Category Archives: Uncategorized

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2008 movie “The Least of These”

Bible Verse of the Day:

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. ¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[c] you want, Galatians 5:13-17.

Biblical Connection:

Andre James return to his old Catholic high school to replace a priest who suddenly vanishes. Like any new teacher, Father James has big shoes to fill. Similar to a Catholic confession, a student comes to Father James seeking answers to understand good from evil. This leads to a discussion on heaven and hell which is rooted in the human battle between your flesh and the Holy Spirit.

While addressing an ongoing crisis in the Church at Galatia, the apostle Paul explains why individuals give into peer pressure. As a sect of Jewish Christians sought to force Gentile converts to practice rigid Jewish traditions, Paul intervened. Freedom is based in love not coercion. Subsequently, good and evil come down to following God or indulging your sinful nature.

Closing Song:

God didn’t create human robots. Instead, free will allows every individual to make a series of choices each and every day. According to Moses in Deuteronomy 30:11-18, the choices you make in life will lead towards life or death. Christians who keep in steps with the Holy Spirit follow the narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, the road less traveled. Decisions fueled by fleshly desires lead to the broad road, a path of least restrictions toward evil. Choose wisely this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2005 movie “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”

Bible Verse of the Day:

(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^[c]? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) ¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, Ephesians 4:9-13.

Biblical Connection:

The underlining message of today’s scene points to spiritual gifts and talents. Unfortunately, many of these stay hidden for a lifetime until an elder, mentor or pastor help you uncover this untapped potential. While Father Christmas provides weapons for the upcoming war against the White Witch, Christians must be proactive in discovering spiritual gifts in their youth.

The apostle Paul highlights Jesus’ part in laying out the biblical foundation for a first century church. Jesus poured his life into training 12 disciples who spent 3 years learning under His leadership. In the book of Acts, apostles are sent out as missionaries to fulfill the great commission, Acts 1:8. Ultimately, Christians serve in the role or roles God has gifted you.

Closing Song:

Sometimes moments of reflection enable you to see a gift from your past that went unappreciated. Meanwhile, life is a journey where other treasures take time to uncover. As you seek to find the right gifts for family and friends this Christmas, don’t neglect the spiritual talents that are ready to be put into practice, 2 Timothy 1:5.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2003 movie “Love Actually”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. ¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love. ¹⁵ You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹⁶ to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. ¹⁷ I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ¹⁸ For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition, 1 Corinthians 16:12-18.

Biblical Connection:

 Love Actually follows eight different couples in the month before Christmas. Taking place in London, England, today’s scene has a man who risks failure to pursue the woman he loves. Instead of buying an extravagant gift, this man is creative, using a series of notecards to express his love. Before you set out to purchase Christmas gifts this year, give something sentimental and special.

The apostle Paul shares updates about future visits from Christian missionaries. Paul urges Apollos to return, following up with individuals that he led to faith in Christ. Knowing the ordeals and unexpected circumstances that life brings, Paul urges members of the Church at Corinth to stand firm in their faith. When love inspires your actions, the greatest gift you can give to others is Jesus.

Closing Song:

Leaving is often associated with a negative connotation. However, in today’s song, Leaving Jesus refers to living and taking your faith whenever you go. Don’t go broke this Christmas trying to impress loved ones. Rather, keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, to give a different kind of gift this Christmas.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1970 movie “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”

Bible Verse of the Day:

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸ But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator, Colossians 3:7-10.

Biblical Connection:

Kris Kringle comes from the German name Christ-kind. When translated into English Christ-kind means Christ child. In the context of Christmas, Kris Kringle refers to the gift giver during celebrations. This jolly man is now associated with America’s Santa Claus. In today’s scene, Kringle attempts to bring joy to little children during a time when toys were illegal.

To become alive spiritually, the apostle Paul encourages first century Christians to put on a new self. This process involves recreation by refreshing one’s life. Unlike typical recreation centered around recharging your passion for life, putting on a new self starts with rejecting acts of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21. Then, you emulate Jesus by pursuing the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

Closing Song:

My acting career was limited to a Christmas play and solo. I was a shepherd who sang the second stanza of the original Go Tell It On the Mountain. “When I was a young one, I prayed both night and day. I asked the Lord to help me and He showed me the way.” As modern-day Christians learn to put on the new self, God calls you to share your faith journey with others. May this Christmas season inspire you to tell others about Jesus.

by Jay Mankus