Tag Archives: Philadelphia

Lost Lips

“I can’t believe I just said that,” occurs more and more in today’s society.  While working in Philadelphia nearly 15 years ago, I became a regular in an establishment in Bensalem, 30 minutes north of downtown, passing time during my hour long lunch break.  An older couple sat in their usual perch, spewing venom, cursing like sailors day in and day out.  Four letter words echoed throughout this restaurant, regardless if innocent ears were present or not.

In most cases, individuals are shaped by their parents or guardians, with the good, bad and ugly sprinkled in together.  Right and wrong is determined over time as one’s worldview draws the lines in the sand.  Those positive traits passed on to children, inspire kids to cling to and acquire these attributes.  Meanwhile, the bad habits demonstrated by misguided souls are left behind, at least as much as one can flee before their natures became ingrained within you.  Lost lips just don’t appear out of the blue, its a lifelong journey of picking up unwholesome slang deemed acceptable by peers.

The Psalmist provides a cure for this disease, a prescription to heal this ailment.  Psalm 119:13 suggest a spiritual washing your mouth out with soap.  Instead of regurgitating poisonous words, replace lost lips with the Words of the Bible.  As you recount God’s laws, blessings will replace any curses that you once verbalized.  Though your current state of affairs might be summed up as lost lips, there is a God in heaven who wants to transform your vocabulary, Ephesians 5:4.  Therefore, be wise, making the most of every conversation you partake in, Ephesians 5:15-16.

by Jay Mankus

Know Before You Go

Great slogans are easy to remember.  Just do it is iconic with Nike.  Think different led to the founding of Apple.  The Breakfast of Champions was promoted by Olympic stars, earning their picture on the cover of Wheaties.  On Sunday, I came across a new slogan which has a catchy rhythm.

While traveling south between Philadelphia and Baltimore on Interstate 95, these words were lite up above the highway, Know Before You Go.  Although I am sure there are many interpretations, the state of Maryland is attempting to help travelers plan ahead to avoid construction, delays or heavy traffic.  Thus, if you know before you go, you will follow alternative routes mapped out or plugged into your GPS.

In life, there are 4 things you should know, before you go to the grave.

1) Every one, whether you like it or not, is imperfect, a sinner in need of a Savior, Romans 3:23.

2) You can’t buy, earn or sneak your way into heaven, Romans 6:23.

3) Jesus is the only way into heaven, John 14:6 and Acts 4:12.

4) A new life is possible, John 10:10 through the promise of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4, which you receive once you enter into a relationship with Jesus.

This decision is up to you, not contrived or forced.  However, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  Don’t allow stubbornness to ruin eternity.  Just know before you go!

by Jay Mankus