Tag Archives: God

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “The Sandlot”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. ² They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. ³ They all ate the same spiritual food ⁴ and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. ⁵ Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.⁶ Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6.

Biblical Connection:

Scotty Smalls moves during the summer of 1962. As a novice baseball player, Smalls is eager to learn as Benny Rodriguez takes him under his wings as the neighborhood’s best player. Unfortunately, Scotty is ignorant of baseball’s history, thinking that Babe Ruth was a lady. This lack of knowledge places Smalls in a bind when a Babe Ruth autographed ball is hit over the fence.

As the apostle Paul writes to the Church of Corinth, he points to Israel’s past. Hoping that first century Christians don’t repeat a list of historic mistakes, Paul urges these members to learn from history. At the conclusion of this section on Israel’s past mistakes, Paul urges Christians to look for a way out when tempted. This is the key to avoid repeating the same mistakes over and over again.

Closing Song:

When you become a student of history, you will learn valuable life lessons. However, the moment that you think you’ve arrived spiritually, ignorance and pride will lead you toward disobedience. Heed Paul’s advice so that you start breaking free of sinful addictions of your past.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Sister Act 2”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you,” Ephesians 5:8-14.

Biblical Connection:

Today’s scene depicts a classroom 32 years ago. Doing a favor for a nun, Sister Mary Clarence volunteers to help teach a music class at a local Catholic High School. When a teacher loses control of their class, chaos will reign. When a substitute is forced to take over, removing these distractions takes a new approach using learning techniques that engage students.

The apostle Paul addresses members of the Church at Ephesus about deeds of darkness which are stunting their spiritual growth. These fruitless deeds are present in the classrooms of public education today. Unless the light, truth of the Bible, exposes these deeds of darkness, distractions will continue. When order is restored to classrooms, learning has a chance to succeed.

Closing Song:

Every age has individuals who believe that each generation is worse. While the world continues to deteriorate, there are always remnants of light that exists. There is where Christians must stand up to deeds of darkness so that the light Christ exposes spiritual distractions. Let your light shine into a world filled with darkness.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2021 movie “The Peanut Butter Falcon” (Language Warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.²¹ Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; ²² for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. ²³ Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips, Proverbs 4:20-24.

Biblical Connection:

The Peanut Butter Falcon is a film based upon how certain cultures talk. Subsequently, a fisherman seeking to have his own charter boat has a tendency use 4 letter words in most sentences spoken. I debated on whether to include today’s movie clip, but the message was too great to withhold. Tyler attempts to correct Zak’s perception as a bad guy. While trying to protect Zak from this ungodly belief, Tyler references the words of Jesus in Luke 6:43-45.

King Solomon is one of the first Bible authors to explain the importance of the human heart. Solomon compares your heart to a wellspring for life. Yet, the heart is vulnerable and must be protected to prevent individuals from being corrupted by the world. Although Zak was born with Downs Syndrome, this doesn’t make him a bad person. Whatever baggage that you carry with you from your past, what is in your heart will define the person that you ultimately become.

Closing Song:

The next time someone tries to identity you as a bad person, remember the words of Jesus and Solomon. Guard your heart so that you’ll begin to express the goodness deep down inside of you.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1986 movie “Children of a Lesser God”

Bible Verse of the Day:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ² His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” ³ “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him, John 9:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

Children of a Lesser God is a story about life inside a school for the deaf. Today’s scene features a new speech teacher trying to find his way, asking questions about a janitor who gets in an argument with the head cook. James Leeds takes an interest in Sarah who is struggling with who she is as a human being and not just the deaf girl. As a relationship begins, James uncovers the darkness of Sarah’s past.

The Old Testament teaches that blessings in life come from obedience to God. Meanwhile, curses in the form of birth defects such as being born blind or deaf are a curse from God. This is the context behind the conversation that the disciples partake in upon meeting this man in John. As the disciples get sidetracked, Jesus explains why this particular man was born blind. As someone born with a severe speech impediment, I know the power of God to heal what science couldn’t explain.

Closing Song:

The disciples did not understand why their spiritual leader had to suffer and die on a cross. Yet, in life there will be many events that won’t make any sense on the surface. Nonetheless, as the Lord continues to work in mysterious ways, it may take time for you to understand the uncomfortable situations in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1991 movie “Thelma & Louise”

Bible Verse of the Day:

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age ⁶ and who have fallen^[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

Thelma Dickinson and Louise Sawyer seek an escape from their normal lives. Subsequently, one morning Thelma and Louise jump into a Ford Thunderbird convertible to take a break from their unhappiness. Unfortunately, when a romantic fling turns violent, self-defense results in murder. Instead of waiting for the cops to arrive, Thelma and Louise reach a point of no return.

The author of Hebrews speaks to Christians who reach a spiritual point of no return. False teaching at the end of the first century led some in the church to begin sinning as much as possible so that God’s grace could be poured out upon them daily. This deranged thinking led these sinners into addiction and spiritual bondage to sin. Until young Christians move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ, followers of Jesus will continue to lose internal battles with sin daily.

Closing Song:

Today’s song reminds me of the old fire safety tip: “stop, drop and roll.” Yet, the lyrics speak to individuals being consumed about what other people say and think. Instead of pleasing others, Christians need to focus on pleasing the Lord, Galatians 1:10. As you do, the Holy Spirit will unveil areas of your life that need healing. Don’t ignore this any longer. Rather, turn to God for help.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1986 movie “Stand By Me”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; James 1:12-13.

Biblical Connection:

After receiving news of a childhood friends’ death, Gordie Lachance takes a trip down memory lane. Gordie recalls one of the most dramatic weekends of his life as a young kid. Like a modern-day Tom Sawyer and Huckelberry Fin adventure, 4 boys search for a missing 12-year-old. This quest results in discovering the body of this boy. This unexpected ending provides a grim glimpse of life. Gordie struggles to understand why God allows bad things to happen to good people.

I overheard an interesting conversation about God this past week. A woman spoke about not believing in God due to the pain and suffering in life. Unfortunately, this cruelty combined with unfair moments in life lead many individuals to blame God. However, as Jesus’ earthly brother reflects upon life’s trials, God simply allows this to happen to build character. What unbelievers fail to comprehend is that the Devil is the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2. The Devil is real and the inspiration behind evil in this world.

Closing Song:

Gordie reflects upon being in the wrong place at the wrong time. While this unfortunate event occurs daily, many wounds are self-inflicted. Kenny Marks sings about how infatuation can lead to life altering consequences. The next time you find yourself in the midst of a difficult trial, stand firm so that you don’t regret choices made under the influence of sinful desires.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 movie “The Greatest Game Ever Played

Bible Verse of the Day:

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” ⁶ He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you, Luke 17:5-6.

Biblical Connection:

The Greatest Game Ever Played depicts a time in history when only members of a country club were allowed to enter the clubhouse. Head golf professionals had access to the golf course but were not permitted to enter the inner sanctuaries of clubhouses. Prior to the United States Open, Francis Ouimet borrowed money from his father to try to qualify for the United States Amateur. After falling apart down the stretch, Francis was forced to quit golf to pay back the debt he owed.

As a first century doctor, Luke was astonished by Jesus’ power to heal patients that medical professionals were unable to help. As Jesus teaches his followers about the dangers of sin, apostles pleaded with Jesus to increase their faith. Speaking in parables, Jesus points to the smallest amount of faith as being a building block to do great things in the future. While Francis doubted his ability to compete with professional golfers, a Father’s Day miracle fueled by belief propelled Ouimet to become the first amateur to win the United States Open Golf Championship.

Closing Song:

Life has a way of speeding up so fast that you forget to take the time to thank your earthly father. As another Father’s Day approaches, make the effort to remember God the Father and your dad.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Jurassic Park”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ² “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? ³ Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.⁴ “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. ⁵ Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? ⁶ On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—Job 38:1-6

Biblical Connection:

Jeff Goldblum plays Dr. Ian Malcolm, serving as a voice of reason after being introduced to how dinosaurs were brought back to life. While Paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler are in awe of the real-life dinosaurs at Jurassic Park, Dr. Malcolm is vehemently against this new theme park. In another scene, Dr. Malcolm accuses billionaire founder John Hammond of not thinking about the consequences of reuniting dinosaurs with mankind.

In the first two chapters of Job, Satan seeks permission from God to attack Job’s family members. After Job refuses to curse God, Satan receives the authority to inflict Job’s body. Due to the Old Testament teachings of blessings and curses, Job’s friends immediately perceived that Job or member of his family had sinned to bring about these trials. These endless speculations lead Job to complain to God throughout his book until God finally responds in today’s passage.

Closing Song:

There are certain days in life where you’ll encounter controlling people, hungry and obsessed with power. Some will attempt to overreach, seeking play God. This is when you’ll have an opportunity to be a voice of reason. However, chose your words carefully and be humble.

by Jay Mankus