FILM REVIEW: My Brother's Keeper

 

ABOUT THE FILM:

MY BROTHER'S KEEPER is an intense, yet hope-filled, Christian film that shows the reality of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and how it can affect returning war veterans. It features T.C. Stallings (War Room), Keshia Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show), Joey Lawrence (Melissa & Joey), and Robert Ri’chard (One on One).

MY THOUGHTS:

The story-line was decent and kept my interest. The acting was good also - not a "B" movie. It gave a good presentation of how faith in God can help us through our difficulties, specifically PTSD. Faith in God does not make the PTSD go away, but it gives us hope and can provide healing to our souls.

The film also shows how some people, including Christians, can get confused about God's love. They think God doesn't love them, or care about them, because He doesn't stop "bad things" from happening to them. In the film, the main character was ready to end his life because he had the wrong impression about God's love. But, God doesn't always give us what we want in life. He doesn't keep "bad things" from happening to good people. What He does do is provide Salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, and gives hope where there is no hope. That is the greatest love there is! He also gives strength in our difficult days, and promises to never leave us alone. 

THINGS TO NOTE: (1) Salvation was explained with what appeared to be a Baptismal Regeneration view. (2) The film includes guns, shootings (during combat, and also during a drive-by shooting), a suicidal attempt with a gun, and intense yelling scenes. (3) The shooting scenes are not graphic, but could be a bit too intense for younger children. 

Go see MY BROTHER’S KEEPER when it comes out in theaters on March 19th, or find a church that is hosting it. You can host the film at your church through the FAITH CONTENT NETWORK.

GIVEAWAY:

One winner via random drawing will receive a digital link to view this film. If you are subscribed to this blog through e-mail or Facebook, you will automatically receive one entry in the drawing. For an additional entry (whether subscribed or not), leave a comment by Saturday, March 20th, 6:00 p.m. Central Time. If your name is selected, I will contact you through e-mail and/or Messenger, and you will have 24 hours to respond before I select a different name. (You must live in North America). NOTE: Since this is a theatrical release, the digital code will not be available until the film is released on home entertainment.

WINNER:  Jeremy H.

CONTEST OPPORTUNITY:

Enter to win 1 of 20 "The Greatest Warrior" Bibles, as well as a grand prize Zoom call with the lead actors in the film: T.C. Stallins, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Robert Ri'chard! Enter here:  WARRIOR BIBLE

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

#MyBrothersKeeperMIN
#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

FILM REVIEW: Church People

ABOUT THE FILM:

CHURCH PEOPLE is a nutty (in a good way) Christian comedy, paired with the underlying message of the power of the Gospel, and rediscovering your passion for Christ. It features Christian comedian Thor Ramsey, Stephen Baldwin, Donald Faison, and Joey Fatone.

Weary from the showiness and materialism that has overtaken his ministry efforts, Guy (Ramsey) goes on a journey to get back in touch with the heart of ministry and be a real role model to his youth group kids. He makes the difficult decision to cut short his speaking tour managed by his money-focused agent (Faison) after realizing his reputation had become more fame-based than Gospel-driven.

When Guy returns to regular youth ministry, he is asked to take part in a strange and potentially blasphemous stunt for the upcoming Easter service. Amid the somewhat chaotic life of managing his youth group, navigating an unexpected love interest, and being a new father to his grown daughter, Guy ultimately puts on a powerful presentation, sharing why we all need to put our hope in Jesus and not in ourselves. 

MY THOUGHTS:

The film was surprisingly good. The humor and plot kept my interest, so I wanted to see it through to the end; and the end was the most meaningful part. It is geared towards the church (the true church - the people) and includes an important message about how "gimmicks" do not give the Gospel more substance. Safe and good for families to watch together. 

Watch CHURCH PEOPLE in a theater or church near you, starting March 13th! 

For interested churches, you can also host the film at your church through the FAITH CONTENT NETWORK.

GIVEAWAY:  One winner via random drawing will receive a digital link to view this film. If you are subscribed to this blog through e-mail or Facebook, you will automatically receive one entry in the drawing. For an additional entry (whether subscribed or not), leave a comment by Saturday, March 13th, 6:00 p.m. Central Time. If your name is selected, I will contact you through e-mail and/or Messenger, and you will have 24 hours to respond before I select a different name. (You must live in North America).

WINNER:  Linda F.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

#ChurchPeopleMIN 

#MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

#ChurchPeopleFilm

FILM REVIEW: Dolphin Island

DOLPHIN ISLAND is a Dove-approved-for-all-ages, family-friendly film. It covers the topics of courage, faith, and forgiveness.

ABOUT THE FILM:

After losing her parents at a young age, 14-year-old Annabel lives with her fisherman grandfather on an island in the Bahamas. She is happy and well-adjusted, and surrounded by loving neighbors and her "best friend" – a dolphin named Mitzy. A dilemma comes when her maternal grandparents arrive with a shifty lawyer and plan to take her back to New York with them.

MY THOUGHTS:

Without giving away too much of the story, I can tell you it has the same overtones as the 1960's TV series, FLIPPER, but updated to modern times. If you are old enough to remember this fun, family- oriented TV series, you know it involved an extraordinarily intelligent dolphin that was "best friends" with two main teenage characters, Sandy and Bud, and he often helped rescue one (or both) from a dangerous situation surrounding the sea. The TV series was entertaining and full of family values. It is the same with DOLPHIN ISLAND. While it may not be the best film I have ever seen, it was good, and I would recommend it for families and/or youth groups. You can even download a FREE 5-Session DISCUSSION GUIDE to help with group discussions. 

AVAILABLE NOW TO WATCH FROM HOME:

BUY LINKS 

GIVEAWAY:  One winner via random drawing will receive a digital link to view this film. If you are subscribed to this blog through e-mail or Facebook, you will automatically receive one entry in the drawing. For an additional entry (whether subscribed or not), leave a comment by Tuesday, March 9th, 6:00 p.m. Central Time. If your name is selected, I will contact you through e-mail and/or Messenger, and you will have 24 hours to respond before I select a different name. (You must live in North America).

IN ADDITION TO MY GIVEAWAY HERE:  You can enter on the DOLPHIN ISLAND WEBSITE for a chance to win a digital link also. 

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing a link for this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

#DolphinIslandMIN
#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

REVIEW: Cubekins (Faith-based Cartoon Series for Children)

ABOUT THE SERIES:

CUBEKINS is a new Dove-approved-for-all-ages, family-friendly animated series geared for children ages 3-8. Created by two homeschooling dads and their families, it is a wholesome, faith-based show,  set in a small town (think Andy Griffith's "Mayberry"), and has many of the same characteristics as the Veggie Tales series. The main character is an active, seven-year-old boy named Kip who is exploring the ever-changing world around him, while learning more about our never-changing God.  

MY THOUGHTS:

I watched Episode 1:  Invasion of the Cubecumber with my adult, special-needs daughter. Her favorite show at the moment is "Remy & Boo" on Universal Kids, and honestly prefers that show over Cubekins. However, she did enjoy watching it. The show's colorful characters, and the songs, are what made it most appealing to her. She said she would watch it again. I, personally, thought the animation was a little peculiar at first with the characters being in the shape of cubes; but I quickly realized the shape is what makes the show unique from other animated shows. The story-line is creative, and I appreciate the inclusion of faith, prayer, and good family values. I also enjoyed the catchy songs. 

Click HERE for more testimonials. 

AVAILABLE NOW TO RENT/BUY:

You can rent/buy the first episode on the CUBEKINS WEBSITE, or other streaming platforms (such as God Tube, Vimeo, Christian Cinema, Redeem TV, Amazon Prime, and Salt Flix).

On the website, you can also sign up to be a Fan Member and receive exclusive content, such as a printable coloring book, bonus videos, and a full-color "Kip Loves God" Reader.

GIVEAWAY:  One winner via random drawing will receive a digital link to view one episode of this new show. If you are subscribed to this blog through e-mail or Facebook, you will automatically receive one entry in the drawing. For an additional entry (whether subscribed or not), leave a comment by Saturday, March 6th, 6:00 p.m. Central Time. If your name is selected, I will contact you through e-mail and/or Messenger, and you will have 24 hours to respond before I select a different name. (You must live in North America).

WINNER:  Kelly R.

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Brainy Pixel for providing a sample of this series in exchange for this review and post. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

#Cubekins
#CubekinsMIN
#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

DENISE PROSSER: From Fear to Faith

In this Guest Post from Denise Prosser, she shares about a time when she and her husband stepped out in faith in order to bring their daughter home from China. Thank you for sharing, Denise! ~VS

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FROM FEAR TO FAITH

Denise Prosser 

“I tell you the truth, if you had faith as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” (Matt. 17:20 NLT)

“You know what we have to do,” my husband stated matter-of-factly. “I know what we have to do,” I replied. “I just don’t know how.”

There we sat at a crossroad with a monumental decision to make: Would we adopt the precious Chinese girl who was staying in our home on a hosting program? It seemed impossible, but God was clearly beckoning.

Just five weeks prior, God had requested a smaller step of faith: Agree to host her for four weeks. We didn’t know how to handle that financially, but a friend had challenged us, “If finances are the only thing holding you back, step out and watch God show up.” We stepped and watched God and His people reduce the $1,900 fee to $35!

Adoption is forever, and this cost was much greater, but we knew it was God’s will, too. The words of an adoptive dad echoed in our ears, “This is every bit as much a spiritual journey, as it has anything to do with adoption.” So, we leapt... and show up, He did.

He revealed a plan for our family to minister gospel music in churches, teach about adoption and orphan hosting, tell our story, and take up love offerings. This yielded several thousand dollars. A neighbor designed a t-shirt for a special fundraiser. A stranger gave me a $20 winning lotto ticket in the Wal-Mart shoe aisle. Another stranger hugged me and stuffed a $100 bill in my hand in the Aldi’s parking lot, stating that she was “just doing what the Lord told me to do.” Our community put on a wonderful benefit dinner for us. God used His people again and again.

Bit by bit, God met each next step with the finances it required. Time after time, He provided in the eleventh hour, in ridiculous ways. Step by step, God cleared the way to make this little girl our daughter.

We made that decision in July of 2015. God turned fear to faith as we walked, and He turned that faith into provision. Nine months (and 400 pages of paperwork) later, we boarded a plane for China to bring our daughter home! God was faithful through it all, though our steps were often tentative. Thanks be to God; fear didn’t stop God’s plan. 

REFLECT:

1. Can you think of something big God has asked of you?

2. How did He help you conquer your fear so you could answer His call?

3. What are you currently facing that requires extra faith?

4. What can you do, or ask of God, to grow your faith toward obedience?

 

Denise Prosser is from Lakewood, IL. She has been married for almost 22 years and is a mom to 4 daughters, ages 11 to 19. Denise has experienced great variety in motherhood: (1) how she became a mom - both biological and adoptive, (2) how she educated her kids - public, private, and home education, and (3) the various physical, emotional, and developmental issues her family has encountered. Her passion is motherhood. Her vision is to educate, equip, and encourage moms toward raising godly families. Her hope is to walk with women toward freedom, learning, and healing, as they grow in their relationship with Jesus. 

Read more from Denise at:  STAND AND SING

REV. DAVID STANKUS: Intercessory Prayer

Sharing a short article about intercessory prayer by my husband, David. This came from one of his past sermons. ~VS

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

 ~ Rev. David J. Stankus ~

Colossians 1:9-12 (NASB) - For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Intercessory prayer is prayer for others. But, we see in Colossians 1:9-12, it seeks for more than just physical needs to be met. Here, in Paul’s intercessory prayer, he asked for deeper, more fundamental needs. He asked for them to: 

• know God’s will (v. 9)
• walk in a Christ-like manner (v. 10)
• be pleasing to God in every way (v. 10)
• be fruitful in every good work (v. 10)
• increase in the knowledge of God (v. 10)
• be strengthened, persevere, be patient, and give thanks (v. 11)

So, as we intercede for others, we need to go beyond the superficial requests, and beyond just the physical needs. We need to pray for their spirit as well – that they will have a spirit of joy, even in the midst of their trying circumstances. This is the kind of prayer that truly intercedes for someone. It meets the foundational needs of their lives. 

Make it a point to intercede in this way for your church members, your church leaders, our nation’s leaders, and for those who are unsaved. 

PASTOR DANIEL MCINTOSH: Because of God’s Past Faithfulness, I Can Trust Him for the Future

I am sharing an article recently written by my brother, Daniel McIntosh, the Pastor of Fish Creek Bible Church in Booneville, KY. He has some encouragement for us to consider as we face our struggles today. Thank you for sharing, Daniel. ~VS

~~~~~~~~~~~

A few summers ago, the Christian youth camp where I worked had the theme, "Because of God’s Past Faithfulness, I Can Trust Him for the Future." It was based from Psalm 100:5 - “For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” (ESV)

Considering our past and seeing what God has done, where He has taken us, and how He has been with us, we can trust God with all that we go through. 

I recall that Spring we had strong winds bringing much damage; homes losing parts of their roofs; trees destroying property. Yet, God faithfully protected the camp. Trees did not damage the buses lying next the them. Not one dent. No major facility was damaged, including the recently built new chapel and dining room.  God protected, showing His faithfulness. 

Scripture shares many times where God protected and showed faithfulness to those who have trusted Him. Some examples include:

• Adam and Eve sinned, and God still showed love as He provided clothing and promised a way to reunite mankind back into fellowship with Him. 
• God used Joseph to inform the king of an upcoming famine, leading to salvation of the twelve Israelite tribes as they did not starve. 
• Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego trusted God, even to the point of death, and were spared in the flames.

With many examples in Scripture, examine your life.  What has God taken you through?  How has He helped you? 

Hebrews 13:5b encourages us that "God will never leave us, nor forsake us." No matter what is going on in our lives, we can know God is with us. We can trust Him, even in the midst of our struggles, trials and tribulations. 

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8 NKJV).  Because of His past faithfulness, we can always trust Him with anything and everything.

Pastor Daniel McIntosh

Fish Creek Bible Church

Booneville, KY

FILM REVIEW: Trafficked: A Parent's Worst Nightmare

Release date (DVD & VOD): January 26, 2021

At first, I didn't want to watch this movie. I knew it would make me feel uncomfortable, and I didn't want to feel that way. But, then, I thought, "What if promoting this video could help just one family become more aware of the horrors of human trafficking. What if it saves just one young person from becoming the slave of a demented panderer." After all, January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, in case you didn't know; and, so, I agreed to do this review. 

ABOUT THE FILM:

TRAFFICKED: A Parent’s Worst Nightmare is new feature-length drama directed by Joel Paul Reisig, and written by Reisig, George Sunders, and Scott Voshel. It is a "gritty" no-holds-barred story based on real-life events that have been experienced by too many families. It dramatically portrays how the lives of families are uprooted by the abduction and trafficking of a child. 

Bob Elder, President of Collide Media Group, shares this: "Awareness is the first step towards putting an end to these atrocities in our world. Trafficked is a heart-pounding feature film reminding us of how urgent this topic is and why we need to act now."

STORY LINE:

Allison Riley (Sophie Bolen) is a beautiful young girl with a bright future and a dream of becoming a veterinarian. On the eve of her 16th birthday, she sneaks out of her house to meet a handsome boy she met online, and then disappears. Her parents, Joanna (Kristy Swanson) and Case (Mark Boyd), contact the police who assume that Allison is just out with a boyfriend. The parents, then, reluctantly hire Private Investigator John Belton (Dean Cain) who has a reputation for making his own rules. Belton quickly discovers Allison had likely been trafficked by a handsome young man she met online, and that he’s on a race against time if the Rileys ever hope to see their daughter again. 

TRAILER:

 

MY THOUGHTS:

What this movie is NOT:  

• Not a "feel good" movie 
• Not really a faith based movie, aside from having a couple church/prayer scenes
• Not family friendly, meaning I would not recommend it for younger children

What it IS:

• Gritty (meaning it contains some graffic physical violence, mild language, drug use, and insinuating sexual scenes that would not be appropriate for younger children.)
• Informative about human trafficking, and the heartbreak it causes
• A movie that serves a specific purpose
• A good conversation starter among teen groups and families

This movie is not something I can say I "enjoyed" watching. But, I know its not really meant to be entertaining. It has a specific purpose, which is to cause awareness about the awfulness of human trafficking, and how a lot of teens get brought into it. It is devastating! And, not only to the teens who are stolen away, but also to the families. 

I recommend this movie for teenagers and their parents/guardians to watch together. It could produce a lot of questions, emotions, and conversations that parents should be a part of, if at all possible.

If it were up to me, I would have included more closure at the end of the movie. It was left open, and I felt like it needed to show more of the after-math. Perhaps this was intentional, to help spur on more conversation. Or, maybe they plan on making a second movie based around families who are recovering from situations like this. If so, I hope they also explain how faith in Christ can help victims and families be over-comers. 

 

GIVEAWAY:

I am able to give away a code to one e-mail address for a link to watch this movie in its entirety. If you are interested, please leave a comment on this blog post, or leave a comment (or a "like") under the post on our Facebook page: HE HOLDS MY RIGHT HAND MINISTRIES. Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. Central Time. A random drawing will be held and the winner notified shortly after. Open to North America only.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Trafficked: A Parent's Worst Nightmare

DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

#TraffickedFilmMIN

#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

18 Birthdays for Our Youngest Child

Eighteen years ago, David and I held our newborn son, our youngest child, in our arms for the first time. We thanked God then for this precious blessing, and continue to thank God today for giving Jonathan to us, and for making our lives a lot more fun...  

Take a walk with us down memory lane as we share a birthday photo from the past 18 years...

AGE 1

AGE 2

AGE 3

AGE 4

AGE 5

AGE 6

AGE 7

AGE 8

AGE 9

AGE 10

AGE 11

AGE 12

AGE 13

AGE 14

AGE 15

AGE 16

AGE 17

AGE 18

This is the day the LORD has made. With all that is going on in our country, and in our world today, we choose to focus on the good things about this day. On this day, we celebrate the birth of our son, Jonathan. Thank you, Lord, for this day, and for the special gift you gave us. We love you, Jonathan! Happy Birthday!!

HHMRH Top 10 Posts of 2020

This past year, I posted regularly on the Facebook page for He Holds My Right Hand Ministries. So, the following top 10 posts were the most viewed, liked, and commented-on posts of the year. 

I don't know yet what 2021 will look like as far as blogging and posting. This has been a strange year, to say the least, and I haven't taken much time yet to think or pray about what goals/projects to pursue. I'm sure God will guide me to what HE wants me to do. 

No matter what happens in 2021, I know for sure I want to trust in the Lord with all my heart, focus on His goodness, choose to seek His face always, and continue holding His hand. I encourage you to to the same. 

10th Place

Posted on August 18, 2020 - You may be having a hard time right now, but that doesn't mean God has forgotten you. If you belong to Him, you have been ENGRAVED on the palms of His hands. Not just one hand, but both of them. It is a permanent reminder that you are His, and He will forever be yours. So, He will continue to work on your behalf, behind the scenes, and in ways you may never fully understand. But, rest assured, He has not forgotten you.

9th Place

Posted on February 2, 2020

David took this photo while pastoring in Mendota, IL, in 2005

8th Place

Posted March 24, 2020 - While reading Isaiah 26:3-4 this morning, the idea of perfect peace jumped out at me. Perfect peace is a COMPLETE peace that comes only from staying focused on our Creator - the Everlasting Rock - and trusting in Him at all times. When we take our eyes off of Him, that's when anxiety begins to creep in.

Isaiah 26:3-4 - "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

7th Place

Posted on April 2, 2020 
Perspective...

6th Place

Posted on July 27, 2020 - In the middle of all the chaos, God IS STILL THERE. Trusting in Him can bring peace to your anxious thoughts.

5th Place

Posted on August 2, 2020 - God's Word tells us our days on Earth are numbered and things could change for us at any moment. Are you ready for it? We (David and Vicky) are "imploring you" today (pleading with you) to think about your relationship with God and what Salvation is truly about.

Many have been told to just believe in Jesus and that will get them to Heaven when they die, sort of like buying a ticket into Heaven. But, even Satan believes in Jesus. Will he be in Heaven?

TRUE SALVATION is not a ticket we purchase to get us into "the pearly gates" at the end of our lives. The real purpose of our salvation is to be RECONCILED TO GOD - to mend our relationship with Him that was broken by sin (read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Living in Heaven is a benefit of our mended relationship, but its not the main idea.

BASED ON GOD'S WORD, HERE IS HOW YOU CAN MEND YOUR RELATIONSHIP (BE RECONCILED) WITH GOD:
1. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23).
2. Believe Jesus Christ is God's Son, and that HE is the Savior you need. (John 14:6)
3. Believe that Jesus' death on the cross, and only that, provided the way for your sins to be forgiven (John 3:16).
4. Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, giving victory over sin and death (Romans 10:9).
5. Confess your sins to the Lord, and ask for forgiveness (John 1:9).
6. Place your faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sins. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

HERE'S A SAMPLE PRAYER YOU CAN PRAY (Please note: Praying this prayer, or any prayer, will not "do" anything for you. It is only your FAITH and TRUST that will mend your broken relationship with God. But, this prayer can be used to help you express that faith):

"Dear God, I know I am a sinner and am not worthy of your forgiveness; but I am sorry for the sins I have committed and I want to live a life that pleases you. I accept what Jesus did for me on the cross; and I believe that His sacrifice and resurrection has provided for the forgiveness I need for my sin. Please make things right between You and me, and be a part of my life starting now. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen."

It is our desire for YOU to be reconciled to God today. If you have questions about this, please ask. We would be happy to discuss it with you more.

4th Place

Posted on November 8, 2020 - A good reminder for all of us...

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

3rd Place

Posted on October 13, 2020

2nd Place

Posted on November 4, 2020

1st Place

Posted on September 29, 2020