Standing on the Promises of God
Photo Credit: Sias van Schalkwyk
Do you remember the hymn “Standing on the Promises”? I grew up signing it in church and its words ring in my head to this day. The second verse says, “Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God.”
Now, there is the contemporary Christian song called “Promises” by Desperation Band. I’ve sung it in church probably a hundred times. It says, “All your promises won’t let go of me…I couldn’t walk away if I tried, ‘Cause your love is better than life. Now the sun’s shining bright and it just won’t set, ‘Cause your love is alive and it lights my step, My heart is amazed every day to the next, Your joy overtakes and I can’t forget about it.”
One day, I was singing that song in my head and wondered, “What if we really lived like we really believe that ‘All your promises won’t let go of me’?” What would that look like? What if we lived as if we were “Standing on the promises of God”? What if we claimed His promises, believed them as if He were standing here promising those things to us? It would be powerful, and it would change our lives.
Sometimes, we live as if God has not promised us anything or that He has not fulfilled His promises to us. Either we don’t believe He promises good things to us or, we do not have the patience to wait for Him to fulfill that promise. In Genesis 17, God promises Sarah and Abraham that Sarah would bear him a child. She was already 90 years old, far past child-bearing age (Genesis 21). God promised her a child. 9 years later, she bore a child as God has promised her. She was 99 and Abraham 100. In I Samuel 1, we see the struggles of Hannah. The beloved of her husband who, although he had multiple wives, cherished her above the others. Day after day, she would go to the house of the Lord and pray that the Lord would give her a son. Her husband prayed for her as well, and took such great care of her. “So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son.” (1 Samuel 1:20) You see, God makes promises to us and He keeps them. We just have to remember that His timing is perfect and our timing is not. Although we want things now, we have to remember that if we got what we truly wanted now, it would not be as good and perfect as if God did it in His own time.
Hannah probably thought that God did not hear her cries. She might have even thought he was ignoring her and the desires of her heart. She felt tortured by her husband’s other wife, and wept. You may be thinking that God isn’t hearing you either. But, God always hears our cries. We may not get the answer we want when we pray, or he may delay the blessing for a time. He always listens to us. I love this passage from Numbers 24, “God is not a man, that he should lie, not a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
Throughout the Bible, there is evidence of God’s promises to us. One of those promises was that He would send us a Savior. This is the best promise that God made and fulfilled. He sent Jesus to live among us as the perfect, living, breathing, Word of God. He sent Jesus to minister to us, heal us, and change us. He was the embodiment of a working relationship with God. He did only as His Father pleased and walked with Him daily. God sent Jesus to die for us on the cross and pay our sins for us, so that we would be able to spend eternity with Him. I am so thankful for this promise.
I ask you, what has God promised you?
God has promised me, as He did Moses in Duet. 31:8, that He would never leave me nor forsake me. I have claimed this promise as my own; as if God were right here, right now telling me that I will never be alone. You see, my husband is a Soldier. He left for basic training last summer and those days were the loneliest in my life. But, God reminded me constantly that I was not alone even though I felt that way. When I cried, He was there; when I was lonely, He was there; when I was angry, He was there; when I was happy, He was there. He always has been and always will be. I know that when my husband gets deployed into the far reaches of the world, God will be right here with me, taking care of me like He always has. I thank Him every single day for that.
Remember, God hears our cries and longings. He will give us what He has promised. Above all, He loves you and He does have a perfect plan for you. Claim His promises to you and then live them out.
“‘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
A Year of Family Worship: Scripture Memory
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
Family worship is a perfect time to work on Scripture Memory as a family. I remember the very first verse I ever committed to memory. It was Romans 6:23 and I was just 9 years old. It has stuck with me all these years. Teaching our children to commit God’s Word to their hearts is something powerful that will stay with them all the days of their lives.
Perhaps as a mom, you have never really committed very many Scripture verses to memory. That’s okay! It is never to late to start. When we have God’s Word hidden in our hearts, in a time of need we can pull up those words and they will comfort us and remind us of God’s faithfulness.
Here in America we are very blessed to have the right to worship God however and whenever we choose. We can purchase a Bible or even obtain one for free if we need. What would happen if there came a time when you could not access God’s Word? Would you remember what He said? Would your children?
As your read your Bible and come across verses that really speak to you, write them down in your family worship journal so that you can come back to them, one by one! Children are like sponges and they soak up God’s Word so much easier that we adults do! Use this precious time to instill the goodness of His Word in their hearts.
Here are some resources you may enjoy using:
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If you would like to take part in A Year of Family Worship, add your blog to the Mr. Linky below. If you don’t have a blog, you can add your comments in the comment section! You can read about A Year of Family Worship here. And you can see the 52 Weeks of Family Worship here.
Each Wednesday, we will add a new post for A Year of Family Worship and you can do the same. Share your goals, experiences, and ideas for family worship with the rest of us!
If you do not have a blog… you can either post your ideas here in the comments or even join our Proverbs 31 Sisters Network and get a free blog that way!
When you add your link below with the Mr.Linky… please add the link directly to your post on Family Worship – not to your main blog. This way, folks don’t have to go searching for the Family Worship post!
Royal By Blood
Key Verse: “ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV.
Late last fall, I traveled to Vienna, Austria as part of a conversational evangelism mission team. While there, an Austrian friend of mine, Carol, accompanied me and some of my teammates to one of the many palaces located within the city. Once the homes of the Emperor and Empress of Austria, the palaces are truly a sight to behold. Taking in the splendor of the majestic architecture, I gazed in wonder, as I strolled through the elaborate beauty of the palace gardens.
As golden leaves fluttered gently to the manicured grounds in the crisp autumn air, it seemed as though I was strolling through a real-life fairytale. For a moment, I imagined myself as royalty in another place in time, living a life of utter luxury. Leisurely walks. Exquisite gowns. Delicious food. Rich coffee. And chocolate. Lots and lots of decadent chocolate (It is Austria after all).
As I amused myself with my daydreams, my new friend burst my imaginary bubble with the realities of royal life in Austria. Rising early and carrying the burden of an empire, the life of an Empress was sometimes daunting and heavy with responsibility.
Though I am not royal by birth, I was made so by Christ’s blood. My royal standing began one silent night over 2,000 years ago when a teenage girl stepped into her destiny as the Virgin mother of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Mary’s daily walk was immediately and eternally altered as she accepted the task before her and answered, “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 NIV. Receiving salvation by Christ’s gift on the cross made me an adopted co-heir with Christ. Likewise, I am challenged as God’s child to answer His call with the same reverent obedience and humility as those women of faith before me.
Today, I tend numerous daily demands, keep to my schedule, and care for my family. Like most people, I am given many circles of influence. Some circles are clearly known, and some are far less obvious. Through it all, I am challenged to remember who I am in Christ that I might point others to His grace. Being a woman of faith, it is my hope that my life, no matter how small in the economy of the world, may give glory to God and point others to His majesty. It is a heavy responsibility. So, as I walk through my day, I am reminded to walk and talk royal, for that is who I am. I am a daughter of the sovereign King of Kings, and therefore I am instructed to “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5. This day, I long to ” act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV. In doing so, I point others to the LORD of all.
From now to everlasting, my position is secure. Surely I am an adopted daughter of God grafted into His royal family through Christ. I need not wait for my crown, for it awaits me in eternity. One day, I shall lay it before the feet of Jesus and praise Him evermore as a daughter of THE King.
Dear LORD,
We honor you as we ponder your majesty. How great you are Father and we are yours. Let us not forget who we are as we walk through our day. We are your precious children. Co-heirs in Christ. A royal priesthood. You declare it so. May our lives reflect your grace. We confess that our words and deeds do not always reflect our position with you. Forgive us for our failures and strengthen us anew for the challenges before us this day.
-Amen
Reflection: Do your words and actions reflect your position in Christ?
A Year of Family Worship: Getting Started
How do you get started with Family Worship if you have never done it before?
First, I would suggest you seek the Lord out and ask Him to direct your worship. After all, He is the One we are worshiping! We want it to be pleasing to Him, right?
Secondly, choose the best time of day. If you are able to have morning and evening worship – wonderful! I try, but there are days when it just doesn’t work. In our house, we have morning worship at the table after eating breakfast. This works out easiest for us. Evening worship in our house usually happens around 7 pm. If you are not able to do it twice a day, choose a time when the family is generally together – right before bed, before leaving for school, etc. Family Worship does not have to take very long 15 minutes is usually all you need to have a good experience. Of course, if you are enjoying yourselves and time is on your side, why not take as long as you like?
You will want to choose a good devotional book or a book with Bible stories suitable for the ages of your children. You may also want to purchase song books with fun worship songs. In our house we use a book that my husband used in church as a child back in the 1950’s. It is called Happy Songs for Girls and Boys. I was very lucky to find a big stack of these song books for free at a church school book giveaway. We also have a number of praise song books and of course a good number of fun songs right in our heads!
If you have a family member – including a child – who plays the piano or guitar or other instrument, encourage them to play for worship. I am especially partial to guitar music at worship time!!
In our house we like to start by singing songs, followed by story time, discussion, Scripture memory, and prayer. Give your children an opportunity to share prayer requests and then make a point to pray for them. You may want to keep a family prayer journal and record prayer request in black ink and answers to prayer in red ink!
Worshiping God together as a family will bring you closer together as a family and closer to God!
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If you would like to take part in A Year of Family Worship, add your blog to the Mr. Linky below. If you don’t have a blog, you can add your comments in the comment section! You can read about A Year of Family Worship here. And you can see the 52 Weeks of Family Worship here.
Each Wednesday, we will add a new post for A Year of Family Worship and you can do the same. Share your goals, experiences, and ideas for family worship with the rest of us!
If you do not have a blog… you can either post your ideas here in the comments or even join our Proverbs 31 Sisters Network and get a free blog that way!
When you add your link below with the Mr.Linky… please add the link directly to your post on Family Worship – not to your main blog. This way, folks don’t have to go searching for the Family Worship post!
Under Construction
Memory Verse: “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.’” Isaiah 28:16 (NIV)
“We’ve come so far,” I said quietly to myself as I stared at the memory in my hands. A photograph of my husband and I standing in front of our first house reminded me of a time when the dream of a home filled our hearts. Pinching every penny, Marty and I had finally managed to save up a down payment for our first home. For years, it had not seemed possible. Yet, we now stood in front of a realized dream under construction. It was small and simple, quite modest actually. But it was ours. With wooden beams framing the unfinished walls, we looked towards moving day with longing anticipation. The naïve excitement in our faces brought a smile to my face, as I set the picture down and pondered all we have learned since then. Looking back, I realize, it wasn’t just a house under construction.
Back then, we were a young married couple, strategically managing two budding careers and a small child. With strong goals and secure plans, we had our future carefully mapped out. With hopes and desires as big as Texas, we stepped into the fast lane and foolishly chased after perishable goals. Young and inexperienced, we discovered never imagined twists and turns in the road ahead. Despite our detours and missteps, God continued to build something beautiful within our hearts, making His home with us.
In my husband, the LORD was creating a strong, godly leader, able to stand against the worldly lies of achievement and embrace heavenly priorities. With trial and error, Marty learned what it truly meant to be the head of our home. As a wife and companion, I too had much to learn as God fashioned me into the heart of our home. Countless times, we were forced to adjust our life so that it might be aligned with God’s plan. Taking humble steps of obedience, Marty and I learned to trust God for our full provision, granting Him unlimited access to our hearts and home. Both in triumph and in pain, we stood firm with Christ, holding tightly to the eternal promise that “He will be a sanctuary.” Isaiah 8:14 (NIV). As we grew in the LORD, our path turned away from the shifting sands of worldly desires, and we began to walk together in truth.
More than ever before, families today are challenged by growing demands and heavy responsibilities that threaten to unravel the peace of our homes. Yet, with Christ standing strong as the cornerstone in our lives, we can stand firm. For, “the rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 (NIV) Surely, life is filled with surprises and we will most definitely experience ups and downs. Life’s journey takes us through seasons of triumph as well as loss. All the while, our Heavenly Father is building something magnificent for His glory. As the years pass by, we must submit our families to our Heavenly Father, “for unless God builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1 (NIV) Only in the firm foundation of Christ, do we find His unshakable peace. Today, let’s give our Heavenly Father our finances, our families, and our futures. For God is creating a masterpiece through His people, but we must remain “under construction”.
Heavenly Father,
We praise you for you are always at work making us into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Truly, we stumble as we chase after worldly distractions that take us off your path. Help us to seek You first and allow Your love to make us new each day. Take the pieces of this life and create something beautiful in our hearts where you alone can dwell. Make our homes your sanctuary and let our families be blessed with your presence.
-Amen
Reflection: What is God building in your life?
Buttons for A Year of Family Worship
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A Year of Family Worship: Church History
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” Psalm 95:6
For the last few days, we have been reading a book each morning for worship called Angels on Horseback and Other “Grandma Stories.” I found the book at a church school library giveaway last year. It is not a fancy book. In fact, the printing is very basic and the binding looks homemade – but the stories are wonderful!
They are full of our church history. I didn’t grow up learning about church history. I want my children to know about those people who changed the course of the world through their faithfulness to God!
Stories of great leaders – stories of their real lives – show our children that despite the odds and despite the struggles we can all lay down our lives for Him. These kind of stories show our children where they came from, the legacy of faith and the spirit of truth that has lived in men and women down through the ages.
That’s what family worship is for – to inspire our children (and ourselves) to live for Jesus everyday – at home and away. As mothers we have been commissioned first to be ministers to our families, our husbands and children. We are to care for them in a way that Jesus would care for them. We are to show them that true faith is demonstrated in a life of service to those around you.
Family worship strengthens our relationship with each other and gives us courage to face the day with determination to live a consecrated life, to live a holy life. It brings into focus why we worship our Savior and show us the purpose He has for each one of us.
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If you would like to take part in A Year of Family Worship, add your blog to the Mr. Linky below. If you don’t have a blog, you can add your comments in the comment section! You can read about A Year of Family Worship here. And you can see the 52 Weeks of Family Worship here.
Each Wednesday, we will add a new post for A Year of Family Worship and you can do the same. Share your goals, experiences, and ideas for family worship with the rest of us!
If you do not have a blog… you can either post your ideas here in the comments or even join our Proverbs 31 Sisters Network and get a free blog that way!
When you add your link below with the Mr.Linky… please add the link directly to your post on Family Worship – not to your main blog. This way, folks don’t have to go searching for the Family Worship post!
Little Things
Photo Credit: Amber Wallace
Memory Verse: “Great is your love toward me.” (Psalm 86:13 NIV)
Marty and I met when we were both students at Iowa State University. Being just nineteen years old, I wasn’t looking to find the love of my life. Yet, love indeed found me when I met my sweet husband. Since he was putting himself through school, Marty didn’t have more than a few pennies to rub together when we met. So, it was little things that first got my attention and captured my heart.
One afternoon, just days after we first met, Marty waited for me after class just to walk me home. As we strolled towards my dorm together, Marty listened intently to my ever word. For the first time in my life, I felt captivating. Weeks later, on our first date, Marty took my hand and led me across the parking lot to his car. Then, being a gentleman, he thoughtfully opened and closed every door for me. Throughout the evening, Marty’s polite gestures made me feel safe and protected. And each evening at dinner, as I entered the crowded cafeteria with friends, Marty never failed to greet me with a gentle wave and a warm smile. Small gestures consistently demonstrated over time offered me assurance that my heart was safe with his. But it was a bouquet of unique flowers pressed from Lucky Charms marshmallows that truly spoke to my heart and showed me that he was “the one’.
It was a cold January day, just after winter classes had begun and I was very sick with bronchitis. Though Marty had little money for extras, he was determined to lavish me with some get-well flowers. With loving creativity, he spent a few thoughtful hours creating a unique arrangement not available through any florist. Those flowers, with their simplistic beauty, touched my heart as none ever had before. The vase was a pill canister that had been covered in black ink from a permanent marker. A green metal paperclip, carefully outstretched, formed the stem. And colorful pastel marshmallows were pushed together into small delicate flowers. That bouquet, hand-made with love, sat on my desk even after the marshmallows had began to shrivel, for they reminded me of Marty’s special love for me.
Our Heavenly Father cares about the routines of our daily lives as well, and blesses us richly through “little things”. Scripture tells us “The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.” Isaiah 40:7 (NIV). Tenderly, God cares for each of us as part of His glorious creation. Every sunrise and sunset reveal God’s Sovereign order. The rains and the snows deliver sustenance to the grass and remind us of God’s daily provisions. And just as God cares for the flowers and the trees, God takes a special interest in the needs of His children. Let us be reminded that Jesus’ great miracles happened in the midst of the daily routines of everyday life. God hasn’t changed. For He is still working through routines every day to show us His great love while demonstrating His sovereign power.
If we are mindful, we will notice God is perhaps most present in the routine, though we often minimize his gifts as coincidence. God, aware of our every need, positions us to receive his blessings and experience his love anew each day. And yet there is more for us to grasp as we ponder the power of the seemingly insignificant routines of each day. For, love, powerfully demonstrated in routine random kindness, is never squandered by God.
In moments of sickness, sadness, or uncertainty, it is often a small routine act of love that brings healing and hope. All it really costs is a little time and effort, but the effects are powerful and eternal. Today we can all make a lasting difference in the life of someone near by being aware of the significance of “little things” done with great love. It may be a phone call. An e-mail. Or maybe even just an understanding smile during a difficult moment. “Little things” change the world one heart at a time.
Dear God,
We are amazed by the great ways you demonstrate your love for us in the routines of daily life. Your faithfulness is so great and your love so deep. Help us to see your love in the routines of our busy days. Likewise, let us be faithful to demonstrate your goodness towards others with small gestures filled with great love. Let us not forget to comfort one another and bring kindness into the lives of those near us daily. Empower us to pour out your love to a lost and lonely world with faithful acts of love and kindness.
-Amen
Reflection: How is God revealing Himself to you in the “little things”?
Friendships: What the Bible Says About Them
Have you ever noticed that you tend to act like the people you’re around most? Think about it for just a moment. Have you ever had a friend that you acted different around because you felt you needed to in order for them to like you or want to be around you? Not everyone realizes how our relationships affect our lives: the way we act, the way we talk, and the way we live.
First, we need to define what a friend is. Dictionary.com defines a friend as this: “a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.” The Bible defines a friend in Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) saying, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Using both of these definitions, let us define a true friend as this: one who is close to us, loves us, and will stick with us through thick and thin, accepting us as we are – flaws and all.
As humans, we have an innate need for friendships. Even people who have not come to believe in Christ know that, as humans, we need to be around other people.
Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs states that once our biological and safety needs have been met, our next “need” is a social one. This need includes friendships, belonging to a group, and giving and receiving love. You see, it doesn’t take a master theologian or pastor to understand that we need people and that people have an effect on us. God doesn’t want us to be alone! Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable to him.” While this verse applies to marriage more than friendship, I believe that God creates friends for us too. He created a need in us for friends and therefore he creates them for us too. In Ecclesiastes 2:9-10 God tells us this: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
In Proverbs 22:24-25, God shows us exactly how our friends influence our lives. “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.” Who we choose as friends can easily change our lives. In this particular passage, we are being warned about making friends with anger problems. Today, a person with anger issues is only one of many possible problems. We are faced everyday with people who use bad language, have problems with alcohol or drugs, problems with many other addictions, and people who simply do not know God personally. That said, people who have addictions or do not know God are not our enemies. They are simply people that we should not rely on for advice. Remember, God says that if we choose to befriend these types of people we “may learn his ways” and get into trouble. To quote a pastor of mine, “God is why our lives change; friends are how our lives change.”
Now we know what types of friends we should not have, but what types of friends should we have? We need friends who will replenish us. We need friends who will encourage us and speak life to us. These are the women who will be there for you in your time of need, not desert you. These are the women you call when you’ve had a bad day and need to vent, but instead of letting you be angry, they tell you that God is with you and pray with you about whatever went wrong in your day. These are the women who tell us the truth. Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” They call us on our faults and weaknesses, and love us even more for it. They tell us when we mess up and are there to help us make it right again. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times,” not just when times are good but also when times are hard. They love us not just in our best moments, but in our worst moments too. In Proverbs 19:4, we see just how faithful some friends can be. It says, “Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friends desert him.” I’ve often heard people say that you really know who your friends are when times get tough.
Having Godly friends in our lives is truly beneficial, whether we realize it or not. You may be wondering where you’re supposed to find these friends. The answer to that is almost an easy one. If you haven’t found a church home, you should. Find a church that you’re comfortable in, you agree with what they teach, and one that has the opportunity for you to meet and fellowship with other believers. Most times, you’ll find these friend in small groups. Different churches have different things groups available, such as small groups, life groups, and even age group events for any age. If you’re still in college, find groups on campus! There are always plenty of Christian organizations on a college campus. Find one that speaks to you, go every week, and talk to other women. It’s important to find women close to your age who know exactly what you’re going through. Whether you’re in high school, college, the work force, a stay at home mom, or grandmother, we all need someone in our lives who understands where we are.
Most of all, be careful who you choose to befriend. Be certain they are women of God who are honest, loyal, encouraging, and loving.
“ He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Proverbs 13:20
Letters to God: Movie Review
Last night I had the privilege of attending a pre-release screening for pastors and church leaders of the new movie, Letters to God which is set to be released nationwide on April 9, 2010. My husband and I drove to Knoxville, TN with our four girls. Ordinarily we do not attend movies at the theater because the content of most movies cannot be justified when you weigh it against the Word of God.
This movie was different. From the producers of Facing the Giants and Fireproof and inspired by a true story, Letters to God is a movie that will bring hope and light into the lives of everyone who watches it. The synopsis:
A heartfelt tale of inspiration, hope and redemption, Letters to God is the story of what happens when one boy’s walk of faith crosses paths with one man’s search for meaning—the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them.
Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire) is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy. Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace. To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher and the ultimate pen pal—Tyler’s prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis.
The letters find their way into the hands of Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey S.S. Johnson), a beleaguered postman standing at a crossroads in his life. At first, he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters. Overtime he begins to form a friendship with the Doherty family – getting to know not just Tyler but his tough, tender yet overwhelmed mom (Robyn Lively), stalwart grandmother (Maree Cheatham) and teen brother Ben (Michael Christopher Bolten) — who are each trying to stand strong against the doubts that come with the chaotic turn their lives have taken.
Moved by Tyler’s courage, Brady realizes what he must do with the letters, a surprise decision that will transform his heart and uplift his newfound friends and community –in an exhilarating act of testament to the contagious effect of one boy’s unwavering faith against the odds.
Jesus told us that we should all have faith like a child. Tyler’s letters to God demonstrate how prayer can change lives. If you have been reading my articles for any length of time, you know how I like to encourage women to keep prayer journals and write out their prayers to God. This movie shows how when you write your prayers down and share your joys, cares, and concerns with God, miracles can happen.
The movie also featuers a wonderful organization, Give Kids the World, whose mission is bring children and their families hope when it seems there is none. I was excited to see one of my all-time favorite singers, Wintley Phipps with a cameo performance and his awe inspiring rendition of Amazing Grace in the movie. The music in Letters to God is simply wonderful. The soundtrack will be available at the end of March and features other well-known artists such as: Jeremy Camp, Sanctus Real, and Matthew West.
I had the opportunity to meet one of the producers for the movie, Kim Dawson, who shared stories with us about how prayer impacted the lives of non-Chrstian film crew members. Before beginning work each day, the crew gathered around for prayer, something that is almost never done in Hollywood.
I love the subtitle for the movie: Hope is Contagious. Hope really is contagious. Because when we share our faith – when we share our hope in Jesus with those around us, others are affected and lives are changed.
I am positive you will enjoy Letters to God as much as I did. It is a heart-felt, beautiful story, one you will never forget. Here is the Official Trailer for the movie:
