Tag Archives: God

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1985 movie “Better Off Dead”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” ³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^[a]” ⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” ⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit,” John 3:1-8.

Biblical Connection:

I was a sophomore in high school in 1985 when Better Off Dead appeared in theaters. I related to Lane Meyer who became suicidal after being dumped by his girlfriend. I become a loner in Junior High and actually thought about planning my own death. Yet, when I was at my lowest point following a nervous breakdown, I was introduced to entering a personal relationship with Jesus.

Although Nicodemus wasn’t suicidal like Lane Meyer, there was an emptiness, a void in his life. Nicodemus went to Jesus at night, afraid of what his fellow Pharisees might think of him. While initially sarcastic with Jesus in today’s passage, Nicodemus shuts up and begins to ponder the words of Jesus. At some point, Nicodemus enters into a relationship with Jesus based upon updates provided in John 7:50 and John 19:39.

Closing Song:

In this month of suicide awareness, the film Better Off Dead is now used in high school to talk about this sensitive issue. When individuals begin to turn their attention away from self-pity and toward Jesus, the abundant life is attainable, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Trailer from the 1987 movie “Fatal Attraction”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father^[d] is not in them. ¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever, 1 John 2:15-17.

Biblical Connection:

I was a senior in high school when Fatal Attraction debuted in theaters. The impact of this film was so powerful that married couples went to see this film together, convicting and urging one another to never have an affair. The trailer begins with a biblical theme of be careful of your first glance when you meet someone. A second glance at the Tree of Knowledge cost Eve their home in Eden.

In a first century letter to Christians scattered throughout the Middle East, John urges human beings to be careful about what their eyes covet. This is consistent with Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:27-30. When the lust of your eyes is empowered by a second glance, you begin to make irrational decisions. This is the warning with Fatal Attraction.

Closing Song:

Bruce Carroll tells 3 stories about individuals who gave into the lust of their eyes. Whenever human beings feed their flesh,bad things happen in the form of compromise. May today’s devotion serve as a warning to keep people from indulging in a second glance.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “Facing the Giants”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ¹⁶ for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy,” 1 Peter 1:13-16.

Biblical Connection:

Head Football Coach Grant Taylor starts the season 0-3. As parents quietly seek a replacement and players begin to doubt if they will ever win another game, Coach Taylor’s faith is wavering. This is when an elderly man visits Taylor’s office unannounced. This one encounter uses a parable to help Coach Taylor to adopt a sound mind which one of Jesus’ disciples describes in today’s passage.

Jesus refers to Peter as the rock upon which God will build an earthly church, Matthew 16:18. Although Peter’s overconfidence is exposed during Passion Week by denying his relationship with Jesus, he is restored by Jesus in John 21:17-19. Just like the initial failures of Coach Taylor, Peter used this humiliating experience to adopt a sound mind based upon biblical beliefs.

Closing Song:

Since September has been adopted as National Suicide Prevention month, I wanted to engage our culture with developing a biblical worldview. While all human beings’ experience failure, heartbreak and setbacks, setting your hope in Jesus enables God fearing individuals to become grounded in faith. While suicidal thoughts may enter your mind via the father of all lies, John 8:44, taking your thoughts captive, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, is the foundation for adopting a sound mind.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 movie “Left Behind”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. ³ They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer, 1 Timothy 4:1-5.

Biblical Connection:

In wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, minds seared by political agendas would rather have their opponents’ life snuffed out than participate in an arena of debate. This fight for control and the future votes of Americans have led some to become deceived by demonic and oppressive spirits. This spiritual influence highlights the actions taken by Nicolae in today’s scene.

The apostle Paul addresses the spiritual climate in the first century. Whenever Christians stray from the Word of God, they become acceptable to being deceived by the father of all lies, John 8:44. Paul targets a religious sect that strayed from God’s commands, adding and subtracting from the Bible to support their new beliefs, Deuteronomy 4:2. This is another sign of end times.

Closing Song:

Only God knows the future of Turning Point USA without the presence of their founder Charlie Kirk. Yet when the timing is right, someone will be called to carry on this conservative movement. May this individual be filled with the Holy Spirit, prepared with the armor of God to pierce through the darkness of the evil present in our day.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1999 movie “The Sixth Sense”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” ⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. ⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split ⁵² and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and^[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people, Matthew 27:48-53.

Biblical Connection:

I lived nearly 30 years close to one of the most haunted small cities in the United States. After learning about spiritual mapping, the city of Elkton, Maryland was featured on Destination America for their numerous ghost and spirit sightings. This Sixth Sense scene touches on the spiritual realm. Although accounts may vary, human beings continue to see dead people today.

While Jesus spoke about ghosts and spirits, Matthew details a scene out of a science fiction film. Although skeptics on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion wanted to see God’s divine intervention, the Lord had another plan. When the bodies of the dead supernaturally rose out of their graves, the minds of unbelievers were likely racing, “perhaps, Jesus was the son of God.”

Closing Song:

Unless you have had some sort of supernatural experience, you probably don’t believe in ghosts or spirits. Meanwhile, some of the stunts on paranormal shows like Fact or Fiction have even strengthened your belief. Yet don’t be surprised when you encounter something out of this world like an entity within a haunted house.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the television series “The West Wing”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. ² Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. ³ You saw with your own eyes what the Lord did at Baal Peor. The Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, ⁴ but all of you who held fast to the Lord your God are still alive today, Deuteronomy 4:1-4.

Biblical Connection:

I try to be entertaining in most of my blogs, but recent current events have persuaded me to address serious issues over this coming week. In the previous season finale, Josh is shot during an assassination attempt and nearly dies. Subsequently, Sam takes offense when the topic of gun control is brought up in this conversation. Yet, politicians who remain in office for decades have become experts in centering campaigns on gun control without ever solving this issue.

Today’s featured passage serves as a subtle reminder to the nation of Israel. Like the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 28:1-3, following and obeying God’s commands result in blessings. This doesn’t mean that bad things don’t happen to good people. Yet, in these moments of unexpected trials, God works according to your purpose in life, Romans 8:28. I once endured a crippling ankle injury, with doctors telling me that I would never run again only to fully recover 10 months later.

Closing Song:

As random public shootings have become a weekly occurrence, politicians continue to blame the weapons for this act of terror rather than the troubled soul. Until American leaders in cities and states start addressing the nationwide mental health crisis, gun control will make daily headlines rather than the individual who pulled the trigger.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2005 movie “The Pacifier”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” – John 21:17-19

Biblical Connection:

Vin Diesel plays a Navy Seal who is forced to change his role from a squadron leader to a babysitter. When the husband of this family is killed, his wife is sent overseas to retrieve an unknown safety deposit box. Meanwhile, Shane is left state side to watch all of their children. Although initially in over his head, Shane uses his special forces training to adapt to his new role as a babysitter.

John records one of the first encounters Jesus has with Peter following his resurrection. Each time Jesus asked if Peter loved Him, his feelings are hurt. Once Peter receives Jesus’ command for the next stage of his life, a foreshadowing is revealed. When Peter is arrested for his faith and was given the death penalty, Peter was crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to be killed like Jesus.

Closing Song:

Life on earth is filled with many stages that individuals endure and go through. Sometimes you may be called to greatness while other moments force you to become humble. As you enter your next phase in life, may you be open to changing roles like Peter and Vin Diesel.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “We Are Marshall”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you, Matthew 5:38-42.

Biblical Connection:

Following a plane crash that took the lives of 37 members of the Marshall University football and coaching staff, there were discussions about cancelling the program. After hiring a new coach, Marshall asked the NCAA to make an exemption for Marshall’s program to allow freshman to play. This desperate attempt led staff to visit their main rival to study their unique system.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains how the Old Testament law applies to first century life. Jesus’ teaching is revolutionary, likely causing Jewish religious leaders to become dumbfounded. Yet, West Virginia’s decision to help their main football rival is similar to Jesus’ call to turn the other cheek. While not making sense on the surface, the timing was right for a rival to help a team in need.

Closing Song:

In this age of competitive college football, rarely do rival teams help one another. Yet, when coaches and staff apply biblical principles like humility, there will be future opportunities for a rival to help a team in need.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2002 movie “The Rookie”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two^[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. ² He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ³ Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. ⁴ Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. ⁵ “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ ⁶ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. ⁷ Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house, Luke 10:1-7.

Biblical Connection:

Science teacher and high school baseball coach Jim Morris challenges his players to reach their full potential. The players in return make a similar offer, “if we win the championship, it’s your turn to try out for a big-league club.” Following his team’s accomplishment, Jim goes to a local tryout to honor the promise he made to his team. The rest of this true story is like a Hollywood ending.

As a former baseball coach, I understand how eager bench players are itching to get into a game. While Jesus called 12 men to become his disciples, another 72 were appointed to spread the Gospel message, John 3:16-17. Although Luke’s account of their accomplishments is limited, it’s not too far to imagine that some of these men would become key leaders within the first century church.

Closing Song:

Today’s featured passage is one of the best to illustrate the concept of keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Whether you’re young like Coach Morris’ players or getting up there in age, let Jesus take the wheel as it’s your turn to take a leap of faith.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2017 movie “Cars 3”

Bible Verse of the Day:

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,^[a] but they tried to kill him. ³⁰ When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus, Acts 9:26-30.

Biblical Connection:

Lightning McQueen’s character in the Cars movies is similar to many self-centered Americans who are caught up in their own personal drive for success. In Cars 1, Lightning was only concerned with winning, forcing his 18-wheeler to drive through the night. Yet, when McQueen was stranded in Radiator Springs, Doc Hudson eventually became his mentor. Doc poured his heart and soul into McQueen, helping him avoid the same mistakes that Doc made as a famous race car.

As a zealous Pharisee who gave the order to have the apostle Stephen killed, none of Jesus’ disciples trusted Saul following his conversion in Acts 9. After changing his name to Paul, this newly ordained apostle went on to write 14 epistles and helped plant numerous churches in the first century. Yet, none of this would have occurred if Barnabas didn’t mentor Saul. Barnabas saw Saul’s full potential, defended him and discipled him until his first missionary journey in Acts 13.

Closing Song:

Today’s scene from Cars 3 illustrates how Doc Hudson gave himself away to become a mentor to Lightning McQueen. When mature Christians make the lyrics of today’s song their daily prayer, lives will be changed when you take the time to invest in the lives of others.

by Jay Mankus