Engaging Our Culture: February 23-Doing Everything in Love

Posted on February 23, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 film “The Cutting Edge”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Biblical Connection:

Doug Dorsey is forced to retire from hockey after sustaining a career ending injury during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Figure skater Kate Moseley falls in the same Olympics, ending each of their dreams for a medal. During her comeback, Kate’s temperamental attitude results in several partners, until her coach recruits Doug. When two competitive egos clash, drama takes this unlikely couple to the cutting edge where today’s scene begins.

The Christians which comprised the Church at Corinth are no different than modern churches today. Young believers to the faith were struggling with immaturity, immorality and the ability to get along with one another. Just as Doug and Kate battled for control while on the ice, Christians tend to want to seek a position of power within the church. Paul’s call for members of this congregation is to stand firm against these temptations, 1 Corinthians 10:13. As you grow and mature in your faith, may love by your motivation for everything you do and speak.

Closing Prayer:

Learning to keep in step with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit takes a lifetime of faith. As you grow and mature, may you become a light of love for Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 22-Don’t Force Love… Let it Happen Naturally

Posted on February 22, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “Sense and Sensibility”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress, Genesis 16:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

Following the death of Mr. Dashwood played by Tom Wilkinson, his second wife and her three daughters are left poor when the bulk of Dashwood’s estate are left to the son by his first marriage. Elinor played by Dame Emma Thompson, Marianne who is Kate Winslet, and Margaret (Emilie François), are the three daughters affected by this dire situation. After being taken in by a kind cousin, their lack of wealth affects Elinor’s ability to marry the love of her life, the wealthy Edward Ferrars played by Hugh Grant. Rather than force the issue, Elinor accepts her lowly fate.

Inheritance, social status and wealth played an integral role in who royalty chose to marry. From an Old Testament perspective, Jews were expected by God to search for suitable marriage partners among other Hebrews. In the days of Abram and Sarai, God promises Abram a great nation. The other problem was that his wife Sarai was barren. Rather than wait on the Lord to provide, Sarai panicked, forcing the issue by giving her husband Hagar, their maidservant to have children with. Hagar’s child Ishmael became the father of the Arab nations, which is at war against Israel today.

Closing Song:

Today’s song talks about three individuals who forced the issue rather than wait for love. May the consequences of their poor choices inspire you to wait on love by letting it happen naturally.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 21-Trusting God during the Storms of Life

Posted on February 21, 2025 by expressyourself4him

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

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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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