THE BOOK of ELI- Possible/Minor Spoiler

 

Yesterday I went and saw a movie somewhat because of a whim. A friend wanted to go see a movie and offered to pay my ticket. I really wanted to spend time with her before she headed back to school next week so she came over and chilled while I finished my cleaning and decided on the Book of Eli because of the action-packed trailer. I only knew that Denzel Washington was in the movie and it was full of action which I love in a movie. I was not aware of the religious background and implications that the movie had as well as the impact it would have on my life.

He (Eli) risks life and limb to do what the Holy Spirit has told him as clear as day. He doesn't let anything stand in his way as he follows the direction of the Spirit. In a world that knows nothing of the Bible or "Christianity" he is the bright spot in the darkness, reading his Bible every day without fail no matter the opposition or obstacles in his way. Coming across a slave girl Eli ends up allowing her to continue traveling with him even though Eli has had the Bible stolen, though the thief with evil intentions never gets to read it before succumbing to mortal wounds. Though without the Bible, Eli and Solara, played by Mila Kunis (slave in the movie, Jackie Burkhart of "That 70's Show"), make it to his destination and he recites word for word out of memory the entire Bible as someone writes it all down.

Now, while the movie was rated "R", it seemed to be mostly from a violence and blood aspect, may have been some foul language but not very much if any. It may seem a little dark but really is not and is mostly just the setting in which the story takes place.

Check out the trailers here!

"How far are we willing to go in response to God's call?What kind of sacrifices would we make to defend the Word of God?" -Craig Detweiler, Director of Pepperdine University's Center for Entertainment, Media and Culture

This movie showed me how little memorization of Scripture I actually have and how I need to have this be a focus in my life. School for me doesn't start until February 15th, giving me plenty of time to get a good start on things before having to be concerned with other things as well. Back in the 1st Century boys young as 12 and 13 had entire books of the Bible memorized and I, about to enter a new decade age group of the 20's have but some select verses here and there to memory. This is something I am going to focus on and encourage you to do the same, and to see the Book of Eli as well for inspiration and an insight into living for Christ and following His plan for your life!

Read more about the movie and its Christian emphasis here. (Please click and read)

Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Distrought?

As winter ends and spring starts many people are excited for warmer weather, outside activities, and the last stretch of school. But with the coming of spring comes other things; class projects, final exams, searching for a summer job, and of course the return of rain. Yes I will agree with some that I quite enjoy when it rains. But when the "rains" of life come, how do/should we respond?

The rains of life, just like the rain of spring, always seems to come. No matter how much we wish it didn't, life's rainfall and thunderstorms always seem to come, and always will continue to come. But just as in spring when the rain stops, that is is when growth occurs. The rain brings greenness to plant life and brings the animals out to enjoy the refreshed habitat. The same is true for us. Once the storms and rain has been weathered, we learn and grow from the experience and now are better for it, knowing something we didn't before the tough time. Yet we cannot do this alone, we must rely on God. He is bigger and stronger and can overcome any situation that you face.

Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Isaiah 40:30-31 “Even youths grow tired and weary. And young men stumble and fall But those who hope in the Lord Will renew their strength They will soar on wings like eagles They will run and not grow weary They will walk and not be faint”

Matthew 7:24-27 “ Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Psalm 34:17 “Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.”

Psalm 55:17 “Evening, morning, and noon, I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice”

Psalm 72:12 “For He will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.”

Deuteronomy 1 :31 “ There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”

These verses are just several of the many found in the divine word of God and His promises for you in your life and situation. You don't need to get all of your problems or concerns figured before coming to Him. He takes you where-ever your at and loves you so much. He doesn't love you any less and never will. I urge you to seek him in your time and trials, and see the fruit he provides in your life.

And now, may you, when you're soaking wet, lost, hurting, and confused, may you cry out and may the creator of the universe take you from your situation, may he hold you tight up against his chest, may he wrap his eternal loving arms around you, and may you hear him whisper... I love you. It's going to be alright. I love you