Tag Archives: justice

Twisting Words

The game of Twister is classic interactive board game of bending your body in all sorts of positions.  Before Ice Breakers were a common teaching aid, Twister was a great activity for getting to know a group of people.  Men in Black II even devotes a scene of their movie to this game as the light of Zartha passes time with aliens.  However, when words are twisted toward your direction, pain can be felt beneath the surface of your body, affecting your heart and deflating your soul.

Exodus 23:8 introduces the Israelites to God’s vision for social justice.  Although its normal to embrace likable individuals, God warns human being against showing favoritism.  If practiced, justice can be perverted when allegiances are made, opening the door for bribes.  This temptation blinds society from the truth as political talking points are exchanged in place of integrity.  As a result, the words of the righteous are twisted, becoming campaign slogans, trashing reputations for a chance at re-election or taking control of power in Washington DC.

There was a time not so long ago that liars were called out, held accountable for the words they have spoken.  I guess when the Bible is replaced by social agendas, right and wrong have turned to gray and opinions elevated to a fact status.  Its’ no wonder Jesus said in his day, “you have ears but do not hear and eyes, but do not see!”  May this blog cause people to stop, reflect and think about their lives.  Through God’s grace, may twisting words cease, replaced by words of love, joy and peace, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

by Jay Mankus

Not A Storybook Ending

Hollywood has made billions off of happily ever after finales. The hero appears to have died several times, only to be miraculously saved, escaping death so that a sequel can repeat the script with more dramatics. Unfortunately, third world nations, the disadvantaged and unlucky have woken up to a not so storybook ending.

As Power Ball numbers come up empty, the silence of good paying job offers continue and signs of mediocrity fill the pages of life, individuals are left scratching their heads. Where is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Doesn’t the good guy win in the end? Why do the wicked seem to prosper without being punished? These are just a few thoughts which run through the minds of those who have not tasted success in recent years.

A dose of reality is often painful, facing the facts that your life hasn’t turned out how you expected it would. In this disappointment, perseverance will either make  or break you. In the gospel according to Tin Cup, “either the moment will define you or you will define the moment?” In other words, how you handle obstacles, setbacks and trials will influence the outcome of your life story. Thus, the next time you endure a not so happy ending, fight with all that is within you, to insure your future will include life everlasting, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

Cries for Justice

Depending upon your age, everyone is likely able to recount at least one time in life when you were targeted, wrongfully accused or punished for something you did not do.  Maybe a parent could not accept the fact that their favorite daughter or son was imperfect?  Sometimes teacher’s overlook the facts, pinning the blame on students who are usually bad instead of giving someone the benefit of doubt.  Or the police might take an adult’s word over a child, clinging to their reputation in the community rather than wanting to see right from wrong.

As I read Psalm 109 this morning, one of David’s prayers against those who harmed him, brought a painful experience from my past came to the forefront.  On my last of college, I was on my way to watch a tennis match on the other side of campus, when a postal worker ran a red light, crashing into my front bumper.  Immediately following the crash, the offender apologized, acknowledging his mistake as witnesses flocked to the scene.  Since the police took longer than expected, I sent the witnesses on their way after the man’s public confession.  To my surprise, as soon as the police arrived, he change his story, clinging to some lame ass excuse, “the light was amber!”

Unfortunately, the skid marks and pictures taken at the accident were overlooked in court.  As the officer on the scene and I stood for the judge’s decision, we just shook our heads in disgust.  Both of us knew this man was lying, yet on this day, justice was not served.  Maybe this is why David appears to be so upset in his prayer, asking God for things I don’t have the heart for to demand.  However, if and when you are wronged in the future, turn to this chapter of the Bible to find an outline for crying out for justice.  Regardless of the outcome, you will feel better by getting any frustrations off your chest.  Believe and claim Psalm 109:1 as you cry out for justice!

by Jay Mankus