I’m always on the lookout for good things to see, read, do, and there are always so many from which to choose. Here are some of my favorites over the last year.
Shadia Hrichi Bible studies. I met Shadia at Mount Hermon a few years ago and found her a passionate witness for Jesus. I’m always on the lookout for her work. She has three Bible studies — Legion, Tamar, Hagar — and all are outstanding! I’ve also read Worthy of Love: A Journey of Hope and Healing after Abortion. If you’re looking for in-depth study, head for her website.
I would add two outstanding teachers who have lectures on YouTube: Kristi McClelland and Paige Brown. Their classes are rich in history, middle eastern culture of the times, and application for us today! Have a notebook and two pens handy.
Barney Cargile’s blog – Barney’s Bullet – is another of my favorites. He’s a good friend of ours, a pastor, and has a terrific sense of humor. He also finds the most interesting stories to share and life lessons. Check him out online. He also writes terrific devotionals.
Favorite movies of the year. Okay. Here is a blatant promotion. If you have not seen “Redeeming Love”, I hope you will soon. I spent thirty years trying to find someone who understood and was determined to hold to the heart of the story. Cindy Bond’s passion and the backing of many (all listed in the credits) brought it to the screen. My heart and D.J. Caruso’s went into the script. He did an outstanding job of directing. When you go, take an unsaved friend or family member, and then go out for coffee or a snack afterward. Talk about the meaning behind the story. It’s all about Jesus. The book of Hosea was the inspiration. Consider it a tool you can use to talk about Jesus with people who don’t read the Bible and have no concept of what Christ-like love looks like. And may God bless your efforts! One of the great blessings that came from the film was the Redeeming Love Sanctuary Foundation. Since the movie released, we’ve been able to give out fifteen grants to ministries working with sex trafficked survivors. Thank you to all who have joined us in this work.
“Lifemark” with Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers is a terrific film based on a new story. In our culture of “choice”, this is a beautiful, life-affirming choice a woman in crisis can make for her unborn child – one a girl or woman will not hear about in an abortion clinic. The blessings are not just for mother and child, but so many others. A pregnancy is never just about one woman and one child. It’s about grandparents, siblings, friends. A new life is a blessing from God and precious in His sight – no matter the circumstances. I loved the film!
I love “Chosen” – and everyone I’ve talked with who has seen the series loves it as much as I do. Every episode, every scene is wonderful. It’s reaching millions for Christ. May it bring revival!
Though it’s not a new film, “Woodlawn” remains one of my all-time favorites. Some films are worth watching again – and again – and again. This is one of them. It’s produced by the Irwin brothers, and it’s an amazing true story of what happens when God shows up.
Favorite books? Oh, so many good ones. Every book brings us into the mind of the author.