Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 film “A League of Their Own”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field,” Matthew 9:35-38.

Biblical Connection:

Sisters Dottie and Kit are approached by a scout forming the first female professional baseball league. As Major League Baseball was shut down during World War II due to the draft, this temporary league was designed to serve as a substitute until the war ends. On their way back from the west coast, the scout watches Marla, who joins them on the train to Chicago. This sets the stage for open tryouts as more than 100 women compete for 64 open spots.

As a former baseball player and coach, I’ve been on both sides, fielding ground balls on a gym floor with coaches anxiously watching as well as holding a clipboard, jotting down notes about players who stand out. From a spiritual perspective, Christians should be eagerly searching daily to form a team of leaders. Whether in the context of a Bible Study, people to disciple or a new small group, God is waiting for servants in their local church to stand up and lead like modern day disciples.

Closing Song:

Madonna’s character is initially complacent, resting on her past accomplishments. However, when Dottie catches a ball with her bare hands, the thought of practicing to ensure she makes one of the four teams kicks in. This is the sense of urgency that Christians should daily seek until Jesus’ promise of a new life in Christ, John 10:10, becomes a reality. Don’t waste the opportunities that God provides in the form of open doors to share the love of Jesus with others.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2022 film “Hustle”

Bible Verse of the Day:

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he^[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ, Ephesians 1:7-10.

Biblical Connection:

Fired pro basketball scout, Stanley Sugerman discovers Bo Cruz while watching a pickup game at a park outside of Madrid, Spain. This former foreign scout for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers is invigorated by Bo’s discovery, making it his mission to groom Cruz for a potential spot in the National Basketball Association. Today’s scene displays the fruits of Stanley’s hard work as Bo Cruz excels against current NBA prospects.

Redemption is the belief that God offers salvation and deliverance to humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ death on a cross. Essentially, God is giving mistake prone individuals a second chance, Romans 5:6-8. This new chance at life rejuvenates repentant sinners just like Stanley Sugerman in Hustle. Sports sometimes gives recent losers a chance at redemption, to regain the title that slipped through their hands like the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 2025.

Closing Song:

I played baseball for a decade, fizzling out at the end of my playing career. Thirty years later, I played on a competitive softball team with 7 who played college baseball. During our championship season, I caught the final out in center field, the same type of flyball that I dropped years earlier playing shortstop. This is how sports provide a chance for redemption.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 film “Tin Cup”

Bible Verse of the Day:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you, James 1:19-21.

Biblical Connection:

Tin Cup highlights what happens to failed golf professionals who aren’t good enough to make a living on tour. Roy McAvoy has all the talent in the world but lacks the discipline and proper mindset found in successful players. During open qualifying for the United States Open, McAvoy just needs to par out to secure a spot in the Open. Unfortunately, ego, pride, and self-ambition result in a heated dispute with his caddy. This triggers an emotional meltdown on the course.

The Book of James is known as the first Catholic letter of the Bible, written for universal members of the first century church. Apparently, anger, frustration and impatience is nothing new. James unveils how human anger can impact your soul. This is the reason for James’ call for listening, being slow to respond and discipline to avoid overacting out of anger. If you find yourself having a rough day, follow the advice of James so you avoid a Tin Cup like meltdown.

Closing Song:

I had major anger management issues when I was young. Whether I was on a baseball mound pitching or playing golf, I let my emotions get the best of me. May the lyrics of Control and James’ words help prevent an emotional meltdown.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Trailer of 2020 ESPN Promotion “March Madness”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶ in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷ in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; ⁹ known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 2 Corinthians 6:4-9.

Biblical Connection:

Every March sporting websites offer a free challenge with one-million-dollar prize going to the winner that completes a perfect Men’s NCAA Basketball bracket. Year after year, this prize continues to go unclaimed due to unpredictability of 68 teams playing one another over the course of 3 weeks. Although one individual once picked the first 49 games correctly, no one who has entered these contests has been perfect. Perhaps, this is why the annual men’s college basketball tournament has been coined March Madness.

From the spiritual realm, every day is filled with the unknown. You may have an idea of your daily routines in a typical work week, but only God knows what hardship that you will be facing. When Saul was called by God to become an apostle of Jesus Christ, his previous popularity as a Jewish leader vanished overnight. After changing his name, Paul opens up about the hardships that he has endured since becoming an apostle. When you put your faith on the line, Christians shouldn’t be surprised by unknown hardships, Ephesians 6:10-12. This is the madness occurring every month.

Closing Song:

Sometime the hardship of the unknown is simply trying to figure out God’s will for your life. The longer this process continues, Romans 12:1-2, the harder it becomes to trust God in the dark. May the lyrics of today’s song help remind you to let God fight the battles of the unknown.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from 1986 film “Hoosiers”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh, Romans 13:12-14.

Biblical Connection:

Playing Coach Norman Dale, Gene Hackman gets to know fans, faculty members, and the parents of his players. After a few conversations with Shooter, Dennis Hopper, who lives and breathes Indiana high school basketball, Coach goes to Shooter’s home to offer him a job. This sets the stage for an intense conversation. Knowing that he was given a second chance as a coach, Dale returns the favor to Shooter with a couple of strings attached.

The apostle Paul writes a letter to the Church at Rome in today’s featured passage. Paul is writing with a sense of urgency, calling members of this Christian Church to put on the armor of God detailed in Ephesians 6:12-20. Paul also appears to be referencing the acts of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:16-23. Apparently, some Christians were merely going through the motions, not committing to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. If God gives sinners a second chance, the least that you can do is to clothe yourself with Jesus by putting on the mind of Christ.

Closing Song:

Paul doesn’t beat around the bush early in his letter to the Church at Rome, Romans 3:9-12. This blunt assessment of mankind’s sinful tendencies helps Christians realize their need for God, Romans 6:23. Subsequently, the next time you pick up the pieces from a fall from grace, be willing to forgive others as God has forgiven you by offering others a second chance, Matthew 6:14.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: ESPN Films Trailer of North Carolina State’s Title “Survive and Advance”

Bible Verse of the Day:

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do, James 1:5-8.

Biblical Connection:

The first round of the 2025 NCAA Basketball tournament began yesterday. Similar to the opening day of Major League Baseball, everyone is tied for first place. While the talent on each team differs, the degree of belief and confidence will separate winners and losers. Former head coach Jim Valvano devoted one practice a year to visualizing becoming national champions. This is the image that Coach Valvano wanted his players to see before participating in March Madness. This 3-week journey isn’t about winning pretty. Rather, the goal is to Survive and Advance.

The author of this Bible passage is the earthly brother of Jesus, a skeptic who became an elder in the Church at Jerusalem. While James wrote to Christians scattered throughout the Mediterranean following Nero’s persecution, he’s also speaking to himself. James was like the Jewish religious leaders of the early first century, not believing that his brother was the promised Messiah. Rather, James had to witness Jesus’ resurrection from the dead before he finally believed. Only God knows who will win the 2025 title. Yet, belief and doubt will play a huge role in determining a champion.

Closing Song:

I was introduced to this song during the Coronavirus pandemic. As countless individuals continued to succumb to this biological disease, I clung to the God of miracles. While God may not care who wins a sporting event, the Lord does elevate people of faith to hold fast to the God of miracles. May you survive and advance past the trials that you’re currently facing in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: ESPN Clip of Events Behind a Tragic Death “Len Bias”

Bible Verse of the Day:

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should learn to control your own body^[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4.

Biblical Connection:

Len Bias was one of the top college basketball players in the nation as a senior at the University of Maryland. After being drafted second overall by the Boston Celtics, Len Bias decided to celebrate with some of his friends on campus. When you’re young and about to become a professional athlete, there’s a built in degree of invincibility. Unfortunately, Len didn’t have the discipline to stop using cocaine. Meanwhile, first lady Nancy Reagan’s Just Say No to Drug campaign came a season too late for Len Bias who died before fulfilling his lifelong dream.

According to one first century historian, the apostle Paul’s first visit to Thessalonica didn’t go as planned, Acts 17:1-9. Despite this rough start, Paul and Silas later planted a church in this city. Based upon the words of Luke in Acts, Thessalonians struggled with self-discipline with a tendency to overreact. Subsequently, Paul lays out God’s expectations for the members of this new church. The best way to avoid temptation is by learning to control your own body. When it comes to drugs, people must be willing to purge and remove the sinful tendencies from their lives to avoid a similar fate to that of Len Bias.

Closing Song:

When you play with fire, sometimes you get burned. However, when you experiment with drugs, you’re putting your life on the line. May the sad story of Len Bias and the lyrics of today’s song move you to come to the feet of Jesus to unload your burdens, Matthew 11:28-30.

by Jay Mankus