Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Montage from the 2016 NBA Finals “Greatest Comeback Ever”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it, John 14:12-14.

Biblical Connection:

As the 2025 National Basketball Association finals begin tonight, both teams will be contending for their cities first title. Over the course of this season, a loss or series of loses may have challenged their belief in reaching the finals. Yet, like the members of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, once they fell down 3 games to 1 with no major for error, their belief never wavered.

Spending the last week of his life prior to His crucifixion, Jesus is preparing the disciples for life without Him. Part of this teaching included a pep talk similar to an NBA huddle during a timeout. With a sense of urgency, Jesus highlights the power of belief. Perhaps, Jesus reminded these 12 men of the time He cursed a fig in Matthew 21:18-22. When Christians place their faith and trust in Jesus, anything is possible, including being part of a NBA Championship team.

Closing Song:

In any head-to-head competition, except for the Olympics in case of a tie, there will be a winner and loser. While one will receive a victor’s crown, the other will taste the bitter pill of defeat. This is why the apostle Paul urged Christians to compete in such a way to earn an eternal crown, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2017 movie “Wonder Woman”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand, Ephesians 6:11-13.

Biblical Connection:

When princess Diana of the Amazons comes in contact with the outside world, she is pulled into the heart of World War 1. Following army pilot Steve Trevor, Diana follows her search for the truth which uncovers powers of darkness at work in the world and in the heavenly realms. This sets the stage for Diana to battle the God Ares, disguised as a German leader.

One of the Devil’s greatest schemes is to use other human beings to get under your skin. Rather than address the spiritual heart of the matter, I often get distracted by unexpected earthly battles. In today’s passage, the apostle Paul pulls back a spiritual curtain to examine what’s going on in the heavenly realms. If you want to be prepared for future temptations, you must start to pray in the Spirit and learn to put on the armor of God daily.

Closing Song:

While Jesus won the battle of death by rising on Resurrection Sunday, the ongoing war behind the scenes will continue until Jesus’ second coming. Subsequently, stand your ground in these days of evil with the armor of God secured in place. Don’t let your guard down as you stand firm in the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1991 movie “City Slickers”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know^[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” ⁸ Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” ⁹ Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work, John 14:5-10.

Biblical Connection:

Billy Crystal plays Mitch Robbins, an unhappy Manhattan yuppie who is experiencing a mid-life crisis. When Mitch’s wife notices his unhappiness, she agrees to allow her husband to go on a road trip with his best friends Ed and Phil. Spending two weeks as a cattle rancher, allows Mitch to slow down and get in touch with the emotions he’s suppressed. During a ride with Curly, one of the cowboys on staff, Mitch is introduced to one of the secrets of life.

As Passion week begins, Jesus starts to pour out his soul to his disciples. Just as Curly and Mitch dive into a deep conversation, Jesus reveals His connection to God the Father. After spending three years together, dabbling around and speculating about Jesus, the secret to eternal life is found in today’s passage. John goes into further details in another letter, 1 John 5:11-15. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, an answer not provided in this City Slickers scene.

Closing Song:

Leaving Jesus is written in the context of taking Jesus with you whenever you go. If you know the secret to eternal life, Romans 10:9-10, may you spread this news by weaving Jesus into your daily conversations.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “I Robot”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. ² Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. ³ You saw with your own eyes what the Lord did at Baal Peor. The Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, ⁴ but all of you who held fast to the Lord your God are still alive today, Deuteronomy 4:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

Will Smith plays homicide detective Del Spooner of the Chicago PD in the year 2035. During the investigation of the apparent suicide, Spooner believes that a robot is responsible for the death of Dr. Alfred Lanning. Fleeing from the scene of this crime, Spooner follows the suspect to a lab where robots are manufactured. This is where Spooner questions the 3 laws of robotic technology.

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Torah, containing a second statement of Mosiac Law. Subsequently, Deuteronomy is referred to as the book of repetition. If human beings are forgetful in nature, they need to be reminded of God’s specific instructions for life. During the age of Judges, Jewish leaders began to do what’s right in their own eyes. Today’s passage serves as a warning not to add or subtract from God’s laws passed down to Moses.

Closing Song:

As a former high school teacher, knowing information and applying this daily take time. Perhaps, this explains Jesus condensing the Ten Commandments into loving God and others. Rather than trying to remember a long list of rules, Jesus simplified God’s laws into 2 calls to action. While there will always be temptations to add or subtract from the Bible’s teaching, keep it simple by seeking to love God and others daily.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “Night at the Museum”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments,” Matthew 22:34-40.

Biblical Connection:

Larry Daley is struggling to find and keep a steady job when a night security guard spot opens up at a local museum. Like any high turnover position, there is a reason which Larry discovers on his first shift. An ancient tablet causes the animals and exhibits to come to life which has overwhelmed previous security guards. During one confrontation, Larry comes face to face with a ruthless leader.

Matthew 22 serves as a first century game show where a series of religious leaders seek to test Jesus’ knowledge, hoping to stump him. One by one, Jesus advances to the Final Jeopardy question under the category: where should I draw the line spiritually? Jesus summarizes the Ten Commandments in 2 statements: loving God and loving others. This is how we should live.

Closing Song:

The lyrics of today’s song demonstrates where to draw the line in the context of living as a Christian. Unfortunately, I find myself withholding parts of my life from the Lord, not making Jesus the Lord of my life. As the summer commences next month, may you be inspired to begin to live your faith as an open book to God.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2002 movie “The Bourne Identity”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.

Biblical Connection:

Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, a film based upon the 1980 novel The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum. Damon starts out as a mystery man, left for dead before being discovered at sea by a fishing vessel. When Damon regains consciousness, he suffers from amnesia, with only a few memories of his true identity. Damon pays Marie to drive him to Paris, helping him to retrace his steps, trying to figure out who he really is.

The apostle Paul writes another letter to the Church at Corinth. This portion of 2 Corinthians compares human beings to jars of clay, in the process of being molded and fashioned by our heavenly father. As individuals experience daily hardships, imperfections are exposed. As Christians begin to seek God’s calling, Romans 12:1-2, human minds may struggle with a spiritual identity crisis. This compels Paul to talk about life and death, explaining how God works in us.

Closing Song:

The next time you find yourself struggling to overcome the pain of past failures, may you find hope in the words of the apostle Paul. As the Holy Spirit helps you sort out your next identity crisis, remember that faith is a process with big plans for your future, Philippians 1:6.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 movie “Larger Than Life”

Bible Verse of the Day:

I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Colossians 2:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

Bill Murray plays motivational speaker Jack Corcoran who finds out about the secret past of his father. Upon receiving a misleading telegram about a huge inheritance from his circus clown father, Jack is stuck with a destructive elephant. This inconvenience places Jack’s speaking engagements on hold until he is able to figure out what to do with Vera. This is what leads Jack into renting an 18-wheeler which he doesn’t have a clue on how to operate.

Every day on earth is filled with intrigue, fueled by mysteries of the unknown. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances place you into a position where you don’t know what you’re doing. In a letter to the Church at Colosse, the apostle Paul encourages Christians who don’t have a clear understanding of the mysteries of God. Since faith is a process of facing daily trials and tribulations, keep seeking out Jesus to uncover treasures of knowledge and wisdom.

Closing Song:

Whenever you’re a famous actor or a nobody, life lessons are discovered through trial and error. If you currently find yourself in uncharted territory, place your trust in Jesus until you receive clarity and guidance to help through clueless moments in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2003 movie “Seabiscuit”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever wants to save their life^[f] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. ²⁶ What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? ²⁷ For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done, Matthew 16:24-27.

Biblical Connection:

As the second stage of Horse Racing’s triple crown takes place this afternoon, this year’s Preakness Stakes will write a new name in the history books. Unfortunately, many horses like Seabiscuit never got a chance to compete in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness or Belmont. When immediate progress isn’t demonstrated, some horses are left as partners where they are trained to lose.

Shortly after Peter verbalizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah, expectations are laid out for anyone who desires to become a disciple of Jesus. Following the 3 core principles in verse 25, Jesus transitions to what this spiritual commitment truly means. If you want to save your life, you must lose it. Just as Seabiscuit was trained to lose, Christians must learn to give up their lives for others.

Closing Song:

As a former competitive athlete, losing is something that I despise. Yet, from the spiritual sense, giving up your life for God is a challenging, an ongoing process. Losing serves as a form of humility as God allows failure to occur, eventually leading you to the place where the Lord wants you to be. This trained to lose concept lite a fire deep inside of Seabiscuit to inspire him to reach his full potential as a racehorse. May God use disappointments in life to bring you closer to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Cast Away”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,” John 15:1-5.

Biblical Connection:

Tom Hanks plays FedEx operations executive Chuck Noland who is the lone survivor of a plane crash. As packages from FedEx wash up upon shore, Chuck is resourceful, using what he has to survive. However, after 4 long years, Chuck comes to the grim reality that he has power over nothing. This is Chuck’s confession after a freighter at sea discovers him floating on a raft.

During Passion Week, Jesus shares a similar message to His disciples. Unaware of His upcoming betrayal, arrest and crucifixion, Jesus is trying to prepare these men for the future. Jesus uses a gardening analogy, to call His disciples to stay connected to the vine. Eleven of twelve failed their first spiritual test on Good Friday, trusting their own abilities rather than placing their hope in God.

Closing Song:

Sometimes making a big mistake or messing up serves as a spiritual wakeup call. If you find yourself trying to stay in control with power over nothing, get plugged into God by tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. This will help you get reconnected with God.

by Jay Mankus