Tag Archives: Trials

Trayvon is Gone… Move On

When you don’t get the grade, ruling or outcome that you expect in life, frustration rears its ugly head.  In the moments following the verdict on the death of Trayvon Martin, horrific tweets, riots and protests took center stage in the media.  Instead of peace and satisfaction, the African American community felt betrayed, expecting a different outcome.  In the end, Trayvon is gone, the jury has spoken and its time to move on.

On August 28th, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous I have a dream speech.  As I read through his text today, I am compelled to move people toward solutions and steer clear of holding grudges.  Dr. King spoke about brotherhood, embracing all of God’s children and judging people by the content of their character.  Unfortunately, too many individuals still see issues in black and white instead of being one nation under God.  Honor Dr. King by being a vessel of action, changing our culture with a Christ like faith, Matthew 19:26.

One of my favorite songs comes from the artist Geoff Moore & the Distance.  In the lyrics of Through It from his 1999 album, Geoff sings about the trials people face in life.  As the chorus goes, “sometimes, we need to go through the fire, to move beyond the obstacles staring us in the face.”  While it will take some time for Trayvon’s mother and family to let go of the pain they are feeling, the rest of our nation must move on.  There is only one judge, who we will all stand before on Judgment Day, Matthew 12:36, to judge the innocent and guilty.  Until this day, let us strive to fulfill Dr. King’s dream by applying biblical principles.

by Jay Mankus

The Day We Broke God’s Heart

Like a proud parent watching their son and daughter play in a local little league, God felt helpless as Eve dropped the ball and Adam picked dandelions as the devil traded an apple for sole authority over the earth in Genesis 3.  If that wasn’t bad enough, the first naturally born child allowed jealousy to convince him to murder his younger brother in chapter 4.  The last straw occurs in Genesis 6:5 as mankind’s heart and mind turned toward every possible evil inclination.  This was the day we broke God’s heart, Genesis 6:6.

The reason I use we instead of they is based upon Romans 3:9-12.  While our stories are not recorded in the Bible, history is being repeated as most of God’s created beings are following in the footsteps of sinners.  Every morning, God is waiting for his people to acknowledge Him, Psalm 150:6.  However, busy schedules, entertainment and work causes most of us to let days slip by without saying hello in prayer or crack open the Bible to listen to God.  Instead, most human beings are led astray by humanism, naturalism and selfish desires.  Thus, by these careless actions, we are breaking God’s heart all over again!

Maybe this is why God allows individuals to endure humility, trials and defeats.  Sometimes, we need to have our own hearts broken, which makes it painfully obvious to us that we can not make it through life on our own.  In fact, this also explains why Jesus states that in order to find life you must be willing to lose it, Matthew 16:25-26.  The choices you and I make will shape our eternal futures, either toward heaven or closer to hell, Matthew 7:13-14.  Moses was right when he said choices have consequences in Deuteronomy 30:15.  May this blog challenge you to renew and or begin a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

Are You Ready for Some… Persecution?

Hank Williams Jr . (HankJr.com) MONTGOMERY Alabama – Many men have gone to extremes to escape the...

 

For twenty years, Hank Williams Jr. and Monday Night Football went hand and hand.  This country music icon began singing his famous pregame song in 1991 for ABC and ESPN.  However, when asked his honest opinion about President Obama on Fox News in October of 2011, his gig came to an abrupt halt.  Instead of singing are you ready for some football, Hank has changed his tune to, “Are you ready for some persecution?”

On December 15th, 1791, the first amendment was adopted as part of the Bill of Rights.  This amendment was designed to protect American citizens against government intrusion.  This portion of the United States Constitution is suppose to protect a person’s faith, speech, religion and right to assemble.  However, in recent years if your opinion is not politically correct or you don’t possess the right party affiliation, persecution follows.

The Martyr

Similar conditions greeted the apostle Paul during the middle of the first century AD.  Based upon Luke’s account in Acts 17:22-24, Paul and Silas were stripped, publicly flogged and thrown in jail for freeing a slave from her greedy owners, Acts 17:16-19.  Despite being Roman citizens, they were accused without a trial, found guilty by the court of public opinion like Hank Williams Jr.

If the Bible is truly a glimpse of the future, every Christian should be prepared for persecution.  Jesus recounts details of the final days on earth in Matthew 24:4-25.  According to this account, the days of entertainment, fun and watching NFL football games will be over.  Like the Left Behind series, the world will be at war with Christianity.  Followers will be forced to join the new world order or flee for their lives.  I hate to be negative, but this is what will be coming in the end days.  Ready or not, persecution may already be here!

by Jay Mankus

The Detours of Life

When unforeseen events, startling situations or the unpredictable occur, you end up in a foreign place, side tracked by life.  These trials can be time consuming, often resulting in cancellations, delays or detours from the route you thought you would be traveling.  The most common response from Christian observers is Romans 8:28, thinking they are helping by quoting, “all things work together for the good for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

What these first responders don’t recognize is that mothers, fathers and hurting people aren’t ready to accept the fact that their child, friend, relative or spouse is dead.  Having a front row seat, I’ve had classmates die in car accidents, friends fall to cancer and others end their life through suicide.  While exiting out of funeral homes, the promise of Romans 8:28 was the furthest thing from my mind.  The only thing I could provide was a hug, shoulder to lean on and my silent prayers.

During the exile of the Israel, a similar thought process went on in Psalm 137.  To cope with this detour, the Psalmist called people to remember the good times, the glory of Zion.  Through time, reflection and mediation on the word of God, healing comes.  Unfortunately, rates vary, with some turning a journey in the desert into 40 years of aimless wandering.  As you go through your own detours in life, lean on James 1:2-4 to provide you wisdom until a new path opens or the old is restored.

by Jay Mankus

The Blind Side

Based upon the real life of Michael Oher, the Blind Side reveals a feel good story.  Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy take in a large homeless African America boy whose life had been a living nightmare prior to their meeting.  Seeing Michael’s potential, their love, guidance and motivation helped pave the way for a career in football.  This dream became a reality as Michael was chosen in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft as a left tackle, protecting the blind side of the Baltimore Raven’s quarterback.

Psalm 124 refers to a spiritual blind side.  The author, King David, reflects upon his life, looking back on how he survived the attacks of King Saul and other nations.  What he discovered was life altering as the hand of God had been an invisible force watching over him time after time.  This chapter serves as a tribute to the Lord, a reminder to all that God is in the back ground protecting our blind side.

Unfortunately, most individuals like me doubt God when things appear to be going against them.  Somehow the miracles of the past get lost, escaping my memory, erased by time, trials or a wavering faith.  Therefore, the next moment you feel like God is leaving you out in the dark, clueless about your future, read Psalm 124:1-8 to calm your fears.  Although your sight might be blurred by unanswered prayers, the Lord has your back!

by Jay Mankus

The Trial Road

Human nature influences  individuals to question God, especially when the path you are traveling on does not lead you to where you want to go.  Yeah, there are obvious situations when you are to blame.  Yet, there are just as many times in life where you are left scratching your head, trying to figure out the logic of God.

Early Christians likely began to develop a similar belief.  Following the crucifixion of their founder, most thought the worst was over.  However, Acts 8:1 reveals more unfair treatment: a stoning death, imprisonment and relocation due to Saul’s persecution of the church.  As men and women were dragged away from their families, doubt crept into the hearts and minds of Christ followers.

Underneath the surface, a trial road was under construction.  The blueprints were established in Acts 1:8, but complacency kept the church within their own little comfort zones.  By the hand of God, winds of persecution put into motion the initial fulfillment of the great commission as Jerusalem had heard the gospel.  While unpleasant at the time, this trial road opened the door for stage 2 to be complete, spreading the good news about Jesus to Judea and Samaria.  Thus, as you hit your own bumpy stretch or section of potholes, remember the role trials play, James 1:2-4, leading you toward God’s ultimate will, Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

Inside This Hurricane

In August of 1991, Hurricane Bob slammed the East Coast for 3 days bringing more than a foot of rainfall to several seaboard cities.  Inland at the time of landfall, I was hiking along the Appalachian Trail with a close friend and mentor.  While the mountains served as some protection, Ken and I were side swiped, cutting our trip short by a day.  Upon returning to Delaware, we became like storm chasers following the aftermath.  When we approached the city of Wilmington, low lying areas were indistinguishable, unaware of where the Christiana Marsh began or ended, filled with floating vehicles and trains.

Like the James Taylor classic, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain,” nothing could prepare me for the devastation I witnessed.  Bridges swept away, pavement sunk into creeks and debris scattered in and along every waterway.  Though I had endured an earthquake and waterspout earlier in my life, I had a front row seat, inside the ropes of this hurricane.  While the 2013 Hurricane Season begins June 1st and ends November 30th, spiritual hurricanes can form at a moment’s notice.

In the early stages of storms, people are often uprooted from their comfort zones, blown into awkward situations.  With a rising storm surge and no end in sight, panic can set in.  When the eye passes overhead, false hope causes people to let their guards down.  As this facade fades into the heart of the storm, the bottom right quadrant unloads its fiery on innocent bystanders.  This final punch can knock someone out, surprised by power of a mere trial.

When my own hurricane subsides, I will be much wiser, able to see the signs of approaching storms in the future.  Yet, for now I am holding on for dear life, waiting for the winds of change to die down.  Like Job in the Old Testament, I am at a loss for words, experiencing a battle of the will.  As soon as I see a rainbow, there will rejoicing.  However, inside this hurricane, I have been blown to my knees, looking up and clinging to God’s promise in Psalm 4:1.

by Jay Mankus

From a Mountain Top to the Valley of Despair

Throughout the course of history, unusual events have occurred which defy the laws of gravity.  Skeptics argue that reality has been embellished, like a fishing story, changing each time it is told.  Meanwhile, just when it appears you understand the mind of God, a twist of fate leaves you dumbfounded, unable to comprehend why something happened.

On top of Mount Carmel, like a classic western movie, Elijah challenges King Ahab’s prophets to a duel.  However, guns are replaced by fire, with the winner burning up the hopes of the loser’s god.  According to 1 Kings 18:36-39, Elijah was victorious as the Lord God answered his prayer, sending fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice soaked in water.  Unfortunately, this mountain top experience was short lived.

When a king is publicly embarrassed, it usually doesn’t go well for the man that brought him disgrace.  Being a poor loser, King Ahab complains to his wife, the most wicked woman in the kingdom, 1 Kings 19:1.  Not ready to accept defeat, Queen Jezebel fires back with a death threat, vowing to send a hitman to kill Elijah, 1 Kings 19:2.  Forgetting the power of God, Elijah ran down the mountain into a valley of despair, wanting to die than face this trial, 1 Kings 19:3-4.

The average person lives in this valley, where heartbreak, pain and setbacks are a daily occurrence.  A spirit of depression hovers over this valley, like a stationary dark cloud, waiting for winds of change.  However, the forecast for change looks bleak, leaving a state of hopelessness in your heart.

Dr. Love sends a messenger with a recipe for healing in 1 Kings 19:5-9.  Thinking out of the box, God sends an angel to fulfill this subscription of sleep.  Although Solomon urges people to avoid slumber in Proverbs, sometimes the best thing for depression is rest.  Getting up twice to eat, the food draws Elijah back into a deep sleep.  Once revitalized, its time to go back up the mountain.

Whether you are presently on the mountain top, half way or in the valley, God’s voice is only a whisper away, 1 Kings 19:10-13.  However, we need to get our lives straightened out before you can have full reception, Isaiah 1:15.  If you follow the directions in Isaiah 1:16-17, there is a wonderful promise of hope.  Don’t delay in fulfilling; Come reason with God today so you can rise on wings like eagles to the peak, Isaiah 40:31.

by Jay Mankus

Thy Way; not My Ways

Lately, I feel like a white rat being used for a psychology experiment.  Lab Technicians are observing my progress as I work my way through a labyrinth.  As I attempt to get from point A, unemployment, to point B, a full time position which utilizes my God given talents, I keep running into dead ends.  The moment I think I have arrived, God puts up another road block similar to Acts 16:6-7, whispering, “this is not the path I have chosen for you.”

Befuddled, clueless and dumbfounded, I am running out of options.  Though I am becoming an expert in writing cover letters, my percentages of interest these emails have generated makes me feel like an amateur fisherman who is being toyed with by smarter fish.  Since my ways are failing daily, Proverbs 19:21, I hope the growing pains I am encountering end soon as I move aside toward Yahweh’s way.

As my trial nears a full calendar year tomorrow, the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12-13 have a deeper meaning for me.  Trying to work out your salvation is a grueling process, a clear indication that sanctification is a long way from completion.  Despite my best efforts, I am still a sinner in desperate need of a Savoir, Romans 6:23.  Therefore, while I currently attend the school of hard knocks, I long to graduate soon, seeking to become a Rhode scholar on Thy Way!

by Jay Mankus

In the Furnace

Today, most cultures are kinder and gentler than previous civilizations.  Except for a few primitive and extreme cultures, gone are the days of public hangings and gas chambers for people who break the law.  In the days of King Nebuchadnezzar, if you didn’t strictly adhere to his commands, you were killed in the furnace.

King Neby made a decree in Daniel 3 which went against the 10 commandments God gave Moses in Exodus 20.  Instead of bowing to an idol to please the king, Shadrech, Meshach and Abendnego refused to compromise their Jewish beliefs.  After being exposed by some astrologers, of all people, these 3 were given one more chance before being ushered off to the furnace.  Holding to their principles, these young men were willing to die rather than deny their God.

While in the furnace, the king notices something unusual, a fourth person inside, Daniel 3:24-25.  According to king Neby, this other person looked like Jesus, the son of God.  In the end, the king gives the word to turn off the furnace, open the door and praise these 3 servants of the most high God.  Unfortunately, Shadrech, Meshach and Abendnego had to endure the furnace so that the king of Babylon could be introduced to the one true God.

According to Daniel 3:27, no one was harmed by the flames, divinely protected by the Lord.  Although I have not been thrown into a furnace, I feel as if my 9 month long trial has left me toasted, charred and well done.  I am not sure if Shadrech, Meshach and Abendnego saw Jesus or talked to Him while in the fire.  Yet, I need to trust God that while my own faith is being refined, Jesus is with me unto the very end, 1 Peter 1:6-7.  For anyone else in a trial, let a mustard seed size of faith keep you calm until the fire is turned off!

by Jay Mankus