Category Archives: truth

Engaging Our Culture: February 27-Falling in Love with a Family

Posted on February 27, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “While You Were Sleeping”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

Biblical Connection:

Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, a quiet observer who works as a Chicago Transit Authority ticket booth operator. When she saves the life of a handsome commuter and is mistaken for his fiancée at the hospital, Lucy doesn’t have the heart to tell anyone. This secret continues after the man she saved; Peter Gallagher wakes up, unable to remember anything. Meanwhile, Lucy falls in love with Peter’s brother Jack, played by Bill Pullman, when Peter remained in coma at the hospital.

I spent two years attending Willow Creek Community Church when John Ortberg was the teaching pastor for Community Services during the week. One of the mannerisms of John that I remember is that “I’m preaching to myself.” This is one of the inspirations behind the Book of Ecclesiastes as King Solomon reflects upon the mistakes that he made throughout life. Solomon offers wisdom conceived in him from God by discerning and seeking biblical truth, applying this to life.

Closing Song:

American’s have been deceived over the years into not telling the truth. This is the mindset that prevented Lucy from telling her new family about how she truly felt. May the words of Solomon and the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to express the love that you have for family members.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 26-Prayer Makes in Difference in Relationships

Posted on February 26, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ 46 “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too.’ So I drank, and she watered the camels also. 47 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ “She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.’ “Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, 48 and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn,” Genesis 24:45-49.

Biblical Connection:

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan play bookstore owners Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly. However, Joe is the Amazon version of bookstores making it impossible for the independent family run store to compete. Although Kathleen doesn’t give up, resisting the idea of selling her store, she finally succumbs the reality of her situation. As Joe buys out Kathleen, he plays the “what if game” with her, hoping for a specific response. Deep down, Joe is trying to express, I’ve fallen in love with you.

Isaac gives a servant specific instructions to follow in order to find a godly wife. These instructions include a series of signs that this woman is the one. According to Moses, as soon as Isaac’s servant finished his prayer for direction, Rebekah appeared. This is one of those God moments, like keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. If ever feel lost, unsure of God’s plan and will for your life, turn to the Lord in prayer, asking and believing in the name of Jesus, John 16:24.

Closing Song:

May the lyrics of Where I Began help you find your way in life. If you get lost along the way, cry out to the Lord for help, ask for specifics and do so without doubt. Over time, you might be surprised by God’s plan for your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 25-Don’t Pretend to Be Someone Else

Posted on February 25, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1987 film “The Princess Bride”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence, 1 John 3:18-19.

Biblical Connection:

A grandfather volunteers to read his sick grandson a bedtime story. As Peter Falk reads the words of the Princess Bride, this movie comes to life. When Peter feels like this story becomes too romantic, he stops, only to be begged by Fred Savage to keep reading. Today’s clip provides the backstory of the two main characters, Buttercup and Wesley. Rather than come out and reveal his true identity, Wesley tries to be someone else until being pushed off the side of this steep hill.

There is something about love that causes human beings to believe and think, “if I just act normal, this person that I’m interested in won’t like me.” As Wesley talks about his secret identity, Dread Pirate Roberts, perhaps he’s afraid that Buttercup’s feeling for him have faded. The former disciple of Jesus uses the Greek word agape in verse 18. What John is trying to express to first century Christians is that this type of love is selfless and sacrifice. If God loves each person for who we are and how God created each of us, we should never pretend to be someone else.

Closing Song:

As a former athlete, there is always going to be someone more talented than you. Subsequently, when you feel like you’re simply second-string material, this is when you need to trust in the Lord. As you mature, the Lord will help you find the real you.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 24-When Friends Become Vulnerable

Posted on February 24, 2025 by expressyourself4him

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

Bible Verse of the Day:

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Proverbs 18:24.

Biblical Connection:

Billy Crystal plays Mitch Robbins, a forty-year-old who is going through a mid-life crisis. Mitch hates his job, sees his life as a glass half-empty and is urged by his wife to spend a few weeks with his two best friends, Phil Berquist played by Daniel Stern and Ed Furillo, Bruno Kirby. This coming-of-age film brings these three amigos together as they volunteer to guide a herd of cattle through a desert and mountain pass. When Mitch saves the life of Noman, a calf born during this trip, his life is rejuvenated thanks to the help from Phil and Ed.

As the King of Israel, Solomon came to realize how unreliable friends can be. When you’re the king, some of your friends may have their hand out, expecting Solomon to give them something or honor them in a special way. Solomon was between 20-25 when his father David passed away. When Solomon was growing up, he likely noticed the special friendship that David and Jonathon shared. While Solomon may have pointed to this friendship in Proverbs 18:24, scholars believe King Solomon was referring to Christ who is the ultimate friend to all who believe, Romans 10:9-11.

Closing Song:

As February draws to a close this week, may the Lord bless you with a special Christian friend in 2025, to help you in your time of need.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 23-Doing Everything in Love

Posted on February 23, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 film “The Cutting Edge”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Biblical Connection:

Doug Dorsey is forced to retire from hockey after sustaining a career ending injury during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Figure skater Kate Moseley falls in the same Olympics, ending each of their dreams for a medal. During her comeback, Kate’s temperamental attitude results in several partners, until her coach recruits Doug. When two competitive egos clash, drama takes this unlikely couple to the cutting edge where today’s scene begins.

The Christians which comprised the Church at Corinth are no different than modern churches today. Young believers to the faith were struggling with immaturity, immorality and the ability to get along with one another. Just as Doug and Kate battled for control while on the ice, Christians tend to want to seek a position of power within the church. Paul’s call for members of this congregation is to stand firm against these temptations, 1 Corinthians 10:13. As you grow and mature in your faith, may love by your motivation for everything you do and speak.

Closing Prayer:

Learning to keep in step with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit takes a lifetime of faith. As you grow and mature, may you become a light of love for Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 22-Don’t Force Love… Let it Happen Naturally

Posted on February 22, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “Sense and Sensibility”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress, Genesis 16:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

Following the death of Mr. Dashwood played by Tom Wilkinson, his second wife and her three daughters are left poor when the bulk of Dashwood’s estate are left to the son by his first marriage. Elinor played by Dame Emma Thompson, Marianne who is Kate Winslet, and Margaret (Emilie François), are the three daughters affected by this dire situation. After being taken in by a kind cousin, their lack of wealth affects Elinor’s ability to marry the love of her life, the wealthy Edward Ferrars played by Hugh Grant. Rather than force the issue, Elinor accepts her lowly fate.

Inheritance, social status and wealth played an integral role in who royalty chose to marry. From an Old Testament perspective, Jews were expected by God to search for suitable marriage partners among other Hebrews. In the days of Abram and Sarai, God promises Abram a great nation. The other problem was that his wife Sarai was barren. Rather than wait on the Lord to provide, Sarai panicked, forcing the issue by giving her husband Hagar, their maidservant to have children with. Hagar’s child Ishmael became the father of the Arab nations, which is at war against Israel today.

Closing Song:

Today’s song talks about three individuals who forced the issue rather than wait for love. May the consequences of their poor choices inspire you to wait on love by letting it happen naturally.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 21-Trusting God during the Storms of Life

Posted on February 21, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 film “Faith Like Potatoes”

Bible Verse of the Day:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, Romans 8:28.

Biblical Connection:

Faith Like Potatoes was adapted from a book based on the inspiring true story by Angus Buchan played by Frank Rautenbach. Angus has to overcome the political unrest of South Africa as well as the travails of a farmer at the mercy of the weather. Every year brings a different set of challenges depending upon the heat, rainfall and wind. The utmost planning can be changed in an instant by an unexpected storm. This is the context of Angus’ speech, talking from experience which brought him to his knees, praying for a miracle.

To the young and immature, today’s verse is difficult to grasp and understand. When disasters arrive in the form of a hurricane in western North Carolina or super fires in California, God tends to be the one who people blame. Yet, the context of the apostle Paul’s word points toward future glory that will come out of your present suffering. This is the spiritual growth spurt that Jesus’ earthly brother refers to in James 1:2-4. Each trial that you will face in 2025 serves as an opportunity to mature and persevere as your faith is tested. Subsequently, God is preparing you for future works in accordance with God’s will for your life, Romans 12:1-2.

Closing Song:

As I currently deal with my own thorn in my flesh, a bad right hip and leg, may today’s message prepare you for the next spiritual challenge that you’ll face in 2025.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 20-A Sign of Your Love for God

Posted on February 20, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them,” John 14:21.

Biblical Connection:

As Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell prepare for the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics, these two British athletes’ approach this opportunity with different mindsets. As a Jew, Harold is the more talented runner who adheres to the Nazarene teaching of abstaining from alcohol. Meanwhile, Eric is called to the mission field but believes that running in the Olympics is part of God’s calling for his life. The Chariots of Fire follow these two runners in their pursuit for gold medals. Today’s clip finds Eric explaining why he runs and his desire to put being a missionary on hold for now.

At the beginning of John 14, Jesus explains God’s will for His life. This is proceeded by the introduction of the Holy Spirit, a spiritual advisor, counselor and guide which will be sent to earth after Jesus’ departure. From a worldview standpoint, publicly stating that you have heard God speak audibly to you may persuade a family member or friend to take you to a mental hospital. Yet, the Holy Ghost remains a mystery to many people of faith today. According to Eric Liddell, running was a way to honor God and fulfill God’s will for his life. This was a sign of Eric’s love for God.

Closing Song:

The author of Hebrews compares life to running a marathon, Hebrews 12:1-3. As you begin or continue this race, may the power of the Holy Spirit guide you along the way. With each step and stride, may you keep God’s commands; thereby demonstrating your love for God along the way.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 19-A Missing Ingredient to Loving Others

Posted on February 19, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2003 film “Fly Wheel”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law, Romans 13:8.

Biblical Connection:

Alex Kendrick plays Jay Austin, a dishonest used-car salesman who starts to realize the error of his lying past. In an attempt to make a living for his family, Jay’s reputation begins to take a hit. When you overhype certain vehicles and fail to disclose car fax on each one sold, sooner or later the truth will be revealed. This is the context of the conversation between Jay and Max, played by Walter Burnett.

The context of today’s Bible verse comes after a call to submit to governing authorities by the apostle Paul. Meanwhile, the section of fulfilling God’s law is followed by the mindset of first century Christians, live each day as if Jesus’ second coming will arrive tomorrow. You can try to love others without Jesus, but you’ll end up failing miserably like Jay Austin. This is the missing ingredient to loving others, 1 John 4:19, being filled by the love of Jesus.

Closing Song:

From the day of Adam and Eve to modern times, lying is nothing new. However, genuine love flows out of hearts from individuals who possess a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11. This is the missing ingredient to loving others that we all need to tap into, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 18-Barriers and Obstacles to Loving Others

Posted on February 18, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 film “The Kid”

Bible Verse of the Day:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2    a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,3    a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,4    a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

Bruce Willis plays Russ Duritz, a wealthy Los Angeles image consultant who is confronted by an eight-year-old version of himself, Spencer Breslin. Just before his 40th birthday, Russ is given a second chance at life as he is forced to remember his painful childhood. Following the death of his mother, Russ vowed to never cry again, learning to hide and suppress this pain under the guise of an image consultant. This is the context of today’s scene.

Pastor Matt from Delaware often preached that “hurt people hurt people.” When individuals become emotional broken deep inside their soul due to a root of bitterness, Hebrews 12:15, anguish and frustration are exercised in the form of cruel words or outbursts. In the book Restoring Your Foundations by Chester and Becky Kylstra, this spiritual condition is described as soul/spirit hurts. Only when these issues are confronted can Christians begins to love others as Jesus desires.

Closing Song:

If Jesus cried out, “my God my God, why have you forsaken me,” Matthew 27:46, think about the countless souls who also feel abandoned. May the lyrics of Leaving and the words of today’s devotion help you begin your journey to remove the barriers and obstacles preventing you from loving others.

by Jay Mankus

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