Category Archives: Truth

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2008 movie “Fool’s Gold”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. ³² “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. ³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” John 16:31-33.

Biblical Connection:

The expression “the calm before the storm” can be traced back to the 17th century from a play entitled The Dumb Knight. It is believed that this saying comes from seafaring folklore. Treasurer hunter Finn is divorced by his wife Tess, left to search alone for a Spanish galleon which was part of a treasure fleet. However, after finding a vital clue, Tess and her wealthy boss come to help.

As Jesus talks to his disciples during Passion Week, He warns them of a spiritual storm on the horizon. Perhaps the disciples had become too comfortable after spending 3 years with Jesus. Less than a week after Palm Sunday, things didn’t go as the disciples expected. With Jesus arrested and crucified later on that Friday, Jesus overcame the world by rising from the dead, on Easter Sunday.

Closing Song:

When things don’t go as planned, remember the words of Jesus. Or as the author of Hebrews writes in chapter 12 verse 4, at least you haven’t shed blood. Take heart when things don’t go your way. Press on to keep living.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1991 movie “Point Break” – (Language Warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace, Romans 8:5-6.

Biblical Connection:

Keanu Reeves plays Johnny Utah, an undercover cop who tries to infiltrate a notorious gang of surfers. After meeting the leader, Bodhi, he’s hoping to build a level of trust so that he can find out when the next bank heist will be going down. Yet, these bank robbers spend all their money on surfing trips, treating surfing as a spiritual experience which starts in your mind.

The apostle Paul follows a personal confession in Romans 7 with a section on the human mind. The subtitle that appears in my Bible reads Life through the Spirit. Paul addresses a spiritual tug of war which first appeared in Galatians 5:16-17. As the human mind craves temporary pleasures, the way to combat this is by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit via taking your thoughts captive.

Closing Song:

The chorus of I Give Myself became a daily prayer for me during my tough transition in South Carolina. Listening to the lyrics and praying them helped me get my mind right.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1975 movie “Jaws”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! ³⁰ The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross, Acts 5:29-30.

Biblical Connection:

Prior to the first shark attack at Amity Island, the mayor overruled the Sheriff, not willing to close the beaches for July 4th weekend. This is one of those examples in life when a politician puts their career over the safety of the citizens in their town. The mayor was more concerned about keeping local businesses open during the busiest time of the summer, hoping to be re-elected in the fall.

In the first century, religious leaders often worked with local political leaders. As Peter began to share his faith with some of these leaders, he doesn’t hold back about the importance of obeying God. Peter notes that the last time religious leaders gave into a mob mentality by giving critics what they want, Jesus was crucified on a cross and rose from the dead 3 days later.

Closing Song:

In this progressive age, the Bible is the last place politicians often look for direction. The next time you find yourself being forced into doing something that you know is wrong, follow God’s commands and calling.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1991 movie “City Slickers”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

Biblical Connection:

Today is the first time in my life where I am closer to 60 than 50, turning 56 today. Mitch Robbins played by Billy Crystal was more dramatic upon turning 40. When asked to speak to his son’s class on career day, Mitch’s mid-life crisis causes him to stray from what he initially planned to share. When you allow a number like age to define who you are, it’s hard to remain satisfied with life.

The apostle Paul shares a biblical approach to aging in a letter to the Church at Corinth. Paul encourages aging members not to lose heart. Rather, the best way to cope with aging is to reflect upon a Christian’s eternal destination, 1 John 5:11-13. Although current situations may be causing hardship and trouble, fix your eyes on the eternal so that your age is simply a number.

Now that my children are all grown up and married, I’m turning my attention to being a grandfather. If you’re children are still young, savor each moment with them. As you seize these moments in life, age is merely a number.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1999 movie “Double Jeopardy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for, Hebrews 11:1-2.

Today’s clip includes two scenes. The first one in prison, missing another of her son’s birthday. Despite being behind bars, the power of hope prevented Ashley Judd’s character from giving up. The final scene displays the end result of hope, being reunited with her son. Unfortunately, when hope disappears, life becomes a daily struggle, a grind just to get up and start a new day.

The author of Hebrews begins a chapter entitled the Bible Hall of Faith with the power of hope. The founding fathers of Isreal never experienced God’s promised land. While doubt remained present in their minds, each pressed on waiting on the Lord to provide. This is why the ancients commended Isreal’s initial leaders for their blind faith, fueled by the power of hope.

Closing Song:

As a new assistant manager, I interact with people who point out everything that needs to be adjusted, corrected and fixed. While this can be overwhelming, I try to see things from an as is, could be/should be point of view. As minds turn from criticism toward solutions, a seed of hope is sown within my soul. This is the relationship between hope and faith, pressing on as I wait for answers to be revealed. This is the power of hope.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2011 movie “Soul Surfer”

Bible Verse of the Day:

If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! ¹¹ Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.¹² If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it?  Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? – Proverbs 24:10-12

Biblical Connection:

Bethany Hamilton was on her way to becoming a world champion surfer before a shark attack left her with one arm. Soul Surfer follows the rehab and recovery of Bethany as she’s trying to learn how to surf again with one arm. During a mission trip, Bethany’s faith is strengthened, propelling her to pursue surfing again.

Proverbs 24 contains a series of sayings based upon a specific topic. Saying 25 addresses faltering in times of trouble. When your life is suddenly turned upside down like Bethany, there are two types of recovery. Physically and mentally, learning to live with just one arm. Bethany’s experience helping children overcome their fear of water enabled her to face her own fear of failure in surfing.

Closing Song:

If this summer has brought you unexpected adversity, remember the testimony of Bethany Hamilton. Bethany’s struggle to carry on with surfing following her shark attack provides hope to anyone thinking about giving up.

by Jay Mankus