Thu, 02 May 2024 10:26:39 -0700WeeblyWed, 13 Dec 2017 15:55:30 GMThttp://mandrake-church.org/a-believers-blog/some-movies-really-re-tell-the-storyIn anticipation of the world release of the coming Star Wars movie I and group of Jesus believing Star Wars fans gathered to re watch Star Wars, The Force Awakens.   Like every other time I've watched a Star Wars movie I am reminded of the epic and never ending fight between light and darkness.  The battle that has been raging from the moments light was separated from darkness at the beginning of time as we know it.   Now some would say that the movie is just a story.  But other's, including myself,  would say this movie is not just a story, it is God's story dressed in Science Fiction.  Star Wars isn't the only movie or book which tells God's story without actually using the word "God", there are many... "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" are some of the obvious ones.  Can you think of more? (Comment below to add another).
The bible is a book full of inspiring, but sometimes gruesome, stories told and preserved by real people, who lived  in real places at real times in human history. Although most of the stories are based on actual accounts and encounters, some of the stories are simply stories.  Regardless, they are all meant to impart on the readers or listeners useful insights into God's story and how God has interacted with humanity throughout its history.   So how does Star Wars compare  with the Bible?  

Both are a compilation of stories. 
Both tell of powers outside the realm of what we see.
Both tell us the story of the "fall" of mankind.
Both tell the story of hope.
Both tell the story of struggle.
Both tell the story of love.
Both tell the story of oppression.
Both tell us that we should never give up.
Both tell us that we are not alone in the fight with evil.
Both tell us about temptation.
Both tell us the story of sin and greed.
This is just a short list.....
Star Wars is completely fictional in nature, has no actual historical content, and its characters aren't real, but God has never been limited to sharing HIS story through the stories of others.
Want to start a conversation about a REAL savior, Jesus, with someone who doesn't believe? Consider using a modern story that God has produced through his creation.  Start by watching Star Wars.

And may the Force be with you

Disclaimer:
I'm NOT suggesting you replace your bible readings with Star Wars readings!
]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2015 02:27:20 GMThttp://mandrake-church.org/a-believers-blog/what-is-better Luke 10:41,42:  41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Sometimes we get so involved with serving others that we neglect serving our Lord and Savior.  Busily knitting scarves, cooking meals, consoling the grieving, or even just visiting the neighbors.  All of these things would be better for having spent time studying the Word and in prayer and communion with our Lord and Savior.

Jesus is well known for going into the hills or hiding from His followers just to talk with God and reflect upon His tasks.  Let us not neglect our Lord and Creator.  After all, He made us in His own image!

Lord and Creator, I am in awe of your power to make all things work together.  I am in awe of the amazing way I am put together … and that I have eternal forgiveness for my messes!

Zoe

]]>Fri, 06 Feb 2015 02:51:58 GMThttp://mandrake-church.org/a-believers-blog/the-lord-is-my-shepherd Psalm 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4     Even though I walk  through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5     You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
       You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6     Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the
       house of the Lord forever.

A good shepherd knows all about his sheep.  He knows that this one may be strong, while another one is weak.  He realizes that some are wayward or lonely or in need of special care.

Here is the greatness of our own Good Shepherd.  Nothing escapes His watching and loving eye.  He knows the smallest hurt and deepest pain.  He always helps from His holy place as the Good Shepherd of our Souls.

One of the strange things about our life in the 20th Century is its deep loneliness.  Even in our crowded cities, people are often alone, lost in the noisy confused life of our hard, cold world.

But the Christian heart need never feel lonely.  Knowing that we are redeemed and live in the shadow of our own Good Shepherd where comfort, blessing and other gifts are readily available.  It is never too much or too little, never too early or too late, because He knows His own!

"God, I believe you know me and know my name.  Help me to rest secure in your forgiving love and follow wherever you lead me."

-Zoe

]]>Fri, 30 Jan 2015 03:44:43 GMThttp://mandrake-church.org/a-believers-blog/love-the-lord-your-god Deuteronomy 6:5: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  (There are about 15 references, in Deuteronomy alone, that urge readers to make this a part of their lives.)

Luke 10:27:  (Jesus) answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

The idea of loving yourself is added in the New Covenant and is implied in the Old Testament.  How can you love others without loving yourself?  How can you be patient, kind, reasonable to others if you cannot give yourself the benefit of these actions?

All God’s people are precious to Him.  He directed the apostles and early church leaders to make Him known to every one they saw.  As a result the early church flourished.  If the early Christians had not liked themselves, as per Jesus’ instruction, they would not have had the courage to speak to others of their own salvation knowledge.

Psalms 103:11 -  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. ~St. Augustine

Thank you, God, for the assurance that you love me.  Please help me to love myself and to love my neighbors as You would want me to love them.

Author- RW

]]>