Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1988 movie “Scrooged”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰ and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. ¹¹ In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh^[b] was put off when you were circumcised by^[c] Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. ¹³ When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you^[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴ having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross, Colossians 2:9-15.

Biblical Connection:

Francis Xavier Cross is a television executive who places his self above all others. However, after a visit from a ghost of Christmas past and the future, Francis wants to live. Today is my spiritual birthday, coming to faith in Christ in 1984, Romans 10:9-11. After hearing the testimony of Skip Wilkins, I wanted to have what he had in his heart. I wanted to come alive like Francis in Scrooged.

The apostle Paul writes about the spiritual obstacles Christians in the Church of Colosse face. Yet, Jesus is the key to coming alive spiritually. Based upon the words of Romans 6:23, God offers Jesus up as a free gift which cancels the wages of death. This is the power that Paul speaks of in today’s featured passage. By conquering death via His resurrection, Jesus made it possible to come alive.

Closing Song:

Randy Stonehill sings about the individuals who experience Christmas without any hope. Randy compares a restaurant to the characters in the Bible on the first Christmas Eve. As Christmas approaches, you may be overwhelmed like the sad story Randy shares. Yet, it only takes an ounce of faith to want to change like Francis Xavier Cross. May you catch the Christmas spirit, eager to come alive spiritually this December.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 movie “A Miracle on 34th Street”

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:

The original Miracle on 34th Street made in 1947 uses a different angle on proving Santa Claus’ existence. Mail men bring in bags of letters written by children addressed to Santa Claus. Meanwhile, the 1994 version uses a one-dollar bill printed by the United States treasury to prove God exists. If an invisible God is recognized, a physical Santa Claus is deemed possible by the judge.

Today’s passage is spoken by Jesus following Palm Sunday. Jesus is attempting to prepare his disciples for life after his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. Jesus is telling these men that I am the way, the truth and the life. While Philip has a doubting Thomas moment, he does place his trust in Jesus based upon actions taken in Acts 8:26-40.

Closing Song:

As December commences, now is a great time to place your trust in God. May the testimony of Frank Reich and the lyrics of In Christ Alone inspire you to fan into flame your faith this winter.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2016 movie “Saved by Grace”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. ¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! – Luke 15:11-17

Biblical Connection:

The wealthy encounter the poor at least once a day in America. Unfortunately, the easy way to make this uncomfortable situation go away is to throw money at this problem. Getting involved takes time, slowing down and listening to an individual’s poor choices or unexpected circumstances that led to poverty. As Christmas draws near, don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand.

Today’s passage involves one of Jesus’ parables. Rather than lay out this entire story, I stopped at the crossroads of the prodigal son. When individuals reach a low point in life, hitting rock bottom, God gives you a chance to come to your senses. As food, clothing or shelter is in doubt, crying out to God is a great place to start. However, the journey back home requires confession and humility.

Closing Song:

As Christmas shopping begins, so do the ringing bells of the volunteer to collect donations for the Salvation Army. May the Holy Spirit speak to your heart this Christmas season to give an unexpected gift that will make a difference in a poor individual’s life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2018 movie “Instant Family”

Bible Verse of the Day:

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.² Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.³ The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.⁴ Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.⁵ In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.⁶ Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it, Proverbs 22:1-6.

Biblical Connection:

After visiting a foster home, Pete and Ellie Wanger seek to fill a void in their marriage. During the initial adoption process, an interaction with two teenagers reveals that most of the kids selected for adoption are much younger. At Thanksgiving dinner with Ellie’s family, relatives gathered around the table don’t have confidence that Pete and Ellie would be good parents. This triggers both to prove everyone wrong, believing Lizzy and her 2 siblings are what’s missing from their life.

King Solomon seeks to educate his children on how to live according to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. Solomon begins with character, making sure that you develop a trustworthy reputation. In addition, seek prudence while remaining humble. During this quest to become spiritually transformed, pitfalls and snares will come unexpectedly to disrupt your progress. However, if you train a child in the way they should go, this serves as a guide in life.

Closing Song:

Sometimes you have to go back to the beginning spiritually with confession. Since all human beings fall short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23, being reconciled with God helps clear your mind for the future. When you do, you’ll have hope for a new life in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1976 movie “Rocky 1″

Bible Verse of the Day:

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. ³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. ⁴ Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶ Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone, Colossians 4:2-6.

Biblical Connection:

Rocky Balboa loses his locker at a local boxing gym. When Rocky confronts his trainer about this decision, Mick doesn’t think Rocky has what it takes anymore. Down on his luck and desperate for any sort of employment, Rocky is willing to be a sparring partner. This is when a boxing promoter gives Rocky the chance of a lifetime, to fight for the heavy weight championship title.

In a letter to the Church at Colosse, the apostle Paul provides spiritual advice for Christians to start each day. First, devote yourself to prayer. Second, be watchful and thankful for the little things in life that often go unnoticed. Finally, when an opportunity arises, allow prayer and wisdom to guide you, seizing the moment in this land of opportunity.

Closing Prayer:

The apostle Paul talks about keeping in step with the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:25. When you apply this concept to the lyrics of Keep Me in the Moment, you’ll be prepared to make the most of every opportunity that God provides. Be ready to seize the moments you have this fall.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2009 movie “Up in the Air”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And,“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^{[a] 19} So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good, 1 Peter 4:12-19.

Biblical Connection:

A recent study revealed that a movie star’s marriage last 7 years. However, if it wasn’t for couples like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn married for 40 years, this number would be much lower. George Cloney’s character Ryan Bingham treats marriage as an inconvenience, something friends can serve as a substitute for or in place of. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many shining examples of marriages for young couples to emulate. This has caused men to question marriage like Ryan.

Today is my 30th wedding anniversary. Thirty years ago, in Chicago, Leanne and I shared our vows in front of friends and family. On the wedding bulletin, I wrote a short paragraph about what marriage means to me. I talked about the will to love your soul mate regardless of the trials that you may face today in life. Leanne and I went from living in a hayloft to a beautiful property in Virginia. While our bodies have aged. my will to love Leanne remains as we grow old together.

Closing Song:

Go There with You is the first dance Leanne and I shared at our wedding. The lyrics reflect the words that I shared in our wedding bulletin. May today’s song inspire you to want to find a soul mate to spend your living years on earth together. This is the foundation for a marriage that stands the test of time.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1984 movie “Romancing the Stone”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’^{[a] 12} Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved,” Acts 4:8-12.

Biblical Connection:

Desperate for transportation, Joan Wilder and Jack Colton knock on a stranger’s door in Columbia. After being rejected and facing men with guns, Jack turns to the romance novelist Joan for a last second Hail Mary. Jack’s name dropping of Joan Wilder saves the day, being welcomed into this beautiful house. The next step is locating Joan’s kidnapped sister.

Peter and John were seized by religious leaders and placed in prison. The next day Peter and John plead their case before the Sanhedrin alongside rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law. While he was addressing this group, Peter became filled with the Holy Spirit. This led Peter to proclaim Jesus as the name above all names, the only one that can save mankind.

Closing Song:

The greatest gift for thanksgiving is knowing that your eternal destiny is secure, 1 John 5:11-13. When you enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11, your faith journey commences. Instead of searching for a kidnapped sister, you’ll be become fishers of men and women, to fulfill the great commission in Acts 1:8.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1999 movie “The Hurricane”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ¹⁷ Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness, 2 Timothy 2:14-19.

Biblical Connection:

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter overcame the temptations of a troubled youth to become a middle weight boxer rising in the ranks. Unfortunately, his career was halted after wrongly imprisoned for murder. During a visit to Rubin’s prison, Lesra shares how a Canadian version of Habitat for Humanity has transformed his life. This growth instilled within Lesra a passion for writing.

While this scene from the Hurricane is inspirational, Rubin’s words about truth deviate from the Bible. A first century pastor had similar issues with members of his congregation. Subsequently, the apostle Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of biblical integrity. Whenever you open the door to compromise, you put yourself at risk of departing the Christian faith.

Closing Song:

The lyrics of You Need to Know serve as a prayer for a struggling friend. When your life seems to be falling apart, it’s great to know that you have a friend to lean on. When the storms of life strike this fall, may you use these events to transcend toward new heights.

by Jay Mankus