Category Archives: Truth

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2019 movie “The Peanut Butter Falcon”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:9-12.

Biblical Connection:

Zak is a young man with Downs Syndrome who has been abandoned by his family, left at a nursing home. When Zak escapes to become a professional wrestler, he is befriended by a fisherman. During this unlikely journey, Zak develops a sense a purpose in life, beginning to understand what it means to be part of a family. This is why Zak gives his birthday wishes to his new best friend.

As summer begins to wind down, a sense of urgency is conceived to make the most of August before fall arrives. When Jesus starts to wrap up the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7, the Golden Rule in introduced. While some Bible translations use the word wish, Jesus offers up a daily call to action. To treat others as you want to be treated by loving your neighbor as God loves you.

Closing Song:

Billy Crockett wrote a song with his best friend in mind. While you can try to live life without, best friends get you through the tough times in life. May God give you a friend to encourage and support you as you endure your next trial in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “Invincible”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” ¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹² Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. ¹³ And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13.

Biblical Connection:

Tonight is the first full week of preseason football in the National Football League. Undrafted free agents will be pouring out their heart and soul on the field, willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill a lifelong dream. This is the back story for Invincible, a story of how a bartender named Vince Papile tried out for the Philadelphia Eagles and made this team led by head coach Dick Vermeil.

The apostle Paul writes a second letter to the Church at Thessalonica. After helping start this church, Paul was a busy missionary who received news that members were becoming idle in their faith. This lack of devotion to God began to disrupt the church as some leaders were setting bad examples that others followed. Paul called believers to become active in their faith, like players seeking to make an NFL roster in August.

Closing Song:

Vision is one of those qualities in life that provides direction. Yet, without vision for the future, it’s easy to become idle like members of the Church at Thessalonica. As you seek the Lord, you’ll be able to have direction in life and if the timing is right, achieve a lifelong goal like Vince Papile.

by Jay Mankus

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