Tag Archives: fiction

Engaging Our Culture: October 9-Misunderstandings about Love

Posted on October 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! “- Matthew 18:6-7

Biblical Connection:

Forrest Gump is considered a cult classic from the 1990’s. Yet, the most horrifying aspect of this film is that Jenny was sexually abused as a child. Even as an adult, Jenny still has not recovered from her virginity lost and stolen as a child. When Forrest finds Jenny working at a strip club, he tries to save her from this decision. Unfortunately, Jenny is the one who doesn’t understand love.

According to a recent statistic, 63,000 children were sexually abused in 2024. Since many keep this to themselves, the numbers are likely much higher. Either way, a child is sexually abused every 74 seconds in the United States. When Jesus touches on this subject in the first century, modern statistics highlight how life altering it is when an adult causes harm to a child like Jenny.

Closing Song:

May today’s blog help you to see the real horror occurring to children across the United States and throughout the world. May you become a catalyst for healing this October, assisting and leading others to professional help. The real-life Jenny’s need support to clear up their misunderstandings about love.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 10-Displaying a Sincere Love

Posted on February 10, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1984 film “Footloose”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves, Romans 12:6-10.

Biblical Connection:

When Ren McCormick played by Kevin Bacon relocates from Chicago to the small rural town of Bomont, Utah, he experiences a culture shock. A local pastor, John Lithgow as Reverend Shaw, bans rock music, making it illegal for Ren to play his favorite music in his car. As an outsider, Ren doesn’t stop fighting for what he believes, taking new friends outside of town to share his love for dancing. As Ren continues to rub locals the wrong way, he finds himself fighting a losing battle until the Reverend’s daughter Ariel, Lori Singer, comes into his life. Ariel’s knowledge of the Bible and Ren’s dream for a senior prom team up to eventually achieve their goal.

There are various personalities which comprise every church and high school. At some point, strong personalities will butt heads, clash and seek to persuade the masses toward their line of thinking. However, when a leader comes along and provides a vision that others can get behind, churches and schools will unite. This is where the apostle Paul speaks to the Church at Rome, explaining that everyone has a role based upon your God given gift and talents. Once you discover where you belong in a church or school setting, God can and will accomplish great things through you. However, when disagreements arise, love must be genuine and sincere.

Closing Song:

When you experience special moments in life like a prom or special church event that was pulled off due to the hard work of countless individuals, give thanks to God. Never grow tired of displaying a sincere love.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 7-Celebrating the Perfect Day

Posted on February 7, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2006 film “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that,” James 4:14-15.

Biblical Connection:

The Ultimate Gift is a movie based upon the book written by author Jim Stovall. In the screenplay, Drew Fuller plays Jason Stevens, a grandson of a dead billionaire who leaves him with an unusual inheritance. As Jason pursues this inheritance, he crosses paths with a single mom, Alexia (Ali Hillis) and her daughter Emily (Abigail Breslin). During one of the assignments given to Jason, he relies on Emily who befriends him. However, when Emily’s medical condition worsens, Jason does everything in his power to help Alexia and Emily through this trying time.

The author of today’s passage is one of Jesus’ younger brothers, one of a few children born by Mary not mentioned in the Bible. According to first century scholars, James aligned with first century religious leaders, not believing that Jesus was the Messiah and Savior of the world. Realizing the error of his way, James urges first century Christians to live one day at a time. While human beings may have aspirations and dreams for the future, no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Therefore, celebrate today while you are still alive. If you’re fortunate enough to see tomorrow, enjoy it when the sun rises. As for now, be thankful for the friends and family currently in your life.

Closing Song:

Take sometime today to look around, pause, and reflect upon all the good things God has given you in this life. Make gratitude a part of every new day the Lord grants you.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 23-Seize the Day

Posted on January 23, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1993 film “Rudy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is, Ephesians 5:15-17.

Biblical Connection:

Daniel Eugene “Rudy” Ruettiger spent two years of his life studying and working harder than ever before. At this point in the movie, Rudy had gotten his GPA up high enough to be accepted at the University of Notre Dame. Upon arriving on campus, Rudy punishes his body day after day, making the football as a walk on. Yet, Rudy’s life didn’t turn out the way he had planned so he quit his lifelong dream. This sets the stage for a mentor to speak truth into his life. Charles Dutton plays Fortune who shares advice to encourage Rudy from making the same mistake as he did in the past.

In a letter to the Church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul is trying to impress upon first century Christians a sense of urgency. The Greek word Paul uses in verse 16 translates into redeeming time. Although Carpe Diem, seize the day, is not found in this passage, Paul alludes to this principle. Every day human beings are faced with choices and decisions that need to be made. According to Moses, choices either lead to life or death, Deuteronomy 30:15-17. Therefore, don’t let emotions dictate your decisions. Instead, be wise by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit to see God’s will out.

Closing Song:

As you renew your mind with the words of the Bible, Romans 12:2, God’s will for your life will begin to come into focus. Resist the urge to quit as progress in your faith journey is the process of arriving.

by Jay Mankus

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The Lie-Oh-Meter

Posted on February 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In politics, the experts, life long politicians and successful campaign managers have suggested lying is all part of the game.  Little white lies are like wild cards in poker, waiting for just the right moment to be played.  While this style may work in the corporate world, sooner or later, what comes around goes around.  When this moment arrives, the Lie-Oh-Meter will expose the shady for their untruthful ways.

I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. – Psalm 119:163

As for parents and teachers, a face to face encounter, staring a suspect in the eye is a good starting point.  Based upon the television series on Fox, Lie To Me, which aired for two full seasons beginning in 2009, liars tend to demonstrate facial expressions.  Thus, law enforcement officials use this science based upon research done by Paul Ekman, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California in San Francisco.  Instead of relying on out dated polygraph tests, body language has become the new Lie-Oh-Meter.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22

From God’s perspective, a false witness is a punishable offense, Proverbs 19:9.  Going one step farther, deceitful ways can result in being excommunicated from part of God’s family, Psalm 101:7.  Yet, Christians alike have embraced the practice of embellishment, creating a society of hypocrites.  The only way to break free from this addiction is to cherish God’s law.  Only when this is achieved will souls begin to love God’s commands like the Psalmists of old.  Until this day, rely on the Bible to ascertain truth from fiction, serving as a modern day Lie-Oh-Meter.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Invisible Bank

Posted on February 3, 2015 by expressyourself4him

From an early age, piggy banks teach children the importance of saving money.  Although a full compartment filled with coins may not add up to much initially, the discipline of being a good steward of your possessions can last a lifetime.  Until this quality is acquired or obtained, checking into the invisible bank is a must.

Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. – Psalm 119:153

The Bible is like an international financial center, full of promise notes, waiting to be cashed in by faith.  Available 24/7, unless you check in regularly, you don’t know what you’re missing out on.  On loan from God, the Word is living and active, rich in nuggets of truth.  Previous readers have compared these principles to be greater than silver and gold, Psalm 12:6.

Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. – Psalm 119:154

Despite these beliefs, when the storms of life engulf you, this bank becomes invisible.  Skeptics often look in a different direction, trusting in what they can see.  This stance causes minds to become closed, turning God’s truths into fiction.  Subsequently, a generation may never enter the spiritual door of this invisible place.  Therefore, the next time you encounter a bitter soul, you may want to point them in the direction of the invisible bank.

by Jay Mankus

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Under the Power of the Devil

Posted on May 11, 2013 by expressyourself4him

An addiction starts off as a habit which can lead to an obsession, causing individuals to fall prey to compulsions and cravings.  Such behavior can develop into sinful patterns, tendencies that slowly become the norm for one’s life.  While psychologists may narrow in on a few possibilities, Luke has another explanation in Acts 10:38.  In his day, many souls were clearly under the power of the devil.

Based upon the accounts within the 4 gospels, demons and or spirits can attribute to various medical issues.  Beside the obvious, demon possession, like the case in Matthew 15:22, spirits can influence hearing, movement and speech, Matthew 8:16, Mark 9:17-18 and Luke 13:11.  Although I am not an expert; nor did not spend the night at a Holiday Inn Express, yet I do believe there is a correlation between good health and being under the power of the devil.

Some where between fiction and reality lies the spiritual realm.  While unseen, Ephesians 6:12 mentions a place where dark and supernatural powers exist.  Author Frank Peretti has used a series of novels: This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness and The Oath to illustrate this mystery.  Though fiction, no one has been able to capture this spiritual dimension like Peretti.  Therefore, if you have tried everything in your power to resolve your current problem like the disciples in Matthew 9:19, rely on prayer to free you from the power of the devil, Matthew 9:29.

by Jay Mankus

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