Author Archives: expressyourself4him

Engaging Our Culture: February 4 – You Complete Me

Posted on February 4, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame, Genesis 2:23-25.

Biblical Connection:

Walking out after being fired, Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) pleads with co-workers to see if anyone is willing to go into business with him. Dorthy Boyd played by Renee Zellweger is the only one willing to take this risk. After losing the number one pick in the NFL draft, Maguire is down to one client, Rod Tidwell, an aging wide receiver with an attitude. After falling in love, Jerry and Dorthy get married. However, when their little project fails to make any money, Jerry and Dorthy fall on hard times and separate. This is the context of today’s scene.

When God gave Adam authority over the Garden of Eden and all the animals, he searched for a suitable helper. After covering every square each of this majestic place, no soul mate was found. This sets the stage for the creation of Eve, the first woman on earth. Based upon the words of Moses, Adam was blown away when his eyes gazed upon Eve. While many Americans rely on pets to become life companions, this special connection doesn’t complete human beings. If you’re patient, pray and wait long enough, you too may find someone who completes you.

Closing Song:

Go There With You was the first dance Leanne and I shared at our wedding. The lyrics serve as a prayer to walk with the Lord through life, hand and hand until God calls one of us home.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 3-The Love Dare

Posted on February 3, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2008 film “Fireproof”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:1-2.

Biblical Connection:

Kirk Cameron plays Caleb Holt, a fire fighter who finds himself in a failing marriage. The more Caleb allows this disconnect with his wife Catherine played by Erin Bethea to continue, the possibility of divorce becomes more likely. On the verge of giving up, Caleb’s father intervenes, Harrison Malcom, lending a book to his son. The Love Dare Book is like a New Year’s Resolution for anyone who wants to save their current relationship. Just because you may have broken this year’s goals doesn’t mean you can’t start over with a clean slate in February.

The Love Dare challenges individuals with a daily task centered around the concept of biblical love. This isn’t a fictional book added to Fireproofs plot. Rather, the Love Dare is a real book that you can purchase, guiding you over the course of 40 days to emulate the love of Jesus. This book comes in the form of a personal dairy / journal, encouraging you to reflect upon what you have learned and recognize where you have fallen short. As Caleb tries to win back his wife, he doesn’t stop after day 40. Rather, Caleb adds further daily acts of love, until reconciliation with his wife is achieved.

Closing Song:

Changing bad habits will likely take more than 40 days. However, if you commit to prayer, God can and will transform you into men and women of love.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 2-Seeking God’s Errands for You Today

Posted on February 2, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1993 film “Groundhog Day”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have,’ Luke 10:33-35.

Biblical Connection:

Bill Murray plays Phil Connors, a narcissistic, self-centered weatherman who finds himself reliving February 2nd over and over again. Once Phil realizes that they aren’t any consequences for his wrong actions, he follows the path of the prodigal son, Luke 15:13, pursuing a series of wild acts in a search for personal gratification. When these actions fail to satisfy the empty feeling inside his heart, Phil begins to see opportunities over the course of a 24-hour day to help other people. This is the context of today’s video clip.

Prior to sharing the Parable of the Good Samaritan, first century Jews believed that all priests and servants inside synagogues were godly individuals. Meanwhile, the Samaritans were descendants of a mixed race, half-Jewish and half-Gentiles. Subsequently, Samaritans were considered second class citizens, causing zealot Jews to avoid social interaction. Jesus attempts to alter this stereotype by illustrating that godliness is based upon love in action. As modern-day Christians begin to ask God in prayer,” what errands do you want me to accomplish today?” The Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see how you can help a stranger like the good Samaritan.

Closing Prayer:

When individuals slow down by putting their agenda and schedule on hold, God’s errands for you to accomplish will come into focus like Jesus in Mark 1:35-39.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 1-An Exegesis of Hollywood’s Concept of Love

Posted on February 1, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1982 film “The Last American Virgin”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be, Psalm 139:13-16.

Biblical Connection:

An exegesis is a critical analysis focused an interpretation of a text like Scripture. However, as secular universities have exchanged faith in God for lived experiences, Hollywood’s concept of love is vastly different from the Bible. According to Chandler and Munday, lived experiences belong to people who have gained knowledge through direct and first-hand involvement in everyday events. The lived experience in The Last American Virgin is that teenagers should follow their sexual desires even if that results in getting a girlfriend pregnant. As a teenager at the time of this movie’s release, this film teaches that a young man should take responsibility by paying for an abortion.

Since the Greek language is much more descriptive than English, the Bible uses 4 words to express love: eros, philia, agape and storge. The Last American Virgin limits it’s understanding of love to eros, a sensual and sexual expression of love. Philia refers to a brotherly love, agape reflects God’s unconditional love and storge is the natural affection that exists between a child and their parents. While writing today’s Psalm, King David receives a rhema from God. This message is that God sees and knows each unborn child. There are no mistakes in God’s eyes as each life has a purpose and reason. While this may not be revealed for years in the form of God’s will, Romans 12:2, God’s love is extended to all in the form of grace, Romans 5:3-5.

Closing Song:

Rather than having a Hallmark Channel ending where once you find the right person you’ll live happily ever after, the final scene of The Last American Virgin highlights the pain of sensual love. When you’re not attractive or popular, life can be lonely with years of lived experiences without love. Rather than lower your standards or force the issue like Hagar, stay the course until the Holy Spirit reveals what you are supposed to be. As you wait for love, draw near the Lord for comfort.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 31-Rewards for Sticking with It

Posted on January 31, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire”

Bible Verse of the Day:

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God, 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Biblical Connection:

Tom Cruise plays Jerry Maguire, a successful sports agent who experiences an overwhelming sense of guilt one evening. This conscience moment inspires Jerry to write a new mission statement which goes against everything he initially believed as a sports agent. Aftering sending copies to members of his firm, Jerry is fired and loses all of his clients except for one. Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Rod Tidwell, an aging wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. Rod trusts Jerry to become his ambassador of kwon. Jerry spends the second half of this film doing whatever he can to help his lone client receive the contract that he deserves.

In a letter to the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul calls members of this congregation to become ambassadors for Christ. The textbook definition for ambassador is an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country. From a spiritual perspective, Jesus is commanding first century Christians to fulfill the great commission, Acts 1:8, in their spheres of influence. Just as Jerry Maguire traveled for city to city for Rod Tidwell, God wants Christians to share Jesus by being the light of Christ in our communities and places of work, Matthew 5:14-16. Only when individuals continue to do this on a consistent basis will you reap God’s blessings like Tidwell’s new contract.

Song of the Day:

As January comes to an end, keep on striving to seize each day of 2025, making an impact to become a Champion for Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 30-Standing Up to Bullies

Posted on January 30, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2005 film “The Pacifier”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:12.

Biblical Connection:

 After recovering from a failed rescue operation, Navy SEAL Shane Wolfe played by Vin Deisel is handed a new assignment. Unlike any other detail, Deisel is tasked with protecting the five Plummer kids from enemies of their recently deceased father. With Mrs. Plummer overseas helping with the investigation of her husband’s death, Deisel is faced with taking care of an infant, 2 children and 2 teenagers. When Seth Pummer played by Max Theiriot is bullied by his wrestling coach, Deisel’s intervention turns into an afterschool wrestling match.

The apostle Paul points out a key fact about all bullies. Although certain types of people will rub you the wrong way, there are spiritual forces going on behind the scenes which prompt bullies to act out. Meanwhile, bullies often have a back story, something that triggered this type of behavior within them. Therefore, the next time you encounter a bully, you might want to pull them off to the side and start asking probing questions. If there aren’t willing to listen, wait for another moment as you pray for them. The more you see people through the realm of Ephesians 6:12, you’ll begin to understand why bullies act the way that they do.

Closing Song:

Don’t allow bullies of your past to continue to push you around. Rather, put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 29-You Were Born for This Moment

Posted on January 29, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2004 film “Miracle”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, Jeremiah 29:10-13.

Biblical Connection:

Kurt Russell plays Herbs Brooks, Head coach of America’s 1980 Olympic hockey team. The United States made it to the medal round, playing the Soviet Union in the semi-final game. As the host team at Lake Placid, New York, the Americans were facing a team of professionals. Since the United States team was compromised of college players, this was a real-life David verse Goliath competition. As Brooks addresses the team prior to the opening faceoff, he believes in them just like David trusted in God’s power to defeat Goliath.

Jeremiah is referred to as the weeping prophet, often given bad news from God to share with the Israelites. However, in today’s featured passage, God shares with Jeremiah a glimpse of Israel’s future. This vision serves as a sign of hope that God has a plan for your life. While Herb Brooks believed that each member of the United States hockey team was born to be on this gold medal team, every human being is born for a purpose. Free will gives individuals the choice to live for yourselves or live for God. It’s never too late turn to God and begin to live for Him, Romans 10:11.

Closing Song:

When you experience your first rough stretch in 2025, turn to God to get you through adversity.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 28-Coming to Your Senses

Posted on January 28, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from a 2024 Speech “Motivation 2 Study”

Bible Verse of the Day:

So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son,’ Luke 15:15-21.

Biblical Connection:

Today’s inspirational speech reminds me of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. However, based upon Mark’s testimony, he was raised by his mother. Like the younger son in Jesus’ story, Mark wasted his early years hanging around people who dragged him down. Yet, like the father who waited for his son to return on his front porch, Mark’s mom never stopped believing in him. When you’re chasing after temporary pleasures in life, a mentor once told me, “Sin will cause you to stay longer than you ever intended.” If today’s devotion finds you held hostage to an addiction or bad habit that you can’t resist, come to your senses like the prodigal son. Follow the prayers in today’s passage so that you can come home and be reunited with your heavenly Father.

Closing Song:

Don’t believe the lies of the Devil who will try to convince you that God could never love a sinner like you. Instead, take your burden and laid them at the feet of Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 27-When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Posted on January 27, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailer from the 2010 film “The 5th Quarter”

Bible Verse of the Day:

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles[b] from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask,” John 11:17-22.

Biblical Connection:

When I’m not able to find a scene reflective of a film, I’ll provide the entire trailer to give readers a broader perspective. As a former high school teacher, one thing is certain during the course of any year, one or more students will die in a car accident at your school or one nearby. This is the plot based upon the true story of Luke Abbate who dies days before his 16th birthday. When bad things happen to God people, families can be torn apart, always second guessing themselves and God. Older brother Jon, a member of the Wake Forest University football team, changes his number to Luke’s #5. After taking a leave of absence from the team following his brother’s death, Jon leads Wake to one of their most successful seasons ever, moving fans to refer to the 4th as the 5th quarter.

One of the scenes in the 5th Quarter has a coach talking about the two knowns in life: birth and death. Unfortunately, coping with the loss of one loved one is nothing new. After her own brother dies, Martha blames Jesus for Lazarus’ death. Despite her emotional anguish, Martha believed that Jesus could somehow bring Lazarus back from the dead. While the Lazarus effect does occur today, people who have been pronounced dead and do wake up, why bad things happen to good people remains a mystery. King Solomon writes about a time for everything in Ecclesiastes 3. Peter talks about faith being tested by trials in 1 Peter 1:6-7. The younger brother of Jesus points to unexpected events as things that build character, maturity and perseverance. When bad things do happen to you, you may never receive a direct answer from God, but these situations will challenge you to grow in your faith.

Closing Song:

Like the Abbate family who founded The Luke Abbate 5th Quarter Foundation, as you go through your first trial of 2025, may the Lord bring something positive out of this negative experience.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 26-Coming Back from the Gates of Hell

Posted on January 26, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1999 film “Any Given Sunday”

Viewer Discretion: a couple of curse words do appear on this clip for NFL Championship Sunday.

Bible Verse of the Day:

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God, Hebrews 10:26-27.

Biblical Connection:

Al Pacino addresses the Miami Shark as Coach Tony D’Amato before taking the field, he compares football to the game of life. Down to their third-string quarterback, the odds of winning this game isn’t good. Yet, Coach D’Amato compares this desire situation to his own failures in life. The only way D’Amato knows how to climb out of their hellish position is by fighting back, “inch by inch.” Since football is often a game of inches, players connect with this analogy, preparing their minds for their upcoming battle on the gridiron. When individuals come together as a team, lesser talent can upset better players on Any Given Sunday.

The author of Hebrews addresses a growing concern within the first century church. Apparently, false teachers began to convince young Christians that the more they sinned, the greater God’s grace would be poured out upon you. Subsequently, Hebrews 6:1-6 blames this on a lack of depth, Christians who stop growing spiritually after learning the elementary teachings of Christ. As a former seminary student, young theologians can be persuaded into justifying ungodly beliefs by over emphasizing certain passages of Scripture and devaluing others. To avoid continuing down the highway to hell, Matthew 7:13, take your thoughts captive by making them obedient to the words of the Bible, Psalm 119:9-11.

Closing Song:

My today’s song open your mind to the ongoing spiritual war happening behind the scenes. Pray for protection so that you won’t find yourself slipping away from God in 2025.

by Jay Mankus

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