Category Archives: Truth

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2021 movie “Coda”

Bible Verse of the Day:

A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies. ¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. ¹² She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life, Proverbs 31:10-12.

Biblical Connection:

Today’s movie clip encapsulates things that a mother has to endure over the course of her life inside her own home. However, in the context of Coda, it is Ruby, the only member of her family who can hear, serving as a daughter and translator. Ruby is torn between two worlds, her parents struggling fishing boat and pursuing her passion of music. These are the types of sacrifices that mothers make daily, often giving up their own dreams to help raise their children.

While Solomon is the main author of the Book of Proverbs, the last two chapters are written by two other individuals: Agur and King Lemuel. These wise sayings deviate from biblical life lessons for a son in the first 29 chapters to inspired utterances and honoring godly women. Over my 55 years of living in the United States, mothers placed their dreams on hold until their children were grown. On this Mother’s Day, give mom a break by celebrating all that she has done for you and your family.

Closing Song:

Whether it’s a brunch, lunch or dinner, make sure you take the time to honor your mother and grandmothers on this special day.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2008 movie “Fireproof”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow, Psalm 51:7.

Biblical Connection:

After receiving the Love Dare book for saving his marriage from his father, Kirk Cameron plays Caleb Holt who is instantly made aware of a serious addiction. While the book Caleb is reading refers to this as a parasite, it is sucking the life out of his soul. Subsequently, Caleb finds himself in a crisis of faith: to click on a link to take him to see pornography or purge his life from the source of this unholy practice.

After being confronted by the prophet Nathan, David is confronted by the reality of his adultery with a married woman and the murder of her husband to cover up his child inside of Bathsheba. Today’s verse is part of David’s confession to God. While the NIV starts with cleanse, other translations use the Old Testament practice of purging sin from your life. Removing spiritual parasites from your life will be painful, but a necessary step towards freedom in Christ.

Closing Song:

Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the amount of sin revealed to me by the Holy Spirit. Yet, the sooner you address these spiritual parasites, the closer you’ll be to freedom from the chains of sin.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2015 movie “MacFarland USA”

Bible Verse of the Day:

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty, Proverbs 14:23.

Biblical Connection:

Jim White moves his family to MacFarland, a farming region in California. When coaching football doesn’t work out, White played by Kevin Costner starts a cross-country team. When their early morning and afternoon jobs interfere with practice, Jim volunteers for a day to see if he can win their parents over. Discipline and hard work lead MacFarland to qualify for the state championship meet. Although Cinco de Mayo was inspired by Mexico’s military victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, I’m celebrating the hard work of their descendants.

The Book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon to bestow wisdom upon his children. As the father of several hundred sons, Solomon appears to have one specific son in mind. Solomon’s goal is to train a child up in the Lord with nuggets of truth to lead a godly life. Today’s proverb is based the importance of hard work. As a former cross-country runner, looking forward to long distance runs or speed work on the track isn’t fun. Yet, the runners on this MacFarland team worked before school, practiced and worked until dark. This is the inspiration for Jim’s White pre-race speech.

Closing Song:

Although I stopped running years ago due to bad knees, I still remember the freedom that running brought my soul. As you participate in Cinco de Mayo celebrations, make sure that discipline and hard work is honored on this day.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1989 movie “Dead Poets Society”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Biblical Connection:

As another school year comes to an end, students have already decided which professors and teachers they trust. As for the others, you may hear idle gossip or joke punchlines to express displeasure of their classes. Robin Williams plays John Keating, a former student who become a teacher at an exclusive boarding school for boys. As Keating begins to connect with several students, the administration isn’t comfortable with his unorthodox teaching methods. Subsequently, when one of his students dies, Keating is blamed and loses his job.

Social media is filled with personal opinions which tear down individuals, leaders and stars which someone doesn’t like for one reason or another. Just hanging around President Trump during a round of golf recently caused Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquan Barkley massive criticism. Rather than pile on, it’s time for Christians to rise above hate speech to stay optimistic. You never know how much a word of encouragement can build up someone’s confidence. As Mr. Keating left his classroom for the last time, his students risked being expelled to honor him.

Closing Song:

The next time you see someone becoming the media whipping boy or girl, attempting to ruin their reputation, don’t be afraid to say something positive. As my mother taught me years ago, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it.” It’s okay to refrain by being silent.

by Jay Mankus