Category Archives: Truth

Engaging Our Culture: January 16-Fighting Back After You’ve Been Counted Out

Posted on January 16, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor about the 1980 film “Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier”

Bible Verse of the Day:

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross, Colossians 2:13-15.

Biblical Connection:

Since I couldn’t find a specific clip online from Fighting Back, I attached a summary of Rocky’s life. After spending one season in the National Football League, Rocky Bleier was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. When a grenade blew up in front of him, the scientific odds of Rocky ever walking again were low. Yet, when you possess the heart of a champion, you’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill your dreams and God’s plan for your life. This is the remarkable journey of Fighting Back after you’ve been counted out by others, even teammates on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As the apostle Paul writes to the Church at Colosse, he’s blunt about the spiritual condition of this congregation prior to Jesus entering the arena of life. Similar to words shared with the Church at Rome in Romans 6:23, the wage of sin is death and eternal separation from God. However, the gift of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection opens the door for salvation and eternal life in heaven. If Christians are honest, everyone has their own prodigal experience, Luke 15:11-32, which leads to moral bankruptcy. This journey back toward God is how Christians must fight back to break free from the addictive chains of sin.

Closing Song:

May today’s devotion help you fight back from rebellious ways by repenting and turning to Jesus. Thank God Jesus conquered death on a cross by rising from the dead.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 15-Facing the Unknown

Posted on January 15, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2015 film “My All American”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me, 2 Corinthians 12:6-9.

Biblical Connection:

Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock) with the help of his father Fred, Michael Reilly Burke, go into strict training to develop the skills to play football at the college level. Attacking this game like Rudy Ruettiger, Freddie gets noticed by University of Texas coach Darrell Royal played by Aaron Eckhart. After rising up the depth charts, Freddie suffers an injury that leads to a shocking diagnosis. This is the context of today’s scene as Freddie faces a condition beyond his control.

Outside of Jesus, the apostle Paul is the most successful leader in the New Testament. However, during a trying period, Paul opens up about some kind of physical ailment that he’s dealing with. This unknown medical condition is described as a thorn in Paul’s flesh. Whatever debilitating ailment Paul was battling, this kept him humble. Therefore, if you ever find yourself facing the unknown, in your weakness lean on Jesus to be strong to get you through this trial in life.

Closing Song:

Whenever you face a medical emergency, cry out to the Lord to get you through the unknown.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 14-Trusting God in Darkness

Posted on January 14, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2013 film “23 Blast”

Bible Verse of the Day:

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” 25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” – John 9:24-25

Biblical Connection:

Travis Freeman played by Mark Hapka is a Kentucky teenager who loses his sight in the film 23 Blast. To avoid embarrassment, Travis practices snapping at night to help regain his God given ability to play football. Today’s clip illustrates the obstacles that Travis must face before he can be trusted to play another snap in a high school football game. Perhaps, today’s devotion will help a younger generation appreciate what they have before something like your ability to see is taken away from you.

In the first century, Jews believed that being born blind was a sign of God punishing you or your parents for something they did prior to their child being born. Subsequently, as the Pharisees investigate this miraculous healing by Jesus, this man with restored sight is honest about what just happened. Unfortunately, when bad things happen to good people, God is usually the first person to blame. Instead of seeing God as the giver of all God things, James 1:17, dramatic events like losing your sight can lead to a root of bitterness and misery. While some people may be healed like this man in John, most Christians are forced to trust God in darkness until answers to prayer are received.

Closing Song:

May testimonies like Travis Freeman encourage you to fight through unexpected times of darkness that you’ll face in life.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 13-Receiving a Surprise from Your Past

Posted on January 13, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2007 film “The Game Plan”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life, Galatians 6:6-8.

Biblical Connection:

Most sports movies have a similar theme of chasing a dream, competing for a championship or wanting to become a professional athlete. However, few focus on the consequences of self-gratification. In the 2007 film the Game Plan, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson plays Joe Kingman, a professional football player who is self-absorbed, dwelling on his past accomplishments. When an eight-year-old girl, Peyton Kelly played by Madison Pettis, shows up at Kingman’s front door, his life will never be the same. If you receive a surprise from your past, you too may have to develop a game plan to take responsibility for your previous actions.

While ending a letter for Christians in Galatia, comprising the cities of Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe, the apostle Paul urges these individuals to do good. Since January is one of the few times of the year where people conceive a desire to change, this message comes at a teachable moment. From a human nature perspective, everyone has let God down, often multiple times in one day, Romans 3:9-12. Yet, this doesn’t mean we should throw in the towel by giving up. Rather in your own weaknesses to do good, Romans 7:15-17, call out to Jesus in prayer to help you overcome fleshly desires, Philippians 4:13. Learn to take each day one at a time so that the Holy Spirit will give you a daily game plan, Galatians 5:25, living and learning along the way.

Don’t beat yourself up when a game plan fails. Rather, live and learn so you don’t repeat today’s mistakes tomorrow.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 12-How You Live Today is How You Will Be Remembered

Posted on January 12, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2006 film “We Are Marshall”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up, Deuteronomy 6:4-7.

Biblical Connection:

On November 14th, 1970, Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed on approach to the Tri-State Airport in Kenova, West Virginia. This chartered flight killed 75 people, 37 of whom were players on the Thundering Herd Football team. Other casualties included coaches, scouts and staff from Marshall University. We Are Marshall follows the rebuilding of this team and restoring its program. Matthew McConaughey plays Coach Jack Lengyel who gives the pre-game speech before the final home game of the season. As this newly formed team remembers 6 of their former teammates, Coach Lengyel urges players to lay their hearts and soul on the line. This call to action culminates with “How you play today is how you will be remembered.”

From a spiritual perspective on the second Sunday of 2025, this is why Christians come to church: celebrating the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Unfortunately, to many of us, including me, don’t possess a sense of urgency to worship God like a football team eager to end their season with a victory. Perhaps. it’s time to re-evaluate where we stand as a follower of Jesus. Ask yourself, “am I pouring out my heart and soul daily? Is the love of Jesus, down in my heart, overflowing into my daily conversations and interactions with others?” If the answer is no, start every day like it’s your last. Pray to the Lord that How you live today is how you will be remembered by others!

Closing Song:

Use today’s church experience as a springboard to develop the mindset worshipping Jesus 7 days a week.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 11-Battling Your Inner Demons

Posted on January 11, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2016 film “Greater”

(Disclaimer-Today’s clip contains a curse word by a coach that is corrected by the player)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize, 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.

Biblical Connection:

Greater is based upon the true story of an overweight Brandon Burlsworth who decides to try out as a walk on for the Arkansas football team. While Brandon played by Christopher Severio has the physical size, the coach in today’s scene is honest about Brandon’s condition. As a new year begins, human beings accumulate baggage over the course of their lives. This baggage comes in the form of addictions, bad habits, cravings and desires natural to man. Saying that you want to change in 2025 is one thing, but actually making the effort and sacrifices to do so is up to you. May Brandon’s inspirational transformation give you hope that you too can change for the better this year.

Recent archeological digs in and around Corinth have uncovered first century taverns. Since Corinth was host to the Isthmian Games every two years, a non-Olympic year event, the apostle Paul appeals to avid sports fans in today’s featured passage. Although the athletic Paul describes are runners, he points out the strenuous discipline necessary to qualify for these games. As a former high school cross-country runner and swimmer, I was forced to eat healthy food, work out in the gym and train in the offseason so that I would continue to improve. This same training applies to the spiritual realm, 1 Timothy 4:8. If you want to draw closer to Jesus in 2025, you need to reach higher by hiding God’s Word, the Bible, in your heart.

Closing Song:

Time doesn’t slow down as you seek to change. Rather, most of us experience a jam-packed schedule, living in overdrive, working hard to bring about transformation like Brandon.

by Jay Mankus.

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Engaging Our Culture: January 10-A Game that Brings People Together

Posted on January 10, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2004 film “Friday Night Lights”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Biblical Connection:

Billy Bob Thorton plays Coach Gary Gaines in the film Friday Night Nights that inspired a television series. As Coach Gaines gives his final halftime speech of the season, he covers several topics. While the context is about being perfect, Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:48, Coach Gaines touches on the Golden Rule. Although Hollywood movies and series tend to be theologically inaccurate, the overriding message in today’s clip is that football is a game that brings people together.

The competitive aspect of football ends in high school for most athletes. Yet, the relationships formed continue well beyond this game thanks to events like Homecoming, tailgating and weekend get togethers. When competitors, friends and teammates love their neighbors as they want to be treated, this is the civility that God desires for our culture. Jesus speaks about going the extra mile in Matthew 5:41-42, doing more than what is expected. When a culture starts to encourage their citizens to emulate good Samaritans, Luke 10:25-37, this is the ideal social climate that we all crave, hope for and pray to experience during our lifetime.

Closing Song:

An interactive blog to engage our culture in 2025 by Jay Mankus.

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Engaging Our Culture: January 9-Desire and Determination

Posted on January 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2006 film “Invincible”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers, Galatians 6:9-10.

Biblical Connection:

As someone who grew up 30 minutes from Veterans Stadium, the Vince Papale story holds a special place in my heart. Hall of Fame sportswriter Ray Didinger coined Vince Papale’s unlikely rise from bartender to Philadelphia Eagle as Invincible. Ray’s nickname for Vince became the title of this 2006 film starring Mark Wahlberg who plays Papale. Today’s clip features a special team’s practice during training train back when players practiced 3 times each day. To gain an advantage, Papale changes to lighter pads in between practices to help compensate for his lack of world class speed. Desire and determination caught Eagles Head Coach Dick Vermeil’s eye, played by Greg Kinnear.

Churches across the country participate in a fast every January, often lasting up to 21 days, with some up to 40 days. By the middle of week two, many may be tempted to quit like those who have already broken their New Years Resolutions. However, if you really want to change and be transformed by God in 2025, hang in there so that you will reap a harvest beyond your wildest dreams. You may not become a professional athlete like Vince Papale or be successful in altering your diet and exercise routines, but God is not done with you. God’s Spirit is willing to give you desire and determination, but human bodies are weak, Matthew 26:41. Keep going by drawing near to God, like the words of the Song In Christ Alone.

Closing Song:

An interactive blog to engage our culture in 2025 by Jay Mankus.

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Engaging Our Culture: January 8-Preparing for Tomorrow’s Battle

Posted on January 8, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2011 film “Touchback”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

Athletes are conditioned to physically practice until their bodies are properly conditioned and their minds know exactly what to do when they enter an arena, complex or field. Rather than wear his team out on the gridiron, Coach Hand played by Kurt Russell gives his team a simple gameplan, the key to victory, “protect our quarterback.” Scott Murphy played by Brian Presley is the man the offensive line must protect if this underdog team has a shot at victory. As a vision-oriented person, once this key to victory is embraced and teammates take ownership of it, the preparation is complete.

From a spiritual perspective, victory often hinges on one’s degree of belief and faith, Matthew 21:21-22. Yet, the moment doubt comes crashing into dreams of greatness, spiritual momentum can be lost in an instant. Back in Matthew 17:14-18, one of Jesus’ disciples came across such a severe condition, that they were unable to heal this boy. Conditions like this require spiritual weapons as the apostle Paul addresses in a letter to the Church at Corinth. Paul touches on the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20 and the power of the Holy Spirit in 2 Peter 1:3-4. When Christians begin to take their thoughts captive by making their mind obedient to Christ Jesus, past defeats and failures can be transformed into victories in God’s perfect timing, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Closing Song:

An interactive blog to engage our culture in 2025 by Jay Mankus.

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Engaging Our Culture: January 7-How One Victory Can Alter the Course of Your Life

Posted on January 7, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1994 film “Little Giants”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God, 1 Samuel 17:33-36.

Biblical Connection:

Rick Moranis plays Coach Danny O’Shea. presiding over the Bad News Bears version of a pee wee football team. After another humiliating loss, Coach gives his players a glimpse of hope in the form of the one time in life he was successful during an athletic competition. As each player recounts a similar experience, hope is conceived in the mind of each of these players.

When David placed his hope in God rather than the goliath odds that stood against him, a quiet confidence formed. Despite King Saul’s attempt to talk him out of this fight, David recounted how the Lord had prepared him for this specific battle. While all the soldiers in the Israeli army fled Goliath’s daily challenge, David stood tall with God on his side. May David’s miraculous victory over a giant fill you with hope that God will help you defeat the challenges you’ll be facing in 2025.

Closing Song:

An interactive blog to engage our culture in 2025 by Jay Mankus.

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