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?

The Jews are still God's chosen ones

There seem to be many mind sets in the Christian world. The first seems to think that the Jewish people no longer have a place in God's plan and so they should be ignored. The second is those who think that studying the Jewish faith is an excellent way to better understand Christianity.  Others are called to reach out to their Jewish brothers and sisters, pray for them, and reach out to share Jesus with them.

For those who seem to think they Jewish people should be ignored, have not been reading the events which will lead up to the return of Christ. God is NOT done with his chosen people yet. The stage is even now being set for those end events to come to pass.

Those who believe understanding the Jewish faith as a better way to enrich their Christian walk - are totally correct. There are many passages in the New Testament that will come alive when the full richness of culture and faith are revealed.

Lastly, a huge huzzah for those who are reaching out and sharing Christ. God didn't intend for only Gentiles to have Christ, but for His people as well. Remember, Christianity started first with the Jews, then spread to the Gentiles and the rest of the world.

Keep praying for Israel. For those who support God's people will be blessed.

And keep an eye on the sky, listen for the trumpet and shout, and be ready, as events began to unfold for Christ's return.

Movie Review : The Book of Eli

The Book of Eli is an unexpected surprise and a wonderful example of a Christian Speculative film. Although violent in places and one would expect such in a post apocalyptic film, the final scenes and the unexpected twist at the end make this a must see movie.

It focuses on the journey of Eli, a traveler who has been walking west for the past thirty years. He did so at the urging of a voice in his head. He stumbles upon a town run by a mafia type leader who tries to take the 'book' from the hero. What ensues is gaining a new travel companion, a long chase, explosions and gun battles.In the end he reaches his destination, and in the interest of keeping the end a surprise, a powerful message.

On another note, this blogger has just recently learned of Denzil Washington's faith and was pleasantly surprised he was one of the producers of the movie.

I would give this film four stars out of five.

The Pressure Cooker

Everything happens at once. How many times has this happened? Once? Twice? More times than can be counted?


Here's the current list:

Father recovering from minor heart attack.

Father-in-Law in hospital suffering from a major infection and not doing what the doctor's are telling him.

Need new car because the old one's transmission blew.

Starting a new job.

Strained relationship with spouse.

Trying to keep up writing career between personal and work conflicts.

What is keeping the blogger sane? Pure faith in God that every need will be met because He has proven Himself in the past to be faithful.

But my God shall, absolutely, meet all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
(Reference. No idea. But it's a verse memorized.)

'Why Not Question' : Movie Review - 'Game Time Tackling the Past'

'Game Time Tackling the Past' depicts a professional football player on the decline of his career. He returns home due to a family emergency, reconnects with them, and discovers a new passion for the sport that is not self serving or self centered.

The movie shows what can happen to someone when they live only for themselves and how what appears to be a tragedy or ruin, can actually work into something far better than a dream now past its prime. Filled with emotional moments and new friendships, this film shows the power of forgiveness and love.

There are also some faith filled moments depicted.

Many parts of this film reminds the viewer of moments in 'Facing the Giants' or 'Flywheel'.

On a scale of 1 to 5, this film is a 4.

'Why Not Question' : Religion and Babylon 5

One TV show in particular showed a great deal of respect for the various religions on Earth. It was Babylon 5. During the first season there was one episode where the various ambassadors on the station shared their major beliefs with each other. When asked about Earth's, Commander Sinclair took the Minbari, Centuari, and everyone else to meet with not just one religious leader, but several. A very realistic approach to show that even in the future, mankind will not have 'one' major religion.

It is also interesting to note the second in command, Susan Ivanova, was a Russian Jew. Her beliefs were obvious, including sitting shiva, a type of wake where those who attend share stories about the dead loved one, apologizing to God when something was said that shouldn't have been, and a continued steadfast faith.

Commander Sinclair also had strong faith. In the end, he transformed into the Minbari leader, Valen, who founded their ruling Gray Council and taught them a religious system whose origins came from Earth. Granted, the Minbari believed in a type of reincarnation with the souls being reborn into the next generation and thought that Minbari souls were being born into humans. A belief playing an important component all throughout the series.

Included as well was a group of priests who set up shop on the station. In a wonderful episode about forgiveness they helped John Sheridan, who was in command for three seasons, come to terms with the fate of a serial killer. Such people suffered death of personality and were reprogrammed. They spent the rest of their lives serving humanity. It was hard for Sheridan, but it was the choice of leader of the priests who personally chose the killer to be part of his order and sent the man back to Earth to be trained.

In 'The Lost Tales', a DVD released after the series ended, one of the mini episodes shared was about a demon who hitched a ride to the station.The person was captured and then returned to Earth in the custody of a priest. The interesting premise introduced was a concept that the demons would always be Earth bound and only humanity's children would inherit the stars.

Although not strictly Christian, the screen writer showed all belief systems with respect and serves as an excellent example for writers of the Science Fiction genre to follow.