Risen – A Movie to Remember

June 6, 2016June 7, 20161 Comment

Risen, DVD

This past Sunday our pastor taught us from Psalm 78, a psalm that communicates the importance of passing down the powerful stories of what God has done. Both parents and grandparents alike were encouraged to be diligent in teaching the next generation about the attributes of God. The psalmist gives the following reasons for us to be faithful in teaching our children and grandchildren about the Lord. We must teach them…

…so the next generation might know them—
    even the children not yet born—
    and they in turn will teach their own children.
So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
    not forgetting his glorious miracles
    and obeying his commands.
Then they will not be like their ancestors—
    stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful,
    refusing to give their hearts to God.

Psalm 78:6,7

If you are like me, you want your children and grandchildren to set their hopes anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands.

Why do I bring all of this up? Recently, I was asked to review the movie entitled Risen, a beautiful Biblical portrayal of Christ’s resurrection. Where Mel Gibson’s movie The Passion left off, Risen begins. It is well acted and excellently portrayed. It is a quality feature film in every way.

The movie brings us into the examination of the claims of the resurrection and into the fears and joys of Jesus’ disciples. More important, it is a reminder of God’s great love for us and His power over sin and death. It is a story of victory – God’s redeeming victory over pain, sorrow and death. It’s a story which must be passed on to generations to come.

As we intentionally impart to young people the “glorious miracles” that God has done, let us never forget the most important miracle – that Christ triumphed over the grave. Colossians reminds us how personal this is. Paul wrote to believers, “With Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

In today’s culture, we want to use a variety of forms of media to grab the attention of young adults and pass along our Christian heritage. Consider using this movie as an opportunity to enjoy some family time together with your teens this summer.* It is a wonderful way to open up the discussion to proclaim the hope we have in Christ.

*You can click the icon at the top of this blog to order the DVD. Keep in mind that this movie is for older kids. It is rated PG-13 due to Biblical violence and a little bit of blood and guts. Best for kids 13 and older.

For more summer ideas to do with the family check out PositiveMom.com

Our $5 Special this month includes two books – Fun House and Table Talk. Both are perfect for family fun this summer. Click Here for more info.

Life Lessons Learned through Baylor’s Controversy

June 2, 2016Leave a comment

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Driving through Waco this past weekend, my heart was saddened to look at the beauty of Baylor’s campus, realizing the turmoil within its walls. We have come a long way from 1978, when I first stepped foot on the soil of the BU campus as a freshman. And without a doubt, we still have a good bit of growing and learning ahead of us. Whenever we face challenges, whether as individuals or institutions, there are always questions to ask ourselves. One question is, “What do I learn from this?” Here are three lessons that I want to bring down to a personal level.

No one is above reproach. We must each examine our own lives and hearts – and re-examine them on a continual basis. How easy it is, not only to sin, but to turn a blind eye toward it in our own lives. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, sinned greatly and tried to sweep it under the carpet. Baylor’s controversy is a reminder to us all to recognize and turn from the sin that we may be allowing to infiltrate our own lives.

Focus on the Bigger Picture. Yes, this is not Baylor’s most glowing moment, but what company, church or institution is without challenges or controversy somewhere in its history? Let’s step back and look at the bigger picture, Baylor is an outstanding university striving for academic excellence from a Christian perspective. It is, and will continue to be, a place where students are inspired and equipped to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in this world. I can look back with gratitude for my years as a student there and the life-long friendships that were built as a result. Let’s keep our eyes on the bigger picture of what God is doing in this place.

Life is Messy, but God brings Redemption. Many lives have been deeply hurt and affected by this tragedy at our university. We grieve with them and recognize that it will take time to heal and feel whole again. The reality for each one of us is that life is messy, sad and painful at times. I’m reminded of what David wrote in Psalm 34, “A righteous man may have many troubles…” Yet, David didn’t stop there. He went on to write, “but the Lord delivers him from them all.” We may not understand why we go through certain troubles, but we can know that God is able to bring redemption and even good through bad things.

As followers of Christ, we have a hope that God can take even the worst of circumstances and use them for a greater good. Look at the cross. Talk about a reason to despair! The disciples thought their whole life had crashed right before their eyes, and yet the greatest trial became the greatest triumph. As we ask the question, “What do I learn from this?” Let us also ask the bigger question, “What will God do through this?”

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
    for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
    He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
    Pour out your heart to him,
    for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8

Overcoming Evil with Good

May 25, 2016May 27, 2016Leave a comment

Positive Woman Connection this week was powerful!! We had two amazing ladies share their stories of overcoming evil with good. In essence, overcoming evil with good, means we are overcoming evil with God! Praise, prayer and positive action are ways that we can combat evil, rather than being fretful or complaining about what’s wrong in this world. I know you will want to read both of our guests amazing stories.

Click Here to order Bonnie’s Book

Click Here to Order Virginia’s Book

May 20, 2016Leave a comment

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How do you personally respond to the evil and injustice you see in this world? You have a choice. You can either be overcome with fear, despair, anger & bitterness, or you can choose hope. The Bible tells us to overcome evil with good. What does that look like in a practical sense? That’s what we are going to be talking about at Positive Woman Connection Bible Study as we finish up our study of Romans 12 on May 24. I hope you will join us. For more info click here.

The Rangers and TobyMac

May 16, 2016May 16, 2016Leave a comment

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This past Sunday, I had the exciting opportunity to attend a Texas Rangers Baseball game with some of my family – and what a game it was!! Two home runs by the Rangers and a winning score was good enough for me, but in the eighth inning things turned a little ugly. Right before our eyes, a major brawl broke out, grabbing national attention. Personally, I’m not one that enjoys watching players throwing punches, but the fan sitting next to me was absolutely thrilled. He said it was his birthday, and seeing the fight was the best birthday present ever!

What caused this major fight to break out between the Rangers and the Blue Jays? There are many speculations, but the bottom line is that there is a good amount of pent up anger between the two teams which culminated in Sunday’s fighting match. The feuding history between these rivals spurred on a bitter battle on the field.

Ironically, after the game there was a concert on the field performed by TobyMac – a Christian artist with a powerful message filled with humility, grace and forgiveness. You probably didn’t see that on the evening news. Fights are so much more exciting! But what is the message we want to get across to our children and to society at large?

Do we want to encourage the next generation to work out their anger and frustrations through fighting and revenge, or do we want to promote a better way? The Bible teaches us how to resolve conflicts and work through anger. In its pages, we learn how to love our enemies and forgive those who have hurt us. We learn about grace – grace toward others, because God has shown us grace through His Son.

As believers, let’s demonstrate to the world what God’s love looks like. Let’s be different. Sure we all get angry, but as Christ’s followers, His Spirit can give us the strength and wisdom to work through issues, let go of bitterness and live with grace toward one another. God’s Spirit loving through us can make a positive and powerful difference in this world. Let’s let HIs love be our signature.

It seems fitting that this morning I happened to read these words by the apostle Peter:

All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing. I Peter 3:8-9