Tag Archives: Christianity

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

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1983 movie “The Big Chill”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching, Hebrews 10:19-25.

Biblical Connection:

After attending the funeral of friend, 7 former college students gather for a weekend reunion in South Carolina. Just like Thanksgiving gives former high school friends a chance to reunite, funerals spark a big chill in one’s soul. Staying in a vacation home, old friends discuss where their lives have led and speculate on what happened to their idealism. Time truly changes people.

Today’s passage addresses the topic of accountability. While some individuals are highly disciplined, others need a sharing group to keep them on track spiritually. When busy schedules, time and positive influences are absent from your life, you may find yourself stuck in a spiritual rut described in Hebrews 10:26-27. This is why reconnecting with fellow believers is vital to your faith.

Closing Song:

During a 5-year period of high school and college, I attended multiple spiritual retreats annually. These 20 plus weekends altered the course of my life, steering me away from golf course design to youth ministry. Pray for Me was one of the last songs played before saying goodbye after each event. As an adult, I don’t have time for retreats, but attending a small church group is the next best thing for Christians seeking to reunite with God this year.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1973 movie “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”

Bible Verse of the Day:

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them, Mark 10:13-16.

Biblical Connection:

In 1973 public education was centered around reading, writing and arithmetic. At some point in my lifetime, a cultural shift has occurred altering curriculum from basic building blocks to ideology. Subsequently, I learned more about Thanksgiving from this fifty years old child’s cartoon than any public service announcement today. Listen to your children to learn what’s really being taught.

During the first century, women and children were omitted from biblical accounts as only men were counted. Based upon today’s passage, the disciples viewed children as a distraction and or a waste of time from Jesus’ earthly ministry. On a few occasions, the disciples were publicly rebuked for being exclusive, not allowing children to draw near. Jesus sets the record straight, welcoming kids.

Closing Song:

It was introduced to today’s song during a campfire as a teenager. The lyrics of Pass It On spoke to me, creating a desire within me to want to share my faith with others. During this season of thanks, don’t be afraid to speak to the children in your family about God’s love and a personal relationship with Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. ²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” ²⁸ Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” ²⁹ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” ³⁰ So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? ³¹ Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’^[c]” ³² Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ³⁴ “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” ³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:26-35.

Biblical Connection:

Jason Stevens’ father dies while working for his billionaire grandfather. This tragic event led Jason to rebel, becoming a prodigal son prior to his grandfather’s death. Unlike a typical will, Red Stevens leaves Jason with a series of tasks to complete which provide valuable life lessons. The further Jason continues, the more difficult each test becomes. Yet, Abigail encourages Jason to choose life.

The context of today’s passage occurs following the feeding of 5,000 men, excluding woman and children. This sets the stage for Jesus’ confession as the bread of life. This concept began in John 4 where Jesus met a Samaritan woman at local well. As the topic of thirst came up during a conversation in a desert, Jesus compares Himself to living water to quench one’s soul.

Closing Song:

One of my favorite communion songs is I Am the Bread of Life. This was also one of my father’s favorites as well. May the lyrics of this song speak to you and inspire you to choose life this Thanksgiving.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 movie “Scent of a Woman” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. ¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much, Proverbs 20:18-19.

Biblical Connection:

One of the important lessons that I learned while serving over a decade in youth ministry is that I’d rather meet an honest liar than a phony Christian. The blunt like retired Army Colonel Frank Slade doesn’t hold back on how he feels about snitches. Now blind, Slade is defending Charlie Simms who is on the verge of being expelled for protecting his friends. Blade shifts his defense toward the kind of leaders this elite prep school is seeking to produce each year.

King Solomon writes the book of Proverbs as a way to teach one of his many sons about how to life a biblical life. Each sentence provides spiritual food for one’s soul. Just as Frank Slade prepares Charlie for his hearing in front of the school board, great plans are established by seeking advice. As Jesus once said, “consider the cost before making a decision in life,” Luke 14:28-33. Meanwhile, God wants believers to live a quiet life, lead by example and avoid gossip, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.

Closing Song:

Today’s culture in America promotes the end justify the means. This leads politicians to say what they need to in order to become elected. Once in office, their true colors are revealed in how each governs. The next time you pull the lever by casting your vote, consider the type of leader that you want to place in power.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 movie “You’ve Got Mail”

Bible Verse of the Day:

These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs:² “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.³ The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,⁴ he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth,’ 2 Samuel 23:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

After realizing that her independent book shop can’t compete with the new mega bookstore, Kathleen Kelly searches for love on the internet. Her online pen pal just happens to be John Fox, the superstore magnate. Fox plays dumb, teasing Kathleen as she is eager to meet her new online friend. If only human beings were just as eager to receive a voice mail from God.

The prophet Samuel details David’s last recorded words spoken before his death. Referred to as a man after God’s own heart, David gives credit to God’s Spirit speaking to him. The God of Israel served as a guide to David as his led this nation as their king. Yet, the Holy Spirit is available today for all who believe, 2 Peter 1:3-4. This is how you can receive a voice mail from God today.

Closing Song:

David’s close relationship with God helped him see the purpose for rain. While rain may ruin your outdoor plans for a day or week, this water from heaven makes grass green. This is just one realization from the former king of Israel, who received via a voice mail from God.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2017 movie “The Shack”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.² Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,³ those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.^{[a] 4} Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle.⁵ They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.⁶ Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress, Psalm 107:1-6.

Biblical Connection:

After the death of his daughter Mackenzie Allen Phillips, Mack receives a personal invitational to meet with God in a place called the Shack. As this grieving father seeks answers to the tragedy of his past, God appears to Mack as a woman. While God tries to explain life, Mack can’t get over the pain his daughter’s death left upon his soul. This pain from your past spoils many Thanksgivings today.

The Psalmist has a different perspective on pain in today’s featured passage. Every Christian has a story of redemption, a testimony of how and why each entered into a personal relationship with Jesus. While Mack and others like him don’t receive the answers that they are searching for on earth, it’s importance to share your painful story so that thanksgiving is a state of mind, not 1 day.

Closing Song:

As you sit down with family or friends for a meal, don’t be afraid to share what you’re experiencing in life. Opening up about your own struggles might lead others to unload the pain stored up in their heart. May your testimony play a role in letting go of the pain in your past.

by Jay Mankus

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