Tag Archives: God

Video of the Day: Clip from Season 1 Episode 11 “Joan of Arcadia”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.^[a] It happened this way: ² Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus^[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ³ “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. ⁴ Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. ⁵ He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. ⁶ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. ⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water, John 21:1-7.

Biblical Connection:

Following the events of Good Friday, some of the disciples went back to their former trade of being fishermen. Whenever a crisis of faith arises, human nature leads people back to an area of strength. As for Joan of Arcadia, a high school junior, God appears in the form of people who give her an assignment. Joan reached out to a loner who got kicked out of a dance for drinking. Joan sought to calm him down, jumping into his pickup truck before police arrived to intervene.

After following their leader around for 3 years, Jesus was dead. Once the shock of this reality set in, Peter, Andrew, James and John went back to work as fishermen. Unfortunately, after this long period away from fishing, they got shut out, about to come home empty handed. Initially, Jesus appears as an innocent bystander, inquiring on how their day was going. However, after talking with this man for a few minutes, Peter realizes that it is the risen Lord.

Closing Song:

Trusting God during dark times in life is difficult. Modern day Christian don’t have the luxury of encounters with Jesus like today’s featured passage. However, Jesus did leave behind the Spirit of Truth, John 14:15-17, to guide you during your own crisis of faith in 2025.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “The Passion of the Christ”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. ⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. ⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all, Isaiah 53:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

I was a high school Bible teacher when the Passion of the Christ first debuted in theaters. I recall large church groups and Christian organizations purchasing nearly all the tickets for one showing. While Jesus on the cross receives most of the attention on Good Friday Services throughout the world, the 24-hour period leading up to this moment began with a sleepless night. This was followed by accusations, betrayal, having his face bashed in and whipped beyond recognition.

The Good News about Jesus Christ can be summed up in Romans 5:8, “while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us.” This is the vision that the prophet Isaiah wrote about thousands of years ago. The author of Hebrews compares Jesus to the Great High Priest who was able to empathize with our weaknesses but did not sin, Hebrews 4:14-16. Finally, one of Jesus’ own disciples writes that Jesus died once and for all, paying the debt of our sin, 1 Peter 3:18. This is the hope of Good Friday.

Closing Song:

I played this song following the first sermon that I preached in college. One of the stanzas in the lyrics talks about playing games with God. May the lyrics to Feel the Nails inspire you like it did for me 30 years ago on this Good Friday.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1997 movie “Cop Land”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ¹³ “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’^[e] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers, Matthew 21:12-13.

Biblical Connection:

Sylvester Stallone plays the Sheriff of a suburban New Jersey town named Garrison. However, the locals refer to this community as Cop Land, a place where New York City police officers reside. Today’s scene has an Internal Affairs investigator played by Robert De Niro who discovers the town is a front for mob connections. De Niro asks Stallone, Freddy Heflin, to use his power as Sheriff to look into these allegations.

Jesus didn’t need anyone from Internal Affairs to see what was going on in the Jewish temple. One day after being exalted on Palm Sunday upon his entry into Jerusalem, Jesus speaks out about the secularization of God’s holy temple. Whenever political or spiritual corruption is exposed, the people in power deflect responsibility. Just as the Department of Government Efficiency has uncovered financial abuse and fraud, the people behind this are trying to cover their tracks.

Closing Song:

Confronting the corruption of Jewish leaders on the Monday of Passion Week triggered a chain of events that resulted in His crucifixion. While the findings of the Department of Government Efficiency are still playing itself out, the biblical response to any exposure of sin is to lay this at the altar in prayer. May a spirit of conviction lead readers to lay their burdens at the feet of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 film “The Patriot”

Bible Verse of the Day:

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, ⁷ maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation,” Exodus 34:6-7.

Biblical Connection:

Mel Gibson plays Benjamin Martin, an infamous French and Indian war hero who is haunted by a great sin from his past. When the Revolutionary War commences, Benjamin refuses to join this cause following the death of his wife. However, when one of Benjamin’s sons is murdered by a British officer, he pursues a caravan of prisoners to rescue Gabriel, his oldest son. Driven to lead the Colonial Militia, Gabriel’s life is lost during a battle which sets the stage for today’s scene.

Watching the Patriot recently, I am reminded of the cost of freedom paid for by members of the Continental Army. Blood was shed daily as the bodies of dead soldiers were buried like today’s scene depicts. Just as King David’s life was accompanied by war, Benjamin Martin sinful acts during the French and Indian war caught up to him in the form of generational sins. Introduced by Moses in Exodus 20:4-5, these sinful patterns and tendencies is why a Savior was sent down to earth.

Closing Song:

If you ever find yourself flooded and overwhelmed by conviction, turn to Jesus, the spiritual anchor of our faith. While there are consequences to any sin, may you hold on to Jesus this Easter Season.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz”

Bible Verse of the Day:

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” ²⁵ He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” ²⁶ Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” ²⁷ He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” – John 9:24-27

Biblical Connection:

After a tornado lands Dorothy and her dog Toto in Munchkin Land, she follows a yellow brick road toward the city of Oz. During this long walk, Dorothy encounters a scarecrow, tinman and a lion. Each one of these characters contain a major flaw which is preventing them from being successful in life. When Dorothy invites the scarecrow to join her, each place their hope in a figure that they’ve heard about but have never seen.

When the blind man in today’s Bible passage is questioned by the Pharisees, he’s not sure what they are trying to accomplish. This man isn’t someone planted in a healing service who pretended to be blind. Rather, this man had a personal encounter with the giver of life and sight, Jesus. This man had been born blind and following the events of John 9:6-7, he was able to see clearly for the first time. This man didn’t need to see a Wizard in Oz. He only needed an encounter with Jesus.

Closing Song:

There was a book that I read for Tentmakers, a Youth Ministry Trade School, called the Master of All Trades. The author took the miracles in the Gospel of John and highlighted that Jesus has the power over all things including elements, sight and time. This is the character and nature described in the song My God Can. The next time you face a wall of doubt in your mind, put your faith and trust in the God of miracles.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “7 Days in Utopia”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. ¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us, 1 Peter 2:11-12.

Biblical Connection:

The game of golf can be extremely cruel and unforgiving. Yet, how you respond to adversity often dictates your degree of success. This is the back story for 7 Days in Utopia following the embarrassing professional debut of Luke Chisholm played by Lucas Black. When Luke Chisholm breaks down in Utopia, he meets rancher Johnny Crawford played by Robert Duval who begins to mentor him. Utopia serves as a transition for Luke to rebuild his confidence and public image.

As a former mini-tour member and PGA Tour qualifying school participant, the game of golf can bring you to your knees. One bad break and lost ball derailed any chances of making the 36-hole cut. Yet, the Bible calls Christians to higher standards. Peter writes about sinful desires waging war against your soul, likely thinking about how fear caused him to publicly deny knowing Jesus three times. When temptation comes creeping at your door, look for the way out, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Closing Song:

The golf of game can bring out the worst in human beings. Individuals who can resist the desire to break or throw a club display is a sign of self-control. Yet, there are more wars in life, often coming at your weakest moments. Therefore, guard yourself with prayer, setting up hedges of protection when a sport begins to stifle your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Trailer from the 2014 film “Mercy Rule”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ³⁵ For whoever wants to save their life^[b] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ³⁷ Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  – Mark 8:34-37

Biblical Connection:

The Mercy Rule in the context of baseball refers to ending a game early when one team is up by more than 10 runs after the 4th innings. During travel ball tournaments, where certain teams far outclass others, there is a 20-run rule after 3 completed innings. The movie Mercy Rule uses baseball and family trials to teach life’s lessons on mercy, patience, sacrifice, legacy and trusting God. While a player may shine in a game, all members win and lose as a team.

Jon Mark recounts a memorable conversation that Jesus had with his disciples. Rather than joining a baseball team, Jesus is asking 12 men to join a spiritual team. This concept is hard to grasp for many as it’s directly opposed to what society teaches. Jesus’ 3 expectations include denying yourself, taking up the cause of the great commission, Acts 1:8 and following Jesus as the Lord of your life. Unfortunately, many Christians put God on hold, unable to resist temporary treasures.

Closing Song:

When your team is getting crushed, the Mercy Rule exists to end the pain of defeat. However, sometimes Christians can learn more from losing than winning. If there is no I in team, each individual member of a losing team should humbly reflect upon what they could have done better. When Christian’s learn from past defeats, they’ll improve their chances to avoid making the same mistake in the future.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “Babe”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ 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, Romans 12:4-8.

Biblical Connection:

 An orphaned piglet is spared from being Christmas dinner when a farmer wins a guess the weight contest at a local country fair. One year later, Babe’s fate is in danger again when the Hoggetts host family for the holidays. Babe finds a purpose for his existence when he alerts Mr. Hoggett of sheep rustlers in the fields. This sets the stage for today’s scene as Babe is given the opportunity to become a sheepdog. However, Babe attempts to use sheepdog tactics rather than be himself.

The apostle Paul writes to the Church at Rome concerning the various gifts that exist among the members. Apparently, some gifts were held in higher regards that other spiritual gifts. Subsequently, Christians found themselves like Babe in today’s scene, trying to get results without being true to themselves. Once the sheep realized that Babe wasn’t like the other sheepdogs, they actually listened and made him look good. As Paul urges in today’s verse, let your gifts shine.

Closing Song:

The lyrics of Stick to Your Guns reminds me of David in 1 Samuel 17, not comfortable with the armor and sword King Saul offered before fighting Goliath. Instead, David went back to what he was confident with, his sling shot and 5 stones. Rather than try to impress others or pretend to be someone else, stick to your guns in the area or areas where you are gifted.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2005 film “The Greatest Game Ever Played”

Bible Verse of the Day:

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 10:23-25.

Biblical Connection:

The Greatest Game Ever Played is based upon a true story of 21-year-old Francis Ouimet winning the 1913 United States Golf Open as an amateur. However, Ouimet had to beat his boyhood idol Harry Vardon to accomplish this feat. Today’s scene takes place before the 18-hole playoff as members of the Country Club at Brookline, Massachusetts tried to replace Ouimet’s caddie. Since there was great chemistry between Eddie and Francis, he stayed with the teammate who got him into the playoff.

From the age of 7-18, most of my free time each summer was spent playing golf at Penn Oaks Country Club. Golf can be a magical game as some courses fit a player’s eye resulting in great results. The author of Hebrews writes about the importance of meeting together and spurring one another on in the faith. Yet, when you don’t have a positive influence in your life, keeping you out of trouble, your life can change in an instant. While powerful and wealthy people may try to change your mind, don’t forget the individuals who have made a difference in your life.

Closing Song:

Matthew 12:30 is one of the more powerful statements Jesus makes in the Bible. As you reflect upon your current life, you’re either gathering people closer to Jesus or your witness is inconsistent, creating confusion, thereby scattering souls further away from God. As you move on in life, walk in the light and avoid the darkness of sinful tendencies.

by Jay Mankus