Tag Archives: poison ivy

Unworthy

There is a growing movement in America based upon entitlements.  If you asked a senior citizen about entitlements, one might bring up social security if they are retired.  However, millennials have broadened this term, believing healthcare and other government programs are what they deserve.  Yet, when you open the Bible, the opposite is true.

As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.  All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one,” Romans 3:10-12.

During a visit to the church at Rome, the apostle Paul reminds his listeners of a statement made by an Old Testament prophet.  Regardless of how disciplined you may be, hard you work or pure your intentions, no one is worthy.  This concept is difficult to grasp, especially to those who live in a bubble, protected by justification, rationalization and a secular worldview.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst, 1 Timothy 1:15.

As for me, I recently started studying the book of Job.  I have had some bad things happen in life, but nothing compares to the series of trials Job endured.  Job developed a severe rash similar to poison ivy resulting in a constant itch and oozing puss.  When three friends came to visit, Job 2:12-13, each began to weep aloud, unable to fathom Job’s pain.  Based upon this context, I’m undeserving of God’s love.  Instead of being ungrateful, I need to be content on what I receive, either good or bad.  Don’t let a world full of entitlements spoil your mind.  Rather, come to a place of unworthiness so you will understand that the Lord gives and takes away.

by Jay Mankus

Boils Like Job

For the past 48 hours, I have been battling excruciating pain.  One of my eyes was nearly swollen shut, one of my hands puffed up and my skin continues to ooze poison ivy out of its system that I contracted Thursday.  I guess you can say God has given me a glimpse of boils like Job.

According to Job 2:4-6, God gives Satan permission to attack Job’s immune system.  While Job used pieces of broken pottery to relieve himself of the pain from his boils, I used my own fingernails and and a box of tissues to deal with the pain.  Despite his wife’s plea, Job stayed faithful to the Lord, recognizing he was experiencing a trial.

As for me, I got out of bed yesterday to write my blog, returning moments later to deal with my spreading poison ivy.  I am not exactly sure why God has allowed me to endure this health scare, yet if you play with fire long enough, eventually you will be burned.  This is why scripture warns us to rid ourselves from our earthly nature, Colossians 3:5-6.  As for me, all I can do is trust God’s promise in James 5:14-15 and draw near to God, waiting in expectation for my pain to go away.

by Jay Mankus