Category Archives: truth

That a Boy!

As the culture changes, so does the vocabulary.  Unfortunately, as a sense of loyalty diminishes, human beings are being discarded by employers, often finding a cheaper replacement.  I found out the hard way during my last year as a high school teacher.  In this climate, instead of hearing encouraging words like “that a boy,” criticism follows revealing a lack of appreciation.

With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it, 1 Peter 5:12.

Trying to stay positive in these conditions can be difficult.  However, after reading a letter from the disciple Peter, I am reminded of the importance to use uplifting words.  Since most communications at a typical work place tends to be when you make a mistake, what would happen if people received a compliment once a week.  While each individual is different, most need to hear “that a boy or way to go” every so often to make sure they feel appreciated.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen, Ephesians 4:29.

Although I have my moments of negativity, these passages of the Bible bring me back to where I need to be.  Thus, despite how I feel, its vital to guard my mouth to avoid being part of the problem.  In view of this, don’t be afraid to be a voice of reason, building up those around you.  By exercising this principle, you will rejuvenate others who yearn to hear, “that a boy!”

by Jay Mankus

 

The Call to Serve

If you still have a land line and cable, every in coming call shows up on your television.  Anyone without caller ID has another benefit of technology, a new way to screen your calls.  Thus, if you don’t want to talk to a telemarketer or don’t have time to chat with a friend who tends to be long winded, you have the option to let phone ring until the answering machine picks up.

The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.  He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come, Matthew 22:2-3.

Those who practice this form of call screening may miss someone from their past, present or someone God wants you to meet.  Meanwhile, God’s calling can be obscure, occurring at the least likely time or place.  Therefore, if you are unable to discern, hear or sense the whisper of God, you will be replaced by a more willing participant.

But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business, Matthew 22:5.

Whether you read the Old or New Testament, two common themes exist.  First, human beings were created to praise God.  Second, each person was designed to serve the Lord with their God given gifts.  Sure, everyone goes through periods of disobedience, rebellion and vacation, taking a break from God.  The call is waiting for you daily and the message is clear, to serve.  Don’t be like those in the parable of the wedding banquet who came up with lame excuses.  Rather, make the most of the time that you have, by applying the talents within you.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

Live It Up

 

As I child, I didn’t have many worries in this world.  Sure, I had fears of heights and snakes, but I was naive about all the work my parents had to do to provide for the family.  While my mom and dad each worked full time jobs, I spent most of my time living life to the fullest.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:15-16.

Now on the other side of the spectrum, I tend to let the stress in life steal my joy.  Instead of demonstrating a child like faith, I get caught up in the hustle and bustle in life.  Thus, the notion of living it up is far from my mind, a distant memory of my childhood.

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise, Proverbs 20:1.

Some adults never grow up after college, continuing to party, enjoying each weekend off.  Beside being costly, this isn’t how God wants individuals to celebrate life.  Rather, the Lord longs for the day when people embrace fellowship, rely on prayer and follow the apostle’s teaching.  May this guideline in Acts 2:42 spur believers on to live it up.

by Jay Mankus

 

Breaking it Down

If you are an avid sports fan like me, you probably enjoy watching post game shows following a favorite teams game.  After a win, you revel in watching the highlights that led to victory.  However, in defeat you want to know what happened; searching for the reason why your team lost as analysts break down the film.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do, Romans 7:15.

Unfortunately, the older I get, the more analytical I become.  Subsequently, I do the same thing with my own life, trying to point a finger on why I’m not getting the results I expect.  While some may consider this a waste of time, this is merely a way that I discern what I need to do different in the future.

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin, Romans 7:25.

The breakdown to life on earth is pretty simple.  Mankind was on a path toward destruction, destined for hell.  Yet, this is where Jesus stepped in, taking the fall for every sin ever committed.  Thus, despite my own failed attempts to step out of trouble, the grace of God is available to those who believe.  May the Lord open your eyes as the Bible breaks down God’s plan for eternity.

by Jay Mankus

 

What Happens Here Stains Eternity

A couple of times a year I put on a brand new shirt or sweatshirt for the first time, proudly seeing how it looks in the mirror.  Unfortunately, a careless bite later often produces a stain.  The only thing worse is putting a new outfit in the dryer without catching this blemish.  Once dried, there’s nothing you can do except donate or throw this piece of clothing out.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

If you watch a lot of television, you are probably beginning to see commercial blitzes for travel destinations.  This is the time of year that cities and states are trying to sway you to plan a summer vacation or visit during a long weekend.  Perhaps, I’ve never given it much thought before, but Las Vegas’ calling card, “what happens here stays here,” got under my skin recently.  In the spiritual realm, what happens here stains eternity.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings, 1 Peter 5:9.

In this day and age, no one is immune from embarrassing moments.  Friends may even bring up painful remainders of the past to keep you humble.  Yet, even Peter who denied Jesus in public three times learned from his previous mistakes.  Although what happens here on earth stains eternity, this portion of Peter’s letter highlights the importance of faith.  Thus, the next time you’re tempted to do something your heart or soul is telling you is wrong, resist this urge.  Rather, be alert and keep in step with the Spirit of God.

by Jay Mankus  

The Black Hole Which Engulfs Souls

At one point in time, black holes were merely something in a Science Fiction film.  However, recent exploration of space have produced amazing videos like that of the Hubble telescope.  Subsequently, the gravitational pull inside these destructive masses will engulf anything that stands in its way.

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want, Galatians 5:17.

In a spiritual sense, a similar process takes place inside physical bodies, unseen by the human eye.  Mankind’s carnal nature produces an appetite which few individuals can control.  Thus, the sinful nature is like a black hole, dragging people away from God like a giant vacuum cleaner.  If you ignore this condition, the perfect storm sets the scene for the black hole which engulfs souls.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:18.

Last week I was trying to figure out what happened to me.  I started off the year so strong and in a matter of weeks my disciplined, focused and productive season was gone.  I feel as if I experienced some sort of time warp, tracing my steps backward to figure how I ever got here in the first place.  Yet, as the apostle Paul writes, this black hole is merely my sinful nature, dragging me away from my Lord.  In view of this painful reality, all I can do is take the advice of Galatians 5:25, to begin again by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

The Fruit of Lips

 

Unless you live in the Bible belt, portions of the south or in a friendly neighbor, an encouraging word is a rare sound.  Rather, misery loves company, spreading negativity into the air, leaving a trail of carnage in its wake.  In this current environment, the fruit of lips is disappearing.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name, Hebrews 13:15.

To combat harsh comments during the first century, the author of Hebrews suggests praising God can turn a foul mouth into the fruit of lips.  However, you still have to overcome any influences which alter your choice of words.  The term continually is added to insure this practice is consistent, not something here today and gone tomorrow.  Change takes time and making praise a habits will lead to a transformed vocabulary.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:29-30.

The apostle Paul discovered that unwholesome talk grieves the Holy Spirit.  If the church is one body composed of many parts, any comment toward someone you don’t like or related to is like slapping God is the face, the Creator of life.  Therefore, to avoid failing into this trap, replace curses with praise.  Then, you will emulate the fruit of lips.

by Jay Mankus

The Pain of Unjust Suffering

Every day is like the luck of the draw.  Sometimes you experience undeserved blessings.  Other mornings you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, confronted with the pain of unjust suffering.  According to Peter, a disciple of Jesus who faced his own trials and tribulations, as you undergo these periods in life, be conscious of God.

For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God, 1 Peter 2:19.

Unfortunately, those who become a target of the enemy like Job, sometimes moments of crisis can be overwhelming.  If you have ever read John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, its almost hard to believe someone could endure such pain.  In the face of death, these saints considered sacrificing their lives rather than compromising their faith.  Truly, these individuals were conscious of God.

They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated, Hebrews 11:37.

Modern Christians in America are facing a new challenge, the loss of religious freedoms.  Whether its prayer in school, the 10 commandments displayed in public places or quoting politically incorrect verses from the Bible, any of these infractions will leave you in hot water, under scrutiny from the mainstream media.  Nonetheless, if you are acting out of conviction, in the name of Jesus, you may be on the verge of experiencing the pain of unjust suffering.

by Jay Mankus

Making the Call to the Bullpen

After coaching my son’s baseball team the last several seasons, I decided to take this year off due to a busy work schedule.  Thus, when a pitcher starts to struggle, someone else has to make the call to the bullpen.  However, if they are too impatient, the coach might just remove their best player from the game.

For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess, Deuteronomy 30:16.

The game of baseball has several rules that you must know before you begin.  For example, you are only allowed to visit your pitcher once per inning.  If you’re not paying attention, you will be forced to change pitchers upon your second visit in the same inning.  Therefore, any manager must demonstrate prudence or else a quick hook could result in a loss.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:1-2.

For those of you who don’t care about the game of baseball, you still have to make important decisions.  While these choices may not impact a team of kids, your friends, family and co-workers will be influenced by what you say or do.  In view of this, make sure you are slow to speak and think wisely before you make any decision in the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

When Distractions Hinder Your Prayers

In a letter to the church of Corinth, the apostle Paul foresaw how marriage complicates life.  Instead of getting up and doing what you want, there is someone else and if you have children, multiple voices are fighting for your attention.  Subsequently, Paul chose to live his life as a single man, limiting common distractions that can hinder your prayer life.

I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.  Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do, 1 Corinthians 7:7-8.

However, in a letter to a disciple who was married, Peter provides advice for those who are struggling to find time with God.  While some may consider this a check list, there are certain qualities necessary to roll back life’s distractions.  If you are considerate, over time this will smooth over the rough edges, leading to grace and respect.  Yet, you still have to make time, setting aside a portion of your God to spent with the Lord.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers, 1 Peter 3:7.

Sometimes, the context of a passage of the Bible loses its meaning over time.  Woman’s Right’s Groups consider this chapter to be chauvinist, not considering the modern woman.  While this topic is something I may consider in the future, each day brings with it new challenges, some expected and others a surprise.  Yet, through it all, my goal is to reach a point in my life when nothing hinders my prayers.

by Jay Mankus