JUST ONE MORE is now available to stream on Angel.
Jess is trapped in the vicious cycle of opioid addiction, chasing relief that only pulls her deeper into darkness. When she meets Charles, a dying man spending his final days praying for anyone who will stop, her life begins to shift. Through an unexpected community and growing faith, Jess is forced to confront her past, her choices, and what it really means to be free. As Charles prays to be used “just one more” time, Jess must decide if she’ll surrender her life before it’s too late.
*Note: Due to mature themes, mild language, and thematic elements, this film (though Christ-centered!) is recommended for ages 13+.
"Average Joe" is based on the true story of high school football coach, Joe Kennedy. For most of his life, Joe had no other choice but to fight. A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight—no matter the cost. From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11.
MY REVIEW: I remember the many news stories about the case of the high school coach being fired for praying, so I already had a high interest in watching this story. What I did not expect was the touches of humor that brought this story to another level for me. Eric Close and Amy Acker give stellar performances as Joe and Denise Kennedy, in both the comedy and the drama. Since their story began in childhood, all of the actors who portrayed Joe and Denise throughout the years are excellent actors.
The abuse that Joe and Denise suffered and witnessed from childhood gives a deeper look at what they endured to become adults with strength to endure a battle and the moments of doubt. "Average Joe" is a film that I highly recommend to teens and adults. Younger viewers will not follow the story as well. Director Harold Cronk and writer Stephanie Katz are to be commended for this film.
Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card. Please submit your name and email address no later than 10/17/2024 to be entered. Note: This is limited to US winners only.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Average Joe for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
FIRED FOR PRAYING! BUY your tickets now to see AVERAGE JOE starting OCT 11, 2024. This is a powerful film about the importance of believers standing up for our freedoms as Christians in America!
High school football coach Joe Kennedy had no other choice but to fight.
A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was
nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God
publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired,
Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom
of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to
fight—no matter the cost. From the director and producers of God’s Not
Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE.
Based on a true story, this film is a MUST-SEE for all who value the freedoms provided to us in the United States Constitution. Learn more about the real Coach Joe Kennedy on his website at CoachJoeKennedy.com His case against the high school that fired him for silently praying was eventually heard by the US Supreme Court!
Please share about this fascinating faith-based film with others who care about their freedom. Also, I love football movies! This will be a perfect film to see during football season. It's currently scheduled, via Fathom Events, in the middle of football season!
High school football coach Joe Kennedy (Eric Close) had no other choice but to fight.
A childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps was
nothing compared to his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God
publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired,
Joe and his wife Denise (Amy Acker) knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom
of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to
fight—no matter the cost. Buy Tickets!
Be sure to tell others about AVERAGE JOE and share the trailer. The bigger the interest, the more theaters will be available for screenings. This will be a great film for groups as well as couples and individuals. We need more faith and family friendly films in our theaters.
What would your reaction be if you were going about your daily tasks and
the Lord gave you a prophetic word about the United States? In 2008
that's exactly what happened to a soon to be author named Rhett Barbaree
as he was contemplating how to write a novel which would include the
well-known historical figure, George Washington Carver.Follow this
fascinating story where Rhett and others share a number of prophetic
revelations that will not only bring you up to speed about The Great
Awakening and God's economic plans for America, but help you understand
what specific role each of us are called to play. Once you do, I'm sure
you will agree, this is the most exciting time to be alive on planet
earth.
My Review: In June 2017, I was offered a chance to review Rhett Barbaree's novel, Thank God for Boll Weevils, and immediately became a huge fan. Read My Review here. We connected via Facebook, and he had told me a couple of times that God was still speaking to him about this story but in a different way, and said he would make sure I was aware when more was published. So I was excited when I heard the book was being released.
Wow! I am still soaking in all that I read in The George Washington Carver Effect: Much More Than Peanuts! I won't get into details since this is a book you will want to own, but it is one that fills me with excited hope. Some of the areas he explains are vital for The Great Awakening to happen are some that I had pushed aside on a personal level, but I now see it with fresh eyes.
George Washington Carver was a strong believer and prayer, and we can see how God used him to make a tremendous difference that impacted millions. Now is the time for more of us to be on our knees in prayer and obedience to God. "If you start the fire, I will send the wind." (pg 13) If we start the spark and fire up our resolve to obey the Lord (not mankind), He will fan the flames and ignite a renewed spiritual awakening in our country and beyond.
I highly recommend this book! A bonus is that the novel, Thank God for Boll Weevils, is included within the book. You will definitely get your money's worth! The fictionalized story is fascinating, informational, and a good. read. The additional factual part at the beginning is a clear call to action in a world that currently seems to be falling apart at a rapid pace. Order your copy now!
In Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love, Jodie
Berndt continues her Praying the Scriptures series with biblical prayers for
your adult children, whether they are just leaving the nest, flying well
on their own, or struggling to take off at all. With grace and wisdom, Jodie addresses cultural trends such as couples
living together before marriage and young adults leaving the church, as
well as the painful realities of loneliness, addiction, and mental
health issues. With hope-filled words for the parents of the prodigal,
she is particularly sensitive to the long-term prayers we offer, even as
we doubt ourselves and grieve over our children’s choices.
Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Childrenis a small compact book that is easy to carry with you...but it packs a powerful message that you will want readily available. It can be hard to let go of our children when they physically move into adulthood, but parents never give up on praying for their "babies." Filled with anecdotal stories, each chapter ends with prayers for both the praying parent and for the adult child. Each prayer also has the Scripture book, chapter, and verse.
For your convenience, the book is divided into 5 parts:
Praying for Your ADULT CHILD
Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S Relationships
Praying through the MILESTONES in Your ADULT CHILD'S LIFE
Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S HEALTH, SAFETY and WELL-BEING
Praying for Your ADULT CHILD'S VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION
Each of these parts are then divided into 4 or 5 chapters that touch on more specific topics. The only thing that would have made the book better, in my opinion, would be more room for making notes or journaling. But, if you already have a prayer journal, you can add the prayers and scriptures to it. I do recommend this book. Since I now have both adult children and adult grandchildren whom I pray for, this book will be put to use for years to come. Disclosure: I received this book free from Handlebar
Marketing as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not
required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Today, September 3, 2017, has been declared Day of Prayer for Texas, following the tremendous impact felt by Hurricane Harvey as it swept across SE Texas, leaving a path of devastation as record flooding went across the land. I know I joined a multitude of others in praying for those who lost so much more than I can imagine, including loved ones, and mourned with them. So many others have had their lives changed as well. Property is replaceable, sometimes repairable, but it's not as though we should treat these losses as trivial. This is a time to reach out to others to give them hope and help in rebuilding. This is who we are as Americans.
To hear the news reports and read social media posts, we are a country divided. To be sure, there is an anger and bitterness among many just as there are the gloaters on the "winning" side. There should not be winners and losers when it comes to our country. Shouldn't we have the same goal? Of course, there are issues that will always separate and divide us, but our words should not always belittle others. Compromise is not always possible when people completely disagree, but hatred and acrimony resolves nothing.
Hurricane Harvey did demonstrate again that we can come together as a nation when disaster strikes. Many people who were unaffected by Harvey still pulled together whether it was physically going to the distressed areas or sending money and other donations via charitable organizations. And...we prayed.
Do you remember the days and weeks following September 11, 2001? Just as vivid as the tragic images are the ones of my fellow Americans coming together as one people in love of country and each other. And...we prayed.
Marlene Salcher, the author of “God Speaks to Me? Tuning into the Living God” and leader of prayer groups for over 20 years, calls on Christians across the nation to follow the scriptural mandate to repent of their sins and call on God in remembrance of 911. Many Christian leaders have issued similar challenges in previous years, including Anne Graham Lotz and Michael Youssef. “I ask that September 11, 2017, be a new beginning for Christians to pray every day for our nation until we see revival and a return to our Christian heritage,” challenges Salcher.
Just as we pray today for the Texans who underwent damages by a weather event that was unprecedented with record rainfall, America is under an internal assault like any I have ever witnessed. Today I encourage all Christians to accept Salcher's challenge to let September 11, 2017 be a new beginning of prayer for our nation. America needs Revival and Restoration and a Return to our basic values and heritage. Through God, this is possible.
Praying for Girls: Asking God for the Things They Need Most by Teri Lynne Underwood are Scripture-based prayers for the girls in your life. Raising a daughter can cause a lot of worry and concern, especially when we think of the danger, trials, and temptations that will face her. Yet you can feel the peace that comes when you pray specific Scriptures over her and turn your prayers into hope and promises rather than times of fear over what may happen. There are five vital areas of a girl's life--her identity, heart, mind, relationships, and purpose-- and you will find guidance and assurance that you may pray with confidence over your child to cover each of these areas. I love the personalized Scripture prayers. Not only does it use God's Word to pray for your daughter, but has the added benefit of making Scripture more personal for yourself. Sometimes we forget this is not simply history or words meant for someone else.
There are also conversation starters and activities to help you raise your child into a confident woman of God. One of the things I enjoyed most is that it incorporates ideas for various stages in life. Each chapter has " Girl Talk" suggestions for a young child, a tween, and for a young woman. I have a daughter, a granddaughter, and 2 great-granddaughters, so I found age-appropriate ideas for each...or ideas that I can personalize. There are also ideas I can use just as easily with sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. Definitely a multi-generalization book that can be passed on to the next generation.
I received a copy of this book from Cross Focused Reviews (Cross Focused Media). I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Daniel Prayer is born deep within your soul, erupts through your
heart, and pours out on your lips, words created by and infused with the
Spirit of God quivering with spiritual electricity. It’s really not an
everyday type of prayer. It’s a prayer birthed under pressure.
Heartache. Grief. Desperation. It can be triggered by a sudden
revelation of hope. An answer to prayer, a promise freshly received, a
miracle that lies just over the horizon… Join Anne in a thrilling discovery of prayer that really works. This book will help readers pray effectively for their nation, for
their families, and for themselves. She will answer such questions as:
• Does God only hear the prayers of good people?
• How do I know the God to whom I pray will listen?
• How do I know God cares about my prayer?
• How do I know God will answer my prayer?
• Why should I pray?
• Does it matter where I am when I pray?
• Are words in prayer all that matter, or does my attitude affect
prayer?
• What difference does my prayer make? (back cover) My Review: The Daniel Prayer: Prayer That
Moves Heaven and Changes Nations, is a call to action by Lotz to follow the
example of Old Testament prophet, Daniel. Despite being held captive in a foreign land, Daniel
remained faithful to his God, refused to bow to foreign gods or compromise his belief. Lotz uses a prayer, found in Daniel 9, that we can follow today. Filled with facts of what we know of Daniel, along with some conclusions I had not considered, we see a more complete picture of Daniel's steadfast faith in spite of decades of being forced to live in a strange land away from his beloved home. He even rose to a position of power without compromising the tenets of his faith in the one true God. When Daniel realizes that the foretold 70 years of captivity is coming to completion, he fervently prays for his people and Israel. The book is dividing into four sections: 1) Preparing for Prayer 2) Pleading in Prayer 3) Prevailing in Prayer 4) Patterns
for Prayer
Lotz walks us through these sections with personal examples of times she has prayed through difficult times and stresses the need of intentional time alone with God to meditate on His word, talk to Him...and listen to what He is revealing to you. Sometimes, especially with prayers that are added near the end of the book, things sometimes seemed a bit drawn out. Yet, one of the main reasons I wanted to read this book was due to my wandering attention when I am praying. I took away several things that I want to put into practice. I pray, but often quick prayers and haphazard methods of mostly reading my Bible, without taking the study what is being said and how I need to apply it to my life, especially particular things I am praying about. Disclosure: I received this book free from the
publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book
review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The
opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
<http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides
Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Roma Downey (The Bible Series, Touched By An Angel) has written a new book for young children calledLittle Angels Prayers for Every Day. It features more than 50
simple prayers that you can pray with your child. Starting with good morning prayers and ending with bedtime prayers, the other prayers cover topics like thankfulness, praise, help, comfort, and praying for others. This is a good way to help train a child how to pray and to know that they can talk to God about anything, anytime. There are a few Bible verses that are relevant to prayer
the book also!
Roma speaks about this and other Little Angels projects in the video below.
This is a boardbook that is easy for younger kids to handle as their parents help them read this book and teach them about prayer. The brightly colored illustrations by Lisa Reed are sure to captivate children and hold their attention. Of course I loved the content too. As children mature, of course it is hoped that they will learn to pray in their own words, but this is a great starting point for kids. I still remember memorizing both blessing "God is good, God is great..." and the bedtime prayer of "Now I lay me down to sleep..." and felt very privileged when I got to pray them. It started a habit of talking (praying) to God that continues to this day. I definitely recommend this for preschoolers on up to early elementary age.
GIVEAWAY: To enter to win a copy of Roma Downey's Little Angels Prayers For Every Day simply leave a comment on this blog post. Winner will be selected on Sunday, March 10th at 6pm CDT.
"Disclosure
of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my
blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in
accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides
Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Dr. Candyce Roberts, who has a doctorate in Systematic Theology, wrote Help For The Fractured Soulto share strategies with people who help those who have been victims of severe abuse. Many people who have suffered severe abuse, including SRA, can be traumatized to the point of having Dissociative Identity Disorder. Helping people who have been that broken, and who will have a natural mistrust for those in authority, is certainly not a quick fix. Candyce has ministered to these adult survivors for over 15 years as part of her inner healing ministry and shares both techniques and personal stories in this book.
This book is well-written and does not use clinical terms or a formality that would bore even a casual reader. The stories are heart-breaking, yet hopeful, as she relates how the methods she has used and the restoration of the Lord, has healed the broken pieces and a transformation to wholeness has emerged. I found Chapter 12:"Top Ten Keys for Overcoming Trauma" to be wise advice for everyone in maintaining a healthy relationship with the Lord, others, and themselves.
However, I do feel that this book is much better as a tool for those who are part of a ministry dedicated to helping victims of abuse. I remember a time when it seems stories were rampant of repressed memories of abuse, and I would hate for that to happen again. There is no doubt that this evil exists, and there are more cases than the public realizes, yet the power of suggestion can cause people to think that perhaps they are repressing memories; we all know people who cannot hear of a medical issue without being convinced they have contracted a disease. There are also those who think the casual perusal of a book immediately qualifies them to provide treatment to others. So, this is a good book that is interesting to read, but one I would be more likely to recommend to a pastor or mental health care provider.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion, from Chosen Books.
Kerry Wells (Kelsey Sanders), a college journalist and committed Christian with an effervescent personality, has been assigned to do a story on Blake Truman (Logan Bartholomew) the college’s newest and very popular hockey superstar. As a relationship between them begins to develop Kerry finds that Blake, who hides behind a tough and independent façade, is actually struggling through a difficult personal crisis and that he bears the cross of a secret he has kept hidden for years. Blake rebuffs Kerry's suggestion that prayer might help ease his burden; he is convinced that modern science completely disproves the Bible, especially the opening verses of Genesis. Kerry — who is herself suddenly confronted with a challenge to her faith on another front — sets out to prove that science and Genesis are not in conflict and her quest leads to a startling revelation. Could it be that what science teaches us about creation and the Story as told in Genesis are both true!~ (from the dvd cover)
Creation is a subject that has long been debated. There are too many theories, and it all creates conflict and confusion. I believe God created. It has never mattered to me how He chose to do or how long it actually took. Science interests me, but most of it overwhelms me, so I had a bit of trepidation when I saw what this film is actually about. (I glanced at it and thought it was a sports film; I like those.)
The Genesis Code turned out to be a fun film with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and an intriguing plot. The marriage of Biblical accounts of creation and scientific evidence made sense to me, and I could embrace that theory. However, I am not qualified to say if it is accurate; I just know I enjoyed the presentation. Some of the subplots were more plausible that others, but it gave you a chance to get to know more about the characters and establish a relationship with them.
Of course, the cast of Hollywood veterans who appear in the film make it even more engaging. I would have wanted this dvd just for Ernest Borgnine alone! Other fabulous actors in this film are Louise Fletcher, Fred Dalton Thompson, Lance Henriksen, Rance Howard, Catherine Hicks, Ben Murphy, and Susan Blakely. Along with marvelous actors, there are some awesome graphics. While there were a few parts in the film I wasn't satisfied with, it made me laugh and it made me think: both of those make this a film I would recommend.
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Stovall Weems, pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, is challenging each of us to step out of the sluggish, mundane time spent with God in to a fresh vital relationship. Are you so distracted by the clutter of other things around you that you miss out on what God is saying to you? In AWAKENING: A New Approach To Faith, Fasting, And Spiritual Freedom, Pastor Weems sets you on a 21 day journey to revolutionize your relationship with God. (click on that link to read the first chapter)
The first 124 pages of the book are devoted to telling more about fasting, and how it helps you to cleanse yourself of all of the added "gunk". He rightfully stresses that this is not to be with a legalistic formula of strictly adhering to one certain diet or method, with a defined time of prayer, and carefully following certain steps. I mean, if we are so focused on doing things in a prescribed way, and following the rules, it would take away from the relationship we are forming with the Lord. This is simply about taking our focus off of filling our bellies and minds with whatever is available, and simplifying to spend more time drawing nearer to God. Each chapter also ends with a personal story from someone who has experienced an Awakening fast and prayer time.
View this video (recorded 12/10) of Stovall explaining Awakening:
The next section of the book is the The Awakening 21 Day Plan. In this section, Pastor Weems, goes into more detail of different types of fasts, how to prepare, and suggestions of additional tools to help. There is a 3 week plan of Scripture and prayer focus points, as well as a small area available for you to journal each day. After looking through it, I found it to be extremely useful, and a great starting guide for time spent with the Lord. I liked the book. It wasn't a spiritual heavyweight, but it was easy-to-read, and useful for those who are wanting to fill their spiritual hunger.
Although you may fast whenever you need it, whether alone or in a small group ( a study guide is included for those who wish to do this as a group), Celebration Church will be fasting January 15th- February 4th, 2012. You can be a part of this online. For more info, go to http://www.awake21.org/.
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"
Founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church (Charlotte, NC), Steven Furtick, is a young man with a passionate message to share. "Sun Stand Still", subtitled What Happens When You Dare To Ask God For The Impossible is based on Joshua 10:12-13 "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel:
"Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
and moon, over the valley of Aijalon." And the sun stood still and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on its enemies. Isn't this written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed its setting almost a full day."
I admit to being just a tad skepticalwhen I selected the book. If this was going to be another formulaic, 'name it and claim it', 12 easy steps to prosperity-type book, I wanted no part of it. While I am very familiar with the power of prayer, I also know that Christians are definitely not promised that life will be easy. So, I was glad to see that this is a well thought out reminder that we serve the same God as Joshua, Elijah, Moses, and the other people of faith we read about in our Bibles. These are not merely stories, but actual accounts of people who God used to demonstrate His glory and power.
Steven gives several examples of the power of "audacious faith" from both Biblical events and personal eyewitness. He also clearly admits that some prayers have a delayed answer and that sometimes the answer is "No". Many books make me feel inadequate because they are often about people who are successful...at least by worldly standards. I read this feeling that my prayers are no more nor less valid than any other who is willing to ask God for the seemingly impossible. We all have areas in our lives that only God can handle. This book encourages you to boldly ask for the impossible (& not selfishly), and to put your faith in action. Don't just sit idly by while you wait on God to act. I was also glad to have him stress that we should examine our motives and our sins. Instead of being just another young, 'rock-star' preacher spouting off the latest craze in feel-goodism, I found this to be a book that I can use to grow spiritually. I certainly do recommend it to others.
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review".
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