Category Archives: truth

Engaging Our Culture: February 7-Celebrating the Perfect Day

Posted on February 7, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2006 film “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that,” James 4:14-15.

Biblical Connection:

The Ultimate Gift is a movie based upon the book written by author Jim Stovall. In the screenplay, Drew Fuller plays Jason Stevens, a grandson of a dead billionaire who leaves him with an unusual inheritance. As Jason pursues this inheritance, he crosses paths with a single mom, Alexia (Ali Hillis) and her daughter Emily (Abigail Breslin). During one of the assignments given to Jason, he relies on Emily who befriends him. However, when Emily’s medical condition worsens, Jason does everything in his power to help Alexia and Emily through this trying time.

The author of today’s passage is one of Jesus’ younger brothers, one of a few children born by Mary not mentioned in the Bible. According to first century scholars, James aligned with first century religious leaders, not believing that Jesus was the Messiah and Savior of the world. Realizing the error of his way, James urges first century Christians to live one day at a time. While human beings may have aspirations and dreams for the future, no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Therefore, celebrate today while you are still alive. If you’re fortunate enough to see tomorrow, enjoy it when the sun rises. As for now, be thankful for the friends and family currently in your life.

Closing Song:

Take sometime today to look around, pause, and reflect upon all the good things God has given you in this life. Make gratitude a part of every new day the Lord grants you.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 6-Fighting for the Love of Your Life

Posted on February 6, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1989 film “Say Anything”

Bible Verse of the Day:

All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. 2 I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him, Song of Solomon 3:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

John Cusack plays Lloyd Nobler a high school senior who doesn’t have a clue about his future. Searching for a date to the final party before graduation, Lloyd takes a chance on the valedictorian who reluctantly takes a break from studying. When Lloyd falls head over heels for Diane Court (Ione Skye), this relationship clicks. For the first time in his life, Lloyd finds himself able to express himself like never before to a girl. However, when this relationship gets intense, Diane choses her future career in college over Lloyd. This sets the stage for today’s scene as Lloyd fights for the love of his life.

The Song of Solomon celebrates the love between Solomon and one of his wives. The first two chapters go back and forth where Solomon shares his feelings followed by his wife in this poetic book of the Bible. Yet, today’s passage reminds all human beings that there will be nights, weeks, months and years where love will not be found. This is the emotional condition which prompts Lloyd to come back to Diane’s house after she broke off their relationship. Rather than turn to lawyers in filing for divorce, this is the resolve that Christian men and women should possess, doing everything in their power to fight for the love of their lives.

Closing Song:

May the lyrics of today’s song inspire a spirit of reconciliation to mend and repair broken relationships that exist in your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 5-A Father’s Love

Posted on February 5, 2025 by expressyourself4him

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

Bible Verse of the Day:

 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. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 6:7-9.

Biblical Connection:

Courageous follows the lives of four men with one calling: To serve and protect. As each police officer faces their own individual challenges at home and on duty, their faith is put to the test. Through a series of events, a courageous calling from God prompts each man to make a public demonstration of faith. Known as a Father’s Resolution, there is a public ceremony held where each man vows to become an agent of love for their wives and children. Unfortunately, not everyone keeps their vow. Today’s scene follows this ceremony.

Consistently living out your faith in a secular world isn’t easy. This often involves failure and humility. Today’s passage of the Bible reveals God’s calling to Jewish men. Faith begins in the home, demonstrated and modeled by parents. Whenever God’s commands in the Bible are lived out inside of a home, this creates a loving climate. Yet, Moses doesn’t stop here. Conversations about God should continue outside. A father’s love is demonstrated by submersing their homes with biblical symbols and verses to train children up in the way they should go.

Closing Song:

May the power of the Holy Spirit move you this February to become captured by God’s love, thereby passing this on to others through the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 4 – You Complete Me

Posted on February 4, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame, Genesis 2:23-25.

Biblical Connection:

Walking out after being fired, Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) pleads with co-workers to see if anyone is willing to go into business with him. Dorthy Boyd played by Renee Zellweger is the only one willing to take this risk. After losing the number one pick in the NFL draft, Maguire is down to one client, Rod Tidwell, an aging wide receiver with an attitude. After falling in love, Jerry and Dorthy get married. However, when their little project fails to make any money, Jerry and Dorthy fall on hard times and separate. This is the context of today’s scene.

When God gave Adam authority over the Garden of Eden and all the animals, he searched for a suitable helper. After covering every square each of this majestic place, no soul mate was found. This sets the stage for the creation of Eve, the first woman on earth. Based upon the words of Moses, Adam was blown away when his eyes gazed upon Eve. While many Americans rely on pets to become life companions, this special connection doesn’t complete human beings. If you’re patient, pray and wait long enough, you too may find someone who completes you.

Closing Song:

Go There With You was the first dance Leanne and I shared at our wedding. The lyrics serve as a prayer to walk with the Lord through life, hand and hand until God calls one of us home.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 3-The Love Dare

Posted on February 3, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2008 film “Fireproof”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:1-2.

Biblical Connection:

Kirk Cameron plays Caleb Holt, a fire fighter who finds himself in a failing marriage. The more Caleb allows this disconnect with his wife Catherine played by Erin Bethea to continue, the possibility of divorce becomes more likely. On the verge of giving up, Caleb’s father intervenes, Harrison Malcom, lending a book to his son. The Love Dare Book is like a New Year’s Resolution for anyone who wants to save their current relationship. Just because you may have broken this year’s goals doesn’t mean you can’t start over with a clean slate in February.

The Love Dare challenges individuals with a daily task centered around the concept of biblical love. This isn’t a fictional book added to Fireproofs plot. Rather, the Love Dare is a real book that you can purchase, guiding you over the course of 40 days to emulate the love of Jesus. This book comes in the form of a personal dairy / journal, encouraging you to reflect upon what you have learned and recognize where you have fallen short. As Caleb tries to win back his wife, he doesn’t stop after day 40. Rather, Caleb adds further daily acts of love, until reconciliation with his wife is achieved.

Closing Song:

Changing bad habits will likely take more than 40 days. However, if you commit to prayer, God can and will transform you into men and women of love.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 2-Seeking God’s Errands for You Today

Posted on February 2, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1993 film “Groundhog Day”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have,’ Luke 10:33-35.

Biblical Connection:

Bill Murray plays Phil Connors, a narcissistic, self-centered weatherman who finds himself reliving February 2nd over and over again. Once Phil realizes that they aren’t any consequences for his wrong actions, he follows the path of the prodigal son, Luke 15:13, pursuing a series of wild acts in a search for personal gratification. When these actions fail to satisfy the empty feeling inside his heart, Phil begins to see opportunities over the course of a 24-hour day to help other people. This is the context of today’s video clip.

Prior to sharing the Parable of the Good Samaritan, first century Jews believed that all priests and servants inside synagogues were godly individuals. Meanwhile, the Samaritans were descendants of a mixed race, half-Jewish and half-Gentiles. Subsequently, Samaritans were considered second class citizens, causing zealot Jews to avoid social interaction. Jesus attempts to alter this stereotype by illustrating that godliness is based upon love in action. As modern-day Christians begin to ask God in prayer,” what errands do you want me to accomplish today?” The Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see how you can help a stranger like the good Samaritan.

Closing Prayer:

When individuals slow down by putting their agenda and schedule on hold, God’s errands for you to accomplish will come into focus like Jesus in Mark 1:35-39.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 1-An Exegesis of Hollywood’s Concept of Love

Posted on February 1, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1982 film “The Last American Virgin”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be, Psalm 139:13-16.

Biblical Connection:

An exegesis is a critical analysis focused an interpretation of a text like Scripture. However, as secular universities have exchanged faith in God for lived experiences, Hollywood’s concept of love is vastly different from the Bible. According to Chandler and Munday, lived experiences belong to people who have gained knowledge through direct and first-hand involvement in everyday events. The lived experience in The Last American Virgin is that teenagers should follow their sexual desires even if that results in getting a girlfriend pregnant. As a teenager at the time of this movie’s release, this film teaches that a young man should take responsibility by paying for an abortion.

Since the Greek language is much more descriptive than English, the Bible uses 4 words to express love: eros, philia, agape and storge. The Last American Virgin limits it’s understanding of love to eros, a sensual and sexual expression of love. Philia refers to a brotherly love, agape reflects God’s unconditional love and storge is the natural affection that exists between a child and their parents. While writing today’s Psalm, King David receives a rhema from God. This message is that God sees and knows each unborn child. There are no mistakes in God’s eyes as each life has a purpose and reason. While this may not be revealed for years in the form of God’s will, Romans 12:2, God’s love is extended to all in the form of grace, Romans 5:3-5.

Closing Song:

Rather than having a Hallmark Channel ending where once you find the right person you’ll live happily ever after, the final scene of The Last American Virgin highlights the pain of sensual love. When you’re not attractive or popular, life can be lonely with years of lived experiences without love. Rather than lower your standards or force the issue like Hagar, stay the course until the Holy Spirit reveals what you are supposed to be. As you wait for love, draw near the Lord for comfort.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 31-Rewards for Sticking with It

Posted on January 31, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire”

Bible Verse of the Day:

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God, 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Biblical Connection:

Tom Cruise plays Jerry Maguire, a successful sports agent who experiences an overwhelming sense of guilt one evening. This conscience moment inspires Jerry to write a new mission statement which goes against everything he initially believed as a sports agent. Aftering sending copies to members of his firm, Jerry is fired and loses all of his clients except for one. Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Rod Tidwell, an aging wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. Rod trusts Jerry to become his ambassador of kwon. Jerry spends the second half of this film doing whatever he can to help his lone client receive the contract that he deserves.

In a letter to the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul calls members of this congregation to become ambassadors for Christ. The textbook definition for ambassador is an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country. From a spiritual perspective, Jesus is commanding first century Christians to fulfill the great commission, Acts 1:8, in their spheres of influence. Just as Jerry Maguire traveled for city to city for Rod Tidwell, God wants Christians to share Jesus by being the light of Christ in our communities and places of work, Matthew 5:14-16. Only when individuals continue to do this on a consistent basis will you reap God’s blessings like Tidwell’s new contract.

Song of the Day:

As January comes to an end, keep on striving to seize each day of 2025, making an impact to become a Champion for Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 30-Standing Up to Bullies

Posted on January 30, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2005 film “The Pacifier”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:12.

Biblical Connection:

 After recovering from a failed rescue operation, Navy SEAL Shane Wolfe played by Vin Deisel is handed a new assignment. Unlike any other detail, Deisel is tasked with protecting the five Plummer kids from enemies of their recently deceased father. With Mrs. Plummer overseas helping with the investigation of her husband’s death, Deisel is faced with taking care of an infant, 2 children and 2 teenagers. When Seth Pummer played by Max Theiriot is bullied by his wrestling coach, Deisel’s intervention turns into an afterschool wrestling match.

The apostle Paul points out a key fact about all bullies. Although certain types of people will rub you the wrong way, there are spiritual forces going on behind the scenes which prompt bullies to act out. Meanwhile, bullies often have a back story, something that triggered this type of behavior within them. Therefore, the next time you encounter a bully, you might want to pull them off to the side and start asking probing questions. If there aren’t willing to listen, wait for another moment as you pray for them. The more you see people through the realm of Ephesians 6:12, you’ll begin to understand why bullies act the way that they do.

Closing Song:

Don’t allow bullies of your past to continue to push you around. Rather, put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 29-You Were Born for This Moment

Posted on January 29, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2004 film “Miracle”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, Jeremiah 29:10-13.

Biblical Connection:

Kurt Russell plays Herbs Brooks, Head coach of America’s 1980 Olympic hockey team. The United States made it to the medal round, playing the Soviet Union in the semi-final game. As the host team at Lake Placid, New York, the Americans were facing a team of professionals. Since the United States team was compromised of college players, this was a real-life David verse Goliath competition. As Brooks addresses the team prior to the opening faceoff, he believes in them just like David trusted in God’s power to defeat Goliath.

Jeremiah is referred to as the weeping prophet, often given bad news from God to share with the Israelites. However, in today’s featured passage, God shares with Jeremiah a glimpse of Israel’s future. This vision serves as a sign of hope that God has a plan for your life. While Herb Brooks believed that each member of the United States hockey team was born to be on this gold medal team, every human being is born for a purpose. Free will gives individuals the choice to live for yourselves or live for God. It’s never too late turn to God and begin to live for Him, Romans 10:11.

Closing Song:

When you experience your first rough stretch in 2025, turn to God to get you through adversity.

by Jay Mankus

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