ExpressYourself4Him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2012 film “The Vow”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few. ³ A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool. ⁴ When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow, Ecclesiastes 5:2-4.

Biblical Connection:

Leo and Paige are a newly married couple whose relationship is put to the test when Paige experiences a severe car accident. When Paige awakes from coma, her memory of her husband and parents is forgotten. During Paige’s recovery she struggles to regain glimpses of her past. Despite wanting Paige to return to her rightful home with Leo, she’s persuaded to recover at her childhood home with her parents. As Paige searches to uncover questions from her past, Leo never forgets his vow to love Paige for better or for worse.

As an immature teenage boy, I confused like with love. Whenever I entered into a serious relationship, I carelessly told girls that I loved them. As I matured in college, I realized that love is an action, not just a word that you cling to. Subsequently, when I met my wife Leanne, I told her that I would never utter the word love unless I was willing to spend the rest of my life with her. This is the advice that King Solomon gives readers today. Don’t be hasty, loose or quick with your words. Rather, when you are ready to make a lifelong commitment, keep your vow to love.

Closing Song:

As a former high school Bible teacher, I talked to students about the will to love a future spouse. When a man develops and possesses a will to love, this mindset will persuade men to keep their vow to love. When you put God’s words into practice, this is the spiritual foundation that marriages need for surviving in today’s everchanging culture.

by Jay Mankus

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

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