Tag Archives: Christianity

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 movie “Stepmom”

Bible Verse of the Day:

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. ³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷ sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet, Acts 4:32-37.

Biblical Connection:

Sports analysts tend to compare up and coming stars with legends of the past. Often wondering who will be the next Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretsky, Tiger Woods, Babe Ruth or Tom Brady? This conversation in Stepmom reminds me of the importance of being true to who you are. Rather than compare yourself to the great attributes of others, be content with who God created you to be.

The first century church quickly became a tight spiritual family. Whenever there was a needy individual, the church pulled their resources together to meet this need. Unfortunately, as people like Barnabas became known for their generosity, others tried to emulate his acts with impure motives. Ananias and Sapphira died of heart attacks after lying to Peter and the Holy Spirit.

Closing Songs:

God wants honesty when approached in prayer. Although you may be focused on what others have been blessed with, you do have unique and special qualities. May the Holy Spirit open your eyes to help you see your spiritual gifts so that you can be true to who you are.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 movie “While You Were Sleeping”

Bible Verse of the Day:

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.¹⁶ You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift! ¹⁷ A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.” ¹⁸ Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! – Isaiah 30:15-18

Biblical Connection:

There are times when adults are stuck in a job that isn’t satisfying. This is where Lucy finds herself as a Chicago Transit Authority ticket booth operator. Lucy falls in love with a man she has never met but sees every day. When Peter falls off the deck and nearly dies, Lucy visits him daily as nurses assume that she is his fiancée. Yet, while Peter is in coma, Lucy falls for Peter’s brother Jack.

Waiting is probably one of the greatest object lessons God provides for young Christians. If you get everything you want immediately, you’ll become spoiled. However, if God forces you to wait for an extended period time like finding a spouse, you’ll appreciate this journey. This is the life lesson the prophet Isaiah writes about: the blessing of waiting on the Lord until God’s plan is revealed to you.

Closing Song:

As you wait on the Lord, be open when life leads you in a new direction. As someone who has moved 3 times since the summer of 2022, change is tough. Yet, when God’s plan for your life is revealed over time, this is the blessing of waiting on the Lord for direction and guidance.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Remember the Titans”

Bible Verse of the Day:

You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹ persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. ¹² In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³ while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:10-17.

Biblical Connection:

The game of football is a violent sport. Backups are only one injury away from being forced into a position to fill in for a starter. When injuries occur in a game, quarterbacks have less than a minute to take control of the offense. After doubting his readiness, Coach Boone inspires Ronny Bass to lead his team. After the initial play, Ronny’s confidence increases as the game goes on.

The apostle Paul is writing a second letter to a first century pastor. If this wasn’t hard enough, Timothy began preaching before his 20th birthday. Rather than encourage Timothy to fill in as a quarterback, Paul writes about the importance of the Holy Bible. Properly studying and using Scripture is the key to winning spiritually. This is the game plan that Timothy followed.

Closing Song:

In another letter to the Church of Galatia, the apostle Paul speaks about making the most of the opportunities that God gives you in life, Galatians 6:9-10. Therefore, even if this blog finds you sitting on the bench, be ready to step up when you are called upon.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Sleepless in Seattle”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷ No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹ However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”^[b]—  the things God has prepared for those who love him— ¹⁰ these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10.

Biblical Connection:

Sam Baldwin struggles to raise his son Jonah after his wife’s death. After having a nightmare at night, Sam tries to remember how his wife would handle this situation. This conversation leads Jonah to contemplate if heaven is a real place. Unfortunately, many individuals wait until it’s too late, suddenly passing away without a chance to cry out to God like the criminal hanging on a cross next to Jesus, Luke 23:43.

While writing to a city known for its philosophers, the apostle Paul tries to explain the Holy Spirit to new Christians in Corinth. Part of the problem for philosophers is self-reliance, trusting in their own abilities and mind. However, the Holy Spirit is mysterious, able to open spiritual questions like the reality of heaven. As a child, I had a reoccurring dream of falling off a cliff, waking up just before I died. This nightmare led me to discover the hope of heaven, everlasting life, 1 John 5:13.

Closing Song:

Like Jonah’s character in Sleepless in Seattle, human beings lose their way in life. Yet, the Lord provides opportunities via the Holy Spirit to come back to Jesus like the prodigal son in Luke 15: 17-20. May you come to your senses by receiving the free gift of eternal life as your own, Romans 6:23.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1987 movie “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, Colossians 3:15-17.

Biblical Connection:

When Neal Page wants to get home for Thanksgiving, a series of events continue to alter his plans. During this emotional journey, Neal understands what it’s like to have a bad day get even worse. Del Griffith tries to help his new friend reach his desired destination, but having his car impounded complicates this even further. While Neal tries to part ways, Del won’t take no for an answer.

The apostle Paul details the obstacles to becoming a Christian in Colossians 3. Paul begins with the positive, the power of the resurrection to transform one’s life. Yet, human nature serves as a daily reminder to what’s holding Christians back from becoming spiritually transformed. Rather than allow self-fulfilled prophecies worsen a bad day, let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to combat the obstacles of having a bad day.

Closing Song:

The next time you find yourself caught in the in between, cry out to Jesus. When you do, you’ll begin to experience the joy of being captured by God’s love. May the lyrics of today’s song propel you toward a thankful spirit the next time a bad day seeks to steal your joy in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the television series “Castle”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,^[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).^{[d] 47} When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” ⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. ⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split ⁵² and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and^[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people. ⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” – Matthew 27:45-54

Biblical Connection:

Castle aired on ABC for 8 seasons pairing novelist Rick Castle with New York detective Kate Beckett. This unlikely team was a temporary assignment until fate brought them together as a couple. Today’s clip was from a Halloween week episode from season 4. Street video footage reveals what appears to be real life zombie walking down the streets of New York City.

Today’s Bible passage reveals 3 events that took place on the day Jesus was crucified. First, there was a cosmic eclipse reported by multiple first century historians. Second, there was a great earthquake that destroyed the temple in Jerusalem immediately following Jesus’ death. Finally, in the middle of the afternoon, the walking dead arose from their graves, coming out for eyewitnesses to see and talk about.

Closing Song:

While I’ve never heard a sermon on today’s Bible passage, Halloween is a great time to celebrate the power of God that can bring the dead back to life. As Americans trick or treat across the country, don’t forget the original walking dead on the day Jesus was crucified.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Schindler’s List”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.”^[a] 6 I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. ⁷ Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? ⁸ I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. ⁹ And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. ¹⁰ As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. ¹¹ Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! ¹² And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. ¹³ For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve, 2 Corinthians 11:5-15.

Biblical Connection:

Oskar Schindler travels to Krakow in 1939 seeking profit. This German businessman joins the Nazi party to facilitate his factory’s operations during World War II. Schindler’s conscience leads him to hire Jewish workers living in concentration camps as today’s scene depicts. However, when news of his generosity gets out, he’s afraid the Nazis will shut down his weapons plant.

While Oskar pretended to be mean to suppress his true intentions, the opposite can also be true. According to the apostle Paul, some first century teachers began to become self-gratifying like television evangelists merely in ministry for the money. Paul associates this character trait with the Devil who has the ability to masquerade as an angel of light. This is why modern believers need to test everything that they hear and see with the Bible to determine its authenticity.

Closing Song:

The moment you allow yourself to believe whatever someone says on the internet, social media or television, the closer our society comes to living in a masquerade full of lies. Follow in the footsteps of the Bereans in Acts 17:10-12 so that truth prevails.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 movie “The Negotiator” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵ Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ³⁷ I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. ³⁸ I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.^[b]” ³⁹ “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would^[c] do what Abraham did. ⁴⁰ As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. ⁴¹ You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” ⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. ⁴³ Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. ⁴⁴ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies, John 8:34-44.

Biblical Connection:

Danny Roman is framed for the murder of his former partner. Subsequently, Danny holds 4 former co-workers who he thinks are behind this conspiracy hostage. Seeking to find the truth about who is embezzling money from his department’s pension fund, Danny begins to ascertain who is lying and who is telling the truth. Danny relies on body language to uncover this mystery.

A serpent enters the Bible in the third chapter of the first book, Genesis 3:1-5. This being is believed to be the fallen angel Lucifer, aka the Devil. This serpent questions God, planting a seed of doubt inside the minds of Adam and Eve. This is the seed of the serpent whom Jesus refers to as the father of all lies. This spiritual figure is alive and well today, working in the lives of corrupt politicians and willing members of the media who air and prop up their lies.

Closing Song:

While most families with children are preparing for Halloween, watch out for the father of all lies. Don’t let the lie of fear and seeds of doubt cause another fall from grace like original sin in the Garden of Eden.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1987 movie “Angel Heart” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”^{[a] 6} Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen, 1 Peter 5:5-11.

Biblical Connection:

Today’s scene reminds me of a sermon that I heard in college. Sin gradually weakens Christians, making you more susceptible to future temptations. Subsequently, as this man is in the process of making a deal with the Devil, he begins to get cold feet. When you sell your soul to the Devil to fulfill your earthly dreams, the cost is much more than you ever anticipated.

The image that Peter paints in verse 8 reminds me of National Geographic programs sponsored by Mutual of Omaha that I watched as a child. Lions would separate weak and young animals from the pack before going in for the kill. This passage serves as a warning to all human beings that the Devil is always on the prowl. Perhaps, Peter is likely speaking from personal experience as well.

Closing Song:

While the blood and gore of Halloween is Hollywood driven, there is a real-life ongoing holy war taking place in the spiritual dimension. If you allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security, you won’t be prepared the next time the Devil is on the prowl in your spheres of influence.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2005 movie “End of the Spear” (viewer discretion is advised)

Bible Verse of the Day:

The word of the Lord came to me: ¹² “Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.¹³ You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl.^[b] Your settings and mountings^[c] were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. ¹⁴ You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.¹⁵ You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. ¹⁶ Through your widespread trade were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.¹⁷ Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.¹⁸ By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. ¹⁹ All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more,’” Ezekiel 28:11-19.

Biblical Connection:

 A group of Christian missionaries in Ecuador seek to fulfill the Great Commission in Acts 1:8. Hoping to bring the gospel to a war-torn tribe, 5 men try to communicate with this lost civilization. Unfortunately, the Waorani think these men are enemies as Mincayani and his tribe attack and kill all members of this missionary group. This is what happens when you’re carried away by evil.

The prophet Ezekiel receives a vision from God in today’s Bible passage. Ezekiel compares the current King of Tyre to the fall of Lucifer in heaven. Apparently, the King of Tyre displayed traits associated with Satan. Whenever a leader becomes full of pride, self-reliance tends to follow. As soon as a trust in God is abandoned, individuals be vulnerable to being carried away by evil.

Closing Song:

To overcome evil, it’s essential to become led by the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Submit to God, resist the Devil and evil sensations will flee, James 4:7.

by Jay Mankus