Tag Archives: encyclopedia

It Is Not I… But the Lord

Whenever you receive a compliment in life, how do you respond? Do you steal the spotlight, yield to the individuals who helped shape you or give sole credit to the Lord? After spending 18 years as a servant and a few years in prison, Joseph makes it clear that his special gift of dream interpretation comes from the Lord.

 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; and I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream and interpret it. 16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, It is not in me; God [not I] will give Pharaoh a [favorable] answer of peace, Genesis 41:15-16.

The idea for Wikipedia comes from a previous project known as Nupedia. This internet encyclopedia has evolved over the past 22 with users able to update the content. However, from a spiritual perspective, the Bible is the source for the history of God and the Lord’s impact on the earth. While revisionist historians seek to alter the past, the Bible remains unchanged today.

I indeed baptize you [c]in (with) water [d]because of repentance [that is, because of your [e]changing your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins]. But He Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fan (shovel, fork) is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out and clean His threshing floor and gather and store His wheat in His barn, but the chaff He will burn up with fire that cannot be put out, Matthew 3:11-12.

While individuals like Joseph and John the Baptist appear once in a generation, there have been some people of faith who have stood out in my lifetime. The one that comes to mind is former Buffalo Bills backup quarterback Frank Reich. At the press conference following the greatest comeback in NFL playoff history, Reich quotes the lyrics of In Christ Alone. The attached You Tube demonstrates how modern believers should defer, “it is not I, but the Lord.”

by Jay Mankus

Who Will Be Your Eternal Guide?

One of the most intriguing jobs to me is being a tour guide.  Whether you’re on a college campus, in a historical area or museum, you are an ambassador for this institution, pointing out key attractions like a walking encyclopedia.  The overall impression of visitors lies in your hands, based upon the knowledge you communicate and entertainment you provide, engaging your group.

Outside of vocations, life is filled with individuals who lead you in the right direction.  Coaches introduce important skills to help young people master a sport.  Mentors demonstrate character, integrity and wisdom, blazing a path for others to follow.  Meanwhile, teachers often mold future leaders, inspiring curious souls to chase after their dreams.

The Psalmist takes this one step further, suggesting one guide will be with you to the end, Psalm 48:14.  The apostle Paul encourages his audience to look toward an altar in Athens, dedicated to an unknown God, Acts 17:22-23.  Jesus discloses the identity of this eternal guide in John 16:7-13 as the Holy Spirit.  As Moses once said in his farewell address, the choice is yours, Deuteronomy 30:15.  Who will be your eternal guide through life?  May Jesus lead you to life everlasting, 1 Timothy 2:5.

by Jay Mankus