Tag Archives: selfless acts

Making A Lasting Impression

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riK0uwtAc80

The humble don’t waste their breath telling others what they’ve done or what they are about to do.  Rather, quietly, each go about their own business until their assignment, job or task is complete.  Making the most of every opportunity, individuals who possess a servant’s heart are on their way to making a lasting impression.

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head, Mark 14:3.

Over the course of your life, you may witness an act that doesn’t make much sense on the surface.  However, there are times people feel compelled to do something, regardless of how bizarre, crazy or strange it might seem.  Nonetheless, one day a woman followed the prompting in her heart to anoint Jesus with an expensive jar of perfume.

Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her,” Mark 14:9.

Based upon Jesus’ compliment of this woman, making a lasting impression involves stepping out in faith.  Sure, doing what’s right when no one is looking is a good start.  However, to keep in step with the Holy Spirit requires a keen awareness, grounded in the wisdom of the Bible.  May those of you who seek to leave behind a legacy of faith, follow in the footsteps of this selfless act.

by Jay Mankus

 

A Life Perspective of Matthew 6:33

Looking back at the core principles my parents taught me, I learned 3 things lived out by my father: discipline, hard work and honoring the Sabbath.  As a son of an immigrant, my dad persevered as he learned English, eventually becoming a Ivy League student before entering the military.  His service to this country in the Army reinforced these attributes while his Roman Catholic background instilled in him a wholehearted effort to attend church wherever he was and whatever else he was doing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW5NJMAqTY4

Although the jealous may give circumstance or luck the credit, its clear that his successful career in sales, nice house at the beach and extended health is directly related to Matthew 6:33.  When an individual begins to seek God first by worshiping the Lord Sunday, starting each day in prayer or studying the Bible, these acts get God’s attention.  If these selfless acts continue with the right motives, the promise of daily bread and other blessings follow.  Sure, maybe my dad didn’t earn as much as he desired or reached the position of his dreams, but I see the fruits of his labor today.

While far from being perfect, I am trying to pass the baton to my own children so that they too may live a life of discipline, hard work and keeping God’s day holy.  Though the hypocrite in me may steer my kids off course from time to time, I can’t help but cling to Jesus promise within Matthew 6:33.  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteous and all these things (life, food, drink, clothes and health) will be given to you as well.”  Before 2014 speeds up too fast that you can’t catch up, take some time to slow down, Psalm 46:10, so that the hope of Matthew 6:33 may find you and your family.

by Jay Mankus