God Loves You

God loves you. A simple message. A true one. There are no conditions. He always forgives you. He always forgets what you did wrong. He longs to see you and will rejoice when you dance in heaven. Or on Earth. He longs for your worship. For your time. Just to be with you. God loves you!

Thrive

Casting Crowns new song, Thrive, has been playing on KLOVE. It's my new favorite song, and I'm known to turn it up on the radio as I'm driving. I have to giggle because the other commuters, most of which hate their jobs. I can tell by the expressions on their faces, can't figure out how someone can be so joyful.

The bridge goes like this:

Joy unspeakable,
Faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable,
Anything is possible!

We really were made for more than ordinary lives. How that speaks to my heart!

How about yours?

Are you happy?

Are you happy? A simple three word sentence with huge impact. Many people go through life surviving, doing what they think they should, chasing a dream that turns into a night mare. Very few go after what they really want because they've been programmed to think that's abnormal.

After watching the Hallmark movie, Stranded in Paradise, it got me  thinking. Was I happy? Were all the survival jobs I worked for over three decades really worth it? Did I really step out and taste life?

Oh, I did a few times, but those were rare. Mostly I worked for thankless and disloyal employers, enduring positions I detested, for one reason - Money!

The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Our government worships it. Many churches worship it. Every person in our society thinks it's important. Is it? It's ink on paper. Pure and simple.

Are you happy? Are you doing what God called you to do, or are you following the dictates of society?

Noah - movie review

The movie Noah caused quite a stir, not to mention drawing criticism from the more conservative religious elements. However, if they'd step back and realize that Hollywood film makers take liberties with just about every story they adapt to film, and look at the adaptation for what it is, they might find there are many elements to admire.

What are they? Well, let's start with the supernatural element. The touches all over all in this film. Angels falling to Earth wanting to 'help' mankind. Noah dreaming about the planet drowning in water. Grandfather blessing Shem's barren wife and final blessing on the grandchildren at the end by the relic that glows.

The wickedness of mankind. Graphically illustrated in several scenes. The barren planet since it had been used up. Humans thinking they are equal with God and could do with the world and its creatures as they please. It showed why God would have cleansed the Earth to begin with.

It's talks about the great cities of man and the technology the angels brought with them. It shows the genetic manipulation of animals, which the Bible does talk about. Yes, the reference is in there. Double check the story. It speaks of the impure animals.

Ultimately, it is a story of redemption. How one man and his family found favor in God's eyes and survived. They obediently built the ark and survived.

Interesting thing, the story of the flood is in just about every culture. Mankind did remember. They changed the details to fit their mythology, but they do remember. Even science has recently found evidence to support it.

So, take a second look at Noah. It's a good film and an attempt at telling a Biblical story with all sorts of surprises mixed in.