Tag Archives: Red Sea

From Songs of Praise and Promises to Doubt

One of my favorite Vince Lombardi’s quote is”Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”  However, if Vince’s team, the Green Bay Packers, did not respond to the vision he cast, Super Bowls would have been lost and his fame erased from history.  In a flash, when success is not achieved, songs of praise and promises often turn toward doubt and in football cries for FIRE the coach escalate.
At the pinnacle of the Egyptian Empire, a new king forget what Joseph had done to save their citizens from 7 years of famine, Exodus 1:8-10.  Thus, 400 years of slavery ensued.  Once finally freed, the Jews witnessed of one the greatest miracles ever recorded, Psalm 106:9-11.  A spontaneous celebration of singing praises to God followed, inspiring a new devout belief.  Nonetheless, as time widdled away, promises of faith faded from the memories of those who saw the Red Sea part in two.
Not much has changed since the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years.  People still experience a roller coaster of emotions, drawing near to God, then falling away.  Perhaps, there is a lesson from the past, one which involves clinging to the promises of God.   Despite what you may endure, fight through or see, God’s faithfulness never ceases, Psalm 106:8.  Since the Lord does not let go, press on to sing songs of praise like the apostle Paul in Acts 16:26, until the power of the Holy Spirit breaks through any walls of doubt that remain.
by Jay Mankus

40 Years of Anger

Most books written throughout history contain a clear author.   On the other hand, the Psalms of the Bible are comprised of multiple authors.  Besides Asaph, David and the sons of Korah, a few chapters do not contain a subscribed author.  Such is the case of Psalm 95 which unveils God’s 40 years of anger, Psalm 95:10 and the closing of mankind’s porthole to God, Psalm 95:11.

In view of this information, Moses would be a likely candidate, who regularly spoke with the Lord face to face on Mount Sinai.  Following 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God performed several miracles known as the 10 plagues through Aaron and Moses, Exodus 7-11.  Expecting Israel to be more grateful, not even the parting of the Red Sea would sway their hearts.  Instead, they repaid God by breaking the first and second commandment, Exodus 32:1-14.

This act of blatant disobedience ignited the Lord’s 40 years of angry.  A journey that should have taken less than a month, resulted in 40 years of punishment, wandering back and forth through a desert for 40 years.  The book of Exodus serves as a warning today for whiners and complainers.  Yes, its true that life is not fair at times.  However, if you encounter hardships in the future, perhaps God is using events to bring you back where He wants you to be.  By embracing this perspective, you will steer clear of God’s wrath.

by Jay Mankus

Yes…They are Real!

If you want to be honest, modern television is merely a rerun of a rerun from the 1960’s or 70’s with a modern twist.  Despite this fact, the boob tube lures people to their couch or recliners nightly, searching for something new.  To unwind after a long or tough day, entertainment helps individuals ease or forget the pain of life until tomorrow when the same vicious cycle continues.

As for me, I’m a sucker for anything with Big Foot, Loch Ness Monster or unknown species people have had encounter with or seen.  If a show is popular, several others will pop up with different titles, but are nearly identical.  Whether you prefer Monsters in America, Mountain Monsters or Monster Quest, each contain one fatal flaw.  None of them use the Bible as a source of reference to prove monsters are real, created by God.

According to Psalm 74:13-14, evidence was found at the bottom of the Red Sea.  When the Lord allowed Moses to part the sea in half, Leviathan’s became beached, eventually dying for beasts of the desert to feast upon.  Most experts agree that the term Leviathan is what modern Cryptozoologists refer to as the Kraken, a real life sea monster, giant squid.  If some of these creatures survived the flood and ice age, I can go out on a limb and boldly proclaim, “yes… they are real!”

by Jay Mankus