Tag Archives: Bible

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1986 movie “Children of a Lesser God”

Bible Verse of the Day:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ² His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” ³ “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him, John 9:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

Children of a Lesser God is a story about life inside a school for the deaf. Today’s scene features a new speech teacher trying to find his way, asking questions about a janitor who gets in an argument with the head cook. James Leeds takes an interest in Sarah who is struggling with who she is as a human being and not just the deaf girl. As a relationship begins, James uncovers the darkness of Sarah’s past.

The Old Testament teaches that blessings in life come from obedience to God. Meanwhile, curses in the form of birth defects such as being born blind or deaf are a curse from God. This is the context behind the conversation that the disciples partake in upon meeting this man in John. As the disciples get sidetracked, Jesus explains why this particular man was born blind. As someone born with a severe speech impediment, I know the power of God to heal what science couldn’t explain.

Closing Song:

The disciples did not understand why their spiritual leader had to suffer and die on a cross. Yet, in life there will be many events that won’t make any sense on the surface. Nonetheless, as the Lord continues to work in mysterious ways, it may take time for you to understand the uncomfortable situations in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1991 movie “Thelma & Louise”

Bible Verse of the Day:

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age ⁶ and who have fallen^[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

Thelma Dickinson and Louise Sawyer seek an escape from their normal lives. Subsequently, one morning Thelma and Louise jump into a Ford Thunderbird convertible to take a break from their unhappiness. Unfortunately, when a romantic fling turns violent, self-defense results in murder. Instead of waiting for the cops to arrive, Thelma and Louise reach a point of no return.

The author of Hebrews speaks to Christians who reach a spiritual point of no return. False teaching at the end of the first century led some in the church to begin sinning as much as possible so that God’s grace could be poured out upon them daily. This deranged thinking led these sinners into addiction and spiritual bondage to sin. Until young Christians move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ, followers of Jesus will continue to lose internal battles with sin daily.

Closing Song:

Today’s song reminds me of the old fire safety tip: “stop, drop and roll.” Yet, the lyrics speak to individuals being consumed about what other people say and think. Instead of pleasing others, Christians need to focus on pleasing the Lord, Galatians 1:10. As you do, the Holy Spirit will unveil areas of your life that need healing. Don’t ignore this any longer. Rather, turn to God for help.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1986 movie “Stand By Me”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; James 1:12-13.

Biblical Connection:

After receiving news of a childhood friends’ death, Gordie Lachance takes a trip down memory lane. Gordie recalls one of the most dramatic weekends of his life as a young kid. Like a modern-day Tom Sawyer and Huckelberry Fin adventure, 4 boys search for a missing 12-year-old. This quest results in discovering the body of this boy. This unexpected ending provides a grim glimpse of life. Gordie struggles to understand why God allows bad things to happen to good people.

I overheard an interesting conversation about God this past week. A woman spoke about not believing in God due to the pain and suffering in life. Unfortunately, this cruelty combined with unfair moments in life lead many individuals to blame God. However, as Jesus’ earthly brother reflects upon life’s trials, God simply allows this to happen to build character. What unbelievers fail to comprehend is that the Devil is the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2. The Devil is real and the inspiration behind evil in this world.

Closing Song:

Gordie reflects upon being in the wrong place at the wrong time. While this unfortunate event occurs daily, many wounds are self-inflicted. Kenny Marks sings about how infatuation can lead to life altering consequences. The next time you find yourself in the midst of a difficult trial, stand firm so that you don’t regret choices made under the influence of sinful desires.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 movie “The Greatest Game Ever Played

Bible Verse of the Day:

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” ⁶ He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you, Luke 17:5-6.

Biblical Connection:

The Greatest Game Ever Played depicts a time in history when only members of a country club were allowed to enter the clubhouse. Head golf professionals had access to the golf course but were not permitted to enter the inner sanctuaries of clubhouses. Prior to the United States Open, Francis Ouimet borrowed money from his father to try to qualify for the United States Amateur. After falling apart down the stretch, Francis was forced to quit golf to pay back the debt he owed.

As a first century doctor, Luke was astonished by Jesus’ power to heal patients that medical professionals were unable to help. As Jesus teaches his followers about the dangers of sin, apostles pleaded with Jesus to increase their faith. Speaking in parables, Jesus points to the smallest amount of faith as being a building block to do great things in the future. While Francis doubted his ability to compete with professional golfers, a Father’s Day miracle fueled by belief propelled Ouimet to become the first amateur to win the United States Open Golf Championship.

Closing Song:

Life has a way of speeding up so fast that you forget to take the time to thank your earthly father. As another Father’s Day approaches, make the effort to remember God the Father and your dad.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Jurassic Park”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ² “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? ³ Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.⁴ “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. ⁵ Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? ⁶ On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—Job 38:1-6

Biblical Connection:

Jeff Goldblum plays Dr. Ian Malcolm, serving as a voice of reason after being introduced to how dinosaurs were brought back to life. While Paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler are in awe of the real-life dinosaurs at Jurassic Park, Dr. Malcolm is vehemently against this new theme park. In another scene, Dr. Malcolm accuses billionaire founder John Hammond of not thinking about the consequences of reuniting dinosaurs with mankind.

In the first two chapters of Job, Satan seeks permission from God to attack Job’s family members. After Job refuses to curse God, Satan receives the authority to inflict Job’s body. Due to the Old Testament teachings of blessings and curses, Job’s friends immediately perceived that Job or member of his family had sinned to bring about these trials. These endless speculations lead Job to complain to God throughout his book until God finally responds in today’s passage.

Closing Song:

There are certain days in life where you’ll encounter controlling people, hungry and obsessed with power. Some will attempt to overreach, seeking play God. This is when you’ll have an opportunity to be a voice of reason. However, chose your words carefully and be humble.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1978 movie “Grease”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”^[e] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34.

Biblical Connection:

In the summer, when you’re alone, away from your friends, the real you is given a chance to shine. However, once you return to the social norms of a neighborhood, school or workplace, the pressure to conform is real. This is the setting at Rydell High where Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko find themselves, trying to rekindle the relationship they started over the summer. Unfortunately, as both are trying to please the other, peer pressure complicates the desire to be reunited.

As the apostle Paul addresses Christians at the Church in Corinth, he brings up a topic that most people don’t want to hear. Books such as You Are What You Say and You’ll Become Who You Hang Around point to the words of Psalm 1:1. Instead of taking ownership of your faith in Christ, bad character will always corrupt good morals. This is why Paul calls Christians to come back to your senses by keeping in step with God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25. This is how you can overcome the pressure to conform.

Closing Song:

The spiritual tug of war highlighted in Galatians 5:16-18 is real. The human flesh is fueled by peer pressure which opens the door for addiction, bad habits and unhealthy cravings. The quicker you start keeping in step with the Holy Spirit by sowing spiritual fruits, the bondage and chains of conforming to peer pressure will be broken.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 movie “The Parent Trap”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ² With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. ³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ⁴ Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God,” Acts 5:1-4.

There is nothing new about identical twins trying to fool family and friends. When I lived in Ohio, I attended a Twins Day celebration in Twinsburg. With thousands of twins present that year, there were over 100 that I saw that I couldn’t tell the difference between who was who. After a divorce separated Annie and Hallie at a young age, a plan was put into place to fool their parents.

In the early first century church, Barnabas became a popular Christian leader due to his generosity, Acts 4:36-37. Rather than be the people God created them to be, Ananias and Sapphira tried to imitate Barnabas’ faith without the sacrifice. The Holy Spirit revealed this to Peter who gave each a second chance to tell the truth. Instead of coming clean, God saw and punished their dishonesty.

Closing Song:

The lyrics of the song Knot examines the heart of someone who claimed to be a Christian, but never verbally shared their faith. While people still pretend to be a Christian when it’s popular, the true story of Ananias and Sapphira reminds human beings that God sees everything.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1981 movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen, 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Biblical Connection:

Harrison Ford was a subpar professor in his first appearance as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. However, when Jones left the classroom and went into the field as an archeologist, he was quick on his feet. Synonymous as the man with the fancy hat and whip, Harrison Ford spent 3 decades building upon the legend of this fictional character. This Hollywood success story serves as a great life lesson to find your areas of strength.

Peter wrote today’s passage in the book of 1 Peter to encourage suffering Christians who endured persecution in the first century. One of Peter’s words of advice is to become faithful servants in local churches. The best way to apply this is to discover gifts and talents that God has blessed each individual. If you’re not sure about your areas of strengths, taking a spiritual gifts assessment may be helpful. Sometimes people with the gift of discernment can see gifts that you never noticed.

Closing Song:

I was over 40 years old before my greatest gift was unveiled to me. I attended a Discernment Conference a few days after losing my job as a teacher. During one of the active learning exercises, a few adults from church shared insights. After putting these thoughts together, the Holy Spirit revealed that I have the gift of writing in the Spirit. A few days later, Express Yourself 4Him was conceived. This is what can happen when you find out your areas of strength.

by Jay Mankus