experience for me as a young Christian.

Prayerful Action:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God, Matthew 5:9.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

I played intramural sports in college where some of the contests got extremely heated. After getting kicked out of a basketball game for throwing a punch, my college roommate exclaimed, “if Jesus was here, He would have fought back like I did tonight.” These words completely contradict Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:39. Passing on the peace of Christ means turning the other cheek. This may not be easy, especially for anyone with anger management issues, but letting peace rule in your hearts will conceive fruits of the Holy Spirit. This should be your goal, to seek peace on earth.

Song of the Day:

I was fortunate enough to see Rich Mullins live in concert shortly before his tragic death. Rich possessed an amazing ability to turn a concert into a worship service. May the lyrics of the attached song inspire you to pass on the peace of Christ daily.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you, Philippians 4:4-9.

Reflection:

Over the course of my life, moments of joy have always been quickly interrupted by demonic influences, trials or unforeseen circumstances. The Holy Spirit led me to Elijah’s victory over followers of Baal in 1 Kings 18 only wanting to die one chapter later due to Queen Jezebel’s death threat. Perhaps, this is the inspiration behind Jesus’ words in John 10:10. If you want to maintain joy for extended periods in life, you have to know what you’re up against.

Prayerful Actions:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes, Ephesians 6:10-11.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

In his letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul urges Christians to develop a positive mindset. Rather than dwell on your previous failures, positive thinking promotes rejoicing like having a modern-day gratitude journal. Those that reflect upon the blessings bestowed upon their lives by God, makes a steady dose of rejoicing attainable. However, if you don’t arm yourself spiritually with the helmet of salvation, the Devil will steal your joy. Therefore, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

Song of the Day:

The lyrics of today’s song points to prayer as a key factor for maintaining a spirit of joy. When you don’t feel like rejoicing, lean on the strength of Jesus to lift you up in your times of need. Trust in Jesus to produce a steady dose of rejoice, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-25.

Reflection:

When I moved to South Carolina in 2022, I never realized how much junk that I accumulated over 25 years of living in the same house. Rather than looking for opportunities to give valuable possessions away to the needy, I became a selfish hoarder. Following my father’s death a few weeks ago, I started going through their garage. Between fishing and golfing supplies, it was overwhelming. Instead of dying with the most toys, make an effort to search for charitable moments to give to the less fortunate.

Prayerful Action:

All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need, Acts 2:44-45.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

According to a first century historian, the term Christians originated in Antioch as the members of this church emulated the life and practices of Jesus, Acts 11:26. Followers of Jesus who started churches throughout Europe and the Middle East eliminated poverty according to Luke. Rather than limiting their family to blood relatives, early Christians saw their brothers and sisters in Christ as family. If modern-day believers develop a similar mindset, you will seize the opportunities that God gives you daily to be charitable.

Song of the Day:

After returning to South Carolina from my father’s funeral, my wife and I decided to start get ridding of excess possessions now so that our children won’t be overwhelmed when we pass. May the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to start giving possessions away as opportunities arise.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” ¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” – John 21:15-19

Reflection:

Life is often filled with a series of cycles that you go through. Such is the case of a caterpillar which must experience a Chrysalis before this creature is transformed into a butterfly. Following the resurrection of Jesus, Peter went through his own spiritual transformation. While Peter believed that Jesus would become an earthly king of the Jews, the resurrected Christ changed him. Peter went from a man who lied about his relationship with Jesus to dying a martyr’s death, crucified upside down. This is how Christians can fly with Christ.

Prayerful Action:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:2.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

Chrysalis is a non-denominational Christian community where high school students experience a three-day retreat. Following this weekend, students are encouraged to join an accountability group with other teens from their weekend. When I was in college, I mentored teenagers who attended this amazing experience. One of the guides used in these accountability groups goes through a series of questions, challenging students to bear spiritual fruit weekly. One of the calls to action before ending in prayer is to fly with Christ.

Song of the Day:

Spiritual transformation takes time, often longer than you expect. Therefore, as you wait to bear spiritual fruit, keep your eyes on the prize, eternity, as you fly with Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain, Philippians 2:12-16.

Reflection:

In my early years as a Christian, my actions and behavior would change depending upon the people I was around. Before I found my way in college, I lived a double life, limiting my faith to church. The other 6 days of the week, I lived like a chameleon, blending into each new environment, eagerly wanting to become accepted. Subsequently, my life resembled the unproductive fig tree that Jesus cursed in Matthew 21:18-19. Perhaps, this is the inspiration behind the words of the apostle Paul above. Don’t just worship God in church. Rather, take your faith beyond this building, walking with God daily in my absence.

Prayerful Action:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, Romans 8:12-13.

Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:

As a former long-distance runner, if I wanted to improve, I had to run more miles than I did the previous summer. The first week of running was always the hardest, dealing with the heat, humidity and mental anguish to keep going despite how I felt. Perhaps, King Solomon’s words in Proverbs 22:6 deals with a similar concept. The sooner a child is introduced to how to bear spiritual fruit as a Christian, the closer they will walk with God. However, if you wander away from God like the prodigal son in Luke 15, you’ll become consumed by the world. The further away from God you get, the hardest it is to return. This is the logic behind playing your spiritual part the other 6 days of the week.

Song of the Day:

If you have a plan to walk with Jesus outside of church, you’ll figure out a way to make room for God in your busy schedule. However, if you fail to plan, you’re essentially planning to fail like my struggles of being a Christian in college.

by Jay Mankus