Tag Archives: Jesus

Engaging Our Culture: February 27-Falling in Love with a Family

Posted on February 27, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “While You Were Sleeping”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

Biblical Connection:

Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, a quiet observer who works as a Chicago Transit Authority ticket booth operator. When she saves the life of a handsome commuter and is mistaken for his fiancée at the hospital, Lucy doesn’t have the heart to tell anyone. This secret continues after the man she saved; Peter Gallagher wakes up, unable to remember anything. Meanwhile, Lucy falls in love with Peter’s brother Jack, played by Bill Pullman, when Peter remained in coma at the hospital.

I spent two years attending Willow Creek Community Church when John Ortberg was the teaching pastor for Community Services during the week. One of the mannerisms of John that I remember is that “I’m preaching to myself.” This is one of the inspirations behind the Book of Ecclesiastes as King Solomon reflects upon the mistakes that he made throughout life. Solomon offers wisdom conceived in him from God by discerning and seeking biblical truth, applying this to life.

Closing Song:

American’s have been deceived over the years into not telling the truth. This is the mindset that prevented Lucy from telling her new family about how she truly felt. May the words of Solomon and the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to express the love that you have for family members.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 26-Prayer Makes in Difference in Relationships

Posted on February 26, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ 46 “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too.’ So I drank, and she watered the camels also. 47 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ “She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.’ “Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, 48 and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn,” Genesis 24:45-49.

Biblical Connection:

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan play bookstore owners Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly. However, Joe is the Amazon version of bookstores making it impossible for the independent family run store to compete. Although Kathleen doesn’t give up, resisting the idea of selling her store, she finally succumbs the reality of her situation. As Joe buys out Kathleen, he plays the “what if game” with her, hoping for a specific response. Deep down, Joe is trying to express, I’ve fallen in love with you.

Isaac gives a servant specific instructions to follow in order to find a godly wife. These instructions include a series of signs that this woman is the one. According to Moses, as soon as Isaac’s servant finished his prayer for direction, Rebekah appeared. This is one of those God moments, like keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. If ever feel lost, unsure of God’s plan and will for your life, turn to the Lord in prayer, asking and believing in the name of Jesus, John 16:24.

Closing Song:

May the lyrics of Where I Began help you find your way in life. If you get lost along the way, cry out to the Lord for help, ask for specifics and do so without doubt. Over time, you might be surprised by God’s plan for your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 25-Don’t Pretend to Be Someone Else

Posted on February 25, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1987 film “The Princess Bride”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence, 1 John 3:18-19.

Biblical Connection:

A grandfather volunteers to read his sick grandson a bedtime story. As Peter Falk reads the words of the Princess Bride, this movie comes to life. When Peter feels like this story becomes too romantic, he stops, only to be begged by Fred Savage to keep reading. Today’s clip provides the backstory of the two main characters, Buttercup and Wesley. Rather than come out and reveal his true identity, Wesley tries to be someone else until being pushed off the side of this steep hill.

There is something about love that causes human beings to believe and think, “if I just act normal, this person that I’m interested in won’t like me.” As Wesley talks about his secret identity, Dread Pirate Roberts, perhaps he’s afraid that Buttercup’s feeling for him have faded. The former disciple of Jesus uses the Greek word agape in verse 18. What John is trying to express to first century Christians is that this type of love is selfless and sacrifice. If God loves each person for who we are and how God created each of us, we should never pretend to be someone else.

Closing Song:

As a former athlete, there is always going to be someone more talented than you. Subsequently, when you feel like you’re simply second-string material, this is when you need to trust in the Lord. As you mature, the Lord will help you find the real you.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 24-When Friends Become Vulnerable

Posted on February 24, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1991 film “City Slickers”

Bible Verse of the Day:

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Proverbs 18:24.

Biblical Connection:

Billy Crystal plays Mitch Robbins, a forty-year-old who is going through a mid-life crisis. Mitch hates his job, sees his life as a glass half-empty and is urged by his wife to spend a few weeks with his two best friends, Phil Berquist played by Daniel Stern and Ed Furillo, Bruno Kirby. This coming-of-age film brings these three amigos together as they volunteer to guide a herd of cattle through a desert and mountain pass. When Mitch saves the life of Noman, a calf born during this trip, his life is rejuvenated thanks to the help from Phil and Ed.

As the King of Israel, Solomon came to realize how unreliable friends can be. When you’re the king, some of your friends may have their hand out, expecting Solomon to give them something or honor them in a special way. Solomon was between 20-25 when his father David passed away. When Solomon was growing up, he likely noticed the special friendship that David and Jonathon shared. While Solomon may have pointed to this friendship in Proverbs 18:24, scholars believe King Solomon was referring to Christ who is the ultimate friend to all who believe, Romans 10:9-11.

Closing Song:

As February draws to a close this week, may the Lord bless you with a special Christian friend in 2025, to help you in your time of need.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 21-Trusting God during the Storms of Life

Posted on February 21, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 film “Faith Like Potatoes”

Bible Verse of the Day:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, Romans 8:28.

Biblical Connection:

Faith Like Potatoes was adapted from a book based on the inspiring true story by Angus Buchan played by Frank Rautenbach. Angus has to overcome the political unrest of South Africa as well as the travails of a farmer at the mercy of the weather. Every year brings a different set of challenges depending upon the heat, rainfall and wind. The utmost planning can be changed in an instant by an unexpected storm. This is the context of Angus’ speech, talking from experience which brought him to his knees, praying for a miracle.

To the young and immature, today’s verse is difficult to grasp and understand. When disasters arrive in the form of a hurricane in western North Carolina or super fires in California, God tends to be the one who people blame. Yet, the context of the apostle Paul’s word points toward future glory that will come out of your present suffering. This is the spiritual growth spurt that Jesus’ earthly brother refers to in James 1:2-4. Each trial that you will face in 2025 serves as an opportunity to mature and persevere as your faith is tested. Subsequently, God is preparing you for future works in accordance with God’s will for your life, Romans 12:1-2.

Closing Song:

As I currently deal with my own thorn in my flesh, a bad right hip and leg, may today’s message prepare you for the next spiritual challenge that you’ll face in 2025.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 20-A Sign of Your Love for God

Posted on February 20, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them,” John 14:21.

Biblical Connection:

As Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell prepare for the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics, these two British athletes’ approach this opportunity with different mindsets. As a Jew, Harold is the more talented runner who adheres to the Nazarene teaching of abstaining from alcohol. Meanwhile, Eric is called to the mission field but believes that running in the Olympics is part of God’s calling for his life. The Chariots of Fire follow these two runners in their pursuit for gold medals. Today’s clip finds Eric explaining why he runs and his desire to put being a missionary on hold for now.

At the beginning of John 14, Jesus explains God’s will for His life. This is proceeded by the introduction of the Holy Spirit, a spiritual advisor, counselor and guide which will be sent to earth after Jesus’ departure. From a worldview standpoint, publicly stating that you have heard God speak audibly to you may persuade a family member or friend to take you to a mental hospital. Yet, the Holy Ghost remains a mystery to many people of faith today. According to Eric Liddell, running was a way to honor God and fulfill God’s will for his life. This was a sign of Eric’s love for God.

Closing Song:

The author of Hebrews compares life to running a marathon, Hebrews 12:1-3. As you begin or continue this race, may the power of the Holy Spirit guide you along the way. With each step and stride, may you keep God’s commands; thereby demonstrating your love for God along the way.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 17-Love is Learning to Bear with One Another

Posted on February 17, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from 2007 film “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity, Colossians 3:12-14.

Biblical Connection:

Today’s clip is similar to a parental argument that you might encounter in public at a shopping mall. Rather than focus their attention on what they have in common, Jon Voight who plays Patrick Gates and Helen Mirren, now Emily Appleton, dwell on what caused this once happy couple to separate. As Nicolas Cage who plays Ben Gates and Diane Kruger as Abigal Chase seek their next clue, the root of bitterness causes the entire room to feel Patrick and Emily’s misery.

The apostle Paul writes Colossians to address false teachings and practices that began creeping into the belief system of members at the Church in Colosse. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul begins his call to action by mentioning specific fruits of the Spirit to emulate in Galatians 5:22-23. This is followed by referencing the words of Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:14-15. Until you learn to forgive those who have hurt you, you won’t be able to bear with and love bitter individuals.

Closing Song:

If today’s message finds you struggling to forgive and love others, perhaps learning from former pillars of the faith is where you need to begin, Hebrews 11. May the lyrics of today’s son conceive in you a heart filled with forgiveness, love and mercy.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 16-Walking in Truth

Posted on February 16, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 film “Dave”

Bible Verse of the Day:

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin, 1 John 1:5-7.

Biblical Connection:

Kevin Kline is an unlikely presidential candidate, playing Dave Kovac, a Temp Agency operator. However, after being recruited by the secret service to fill in as momentary stand-in for the President of the United States, Dave not only looks like the president but begins to emulate his mannerisms. When the real president suffers a severe stroke, Dave is hired full time as a figure head behind the scenes until the real president recovers. Frank Langella plays Chief of Staff, Bob Alexander, using Dave to elevate himself into the White House. After personal interactions with the first lady, Sigourney Weaver, conviction leads Dave to fake his own stroke in today’s clip.

The Book of 1 John was written to address false teaching at the end of the first century. The disciple whom Jesus loved; the son of Zebedee sought to address Gnosticism by reassuring Christians of their faith and love in Jesus. Gnostic doctrine taught that the world was created and ruled by a lesser divinity, not the God of the Bible. Subsequently, John uses imagery of light and darkness to correct anyone who had been deceived by this new teaching which spread throughout the church in the second century. Walking in the truth of the Bible means to maintain fellowship with God by bearing spiritual fruit, Galatians 5:22-23. Lying is a byproduct of walking in darkness. If you really love someone, stop pretending to be someone else and be the person God designed you to be.

Closing Song:

As the father of all lies, John 8:44, seeks to pull you further away from God into darkness, don’t let the light of Christ inside of your heart be snuffed out. Rather, may a spirit of confession prompt you to begin walking in the truth and love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 15-True Friends Help One Another

Posted on February 15, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2003 film “Finding Nemo”

Bible Verse of the Day:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another, Proverbs 27:17.

Biblical Connection:

Albert Brooks plays Marlin, a single father who raises Nemo, Alexander Gould, a clownfish with a birth defect. This animation follows the journey of Marlin and Dory, Ellen DeGeneres, after Nemo is scooped up by underwater divers. When Dory discovers the address of this finishing vessel from a mask that falls into the sea, Nemo is eager to do whatever it takes to find his son Nemo. Upon reaching Sydney, Australia, Marlin thinks he witnessed Nemo’s death, swimming away in disappointment. This is the context of today’s scene.

The word proverb is derived from the Hebrew root word which when translated into English means to be like. King Solomon, son of David, writes most of the Proverbs in this Old Testament book. Proverbs are short sayings designed to express a universal truth to promote godly living. Solomon uses the imagery of iron being sharpened when it becomes dull. True friendship has a reciprocal relationship where individuals often challenge one another, working together to hold one another accountable. For friendships that last the test of time, we become better people because of this friend.

Closing Song:

Today’s song is about a man praying for a struggling brother. When a friendship begins to fall apart, praying is a spiritual weapon that God uses to help sharpen prodigal children come to their senses by repenting. May today’s message inspire you to reconcile with friends of your past.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 14-Love in Action

Posted on February 14, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the drama series “The Chosen”

Bible Verse of the Day:

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked, John 5:6-9.

I have spent most of my life on earth living between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Unlike my experience living in the south, urban sprawl continues as far as the human eye can see, creating a metropolis. Whenever I crossed major intersections, there was normally one homeless person standing out in the cold, begging for money. In my college days, I would occasionally buy one of these individuals a meal at McDonald’s before moving on with the rest of my day. Unfortunately, as an adult, I pass by without stopping, avoiding eye contact.

As Jesus walks through Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, he wasn’t in a rush as he approaches a pool. Showing compassion on this one man, he takes time to get to know this invalid. According to legend, this pool possessed healing powers. When angels stirred the water, the first people to reach the water was healed. However, Jesus wanted to make sure this man knew the source of his healing, belief and faith in God. Thirty-eight years of doubt and unbelief kept this man in this pathetic condition. Yet, one leap of faith altered the course of this man’s life.

Closing Song:

Don’t be fooled by the commercialism of Valentine’s Day. Love isn’t showering your significant other with expensive gifts. Rather genuine love is loving someone more than you love yourself, by being vulnerable. However, when you celebrate tonight, make sure your love is displayed through fruits of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23.

by Jay Mankus

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