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The Hill, a Movie Review

Friday night changed on a dime when our generous daughter phoned to say that she was treating us to a night out at the movies. After making our way to seats one and two on row J, Larry and I settled back with popcorn and drinks for a heartwarming, gut-wrenching film of sports world drama. Two hours later, we left those seats overwhelmed with the timeless power of a dream and the supernatural impact of perseverance to pursue it.

The Hill portrays the true story of a young Texas boy, Rickey Hill, who desperately wants to play baseball. His most formidable enemies are not just the cruel bullies on the baseball diamond, but also the cruel ideas of his legalistic pastor father.

The talent of Colin Ford, Dennis Quaid, Joelle Carter, Bonnie Bedelia, and Randy Houser bring to life the narrative which takes place in the 1960’s. Dilapidated houses and broken-down cars stand aside to make way for a boy who has God on his side and fire in his bones.

“In his perfection He handed me two gifts — preaching with fire and playing by the power of his hand. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Rickey Hill

Thank you, Rickey Hill.

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

“God has put eternity in the human heart — not just the thought of the everlasting, but the things of eternity. Our truest desires are deep and lasting. Our purpose is centered in the eternal King. Our future is integrally tied into the story He is writing. And our hearts are constantly looking for connections with that story.” - Chris Tiegreen

Commitment, Character, and Comfort Soar in Isaiah

Bible, journal, and coffee set the stage for my morning devotions. Expectancy for spiritual nourishment permeates the atmosphere. Fellowship with Jesus never disappoints.

Recently, God’s Commitment, Character, and Comfort emerged afresh as I read through The Book of Isaiah. Consider these riches lifted from the bounty of 66 chapters.

9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

26:3 Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.

28:16 A precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.

Isaiah 33:2b O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning our salvation in time of distress.

33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom

40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

63:7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us

65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

55: 2 Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

And this one just blows me away:

Isaiah 26:8b Your glory and renown are the desire of our hearts.

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

Where do you observe either God’s commitment or character or comfort revealed in each verse?

Which is your favorite and why?

From Isaiah, which verse is a personal favorite to you?

Isaiah means Jehovah Saves; comment on this meaning in your own life.

Little Lies We Tell Ourselves

The conversations inside our heads hold a direct connection to the quality of our lives.

A Little Lie becomes a big problem when given ground and allowed to grow.

Little Lies look like this:

It won’t matter if I tell just one person.

Oh, I’ve got plenty of time.

But it’s on sale!

I can sleep a few more minutes.

Just this once won’t hurt.

I assumed he understood.

This weakness will always plague me.

There is no way she will ever find out.

I am too busy to spend time with God.

When Little Lies niggle their way into the soil of our minds, we need a plan. Consider this strategy.

A 4-step plan for Little Lie Accountability

  • Realize that the father of lies, with his of his menacing untruths, specializes in offering all sizes—small, medium, large, and extra large.

  • Recognize the Little Lie inside your head.

  • Reorient your thinking to the Truth.

  • Remember, Jesus Himself fortifies you in this pursuit: “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards . . .” (Song of solomon 2:15).

Change your thinking and you will change your life.

What little thoughts are actually Little Lies that you are telling yourself?

How can you counter with the truth?

“If you believe a lie, you will live like the lie is true.” - Todd Cook