Tag Archives: Genesis

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “The Family Man”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. ³ In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. ⁴ And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, ⁵ but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. ⁶ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it,” Genesis 4:2-7.

Biblical Connection:

Christmas is a time of envy and jealousy, often based upon what you can afford to give, with someone always able to buy bigger and more expensive gifts. Jack Campbell works 13 years to become president of an investment firm. Only to wake up in a new life in which he didn’t leave his college girlfriend for a business trip to London. Jack exchanges a Ferrari for a mini-van, now married with 2 children. This is the context of today’s scene, choosing family over selfish desires.

As the first family on earth takes shape, the oldest Cain takes over the family business farming. Meanwhile, the youngest brother Abel sets out to become a shepherd, able to move around after his herd consumes all the good grass remaining. As Cain sees the flexibility of his brother’s new occupation, envy and jealousy overwhelm him. Just as Jack struggles to accept his new position as a tire salesman, Cain felt stuck, not content with his life as a farmer.

Closing Song:

As a former teacher, one of the reasons students act out is they are not content or happy with who they are or have become. May the Christmas spirit touch struggling souls like Cain before they act out so that peace will reign this December.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from Drama Series “Joan of Arcadia”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” ¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” ¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” – Genesis 3:8-11

Biblical Connection:

Joan of Arcadia used Joan Osborne’s One of Us as its theme song. The lyrics set the premise for this series which aired for 2 full seasons on CBS. After her brother is paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident, God appears to Joan as a teenage boy. Today’s scene shines light on why this appearance, made it easier for Joan to accept and understand this presence of God. As Joan struggles through another unexpected trial in life, she has more questions than answers.

In today’s featured passage, God was visible during the earliest days on earth. Despite only being given one rule to follow, curiosity of the Tree of Knowledge sowed a seed of rebellion within Eve’s mind. While Adam was right there with Eve during this conversation with the serpent, the Devil in disguise, he never intervened. This lack of leadership led to being kicked out of the Garden of Eden, ending the era when God was visible.

Closing Song:

While there are theological issues with the lyrics to One of Us, this does pose an interesting question. As human beings get caught up in the routines of life, how many times do you miss out on a conversation that God wants you to have? Perhaps, today’s blog serves as a reminder to open your eyes to see who God wants you to talk to today. Keep in step with God’s Spirit, Galatians 5:25, to awaken your faith thereby making the presence of Jesus in your life visible.

by Jay Mankus

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

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ ⁴⁶ “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too.’ So I drank, and she watered the camels also. ⁴⁷ “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ “She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.’ “Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, ⁴⁸ and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son. ⁴⁹ Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn,” Genesis 24:45-49.

Biblical Connection:

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan play bookstore owners Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly. However, Joe is the Amazon version of bookstores making it impossible for the independent family run store to compete. Although Kathleen doesn’t give up, resisting the idea of selling her store, she finally succumbs the reality of her situation. As Joe buys out Kathleen, he plays the “what if game” with her, hoping for a specific response. Deep down, Joe is trying to express, I’ve fallen in love with you.

Isaac gives a servant specific instructions to follow in order to find a godly wife. These instructions include a series of signs that this woman is the one. According to Moses, as soon as Isaac’s servant finished his prayer for direction, Rebekah appeared. This is one of those God moments, like keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. If ever feel lost, unsure of God’s plan and will for your life, turn to the Lord in prayer, asking and believing in the name of Jesus, John 16:24.

Closing Song:

May the lyrics of Where I Began help you find your way in life. If you get lost along the way, cry out to the Lord for help, ask for specifics and do so without doubt. Over time, you might be surprised by God’s plan for your life.

by Jay Mankus