Kirk Cameron plays Caleb Holt in the 2008 film Fireproof. As a fan of the show Growing Pains, I’ve followed Kirk Cameron’s career over the years. When Kirk began to speak out about his faith, Hollywood stopped calling, forcing Kirk to seek roles in lesser-known films. My favorite Kirk Cameron film is Mercy Rule where his character fights back against powerful environmental lobbyists.
The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s word], Lamentations 3:25.
Today’s featured song comes from the Fireproof Soundtrack. John Waller sings about Caleb’s attempt to transform his life so that he can convince his wife from divorcing. While I’m Waiting is part of a montage where Caleb seeks to serve and love his wife as Christ loved the church. Since most prayers aren’t answered immediately, Christians are forced to wait in faith until miracles occur.
Back in 1995, Tim LaHave and Jerry Jenkins released their first of 15 books in the Left Behind Series. This subject matter places readers in the last days, what life on earth will be like prior to and after Jesus’ second coming. While seated on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gives his own disciples a sneak peek into the future as he privately shares signs to look for as the end draws near. Beginning in 2000, Alan B. McElroy adapted these books into a series of films. Left Behind the movie portrays the rapture leaving behind a commercial airplane pilot and a GNN reporter played by Kirk Cameron. These two characters eventually meet, trying to figure out how and why millions of people suddenly vanished into thin air.
Jesus answered, “Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error]. 5 For many will come in My name [misusing it, and appropriating the strength of the name which belongs to Me], saying, ‘I am the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ and they will mislead many.6 You will continually hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end [of the age], Matthew 24:4-6.
Whenever a supernatural event takes place, cable news networks bring in a panel of so called experts to logically explain what just happened. In the first Left Behind film, Buck Williams, a famous GNN anchor is befriended by the UN Secretary General Nicolae Carpathia who is played by Gordon Currie. This initial encounter leads to an invitation for Williams to cover a private gathering with all ten UN delegates. During this closed door meeting, Carpathia shoots Jonathan Stonagal and Joshua Todd-Cothran, who tried to bankrupt the United Nations. After witnessing this murder, Carpathia brainwashes everyone in the room to believe this was a murder suicide except for Buck. This scene caused Buck to ponder, “did I hear what I think I just heard.”
But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 3 [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3:1-4.
During his missionary journeys, the apostle Paul meets a teenager pastor named Timothy. When the subject of eschatology comes up, Paul writes a second letter to prepare this teen and his church for end times. As I have listened to the media coverage following the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, I find myself sensing that Christ’s return is closer than ever before. News coverage in America has become so slanted toward a progressive and secular worldview, that I can’t believe what I am hearing. Just as Buck Williams was dazed and confused following his UN meeting, you must test everything you hear, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 so that you aren’t deceived by partisan politics.
The Mercy Rule was developed for youth sports to prevent a competitive team from further humiliating a less talented group of athletes. This phrase is often used in baseball when a team is losing by 10 after 4 innings or 20 when the 3rd is completed. Essentially, this is like waving the white flag, throwing in the towel or surrendering to a far superior team. Thus, to save time and further embarrassment for the losing side, umpires invoke the mercy rule.
And David said to Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man, 2 Samuel 24:14.
This weekend I endured the worst inning ever as a player or coach. Although I once lost an opening day baseball game 31-19, at least my team fought back from a 20 run deficit. Unfortunately, this night to forget involved double digit walks, errors and mental mistakes, enhanced by a shrinking strike zone leading to a two hour and thirty minute 4 inning game. As I watched several self-inflicted blunders, I wanted someone to put me out of my misery.
For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on you, Psalm 86:5.
In 2014, the film Mercy Rule debuted starring Kirk Cameron. Using lessons from baseball, family and life, Cameron has produced a film which attempts to build character for those who endure helpless moments. Whether its coping with issues at work, struggling to watch a child’s less talented team or coming to grips with your own fatal flaws, there are always life lessons waiting to be revealed. When you’re pushed to the brink, unable to take anymore pain, God has a way of showing you mercy. In return, may you forgive and show mercy upon deserving and undeserving souls.
In the second Ultimate Gift movie the narrative shifts toward the life of Red Stevens, a billionaire in the oil business. After Jason Stevens’ girl friend abruptly leaves, Red’s grandson seeks the council of Mr. Hamilton played by Bill Hobbs, the firm’s attorney. During this conversation Hamilton loans Jason Red’s diary, an account of his rise to the top. Along the way, Red journals each life lesson beginning as a young teenager. This daily exercise gave birth to the ten gifts Jason faces in the first film.
“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him,” 2 Samuel 12:4.
Another illustration of writing can be found in Fireproof starring Kirk Cameron. When his marriage hits the skids, Caleb Holt, Kirk’s character, considers divorce until a near death encounter changes his heart. Desperate to salvage his marriage, Caleb turns to his father for advice, who suggests following a forty day Love Dare Challenge. Early on, Caleb goes through the motions until God transforms his heart. Fighting a losing battle with pornography, these recorded words provide a blueprint to overcome a life void of purpose.
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! – 2 Samuel 12:5
When individuals take the time to contemplate, reflect upon life and question their beliefs, pioneers of literature are born. During my years of taking seminary classes, I found myself drawn to Augustine of Hippo. Augustine regularly spent time in his backyard, relaxing his mind by observing his garden. In this quiet place, a theologian was spawn connecting the dots between life, philosophy and biblical principles. According to Jerome, Augustine’s practice of documenting his beliefs established anew the ancient faith.
He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity, 2 Samuel 12:6.
Today, the closest thing to a diary is blogging. Although motives for writing are different, words serve as a map of where you are, where you’re going and show where you have been. After beginning a pursuit to become a screen writer in my free time, I thought about ending this blog, blazing a trail in a different direction. However, during a car ride on Thanksgiving Eve, I now feel called to continue this for life. Though my topics may be sporadic, this daily habit helps me keep in touch with my soul as I express myself for Him.
by Jay Mankus
Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” – 2 Samuel 12:7a
On Valentine’s Day, 2013, I published a blog entitled Supersize Your Faith. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, God led me to challenge friends and readers to super size their faith during the month of March. I encouraged fellow believers to expand their reading of the Bible, ramp up prayer lives and become an active participant within church. As the sun has set on the month of March, this Easter evening, its time to size up for my faith.
Beginning, March 1st, I attempted to read 3 chapters of the Bible per day. While I didn’t hit my goal every day, God allowed me to finish Habakkuk – Malachi, the gospel of Mark, half of John and 31 Psalms. Most of my days began with a Psalm, serving as my outline for morning prayer and providing direction for the prayer journal that I kept. Although, my overall prayer life hasn’t changed, God’s response to recent prayers did.
For example, as I reflect upon the last 9 days, I can see the hand of God providing for me within 24 hours of my heart felt cries for help. First, God gave me clarity through a series of interviews, closed one door while opening another and during a 3 day stretch answered me exactly as I requested with a job, desire to finish my movie and a 40 hour work week. I even laid hands on my cat, who had a 2 inch hole near her back and within a few days this area was healed. Before praying, this hole grew larger day after day.
My greatest failure, where I need to most work in the future was being more active in my church community. Initially, I had contacted a friend about starting up a small group Bible Study, but I didn’t follow up so this good idea faded away. Meanwhile, I didn’t possess a servant’s heart, often rushing out of church or I found excuses to rationalize my lack of action. The only fruit I bore in this area was coming up an idea of an Easter Egg hunt on March 30th to reach out to T-ball children and families of the Greater Newark Baseball League, where I have coached the past 3 seasons. Thankfully, my wife coordinated this event with Pastor Matt of Overflow, leading to a successful day, impacting many who attended this special event.
Like the 40 day challenged introduced in the film Fireproof, Super sizing your faith should never end. When Kirk Cameron’s character, Captain Caleb began this series of tasks, little progress was made. However, as soon as Caleb changed his attitude, his life was transformed from the inside out. Therefore, don’t give up hope if you are feeling defeated. Ask the Holy Spirit, 2 Timothy 1:7 for extra help to better understand the Bible, develop an intimate prayer life and leave a legacy for Christ in your community. Rise up with the risen Savior!
ExpressYourself4Him 