Tag Archives: Bible

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

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

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