Tag Archives: unconditional love

God’s Pleasure

Delight, enjoyment and gratifying are feelings associated with pleasure.  Since individuals are wired differently, venues chosen to seek pleasure vary.  According to the Psalmist, two distinct attributes get’s the Lord’s attention.  While the world may embrace beauty, gambling and sex, heaven desires two specific qualities.

God’s pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior – Psalm 147:10

The first characteristic which excites the Lord is a holy reverence.  This trait can be acquired through studying the history of God’s relationship with Israel.  Although some of the miracles performed by the Lord may be difficult to believe, these acts of favor led many Jews to fear God.

The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love, Psalm 147:11.

The second quality is often a natural response to the first.  After individuals begin to fear the Lord, many start to place their faith in God’s unfailing love.  Despite patterns of disobedience, unconditional love is displayed throughout the Old and New Testament.  Therefore, if you want to please the Lord today, set your hearts upon a reverence fear and minds on the promises of love within the Bible.  When your actions coincide with hope, you will become the apple of God’s eyes.

by Jay Mankus

 

Time After Time… God Forgives

On June 9th, 1984, Time After Time, the second single released from Cindi Lauper’s “She’s So Unusual” album hit #1 on the Billboard Top 100 Charts.  Thirty years later, these lyrics still speaks to individuals searching for forgiveness, patience or mercy.  Whether you’re a parent like me, a friend struggling to understand a wayward soul or reminiscing about brighter days, these words provide hope.

One day, a music director began to experience flash backs, like a scene from Back to the Future.  However, in this case, God was reminding Asaph about Israel’s days in Egypt.  Based upon the length of Psalm 78, this vivid vision brought understanding to 400 years of slavery.  Upon reaching freedom, Israel became like a misguided child unable to break bad habits, falling prey to the same sins time after time.  Despite their actions, God withheld his wrath, forgiving, time after time, Psalm 78:36-38.

Today, an unforgiving world, constantly reminding you of past transgressions makes it difficult to believe that an unseen Creator can actually wipe your slate clean.  Despite how many times you’ve failed in life, the Lord demonstrates unconditional love, Psalm 103:11-12.  In view of this truth, don’t let this opportunity slip away.  Rather, practice James 5:16 daily so that like Cindi Lauper’s song, God will forgive time after time.

by Jay Mankus

 

Cleansing of the Tides

High above the crashing breakers

Beyond the daylight of the sky

Exists a barren crusted mass

That reflects light back to earth

Penetrating the darkness of night

Is an illuminating oblique feature

Which serves a specific purpose

We call this spotlight the moon

A rotating orb which circles the earth

To preform its 24 hour cleaning service

Controlling tidal movements for our planet

The tides obey every command

Going to and fro and in and out

Cleansing every impurity into the seas

Our tides create a natural recycling system

Purging shores from daily tarnish

Erasing any signs with just one wave

These blemishes are quickly forgotten

As far as the east is from the west

This is symbolic of God’s unconditional love

Who cleanses another undeserving soul from sin!

(c) Jay Mankus, July 1996.

This was a poem which was inspired by a Carman song from the 1990’s.  As I asked the Lord what to write yesterday, I heard a still small voice remind me of this poem.  Thus, today it is reborn in a new format.  I hope you enjoy the message!  My these tides serve as a fresh start for 2013!