Displaying items by tag: Freedom in Christ
Surprised by God’s ‘blackmail’ to stop smoking
Aubrey writes: ‘Moving into a new home was chaotic - boxes everywhere, toddlers running around, and a landlady waiting for rent. I knew I had stashed my cash somewhere safe, but no matter how much I searched, I couldn’t find it. Frustrated, I stepped into the bathroom and prayed, 'God, help me find that money.' Suddenly, a strong thought came to mind: If you quit smoking, you’ll find that money. I was stunned - this wasn’t what I had prayed for! I stormed out, refusing to obey, but after more fruitless searching, I knew I had no choice. Angrily, I went back, sat down, and declared, 'All right! I’ll quit smoking! Now where is that money?' But the voice pressed further: ‘How will I know you are serious?’ Reluctantly, I found all my cigarettes, soaked them in water, and threw them away. Still frustrated, I walked to my jewelry box and, for the umpteenth time, opened it. This time, I lifted the top section - and there was my wad of cash, right where I had placed it! God had spoken, and I couldn’t ignore Him. From that moment on, I never smoked another cigarette - I didn’t dare.’
Film: The Heart of Man
The Heart of Man” is a story inviting us to leave behind our broken, moralistic and religious way of thinking and relating to God and to others.
Once we begin to know who God is (and as a result who we are), we have something to invite the world into.
Freedom from performance.
Freedom from managing our behavior so we appear acceptable to God.
Freedom from our addictions, compulsive behaviors, secrecy and double lives.
This film tears the veil of confusion over the church's current identity crisis and enables it to invite the rest of the world to the banquet God is throwing all of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZPy_WRywzY
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Man-William-Paul-Young/dp/B0771X3LRH
The Heart of Man is a cinematic retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son, intertwined with contemporary and poignant true testimonies of sexual brokenness.
These genres are combined to reveal the compassionate heart of God the father for his sons and daughters illuminating an age-old truth: Shame is not a barrier to God's love, but a bridge to absolute transformation, freedom and hope.