Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2010 30 for 30″Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever, 1 Corinthians 9:25.

In every sport, there are rivalries based upon close proximity, divisional games, hated rivals, old friends and when top players clash. Within professional sports, non-rivals can form rivalries if certain teams end up playing each other in the playoff’s year after year. When these series turn into instant sports classics, winning teams survive and advance while the losers go home, thinking about what could have been. This is the inspiration behind Winning Time: the epic NBA playoff series between Reggie Miller’s Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks.

As a former competitive athlete, I’ve experienced the agony of defeat, losing a state title by the smallest of margins. Meanwhile, the game of golf can be just as cruel, sent packing after 36 holes, missing the cut and leaving without a paycheck. The apostle Paul addresses Christians who attend the non-Olympic year track and field games. Although all runners seek victory, only one receives a crown. Subsequently, Paul encourages first century Christians to focus on how you play the game. Win or lose, as long as you gave the Lord your best, you can walk away with eyes focused on eternity.

Closing Song:

I was introduced to today’s song over my years in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The lyrics of Destined to Win highlight the words of the apostle Paul in today’s Bible verse. When you struggle with confidence, turn your eyes toward eternity, claiming God’s promises of the Bible in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from 2012 ESPN mini documentary “The Jeremy Lin Phenomenon”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander, 1 Peter 3:15-16.

Biblical Connection:

Most Harvard students make six figure salaries shortly after graduating. After going undrafted, Jeremy Lin put a typical financial career on hold, taking a chance as a free agent in the National Basketball Association. The New York Knicks took a chance on Jeremy after a couple of injuries to players in their starting lineup. Serving as a reserve off the bench, something magical happened, a gift from above that opened the door for a craze known as Linsanity.

Following this Cinderella story book reality, playing 9 seasons with 8 different teams, Jeremy Lin has transitioned into an inspirational speaker, sharing his faith all around the world. Throughout Jeremy’s success, he remained humble, applying the words of one of Jesus’ disciples. Whether this was part of a post-game press conference or an interview for a media personality, Lin became a living ambassador for Jesus Christ. May Jeremy’s faith inspire you to have your own faith journey ready when the Holy Spirit gives you an opportunity to share your testimony.

Closing Song:

Every believer has a story to tell, Galatians 1:11-24. The apostle Paul breaks a Christian testimony into 3 parts: your life before entering a personal relationship with Jesus, how and why you entered into this relationship and how God has transformed your life since. This is a Christian’s blessed assurance.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 film “He Got Game”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”^{[a] 4} Fathers,^[b] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord, Ephesians 6:2-4.

Biblical Connection:

Denziel Washington plays Jake Shuttlesworth, a proud father of the most talented young basketball player in the nation. Unfortunately, Jake ends up in prison for killing his wife in a violent family feud. As Jesus Shuttlesworth, Ryan Allen, grows up without a parent at home, Jake is left to writing letters to his son from a prison cell. When a judge has compassion on Jesus, Jake will have his sentenced reduced if he convinces Jesus to attend college rather than enter the NBA draft.

As a parent of three children, I understand the temptation of trying to live your life through your children. While coaching 4 different sports over 15 years, a few of my parents, fathers and mothers, pushed their children like Jake Shuttlesworth. However, when you’re a high school Bible teacher at a Christian school, there were times I was filled with conviction for exasperating my own children. As a parent, you should want the best your children, but you have to trust God to allow your children to take ownership of their own life.

Closing Song:

At some point in the last few years, I have transitioned from a parent to a life coach for my three children, now all in their twenties. As I pray for each one daily, I ask the Lord to fill them with leadership and maturity so that it is the Holy Spirit speaking and not an exasperating parent.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2012 film “The Vow”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few. ³ A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool. ⁴ When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow, Ecclesiastes 5:2-4.

Biblical Connection:

Leo and Paige are a newly married couple whose relationship is put to the test when Paige experiences a severe car accident. When Paige awakes from coma, her memory of her husband and parents is forgotten. During Paige’s recovery she struggles to regain glimpses of her past. Despite wanting Paige to return to her rightful home with Leo, she’s persuaded to recover at her childhood home with her parents. As Paige searches to uncover questions from her past, Leo never forgets his vow to love Paige for better or for worse.

As an immature teenage boy, I confused like with love. Whenever I entered into a serious relationship, I carelessly told girls that I loved them. As I matured in college, I realized that love is an action, not just a word that you cling to. Subsequently, when I met my wife Leanne, I told her that I would never utter the word love unless I was willing to spend the rest of my life with her. This is the advice that King Solomon gives readers today. Don’t be hasty, loose or quick with your words. Rather, when you are ready to make a lifelong commitment, keep your vow to love.

Closing Song:

As a former high school Bible teacher, I talked to students about the will to love a future spouse. When a man develops and possesses a will to love, this mindset will persuade men to keep their vow to love. When you put God’s words into practice, this is the spiritual foundation that marriages need for surviving in today’s everchanging culture.

by Jay Mankus

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

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2011 film “Courageous”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 6:7-9.

Biblical Connection:

Courageous follows the lives of four men with one calling: To serve and protect. As each police officer faces their own individual challenges at home and on duty, their faith is put to the test. Through a series of events, a courageous calling from God prompts each man to make a public demonstration of faith. Known as a Father’s Resolution, there is a public ceremony held where each man vows to become an agent of love for their wives and children. Unfortunately, not everyone keeps their vow. Today’s scene follows this ceremony.

Consistently living out your faith in a secular world isn’t easy. This often involves failure and humility. Today’s passage of the Bible reveals God’s calling to Jewish men. Faith begins in the home, demonstrated and modeled by parents. Whenever God’s commands in the Bible are lived out inside of a home, this creates a loving climate. Yet, Moses doesn’t stop here. Conversations about God should continue outside. A father’s love is demonstrated by submersing their homes with biblical symbols and verses to train children up in the way they should go.

Closing Song:

May the power of the Holy Spirit move you this February to become captured by God’s love, thereby passing this on to others through the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.

by Jay Mankus