Word: His Grace Restores – 1 Peter 5:6-11
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:6-11
John Gray on Entertainment, Diversity, Faith and the Film “Unconditional”
“The theme in my life has always been building bridges…I wanted to bring these two communities together. Let’s talk about stuff that has always divided us…and using that comedy as an opportunity to heal.” – John Gray
John Gray is a comedian, minister and filmmaker on a mission who approaches more serious topics like living for Christ, race and diversity with a unique slant that encourages the Church to come together amidst our differences. He’s one of the creative minds and co-producers behind the movie “Unconditional” which is now in theaters, starring Lynn Collins and Michael Ealy. In the interview with LIFE Today above John Gray talks about the themes in the movie and how he uses both comedy and drama to bring important messages to light:
Be sure to catch “Unconditional” in theaters and check out the inspiring album Hope with music from the film by clicking here. Watch the trailer below and click here to learn more about the movie:
Film Synopsis
Samantha Crawford is living a storybook life: she’s happily married, she lives on a ranch where she keeps her beloved horse, and the stories she’s told and illustrated since childhood have become published books.
When her husband Billy is killed in a senseless act of violence, Sam loses her faith and her will to live. But a death-defying encounter with two children leads to a reunion with Joe, her oldest friend. Inspired by true events, UNCONDITIONAL stars Michael Ealy (Think Like A Man) and Lynn Collins (John Carter).
As Sam watches “Papa” Joe care for and love the kids in his under-resourced neighborhood, she begins to realize that no matter life’s circumstances, the love of God is always reaching out to us.
UNCONDITIONAL is the first feature film from Harbinger Media Partners, which creates and produces high-quality theatrical films to inspire moviegoers to pursue God and serve others.
Partnering with scores of ministries and non-profit organizations around the country like the one run by the real-life Papa Joe Bradford, UNCONDITIONAL is encouraging people to ACT on the needs in their communities. Learn more about ACT. http://unconditionalthemovie.com/act
If you’ve never heard one of John Gray’s messages you’re missing out on a fusion of humor and faith that will both encourage your heart and have you laughing out loud until tears flow. Watch John Gray in action below in this message entitled “Are You the One?”
DreamFood Morsels: Trust the Author with the Pen of Your Destiny
It took more than a decade for Joseph to go from a 17-year-old dreamer in a multicolored coat to an influential leader in Pharaoh’s palace. Before He saw the dream God gave him come to pass he found himself betrayed, enslaved and broken…
Don’t despair if it seems like you are in a dark pit with no way out. Joseph & so many other dreamers endured the desert before reaching destiny. God has a way of turning the painful pieces of your story into beauty and “good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives,” (Genesis 50:20).
Never give up on your divine purpose – trust the Author, it’s not over.
Be encouraged by these resources on divine dreams and destiny based on the Biblical story of Joseph:
Soul Dreamer Resource: “I Am Joseph” – Jimmy Evans on Realizing God’s Dreams In Your Life
“I Am Joseph: The Multi-Colored Impact of Dreams on Your Destiny” that gives encouragement for realizing your God-given dream and persevering when dreams are delayed…
From Dream To Destiny Video Message Series from Gateway Church
“God has given each of us a dream—an idea that sets our hearts racing at the mere thought of it…”
Inspiration: It’s Not Over – Israel & New Breed
Be encouraged by this song by Israel & New Breed from the album “Jesus At The Center”, their first live recording in 5 years featuring 18 brand new songs were recorded live at Lakewood Church in Houston TX.
It’s not over, it’s not finished, it’s not ending – it’s only the beginning. When God is in it, all things are new…
Verse 1
I know it’s darkest just before dawn
This might just be the hardest season you’ve experienced
I know it hurts; it won’t be too long
You’re closer than you think you are
You’re closer than you’ve been before
Pre-Chorus
So look to the sky
Help is on the way
Our God is faithful
He’s faithful to say
Verse 2
Something is moving
Turning around
Seasons are changing
Everything is different now
Here comes the sun
Piercing the clouds
You’re closer than you think you are
You’re closer than you’ve been before
Bridge
When God is in it
There is no limit
When God is in it
It’s not over, It’s not over!
(Repeat)
Soul Dreamer Journey – Editor’s Diary: You’re Never Alone
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5
There are times in what we might call loneliness where people have drawn away from us, God is drawing us into deep fellowship and intimacy that few have experienced because they wouldn’t be still. Don’t run from seasons of silence and solitude but seek to hear His voice – He’s always there and waiting for you to draw closer to Him. Those are the times when you can get to know Him like never before and to discover your purpose in Him.
There was a span of time where I was experiencing deep alone-ness, after most of my friends had graduated and moved away. In the quietness of that time I first felt frustrated and lost, wondering why there seemed to be no I could relate to. After seeking God I found that it was in these times when we are not being bombarded by the noisiness of the world that God speaks, really speaks to us and draws us into our destiny…
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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:11-14
Prolonged total isolation is never a good idea, when you find there is no one in your close circle, find a way to serve others and reach out to someone who may also need a friend – we were made for fellowship and that’s where we grow and thrive. However, don’t be afraid to take time to get away from the bustle and distractions of life to embrace those times of fellowship with your Creator, He’s waiting to get your undivided attention…
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28: 20
– Julene
Click here for more from my personal journal and blog.
More Journal Posts
To Boldly Go Where You’ve Always Imagined…
There are those dreams you are responsible for bringing to fruition in a sense; things you want to create, experience and learn how to do. “I want to (insert activity here)… someday.” Why not now, why not today?
Dreamfleur Diary – Stretch & Grow
No matter what creative field you’re in I think it is always a good idea to stretch and grow yourself in what you do…
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