Many people are stuck staying at home during this
pandemic. And even if, like me, you find yourself just as busy during the
pandemic as before it, you still need some mental breaks and rest time. In
addition to this, some of you are parents or grandparents with bored kids and
grandkids around the house a lot more than usual.
One way to pass the time is to watch movies or TV. That’s
not all bad, but the stuff that Hollywood
produces often has negative moral messages mixed in and almost never directly
glorifies our great God and Savior. Thankfully, some good Christian folks are allowing
some great material they’ve produced to be viewed for free, at least for a time.
So I would like to recommend, and share a few brief thoughts about, a couple of
great resources. This stuff is streamed over the internet so you will need a
computer, ipad, smart TV, or something like that to watch it. It is really good
quality stuff that is actually good for your heart and mind. It is the type of
stuff that the Apostle Paul described long before there were TVs or internet:
Finally,
brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever
is lovely,
whatever is admirable
--
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.
(Phil.
4:8 NIV)
Great Nature Videos from Illustra Media
The first wonderful free resource I want to point you to
is a series of very well made videos by Illustra Media. They are offering these
for free viewing for 60 days (I think the 60 days started at the beginning of
April). Even if you happen to read this after the 60 days are up, the videos
are so good, that I think they would be worth paying for (in fact we already
own one). You would be supporting a great ministry. They have 13 videos online
for free. Here is the link to the whole list:
I haven’t watched all 13 (yet!), but the ones I have watched
are great. I’ll recommend my pick (out of the ones I’ve watched so far) for the
top three. These three are all made for a wide, general audience (some of the
others are a bit more on the technical/scientific side). If you like
butterflies, dolphins, and hummingbirds, you’ll love these videos!
You may already think butterflies are spectacular. But after
watching this video you’ll be even more amazed by these amazing creatures
designed by our great God (and the video does give Him the glory!).
This video feature sea turtles, salmon, whales, and, of
course, dolphins. These creatures have mind-blowing abilities given to them by their
Creator. You’ll see great footage and also learn a lot.
You already know the hummingbirds are going to be great,
but wait until you see and learn about the artic terns, the starlings, and
more. If your heart is not closed, it will lead you to worship the One who made
these amazing creatures.
The Chosen: Stories about Jesus and His Followers
“The Chosen” is made like a TV series. The first season
has 8 episodes. Each episode tells a different story associated with Jesus and
His followers. The stories are biblical fiction. What do I mean by that? The Bible
is, of course, 100% true. But these stories are fictional stories inspired by stories
in the gospels. Each episode is based on some true stories in the Bible, but
also adds a lot of imaginative story background. For example, in the Bible the
story of the wedding in Cana is just 12 verses long and can be read in a couple
of minutes. But this story is made into a whole episode where they imagine what
the wedding preparations and the wedding might have been like. IMHO, they do a
very good job.
As long as people remember that some of the material is
fictional, I think these shows are good to watch. The people who made these
videos do a great job capturing biblical themes and truths like:
* Jesus can rescue anyone, no matter how damaged and
messed up they are.
* Jesus came for everyone, not just the rich and
powerful.
* Jesus chooses ordinary people for extraordinary roles.
* Jesus is humble and gentle, but also very powerful.
* People have to choose how to respond to Jesus.
. . . and much more.
More than once I was moved to tears by these
presentations.
The eight episodes are available on YouTube. Each episode
is about 45 minutes long, but there is talking with some of the people who made
it before and afterwards, so each YouTube video is close to 2 hours. You can
skip the talking and quickly find the episode if you choose. (I love the opening
of each episode with the fish that change direction!)
Here is the link to episode #1. After watching the first
one, you should have no problem finding the rest:
Sermons!
You might also want to watch some extra sermons. I have
over 40 sermon videos on our church website (which links to YouTube) here:
The Bible
During this time, I would also encourage you to do some
extra reading in God’s Word. It will encourage and strengthen you!
May God bless you and your family and lead you to
material that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy
to watch, read, and think about during these days.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others . . .
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