Category Archives: Uncategorized

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2002 movie “Minority Report”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

Tom Cruise plays Chief John Anderton who oversees a state-of-the-art police force that stops crime before it happens. When a lawyer questions this idea based upon pre cogs, artificial intelligence of this era, Chief Anderton uses logic to shut down his concerns. Unfortunately, when a pre cog accuses John of a crime later on in the film, he realizes that they are holes in AI.

The apostle Paul brings up an interesting observance that few modern-day scholars recognize today. The god of this age, aka the ruler of the air-Ephesians 2:2, has blinded the minds of unbelievers. When you consider politics, many individuals aren’t willing to change their opinions on certain candidates. As more and more people become dependent on artificial intelligence, they too have become blinded, unable to see the holes in AI.

Closing Song:

Some Christians are relying on artificial intelligence sites like Chat GPT to find the answers that they are looking for in the Bible and in life. Yet, this can never replace your own personal experience seeking God by studying the Bible daily. When you seek God, the Lord will reveal Himself to you. And when you’re spiritually lost, God will help you find your way back home.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Deleted scene from the 2014 movie “Ragamuffin”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— ⁹ yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. ¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death, 2 Corinthians 8:9-10.

Biblical Connection:

I was a youth pastor in Indiana when Rich Mullins was at the height of his popularity. Every Christian artist has their own niche, a gift that stands out to reach their audience. Rich was a worship leader while on stage. Yet, behind the scenes, Rich was trying to highlight the love of God. Sometimes this approach upset pastors like today’s scene, creating debate and friction.

The apostle Paul wrote several letters to the Church of Corinth following this church plant. While only two are recorded in the Bible, one theory is that a third letter writer was omitted due to the frustration and outrage within the apostle Paul’s tone. When Christians are confronted by the truth exposing a flaw or lie within your life, this hurts. Yet, this pain is necessary to mature and move on to become the person that God desires.

Closing Song:

Peace is one of my favorite songs written by Rich. When the truth of the Bible is revealed to your soul, peace is one of the benefits of this revelation. While Christians continue to disagree and rub others the wrong way, embrace the truth of God’s Word even when it hurts.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2014 movie “Unbroken”

Bible Verse of the Day:

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. ³⁷ For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”^{[f] 38} And,“But my righteous^[g] one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”^{[h] 39} But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved, Hebrews 10:36-39.

Biblical Connection:

Unbroken chronicles the life of Louie Zamperini during his service in World War II. After competing in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Louie joined the armed forces. Zamperini survived a plane crash, 47 days clinging to a rapt and two Japanese POW camps. In the scene that is depicted in Unbroken, Louie has flashbacks of his runner career to stay mentally tough during this strenuous ordeal.

The author of Hebrews calls Jewish Christians to persevere during the trials they faced in the first century. Whether this was Nero’s persecution, imprisonment or facing death for their faith, the goal for all Christians is to do the will of God. Louie’s determination to fight through adversity and hold this plank up over his head enabled his faith to save him from certain death.

Closing Song:

Julie writes about the brokenness hidden deep inside of human beings. This is where faith steps, reaching out to God in prayer to survive when the world around you are falling apart. When believers like Louie place their trust in the Lord, God will hold you together.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Pay It Forward”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you, Matthew 5:38-42.

Biblical Connection:

As a former teacher, classroom discussions were some of my favorite moments from each year that I taught. When a teacher gives a student a stage to share their thoughts, powerful things often happen. When a student expounds upon the concept of paying it forward, classmates begin to visualize what this utopian idea might resemble. This commences a healthy debate in this class.

King Solomon reflects upon the concept that there is nothing new under the sun in Ecclesiastes 1:9. Yet, as Jesus teaches about Jewish law during a first century sermon, He conceives the idea about paying it forward. However, Jesus uses the expression “go the extra mile.” Using human nature as a starting point, going the extra mile is going above and beyond what is expected.

Closing Song:

Jesus didn’t just lecture to a large audience and go on with His life. Rather, Jesus modeled and practiced what He preached, Matthew 7:24-27. Therefore, as summer comes to an end Labor Day weekend, seize the moment by going the extra mile before the summer of 2025 comes to an end.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1982 movie “Airplane 2”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:8-10.

Biblical Connection:

Whenever I travel on a plane, each flight has an initial departure location and its final destination. While delays are bound to happen, flights may need to be rerouted to get you where you want to go. However, from a human nature perspective, there are certain things that your body is accustomed to having. When this is denied, you may overreact like this classic scene from Airport 2.

From the days of Abraham to Moses, God promised Israel a land flowing with milk and honey. Unfortunately, time and a lack of obedience pushed back the fulfillment of this promise. When Christians don’t get what they expect or want, they may panic like the passengers on this aircraft. Yet, the prophet Isaiah reminds Israel that God will get you back to where you belong.

Closing Song:

As today marks the end of July, may you spend time reflecting upon your spiritual journey in life. As you see the hand of God watching over your past, you’ll be more optimistic and avoid a state of panic as the Lord continues the work that He began in you, Philippians 1:6.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from commentary on the 2006 movie “End of the Spear”

Bible Verse of the Day:

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ¹³ The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” ¹⁴ Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. ¹⁵ You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. ¹⁶ But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. ¹⁷ In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. ¹⁸ I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me,” John 8:12-18.

Biblical Connection:

Members of the audience who watched End of the Spear in theaters had a similar experience to those who went to see The Passion of the Christ. Rather than show the scene where members of the tribe have an encounter with God, I wanted to touch on the impact this film has made on our culture. When missionary’s give up their lives for their faith, many are moved by their testimony.

After sparing a woman’s life from being stoned to death, religious leaders begin to dispute the identity of Jesus. When faith is lived out, many can’t fathom or comprehend the sacrifices that loyal people of faith make on a daily basis. Yet, when you come to the light by entering into a personal relationship with God, Romans 10:9-11, lives are transformed like tribal members.

Closing Song:

As the summer light fades, growing shorter day after day in the northern hemisphere, don’t miss your opportunity to come to the light of Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30. May today’s song inspire you to take this initial step of faith toward the light of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus