Tag Archives: encourages

Push It

If if wasn’t for Geico Insurance commercials, this generation probably wouldn’t be familiar with the Salt-N-Pepper song Push It.  Recent ads illustrate actors being pushed around in a couple of scenes while being hearing chorus.  This song was initially released in 1987 on the B-side of the 45 Tramp.  Perhaps, even Salt-N-Pepper underestimated the popularity of this night club hit, re-released a year later as its own single.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved, Psalm 55:22.

In the passage above, King David writes about his broken heart.  After being confronted by the prophet Nathan, David’s adultery with Bathsheba was exposed.  Caught in a web of lies that culminated in the death of Uriah, David had no one else to blame.  Filled with anguish, David dropped to his knees, pleading with God to receive forgiveness.  Although this wasn’t done physically, David mentally pushed all of the burdens he was carrying, placing each upon the feet of God.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, Matthew 11:28-29.

In the first century, Jesus takes push it to a new level.  Understanding the human condition, Jesus verbalized the pain which many try to cope with alone.  However, Jesus encourages individuals to take the burdens  bringing you down and place them at the foot of the cross.  Holding on to this baggage will only wear people out over the long haul.  Therefore, don’t put this off any further.  Rather, push it, laying all your burdens upon a God of grace and forgiveness.

by Jay Mankus

He’s Not One of Us

In this age of multiculturalism, you might assume communities, groups and schools would be welcoming to outsiders.  However, cliques tend to form quickly like a defense mechanism, afraid of trusting a stranger until they prove their loyalty.  Thus, classmates, co-workers and transients tend to judge a person like a book, by the outside cover.

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us,” Mark 9:38.

The disciples were no different.  Perhaps jealousy played a role in their actions, fearful another individual’s gifts might impress Jesus more than their own talents.  Insecure, at least a few of the disciples thought someone was trying to move in on their turf.  Correcting their flawed mindset, Jesus encourages his followers to get behind others who fight and stand for the same cause.

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us, Mark 9:39-40.”

As a son of an immigrant, I remember the stories my father shared about coming to this country, learning English and embracing America as a melting pot.  Unfortunately, I run into people daily who come to this country without ever integrating, keeping to themselves and speaking their native language daily.  Without any sense of unity, this trend will continue to form a great divide as foreign cultures profess, “they’re not one of us!”  Don’t give into this mindset.  Rather, support those who make a stand for a worthy cause, especially soldiers of the cross.

by Jay Mankus

Don’t Tell Anyone?

The notion that Jesus doesn’t what individuals to tell others what He did for you flies in the face of the great commission, Mark 16:15-17.  Context and timing plays a crucial role in understanding Jesus words to healed souls.  Nonetheless, Jesus regularly finished several of his healing encounters with “don’t tell anyone.”

Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village,” Mark 8:26.

Perhaps, there are exceptions to this rule as in the passage in Mark 8.  Afraid of crowds curtailing his ability to minister, Jesus likely wanted anyone healed, first to go home and tell his family what God had done.  Since faith is personal, like a baptism where individuals make a public profession of an inner faith, testifying about a healing encourages those nearest and dearest to you to believe.  In addition, Jesus didn’t want faith to become a fad, cool today and passe tomorrow.

Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you,” Mark 5:19.

While words can be beneficial, showing your faith by your actions is more valuable than anything you could say.  The beginning of the Sermon on the Mount emphasizes the need to shine the light of Christ inside of you, adding flavor to the lives of those whom you come in contact with and meet.  Therefore, Jesus doesn’t want people of faith to be silent.  Rather, whenever you have the opportunity, Ephesians 5:14-16, let your light shine before mankind.

by Jay Mankus