Tag Archives: love

Engaging Our Culture: July 26-Relationships that Last Forever

Posted on July 26, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2012 movie “The Vow”

Bible Verse of the Day:

If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

A vow is designed to be a solemn promise to God. In the context of marriage, a vow is a verbalized promise to your soul mate, in the presence of family and friends. Although I don’t recommend writing marriage vows on the back of a menu, these words display the love a couple has for one another. However, only time will tell if these words will be lived out.

As members of the Church at Corinth had internal disputes over spiritual gifts, the apostle Paul points out the one thing missing from this body of believers. As people got caught up comparing Christians based upon their gifts and talents, these actions were void of love. In the relationships that last a lifetime, love is a verb.

Closing Song:

Love is one of those words which has been perverted over the years. Love isn’t a word that shouldn’t have to be verbalized. Rather, love should be daily displayed for everyone to see.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: April 1-Developing the Will to Love this Spring

Posted on April 1, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 film “Twister”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Biblical Connection:

Bill Paxton and Helene Hunt are storm chasers who separated but haven’t officially become divorced. As Bill wants to remarry Jami Gertz, a twister prevents Jo, Helene Hunt, from signing the paperwork. This one twister turns into an entire weather system consistent with this time of year. As this motley crew of storm chasers follow this severe weather, Jami realizes that Helene still needs Bill. This is the context for today’s featured scene.

Before I got married to Leanne, God introduced me to the concept of having the will to love your spouse. The older I became in life, the more I witnessed parents of friends walk away from their marriage vows. After reading books like the Blessing as well as attending premarital seminars, I discovered successful marriages were fueled by a will to love. As the apostle Paul describes love to Corinthian Christians, he mentions no keeping records of wrong. The Greek word here is to keep a ledger for bookkeeping records. When couples love each other like Jesus, a will to love is conceived.

Closing Song:

If you truly want to avoid the pain of divorce, may the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to hold fast to a heritage of faith. As you do, may the Holy Spirit conceive in you and develop the will to love to this Spring.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 23-The Difference Between Winning and Losing

Posted on March 23, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from 2006 film “Glory Road”

Bible Verse of the Day:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[e] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, Mark 12:28-30.

Biblical Connection:

Glory Road attempts to reenact the 1966 NCAA men’s basketball national championship game between Kentucky and Texas Western. The cameras take you inside both huddles during the final two minutes, switching back and forth between coaches Adolph Rupp and Don Haskins. While each coach reinforces the belief that each of their teams will be victorious, Coach Haskins urges his team to lay their hearts on the line. The difference between winning and losing often comes down to who is going to seize the moment, by taking control with a key play down the stretch.

During His three-year earthly ministry, various religious leaders approached Jesus out of curiosity or with impure motives. Mark recounts a specific time that Peter shared with him. In this scenario, a Jewish leader was trying to test Jesus to see if He would de-emphasize or minimize one of the Ten Commandments. Instead, Jesus breaks these commandments into two categories: loving God and loving your neighbor. If you truly love the Lord, you’ll be able to keep the first 4 commandments. Meanwhile, by loving your neighbor with all your heart, soul and mind, you will follow the final 6. Although laying your heart on the line doesn’t guarantee victory, God does honor this effort.

Closing Song:

The only championships I’ve earn won was as a coach. I came close as an athlete, second place, but my greatest victory was as a basketball coach. After being down by 10 at the half, we won the game at the buzzer with an offensive round, put back. Whenever players lay everything that they have one the line, that’s all you can expect as a coach. May today’s devotion and song inspire you to put your heart, soul and mind into following Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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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 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 9-Passing on Love to the Next Generation

Posted on February 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1994 film “Forrest Gump”

Bible Verse of the Day:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth, 1 John 3:16-18.

Biblical Connection:

Tom Hanks is Forrest Gump, a momma’s boy whose life is woven into historic events. Despite his disabilities and social disfunctions, Forrest spends every moment that he can with his only friend Jenny, Robin Wright. As Jenny leaves Alabama and goes off on her own to find love and peace, Forrest never stops writing. When their paths cross, Forrest always defends and protects the only girl he’s ever known and loved. When Jenny gets sick, she comes back home to spend her final days with Forrest.

Today’s Bible author was given a special nickname by Jesus in Mark 3:17, Boanerges. John was one of the sons of thunder as well as the disciple whom Jesus loved. As John writes letters to first century Christians scattered throughout the world following Nero’s persecution in Rome, today’s passage mirrors Jesus’ words in John 3:16-17. As John writes to correct false teachers about God’s character and nature, genuine love lays down their lives for others. John understood this as he outlived all other disciples, the upcoming generation needed to know the love of Jesus. Just as Forrest prays to his dead wife for direction, Christians must show the love of Jesus to the next generation.

Closing Song:

The only way to pass on God’s love to the next generation is to be personally transformed by the love of Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 6-Fighting for the Love of Your Life

Posted on February 6, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1989 film “Say Anything”

Bible Verse of the Day:

All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. 2 I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him, Song of Solomon 3:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

John Cusack plays Lloyd Nobler a high school senior who doesn’t have a clue about his future. Searching for a date to the final party before graduation, Lloyd takes a chance on the valedictorian who reluctantly takes a break from studying. When Lloyd falls head over heels for Diane Court (Ione Skye), this relationship clicks. For the first time in his life, Lloyd finds himself able to express himself like never before to a girl. However, when this relationship gets intense, Diane choses her future career in college over Lloyd. This sets the stage for today’s scene as Lloyd fights for the love of his life.

The Song of Solomon celebrates the love between Solomon and one of his wives. The first two chapters go back and forth where Solomon shares his feelings followed by his wife in this poetic book of the Bible. Yet, today’s passage reminds all human beings that there will be nights, weeks, months and years where love will not be found. This is the emotional condition which prompts Lloyd to come back to Diane’s house after she broke off their relationship. Rather than turn to lawyers in filing for divorce, this is the resolve that Christian men and women should possess, doing everything in their power to fight for the love of their lives.

Closing Song:

May the lyrics of today’s song inspire a spirit of reconciliation to mend and repair broken relationships that exist in your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 2-Seeking God’s Errands for You Today

Posted on February 2, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1993 film “Groundhog Day”

Bible Verse of the Day:

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have,’ Luke 10:33-35.

Biblical Connection:

Bill Murray plays Phil Connors, a narcissistic, self-centered weatherman who finds himself reliving February 2nd over and over again. Once Phil realizes that they aren’t any consequences for his wrong actions, he follows the path of the prodigal son, Luke 15:13, pursuing a series of wild acts in a search for personal gratification. When these actions fail to satisfy the empty feeling inside his heart, Phil begins to see opportunities over the course of a 24-hour day to help other people. This is the context of today’s video clip.

Prior to sharing the Parable of the Good Samaritan, first century Jews believed that all priests and servants inside synagogues were godly individuals. Meanwhile, the Samaritans were descendants of a mixed race, half-Jewish and half-Gentiles. Subsequently, Samaritans were considered second class citizens, causing zealot Jews to avoid social interaction. Jesus attempts to alter this stereotype by illustrating that godliness is based upon love in action. As modern-day Christians begin to ask God in prayer,” what errands do you want me to accomplish today?” The Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see how you can help a stranger like the good Samaritan.

Closing Prayer:

When individuals slow down by putting their agenda and schedule on hold, God’s errands for you to accomplish will come into focus like Jesus in Mark 1:35-39.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 365-Learning to Love Like Jesus

Posted on December 28, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 4:29-5:2.

Reflection:

The apostle Paul takes concepts from acts of the sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21 and reveals specific behaviors from Ephesians 4:31 which prevent Christians from loving and forgiving others. Meanwhile, Paul uses the imagery of taking off your old self by replacing this with qualities that allow you to forgive others. The more I read today’s featured passage; Paul is providing instructions on how to love like Jesus.

Prayerful Action:

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins, Mark 11:25.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

As Jesus prepares for his impending betrayal, arrest and death on a cross in Mark 11, He is blunt about the barriers that exist in any attempt to forgive. Using a teachable moment to speak to His disciples, Jesus points to grudges and the roots of bitterness that exist within human minds. The key to emulating the love of Jesus starts with forgiving as God forgave you, Matthew 6:14-15. If unwholesome thoughts pop into your minds, turn to prayer, take these thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. Yet, love is a lifetime of failures, trial and error, to become more like Jesus.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The Bible refers to human beings as jars of clay in the hands of God the Potter. As Christians hunger and thirst for righteous, God will continue to mold and fashion you into a vessel of love and forgiveness. May the lyrics of Somebody Prayed ignited a flame of faith within you today.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 363-Geniune Love

Posted on December 26, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like, James 1:19-24.

Reflection:

As a former high school teacher, listening and doing are crucial to following directions. As an adult, parent or teacher following up on a group, you may see nodding heads, claiming to understand. Yet, if you probe further, checking up to see if individuals have listened, understand and are actually doing what is expected, you’ll find a number of lost people. Perhaps, a similar situation in the first century sparked James to address fake from genuine love.

Prayerful Action:

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do, James 1:25.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

When I stood among a class of teenagers, I realized early on that I couldn’t fake being prepared for a lecture. I either knew what I wanted to teach, or whispers began to spread about the train wreck about to happen. The same concept applies to love as detailed in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Anyone can say I love you, but genuine love demonstrates this by listening and living out acts of love. Genuine love emulates the life and love of Jesus.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

If a heart beats like a drummer beating a drum, it’s a sign of life. While Christmas has passed for this year, genuine love is an essential part of living out your faith daily. Don’t be afraid to shine the love of Jesus in your heart.

by Jay Mankus

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