The Flint River

Imagine that you have all the worldly possessions your heart desires. Tattoo in your consciousness being surrounded by friends and family, adoring you and celebrating your success. See in your mind’s eye being with your life-long spouse, enjoying a romantic getaway on an exotic island.  Hold on to these thoughts and embrace them.

Now, let me do this to you.  Internalize all the emotion you would feel if all these were taken away from you in one fell swoop. Imagine yourself in an emotional desert, walking along the empty streets of your mind and the unending alleyways of your soul.

What would you do?  How would you react after losing the life you lived and all those you lived life for? Empty? Tormented day and night, living a life that no longer has purpose? Stuck in the dark? Lost—not knowing where to go? Longing after the comforts of past glory?

How fleeting life seems. What are you to do? If you were only able to save one book—one possession that seemed inconsequential, one book you hardly noticed amongst all of your significant treasure trove!

Knowing nothing about it and not expecting much, you open it. Why? Because it is the only thing you have left.

With each word you read you realize how empty your life really was. With each message you uncover in this quaint book you experience a hope that you have never felt…not even when you were on top of the world. With each turn of the page you wish to devour more and more of what is being said and told and promised.

With the completion of each verse, chapter, and book your emptiness is filled with hope, love, and joy.  With each step forward you realize you are no longer in the desert. Rather, you are now sailing the ocean with the winds at your back.  The alleys of your soul have become avenues of hope.

The book and its contents have a marvelous effect! Your days become more and more filled with the sun’s rays even when night has arrived. Now you live each day, not worrying about what tomorrow brings, for you have faith in what lies ahead.

Welcome to my world!  This is my life. The Bible has become my Book.

Care to take the leap of faith as well?

Written by: Stauro Punongbayan

Willis Park in Bainbridge, GA

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal. 2:20, NIV)

Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh and its passions. (Gal. 5:24, NIV)

Are We Living a Crucified Life?

Let’s be REAL…shall we? So often I hear folks talking about living a crucified life…and that’s a good thing. However, I am convinced that many of us do not know what that truly means?

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. (Gal. 5:19-21, NIV)

Whoa! And if that’s not plain enough, check out The Message version of the same passage:

It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.

If that does not capture our attention, the Apostle Paul’s warning should: ”Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God,” (v. 21)

Double whoa!

How do we Attain a Crucified Life?

Christians, therefore, must live according to the Spirit of God, not according to our flesh or passions, if we wish to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:21, NIV)

How then do we know if we are walking in the Spirit? Well, we should see some evidence that the Spirit is operating in our lives. And in case we need it, Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a specific list to look for and cultivate:

The fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). (AMP)

Now, just as natural fruit in a natural orchard takes time to develop and grow, so will spiritual fruit in the lives of believers. However, I believe that too many of us who call ourselves Christians are not judging our flesh as we should.

Neither are we spending the time and energy necessary to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. In order to do so, we must study the Bible, God’s instruction manual. When we do, the Holy Spirit will reveal God’s plan for us and will help us make the changes necessary in our lives in order to be successful in following after God. We must also spend time in prayer, consistently conversing with the Lord on a daily basis. When we do, the Holy Spirit will reveal the Father’s heart toward us but will also reveal/lay open our hearts, warts and all, to us. The time we spend with Him (through His Word and in prayer) will cultivate the lasting fruit, the good fruit, we desire.

Take a moment. Take stock of your life, right now. Are you living a crucified life? Are you cultivating the fruit of the Spirit? Or are you allowing your flesh and your passions to control you and your decisions?

I challenge you…don’t walk away before making the necessary adjustments. Living the crucified life takes work, hard work…but it is well worth it in the end.

Stephanie A. Pack

Faith to Faith International

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Plane Used for Aerial Location Scouts

We Sometimes Forget How to Forgive

It is indeed hard practicing how to forgive at times, especially if the wound was a deep one. Our natural tendency is to get even. Plus, the world tells us that doing so will help us attain peace of mind.  That, however, is not how God operates. In fact, the Scriptures totally abhor such an idea.  We are told to forgive without any considerations or rules; even the pain done to us (no matter how acute) is not a great enough reason for us not to forgive.

Are We Ready to Truly Learn How to Forgive?

Unfortunately, many Christians are not prepared to forgive even though forgiveness is part and parcel of the whole Christianity in us.  We learn forgiveness from the very day we were saved; we enjoy the benefits of being forgiven from all of our sinfulness.  Therefore, from that point forward shouldn’t we learn and then master the art of forgiveness? Yes! If we do, we will already have a truck load of forgiveness in us when pains, persecutions, regrets and offending people come our way.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matt. 18:21-22, NIV)

Peter wonders just how many times he needs to forgive someone. Jewish tradition varied; however, the Pharisees often stated that it was five times. By offering “up to seven times,” Peter showed his desire to go beyond what was required, but I am sure he was not prepared for Christ’s answer of 70 x 7. Basically, Jesus was telling him that there should be no limit to the forgiveness he extended to others.

Then, after giving his simple but surprising answering, Jesus told a parable. He spoke of a servant who had been forgiven of a tremendously large debt but who then turned around and demanded repayment from another who owed him far less:

Learning How to Forgive Through The Lord

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ²⁴ As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. ²⁵ Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

²⁶ “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ ²⁷ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

²⁸ “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.^[i] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

²⁹ “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

³⁰ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. ³¹ When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

³² “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. ³³ Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ ³⁴ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

³⁵ “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:23-35, NIV)

Forgiving from your heart…that is the standard that Jesus set for Peter. The same is true for you and me. True forgiveness is a decision based in love, the love Christ has for each of us.  We are to love…and forgive…not based on what someone has done to us but based upon what Someone did for us:

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12, NIV)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13, NIV)

By: Ricardo Yee

Aerial Shot of Bainbridge, GA

Through faith and patience [you shall] inherit the promises [of God]. (Hebrews 6:12, KJV)

Why is it that I so often lack the patience and faith I need to see God’s promises come to pass in my life? Perhaps it is because I have grown accustomed to getting what I want, when I want it, and how I want it. Let’s call it the Burger King “Have It Your Way” phenomenon or the McDonald’s 60 Second Service Rule! Perhaps it is simply because I have a tendency to be hyper-focused on meeting the goal. Or perhaps…just perhaps I sometimes have trouble living out my patience and faith in God, trusting that He shall bring His will to pass in my life no matter how much time goes by!

The Importance of Patience and Faith

What’s the problem with being impatient? Well, for one…it often times leads me to make decisions based on my own natural understanding instead of leaning upon and trusting in the wisdom I must dig out of God’s Word, the wisdom that comes from spending time in His presence. Impatience is also a sign of being flesh-ruled instead of spirit-ruled. And nothing good ever came out of my allowing my flesh to rule. Instead, I am to “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all [my] heart and mind and do not rely on [my] own insight or understanding. In all [my] ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain [my] paths.”(Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP)

Finding Your Patience and Faith

I realize that this is often easier said than done. However, one anthem I refuse to take up as my own is I Did It My Way! Rather, I desire to be able to say at all times and at all costs, “I did it His way!” For, as time goes by and I continue to wait for His promises to come to pass in my life, I know more and more the truth of the Lord’s words as recorded by the Prophet Isaiah:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. ⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  (Isaiah 5:8-9, NIV)

I must, then, cultivate patience at all costs. For, I desire to see His promises come to pass in my life.  I am willing to wait EVEN IF it looks like nothing is happening, EVEN IF some folks might say I am foolish, EVEN IF I am tempted to take over and make something happen. Why? Because I know that His plans for me are better than anything I could plan for myself… Because I know His timing is perfect… Because I know that He is God…and I am not!

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. (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)

Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. ³ For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:2-3, NKJV

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)

By Stephanie A. Pack of Faith to Faith International. You can also find her on Twitter and  Facebook!

Just over 3 weeks into the project and only 2 cues left to write! After listening through cues with Josh and TJ on Friday I was reminded of how proud I am of the themes for the score and how excited I am to hear it all in context. I really feel this is some of the best work I’ve ever done and am so grateful for the whole process. In the two score cues that remain, I have a new theme to write for Pete and Maggie and then a more atmospheric cue for a key conversation between two of the characters.

The next phase of scoring after those cues are completed will be preparing the music in the computer to send to my orchestrator and prep team so that they can set up printed scores of all of the cues for the orchestra to play.  Right now, we are listening to what is called a “mock-up” of the score, where I used “samples” (individual notes of real instruments recorded and laid out across the keyboard) to give the directors a sense of what the music will sound like when it’s finished. However, the real magic will happen when we get all of those professional musicians in a room and they add their souls to the music as well. It’s the most powerful moment of the process for me, hearing the themes I’ve created played beautifully by such talented players.

Speaking of talented players, this week was just wonderful here at the studio—from the recording sessions to another great meeting with the directors!  The sessions started last Saturday with Steve Tavaglione.  It was another emotional combination of live flute and clarinet performances along with the computer ambiance creation that set the tone for more cues in the film. Simply gorgeous stuff! Next up was another session with George Doering, which was amazing. I’m so fortunate to have these guys on the Fishers of Men score. I used to dream about being able to create something like this, and they are helping to make it all go so smoothly!  (See below for lots of pics of the sessions.)  Finally, Tina Guo joined me to record some awesome cello and ambiances as well which are quite haunting in the mix. We were able to create a classic “Old West” vibe in a contemporary musical setting using glissando cello lines, which mimicked that raw “fiddle” sound you’ve heard in westerns so many times but with a darker, bigger emotion to them.  I also love doing harmonic parts on cello with Tina, and this session we took that sound even further, which was a great surprise. Really interesting “happen-stance” as Steve puts it. (He’s funny that way!)

So, here are some fun photos from this week’s session. I hope you enjoy!  Next blog we should be rounding the corner and mixing the score. Maybe the directors will let me share a cue with you in advance of the film’s opening for fun?!  And then I’m going to Disneyland…stay tuned!

The Composition of FOM Music

By Bill Brown
Edited by Stephanie Pack

Directors T.J. Amato and Josh Mills at FOM Office

Jason Kidd, on his perseverance for the NBA Championship, “That’s what you play the game for, to be a champion. It’s a hard climb, and you’re never promised to get there. If you do, you’ve got to treasure it and do everything you can to win.”

True Perseverance

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's         sufficiency]. (Philippians 4:13, AMP)

Everyone is given a talent or skill that we excel at with not much effort.  Each and every one of us is unique, but some are truly gifted and blessed.  Jason Kidd is one such example. His NBA career is littered with numerous highlights, punctuated with two trips to the NBA Finals.

Both trips, however, ended with losses. Not what Jason wanted! Like Jason Kidd, we too may put forth tremendous effort and still not achieve the results we were expecting.

When that happens, we may see those who seem to have put in less effort but end up winning that thing which we covet so much.  We may even begin to doubt ourselves, our talent. That is where we are wrong! Everything we do is seen by God. And He has something great for each one of us to accomplish in this life. We have to trust the Lord to bring it about in His perfect timing.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV 1984)

After reading the article about Jason Kidd, I sensed his passion and determination to maximize the opportunity he has at this moment in his career.  He is making sure he gives it his all, even during practice.  He has accepted that this may be his last chance; he also accepted that he may or may not win.  Nevertheless, he is determined to always do his best.

Finding Perseverance at a Time of Need

In a generation where the need for instant gratification is at an all-time high, we are astounded and refreshed by Jason Kidd and his unfolding story.  (The patience and understanding he has exhibited is something everyone should emulate.) He is thankful for the opportunity he has right now, and it shows in the effort he gives during practice as well as games.  Win or lose, he is appreciative of the chance to be at this level of competition.  Out of a billion people around the world he knows he has been blessed to play in the NBA, and he is not taking it for granted.

We also have our own chase for success. It may come now, or it may come later in our lives. There is also the chance that it may not come at all. But what is important is to have given it our all, to have shown true perseverance, glorifying God in the process.

By: Stauro Punongbayan

Church: Hillcrest Family Life and Baptist Church

Edited by Stephanie Pack

FOM Production Office Pet: Claire

There are so many areas and reasons why forgiveness is so important. The key reason, though, is that God has forgiven us.  Who are you not to forgive a wrong that was done against you when God forgave you, wiped all of your sins away, and made you white as snow because of the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let me drop. (Mark 11:25, Comparative Study Bible, Revised Edition copyright 1999 by ZONDERVAN, Amplified)

Wow!  Enough said…

Un-Forgiveness

Unforgiveness also causes sickness and disease. How?  When you are in discord with someone, it’s only you that is going through the constant battle and “I should’ve said” or “I should’ve or will do __________” arguments. Simply put, you are at DIS-ease. You are losing sleep; you have no peace; everything seems to be in a state of chaos.

So, if you are having an intergalactic battle in your mind and heart, back up and ask God to show you who may be at the root of your dis-ease. He will show you if there is someone you may have something against. If He does, go and make peace

Forgiveness and Being Blessed

Proverbs 17:22 says that a happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Don’t allow your bones to dry up! Walk in peace with ALL men:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15, NIV)

By:  Robin L. Bushnell

Edited by Stephaine Pack

Aerial Shot of the Flint River in Bainbridge, GA

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)

We grow up trusting only what we know and who we think we are.  Since the time we become sentient or aware of ourselves as individuals, we try to force life to follow our rules.  Now, imagine 3 billion people following the same pattern of behavior?  This would explain why we have the endless cycle of war and peace.

But that cycle of war isn’t as important as the battle we face inside ourselves.  We all face a battle between good and evil, between the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness.  We can see this battle in Anakin Skywalker, lead character of Star Wars, which makes me believe George Lucas based his storyline on the Bible.  Bear with me as I point out our own personal struggles inside our hearts and soul.

When Anakin started his journey as the “chosen one,” he had a good heart. However, over time he was nudged and tempted to the dark side. Events in his life tried and tested him (as they do all of us).  Soon, he gave in—much like us when we give in to our own pet sin(s).

When we believe in ourselves only, we fall into the trap of vanity. We believe we can fight life and play by our rules. Truth is, I have never found someone who has conquered life by himself/herself.

Despite Anakin being engulfed by the dark side, becoming Darth Vader in the process, his son Luke Skywalker endeavored to save him.  They fought against each other twice and after much struggling and verbal fencing, his father resurfaced and saved Luke from death at the hands of the emperor. In the end Anakin/Darth Vader used his last breath to tell Luke (who was fighting on behalf of light) he was right.

Every one of us can relate to Anakin’s fall into the dark side of sin, leaving us apart from God’s gracious love.  What we need to know above all else is that the Lord is always waiting for us to return to Him.  He loved us so much that He sent Jesus Christ to bridge that gap for us, with arms wide open.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17, NKJV)

It is usually in our darkest hour that we realize we must come back to God.  It is while sitting down on the pavement or falling face first to the ground that we become aware of the fact that we are not the ones who cause us to succeed—we are not the ones who make things happen even if we’ve laid out the greatest of plans. Our efforts are for naught without God’s grace and approval. If, however, we come back to Him—accept Him into our lives—we become new creations. We become aware that life is sweeter with God inside our hearts and souls.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. ⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9. NKJV)

We may not be able to grasp God’s law, for our understanding of life is but a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things.  However, all we have to do is ask and we will receive life we’ve never lived before. All things become new as was said in the scripture above.

We used to try and stand on our own two feet (with no help from anyone).  However, much like a tree without a strong root system we can be uprooted by the tsunami waves of life. So, it is better to walk with Him, depend upon Him for all that we need.  When we do, we are better able to handle all that life brings us.

By: Stauro Punongbayan

Church: Hillcrest Family Life and Baptist Church

Edited by Stephanie Pack

FOM Set Location: The Trulock Propert

Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45, NIV)

Pressure is a fact of life. One way the American Heritage Dictionary defines pressure is “a burdensome, distressing, or weighty condition; oppressing as of grief”. Does that currently describe your situation?

Pressure; We All Endure

Many people today are facing uncertain futures. Job loss or reduced income, a health crisis, or maybe the death of a loved one has the weight of the world pushing in from all sides. Just getting out of bed may seem like a daunting task.

What comes out of your heart and mouth when you are pressed? Do people see Christ-likeness, or does it expose an area of your heart that still needs some work? The Apostle James put it this way:

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:9-10, NIV)

Dealing With Pressure

We may not be able to control the pressures in our life, but we can control how we choose to react to them. If this is a problem area for you, remember you are not alone. Ask God to help you in this matter daily. Find time to pray and express your frustrations, cares, and hurts to Him. He loves you and longs to hear from you.

Positive Pressure

By the way, not all pressure is a bad thing. When high heat and high pressure are applied in just the right proportions to carbon, a beautiful and valuable diamond is produced. Consider that God may be allowing your trials to produce something beautiful and valuable in you. Pressure is also defined as “a mark or weight: impression”. Perhaps God is marking you so that when others see you, they see the impression of His beloved Son.

By Mary Smit
Isaiah 61:3
Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia
www.sherwoodbaptist.net

Edited by Stephanie Pack

FOM Location Scout of the Flint River

Feeling lonely.
Confused.
Heart aching.
Loss of sleep.
Can’t get up.
Feeling down in the morning.
Not ready to face the day.

Have you ever wondered, “Why does God allow this to happen in my life? What’s God’s purpose? Why do I go through so many distresses and trials in life?”

If so, let me encourage you today. In your loneliness, confusion, or deep pain—when there is no one around to pat on your shoulder—God is right there next to you. He hears your sigh and feels for you. His presence will heal your broken heart, and His great compassion will cover you and lift up your spirit.

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (Psalm 18:6, NIV)

You are NOT alone even when there is no one around. Our Father God is there next to you, to comfort you in your troubles:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

If you are struggling to pray in faith… If you are having difficulty keeping your eyes focused on Jesus Christ in the midst of your life chaos… If you are wondering if God has heard your cry of despair while you’re trying to endure your sorrows… The Lord is calling to you: Do not fear, for I am the LORD your God!

God sees your agony, and He is working to deliver you from your anguish. We have a great Father who performs miracles just to save us. Entrust your life to Him. Submit your ways to Him. Ask for His will to be done. For, this is His promise to you and to every one of his children today and forever:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2, NIV)

By: Phoebe Bekheit

Edited by Stephanie Pack