Go See This Movie!!! [Update: 3/21/18]

 

My husband and I saw the movie “I Can Only Imagine” yesterday, which was the opening day for the film.  How appropriate for the movie to begin on 3:16!  This wasn’t by accident!  It was purposely positioned to open on that date because of John 3:16!

Jhn 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

I have always LOVED this song!  I had it on a WOW Christian CD and would play it over and over again!  It’s one of those worship songs that touches my heart and soul, and has much meaning for my life.

I’m glad that I had tissues in my purse!  There were obvious sniffles happening all around the theater!  There were also funny and moving moments that added so much to the story line!  Dennis Quaid was outstanding as the abusive father turned Christian believer.  I don’t want to reveal too much of the story line!  Go see this film!  It’s the best movie that I have seen in years!

If you go to the “Rotten Tomatoes” website, I suggest that you skip the so-called “professional” critics (because that is truly what they are – only CRITICS) and read the 8 pages of reviews by people who saw the movie!  On the left sidebar, you can also view three video trailers of the movie.

Here are just a few of some of my favorite movie-goer comments from the site:

Brian B

March 17, 2018

It’s really sad to see the critic reviews of this movie. Then again, critics probably have very little use for the subject matter, the redemptive power of God. The film is tremendously made, finely acted, powerfully moving. The entire audience was in tears for most of the last 30 minutes of the movie. It will continue to create a buzz and has already outperformed the most optimistic estimates of its’ box office opening weekend. Do yourself a favor and go see the film. It just might hit you in the heart…unless you’re a jaded, snobby film critic, that is!

Stanla F

March 17, 2018

I loved this movie. It was an interesting story and well acted. It was funny and warm in places, while telling a story of forgiveness and success against the odds. Don’t let the “professional critics” steer you wrong. This is a movie worth seeing. J. Michael Finley was great in the role of Bart. Dennis Quaid did a fantastic job of a transformed soul. With a budget so much smaller than the movies it is competing with, it ‘s good to see this movie doing well and being appreciated, not for flash of Hollywood, but the humanity of Middle America. It is definitely worth seeing. I hope it continues to do really well. I loved it.

Vicki M

March 17, 2018

The professional critics disappoint me. Hollywood appears to be doing their best to discourage people from seeing this movie that promotes healing and redemption of the human spirit, while cheerleading movies that drag our souls down into the mire. Why? That is the question. One guy said the movie lacks complexity. What could be more complex than trying to understand an earthly father who says that you are no good while giving you the back of his hand and driving you away, and a Heavenly Father who works all things together for YOUR GOOD while declaring that Nothing can ever snatch you from the safety of His hands. Another reviewer said it’s a one note movie – the story too simple. I did not hear one note alone. I heard a symphony of stories coming from this young man’s life, and behind the scenes God working ALL THINGS together for his good. The story of a father and son, the story of a boy chasing his dream desperately trying to prove his worth, the story of something good coming out of pain and misery, the story of sin, failure, repentance, forgiveness, and redemption coming together to produce a song that touched hearts and lives across the planet… that continues to touch hearts for Christ. A message that will touch you, if you have a soul. I don’t understand how anyone could watch this movie and miss that the point is Jesus – living in the hearts of His believers, proving the Father’s overwhelming love for us all. That even for the worst of us – the cross is enough. Those reviewers got it wrong. I pray for them. I Can Only Imagine will be the Best Movie of the Year, and Best Christian Movie to date.

David L

March 17, 2018

This is certainly a movie that secular critics would not understand. However, they apparently did not experience the repeated sniffles from a nearly sold out theater which ended in a standing ovation.

Bo B

March 17, 2018

Excellent movie that accomplished its goal. You know the song, even if you don’t realize it. The story effectively and emotionally told the story and ended with a moral lesson. Let go of your resentments and grudges. Forgive and you shall be set free. I am sure this is a movie I will watch many times in the years to come. I highly recommend.

R Kevin M

March 16, 2018

This is the movie about the story behind the song America loves. So many parts of this movie are needed at the core of our country today. The story is about redemption, then forgiveness, and an abundant amount of love. What else could we want for our world today. The actors did an amazing job of taking an authentic real life situation and drawing you into this movie like no other film I have seen. If you want to see what real love is like and see an outstanding movie, do not wait. Go see it and be energized to forgive and love.

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Update 3/21/18!

One of the commenters here at my blog (screen name Looking Up) posted a video about Dennis Quaid and how he had come to faith in Jesus Christ!

On The Edge Again: On My Way to Heaven – Faith of Dennis Quaid

Left a comment there (still in moderation):

So glad I visited your blog and saw this post about Dennis Quaid! After seeing the movie “I Can Only Imagine” on opening day, I thought that Quaid’s performance as the abusive father turned believer was excellently done and very believable! Turns out, it was a genuine performance from his heart because he has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!

Hope you are doing well, Looking Up, and when I think of your comments at my blog and your situation, I continue to include you and your son in my prayers!

God bless!

In Jesus
Christine
(Talk Wisdom)

March 15, 2018 Afternoon Verse Of The Day

Truth2Freedom blog’s author has put together a great essay that explains why, we as born again believers in Jesus, know that He is the Savior of the world. Great passages for the upcoming season of Passover, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday!

Truth2Freedom's Blog

Christ’s Impression on the Samaritans

From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. Many more believed because of His word; and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” (4:39–42)

Following the interlude of verses 31–38, the Samaritans reenter the narrative as the story builds to a powerful conclusion. Many of the villagers believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” Surely we can assume that…

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The Real Problem With Wheat

Occasionally, I have written about how GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) and wheat gluten have wreaked havoc upon our health; especially concerning our digestive systems.  So often, we see commercials about probiotics in yogurt and supplements, as well as over-the-counter medications to deal with digestive problems.

Today, I just happened to be reading an article from Animal Wellness Magazine entitled, The Real Problem with Wheat. Quite eye opening! If we shouldn’t give dry dog food with grains in it to our pets, then why are we willingly eating it?

It was interesting to read that Americans ate healthy organic foods up until 1995. The spraying of Roundup on crops introduced all kinds of problems which are caused by “glyphosate.”

From the above link:

I recommend reading the entire article at the link, but here is an excerpt:

Why does glyphosate cause ill health?

Glyphosate is known to inhibit something called the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme. These enzymes are involved in detoxifying environmental toxins, activating vitamin D3, catabolizing vitamin A, and maintaining bile acid production and sulfate supplies to the gut. Good intestinal bacteria are rendered impotent by glyphosate in wheat – perhaps another reason why so many people and animals need to take probiotics nowadays.

To quote the article in Entropy (“Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases”, Volume 15, Issue 4):

“CYP enzymes play crucial roles in biology, one of which is to detoxify xenobiotics. ‘Xenobiotic’ denotes a substance, typically a synthetic chemical, that is foreign to the body or an ecological system. Thus, glyphosate enhances the damaging effects of wheat, and this helps explain the explosion of gastrointestinal and other health problems in both people and animals. other food-borne chemical residues and environmental toxins. Negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body…. Consequences are most of the diseases and conditions associated with a Western diet, which include gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease…. Glyphosate is the ‘textbook example’ of exogenous semiotic entropy: the disruption of homeostasis by environmental toxins.”

The addition of environmental toxins disrupts the body’s ability to heal and balance itself. The addition of Roundup to the diet from wheat and other grain products significantly disrupts the beneficial bacteria in the gut and contributes to excessive unhealthy permeability of the intestinal wall. If we understand that gut health contributes to 70% of immune function, the health consequences are even more substantial.

Hat tip:  Animal Wellness magazine

But, How Do We Love?

Here’s a question to answer:

Do we love (someone/others) because (______________ ) (fill in the blank)?

When first falling in love with someone, can it be “like breathing?”

Because of great “chemistry?”

 

Or,  do we love (someone/others) although (______________) (fill in the blank)?

Often, the thought that “we love although” happens when others hurt us.

I put that question in a search engine to see if it had been addressed elsewhere online, but after going seven pages deep, I did not find that exact phrase, however, I did find something close to it.  Lo and behold, it was written at a link to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website.

The question was written specifically, but the answer was more valuable because it was written as a general answer to that person’s question.

Here is a copy of the question:

I’ve heard that the Bible tells us to love others, but everyone in our family agrees that one of our cousins is impossible to love. He’s obnoxious and conceited, and no one likes being around him. How can you love someone you don’t like?

Here is a copy of the answer:

Yes, the Bible certainly tells us to love others, even if they aren’t very lovable! When Jesus was asked which were the most important of God’s laws, He summarized them in two commands: to love God, and to love others (see Mark 12:28-34).

But what does it mean to love others? All too often, I’m afraid, we confuse liking someone with loving them. In other words, we think loving someone is similar to liking them, only much stronger. And this isn’t necessarily wrong, as far as it goes; a husband (for example) should genuinely like his wife and enjoy being in her company.

Does this mean we can’t love someone who’s difficult to like? No, it doesn’t, not if we understand the kind of love God has for us. God loves us not because we’re perfect, or even likeable, because we aren’t. We fall far short of what He wants us to be, yet the Bible says He still loves us. And unlike our love for others, His love means He always wants what’s best for us, although we don’t deserve it.

This is the way God wants us to love others — by seeking what’s best for them. No, your cousin may not be likeable, but have you ever asked God to change him? Have you ever gone out of your way to show love for him, even if he doesn’t deserve it? Open your heart and life to Christ’s transforming love. Then remember: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

 

I love you this much!

~ Jesus

Hat tip: Billy Graham.org.

Debating forgiveness: must a person admit wrongdoing before being forgiven? – Wintery Knight Blog

Relationships can be difficult and hard in this life. It takes work, but also a lot of love and forgiveness in order to get through disagreements, hurt feelings, and terrible things that can happen. No one has a perfect life, nor a perfect marriage.

I wholeheartedly agree that repentance is required in order for genuine forgiveness to happen. Without these facts, then reconciliation would be hollow and even non-existent!

God’s love for us was poured out through His Son Jesus at the Cross of Calvary. As believers in Him, we are instructed to love others, as He has loved us. The Bible doesn’t say to stop loving others when they make mistakes, especially when they are willing to ask for forgiveness and desire reconciliation with those that they have sinned against.
Jesus told Peter that we are to forgive not only seven times, but “70 times seven” times! Was Jesus utilizing hyperbole in order to get the point across that repentance, as well as reconciliation are required?
I read a devotional today that asks some pertinent questions.

“Today, when you look at your life, and the lives of those closest to you, do you see fruit and abundance? Or do you see another picture? Are you like a dried-up branch, devoid of any good works that speak of a godly source? Do your relationships suffer because you are at the center, not Jesus?”

The requirements of confession, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation are all needed to be forgiven for our sins and become right with God through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Is this not the pattern that we should follow for the forgiveness of people in our lives during our journey in this world? If we don’t follow such a pattern, then how are we to bring others into God’s Kingdom?

The devotional ends with:

“Throughout the trials you face–whether big or small–cling to Jesus as the source and giver of life. May you remain in His love. And may His love fill you with abundance and cause you to bear fruit for His Kingdom.”
Amen!

Hat tip:  Wintery Knight

WINTERY KNIGHT

Two horses fight it out, may the best horse win!

I’ve listened to this debate three times because I liked it so much. I even ordered Chris’ book for my best friend Dina. She has listened to the debate, and is currently split between the two debaters. I am in firm agreement with the pastor Chris, although Remy has some useful things to say that I agree with.

Here’s a link to the debate page on Moody Bible Institute’s “Up For Debate” program with Julie Roys.

Details:

Should Christians Forgive No Matter What?

Should Christians forgive someone even if he’s not sorry?  Or does true forgiveness require repentance and a desire to reconcile?  This Saturday, on Up For Debate, Julie Roys will explore this issue with Chris Brauns, a pastor who believes forgiveness requires repentance, and Remy Diederich who believes it does not.

Although I disagree with Remy, I only disagree with him…

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I Can Only Imagine

Now here’s an upcoming movie (March 16th) that I am looking forward to seeing!  “I Can Only Imagine” is a song by Mercy Me that has inspired millions; and now we will get to see what, and just Whom, inspired the singer to write and sing that song – for his dad.

Published on Jan 11, 2018

J. Michael Finley, Dennis Quaid, and Tanya Clarke star in ‘I Can Only Imagine’. Take a look at a sneak peek of this inspiring movie coming to theaters March 16th.

I Can Only Imagine (About The Movie) – “The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe’s beloved, chart topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many is a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness.”

Genuine Forgiveness Includes Reconciliation

A mother who has been suffering through a sudden estrangement situation with her son told me that his “break up with his parents” letter included the following comment:

“I forgive you, but I can’t be around it anymore.” 

According to the letter the mom had received, his grievances included perceived “unhealthy communication” and “crossing boundaries,” plus “convictions” regarding grievances which had never been shared with the parents while growing up.  But now, they have “come to light” and were included without much explanation in the letter written.  The son has ignored the pleas of his mother to at least talk it out, or even see a counselor together in order to understand the son’s convictions and grievances; some of which she has no idea in what he’s talking about.

The entire family has been suffering with grief over this for the past four months.  They don’t know whether or not this young man will ever come around and be willing to talk with them or see them again.  It’s a very sad situation!  This young man even wrote to his own sister and in a separate email message where he basically made her choose which side she and her husband were on; his or their parents!

I’m not trained as a counselor and I don’t claim to have all the answers to such a situation.  However, when I see human problems from a biblical perspective (which is something that, as Christians, we should always strive to do), I like to share it here at this blog in the hope that what is written might help someone who is suffering in an estrangement situation.

Forgiveness is Divine.

No wonder it has been said that, “forgiveness is Divine.”  Isn’t it so true that it is often very difficult for us imperfect and sinful human beings to forgive?  But when one forgives another, it is like a huge weight has been lifted off of the heart, soul and mind.  It releases all of that pain, resentment, and rage that once plagued us.  It’s difficult to explain, but when it happens in your life, you know it!

The second (and most important) action that follows forgiveness is reconciliation.  Without reconciliation, the term “forgiveness” is hollow and meaningless.  Man can still claim to forgive, but holding a grudge and refusing to return towards a relationship with one who has been forgiven demonstrates that there is still contempt, dislike, or maybe even hatred for the person (people) that one claims that they have forgiven.  Holding a grudge eats away at one’s heart, soul, spirit and mind!

Christians should not live that way.  They should not hold grudges or have contempt for those that they have loved before, claimed to have forgiven for a simple trespass, yet refuse to participate in a path towards reconciliation.

Our Model, in this respect, is Jesus Christ Himself.  Even when He was being crucified on the cross, (a most painful and excruciating form of punishment that leads to death) He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”  When Jesus died for our sins – the sins of all mankind – He was buried in a guarded tomb.  However, death could not hold Him down and after fulfilling His purpose on this earth, He rose on the third day.  Yes!  His glorious resurrection had a crucial purpose.  Those who would believe in Him and the reason why He died for our sins would join in with the joyous purpose of being reconciled back unto God!

Without the goal of reconciliation, the entire purpose of forgiveness of our sins would be meaningless, wouldn’t it?

If Jesus had listened to and obeyed the man in the crowd at Calvary who yelled, “if you are truly the Son of God, come down from that cross and save yourself,” then the entire purpose for which He was sent and born into this world would have been lost!  Jesus would have ended up going back to the Father, but He would have entered back into heaven alone, for all of eternity.  The offer and goal of salvation for mankind would have been lost.

Only the sinless Son of God could have (and did!) accomplish the plan of forgiveness, reconciliation, and salvation for all who would believe in Him!

Jesus is the bridge that crosses the deep cavern that exists between sinful man and Holy God!  Without reconciliation in this manner, what good is there in forgiveness?  Answer:  it would be hollow, to say the least, and not a soul saving type of forgiveness.

This serves as a model for human relationships and the need to follow Christ’s lead towards forgiving one another.  Without reconciliation, it is hollow at its core.

God bless and may you find peace in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ,

~  Christine

Dan 9:24 – “Seventy weeks[fn] are determined
For your people and for your holy city,
To finish the transgression,
To make an end of[fn] sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy.

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Rom 5:8 – But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 5:9 – Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Rom 5:10 – For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Rom 5:11 – And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

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2 Cor 5:18 – Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,

2 Cor 5:19 – that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

2 Cor 5:20 – Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

2 Cor 5:21 – For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

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Update

Also see:

Truth 2 Freedom: March 2 The Godhead Forever One