Tag Archives: A man reaps what he sows

Seeking God First…Maybe Second…Actually Third

Good intentions and reality are two different things.  My daily routine is a good example of this paradox.  My goal to seek God first daily doesn’t always work out as I plan.  Most days God falls out of the top spot, sliding down to second, third or lower.  How I spend or waste time will ultimately reveal where my heart and mind is.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows, Galatians 6:7.

The apostle Paul was never known to beat around the bush.  Thus, his words serve as a wake up call, putting my own actions on trial.  Despite what the world may believe, God can’t be fooled.  Receiving blessings isn’t automatic.  Rather, what comes around, goes around as individuals reap what they sow.  Therefore, the lower I place God in my priorities, the less I can expect from the Lord in return.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33.

Despite my failure, Jesus did leave a blue print to help people get back on track.  During the Sermon on the Mount, two things must happen before one can achieve God’s favor.  First, serving others, with eternity in mind must come first.  In addition, individuals should hunger and thirst for righteousness, eager to draw closer and closer to God.  Only when these two principles are carried out, will individuals begin to experience daily bread, like manna from heaven entering your life.  Until then, resolve to seek Jesus first.

by Jay Mankus

 

The Karma of the 2015 Solheim Cup

Karma is a common term used Hinduism and Buddhism.  This worldview believes that the sum of one’s actions will determine the fate of each individual in the future.  Similar to the Bible’s Golden Rule, people should strive to do unto others as you what others to do unto you.  However, when someone is cruel, mean or ruthless, a bystander may say, “that’s bad karma.”

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:12.

This principle leads me to the final day of the 2015 Solheim Cup, a competition between America’s best LPGA golfers verse Europe’s best players.  Similar to the Ryder Cup, a match suspended due to darkness was marred by controversial sportsmanship displayed by Suzanne Peterson and Charlie Hull.  Walking to the next tee following Alison Lee’s miss to take a one up lead going to the final hole, their body language suggested the 18 inch putt was good.  Alison, a rookie on the team, accidentally picked up her ball.  According to match-play rules, this resulted in a loss of the hole even though it should have been tied.  Subsequently, the Americans lost this match, facing a 10-6 deficit with 12 single matches remaining.   Nonetheless, these actions set the stage for bad karma for the Europeans.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows, Galatians 6:7.

All Europe had to do was win four of the twelve matches to retain the cup.  Following in the footsteps of Ben Crenshaw’s 1999 comeback at Brookline Country Club, USA captain Julie Inkster motivated the squad to do the impossible.   Whether you believe in karma or not, Hull and Peterson both lost their match and although Europe got to 13 1/2 points, USA swept the final 5 matches to win 14.5-13.5.  In the end, God was watching from above, turning the tide with the Karma of the 2015 Solheim Cup.

by Jay Mankus