Tag Archives: God

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1989 movie “Dead Poets Society”

Bible Verse of the Day:

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. ² We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. ³ For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. ⁴ On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

As a former educator, I’m a big proponent of Benjamin Bloom, the creator of Bloom’s Taxonomy. As John Keating begins his poetry, class .students are introduced to Bloom’s framework for educational thinking. Students shouldn’t just write down and memorize the words of a PhD. Rather, Keating wants each student to develop their own theory on how to evaluate poetry.

Following a supernatural encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus in Acts 9, Saul would change his name to Paul. As a Jewish child trained to become a Pharisee, Saul was a stickler for Old Testament law. However, the Holy Spirit taught the apostle Paul to trust God and not religious leaders. Like Mr. Keating’s students ripping out pages of poetry, Paul was forced to re-evaluate his own life by getting rid of man-made beliefs that stood opposed to God.

Closing Song:

While I’ve never experienced a teacher telling me to rip out the pages of a textbook on the first week of class, I did have a college class where my professor handed out a fake syllabus. At the beginning of the second class, the real syllabus was passed out, making sure only those students who wanted to take this higher-level class remained. Although going against the grain will leave many people unhappy, the goal of a Christian is to try to please the Lord daily.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1986 movie “Back to School”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? ²⁹ For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, ³⁰ saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish,’ Luke 14:28-30.

Biblical Connection:

There is a big difference between book knowledge and street knowledge, being part of a specific business or industry. One of the college classes I took was Economic Geography. Rather than rush into building a business, each student began with acres of land to farm with each subsequent task increasing in complexity. The professor in today’s clip was so focused on his own curriculum that he failed to consider modern day changes in business theory.

Earlier on in the Gospel of Luke, chapters 9 and 10, Jesus mentions an additional 72 disciples that were sent out to assist in His earthly ministry. Meanwhile, Jesus provides examples of individuals who are not fit to serve as disciples based upon common excuses each made. Whether you are a professor or part of a business, dealing with criticism is part of life. As a new manager, every day is a learning process, taking in new information. As long as you consider the costs, you’ll learn through trial and error to handle future criticism.

Closing Song:

Instead of acting like you’ve arrived like this college professor, remain teachable and open to the ideas of others. While some ideas have been tried and failed in the past, if the timing is right you’ll win the respect of others while properly dealing with criticism.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” ³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” ³⁹ “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.⁴⁰ Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. ⁴¹ The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter^[g]), John 1:35-42.

Biblical Connection:

Back when I was in high school, Music Theory was known as a blowoff class. Checking with your guidance counselor before the previous year ended, Music Theory was a popular option for students who wanted an easy A without doing much at all in class. Subsequently, when Mr. Holland greets and begins teaching his first class of the year, students are caught off guard by Mr. Holland’s intensity and passion for music.

As John the Baptist begins to wrap up his earthly ministry on repentance, John introduces his disciples to Jesus. Like the students sitting in Mr. Holland’s Music Theory class, some of John’s disciples were likely surprised, expecting to remain with John the Baptist. For any teacher, part of passing on knowledge involves getting to know your students. On the first day of class, unless there is an instant connection, teaching is much harder than it looks.

Closing Song:

Twelve first century Jews were called by Jesus because they were eagerly waiting for the promised Messiah of the Old Testament to arrive. This anticipation is missing from most classrooms in America. When students develop a hunger and thirst for learning, they become like sponges. Yet, for now, teaching remains more harder than it appears.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “The Notebook” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life^[d] because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[e] his Spirit who lives in you, Romans 8:9-11.

Biblical Connection:

Hollywood isn’t about doing what’s right. Rather, it’s about creating conflict, seeing how characters react and displaying what lengths an individual will pursue until they receive what they desire. In today’s see, a man is trying to buy the woman he loves, spoiling her with riches. Yet, this pursuit will only lead to emptiness in the end.

The apostle Paul writes about the invisible war between what a man wants and what God desires to several first century churches. From a Christian point of view, Paul speaks of the obligation that followers of God have to live according to the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, kryptonite in the form of sinful addictions, bad habits and sensual cravings divide and separate human beings from God.

Closing Song:

The shifts in the tone of the lead singer of the Almost serve as a release of frustration, crying out to God in prayer. If you find yourself fighting a losing battle to your human flesh, may the lyrics of Amazing Because It Is give you hope to healing and restoration is in your near future.

by Jay Mankus

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

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30.

Biblical Connection:

As another school year begins, most teachers can’t even imagine what’s really going on in the lives of their students at home. Subsequently, walls are built up to ease the pain of the childhood that they have endured. The character who plays Jenny in Forrest Gump often escapes to Forrest’s house seeking a sense of normalcy provided by Forrest and Mrs. Gump.

Jesus’ words in today’s passage speaks to Jenny’s cry for help as she ran away from her father. Instead of flying away like a bird, Jesus invites all children to come to Him to ease their anxieties and burdens in life. After rebuking unrepentant towns for their lack of faith, Jesus turns to the lonely and lost, urging anyone with heavy hearts to pour out their soul’s burdens to God.

Song of the Day:

While sitting in the teachers’ lounge, I discovered that the oldest of 3 children was forced to take on the role of parent since her mom and dad had become alcoholics. Each morning, she woke up, cooked breakfast and took her two younger sisters. The next time someone doesn’t turn in their homework, there are other situations in life beyond their control hindering their ability to learn. This is just one of the walls that children build to protect their family members.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Cast Away”

Bible Verse of the Day:

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 6:32-35.

Biblical Connection:

Chuck Noland is the sole survivor of a plane crash, stranded on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. Thinking about his wife by opening up a locket with her picture inside, Chuck does everything in his power to survive until he is rescued. Unfortunately, no one comes to save Chuck, so he builds a raft, studies the tides and sets out to sea when a freighter spots him.

Jesus addresses physical and spiritual needs which bring life to human beings. Beyond the obvious of food and drink, Jesus provides a foreshadowing to the words of John 10:10. The abundant life isn’t about the daily fight for survival. Rather, the abundant life is how God designed human beings to spend their days on earth.

Closing Song:

Daily routines can lull Christians into sleep spiritually if you are not careful. The will to survive is only half the battle in life. Fighting the father of all lives who seeks to steal your joy like a spiritual thief requires the armor of God to stand your ground.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 movie “Patch Adams”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; ⁶ a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ ⁷ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ ⁸ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity^[e] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need, Luke 11:5-8.

Biblical Connection:

Robin Williams plays a med student who has an unusual approach to becoming a doctor. Rather than stay home and study like his roommate, Patch was eager to practice what he was learning. This passion led Adams to turn his own home into a clinic, trying to help as many people as possible. Yet, Patch broke some state laws in the process of helping treat people.

A first century doctor shares a parable of Jesus that no other gospel author includes. Something about this hypothetical situation speaks to Luke, reminding him of his oath taken to help this sick. Yet, the point of Jesus’ parable is an individual’s willingness to assist a friend regardless of the situation or time of day. This is what it means to treat people like a doctor helping a patient.

Closing Song:

Jesus daily lived out what he shared with his disciples and followers. Sometimes an affirmation, timely compliment or word of encouragement is just what a depressed soul needed to hear, serving as a boost to get them through the day. When human beings emulate the golden rule, treating others as you want to be treated, you’ll serve as a good doctor to friends and strangers.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then the Lord said to Moses, ¹² “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If a man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him ¹³ so that another man has sexual relations with her, and this is hidden from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she has not been caught in the act), ¹⁴ and if feelings of jealousy come over her husband and he suspects his wife and she is impure—or if he is jealous and suspects her even though she is not impure— ¹⁵ then he is to take his wife to the priest. He must also take an offering of a tenth of an ephah^[c] of barley flour on her behalf. He must not pour olive oil on it or put incense on it, because it is a grain offering for jealousy, a reminder-offering to draw attention to wrongdoing, Numbers 5:11-15.

Biblical Connection:

Jealousy and suspicion are two forces that can divide relationships. The King James translation of the Bible refers to jealousy and suspicion as demonic spirits. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul refers to jealousy as acts of the human flesh. Subsequently, when Erin becomes married to her job, her current boyfriend can’t see any signs of Erin changing her ways.

This portion of Numbers introduces Mosiac law to descendants of Israel while wondering in the wilderness. Since Jewish law is man centered, I wanted to examine a portion of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to highlight a modern call to action. Matthew 5: 27-30 urges Christians to purge jealousy and lust from your life. Adultery isn’t just an act; it’s the desire to indulge in lust.

Closing Song:

Erin’s two past failed relationships prevented her from trusting men. Until her boyfriend returned to help her out in a time of need, Erin assumed the worst. The next time your soul is overwhelmed by a spirit of jealousy or suspicion, turn to the power of the Holy Spirit to replace jealousy with love.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2019 movie “The Peanut Butter Falcon”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:9-12.

Biblical Connection:

Zak is a young man with Downs Syndrome who has been abandoned by his family, left at a nursing home. When Zak escapes to become a professional wrestler, he is befriended by a fisherman. During this unlikely journey, Zak develops a sense a purpose in life, beginning to understand what it means to be part of a family. This is why Zak gives his birthday wishes to his new best friend.

As summer begins to wind down, a sense of urgency is conceived to make the most of August before fall arrives. When Jesus starts to wrap up the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7, the Golden Rule in introduced. While some Bible translations use the word wish, Jesus offers up a daily call to action. To treat others as you want to be treated by loving your neighbor as God loves you.

Closing Song:

Billy Crockett wrote a song with his best friend in mind. While you can try to live life without, best friends get you through the tough times in life. May God give you a friend to encourage and support you as you endure your next trial in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “Invincible”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” ¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹² Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. ¹³ And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13.

Biblical Connection:

Tonight is the first full week of preseason football in the National Football League. Undrafted free agents will be pouring out their heart and soul on the field, willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill a lifelong dream. This is the back story for Invincible, a story of how a bartender named Vince Papile tried out for the Philadelphia Eagles and made this team led by head coach Dick Vermeil.

The apostle Paul writes a second letter to the Church at Thessalonica. After helping start this church, Paul was a busy missionary who received news that members were becoming idle in their faith. This lack of devotion to God began to disrupt the church as some leaders were setting bad examples that others followed. Paul called believers to become active in their faith, like players seeking to make an NFL roster in August.

Closing Song:

Vision is one of those qualities in life that provides direction. Yet, without vision for the future, it’s easy to become idle like members of the Church at Thessalonica. As you seek the Lord, you’ll be able to have direction in life and if the timing is right, achieve a lifelong goal like Vince Papile.

by Jay Mankus