Tag Archives: God

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 movie “A Few Good Men”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ¹⁹ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse, Romans 1:18-20.

Biblical Connection:

When two marines give Private William Santiago a code red, trying to teach him a valuable lesson, tragedy occurs. This act of discipline triggers a pre-existing condition that results in his death. As Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee attempts to explain a code red to the jury, it’s not listed in any of the Marine manuals. Yet, Kaffee uses common sense to illustrate that not everything is included.

After the Church in Rome is formed, the apostle Paul receives news of members of the congregation acting as elitists. Paul uses today’s passage to help Roman Christians understand that all human beings are sinners. To those outside the church, Paul points to the visible qualities of God’s creation like rainbows and sunsets so that no one can claim, “I never knew or saw God.”

Closing Song:

Story tellers like Jesus made convincing arguments by using cultural parables that His first century audience could relate to and understand. In modern-times, communicators like Charlie Kirk were able to reach college students by using common sense and logic. The next time you find yourself in a theological debate and discussion, use common sense like Tom Cruise in today’s scene to prove God’s existence to skeptics.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “The Ultimate Gift”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going,” John 14:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

When Jason discovers that Emily has a terminal condition, he finds her in the hospital chapel apologizing for how he handled this initial news. As Emily begins to contemplate her eternal destiny she wonders if God takes prayer requests in advance. Instead of focusing on her condition, Emily’s dying wish is that Jason and her mom would become a couple.

As Passion Week has arrived, the week of the crucifixion, Jesus prepares the disciples for his death. While these 12 men can’t fathom life without Jesus, He begins to explain why his death on a cross is necessary. In a later letter, the disciple whom Jesus loved writes about knowing for certain about your eternal destination in 1 John 5:10-13. This is what Emily was wondering about in this chapel.

Closing Song:

One of the mistakes young Christians make is treating prayer like you’re at the checkout counter at a local supermarket. One Old Testament prophet claims that sometimes sinful actions prevent God from hearing your prayers, Isaiah 1:15-18. However, when you approach the Lord in a humble manner, pouring out your soul in prayer, God does take advance orders like securing your eternal destiny in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Remember the Titans”

Bible Verse of the Day:

That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, Ephesians 4:20-24.

Bible Verse of the Day:

Back in 1971, a Virginia school board decided to integrate an all-Black school with an all-white high school. As football players gathered together for training camp, tensions rose. Today’s scene provides context of how a racial divide prevented players from coming together to form a team. Shortly after this scene, Coach Boone plans an early morning run to Gettysburg’s battlefield.

The apostle Paul understood the importance of reminding human beings due to lapses in memory. Just as players began to focus on their own selfish desires, Paul reminds Christian in Ephesus of their call to faith in Jesus. While the easy thing to do is abandon God in times of crisis and trials, the key to change involves embracing the attitude and mind of Christ.

Closing Song:

Chase Utley’s father once told Chase as a child, “don’t tell people how great you are, show them!” This little leaguer went on to become a World Champion with the Philadelphia Phillies. When attitudes begin to assign with the mind of Christ, godly actions follow.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 movie “Rudy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you, Philippians 4:8-9.

Biblical Connection:

Daniel Eugene Ruettiger was a high school dreamer which I can relate to as an average student as well. Growing up near Notre Dame, Daniel who developed the nickname Rudy always wanted to attend Notre Dame. Subsequently, when he is denied access to the bus visiting his favorite college, this academic obsracle ignited a fire deep inside of Rudy’s soul to do whatever it took to fulfill his dream.

The apostle Paul writes to the Church at Philippi. After the events in Philippi detailed in Acts 16:16-34, Paul had fond memories of all that God had done in this city. Rather than dwell on being imprisoned, Paul and Silas turned their cell into a worship center. This positive outlook on life led the lead jailor to faith in Christ. This is Paul’s call to focus on the excellent and praiseworthy things in life.

Closing Song:

Rudy spent the years following graduating from high school trying to prove his doubters wrong. Despite 2 years of failing to get into Notre Dame, he finally succeeded. Then when opportunity arose, Rudy fought with every ounce of his body and soul to will his way onto the Notre Dame football team. This is how you overcome obstacles to fulfill your dreams in life.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2015 movie “McFarland USA”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Biblical Connection:

All sports use running to get into shape over the off-season. Yet only 1 high school sport involves running during each competition without a break, half-time or time out. This was the dilemma facing Coach White as he tried to recruit athletes for the Cross-Country team he was starting. White sought out troubled students, hoping they would find a new home in Cross-Country.

The apostle Paul appeals to sports fans who attended the Corinthian Games, a first century track and field event hosted by Corinth in non-Olympic years. Like Coach White, Paul reveals that running involves self-discipline. However, as you beat your body into submission, do this in a manner that you will receive a crown that last for eternity.

Closing Songs:

Cochren and Company’s song compliments today’s featured passage. The lyrics point to the spiritual promise in Romans 10:9-11. If today’s blog finds you running off course like the prodigal son, run back to Jesus as your heavenly father is waiting for you with open arms, Luke 15:20.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1986 movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (language warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ So you too should be glad and rejoice with me, Philippians 2:14-17.

Biblical Connection:

When the timing is right, a friend will bear their soul to you. This is the case of Cameron who opens up to Ferris and his girlfriend in today’s scene. When you’re a victim of verbal abuse, you often hold this pain inside of you. After skipping school with Ferris, Cameron lets his guard down. One of the first steps toward being healed of verbal abuse is opening up to a friend.

In a letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul writes to first century Christians about their attitude, emotions and words that they use. Bad attitudes can turn a home, school or workplace into a negative atmosphere. Instead, Paul calls this congregation to become like stars shining in the darkness of this world. Words should be encouraging and uplighting, not daggers to your soul.

Closing Song:

Verbal abuse is often fueled by tongues of fire. Individuals who go scorch earth upon other people are simply expressing and lashing out at others based upon what they have endured in their past. May today’s message inspire you to think twice about verbally assaulting other people.

by Jay Mankus