THE CHRISTIAN WATCHMAN©

Movie Review: The LOST MEDALLION

2013-02-28T14:00:00.000+00:00

The Lost Medallion family movie is a triumph of intuitive captivating storytelling and a case for the celebration of all young people including those in foster care.

Succinctly, The Lost Medallion follows the adventures of Billy Stone (Billy Unger – American Treasure, You Again) and Allie (Sammi Hanratti - American Girl), two 13-year-old friends who unearth a long-lost medallion with mystical powers to transport its possessor back in time. But with evil warlord, Cobra, (Mark Dacascos –Hawaii Five-0) who rules the island and its people in hot pursuit to retrieve the medallion for his own repressive ambition, Billy and Allie must work together with a young arrogant king (Jansen Panettiere - The Perfect Game), his best friend, and a wise old man (James Hong - Kung Fu Panda,Blade Runner) to ensure the safety of the precious gem.

Written, directed and produced by bestselling author and owner of MeThinx Entertainment, Bill Muir (The Crossing, Invisible Enemies), The Lost Medallion is based on the screenplay adaptation of his fictional novels. It comes across like an allegorical swashbuckling “Treasure Island” meets “Spy kids” fusion.
The seasoned storyteller further shared more about the inspiration, legacy and aspirations behind this movie in a recent interview with him.

According to Bill, “The Lost Medallion was designed for the entertainment of young people (even orphans as well) and entire families alike to highlight the importance of some sterling virtues such as teamwork, humility, family, self-worth and a sense of purpose. None of which eliminates the fun in having a sense of identity and unfeigned friendship or that affirmation of their significance and recognition of the true treasures of the heart.”

In lieu of the frenetic obsession for ruinous and vain lifestyles, as well as the addictive recalcitrant games which only breeds juvenile delinquent behaviors prevalent in the today’s world.

As foster parents –Bill and his wife- themselves, their involvement in working with Campus Life has helped educate and shown him how broken, unloved, and torn the kids felt every day. And this aided the adoption of their daughter. Hence incorporating the recurring themes along orphanages and foster care was the central in the production of The Lost Medallion and key to its creator’s legacy in order to encourage all young people see reason to discover their self-worth.

Certainly, The Lost Medallion movie is one family entertainment screening at the theaters (out on 1st March) that’d leave all inquisitive or adventure loving kids longing for a sequel.

Movie Review: PIVOT POINT

2013-01-15T04:15:00.000+00:00

From the suburban community of Columbine not leaving out even the quaint Newtown neighborhood its devastating footprint’s no different. Even notable cosmopolitan European cities have witnessed it ripping apart their communities in the wake of its clandestine mission. Camouflaging its track as it criss-cross the Equatorial terrains it completes its expensive expedition back to the point of inception via the Pacific Rim like a ninja.

Characteristically, societies world over have been oblivious of its steady mutation through the ages. Small wonder then why the drug and cyber wars seems largely undefeatable. In fact, it is way beyond the gun-craze watershed.

Unfortunately, not even the “bumbledom MRI prognosis” scrutiny of an overstretched mental/ psychiatric healthcare sector would pinpoint the malignant tissue!
This mounting problem was well highlighted and perceptively dramatised in the movie “Pivot Point” recently.

Of course no one need wave a magic wand to prove that the prior improvisations [the guns, drugs, and sectioning] are merely secondary preventative measures. Instinctively however, Pivot Point explored the silently widening cracks in the stratum of relationship/family disconnect and gives a hint at the nerve centre of this ominous monster.
The movie chronicles the catastrophic effect of these cracks in the lives of a select college teenagers. Ill-equipped to cope with the incessant turmoil of abuse, depression, bullies and peer-pressures and other influences; all on their own in spite of the numerous but insensitive adults around them.

The resultant effect only manifests in what the whole community can’t ignore any longer but rue and decry as a result of missed opportunities.
As it played out in Pivot Point, if only people would spare the thought to pay a little more attention to the fledgling generation around them!

Book Review: The Genesis One Code with Daniel....

2012-12-17T07:57:00.000+00:00

Since time begun, men have sought tirelessly to determine the age of this Universe. Philosophers, Archaeologists, and Scientists alike have pored through fossils, theories and other techniques in other to accentuate their inferences.
Even religious scholars exercise their own personal opinions about Creation and evolution.

Remarkably, Scriptures still holds the simplest of account of creation that men have ceaselessly tried to evade. Incontrovertibly, the book of Genesis One alone locks the encryption that educates, elucidates, and even offers a graphical detailed account as needed by science and indeed the whole world as to how everything all began including the identity of its intelligent architect.

It is pretty easy to analyse this part of scriptures or indeed any other out of context. Unless the eyes of one's spirit were enlightened, it would be literally impossible for even the average believer to appreciate that life doesn't just come to a terminal end six-foot below! However it is such phenomenon as this that account for the greatest disparity between theology and science.

Stressing further on this topic in his book in an attempt to bridge this controversial gap by exploring the varied ideologies from the opposing perspectives thoroughly, Author and Engineer Daniel Friedmann recently shared his unbiased findings in a new book.
Decisively titled The Genesis One Code the book sees Daniel, a cosmology proponent and religious studies adherent himself impartially applies the creationist views according to the Torah (the traditional Jewish form of the Holy Bible) in tandem with exploratory scientific research information ranging from evolutionary evidences, timeline calculations, and deductions from materials around the world.
Written with a lecturer’s flair enough to captivate even the most sensitive and cynical non-scientific minds, Daniel does a good job of just dishing out the facts whilst distancing himself from the never-ending creationist and ultra-evolutionist theories spat that is steadily alienating the younger generations interest in either.

When interviewed by The Christian Watchman, the seasoned engineer shared his mission and allusions for writing The Genesis One Code. One the premises of his personal conviction between creationism and evolutionism Daniel versed it rather eloquently: ‘Creation is Divine’!
However The Genesis One Code, he states, is written impartially unlike the notions of many who’d try to impugn their convictions upon others. The final decision and conclusion of what to make of the information lay in the hands and minds of the reader.

The Christian Watchman again applied tact to rephrase this question subliminally; As a result of the Genesis One Code, it should be fair for anyone to adduce that as a scientist, your detailed findings have personally helped answer some of those similar questions any sceptical scientist might be harboring in relation to the existence of God?

Daniel: I didn't write the book on the pretext of matching God’s existence. The Genesis One Code relates to the cosmos, animals, & creation in relation to God. Consequently, there’s a second book that’d explore in detail the relationship between man and God coming out shortly.

On the subject of timelines the Christian Watchman asked thus: Since Scriptures has it that “God’s wisdom is way past finding out”. E.g. Blood has never evolved! Besides the bible also states that “a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day”. Do you reckon that it’s possible for man to be able to calculate the expiration date of the Universe given the level of philosophical and scientific advancements? Secondly, shouldn't these references be enough to literally put paid to the intellectually orchestrated argument between God & Science. What do you think?

Daniel: Nowhere has or would any scientific research or advancement be able to provide evidence as to how the Solar System started or indeed predict it’s end. It is Scriptures and the platform of religion alone that holds that honor and gives some account of this. Evaluating an expiration date for the Universe therefore, is definitely an impossible though audacious feat to contemplate. "A Creation day is unmistakably different from a God day". This is a fact The Genesis One code clearly highlights in detail.

Our argument, as scientists, has always been with the timeline!
The Genesis One Code will make an educative read for both the inquisitive reader and the open minded alike.

Finally, If you've also ever wondered, pondered, or argued about this issue of timeline as raised by Daniel Friedmann, listen to this; It’d pay to search through Bible concordances &commentaries that’d help break down the topic into understandable bits. References such as the Dakes Annotated, The Parallel Bible , and many other resources are a great place to start.

Summarily, if all man would always remember this, it’d help put things in perspectives: Our limitations as mere mortals make it even more factual that God, or indeed, all of his works can’t be governed by time or space. That’s why He is God!
And of course, there are educative materials all around. But be careful to try every spirits as you endeavor to discern the Truth!

Kiddies Zone: The Adventures of Toby.....Monsters & Me plus more.

2012-11-24T08:48:00.000+00:00

I have always wondered how life might have been for the young Samuel in scriptures while growing up under the care of Eli. First, he’d have missed the company of his parents, especially the mum, and pertinently the freedom of growing up as a child.
But then, upon ruminating on the words of Jesus...”Suffer the little children to come to me, for theirs the kingdom of Heaven.” One thing is definitely clear; Age is irrelevant in the sight of the Ageless One!

Besides, I had the opportunity of seeing the latest Adventures of Toby DVD instalment- Monsters &me/ Making friends (which my girls gladly endorsed without any hesitation!).
It follows that just as God sees all “adults” even as children, it is only wise to teach the young ones how to have fun and grow in Christ. The creators of Toby’s bible adventures have done a good job of retelling classic scripture stories and life-lessons from a kid’s perspective with an urban flavour and funky animations to it.

Movie Review: The Miracle of Marcelino.

2012-11-10T08:32:00.000+00:00

The life of Orphans in today’s world is that of sheer uncertainty. With the survival rate of any such youngsters making it into adulthood [undamaged] put at a fairly nominal level, they are definitely the forgotten ones.

These days there’s hardly one week that goes by without the appalling news of child abuse! From the schools, to homes, and hospitals, including worship centres: young people in care have been subjected to the most unprintable, heinous acts of injustice where it is least expected. Thankfully the hope-inspiring movie Marcelino attempts to remind everyone again about how things used to be ....once upon a time.

The Miracle of Marcelino chronicles the story of a young orphan boy born in the wake of the Mexican revolution in the 19th century. Apparently, his mother had abandoned him swaddled at the door of a peculiar and deserted monastery. The sanctimonious friars had no clue about the disciplines of fatherhood but exhibited enough empathy and a sense of obligation to nurture the abandoned infant who grows into a rambunctious yet loving prankster.

Just like anyone who’s come through the care system would readily agree that at some point, they’d have had sleepless nights about their identities. It is commonplace to ponder over one’s real birth parents. Questions like what were they like, why did they have to abandon them in preference to other siblings etc: would always filter through. All these interminably playing on in their minds! Instinctively there’d still be that inner longing to want to reconnect with them.

Little Marcelino’s inquisitive personality eventually led him to a statute stashed in the attic of the monastery. His childhood innocence and fascination with this figurine with a face so full of love and light, turns into an unexpected miracle.

The Miracle of Marcelino reflects on the innocence of little kids and their attractiveness to miracles.

At such a time as this when even the church is so immersed in programs and steadily becoming insensitive to its first love; the unassuming and the least important ones amongst us could well be our source of inspiration back unto the right focus.

Check with your local theatres for further viewing dates if you missed it.

Book Review: ACCIDENTAL PHARISEES with Larry Osborne.

2012-10-25T07:00:00.000+01:00

Apparently Idolatry is still very much alive and kicking today (particularly in the household of Faith!) as it was during Bible days. In keeping up with the changing era and societal make-up, this ancient form of religion has evolved meticulously well. Such a change that even churches and its congregations have yet to perceive this subtle camouflage.
Carrying out the simplest of experiments (as you would a litmus paper science test) by way of exploring the real initiator behind many denominations existing today, the result will be all too obvious.
Which of today’s denominations would Jesus readily endorse as his perfect church? Your guess is as good as mine!

How could we possibly discern the operations of idolaters sanctimoniously veiled inside the church under the guise of practising religion, without pointing any fingers at obvious shrines, other religious groups, including the beautiful edifices we call Cathedrals?

What if these idols, or idolatry bug aren't within the church as previously conjectured but resident on the inside of the individual,e.g. You and I!
An introspective inventory of one’s own self will certainly be needed bearing in mind the poignant scripture “Get thee behind me, thou worker of iniquity”!
In other to remind today’s believer of this sordid reality, Larry Osborne explores this spiritual state in his latest book titled Accidental Pharisees by taking a finical look in a non-judgmental but rather there-you-have-it-take-your-pick style.

He eloquently highlights in the 7-partite book, the 21st century manifestations of this villainous spirit and how to nip its operation even in our very lives. Stressing that while it might be true that we aren’t all perfect or imperfect, but prone to always remain a victim of this subtle spirit; God has always been known to draw straight lines with crooked sticks. He is always in the habit of using the weak to show off His strengths while choosing the undeserving to demonstrate His Grace.

We needn't be a pastor, a worship leader, or involved in church politics to grab a copy of Larry Osborne’s Accidental Pharisees.

It will most certainly help to open our eyes in discovering who we really are in Christ for ourselves (just as Prophet Isaiah soberly discovered, and crucially how earnest it is to stand in the gap for those officiating in leadership capacities within the church and beyond.

Book Review: LORD, Change Me.....

2012-10-19T03:54:00.000+01:00

The scripture enjoins that believers need be careful not to make promises they can’t guarantee to keep. It is pretty easy to exhibit genuine brokenness in sober reflection by raising up the hands during a worship service while the processional hymnal “Unto Jesus I surrender” is humming in the background. Change, according to God’s dictionary, often demands a total overhaul! Change is that feat no man could ever prepare for. Real change not mere makeovers or even transformation is only ever achieved as we yield ourselves totally and walk in partnership with God.

In Lord, Change Me author James Macdonald attempts to remind the Christian pilgrim about the importunity of this commitment however long it takes or cost.
He explores man’s spiritual condition, the importance of the process of change and its objectives along sound exegetical channels of how to attain lasting change.
Lord, change Me comes packed with compelling anecdotes, practical biblical passages to explore, and many more.
Human methodologies, monasticism or abstinence, solitude as well as adhering to behaviorism principles will forever result in complete failure.
The biblical Jacob tried in futility to adopt this strategy. Apparently, this patriarch’s change wasn't ever going to come unless he was willing to surrender himself to be “changed” by God. He had to come to the realization that no matter how sleek, how organized, or busy he’d wander far away out of sight: he’d only continue to live in denial hoping his past would bury itself!

For all those who have tried to change, or struggling with the concept of change but have flopped; Lord, Change Me could be helpful.
The only way to attaining real change therefore is embedded in the book title itself: Lord, Change Me.

Movie Review: A Beautiful Soul.

2012-10-15T04:35:00.000+01:00

The faith-based drama A Beautiful Soul comes across as rather an odd and contrived performance, in my opinion of the lead actor -Deitrick Haddon’s sophomore project.
Although this flick isn't as enthralling as the DH's debut project “Blessed & Cursed”: yet it manages to convey pivotal life lessons to the audience.

This oneiric drama attempts to drive home irreplaceable truths surrounding the ominous implications of under-estimating the power of fame!

A Beautiful Soul chronicles the life of R&B superstar ANDRE STEPHENS (Deitrick Haddon) whose humble rise strikes the right chord with success, fame and fortune but grew oblivious of his spiritual life direction cruising a million miles away unto wanton disrepute. This disenchantment and insensitivity would later come to haunt him and his best friend CHRIS JOHNSON (Robert Ri’chard) after their motorcade got attacked.
Locked helplessly in a state of coma, Andre must inevitably take a lecture in the school of Divine Encounter. This self-centred headliner was given the opportunity to re-evaluate his fate, fame, and his faith. This is one stringent combination that needs be looked at from Heaven’s perspective more closely, although most humans will always view it differently.

Fame, being Pride’s most lethal weapon of choice is known to warp its way surreptitiously into the cranial control-room of its victims. It then feeds on the larger-than-life fantasies (both our inexperience & experiences alike) like a blood-sucking leech with only one clear mission: To disable its victim's sensibilities from functioning optimally!

A Beautiful Soul features a host of familiar faces both within the faith community and the mainstream alike; the likes of Deitrick Haddon himself, Lesley-Ann Brandt, veteran Harry Lennix, Barry Floyd, Trevor Jackson, Robert Ri’chard, and amongst others was a cameo from Bishop Noel Jones.

Book Review: Walking ...the Walk..

2012-10-05T09:00:00.000+01:00

Casting a reflective eye on the relationship that existed between Moses & Joshua in scripture, it shouldn't be any controversial to fault the rapport shared between these two as being idiosyncratic in nature. This is unlike the affectionate relation that transpired between God & Enoch.
The Art of a mentoring friendship in today's world has reached an alarming level where relationships are effectively (dead) unreal and non-committal in its expression. No thanks to the nascent proliferation of the world of unrealistic virtual acquaintances (i.e. social media friends, web buddies et al). The bridging gap between the old and younger generation keeps widening at such astronomical scope.
Discipleship (or mentoring, if you like) has morphed, and deviously re-filtered, into a work experience terminology: it’s the new apprenticeship!

These days it’s more difficult (but not impossible) to find a lasting genuine mentoring relationships similar to that which blossomed in the Sean Connery movie "Finding Forrester".
“Everybody needs a mentor, a prayer partner; chiefly the Holy Spirit representing the physical presence of Jesus Christ in us”, remarks Michael Card.

This prolific author cum singer/songwriter sparks an insightful adult conversation on this mundane issue in his personal quick-read memoir titled....THE WALK. Sharing from a personal and academic experience Michael explores the dynamics of an unforgettable friendship with his mentor Dr. Bill Lane, while drawing life lesson applications from an exegetical perspective.

Through the mentoring process, Michael learnt among other things that Dr. Lane’s status as a man under Authority matched the profile and qualities his life actually needed in a mentor and vice versa.
Such mentoring relationship that endorses a fit to talk the talk and walk the walk learning process is one which would ultimately imbue a divinely endowing legacy into any protégé.

The Walk is both a call and reminder to first revisit our pledge as Disciples of Christ, as well as a practical reliving of the passionate and inspirational relationship that ought to be pursued.

Movie Review: Going ....CRESCENDO .

2012-10-02T08:10:00.000+01:00

CRESCENDO, which owes its literal meaning to the Italian musical language serves to give a hint as to the direction of this movie.
It essentially means the gradual increase in volume of a song that is to climax at a higher pitch. Crescendo is a vividly descriptive short movie subtitled in English but set in the classic 18th century Holy Roman Empire. Based on true events, this movie explores the oxymoronic legacy of the human life chronicling the string of pains, rejection, and abuse a faithful but “sour noted” pregnant wife had to put up with.

Such is the interminably discordant tune that dictated the course of her life culminating to the birth of an unwanted genius.

Crescendo is produced by Jason Jones a multiple award winning film producer (Co-Executive Producer of Bella, Associate Producer of The Stoning of Soraya M.). He also doubles as the founder of Movie to Movement (where you may fetch this movie) -an organization with a vision to celebrate life with the grassroots as well as dedicated to the promotion of short movies with a message that transcends life.

Crescendo goes to illustrate that “Life itself is a parody”.
If we had a detailed map of how our lives should follow, there is no guarantee that our eventual destination will ever come close to the preconceived target!

Movie Review: ESCAPE (When an escape becomes a trap!)

2012-09-25T07:42:00.000+01:00

The irony of conducting a pleasing lifestyle (from a moral humanistic P.O.V) approved by all and sundry- though one which by personal experience hasn't yielded similar reciprocation- is a telling conundrum every gregarious personality quietly worries about on a daily basis.

Trying to make sense of life’s many misfortunes, tragedies, and frustrations is only a worthless trip into the land of twisted disputations. Such a predicament is responsible for why many-a-believer have sometimes had to take a stab at their own faith in reaction to the pain; while the unbeliever on the other hand would gladly jump at the prospect of having a go-at-God!
Yet, of course there is always an intrinsic purpose for everything we go through in life. The path we take to discover this often impacts our existence throughout a lifetime. After all we are involved in the ongoing Universal encounter between the forces of good and evil whether we believe it or not!

Hence it is common sense to have to plot our exit strategy when a hurricane has yet to make a landfall. But such a plan would certainly be a different one when the storm has already touched down.

The movie ESCAPE captures such a similar life lesson that Doctor couples Paul and Kim Jordan found out themselves in this thrilling faith-based drama.
When a seeming mission trip to Thailand looked like the perfect getaway for Paul (C. Thomas Howell, The Alphas) and Kim (Anora Lyn) to help take their minds off the loss of their baby, they were least prepared for an encounter with human traffickers that needed a doctor’s skills to tend their wounded comrade.

Whilst in the caged captivity unsure about his life, Paul must come to realize that the whole purpose of this encounter isn't just for him to acknowledge that God, whom he had always tried to ignore, but that He had his back all along even during the trying periods.

Movie Review: UNCONDITIONAL

2012-09-20T04:00:00.000+01:00

It is possible to become permanently inured to pain, failure, abuse, bitterness, tragedy, or even oppression.

However, the consequence of this may leave its victims emotionally despondent, understandably belligerent, and presumably rigid to feelings. An outward expression or numbing reticence may masquerade the true state of the mind, only for a short period. Of course, this situation defies the age sentiment. But there’s no limit as to how far love can reach!
Such is the life-long lesson that would challenge and impact the lives of acclaimed storybook artist Samantha Crawford (Lynn Collins - X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and terminally-ill “Papa” Joe Bradford (Michael Ealy- Barbershop, Seven Pounds) in the captivating drama Unconditional.

Unconditional is a first for producers Jason Atkins and J. Wesley Legg of Harbinger Media Partners, LLC. It is written and directed by Brent McCorkle, and it chronicles the life of Samantha Crawford whose outlook at life was idyllic and colorful until man’s greatest enemy wrecks its havoc stripping her of all she’s ever cherished in life.
But after inadvertently rescuing two neglected fatherless children following an accident, Samantha’s angst at finding out the identity of her husband’s murderer becomes a personal vendetta; leading her on a déjà vu chase prompted by a piece of her work.

Unconditional touches on the reality of the reasons behind the dark seasons that even the brightest of writers trying to make sense of a ‘perfect storyline’ would sometimes encounter. And this particularly when the script is personal. This compelling movie also explores themes along the concept of reconciliation, second chances, forgiveness, patience, and friendship.

This grieving widow would eventually rediscover her true purpose after learning that “Life just doesn’t always present us with preconceived choices. Instead, it offers us the chance to learn to live unconditionally, give unconditionally, and embrace the world around us in the process”.

And this in its coarse form is Love!

Unconditional is equally a biopic that lends its inspiration from the real-life heroic “Papa” Joe Bradford around the Nashville Area.

The movie features a cream of seasoned cast such as the veteran Bruce Mc Gill (Legally Blonde 2), Cedric Pendleton ( The Shield), Diego Klattenhoff (Cube Zero), as well as the promising Kwesi Boakye, & little Gabriella Phillips.

Book Review: The dilemma of When Faith and Decisions Collide...

2012-09-14T06:00:00.000+01:00

One needn't turn hoary-headed to learn that the baton of life, has a way of showing up on our starting grids unannounced, requiring us to make life-changing decisions with no room for manoeuvres.

Dreams, Feelings & Intuitions,Visions, even Seers [prophets] have been known to sometimes fail particularly when it comes to trying to make sense of God's perfect will. All of these usually fail but Love!
This conundrum normally prompt those never-ending puzzles.
Questions such as:
-Did God really rubber-stamp this marriage, business, or venture in the first place: now that everything is heading for the rocks?
-Is losing one's limb or another's life really worth the pyrrhic victory?
-Wouldn't it have been all worth it: Had God [at the expense of Jesus & a severely tired Mary] simply obliterated the scheming King Herod as opposed to causing His own to take to flight?

Comprehending the above circumstantial dilemmas and a billion other nail-biting scenarios is man's life-long quest during his time here. Besides this has been responsible for why many have switched, hitched, or even ditched the existence of God.

Ultimately the objective of these situations is to bring to light a self-discovery and acknowledgement of man's incapacitation minus God [The evidence is all too glaring whether they are called the greatest,or the brainiest but absolutely powerless].

Finding out God's Will for one's life as discussed by the Award winning writer Dan Schaeffer in his frank, -with anecdotal as well as personal experiences- and yet lively book When Faith and Decisions Collide, is still one relevant piece of life's maze man can't afford to continue unresolved. It is helpful and affirming to see Dan explore this controversial topic from a world view perspective as opposed to a narrow-minded view.
I quite applaud his exegetical analogy of seeing God's will by looking through the retrospective rear-view mirror of life.

And it is indeed true that our journey through life may necessitate that we quickly come to terms with the fact that God oftentimes wouldn't reveal His complete will unto us until the future has become the past. He might only give a glimpse to spur us on. Or even that indelible snapshot etched within our hearts!
This in no way causes a collision with our ambition to succeed as human beings.

On the contrary, it is by understanding what true success means from God's perspective that living may then become truly meaningful.

And in conclusion, ditto as When Faith and Decisions Collide stresses it... Success can be a very false guide. Human success means we get or accomplish what we desire; real success is achieved when we accomplish what God desires. Therefore, we can encounter loss, failure, pain, opposition, persecution, and more, and yet be smack-dab in the middle of God's perfect will for our lives. While we see only the difficulty of the moment, God sees the effectiveness of the process.

Book Review: UNLEASHING HEAVEN'S BLESSINGS with....Happy

2012-09-11T07:00:00.000+01:00

Examining this medley of Scriptures:
Blessed be the God...for it is He who giveth thee power to get wealth....and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ....who shall supply all our needs, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings....saying I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.....in heavenly places in Christ
It'd be fair to infer that appropriating/accessing/ or indeed unleashing God's blessings should be no hassle for any believer. Ultimately this attests that God will forever be the source of blessing for mankind!

But from a cynical and agnostic perspective [as most God-haters would probably resort to since their carnal minds failed to connect with Him]: "why haven't there been such great harvest or a great deal of reality in the lives of many believers"? It sounds as though God has some answering to do here.

But, No! Happy Caldwell's exegetical book - Unleashing Heavens Blessings -looks set to walk everyone through the route whereby they'd be able to decide how to go about having their own slice of Heaven's blessings.
The only problem I have with Happy lies in the title. It seems to suggest that believers needed to "unlock, unbound,unhook" something that's already at their disposal which directly contradicts the position of ....who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

No matter the length of the faith & christian service, as fire-emitting earth-quaking warriors, religious professors, prayer & fasting devotion specialists, or Tithes and offerings givers: God's method of blessing all those who qualify for them isn't based on our "terms or methodologies".
This is predicated MOSTLY on His Grace & Mercy alone! And if I might add, God's simple Arithmetic!

Nevertheless Unleashing Heaven's Blessings exploratory style of teaching actually attempts to bring to light some of the reasons behind those unmitigated contradictions. God's promises are definitely not slack. They are forever obdurate in purpose.

Generally all He needs to do is, make us see through the motives behind some longstanding prayers whether the requests are predicated upon our own wants or fit in with His perfect will for us.

Most certainly, God answers every prayer. But not every request however -spiritually resilient, pious, averse- will attract Heaven's attention like the cry of blind Bartimeaus did or even the quiet prayer of a supplanting & cowardly Jacob!

Before an Open Heavens that'd trigger a release of Heaven's Showers can occur, one thing is certain: The Preparation of the Altar needs be repaired. And Happy Caldwell jolly well addresses this and others lucidly in his book to benefit every anticipating pray-ers!

Book Review: Seeking Freedom beyond Comprehension with.....

2012-08-28T09:29:00.002+01:00

You’ve sometimes felt shackled or experienced being pressed down in your sleep; although sure you’re “saved”. You might even be a good “Ol’ baggage handler” at harbouring any of these: Unforgiveness, Guilt, Abuse, Hate, betrayal, & P.T.S.D among others.
All the loads of positive confessional thinking, or becoming a believer, and even undergoing medical trials haven’t yielded any lasting changes. But, these maladies have not crept in unnoticed! Yet, once in, they’ve been known to terrorize their victim’s soul by systematically inflicting exacerbating pains.
And their notable weapon: the use of taunting flashbacks and negative memories.

Joan Hunter enthuses that all hope of a yoke-free life isn’t lost in her latest inspirational book, titled Freedom Beyond Comprehension. Absolute deliverance is definitely still on the card as she asks the reader to take a cue from her personal experience and others too.
This Healing writer and minister expounds on the truth about trauma.
How its haunting party can be expunged and replaced with bliss, hope, joy and victory as God intended. She reiterates that deliverance is that infallible path to severing one’s self from such oppressive past hurts.

Sharing from personal escapades and anecdotal testimonies, Freedom beyond Comprehension implores every believer battling with such inner maladies to strive to permanently leave the ominous luggage at the right place as instructed by the Messiah. This is the starting point. Before we’d ever be able to launch out in triumph -severing ourselves from past hurts- loving to live life, and God again; besides daring to love ourselves!
This state of being free is regardless of our standing in Christ, or even our inclination. Its all about digging deep into our recess to reconnect with God where things went awry - like a sprouting seedling finding its way out of the ground.

Movie Review: Somebody's Child - A GMC tv World Premiere.

2012-08-25T07:00:00.000+01:00

There’s something profoundly mystical about the power of blood. This lies in its intrinsic ability to enthral!

Animals such as sharks respond to its scent from a long way off. Family pedigrees and ties can be traced by its bonding power. It is responsible for why mothers remain instinctively attached to their babies in spite of the detachment of the placental cords!

Such is one of the tightly concealed secrets nursed by Constance Rivers (Lynn Whitfield- Emmy and NAACP Image Award winner; The Josephine Baker Story ) and ex-convict, Benjamin Sparks (Byron Minns; Undisputed) in the powerful, tear-jerking family drama “Somebody’s Child”.

Unbeknownst to either her son Douglas Rivers (Michael Jai White NAACP Image Award nominee; why did I get married too), or indeed Constance herself, that this Benjamin whom they had an unusual affinity for, nursed a secret.
While it is possible to sit down trying to analyse what these secrets were all day long, one thing that can’t be overlooked remains “blood-ties are powerful bonds to break”!

Call it maternal intuition or coincidental discovery; Constance eventually spilled the bean to her estranged son. This was shortly before losing the battle to kidney failure.

Such was the shocker that Douglas found hard to swallow on learning of his confession that, he and Benjamin were in fact fraternal twin brothers separated at birth 37 years ago. This award winning touching family drama showing on GMC tv tonight also features Nadine Ellis (“Let’s Stay Together””) and veteran Clifton Powell (Ray, “For Richer or Poorer”).
With powerful themes like the true power of faith, love and forgiveness "Somebody’s Child" will inspire anybody that feels second chances are beyond them; not to ever give up!

Movie Review: Raising Izzie

2012-08-22T05:24:00.000+01:00

The spirit of discernment is one gift that has become a rarity in today’s world! Unsurprisingly the inordinate craze after affluence seems to be the measuring scale of our sensitivity these days. There’s hardly a day that goes by that tabloid headlines don’t feature carefully selected forecasts going berserk, and stocks taking a tumble on freefall slumps in the financial markets.

Sadly, not much attention is paid to the deep sobbing of the orphans on the street-corners, the indigent families drifting into obscurity; let alone the disintegrating relationships right under our roofs.

On the contrary, we are quick to hold such insensitive grudge to our own detriment against a God who wouldn’t show up according to the pattern of our predicaments or predisposed expectations.

Similarly Raising Izzie bears a semblance of the predicament loving couple Tonya Freeman (Vanessa Williams; Daytime Emmy© nominee and NAACP Image Award© winner ) and Greg Freeman (Rockmond Dunbar;Soul Food, Prison Break) found themselves in when orphaned, homeless, disillusioned Gertie Nash ( Victoria Staley;“My Parents, My Sister and Me”), and little Izzie Nash (Kyla Kenedy;Three Stooges) stood in the corridors of their home.

While the young orphans explored their options with the black couples, Greg too struggled with the notion that..."Could these white kids be God's answer to our prayers"?

With their faiths, purpose, and decisions subjected to severe testing; "Raising Izzie"shows how surely they all must come to discover that the reality of God’s plan for humanity transcends the boundaries of race, formulas, or even personal perceptions!

Book Review: Know Your Ministry with Marilyn Hickey and Daughter.

2012-08-20T05:22:00.002+01:00

There are many “Stephens” [Evangelists] still on fire today as it was in Acts. Some trudge along tirelessly on foreign frontiers while others are well adapted for the hustle and bustle of the urban city centres- carrying out their Great Commission assignments.
It just goes to clarify that there’s no exclusivity of location as to where God has called one to ‘fish’ for the Kingdom.
Equally there are still an awful lot of “actors”,“wannabes yet spiritually lame”, “copycats”, and “clueless title-holders” out there as well. All in the name of trying to fulfil that calling.
However there’s a fundamental lack of knowledge and understanding about the offices and workings of the spiritual gifts needed as at yet! This has nothing to do with possessing a degree in Theology or being born into a Christian home. As a result, the amount of casualties is numbing!

In response to this situation, renowned Bible teacher Marilyn Hickey teams up with her daughter Sarah to rekindle the conversation about Spiritual gifts in “Know Your Ministry”.

Written in a straightforward easy-to-grasp style, this Mother and daughter collaboration bring their varied generational differences, perception and personal experiences into frame in order to re-explore the practical, exegetical applications sharing enlightening anecdotes about the Spiritual Gifts at the disposal of every believer.

The fact that you’d have discovered, understand, or currently walking within your rightful ministry doesn't ever exempt such from failing.

Operating within your ministry primarily guarantees - an Open Heaven!

Albeit the best place to start out therefore is that point where one comes to count the cost of paying the price [and not assume it’s cool to imitate or covet another’s gifting]. This I dare say is Marilyn and Sarah’s objective in Know Your Ministry!

Book Review: The Last Enemy (finally Unmasked!) with Michael Wittmer.

2012-07-17T04:00:00.000+01:00

The "Right to die" is one controversial and stiffly debated social topic today. With both proponents and opponents alike remaining uncompromising in support of their arguments.
Interestingly, this trend is making fast in-roads along scientific disputations as well as exploring the boundaries of religious philosophies in a bid to finding answers.
Meanwhile suicide and actual murder (the rate isn't abating but on the up!) equally imply the same phenomenon. That is, death! This summarily shifts the attention from the opposing factions.

There is a common foe operating silently at the expense of everybody. Its name is Death! It takes the shine off all the zombie or fictional movies that so many people identify with. After all every man will inevitably have an irreversible encounter/ date with it at some point! And speaking of this common adversary without any iota of sarcasm, fear, or ominous satisfaction, I'd recommend an insightful read of Michael Wittmer's latest offering on the subject.

It is titled "The Last Enemy". This engrossing little book sees Wittmer's wise attempt to unmask the true color of man's formidable foe. Walking right through the whole of scripture beginning at Genesis onto Revelation, Wittmer chronicles man's inadvertent and ill-fated relationship with death leading up till the ransom of redemption was paid. The Resurrection being the recovery of the life we enjoyed before been subjected to death in the first place.
Now, Given that the Messiah has had to pay heavily to secure us a fresh lease of life which we now have; Why then do men (either through terminal illness, accidents or quiet passage) still have to fall in defeat to death?

With lively anecdotes and revelatory exegesis "The Last Enemy " is replete with frank posers and helpful resources to equip every-a- troubled and terrified mind.
Death should never be feared because its already been vanquished.

In finality Michael Wittmer's -The Last Enemy- should help any believer and unbeliever alike, regardless of where we stand in our views about exit strategy, further understand the purpose of death as the ultimate test and easeful passage into Eternity wherein death has no place.
Or else our total victory obtained in Christ would be short-lived!

Book Review: A Cup Of Cold Water..... with Lorie Newman

2012-07-10T20:00:00.000+01:00

At some point or another we'd have seen the Rose d'Or Award winning reality TV series The Secret Millionaire. It enables wealthy citizens in the society the opportunity to directly 'give-back' while volunteering within deserving but underprivileged neighborhoods.
Aside from the giving up of their time and money to support laudable charitable causes majority of these benefactors often returned to their 'real lives' deeply impacted (somewhat therapeutic, if you like) by the experience in ways they never thought was possible!
A similar effect but even deeper still, was what Jesus Christ was referring to in the poignant parable of the Sheep and Goats. See Matthew 25.

In no way does this mean that 'good works' or a devotion to charity works alone would guarantee that 1st class ticket to paradise!
On the contrary. It only highlights God's attention and interest in how we relate, react, and respond to the plight of others less fortunate around us. And lest we conjure up any form of excuses and damnable verdicts like: "I don't know where to begin;though I'd love to help". Or "How can you possibly trust any of those druggie homeless tramps to ever make a change in their life "....,Lorie Newman's resourceful book "A Cup of Cold Water in His Name" could help get us started.

Its a chunky little book that explores over 50 ideas of how to get involved with organizing or giving to charities. From fostering, helping out at the homeless shelters, mentoring at the Orphanages, to offering intercessory prayers for the mentally challenged or terminally ill.. the list goes on.
But ultimately it helps inspire ordinary people to become that inspirational beacon to the needy and helpless in our communities.We shouldn't be limited simply because you aren't so wealthy, just as yet!
This, as opposed to remaining a sentimentally critical, frugal, or even self-conscious believer; can make Heaven smile down on you.
In fact, Lorie's ..A Cup of Cold Water in His Name.. wraps things up exquisitely with the help of an inspirational Martin Luther King Jnr. quote (as you'd find other inspirational nuggets throughout the book):

Everybody can be great....because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of Grace. A Soul generated by Love.

Book Review: Supernatural Provision by Joan Hunter.

2012-07-03T07:00:00.000+01:00

The actual reading of the world's economic temperature stands critically at -boiling point!
The older generation would unequivocally agree that all their savings for the rainy-days "safety pots" and the whereabouts of their painstakingly sought-out retirement investment projects which promised an handsome return on investment (ROI) back in the days, seem to have suddenly vanished like dreams of the night! What a painful and utterly dispiriting reality!
With job securities facing the clobber. The direction of stocks and the financial market indicator swinging haphazardly like a yo-yo. Plus the reprehensible double dealings of dodgy bankers showing their true colors! Something is fundamentally wrong.

The dilemma for many now remains (regardless of class,background, or age) making a choice to either carrying on working just in order to avoid becoming a financial burden to others or risk leaving everything in the hands of fate.
In the meantime, being financially stable is a state many would rather wish to be in.
But affluence or a lack of it, is a double-edged sword in every right. Its unfortunate victims would readily show the painful scars and dents in their lives.

How then can a believer or indeed anyone expect to attain and maintain a state of financial freedom; if having substantial wealth is considered the Real Deal?
Joan Hunter attempts to provide some answers to address these salient issues in her latest book.

Titled "Supernatural Provision", it is written in an exegetical yet easy to grasp style (And it includes a teaching CD on Endtime Economics). Joan expounds on the topic using diverse anecdotes as well as highlighting factors emanating from practical realities of life.
She also does well to remind readers of the gravity of some ignored privileges. Besides, the uplifting testimonies in Divine provision that restored the footings of every-a-wearied believer. This should serve as a catalyst,to appreciate whatever circumstances we find ourselves, for all those presently longing for a Divine intervention.
Knowing fully well that all the things we have ever received freely without any charges (miracles,gifts,& bonuses,etc) are usually never appreciated or recognized.
This unfortunately is often responsible as a crucial reason why we tend to lose out on the joy of divine provision.
Summarily Joan Hunter's book -Supernatural Provision- should emphasize how invaluable maintaining a working partnership with God for the long term is the REAL DEAL!
For it is only with Him alone- God- can we be guaranteed of that true Financial Freedom.

Book Review: I Didn't sign up for this by Aaron Sharp

2012-06-26T04:47:00.000+01:00

When the journey from one point to another necessitates that we make a detour, we are usually quick to show our irritation. Apparently a detour is summarily associated with deviating away from a conventional course, or a short cut to avert any form of delay!
Perhaps our detour happens to be a crippling accident, or an unexpected medical report of an incurable disease. In fact one could only try to imagine how Mary the Mother of Jesus would have felt on discovering that she was already pregnant even before she married Joseph! Certainly it’d be a mixture of exhilaration and bewilderment.

Life as we know it is known to throw nasty surprises at us particularly when we are least prepared for it.

In “I Didn’t Sign Up For This” Aaron Sharp brilliantly explores how we can navigate through life’s detours.
Using the fiery Prophet Elijah’s wilderness experience as case study and other anecdotes, Aaron attempted to plot a descriptive life chart that bears similarities with the daily experiences we face daily. While it is easy to castigate anyone in the middle of a detour in their Christian walk at the moment, perhaps it is worth reminding ourselves that no one believer is exempt from a similar journey.
After all, the ultimate objective of detours sometimes is to humble our hearts.
It is also for the resharpening of the spirit man in order to receive unmistakably from God en route our next chapter.

Aaron again summarized this reason in his book......... “On a good day a person must be discerning and led by the Spirit to see through the false realities that are presented, but a detour makes discernment even tougher because your vision can be clouded by the emotion and frustration you feel at being on a detour.”

Book Review: Sunshine and Storms with Susan Lenzkes.

2012-06-18T04:00:00.000+01:00

Life can sometimes appear confusing or meaningless.
In fact,a lack of purpose in life has been known to lead even the most experienced sage astray!
It is remarkable to note that despite the many batterings suffered at the hands of life's overwhelming drubbings: God's unchanging promise for His own is the unction to prevail over all situations.

With the irresistible power of hope-rejuvenating scriptures reaffirming God's promises like energy boosters (its impossible not to keep on keeping on even in the face of dire circumstances).
Meanwhile one is usually tempted to trust in his/her own inner strength and resilience. But more often than not, going through such seasons always brings one to their wits end.
For it is only then that we come to realize that we've got an awful lot to learn about ourselves than we thought we knew!

In Sunshine & Storms, Susan Lenzkes shares her personal experiences while passing through her own seasons of delirium and uncertainty. This devotional piece is replete with "huggable" inspiring quotes and encouraging biblical passages with revelatory import applicable to any season and life's situation.

Even as believers we are all too familiar with the question "why me?" that blurts out during our trying periods.

Meditating on Sunshine and Storms would challenge the faith of anyone struggling even at this moment.
An excerpt of which reads as follows:

You desperately hang onto the truth that God is good and delivers what He promises. Yet where are the manifestations? Yet even then, you may find God allowing what looks like more trouble to follow you into your life's cave.

Alas! This may well become the stuff of our strength. It may well be times for us to rest-to learn-to grow-to prepare- to receive all God has for our next chapter!

Sunshine & Storms can be a helpful resource to reach out to any friend or family member you'd know going through a nasty patch or grieving, without sounding like patronizing them!

Book Review: Soul Detox with Craig Groeschel.

2012-06-11T06:00:00.000+01:00

With the ambitious intentions for the next phase of the World's Gold Rush increasingly pointing "Space-wards", one can only expect to start reading about Space Realtors pretty soon!
"Luxury Pads and Condos on the Moon On Sale"!

Ironically, purchasing any of these apartments wouldn't guarantee our immunity from the toxins of this World.
Conversely, living next to a toxic sewer wouldn't necessarily "rubber-stamp" the possibility of contagion either!
Similarly Craig Groeschel's brilliant attempt to evoke a consciousness in today's christian is laudable.

Adopting the allegorical title "Soul Detox", Craig does a good work of reminding believers of the subtle operations of "easily-besetting" spiritual stains, distractions, fear, and other toxins lurking about to rid us of our righteous status in God's presence.
The fact that one is a minister,-or permanent resident of a monastery, or even a fire-emitting & ever fasting believer,- doesn't exempt such from losing out on the Day of Judgement! Casting our minds back we'd remember the patriarch Moses. It took a Divine Intervention to ensure his detox!

And Craig does a good job of exploring these "toxins" throughout Soul Detox. What today's believers need definitely are spiritual materials like these that calls 'a spade a spade'!
A total adherence to which breeds the actual detox and spiritual refreshment.

If we were to argue this critically:
i.Was it just because of Moses' error of judgement in striking the Rock that cost him the promised Land?
ii.Or could it be something even more sinister deep within his meek facade?
Whatever our inference, if we drew a parallel application from this Patriarch's life with ours, could we ever guarantee that we are free from the very slightest stain of persuasive influences of today's culture!

Regardless of our spiritual maturity or level of faith...I'd recommend this Zondervan Publication "Soul Detox" for the spiritually hungry and discerning believer!

Movie Review: HardFlip

2012-06-04T07:11:00.000+01:00

It is no secret that the likes of Christian Hasoi, Tony “The Birdman” Hawk, Terry Kennedy, and a whole host of other audacious Pro Skateboarders share one passion in common.
As die-hard ambassadors of the expressive sport these guys are all too familiar with the bone-crushing aspect of the game. With little regard for any eventuality, the Orthopaedic-prone World of the flip board sport very rarely deter youths these days.
They come all hardwired like daredevils unperturbed about danger!

Such are youths like Caleb (Randy Wayne;To Save a Life) in the inspirational family movie “Hardflip”.
It is characteristic of most skateboarders like Caleb to think everything is under control. But when a routine glide suddenly turns bumpy, flinging him into the depths of the unknown; it’s no supposition but a guarantee that he’d end up a casualty!

This impactful faith-themed flick attempts to educe salient topics affecting our communities today such as responsible fatherhood, the struggles of single-parenting, forgiveness, and lots more. From the emotionally charged encounter with an egocentric architect who happens to be his long lost estranged father. Caleb also had to confront the angst about his mother’s (Rosanna Arquette; The whole Nine Yards) comatose condition. His skate ride is inevitably poised for a hard-fall unless he accepts a helping hand from some unusual sources. This Dove Family approved movie features an appropriate cast of stars in the likes of John Schneider (October Baby), Corey Sorenson (Rescue Me),Brian Sumner, and Sean Michael Afable (To Save a Life) and more. Hard Flip would serve as a refreshing reminder about what really counts... and as an appetizing treat for all families out there.....And I mean for Father’s Day!