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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Engaging Our Culture: February 17-Love is Learning to Bear with One Another

Posted on February 17, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from 2007 film “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity, Colossians 3:12-14.

Biblical Connection:

Today’s clip is similar to a parental argument that you might encounter in public at a shopping mall. Rather than focus their attention on what they have in common, Jon Voight who plays Patrick Gates and Helen Mirren, now Emily Appleton, dwell on what caused this once happy couple to separate. As Nicolas Cage who plays Ben Gates and Diane Kruger as Abigal Chase seek their next clue, the root of bitterness causes the entire room to feel Patrick and Emily’s misery.

The apostle Paul writes Colossians to address false teachings and practices that began creeping into the belief system of members at the Church in Colosse. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul begins his call to action by mentioning specific fruits of the Spirit to emulate in Galatians 5:22-23. This is followed by referencing the words of Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:14-15. Until you learn to forgive those who have hurt you, you won’t be able to bear with and love bitter individuals.

Closing Song:

If today’s message finds you struggling to forgive and love others, perhaps learning from former pillars of the faith is where you need to begin, Hebrews 11. May the lyrics of today’s son conceive in you a heart filled with forgiveness, love and mercy.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 16-Walking in Truth

Posted on February 16, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 film “Dave”

Bible Verse of the Day:

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin, 1 John 1:5-7.

Biblical Connection:

Kevin Kline is an unlikely presidential candidate, playing Dave Kovac, a Temp Agency operator. However, after being recruited by the secret service to fill in as momentary stand-in for the President of the United States, Dave not only looks like the president but begins to emulate his mannerisms. When the real president suffers a severe stroke, Dave is hired full time as a figure head behind the scenes until the real president recovers. Frank Langella plays Chief of Staff, Bob Alexander, using Dave to elevate himself into the White House. After personal interactions with the first lady, Sigourney Weaver, conviction leads Dave to fake his own stroke in today’s clip.

The Book of 1 John was written to address false teaching at the end of the first century. The disciple whom Jesus loved; the son of Zebedee sought to address Gnosticism by reassuring Christians of their faith and love in Jesus. Gnostic doctrine taught that the world was created and ruled by a lesser divinity, not the God of the Bible. Subsequently, John uses imagery of light and darkness to correct anyone who had been deceived by this new teaching which spread throughout the church in the second century. Walking in the truth of the Bible means to maintain fellowship with God by bearing spiritual fruit, Galatians 5:22-23. Lying is a byproduct of walking in darkness. If you really love someone, stop pretending to be someone else and be the person God designed you to be.

Closing Song:

As the father of all lies, John 8:44, seeks to pull you further away from God into darkness, don’t let the light of Christ inside of your heart be snuffed out. Rather, may a spirit of confession prompt you to begin walking in the truth and love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 15-True Friends Help One Another

Posted on February 15, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2003 film “Finding Nemo”

Bible Verse of the Day:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another, Proverbs 27:17.

Biblical Connection:

Albert Brooks plays Marlin, a single father who raises Nemo, Alexander Gould, a clownfish with a birth defect. This animation follows the journey of Marlin and Dory, Ellen DeGeneres, after Nemo is scooped up by underwater divers. When Dory discovers the address of this finishing vessel from a mask that falls into the sea, Nemo is eager to do whatever it takes to find his son Nemo. Upon reaching Sydney, Australia, Marlin thinks he witnessed Nemo’s death, swimming away in disappointment. This is the context of today’s scene.

The word proverb is derived from the Hebrew root word which when translated into English means to be like. King Solomon, son of David, writes most of the Proverbs in this Old Testament book. Proverbs are short sayings designed to express a universal truth to promote godly living. Solomon uses the imagery of iron being sharpened when it becomes dull. True friendship has a reciprocal relationship where individuals often challenge one another, working together to hold one another accountable. For friendships that last the test of time, we become better people because of this friend.

Closing Song:

Today’s song is about a man praying for a struggling brother. When a friendship begins to fall apart, praying is a spiritual weapon that God uses to help sharpen prodigal children come to their senses by repenting. May today’s message inspire you to reconcile with friends of your past.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 14-Love in Action

Posted on February 14, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the drama series “The Chosen”

Bible Verse of the Day:

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked, John 5:6-9.

I have spent most of my life on earth living between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Unlike my experience living in the south, urban sprawl continues as far as the human eye can see, creating a metropolis. Whenever I crossed major intersections, there was normally one homeless person standing out in the cold, begging for money. In my college days, I would occasionally buy one of these individuals a meal at McDonald’s before moving on with the rest of my day. Unfortunately, as an adult, I pass by without stopping, avoiding eye contact.

As Jesus walks through Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, he wasn’t in a rush as he approaches a pool. Showing compassion on this one man, he takes time to get to know this invalid. According to legend, this pool possessed healing powers. When angels stirred the water, the first people to reach the water was healed. However, Jesus wanted to make sure this man knew the source of his healing, belief and faith in God. Thirty-eight years of doubt and unbelief kept this man in this pathetic condition. Yet, one leap of faith altered the course of this man’s life.

Closing Song:

Don’t be fooled by the commercialism of Valentine’s Day. Love isn’t showering your significant other with expensive gifts. Rather genuine love is loving someone more than you love yourself, by being vulnerable. However, when you celebrate tonight, make sure your love is displayed through fruits of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 13-The Language of Love

Posted on February 13, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden,” Matthew 5:13-14.

Biblical Connection:

Dead Poets Society was filmed at nearby St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware while I was a student at the University of Delaware. As a former Poetry teacher at the High Scope Institute for Ideas in West Virginia, this movie holds a special place in my heart. Robin Williams is John Keating who returns to the prestigious boarding school that he attended. Rather than teach from a book, Keating leaves these hallowed halls to instill poetry as a way of life. Keating’s cutting edge active learning techniques inspire some of his students to restart the legendary Dead Poets Society.

Today’s scene urges students in Keating’ Poetry class to reflect upon what verse of poetry do they want to leave behind as their legacy. Jesus teaches a similar concept to a first century audience. However, the Sermon on the Mount begins with attitudes and qualities valued by God. When these beatitudes are demonstrated and lived out, God blesses those individuals who encapsulate specific biblical traits. Today’s featured Bible passages serve as a transition in Jesus’ sermon. As the salt of the earth and light of the world, love should naturally flow out of a Christian’s life. If a mouth speaks out of the overflow of one’s heart, Luke 6:45, let your heart be filled with God’s love.

Closing Song:

As you prepare for Valentine’s Day, take some time to fill your heart with God’s Word so that the love of Jesus will begin to naturally flow out of your heart via encouraging and uplifting words.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 12-Learning to Love Broken People

Posted on February 12, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2002 film “Joshua”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, Psalm 34:17-18.

Biblical Connection:

The 2002 film Joshua addresses a hypothetical, “what if a resurrected Jesus suddenly appears in your small town?” When a stranger named Joshua rolls into town one morning, Auburn begins to be touched by a modern-day spiritual leader. Serving as an artist, carpenter and potter, encounters with Joshua start the healing process for battered and broken souls who call Auburn home. Rather than pointing attention to himself, Joshua interacts with all members of this community, loving broken and calloused individuals like the woman in today’s scene.

The prophet Samuel referred to David as a man after God’s own heart. Despite his imperfections and sinful desires highlighted in 2 Samuel 11 and 12, David often poured out his heart to God in prayer. On one occasion David pretended to be insane before the King of Shechem. Following his departure, David wrote Psalm 34. One of the keys to a powerful prayer is claiming God’s promises to come to fruition in your own life. Perhaps, the words of today’s Bible verse aren’t just for you. Rather, David cries out to the Lord for his own healing for a broken heart and crushed spirit.

Closing Prayer:

If you find yourself broken hearted, crushed or devastated by an unforeseen trial in 2025, pray the words of King David to find healing for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 11-The Relationship between Grace and Love

Posted on February 11, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from 2015 film “The War Room”

Bible Verse of the Day:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:6-8.

Biblical Connection:

The War Room follows a successful couple with a great future, but appearances can be deceiving. Adults have a knack of projecting a positive outlook externally, but on the inside are afraid to let others know that they’re hanging on by a thread. Karen Abercrombie is Clara Williams, an elderly woman who begins to mentor Elizabeth Jordan, Priscilla Shirer. When Elizabeth and her husband Tony (T.C. Stallings) begin to drift apart, Clara introduces the concept of a spiritual war room. This closet is where Clara meets with God, pours out her heart and wages war through prayer against demonic forces in the spiritual realm, Ephesians 6:12. However, prayer is only effective when Christians begin to forgive those who have hurt them.

The apostle Paul lays out the spiritual condition present inside of all human beings. Two chapters earlier in Romans 3:9-12, Paul references the words of Moses about mankind’s failure to follow God’s commands. As Clara uncovers Elizabeth’s reluctance to forgive her own husband, she points to today’s Bible passage. God didn’t send His one and only son, Jesus, to die on a cross because we deserve this loving act. Rather, God sent Jesus to die on a cross, while we were still sinners. The disciple whom Jesus loved expresses this act of grace and love in John 3:16-17. Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save the world through Jesus. This is the relationship between God’s grace and love.

Closing Song:

May the words of Thank God I’m Not Jesus help illustrate the relationship between God’s grace and love.

by Jay Mankus

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