Tag Archives: disaster

The Real Mr. Heat and Freeze Miser

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes, Psalm 147:16.

Prior to the theory of Global Warming, a motion animated television special provided its own belief.   Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book inspired the Christmas Classic The Year Without a Santa Claus, airing in December of 1974.  While this animation put a unique twist on Christmas, the two characters which stole the spotlight were Mr. Heat and Mr. Freeze Miser.  After Mrs. Claus appeals to Mother Nature, the Miser’s mom, a compromise is struck to allow a warm weather climate to experience snow so that the Spirit of Christmas is saved.

He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? – Psalm 147:17

Today, weather has its own syndrome known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Thus, its no wonder Weber comes out with the a new commercial each Spring, enticing people to take advantage of warm weather by grilling.  In fact, many people are never satisfied complaining that its too hot, too cold or not good enough to complete their plans for the weekend.  In the end, Mother Nature get’s most of the credit in an ever increasing political correct world for nice days.  Meanwhile, the moment disaster strikes in the form of a flood, hurricane or tornado, God is usually the first to be blamed.

He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow, Psalm 147:18

According to the Psalmist, God has been in control of the weather since the beginning of Creation.  Although each season may not come when the calendar expects, the Lord will alter the Jet Streams like Mr. Heat Miser and Freeze Miser to warm up or cool down the earth in His time.  While scientists will continue to spend massive amounts of time and money to attempt to explain the weather, there is only One perfect weather man who seems to enjoy confusing the experts daily.

by Jay Mankus

Use It or Lose It

These are words a coach, parent or teacher may express to someone they care about.  The basis for this expression, “use it or lose it,” serves as a warning to anyone who fails to practice a newly acquired ability.  The longer individuals wait before they apply information, the greater the probability someone will forget this skill.  Fearful leaders encourage their pupils to seize the moment or risk losing their lesson until next week, month or year.

One of the first students, Adam, was given a few simple commands from the Lord in Genesis 2:15-17.  First, Adam was promoted to become the caretaker of Eden’s Garden.  Secondly, Adam was given clear boundaries defined by God, “you can eat from every tree except for one,” this is off limits.  In other words, God told Adam, use it or lose it.  After a long day of work, Adam was tired, not having the strength to contain his wife’s curiosity in Genesis 3:6.  By not using his God given authority, the first family loses it all, kicked out of their home, Genesis 3:23.

Today, father’s are suppose to be the head of their family, 1 Peter 3:1-7.  Unfortunately, children born out of wedlock, divorce and absentee dad’s are signs of wasted authority.  If these trends continue, fathers will suffer the same fate of Adam, a man without a place to call home.  I can hear the following words being shouted from heaven to dad’s on the verge of disaster, “use your God given authority or lose it!”  Like the movie Courageous, may today’s blog inspire parents to leave a legacy of integrity for their children to follow.  Or else you may lose your children to a similar fate.

by Jay Mankus

 

Empty Hands

When disaster, tragedy or the unexplainable strikes an innocent soul, God often get’s the blame.  Accusations, complaining and questioning follow as people search for answers beneath the rumble left behind.  In the background, overhearing these conservations, the Lord is disappointed, by empty hands, always taking yet never giving.

Lost in history are the words at the end of Exodus 23:15, “no one is to appear before me empty handed.”  During the good times in life, God is like a friend we lose touch with, too busy to carve out any time in our daily schedule.  Pride puffs up our minds, thinking we are the reason for success.  Solomon was right in Proverbs 16:18 as pride foreshadows our fall, as individuals come crashing back to earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toAxT9kpXak

One could make the assumption that part of Jesus’ teaching in the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 relates to bringing God our best, not just the leftovers.  Exodus 23:19 illustrates what full hands resemble, offering up your first fruits to God.  Modern examples could be giving Jesus your first moments awake each morning, listening God’s Word first thing or giving your first paycheck of the month to the local church.

The next time you are tempted to grumble against the Lord, ask yourself this question.  Did I give God my full, partial or little attention today?  Depending upon your reply, maybe you need to fill your hands before you lift them up to the Lord in prayer.  When you learn to give, God will pay it forward in His time, Ecclesiastes 3:11.  As for now, gather before a poor witness causes countless to scatter from the faith, Matthew 12:30.

by Jay Mankus

Amish Aid

 

The concept of Amish aid is a 300 year tradition brought to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Amish immigrants who settled in this portion of the country.  An Amish Aid Society was founded by church members, serving as insurance in case disaster strikes someone in their community.  This practice has been illustrated by the hit television series Amish Mafia, produced by the Discovery Channel, often using Lebanan Levi to collect money from the Amish community.  However, the origin of Amish Aid may very well be found in Genesis 50:24-25.

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During the Great 7 year Famine in the days of Pharaoh, Israel was forced to relocate his family to Egypt, supported by his son Joseph who was governor.  When every Egyptian citizen was forced to become the slaves of Pharaoh, selling their land and labor for food, the only remaining land owners were the priests, Genesis 47:22 and 70 descendents of Israel, Exodus 1:5.  Prior to his death, Joseph forces his grandchildren to make an oath to God.  Based upon the slavery that follows in Exodus, God appears to have given Joseph one more glance into the future.  Thus, Joseph convinces his family to believe “God will surely come to your aid!” – Genesis 50:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpXQ-zBOS44

When trials come, like experiencing 400 years of slavery in Egypt, Nazi death camps under Hitler and imminent attacks from terrorists today, God’s remnant has no other option but rely on the promise of Genesis 50:25.  These severe conditions make individuals realize quickly that you can’t help yourself.  Yet, the prayers of the dead, dying and imprisoned were answered by people like Oskar Schindler whose life story is revealed in the 1983 epic film Schindler’s List.  Therefore, whether you are Amish, Catholic, Jewish or Presbyterian, cry out to God and believe that He will come to your aid!

by Jay Mankus