Category Archives: Uncategorized

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2009 movie “Up in the Air”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And,“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^{[a] 19} So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good, 1 Peter 4:12-19.

Biblical Connection:

A recent study revealed that a movie star’s marriage last 7 years. However, if it wasn’t for couples like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn married for 40 years, this number would be much lower. George Cloney’s character Ryan Bingham treats marriage as an inconvenience, something friends can serve as a substitute for or in place of. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many shining examples of marriages for young couples to emulate. This has caused men to question marriage like Ryan.

Today is my 30th wedding anniversary. Thirty years ago, in Chicago, Leanne and I shared our vows in front of friends and family. On the wedding bulletin, I wrote a short paragraph about what marriage means to me. I talked about the will to love your soul mate regardless of the trials that you may face today in life. Leanne and I went from living in a hayloft to a beautiful property in Virginia. While our bodies have aged. my will to love Leanne remains as we grow old together.

Closing Song:

Go There with You is the first dance Leanne and I shared at our wedding. The lyrics reflect the words that I shared in our wedding bulletin. May today’s song inspire you to want to find a soul mate to spend your living years on earth together. This is the foundation for a marriage that stands the test of time.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1984 movie “Romancing the Stone”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’^{[a] 12} Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved,” Acts 4:8-12.

Biblical Connection:

Desperate for transportation, Joan Wilder and Jack Colton knock on a stranger’s door in Columbia. After being rejected and facing men with guns, Jack turns to the romance novelist Joan for a last second Hail Mary. Jack’s name dropping of Joan Wilder saves the day, being welcomed into this beautiful house. The next step is locating Joan’s kidnapped sister.

Peter and John were seized by religious leaders and placed in prison. The next day Peter and John plead their case before the Sanhedrin alongside rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law. While he was addressing this group, Peter became filled with the Holy Spirit. This led Peter to proclaim Jesus as the name above all names, the only one that can save mankind.

Closing Song:

The greatest gift for thanksgiving is knowing that your eternal destiny is secure, 1 John 5:11-13. When you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11, your faith journey commences. Instead of searching for a kidnapped sister, you’ll be become fishers of men and women, to fulfill the great commission in Acts 1:8.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1999 movie “The Hurricane”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ¹⁷ Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness, 2 Timothy 2:14-19.

Biblical Connection:

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter overcame the temptations of a troubled youth to become a middle weight boxer rising in the ranks. Unfortunately, his career was halted after wrongly imprisoned for murder. During a visit to Rubin’s prison, Lesra shares how a Canadian version of Habitat for Humanity has transformed his life. This growth instilled within Lesra a passion for writing.

While this scene from the Hurricane is inspirational, Rubin’s words about truth deviate from the Bible. A first century pastor had similar issues with members of his congregation. Subsequently, the apostle Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of biblical integrity. Whenever you open the door to compromise, you put yourself at risk of departing the Christian faith.

Closing Song:

The lyrics of You Need to Know serve as a prayer for a struggling friend. When your life seems to be falling apart, it’s great to know that you have a friend to lean on. When the storms of life strike this fall, may you use these events to transcend toward new heights.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1983 movie “The Big Chill”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching, Hebrews 10:19-25.

Biblical Connection:

After attending the funeral of friend, 7 former college students gather for a weekend reunion in South Carolina. Just like Thanksgiving gives former high school friends a chance to reunite, funerals spark a big chill in one’s soul. Staying in a vacation home, old friends discuss where their lives have led and speculate on what happened to their idealism. Time truly changes people.

Today’s passage addresses the topic of accountability. While some individuals are highly disciplined, others need a sharing group to keep them on track spiritually. When busy schedules, time and positive influences are absent from your life, you may find yourself stuck in a spiritual rut described in Hebrews 10:26-27. This is why reconnecting with fellow believers is vital to your faith.

Closing Song:

During a 5-year period of high school and college, I attended multiple spiritual retreats annually. These 20 plus weekends altered the course of my life, steering me away from golf course design to youth ministry. Pray for Me was one of the last songs played before saying goodbye after each event. As an adult, I don’t have time for retreats, but attending a small church group is the next best thing for Christians seeking to reunite with God this year.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1973 movie “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”

Bible Verse of the Day:

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them, Mark 10:13-16.

Biblical Connection:

In 1973 public education was centered around reading, writing and arithmetic. At some point in my lifetime, a cultural shift has occurred altering curriculum from basic building blocks to ideology. Subsequently, I learned more about Thanksgiving from this fifty years old child’s cartoon than any public service announcement today. Listen to your children to learn what’s really being taught.

During the first century, women and children were omitted from biblical accounts as only men were counted. Based upon today’s passage, the disciples viewed children as a distraction and or a waste of time from Jesus’ earthly ministry. On a few occasions, the disciples were publicly rebuked for being exclusive, not allowing children to draw near. Jesus sets the record straight, welcoming kids.

Closing Song:

It was introduced to today’s song during a campfire as a teenager. The lyrics of Pass It On spoke to me, creating a desire within me to want to share my faith with others. During this season of thanks, don’t be afraid to speak to the children in your family about God’s love and a personal relationship with Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. ²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” ²⁸ Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” ²⁹ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” ³⁰ So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? ³¹ Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’^[c]” ³² Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ³⁴ “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” ³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:26-35.

Biblical Connection:

Jason Stevens’ father dies while working for his billionaire grandfather. This tragic event led Jason to rebel, becoming a prodigal son prior to his grandfather’s death. Unlike a typical will, Red Stevens leaves Jason with a series of tasks to complete which provide valuable life lessons. The further Jason continues, the more difficult each test becomes. Yet, Abigail encourages Jason to choose life.

The context of today’s passage occurs following the feeding of 5,000 men, excluding woman and children. This sets the stage for Jesus’ confession as the bread of life. This concept began in John 4 where Jesus met a Samaritan woman at local well. As the topic of thirst came up during a conversation in a desert, Jesus compares Himself to living water to quench one’s soul.

Closing Song:

One of my favorite communion songs is I Am the Bread of Life. This was also one of my father’s favorites as well. May the lyrics of this song speak to you and inspire you to choose life this Thanksgiving.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 movie “Scent of a Woman” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. ¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much, Proverbs 20:18-19.

Biblical Connection:

One of the important lessons that I learned while serving over a decade in youth ministry is that I’d rather meet an honest liar than a phony Christian. The blunt like retired Army Colonel Frank Slade doesn’t hold back on how he feels about snitches. Now blind, Slade is defending Charlie Simms who is on the verge of being expelled for protecting his friends. Blade shifts his defense toward the kind of leaders this elite prep school is seeking to produce each year.

King Solomon writes the book of Proverbs as a way to teach one of his many sons about how to life a biblical life. Each sentence provides spiritual food for one’s soul. Just as Frank Slade prepares Charlie for his hearing in front of the school board, great plans are established by seeking advice. As Jesus once said, “consider the cost before making a decision in life,” Luke 14:28-33. Meanwhile, God wants believers to live a quiet life, lead by example and avoid gossip, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.

Closing Song:

Today’s culture in America promotes the end justify the means. This leads politicians to say what they need to in order to become elected. Once in office, their true colors are revealed in how each governs. The next time you pull the lever by casting your vote, consider the type of leader that you want to place in power.

by Jay Mankus