ExpressYourself4Him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 movie “A Civil Action”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. ¹³ But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia, Daniel 10:12-13.

Biblical Connection:

The film A Civil Action was inspired by the book written by Jonathon Harr. Despite the risk of bankrupting his firm, lawyer Jan Schlichtman takes on a case involving two large companies trying to hide their part in contaminating a local water supply. For an extended period of time, large corporations hid behind a war chest that prevented defendants from getting justice.

Today’s passage in the Bible recognizes that certain areas, cities, regions and states are controlled by demonic influences. The apostle Paul confirms this fact in Ephesians 6:12, illustrating the ongoing struggle for power in the heavenly realms. Subsequently, sometimes you find yourself fighting a losing battle fueled by powers of darkness. Dr. Ed Murphy provides case studies in The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare about more recent demonic forces at work in the United States.

Closing Song:

Most Christians aren’t prepared for the spiritual hornet nests that they may stir up. The next time you find yourself fighting a losing battle, seek the advice of a spiritual mentor so that you don’t pursue this on your own.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich” (Language Warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. ²⁶ Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean,” Matthew 23:25-26.

Every week there are current events or new stories dealing with the environment. Erin Brockovich is based upon a true story where a former beauty queen who felt compelled to help citizens from Hinkley, California. When a major power company began to contaminate local water supplies, Erin is drawn to do her part to save the lives of those impacted by this environmental crisis.

Jesus confronts Pharisees in today’s featured passage. These teachers of the law appear to live by the motto “do as I say, not as I do.” This behavior causes Jesus to urge these spiritual leaders to look inward at their own hearts. Perhaps, politicians have become modern day Pharisees, creating laws in such a way to exempt themselves from these invasive regulations. From a practical standpoint, all you can do is play your part to make this world a cleaner place to live.

Closing Song:

In the real world, things don’t always work out as you expect. Subsequently, doing your part to make the world a better and cleaner place to live isn’t easy. As long as you continue to examine your heart, the Holy Spirit will call and prompt you to act in the ways that God desires.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “The Passion of the Christ”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ²⁵ And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins,” Mark 11:24-25.

Today is Global Forgiveness Day, a recent addition to expanding calendars. Today’s scene comes from the Passion of the Christ who taught the importance of forgiveness in the first century. In recent years, artists and pastors have used scenes of this film to illustrate songs and sermons. Jesus didn’t just preach; He lived out what was proclaimed.

Today’s passage comes from a portion of the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew’s account comes immediately following the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father. According to Jesus, if you don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive you. Therefore, on this day of Global Forgiveness, search your heart and seek forgiveness from those you have wronged in the past.

Closing Song:

The power of forgiveness can save relationships and take friendships to the next level. One of the most basic commands of the Bible is to forgive as Jesus forgives you and me. May this message permeate your heart on this global call for forgiveness.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Trailer for the 1994 movie “The Client”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.¹² Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, 1 Chronicles 16:11-12.

Biblical Connection:

As a kid, you look for someone that you can trust. This is the search that Mark Sway goes on, looking for a lawyer based upon his initial impressions. Relying on a gut feeling, Mark’s quest ends with Reggie Love. While Mark was looking for a male, Reggie’s quick responses and insight helps secure her the role as Mark’s lawyer.

The author of Hebrews provides a biblical approach when seeking advice. Similar to the words of King Solomon, your search for help should begin by trusting the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6. If any doubts creep into your mind, remember all that God has done for you in the past. These fond memories should point you in the direction toward seeking help from God daily.

Closing Song:

No matter how great your friends may be, sooner or later these individuals will let you down. Subsequently, as Christians draw closer to God, you’ll begin to pray for your heart to become more like Jesus’.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1985 Trailer “Poison Ivy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. ⁴⁰ On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” ⁴¹ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, Luke 22:39-41.

Biblical Connection:

Over the years of cinema and television, there have been various productions with the title Poison Ivy. One of these is about a boy who stuttered, struggling to express himself. When this first aired on television I was in high school. Later that summer I attended my first weeklong summer camp. Since this was a boy only Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp, I didn’t have the normal temptations that a co-ed camp contains.

One of the disciples’ recounts a memorable statement made by Jesus which Luke includes within his gospel. From a theological standpoint, Jesus is speaking from a point of authority being fully man and fully God known as Homoousios. While Jesus never sinned, Hebrews 4:14-15, he was able to understand the weaknesses of the human flesh. Rather than merely talk about temptation, Jesus took proactive steps by praying.

Closing Song:

Summer has a way of getting Christians out of their normal routine. Today’s devotion serves as a wakeup call to avoid the temptations of summer.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 movie “Independence Day”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, Ephesians 3:14-17.

Biblical Connection:

After an alien invasion before July 4th, President Thomas escapes Washington DC just before it’s destroyed. This encounter forces a government official to come clean about Area 51 and the aliens it’s secretly holding. When an alien reveals to President Thomas about their true intention, he gives a motivational speech to inspire the pilots about to fight for their future existence.

The apostle Paul shares the reason behind his specific prayers for the Church at Ephesus. However, Paul’s focus is on a quest for spiritual independence. In a letter to the Church at Rome, Paul reveals how this is accomplished, Romans 10:9-11. While people across the world are still seeking independence, learning to dwell in Christ through faith will transform your life.

Closing Song:

Special conversations are like food for your soul. At some point on this holiday, may God give you the opportunity to lead someone closer to their quest for spiritual independence.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1983 movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” ³² So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place, Mark 6:30-32.

Biblical Connection:

I grew up in an age where fathers took several weeks off each summer to spend time with their family. Part of the American dream included earning enough to pay for these annual trips. The Griswold family’s cross-country drive to the Walley World is something that American families could relate to. My family drove 9 hours to visit Maine in August every summer.

John Mark writes about the hectic pace experienced during Jesus’ 3-year earthly ministry. Jesus realized that even in full time ministry, you have to take time to recreate by doing something fun. While not every vacation occurs in a solitary or quiet place, this is a good practice to avoid burning yourself out mentality. This is a daily practice that prepared Jesus for each day, Mark 1:35.

Closing Song:

Sometimes the hardest part of any vacation is the drive or plane trip to your destination. This is when you might start to fall asleep like Clark Griswold. However, when you arrive, make sure that you are able to recreate your soul during this break from real life.

by Jay Mankus