Tag Archives: common sense

What Can Faith Do For You?

If you watch sports on television, the games are still the same but the responses by those on the court, rink or field have changed drastically.  Reality TV shows haven’t helped, giving obnoxious parents a platform to treat their children like a lottery ticket almost ready to be cashed in.  Beyond common sense, logic and morals, there should be something in our soul that makes a clear distinction between right and wrong behavior.  Something so clear that the average person says, “yeah, I see it!”

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, Hebrews 11:32.

The author of Hebrews spends an entire chapter highlighting people who demonstrated faith.  While some were more outspoken than others, the majority let their actions speak for themselves.  This is what leads the writer to suggest, “do I need to say anymore?”  Verses 33-38 go on to detail what faith did for these individuals.  The question today is do you believe these miracles still exist or like the movie is God dead?

Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection, Hebrews 11:35.

From the outside looking in, many modern Christians have stained and tarnished the image of faith.  The world sees a bunch of hypocrites whereas the genuine people of faith get overlooked.  For those who still believe have their chance to make a difference, to inspire a new generation to seek God.  What can faith do for you?  You’ll never find out until you take the leap, plunging into the unknown, waiting for spiritual fruits to blossom.

by Jay Mankus

 

The Position of Labor

Prior to modern medicine and state of the art hospitals, wives would give birth to their children at home.  Without an epidural injection, woman were forced to endure pain until their children came forth.  In biblical times, there was no stirrups to separate a woman’s legs to expedite this process.  Rather, woman squatted with their elbows spread out on either side, pushing with all their might.  This is the position of labor described in the Bible.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months, James 5:17.

Common sense tells individuals that you can’t give birth unless you are pregnant.  While Hollywood will beg to differ, producing films like Junior where Arnold Schwarzenegger gives birth during a scientific experiment, this is not normal.  In the same manner, unless you are laboring in prayer, attempting to give birth a miracle, most will become disenfranchised with prayer.  Only when the Holy Spirit breathes new life into souls, Romans 10:9-10, can individuals begin to see the spiritual fruit of prayer.

Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit, James 5:18.

Several times in life, I’ve lived by a wing and a prayer, praying only after accidents, emergencies and trials occur.  Subsequently, when I don’t receive the answer I desire from these prayers, I’m not surprised because of my position of labor.  However, when I am proactive, seeking a hedge of protection from evil, I begin to experience Elijah like results.  Therefore, don’t take prayer lightly.  Rather, put yourself into the position of labor, persisting in prayer like the widow who never gave up, Luke 18:1-8.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

When God Shows Up…

Listening to personal testimonies during a worship service can be moving.  However, you don’t have to be inside church for God to show up.  After viewing another episode of Project Afterlife, its clear that when God shows up, lives can be resurrected from the dead.

While God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will, Hebrews 2:4.

When I was thirteen, I thought I was a pretty good sailor, able to tame the whitecaps present on the Chesapeake Bay.  Pushing the envelope, my neighbor and I entered into the channel, where large vessels traveled in and out of the Port of Baltimore.  Going with the wind was great, until a quick turn left us capsized.  To make matters worse, my friend Richie wasn’t wearing his life jacket, floating further away with each wave.

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book, John 20:30.

As a large oil tanker approached, there wasn’t much time to waste.  Two good Samaritan’s with boats jumped into action, yet the first also tipped over leaving the larger one our last hope.  With a minute to spare before being sucked under, a pimped out motorboat pulled both vessels to shore.  Common sense told me that I shouldn’t be alive.  Nonetheless, when God showed up on this summer day, I survived to see another day.

by Jay Mankus

What Am I Suppose to Do Now?

After his suffering, Jesus presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God, Acts 1:3.

Without the resurrection, followers of Jesus would have disbanded, fearful of the same fate Jesus endured.  However, common sense, logic and eyewitness accounts of a risen Jesus weeks after his death suggest the disciples were emboldened.  When the Holy Spirit fell upon these individuals on the Day of Pentecost, this guiding light and mighty counselor laid the foundation for the modern Christian church to build upon.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them, Acts 2:4.

Unfortunately, revisionist historians, time and persecution have caused many churches to disown parts of the Bible like Peter who denied his association with Jesus.  As atheistic and liberal groups turn up the heat, believers are abandoning their convictions, trying to please mankind rather than God.  Afraid of having their tax exempt status revoked, recent trials are producing a generation of wimpy Christians.  Although some are fighting on the front line, many are disenfranchised, floating from one house of worship to another.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ, Galatians 1:10.

Struggling to find my place in this world, one question is staring me in the face, “what I am suppose to do now?”  Although writing this blog is a good start, its independent of any church.  Thus, the church is not failing; its servants like me who are sitting on the sidelines playing Monday Morning Quarterback.  In view of this, I need to get off the bench, exercise my spiritual gifts and get back in the game.  Join me in flaming into flame the gifts and talents God has blessed you with.

by Jay Mankus

 

When People Die Before They Reach the ER

Unfortunately, tragedy makes the headlines as well as the front pages of news papers every summer in the form of heat stroke related deaths, infants left in vehicles too long or wandering into the wrong place at the wrong time.  Former NFL player and head coach Herm Edwards tries to mentor rookies each season by proclaiming, “nothing good ever happens after midnight.”  Despite these warnings, curiosity often cause people to die before they reach the Emergency Room.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell, Matthew 10:28.

Addiction is one of many silent killers that can be curtailed by accountability.  In biblical times, communities, families and the local synagogue served as positive peer pressure, providing boundaries to keep morality in and evil out.  While everything is cyclical, apathy, humanism and vanishing absolutes are re-writing how individuals should live.  This loosening of society has perverted freedom, resulting in chaos on the streets of major cities.  According to Jesus, the seed of murder is conceived when a spirit of anger consumes a human heart.

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell, Matthew 5:22.

Despite Eve’s sin, Adam’s lack of leadership and a world falling apart at the seams, no one seems to care.  An avalanche of emotions is stoking a fire of hatred, resentment and revenge.  What ever happened to common sense?  Will anyone ever wake up to smell the coffee of a society slipping away from God?  If these warning signs continue to be ignored, doctors will be helpless to act, like a M.A.S.H. unit who receives their patients too late, dead on arrival.  May the  words of a classic song “Stop Children What’s that Sound ” prompt hearts of actions to reverse the trend of a culture slip sliding away from God.

by Jay Mankus

When Sin is Consensual

It seems like every year there is some famous professional athlete, Hollywood star or politician involved in a scandal.  Cable news, the tabloids and twitter often explode over battles between he said, she said.  In the end, it takes two to tango, reaching a state where sin is consensual.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – 1 Corinthians 10:12

From a spiritual perspective, every day if like walking through a room with multiple doors.  On the way out, sometimes you might chose the wrong door, ending up in a bathroom or closet.  When danger arrives on the scene, those who stick around to see what will happen might just be an accomplice to sin.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

According to the apostle Paul, God provides an emergency exit for every sort of temptation.  This isn’t like the game show Let’s Make a Deal, having a choice between door number one, two or three.  Rather, the Lord has provided every human being with a conscience to follow the way out.  Conviction, guilt and uneasiness serve as a global positioning system to avoid evil.

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. – James 1:14

Nonetheless, the moment freewill is exercised, opting to indulge your fantasies, sin is consensual.  Instead of heeding the warning signs, enticement draws people toward temporary pleasures.  One of Jesus’ disciples uses the analogy of a fish lured out of hiding toward an attractive bait.  While some fish may see the attached hook, the grips of lust is too powerful.  This is where desire trumps common sense, leading saints and sinners to do the unthinkable.  The next time temptation calls your name, listen for God’s still small voice to find the way out of a difficult situation.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

Idiots on Golf Courses

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools, Proverbs 26:3.

The internet contains a series of theories on why golf is on the decline in America.  One suggests a shrinking middle class is killing golf.  Others point to the amount of time its takes to play 18 holes causing once diehards to opt to spent their time elsewhere.  As for me, I’m more blunt, believing there are too many idiots on golf courses.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid, Proverbs 12:1.

Before I could play on a golf course as a kid, I had to take a test on the rules of the game.  In addition, I had to shoot a set score for four and nine holes prior to being able to play 18 holes of golf.  Although golf might have been seen as an elitist sport in these days, there was a respect for the game and courses available for play.  Today, golf courses will allow any hack to play as long as they fork over money for their greens fees.

O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense, Proverbs 8:5.

According to Webster, an idiot consists of a challenged, foolish or stupid individual, unable to see the error of their way.  Much like the twosome in front of me today, students from the Happy Gilmore school of golf.  However, this couple waited for each green to clear, several hundred yards away before chunking shots that went 30-50 yards at a time.  This scenario continued like Groundhog Day for 9 holes ruining a beautiful day and my son’s desire to play any more holes.  If the popularity of Tiger Woods, Rory Mcilroy and Jordan Spieth can’t stop this trend, idiots on golf courses will reign supreme until desperate measures are taken.

Please feel free to share your own feelings on this topic.

by Jay Mankus

 

The Grand Illusion

As the 2015 NFL Draft approaches, Sports Networks are creating programming to feed the anticipation of football fans.  While channel surfing the other night, I stumbled across an interesting conversation on ESPN.  A pastor from California was talking to Jameis Winston, the projected first pick in the draft about temptation  Tainted by two seasons of off the field troubles, quarterback Jameis Winston has been a victim of the grand illusion, falling prey to the deception of temptation.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. – Proverbs 10:9

Known as the great deceiver, Satan has a way of making things look better than they really are.  Thus, the curious, unprepared and weak have a tendency to become repeat customers of the grand illusion.  Although the media will tend to label, make fun of and trash an individual for making poor decisions, there is a spiritual element that the addicted can’t cure on their own.  Similar to wearing beer goggles, sinful minds have a habit of justifying wrong actions, causing common sense to fade.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.- James 1:22

On the outside looking in, its hard to comprehend why some struggle to get control of their lives.  Bad influences, stubborn hearts and wandering souls can spend numerous years under the grasp of the grand illusion.  Those held captive often cry out to the heavens, searching for improvement from their condition.  Depending upon the severity of one’s situation, regaining control may take a while.  However, if you lean on the Lord’s power, Philippians 4:13, freedom is possible with Jesus’ help.  May this blog motivate you to remain patience until healing is achieved.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

An Ideal Atmosphere called Harmony

Although harmony is often associated with music, its one of the missing ingredients within society.  Defined as an orderly and pleasing combination of elements, harmony is established when various components exist together without destroying one another.  Unfortunately, rarely do strong personalities mesh without some type of power struggle.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – Psalm 133:1

The sustainability of any church, group or family is dependent upon the degree of harmony displayed.  From my vantage point, hidden agendas, control and wills create conflict.  Beneath the surface, demons, Satan and selfish desires are tugged in different directions, resulting in discord, dissension and factions.  These obstacles stand in the way of an ideal setting where harmony is achieved.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13

No one is exempt from an outburst when you lose your composure or say something that you regret.  This is where forgiveness enters the equation.  Once harmony is shattered, common sense must lead individuals toward reconciliation.  Although no one is perfect, the apostle Paul provides tips for those communities seeking unity, Colossians 3:12-15.  May bad blood, hurt feelings and severed relationships be washed away, replaced by the transforming love of Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Globing Warming?

The Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius is credited as the father of Global Warning.  According to Lenntech.com, Svante suggested fossil fuel combustion may result in enhanced global warming in 1896.  However, actual warming and cooling trends throughout history can be traced back to major volcanic eruptions or an absence of these eruptions.  Following the explosion of Mount Saint Helens on May 18th, 1980, experts in the media thought the earth was nearing a second ice age.  Thirty five years later, a lack of major eruptions have steered scientists back in the other direction, clinging to Svante’s presupposition.

God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:10

Prior to Noah’s flood, the earth contained one continent, known as Pangea, consistent with Moses’ words in Genesis 1:10.  The initial climate on earth was ideal for dinosaurs, similar to the equator without the rain, Genesis 2:5-6, known as the Open Canopy Theory.  While most scholars claim dinosaurs disappeared after a meteor crashed into the earth, the Bible tells a different stories.  According to Genesis 7:11, a major eruption took place underneath of Pangea, setting into motion modern day tectonic plates which have formed 7 continents from one.  At this moment in time, the Yellowstone Caldera or super volcano underneath modern day Yellowstone National Park erupted for the first time.  Immediately following this event, the atmosphere was transformed causing rain to fall for the very first time.

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. – Genesis 7:11   

These massive eruptions likely led to the first ice age, as the rain which fell in the polar regions gradually began to freeze, forming glaciers at the Arctic and Antarctic Circles.  With the sun blocked by clouds of volcanic ash, the temperature likely fell to their coldest recordings ever.  This is the real version of The Day After Tomorrow, except not as fast, giving Noah and his family time to head south from Turkey for the Middle East.  Although global warming enthusiasts will continue to use propaganda to convince the masses, the average citizen can look out their window, read the thermometer and use common sense to tell when the globe is cooling or warming.

by Jay Mankus