Category Archives: Uncategorized

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2015 movie “Jurassic World”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Praise be to you, Lord;  teach me your decrees.¹³ With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.¹⁴ I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.¹⁵ I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. ¹⁶ I delight in your decrees; Psalm 119:12-16.

Biblical Connection:

One of the opening scenes from Jurassic World reveal that individuals who attend theme parks more than once can become bored like the teenager staring at his phone. During my last full year teaching, I was introduced to the book Amusing Yourself to Death. If art imitates life, then adults can find themselves engrossed in social media and television by amusing yourself to death.

If a leader known as a man after God’s own heart can become bored, 2 Samuel 11:1-4, everyone is susceptible. When David failed to go to work one spring, bored with too much idle time led David into a sinful period of his life. To refrain from falling into a similar bad habit, the Psalmist urges Christians to spend your time focusing on the Bible. When you do boredom will turn into praise.

Closing Song:

Over confidence is one tool the Devil uses to allow Christians to let their guard down. When you do, this often leads to boredom and or idle time. The next time you find your life spiraling out of control, meditate and study God’s word to straighten out your path, Psalm 119:9.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 movie “A Civil Action”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. ¹³ But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia, Daniel 10:12-13.

Biblical Connection:

The film A Civil Action was inspired by the book written by Jonathon Harr. Despite the risk of bankrupting his firm, lawyer Jan Schlichtman takes on a case involving two large companies trying to hide their part in contaminating a local water supply. For an extended period of time, large corporations hid behind a war chest that prevented defendants from getting justice.

Today’s passage in the Bible recognizes that certain areas, cities, regions and states are controlled by demonic influences. The apostle Paul confirms this fact in Ephesians 6:12, illustrating the ongoing struggle for power in the heavenly realms. Subsequently, sometimes you find yourself fighting a losing battle fueled by powers of darkness. Dr. Ed Murphy provides case studies in The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare about more recent demonic forces at work in the United States.

Closing Song:

Most Christians aren’t prepared for the spiritual hornet nests that they may stir up. The next time you find yourself fighting a losing battle, seek the advice of a spiritual mentor so that you don’t pursue this on your own.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich” (Language Warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. ²⁶ Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean,” Matthew 23:25-26.

Every week there are current events or new stories dealing with the environment. Erin Brockovich is based upon a true story where a former beauty queen who felt compelled to help citizens from Hinkley, California. When a major power company began to contaminate local water supplies, Erin is drawn to do her part to save the lives of those impacted by this environmental crisis.

Jesus confronts Pharisees in today’s featured passage. These teachers of the law appear to live by the motto “do as I say, not as I do.” This behavior causes Jesus to urge these spiritual leaders to look inward at their own hearts. Perhaps, politicians have become modern day Pharisees, creating laws in such a way to exempt themselves from these invasive regulations. From a practical standpoint, all you can do is play your part to make this world a cleaner place to live.

Closing Song:

In the real world, things don’t always work out as you expect. Subsequently, doing your part to make the world a better and cleaner place to live isn’t easy. As long as you continue to examine your heart, the Holy Spirit will call and prompt you to act in the ways that God desires.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “The Passion of the Christ”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ²⁵ And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins,” Mark 11:24-25.

Today is Global Forgiveness Day, a recent addition to expanding calendars. Today’s scene comes from the Passion of the Christ who taught the importance of forgiveness in the first century. In recent years, artists and pastors have used scenes of this film to illustrate songs and sermons. Jesus didn’t just preach; He lived out what was proclaimed.

Today’s passage comes from a portion of the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew’s account comes immediately following the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father. According to Jesus, if you don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive you. Therefore, on this day of Global Forgiveness, search your heart and seek forgiveness from those you have wronged in the past.

Closing Song:

The power of forgiveness can save relationships and take friendships to the next level. One of the most basic commands of the Bible is to forgive as Jesus forgives you and me. May this message permeate your heart on this global call for forgiveness.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Trailer for the 1994 movie “The Client”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.¹² Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, 1 Chronicles 16:11-12.

Biblical Connection:

As a kid, you look for someone that you can trust. This is the search that Mark Sway goes on, looking for a lawyer based upon his initial impressions. Relying on a gut feeling, Mark’s quest ends with Reggie Love. While Mark was looking for a male, Reggie’s quick responses and insight helps secure her the role as Mark’s lawyer.

The author of Hebrews provides a biblical approach when seeking advice. Similar to the words of King Solomon, your search for help should begin by trusting the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6. If any doubts creep into your mind, remember all that God has done for you in the past. These fond memories should point you in the direction toward seeking help from God daily.

Closing Song:

No matter how great your friends may be, sooner or later these individuals will let you down. Subsequently, as Christians draw closer to God, you’ll begin to pray for your heart to become more like Jesus’.

by Jay Mankus