Fruitbearers

I was excited to review this devotional book for 3 reasons: 1. I collect devotional books, 2. I'm a big fan of God's grace, and 3. The theme of our church's women retreat this year (this weekend) is Ephesians 3: 20-21, " Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory ." which is also the theme for this book. Immeasurably More is a beautiful and meaningful devotional journal. It has 100 devotions organized into 10 different topics (grace, love, power, provision, purpose, peace, joy, gifts, rest, and life). Each devotion starts with Scriptures and ends with journaling and prayer prompts. This journal can be used individually or in a group study.  I have been blessed and refreshed by God's wondrous truths and Godly insights found in this book. These encouraging, inspiring devotions invite readers to bask in God's goodness and to experience His never-ending, jaw-drop...

Are you a fan of the God's Not Dead film franchise? This is their latest film. God's Not Dead: In God We Trust is so relevant and timely during this election year. Reverend David Hill (David A.R. White) has to grapple with his faith and calling when he is asked to run for Congress. He is not made for politics, but he feels called to make a difference for the betterment of people and country. Unprepared, he cautiously enters the race against state senator Peter Kane (Ray Wise), a seasoned politician and ruthless opponent who is determined to remove religious influence from public policy. With the help of a capable but insecure campaign consultant, Lottie (Samaire Armstrong), Reverend David Hill navigates through the storms of political nastiness, corruption, lies, deceit, and scrutiny with moral courage and Godly principles. Scott Baio (from Happy Days) plays a charming but cunning campaign consultant for state senator Peter Kane. Outstanding cast all around including Isaiah W...

According to Worldsleepday.org, 35% of people do not feel they get enough sleep, impacting both their physical and mental health. Are you one of those people who have trouble falling asleep? There are so many things that can keep our heart and mind cluttered, confused, occupied, anxious, and afraid, especially at bedtime when it's all quiet. Sleep is so important for our well-being. This book consists of 50 devotions that aim to help readers sleep better. These devotions will help shift our focus from stress, worry, burdens, problems, pressing situations, things-to-do, etc. to God, His Word and encouraging, comforting truths. The devotions are divided into 4 main sections: Balancing Daily Obligations and Pressures, Confronting Fear and Uncertainty, Navigating Family Concerns, and Trusting God During Difficult Times. They are written by various writers from the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team. One from each section is written by Lysa Terkeurst.  Each devotion begins with a Bible ve...

I've always loved movies based on true stories. The Firing Squad is a must-see film based on a remarkable true story about three criminals who were sentenced to be executed by firing squad in an Indonesian prison camp on April 29, 2015. The film includes some flashbacks to show us the main characters' background stories and events that led up to their imprisonment. As the events unfold and the execution dates approach, we get to witness all sorts of emotions that the characters experience: fear, anxiety, anger, bitterness, denial, trust, peace, love, forgiveness, resolve, etc. Their encounter with the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes their lives for eternity. God's beautiful transformation is evident and cannot be ignored. From darkness to light, from disheartened fear to undeterred faith, from being drug dealers to being devout Christ's followers, from dreadful death to eternal life! I highly recommend this unforgettable movie! Bring tissue. I was so moved by it; I crie...

We need to stand up and support Israel. It's time for the protests and media's lies to stop. See real headlines about what's actually going on in the world below, and then sign the petition to end anti-Israel rioting:  • Anti-Israel protester blocks traffic using her baby: This video captures an anti-Israel protester holding her baby while standing in front of a car to block traffic. Another protester can be heard asking for a replacement for the mother, noting her willingness to risk her child’s life. Additionally, another parent with a small child and dog are seen standing in the path of traffic. See video: LINK   • George Washington U grads storm out of graduation ceremony in anti-Israel protest: Dozens of George Washington University graduates walked out of commencement ceremonies on Sunday, disrupting university President Ellen Granberg's speech, in protest over the ongoing war in Gaza and last week's clearing of an on-campus protest encampment that invo...

  I love Anne Wilson and her music. I reviewed her first album, My Jesus (2022), and was so excited for this opportunity to review her 2nd album, REBEL (released on April 19). Wow...this girl is on fire for Jesus. I'm so glad to see a young musician being a "rebel" (going against the world's current/culture) for Jesus; she (22) is truly a rare gem among the younger generation. Each song in this album was written under the banner question, 'What does it mean to be a rebel in the world we live in today? ' and given a corresponding tagline and Bible verse. Each song's tagline can be found in the REBEL physical CD or Vinyl packaging booklet. Anne Wilson is definitely a breath of fresh air that I hope will fuel the passion for young & old believers to speak up about their faith & the gospel boldly even when it is unwelcomed and draw unbelievers to desire Jesus & His gift of salvation. Anne Wilson has a non-profit movement and community called Hey ...

I treasure & delight in God's Word and love studying the Scriptures in depth because I want to know God more and more intimately. I'm happy to add the Encountering God Study Bible (NKJV) to my Bible collection. It is an extensive and impressive work of the Blackaby family. The one I received for review is a beautiful black leathersoft Bible with two ribbon bookmarks (aqua and dark blue). The New King James Version has always been one of my favorites. One reason is that it capitalizes all the nouns and pronouns referring to God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit. I also appreciate red letters (for Jesus' words). The Encountering God Study Bible includes many fantastic features such as Encounter Note (insightful commentaries), Historical Encounter (biographical sketches of figures from church history), Explaining the Faith (theology and apologetics), Character Study, and Word Study. In the front of the Bible, you will find "How to Study the Bible." In the back, you will fi...

I've always loved movies based on true stories. I've enjoyed the music by Rebecca St. James and For King & Country. With that combination, I was so excited to review Unsung Hero , the remarkable true story of the Smallbone family (Rebecca St. James, Joel & Luke Smallbone of For King & Country are three of their 7 children). It's an inspiring film about their journey from the Land Down Under to the Land of the Free and all the challenges & struggles they have to face & overcome. When David Smallbone (Dad)'s music company fails and goes bankrupt, he moves his family from Australia to America, with high hopes for a better future. However, they soon experience hardships, poverty, shame, loss, sorrow, disappointment, discouragement, and disagreement (within the family). But they cling to God, one another, and prayer. I love their family's way of organizing their prayer cards on the wall into 2 columns: the left one is for "Please" (prayer re...

Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is short but is so rich and deep. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new book, Whatever Happens , by Robert J. Morgan. It is a timely book for the turbulent time in this troubling world, filled with timeless wisdom from the book of Philippians . The book consists of 31 chapters (which can be used as a daily devotional) and covers all 4 chapters of Philippians . The author encourages readers to carefully study the inspiring messages given by Paul from prison and learn to joyfully stand firm in Christ...whatever happens. I can tell that the author is an excellent teacher of God's Word because he continues to be a diligent student of God's Word. I really appreciate all the original Greek words and meanings included in the book. There is no fluff in this book; there's only gems. I delved into all the referenced Scriptures and was so blessed. Like the author, I love hymns; I was glad to see several hymn references. I also ...

Pastor's Kid is a raw R-rated film based on a true story of Riley, a college student who struggles with drugs & alcohol and deep wounds from her dysfunctional childhood filled with neglect and religious hypocrisy. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and having to be the one to raise her little brother put a huge strain in the relationship between Riley (played by Courtney Bandeko) and her mother, Karen (played by Krista Morin). A "good Christian girl" becomes an out-of-control partygoer who lives in meaningless pursuit of worldly pleasures, always looking for the next fix (a temporary bandage for her pain & misery) and teetering on the brink of nervous breakdown. I'm glad that's not the end of Riley's story. God loves all the prodigal sons and daughters. God loves the broken and the messed-up. God's unstoppable love never gives up on them. Pastor's Kid is a compelling story of faith, redemption, forgiveness, and healing. It shows God's tr...

I've always loved movies based on true stories. I was so excited to review Ordinary Angels . It is based on the incredible true story (taken place in Louisville , KY, in 1993) of Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank), a struggling alcoholic hairdresser who's determined to do all she could to save the life of a critically ill young girl who just lost her mother. Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower, works tirelessly to make ends meet for his two daughters (8-year-old Ashely and 5-year-old Michelle), while desperately hoping for a liver transplant for Michelle who has a rare medical condition. God brings Sharon into Ed's life at such a crucial moment for both of them. The former (a single mom who's shunned by her only son) discovers a renewed purpose in life and the latter (a widowed dad whose faith is being tested) discovers that God uses caring people to help and carry one another's burdens. Sharon's compassion and tenacity are remarkable. Never underestimate what one person o...

I am thankful and excited for this new family-friendly film, What Rhymes with Reason , which addresses the important & sensitive issue of mental health among teens and young adults. The statistics of young people around the world (not just in the US) struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts is truly alarming. What Rhymes with Reason is an adventure-drama story of six teens (four male and two female) navigating through the wilderness and their own darkness in order to find a legendary landmark and hope. It tackles some tough topics such as fear, anger, grief, pressure (from parents, peers, social media, etc.), identity, self-worth, unrealistic expectation, life's purpose, life's burdens, and more. It is also a beautiful story of friendship, reminding us all that we need each other, and we are better together. " Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. " (Galatians 6:2) We Christians are to love one anot...

You are probably familiar with Dreamworks' animated movie, The Prince of Egypt , which is about the story of Moses in the Bible. It has been turned into a live stage production and filmed professionally. It is now available to buy or rent digitally starting December 5th. Check it out! This is the epic musical to watch with your kids to spark priceless family conversations about Moses & the Old Testament! Filmed live at the West End's Dominion Theatre, London, the show features a cast and orchestra of 60 performers, making it one of the biggest musicals ever staged. The Prince of Egypt: The Musical is the must-see event for all fans of musical theatre. Based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film the classic story has been brought to life by Stephen Schwartz’s “miraculous music” (Time Out), including Academy Award®-winning song ‘When You Believe’ and Sean Cheesman’s “astonishing choreography” (The Guardian). This epic, critically acclaimed productio...

  " Wounded Tiger " is the true story of three lives that intertwined in an incredible, unexpected way, against the backdrop of World War II. The author ingeniously presents the narrative about Mitsuo Fuchida (an overambitious Japanese pilot who led the Pearl Harbor attack and hated America, driven by revenge), Jake DeShazer (an American bombardier and a prisoner of war, who's determined on retaliation against Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack), and Peggy Covell (a college student and the eldest daughter of an American missionary family who spent time in Japan and the Philippines). The story unfolds before, during, and after Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The author, T. Martin Bennett, spent 18 years conducting extensive research to ensure the historical accuracy of the events, people, and stories. The book is a thick book that includes over 300 black and white photos of people, places, planes, original telegrams, letters, maps, documen...

The Shift is a dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller, inspired by the Book of Job. It's the latest film from Angel Studios (that made The Chosen and Sound of Freedom), releasing in theaters starting tomorrow, December 1st. In an alternate dimension/reality (think "multiverse"), Kevin Garner (Kristoffer Polaha) encounters "The Benefactor" (Neal McDonough). Kevin smells lies and deception from this mysterious, nefarious adversary right away; he refuses to work for/with him and his offer of wealth and power. Faced with infinite worlds and endless possibilities, Kevin fights to find a way out in order to be reunited with the woman he loves, Molly (Elizabeth Tabish). Personally, I am not a fan of sci-fi, multiverse movies, but I enjoyed The Shift . I like the message within the movie that touches on Christ's resurrection, eternal hope, test of faith, God's truths vs. Satan's lies, light vs. darkness, life and death, agape (selfless & self-sacrificial l...

Surprised by Oxford is a romance-drama based on a true story. I have never read the book (same title) by Carolyn Weber , which is a memoir of an intellectual unbeliever who became a Christian. I did not know what to expect but I was surprised by Surprised by Oxford in a good way. Caro Drake (played by Rose Reid), a brilliant and driven American student, receives a full-ride scholarship to study for her PhD degree on Romantic Literature at Oxford University in England. Culture shock, a charming & chaste young man (played by Ruairi O'Connor), and Christianity surprise her and intrigue her at the same time. As an agnostic, she grapples with many questions about God and spiritual matters. As a feminist from a broken family, she struggles with being vulnerable and maintaining a relationship with a chivalrous man. Caro is introduced to C.S. Lewis's memoir about his conversion to Christianity, Surprised by Joy , and is greatly impacted by it. She sincerely searches for truth and...

I love good musicals so I was excited to review Journey to Bethlehem (rated PG), the new musical about Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the birth of our promised Savior and King Jesus. The film's script writers take some creative license and fill in the unknowns such as how Mary and Joseph met and how they felt, the names and personalities of the three wise men, etc. They said they tried to remain true to the message of the greatest story ever told. While I enjoyed the movie and appreciated the quality of the film, I need to point out a few things that are definitely not Biblically accurate. First, the wise men came to the house, not the stable and presented gifts to the young Child, not the Baby (according to Matthew 2). Second, Herod the Great's son, Antipater, was not present at Christ's birth. Luke 2:8 says, " Now when Herod (Antipater) saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many thi...

Parenting is hard enough, but Biblical parenting is even more challenging because while Christian parents are doing their best to raise their children according to God's Word, the enemy (Satan) is waging war against both Christian parents and their child(ren). The spiritual warfare is real; we Christian parents must be aware of the enemy's schemes & weapons but not anxious or afraid. We cannot afford choosing to be pacifists in this battle; we must be vigilant and fight for our child's soul with God's strength, full armor, and truths & principles. " It is our responsibility as Christ-followers to love, protect, and steward this gift (children) for the glory of God. "  Fighting for the Soul of Your Child (written by Jimmy & Karen Evans with their daughter, Julie Evans Albracht) is a practical guide to Biblical parenting that encourages Christian parents to trust God, seek Him, rely on Him & His Word and arms readers with valuable tools for ra...

  One can never own too many Bibles, right? I am pleased to add this CSB (Christian Standard Bible) Life Counsel Bible to my Bible collection. It's like having God's wisdom plus application to counseling at my fingertips. It contains more than 150 articles on various topics related to marriage, parenting, relationships, mental health, and more. The overall theme is the gospel of God's grace. These articles are written by trustworthy Biblical counselors and scholars such as Paul David Tripp, Edward T. Welch, and Joni Eareckson Tada. This unique Bible provides hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom for life's tough issues such as stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addiction, sexuality, abuse, crisis, suicide, finances, adoption, conflict, and parenting struggles.  Each book's introduction includes Circumstances of Writing, Contribution to the Bible, Structure, and Truth for Healing. One of my favorite features in this Bible is: over 100-word studies with the Hebr...

Miracle in East Texas is a new family-friendly film (rated PG) inspired by a true story. It is a twisted tale of entrepreneurship during the Great Depression in US history. Doc Boyd (played by Kevin Sorbo) and Dad Everett (played by John Ratzenberger) charm their ways into the hearts of some lonely widows and get away with these easy targets' money. They shamelessly sweettalk about potential oil wells and despicably swindle the vulnerable in Oklahoma and then in Cornville, Texas. But God has other plans for their lives, and they encounter miracles beyond their wildest dreams. The movie made me think of the movie, " Dirty Rotten Scoundrels ". You hate what the characters do but you can't help liking the characters because of some redeeming qualities. I find Miracle in East Texas light-hearted and entertaining. Lou Gossett Jr. is a narrator and at the end credit, you will get to see more of him. I think it's sweet that Sam Sorbo (Kevin Sorbo's wife) plays as h...