ExpressYourself4Him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1973 movie “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”

Bible Verse of the Day:

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them, Mark 10:13-16.

Biblical Connection:

In 1973 public education was centered around reading, writing and arithmetic. At some point in my lifetime, a cultural shift has occurred altering curriculum from basic building blocks to ideology. Subsequently, I learned more about Thanksgiving from this fifty years old child’s cartoon than any public service announcement today. Listen to your children to learn what’s really being taught.

During the first century, women and children were omitted from biblical accounts as only men were counted. Based upon today’s passage, the disciples viewed children as a distraction and or a waste of time from Jesus’ earthly ministry. On a few occasions, the disciples were publicly rebuked for being exclusive, not allowing children to draw near. Jesus sets the record straight, welcoming kids.

Closing Song:

It was introduced to today’s song during a campfire as a teenager. The lyrics of Pass It On spoke to me, creating a desire within me to want to share my faith with others. During this season of thanks, don’t be afraid to speak to the children in your family about God’s love and a personal relationship with Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. ²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” ²⁸ Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” ²⁹ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” ³⁰ So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? ³¹ Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’^[c]” ³² Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ³⁴ “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” ³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:26-35.

Biblical Connection:

Jason Stevens’ father dies while working for his billionaire grandfather. This tragic event led Jason to rebel, becoming a prodigal son prior to his grandfather’s death. Unlike a typical will, Red Stevens leaves Jason with a series of tasks to complete which provide valuable life lessons. The further Jason continues, the more difficult each test becomes. Yet, Abigail encourages Jason to choose life.

The context of today’s passage occurs following the feeding of 5,000 men, excluding woman and children. This sets the stage for Jesus’ confession as the bread of life. This concept began in John 4 where Jesus met a Samaritan woman at local well. As the topic of thirst came up during a conversation in a desert, Jesus compares Himself to living water to quench one’s soul.

Closing Song:

One of my favorite communion songs is I Am the Bread of Life. This was also one of my father’s favorites as well. May the lyrics of this song speak to you and inspire you to choose life this Thanksgiving.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 movie “Scent of a Woman” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. ¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much, Proverbs 20:18-19.

Biblical Connection:

One of the important lessons that I learned while serving over a decade in youth ministry is that I’d rather meet an honest liar than a phony Christian. The blunt like retired Army Colonel Frank Slade doesn’t hold back on how he feels about snitches. Now blind, Slade is defending Charlie Simms who is on the verge of being expelled for protecting his friends. Blade shifts his defense toward the kind of leaders this elite prep school is seeking to produce each year.

King Solomon writes the book of Proverbs as a way to teach one of his many sons about how to life a biblical life. Each sentence provides spiritual food for one’s soul. Just as Frank Slade prepares Charlie for his hearing in front of the school board, great plans are established by seeking advice. As Jesus once said, “consider the cost before making a decision in life,” Luke 14:28-33. Meanwhile, God wants believers to live a quiet life, lead by example and avoid gossip, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.

Closing Song:

Today’s culture in America promotes the end justify the means. This leads politicians to say what they need to in order to become elected. Once in office, their true colors are revealed in how each governs. The next time you pull the lever by casting your vote, consider the type of leader that you want to place in power.

by Jay Mankus

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

Bible Verse of the Day:

These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs:² “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.³ The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,⁴ he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth,’ 2 Samuel 23:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

After realizing that her independent book shop can’t compete with the new mega bookstore, Kathleen Kelly searches for love on the internet. Her online pen pal just happens to be John Fox, the superstore magnate. Fox plays dumb, teasing Kathleen as she is eager to meet her new online friend. If only human beings were just as eager to receive a voice mail from God.

The prophet Samuel details David’s last recorded words spoken before his death. Referred to as a man after God’s own heart, David gives credit to God’s Spirit speaking to him. The God of Israel served as a guide to David as his led this nation as their king. Yet, the Holy Spirit is available today for all who believe, 2 Peter 1:3-4. This is how you can receive a voice mail from God today.

Closing Song:

David’s close relationship with God helped him see the purpose for rain. While rain may ruin your outdoor plans for a day or week, this water from heaven makes grass green. This is just one realization from the former king of Israel, who received via a voice mail from God.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2017 movie “The Shack”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.² Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,³ those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.^{[a] 4} Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle.⁵ They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.⁶ Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress, Psalm 107:1-6.

Biblical Connection:

After the death of his daughter Mackenzie Allen Phillips, Mack receives a personal invitational to meet with God in a place called the Shack. As this grieving father seeks answers to the tragedy of his past, God appears to Mack as a woman. While God tries to explain life, Mack can’t get over the pain his daughter’s death left upon his soul. This pain from your past spoils many Thanksgivings today.

The Psalmist has a different perspective on pain in today’s featured passage. Every Christian has a story of redemption, a testimony of how and why each entered into a personal relationship with Jesus. While Mack and others like him don’t receive the answers that they are searching for on earth, it’s importance to share your painful story so that thanksgiving is a state of mind, not 1 day.

Closing Song:

As you sit down with family or friends for a meal, don’t be afraid to share what you’re experiencing in life. Opening up about your own struggles might lead others to unload the pain stored up in their heart. May your testimony play a role in letting go of the pain in your past.

by Jay Mankus