The Tree Of Life--A Brief Review

(Here's a brief review of the summertime movie, The Tree Of Life, which I just saw last night with my home church group.)

Nearly 24 hours after seeing it, I’m still thinking about the movie. Afterwards, I immediately liked the first half better than the last. I was very moved and kept thinking, “Oh, God, what is man that you are mindful of Him? You created the heavens and the earth and are right now sustaining all of life—and still you are with us.”

I found the second half difficult to watch. . .and then I began thinking about it in the middle of the night. I was deeply moved all over again. The wife and mother signifies grace. She is secure and loving and far from judgmental while fully involved in her son’s lives. Her family thrives from her involvement. She has nothing to achieve—only to love and share. The husband and father signifies living by the flesh and the futile attempt to achieve a life apart from Christ. He is terribly insecure because there is always something he has to do, something he has to accomplish. The difference between the two is stark and stunning. When the father leaves on an extended trip, the whole family emerges healthy and vibrant and full of love and grace for each other. When he returns, everyone tenses and returns to living by instruction and the fear of failure. The difference is amazing. . .and uncomfortable.

I felt deep sorrow for the husband and father, who tried so hard to teach and shape his sons and wife—even for their good, or so he believed. Each measured attempt added distance to their hearts until love, given and received, was lost amid the classroom that had become their family life. They became disconnected, and intimacy lost exploded in frustration and anger amongst them all.

I’ve seen that before.

The end was pretty great. The truth—that we have no kingdoms to create, no castles to erect and guard because God Himself is Planner and Creator and Sustainer and Fulfiller—beautifully dawned upon each person. Rest had always been available, but was now accomplished. They got it. I think I did too.

So now I really like the movie. A lot. I’m going to watch it again and I suspect I will like it even more. Maybe make it onto my Top Ten list.

Keep Christ In Christmas...Or Else!

Okay, for those who really, really, really want to keep Christ in Christmas (It fires you up!), perhaps you can relate to the passion and outcome of this short video.

I hope you've had a great weekend. . .After this, it's on to more serious stuff. Right?

Wonder

It’s not so much about trusting God with my life given to Him; it’s about trusting God with His life given to me. After all, Jesus didn’t accept my life when I gave it to Him, I accepted His. Kindly and graciously, He crucified my life and gave me another—His. I’m learning to trust Him in me.

What a wonder that is.

Thank You

Your care and concern led you to efforts and places mine didn’t, and I’m better off by far because of you. American Military Veterans, you have my deepest appreciation.

Great Resource

In case you're interested in Christianity and growing in Christ, here's a link to an excellent resource. Furthermore, the ministry has published one of my articles: "Never Beggars." Click on the link, and off you go.

http://www.lifetime.org/2011/11/never-beggars/

For Always. For You.

Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection was not God’s Plan B. He didn’t make something up because we messed up. Jesus was always the Lamb slain before the foundation of the earth. God’s plan is right on time—always. Even today. Even for you.

Wait Your Turn!

Can I get a witness?

When Life Doesn't Work Out

Here's a funny little video for your weekend fun. While it is about candy--and the sudden loss of it--there is probably a bigger lesson here, don't you think?

Don't Miss Out!

You certainly don't want to miss out on what God's doing by being even an hour late (Heavens!), so FYI.

Know what I'm sayin'?

New Creatures

We have become all-together different creatures. Not only does God have no record of our sins, not only does He not impute them to us, not only has He made us as having never committed them; He has made us as having always done everything right. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

An Excellent Resource

Here's a great resource, but only if you're interested in Jesus and the incredibly fantastic things He's done for you through the cross and resurrection. Plus, something I've written ("A Shuffling Ninja") is the featured article.

Have a look. http://www.lifetime.org/2011/11/a-shuffling-ninja/

Rest Well

Sons and daughters of God, rest and sleep as though you have never failed God or committed a single sin in your entire life, and you will be sleeping by faith in Jesus. Good night.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor 5:21)

Wondering?

For those who don't know what I do for my real job, you can find out at http://lifecourse.org/. I'm a speaker (you'll find video and audio messages from various churches and locations on the "Downloads" page), author (click "Ralph's Book" to find out about "God's Astounding Opinion of You"), and sometimes pastor (click "What We Do" or "Face To Face"). And if you'd like to have me speak to your group or church, click "Schedule Event".

An Unusual Declaration of Faith

For me, this is one more unusual post today. I do not know who I am voting for in the Presidential election, and this is not an endorsement. Besides, I'm withholding my choice until after the swimsuit competition. But for those of us who are lovers of Jesus, this impresses more than the usual claim of faith. It's not long--check it out.

Delicious Satire

I don't post many of these, but my twisted sense of humor insisted upon this delicious satire. If it offends you, you're not the first, and I apologize up front. Really.