Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “Faith Like Potatoes”
Bible Verse of the Day:
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God, Romans 8:26-27.
Biblical Connection:
Faith Like Potatoes was inspired by the true story of a Scottish man who moves to Africa to become a Zambian farmer. When Angus Buchan’s crops are wiped out by a hailstorm, he learns to place his trust in God for his future. After planting potatoes, taking a huge risk, Angus has an encounter that transformed his life, encountering a dead woman who is miraculously brought back to life.
Part of any faith journey is being obedient to God’s calling. When Angus responded to a cry for help, he finds himself in an awkward position, unsure of what to do. This is when the Holy Spirit intervened, speaking through Angus as he laid hands upon this dead woman. Unfortunately, most Christians don’t believe this type of healing is possible today. However, when you are open to God’s will, the power of prayer is unleashed.
Closing Song:
The apostle Paul’s life is filled with amazing adventures which likely inspired some of the words his epistles in the New Testament. According to Acts 16, Paul and Silas are imprisoned for casting out a demon from a fortune teller. Perhaps, the knowledge of Romans 8:26-27 was experienced while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God in jail at midnight. As the Holy Spirit fueled this unorthodox church service, these first century missionaries became a hostage of peace.
Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 movie “What Dreams May Come”
Bible Verse of the Day:
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’[a]12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved,” Acts 4:8-12.
Biblical Connection:
The film What Dreams May Come addresses the afterlife. Following a boating accident while on vacation, fate brings pediatrician Chris Nielsen played by Robin Williams together with artist Annie Collins, Annabella Sciorra. After falling in love and having two children, Ian and Marie, a car accident tragically kills both children. When Chris dies 4 years later and is reunited with his children in heaven, his wife commits suicide and has ends up in hell. While this Hollywood version deviates from the permanence of heaven and hell, this film reminds me to take life more seriously.
While Easter Sunday 2025 has faded from the minds of most Christians, the resurrection power fueled by the Holy Spirit continues on. Exhibit A is the life of Peter who is infamously remembered as the disciple who publicly denied knowing Jesus three times after his arrest. Yet, Luke, a first century doctor who served as a church historian for the apostle Paul, reveal’s Peter’s spiritual transformation in today’s featured passage. Peter began to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, healing and teaching about the kingdom and power of God. Peter points to the only way to heaven, Jesus.
Closing Song:
During the funeral of a teammate from high school who committed suicide, the pastor speaking wasn’t sure if God was real or if there was truly an eternal place like heaven. This was a spiritual turning point in my life where I truly wanted to make sure I took life more seriously. This search led me to the words of 1 John 5:11-13, having the assurance of eternal life before I die.
As a former Roman Catholic, Mary mother of Jesus was often idolized by members of my former church. When I was younger, I didn’t pay much attention to Mary’s elevated status to sainthood and worship. Yet, as an adult, as I read what is often called Mary’s Song, helps me see the truth. The deliverer of Jesus will be delivered by the Son of God, Psalm 18:2.
And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb! 43 And how [have I deserved that this honor should] be granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy, Luke 1:42-44.
Bible scholars believe that Mary was likely a 13 or 14 year old teenager at the time of this immaculate conception via the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35. According to Matthew 1:19, Joseph and Mary were already betrothed, equivalent to a modern-day engagement. When Mary left to stay with Elizabeth, there were no signs of this pregnancy. If Joseph wasn’t a prudent man, he could have her stoned publicly for adultery. When Mary’s life and marriage was spared, thanksgiving followed.
And blessed (happy, [z]to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, 47 And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Luke 1:45-47.
The above passage clearly states Mary’s public confession and need for a Savior. Despite all the great accolades placed and stowed upon Mary, she knew her place in life. As the Son of God quickly grew into a man, Mary began to treasure things within her heart and mind. Despite the blessing and honor of being the mother of Jesus, Mary acknowledged that the deliverer will soon need to be delivered herself. This is one of many unspoken truths about Christmas.
As a child, I was taught that God first appeared to Moses in a burning bush. When I received my first Children’s Bible, there was a picture of this bush on one of the pages. Yet, according to the Classic Edition of the Amplified Bible, an angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the form of a flame. Perhaps, this Bible story was watered down so a child could understand, but the flame within in this bush is the key to this encounter with God.
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the back or west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb or Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 The [a]Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed, Exodus 3:1-2.
From a spiritual perspective, Jesus’ target audience for His Sermon on Mount in Matthew 5-7 was common people. Jesus crafted his message toward farmers or fishermen to reach as many people as possible. When transitioning from current events toward spiritual issues, you have to meet people where they are. As a caretaker of Jethro’s livestock, Moses became familiar with the terrain and topography of Midian. Choosing a flaming inside a bush was much less overwhelming than God speaking through a cloud or thunderous voice from heaven.
And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I, Exodus 3:3-4.
The Old Testament highlights the transition from God walking and talking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to messengers in the form of angels, Judges and prophets. When John the Baptist spoke about Jesus in Matthew 3:11, John points to the Holy Spirit and fire. Just as a fire alarm gets the attention of a smoke infested building, the flame within a bush thousands of years ago was the spark that introduced Moses to the God of his forefathers.
On the first day of school, new parents are handing their children over to their education system. Perhaps, a mother may not want to let go of her children, afraid of what may happen. Certain parents may wait a day or two before finally dropping off their child to begin the next stage of life. Meanwhile, shy and timid youngsters may need a nudge to start this journey.
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 17 Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
In the passage above, the apostle Paul alludes to a spiritual nudge. In the previous chapter, 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8, there is a call to change. This decision is highlighted in Colossians 3:1-7, transitioning from your former way of life, humanism, toward Christ centered living. Like a child who doesn’t want to leave the security of their parents, Christians may need a nudge from the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, to complete this process.
Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will], 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.
Maintaining a spirit of Thanksgiving isn’t normal. People don’t just wake up and proclaim, “thank the Lord!” Rather, joy is a decision, a state of mind conceived by a fruit of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. Although joy isn’t one of the theological virtues discussed by C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, 1 Corinthians 13:13, this is a byproduct of Jesus living inside of you. If you wake up on Thanksgiving Day grumpy, a spiritual nudge is like hot coffee to get you going in the right direction.
The author of Hebrews refers to the Words inside the Bible as living and active, Hebrews 4:12. Jesus spoke about this in John 16:8, pointing to the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, in the Old Testament, resting in God’s strength was different as the Holy Spirit did not permanently arrive on earth until 30 AD. Subsequently, there’s a difference between resting in God’s strength and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.
But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, Genesis 49:24.
Joseph learned about trusting in God’s strength from listening to the testimonies of his forefathers. When God spoke to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, altars were set up to remember God’s presence and message bought to these men. Whether he was listening to these testimonies or visiting these special places, Joseph learned to rest in God’s strength.
And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn ([a]a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. 8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; 9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and[b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength). 11 Now I have been [speaking like] a fool! But you forced me to it, for I ought to have been [[f]saved the necessity and] commended by you. For I have not fallen short one bit or proved myself at all inferior to those superlative [false] apostles [of yours], even if I am nothing (a nobody), 2 Corinthians 12:7-11.
Meanwhile, the apostle Paul brings new meaning to resting in God’s strength in the passage above. While writing to the Church at Corinth, Paul reflects upon some sort of debilitating condition. Scholars believe that this thorn in Paul’s flesh could also be spiritual oppression like haunting nightmares of being responsible for the apostle Steven’s death. Whatever this condition was, Paul is forced to place his whole trust and strength in Jesus.
I spent the majority of my adolescence wearing emotions on my sleeves. While my peers knew exactly how I felt, I didn’t have an inkling that God knew what was going on in my heart. I wasn’t mature enough nor did I possess a clear understanding of the God of the Bible. Unfortunately, depression led me to withdraw, trying to cope with my broken heart on my own.
And after there had been a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, Brethren, you know that quite a while ago God made a choice or selection from among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message of the Gospel [concerning the [c]attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] and believe (credit and place their confidence in it), Acts 15:7.
As the first century church of Jesus Christ grew, differences emerged between churches and their leaders. Rather than sweep this under the rug by ignoring it, the apostles and disciples met in Jerusalem to come to some sort of a resolution. Rather than force Jewish practices upon newly converted Gentiles to Christianity, a couple of key Mosiac laws were recommended to follow.
And God, Who is acquainted with and understands the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit as He also did to us; 9 And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith ([d]by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God), Acts 15:8-9.
It took a first century doctor in Luke to point out that God knows and understands human hearts. Meanwhile, an individual described by one prophet as a man after God’s own heart experienced one trial that opened his spiritual eyes, Psalm 34:18. Don’t try to be a hero by wanting to figure out everything on your own. Let go and let God heal your wounded heart.
Back in 2021, my screen writing friend Spencer and I committed to reading one famous screenplay per week. The goal and objective was to see how great writers craft award winning films. Depending upon the actors and actresses chosen for major roles, famous ones have the ability to alter and or change their dialog. If you read the screen play for I-Robot, you can tell Will Smith and the director made several changes which improved this Science Fiction movie.
Rebekah said to Jacob her younger son, See here, I heard your father say to Esau your brother, 7 Bring me game and make me appetizing meat, so that I may eat and declare my blessing upon you before the Lord before my death. 8 So now, my son, do exactly as I command you. 9 Go now to the flock, and from it bring me two good and suitable kids; and I will make them into appetizing meat for your father, such as he loves. 10 And you shall bring it to your father, that he may eat and declare his blessing upon you before his death. 11 But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Listen, Esau my brother is a hairy man and I am a smooth man. 12 Suppose my father feels me; I will seem to him to be a cheat and an imposter, and I will bring [his] curse on me and not [his] blessing. 13 But his mother said to him, On me be your curse, my son; only obey my word and go, fetch them to me, Genesis 27:6-13.
In today’s featured passage, Rebekah acts like a Hollywood director, going through her plan with her son Jacob. As this rehearsal plays out, the main actor begins to have second thoughts, doubting that he’ll be able follow the script. Rebekah takes charge as if to say, “if this doesn’t work, I’ll take full responsibility. ” While Moses doesn’t mention any nervousness, stuttering or sweating, Jacob follows Rebekah’s script perfectly, deceiving his father just as his mom had planned.
So [Jacob] went, got [the kids], and brought them to his mother; and his mother prepared appetizing meat with a delightful odor, such as his father loved. 15 Then Rebekah took her elder son Esau’s best clothes which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. 16 And she put the skins of the kids on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17 And she gave the savory meat and the bread which she had prepared into the hand of her son Jacob. 18 So he went to his father and said, My father. And he said, Here am I; who are you, my son? 19 And Jacob said to his father, I am Esau your firstborn; I have done what you told me to do. Now sit up and eat of my game, so that you may proceed to bless me. 20 And Isaac said to his son, How is it that you have found the game so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord your God caused it to come to me. 21 But Isaac said to Jacob, Come close to me, I beg of you, that I may feel you, my son, and know whether you really are my son Esau or not. 22 So Jacob went near to Isaac, and his father felt him and said, The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. 23 He could not identify him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. 24 But he said, Are you really my son Esau? He answered, I am. 25 Then [Isaac] said, Bring it to me and I will eat of my son’s game, that I may bless you. He brought it to him and he ate; and he brought him wine and he drank, aGenesis 27:14-15.
There are some people who make their living on social media today, using scripted videos with the ability to go off script if necessary. Rather than working a typical 9-5 job, these creative entrepreneurs are spending their time doing what they enjoy and or love. However, like Jacob and Rebekah, sometimes you have to take chances in life. Perhaps, risking failure is an integral part of success, seeing what you’re capable of achieving and what’s beyond your abilities. Scripts serve as a boundary line with the Holy Spirit as the ultimate guide, Galatians 5:25, to lead you away from evil and toward what the Lord desires.
I’ve become pretty good at playing the What if Game over the past few years. If you’re not careful, the what ifs in life can become an excuse for you not to move on following an unexpected disappointment, failure or setback. Rather than asking God for a Do-over, maybe everything has happened up to this point to persuade you to finally come to a place in your life where you’re ready to yield total control over to the Lord?
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the [w]span of his life? 28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and[x]learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. 29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his [y]magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? – Matthew 6:26-30
On one of my most recent visits to Liberty University, I attended my daughter Lydia’s church Breakthrough. This church meets in a coffee shop called La Vida which is near the campus of Lynchburg University where my oldest son James is in the process of completing his doctorate in Physical Therapy. As for the church service, following a moving time of worship, the sermon was about reaching a place in your life where you’re willing to let the Lord lead you. Romans 10:9-11.
Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? 32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. 33 But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:31-34.
In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains what it means to let God lead your life. The first step concerns overcoming anxiety and worry. When faith takes the place of these two stressful conditions, attaining peace becomes possible. Hpwever, the key ingredient to coming to a place where the Lord will lead you involves seeking after God’s kingdom and righteousness. Just as the beatitudes set the tone for the beginning of this famous speech, when you let go and let God lead, everything else is provided by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4.
The storyline behind the 1993 film Indecent Proposal shocked many married Americans when it debuted in theaters 30 years ago. Unfortunately, the envelope has been pushed so far beyond what is good and decent that it takes a stunning plot like Indecent Proposal to get the attention of Christians. After losing all their money in Las Vegas, a couple is approached by a billionaire who offers a million dollars in exchange for one night with Diana. Yet, the Bible has its own indecent proposal.
And when he was about to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, I know that you are beautiful to behold. 12 So when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say, I beg of you, that you are [c]my sister, so that it may go well with me for your sake and my life will be spared because of you. 14 And when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15 The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into Pharaoh’s house [harem], Genesis 12:11-15.
Moses provides a summary of Abram’s call from God to leave Haran for another land beginning in Genesis 12:1. While a timeline is not mentioned, a famine forces Abram to reside in Egypt until this food shortage subsides. This sets the scene for a man who was called by God, but his action reveals that Abram had not fully trusted God on his way to a promised land. Subsequently, Abram tells Egyptian leaders that Sarai is his sister, lying to save his own life.
But the Lord scourged Pharaoh and his household with serious plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, She is my sister, so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her and get away [from here]! 20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him, and they brought him on his way with his wife and all that he had, Genesis 12:17-20.
Abram’s indecent proposal opens the doors for Sarai to be added to Pharoah’s harem. While Moses doesn’t specify if Pharoah had sex with Sarai, he does take her to be his wife. Whatever this ceremony consisted of Abram was powerless to act. If Genesis 12 was made into a movie, Abram would have the same agonizing emptions as David Murphy in Indecent Proposal. As you consider the Bible’s version of Indecent Proposal, may the Holy Spirit guide you to make prudent decisions in the future.
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