Tag Archives: Karate KId

Before Human Resources Departments Existed

Posted on December 27, 2023 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBpLaAXAfwc

In this progressive age of wokeness, it’s hard to fathom workdays without human resource departments. Yet, after reading Moses’ account of his interactions with the Pharaoh of Egypt, this king was like the sensi in Karate Kid I, NO MERCY. Beside the public spanking of men, the taskmasters of Egypt had no concept of fringe benefits.

Go, get [a]straw where you can find it; but your work shall not be diminished in the least. 12 So the people were scattered through all the land of Egypt to gather the short stubble instead of straw. 13 And the taskmasters were urgent, saying, Finish your work, your daily quotas, as when there was straw. 14 And the Hebrew foremen, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, Why have you not fulfilled all your quota of making bricks yesterday and today, as before? – Exodus 5:11-14

The concept of Labor Unions in the United States dates back to 1794. While this didn’t guarantee safe and sanitary working conditions, businesses and companies have been forced to begin complying with reasonable standards. Unfortunately, the concerns of working conditions for the Israelites were ignored as Pharaoh increased the daily workload after hearing their complaining.

Then the Hebrew foremen came to Pharaoh and cried, Why do you deal like this with your servants? 16 No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, Make bricks! And behold, your servants are beaten, but the fault is in your own people. 17 But [Pharaoh] said, You are idle, lazy and idle! That is why you say, Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord. 18 Get out now and get to work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the full quota of bricks. 19 And the Hebrew foremen saw that they were in an evil situation when it was said, You shall not diminish in the least your full daily quota of bricks, Exodus 5:15-19.

The downside to Labor Unions in the United States is that productivity isn’t always tied to pay. Increased annual pay is rarely seen by blue collar workers, often going directly to administrators and executives. Yet, today’s featured passage serves as a reminder of progress as imagine how miserable it would be to work in conditions where supplies need to be found before completing your actual job. May this passage help you to be thankful for what you have in life.

by Jay Mankus

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My Own Spiritual Mr. Miyagi

Posted on February 28, 2020 by expressyourself4him

In 1984, I was in the middle of my freshman of high school. As the summer began, Karate Kid debuted in the theaters starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. While I don’t recall seeing this film right away, I could relate to Daniel LaRusso’s character. As a small hundred pound teenager, I was a push over, bullied on numerous occasions. Although I didn’t turn to karate to defend myself, God had another plan for me which was revealed a year later.

I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you, Psalm 32:8.

My former science teacher, Mr. Horne, started to mentor me during my sophomore year. After I joined the swim team which he coached, Ken took me under his wings. Similar to the role played by Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid, Coach Horne became like a second father. Ken was instrumental in my spiritual growth, inviting me to Concord’s Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s huddle which he led. The night I accepted Jesus into my heart as Savior, Coach Horne was there to answer the various questions that I had about faith.

Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures. 17 Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness of mind], 2 Peter 3:16-17.

After graduating high school, my relationship with Ken only became stronger. I would regularly stop by unannounced each summer, spending hours catching up and talking about life. When Ken transitioned from a teacher to a local youth pastor, I volunteered as much as I could to support his ministry. This decision provided several memorable Lay Witness Missions, serving on the team that led revival weekends throughout the Tri-state area. These experiences prepared me to become a high school Bible teacher and youth pastor later on in life.

So, being thus tenderly and affectionately desirous of you, we continued to share with you not only God’s good news (the Gospel) but also our own lives as well, for you had become so very dear to us, 1 Thessalonians 2:8.

When I got engaged to Leanne in 1994, I couldn’t image my wedding without Ken. Thus, my former coach, teacher and mentor became one of my three groomsmen. During our wedding reception, Ken encouraged guests to sing Christmas carols in place of dinging glasses to see Leanne and I kiss. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago I received news that Ken was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I can’t think of anything worse for a modern day apostle Paul to experience and undergo. Yet, I am thankful for all that Ken Horne has done for me as my own spiritual Mr. Miyagi. While Ken’s chances for survival are slim, there is a mansion in heaven awaiting him filled with countless blessings for his service on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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