Let's Talk Entertainment-Specifically TV

As Christians we are called to a different standard in everyday life. That includes Entertainment.  I know some of you are saying "here we go again".  I want to tell you about my journey with entertainment.  

I have struggled with this most of my adult life.  I love, love, love entertainment, specifically movies and television.  I will allow it to take over my time, energy and life if I let it.  Seriously- with Netflix, and other streaming sources-enter binge TV, I have a love hate relationship with them.  

Once I rededicated my life to Jesus in 2003 I had a rough year of change.  I felt the Holy Spirit tugging at me in various places in my life. One of which was entertainment, specifically TV and movies.  It's been a struggle and a long one at that.

I calculated how much of my free time was used up watching TV specifically.  On a normal work day I would just come home, eat supper and watch TV shows until I went to bed. That was 3-4 hours a day. Sometimes I would just record the shows and watch them later on the weekends, but most of the time I had a good 3 shows every night to watch. I realized I was living for entertainment.  So I tried to cut down a bit at first and realized how hard it was. I struggled greatly.  I had no idea how addicted I was to TV.  I then went through the shows and tried to decided which ones were completely not glorifying to God. The problem was I would eliminate some but keep others, when in fact almost every single show I was watching was not glorying to God.  It took me many years of the Holy Spirit to get me to a point where what I watch is mostly pretty "clean" TV.  But, it's still a time sucker.

You know that saying "You are what you eat" ?  Guess what, the same rule applies to all things in our lives.  It took me a long time to recognize that and once I did, and I'm still in the process, it took me a long time to make changes for the better.

I'm not judging anyone here.  I am as guilty as any other person.  What I am writing this blog for, is to share with you what God says about these types of things.  It's to make you think and pray and see where the Holy Spirit might be tugging at you.

I still watch a lot more TV than I should, even though it's "clean" TV I have to remember that my time is really God's time and he has given it to me to be a good steward. When it's my time to leave this earth and stand before God, he expects each of us to give an account for how our days are spent.  I don't know about you, but as a Christian that really makes me cringe and makes me think about how I can do better.

Below are some really good verses in the Bible to think on and pray about.


Romans 8:5 
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Psalm 31:15
My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

Psalm 89:47
Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility have created all humanity!

Hosea 10:12
Sow righteousness for yourselves , reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to see the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

Mark 13:33
Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Here is a good article from gotquestions.org here about What does the bible say about fun and entertainment?


This is a great song that goes along with what I am trying to say here.  I am going to try to write more specifically about this in the future, but I wanted to get people really thinking.  Until next time......

Book Review: Strange Days: Life in the Spirit in a Time of Upheaval by Mark Sayers

Lately I've been thinking a lot about how to live life in a way that glorifies God.  It's hard to live in this world and not be of this world.  We are trying to teach our children about the world , while helping them to not live in the ways of the world, to love, be kind, and respectful of other's differences.

With my praying for ISIS and for Muslims during Ramadan, this book seemed to follow along well with it, that's why I picked it.

This was a book I received from Moody Publishers as part of their Blogger review program.

INTRODUCTION

In the introduction he explains the number of issues we have today, what kind of issues they are and he ends with this: "This is a challenging number of issues, for sure. What is more, the nature of each issue is quite different. Some are political, social, cultural, religious, and even technological, and others are a combination of several. Add in the fact that these issues span the globe and concern cultures and people we don't understand, and the whole of it can be dizzying. However, if we begin to look deeper, underneath these conflicts and tensions, we see a spider web of borders and boundaries-clashes over place, identity, and meaning. As we will discover, there is a pattern behind this chaos." Page 17  

And then he lays out the plan for his book in 3 parts.

Part 1  Biblical Pattern of Chaos
Part 2  Historical Pattern of Chaos
Part 3  Life Re-Patterned in the Spirit

PARTS 1 & 2

The author shows a lot of what's going on in the world's issues from a point of view I hadn't really thought of before.  Somethings I already knew, like the entitlement mentality and tolerance issue we see today.  But, when he describes places and non-places and the emergence of technology , specifically smartphones and the withdrawal from society, it became clear of what our society has truly become, it hit home for me.  It made me re-evaluate the way I think about technology and if there is someway to reconcile ourselves and our children in the world we live in today.  

These aren't all things I didn't know already, but sometimes when they are written down in a different format they can shed light on something that has been right there on the surface all along.

As I read Parts 1 & 2, I longed to hear the good news of Part 3.  As if I wasn't bummed enough about the world, it was a bit depressing to read about it all over again. Interesting, but depressing.  I eagerly turned each page to get to Part 3.  

PART 3... FINALLY!

When I got there it was full of The Good News, the Gospel. He talks about transgressing boundaries.  Statements like "God satisfies, He is Enough", "You are more than your orientation, experience of gender, marital status or societal role.  You are a child of God".  

Basically, we ALL fall short of the glory of God and are in need of a savior, no matter who, what, when, how much and so forth.  It shows us where our true identity should be.

Then he moves on to talk about technology and the lost art of livedness.  Yeah, I had to look this word up because it seemed off to me.  What he really means is the state of being alive in the tactile world.  Going about our days in the real life (IRL).  Where the boundaries are normally transgressed unlike the digital world of chaos, emotional upheaval and taking sides.  Although we all know we still take sides, but isn't it a bit easier to discuss "your side" online than it is in person these days.  It's like we all create our own little walls.  

People are flesh, we were created for community, at first with God and then with each other.  As Christians, we are called to be part of the church.  

He talks about how livedness in the church can feel like a cold shower, or like your crawling compared to the digital age. Page 144-145 he writes something that hits home for me.  "For a hyperspeed culture of connectivity, the slow and steady pace of discipleship can seem glacial. The silences and pauses of the Christian life, the waiting and abiding, can seem deafening."  ... "The intensification of radical individualism created by our digital age, in which individuals fold into themselves as they bend over the screen of their smartphone, means that the life of discipleship, and the battle against flesh, is a battle against the self.  All who come to Christ must lay their lives down before Christ, regardless of the particularities of the epoch and culture they find themselves in. Our age is no different. But our phones train us not to do this."

My Thoughts... My brain hurts  😖

This author had a lot to say. I felt like I was reading Plato / Aristotle or some other philosopher. However, I pushed through it.  I really did get a lot out of the book.  It made me think, and think, and think... but it did help me see things in a different way.  I just wished it wasn't written so heady.  I think I might take a break from non-fiction for awhile.  I don't think my brain can handle it for awhile. It's good to push outside your comfort zone when you read, but it's also good to enjoy what you are reading and not have a headache and be full of frustration.

My advice...

Take it or leave it. It had some really good stuff in it and made me think a lot,  so I reviewed it as a 3/5.  I wish that this author would have written this book with smaller, more pointed words, so people like myself didn't struggle with texts like these. He did have a lot of good things to say, I just struggled to read through it.

What did I take away from it?

I was talking with my husband the other day about the fact that I have a hard time slowing down. Psalm 46:10 ~  "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."     I often wonder if that's due to our never ceasing culture and attachment to technology.  I know that when we are constantly entertainment it's hard to know what to do with ourselves when we stop.  If we aren't still how to we expect to hear from our Creator?  It's like my body can't stand it's own skin sometimes.  Like I only have 2 modes, ON/OFF-Go, go, go or lazy.

But also, as he describes below, how are we called to be a disciple?  To live in the spirit in these times?

Page 167-168  "By following the way of the disciple, we choose the narrow path that leads to life.  We cannot take our cues from what everyone else is doing. Life must be approached as a disciple. We must ask, "How do we approach social media as a disciple?" "How do I parent as a disciple?" "How do I date as a disciple?" "How do I use my money as a disciple?" This simple question, "How do I live as a disciple?", re-frames the whole of one's life, send on to the Scriptures to seek guidance, wisdom , and truth."

Here is a good short article in which our calling as Christians is described well.  Be in, but not of the world.

I hope to explore this more on my blog in the future, once I recover from reading this book.  Seriously, my brain hurts. 

Until next time.....


Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Wrap Up on How to Pray for ISIS

Well it's been a rough couple of weeks for me, mostly because I've been so self absorbed. So, needless to say I've been playing catch up on the How to Pray for ISIS emails.

Like I've shared in the past couple of followup posts, these emails didn't affect me the same way the How to Pray for Muslims during Ramadan did.  Did my heart change?  I don't think so, I think like a lot of things I tend to empathize better when there is a specific story that links me to someone.  

I have learned a lot about a culture that I knew little about, and prayed in ways I never thought I would ever need to pray.  So I've grown quite a bit in those areas.  

Would I do it again?   ABSOLUTELY.

So, if you haven't signed up for these emails yet and are still hesitant, ask yourself why? Drill down deep and find what's holding you back.

It is never too late to start.  Here is the link to my original post with all the links for signing up for emails.  I encourage you to see how it changes your life and those around you.  Not to mention changing your world view a little, or a lot, to help you focus on something other than yourself for awhile.  When it's finished and you look back at the experience I think you'll be glad you did it.  I am.

Are you resistant to change like me?  Here's a good article that talks about change and how to overcome that resistance.

So, what's next for me?

Well after a couple of weeks of slacking off, I was celebrating my birthday mostly, it's time to get back on track.  

I have a book I need to read and review for Moody Publishers, and a ton of ideas floating around to share.  

Until I write again, here's food for thought....

I'd be in big trouble people. How about you?

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Movie Review: The Resurrection of Gavin Stone

In an effort to watch better entertainment I've been going through Netflix looking for wholesome movies. Seriously, it is so hard to find movies that are wholesome, entertaining and good at the same time. 

I had seen the previews for this movie awhile ago when it game to the theaters and put it on my DVD queue but it was at the bottom. Well I moved it up the other day and when it came in I watched it with anticipation. 

Result, it was predictable but still really good. It was your typical bad boy forced to do community service who then likes a girl and pretends to be a Christian to get a role in their Easter play, in a mega church setting. It was clean, funny, silly and full of Christian themes but not over the top. Of course some of the acting was not so great, however, I figured with the main role being played by someone I have seen and liked before (Brett Dalton, who I enjoyed watching as Grant Ward in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) that it would be good enough to watch.

I would give it a 7 overall but not a movie I would add to my collection. That being said this is a movie I would allow my kids to watch, although I doubt they would want to watch it since it has a dramatic theme.

It's all about second chances and forgiveness.

Well, I just wanted to share my thoughts on this one. I am planning on trying Pureflix soon and I'll let you know how that goes. 

Oh and the guy who plays the pastor is the guy who was the main lead in The Cutting Edge, does anyone besides me remember that one? TOE PICK 😁

Followup 2 How to Pray for ISIS

So for the past couple of weeks I've been sharing Frontier's emails on How to Pray for ISIS on my Facebook page  You can still sign up here at anytime if you want to get the emails.

These emails don't affect me the same way the other Frontier's emails did.  I think it's because of the way that it is less about a specific person's life and how they are affected but more about the story of Paul and his journey showing the relevant parallel with him and people that are part of ISIS.  If God can change Paul's heart he can change anyone in the world, including members of ISIS.

But, they do have a link to more of a person specific journey at the bottom of each day that you can learn about a specific person and that does help connect for me.

I have learned a few things about the culture and ISIS that I didn't know before.  Like I've said in my previous posts, I used to have anger for ISIS, but now I just feel pity for those who don't understand what they are missing.

It has helped me focus on prayer for others in ways I would never think to pray.

It has also helped me see my struggles in a new light.  If I am struggling with something and I read the next email I notice things in my life I need to pray about so I can get right with God.

Summer time is hard for me.  Mostly because it is such a disruption of schedule for me, and I know that is something I need to work on.  I am stuck at the house with my kiddos dealing with conflict more during the day than I would like.  It shows me how selfish I am as an individual and that I allow these things to steal my joy, when I know that my Joy should be through Jesus and his saving grace.  I need to look more to eternal matters and not let earthly ones get me down.  It's a struggle day to day, sometimes hour to hour, but I need to rely on God to get me through.

Where do you find your Joy?

This article on the Joy of the Lord is an interesting read.

This article on How can we experience Joy in our Christian life is a really good short read as well.

So I'll leave you with this, are you filled with Joy?  If not, pray, center yourself on the Lord and ask for Joy. We all experience things in our lives that we let steal our Joy, let's all ask Him to help us focus on eternity and not our earthly struggles.

Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Followup 1 on How to Pray for Muslims During Ramadan

So, did anyone sign up and read through the called to pray emails in my previous posts? How about praying for ISIS? 

It's easy to dismiss this nowadays, I know, I'm like that too. That's one of the reasons I started this blog, to get myself, and hopefully others moving...

It's not too late, check out my original post: How to Pray for Muslims During Ramadan and sign up.  Ramadan isn't over yet, and you aren't in need to pray for people during a certain time frame, it's just that Muslims can be more open to hearing the Good News during this time.

How did the called to pray emails affect me?

I am a person who loves historical fiction. I think the main reason is because I can truly empathize with the characters and also learn things about the time period that I never knew before. It helps me connect better.  

After reading Fira's story in the emails, it showed me one side of a particular type of Muslim family and what they go through during Ramadan.  Before I started this journey I didn't know much about Ramadan.  This has opened my eyes a little more to the need we have to understand more.  

I've always been interested in other cultures, I was going to study Anthropology/Archaeology in college, but I made different choices.  It still calls to me though, and so for me this type of story tore into my soul.  I cried a few times reading those short emails, and I cried out for God to have his hand over those that are in the dark.

What now?

Well, now I am going to go through the Pray for ISIS emails, and I am going to be posting links to each day for those on my Facebook page, just like I did for Frontiers' called to pray emails.   

Something clicked last Sunday!

Sunday morning before church my husband and I were talking about the called to pray emails and how I was feeling connected to them.  We went to church and one of the people on our teaching team preached about something spot on.  The story of the Good Samaritan, if you've never read it you can find it here. I've heard this story many times before, but until a few years ago I didn't realize the context of the culture in those days. Why would it be such a big deal to help someone on the side of the road?  Well, it boils down to a few things: fear, discomfort & inconvenience. We think that we wouldn't do something like that these days, but I have to tell you, this happens every day.  We live in a scary world and it's hard to get out of our comfort zone.  Listen here for the full sermon, choose the Who is my neighbor?

At the end of the sermon Hope4Syria was brought to light.  What an amazing coincidence that as I'm in the midst of learning about what a family from Syria could go through during Ramadan, I hear about this?  No, not a coincidence.  

THIS IS WHAT I CALL A GOD MOMENT

Often I feel a soft tapping on my shoulder when I listen to a sermon, sometimes I do something about it and sometimes I don't.  Sometimes, usually when I'm in the midst of a crisis, a problem is weighing me down, or I'm really driven in my walk with the Lord I feel a huge push.  This was my push.

How in the midst of this crisis that we are having in our country can we show other's the love of Jesus?  It will look different for every person, but it requires action.  Action to pray, action to get involved, action to give, action to spread the word...etc.

Luke 10:37

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

 

Book Review- America, Turning a Nation to God. ~Tony Evans

This was a book I received from Moody Publishers as part of their Blogger review program. I picked this book because I am trying to stretch myself to read things I wouldn't normally read.  

This one was too much of a stretch for me.

I couldn't finish it.  I tried and tried so hard to read this one.  The information in it is so good.  The problem I had was with the writing I think.  From one chapter to the other I couldn't seem to glean any one concept to hold on to. It's like the works went in through my eyes and out my ears without catching hold.

What did I get from this book?

The above said, I did see the reason he wrote the book. He believes that through prayer and testimonies it only takes 1 person to start a National Revival and we certainly do need that in these days.  I do want to pick it up again in the future and break it down for you and myself chapter by chapter someday, until then, my suggestion would be to read it if you like books chocked full of scripture and information.  For me it showed me how far away from academia I am and what I might need to do to read this in the future.

Until next time....All for the Glory of God!

2 Chronicles 7:14

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.