Leaving Limbo

As we grow older we often think back to periods in our lives and wonder “whatever happened to those years?”

Imagine if you were a promising young girl just out of high school and you suffer a horrendous accident that puts you in a coma for nineteen years. This is the story of Monica Wyatt in a lovely film, Leaving Limbo, who appears to have a great life until a careless automobile crash takes away everything she has ever known.

This film from award winning play writer Sandy Boikian is one I have to say at the offset is not to be missed. First I have to highlight the acting of Mandy Brown who is in practically every scene of the film having to run through the gamut of more emotions than most professionals do in a series of motion pictures. Mandy is a tour de force as she goes from scene to scene trying to adapt to a greatly changed world and the fact her fiancee’ Ben Hudson (Elias Cecil) who was also in the accident has since married, has had a son and is now divorced with some bitterness.

It is little wonder that Monica questions a God who would let this happen to her and there are times when she rages against the circumstances she is faced with. Her father Jack Wyatt (David Fruechting) on the other hand has not only made his peace with God, he is embarked on an important mission of caring for others. Their contrast is important to the plot and there are interesting short segments when Jack and Monica’s niece (Lauren K. Montgomery) have Bible studies with Monica as a listener who feels things are being deliberately aimed at her.

This is in part a beautiful love story, rather Shakespearean as you wonder if Monica and Ben will get back together after so many years. Like classic plays, there are misunderstandings between the two, even anger and resentment until they discover secrets about the accident they did not know. There is also a triangle here as another in the accident is Monica’s presumed best friend Tuesday (Noelle Perris) who adds both tension and at times humor.

This is definitely a well written film and redemption and forgiveness is a major part of it.
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This is definitely a well written film and redemption and forgiveness is a major part of it. A great job of acting is given by Wallace (Owen Williams) who caused the accident, though he is only in four scenes. The young Wallace reminds me of Jim Carrey and nineteen years later he is a man overridden by guilt. He has still managed to stay in contact with Monica and their coming to terms with each other is a real message for the audience.

It must be added that Sandy Boikian also has an understanding of British humor as for lightness has added Nurse Rosa (Violet Mathieson) who had looked after Monica during those nineteen years. Such writing is not easy to carry off unless you understand the genre’. Then again it is clear that the writer and director clearly has an understanding of all the elements that make a good story.

It may be doing an injustice to refer to this as a faith film as it is clearly one that will be enjoyed by everyone no matter what their beliefs. To some the phrase “faith film” is sadly a turn off. The film is not only well written and acted well, the cinematography, editing and music are excellent. Let nothing dissuade you from seeing Leaving Limbo. It is a film you will want to see more than once.

Hats off to the writer and director, Sandy Boikian.

Find it on Amazon: Leaving Limbo

Watch the Trailer: Leaving Limbo Trailer

Normal Christian Living Redefined

The Adventure of Supernatural Discovery: A Handbook on Receiving Divine Encounters is made up of accounts of Kaylor’s personal encounters with God, testimonies and inspiring stories describing supernatural transformation, miracles and illustrating the power available through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Kaylor encourages the reader to move beyond the “norm” to experience a new norm through the same vibrant encounters with the Living Christ as experienced by the disciples in the early church. In the chapter titled simply, “Bam,” Kaylor tells of the outpouring of God in Belem, Brazil where he and his wife, Cherrie, were ministering with Randy Clark, founder of Global Awakening. Kaylor relates an encounter with God that has forever changed his life and ministry.

Key guidelines are quickly identified with “compass icons” used to emphasize guidelines vital to the adventurous journey of discovery, unexplainable joy, life changing divine appointments, prophetic dreams and visions and other supernatural encounters.

Kaylor writes with simplicity and boldness, with confidence, compassion and conviction. Kaylor uses a combination of Biblical teaching, positive affirmations, and supernatural events to illustrate “God’s extravagant abundance.”  Some of these events are almost unimaginable, unbelievable, but definitely supernatural. This is a book for the individual with a hunger for God, willing to pursue and embrace the abundant life that Christ offers. An amazing account of the discovery and adventure of supernatural living.

The Adventure of Supernatural Discovery: A Handbook on Receiving Divine Encounters is available at:

• Amazon
• ChristianBook.com
• Barnes and Noble
• Your local Christian bookstore
• Other fine retailers

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

Practical Principles and Applications for Experiencing the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit

James Maloney is a gifted communicator, an expressive story teller and an articulate writer.  I was emotionally touched and moved with compassion as I read his vivid descriptions of physical suffering and the plight of the diseased and infirmed in hopeless circumstances. Humanly speaking, doomed to more horrific suffering and death.

Overwhelmed by the Spirit offers hope to the suffering and a challenge to the reader; to take action and join him in unlocking the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit available within and to do His work.

This is strong theological teaching on the Holy Spirit, well-documented, from a Charismatic tradition, with practical principles and application that cross over any denominational lines. I appreciated the scholarly presentation at an academic level that will be appreciated by theologians, yet written with clarity easily understandable at a layman’s level.

The book details the progression of the Maloney’s ministry and takes him to a new understanding of what it means to manifest the sonship of God and to allow Christ full reign in his life. Consistent with his testimony and with Biblical teaching James helps the reader discover their gift and calling, experience supernatural experiences in their lives, to walk in the miraculous, and to lead others to Christ.

Overwhelmed By the Spirit: Empowered to Manifest the Glory of God is available at:

• Amazon
• ChristianBook.com
• Barnes and Noble
• Your local Christian bookstore
• Other fine retailers

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

Unplugged from the Temporal – Connected to the Supernatural

Life outside the Matrix is Venetia Carpenter’s story. In response to Jesus’ invitation, Carpenter quit her job, spent extended time in prayer, recorded the lessons she learned in a journal, rested and trusted in Him (Jesus) for all her finances. This is her account of obedience, trusting, and learning to walk in supernatural realms of faith.

Carpenter describes the details of adopting a lifestyle of faith that does not look at our circumstances but is based on the word of Jesus alone; a lifestyle that does not come from a attitude of the heart which causes fear, but looks to previous faith encounters for assurance that Jesus was, still is, and will provide for every need.

Carpenter’s journey of faith is engaging drawing the reader into a vicarious experience; is easily understandable, is believable, and is encouraging, filled with scriptural promises accessible to every believer.

Life Outside the Matrix – A Journey into the Supernatural Faith Lifestyle buoys the spirits of the reader; inviting them to step out in faith and join her in seeing miracles released, and in experiencing a new norm in supernatural living during these critical times.

Life Outside the Matrix – A Journey into the Supernatural Faith Lifestyle is available at:

• Amazon
• ChristianBook.com
• Barnes and Noble
• Your local Christian bookstore
• Other fine retailers

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

Kevin Basconi carefully considers the work of angels today in How to Work with Angels in Your Life: The Reality of Angelic Ministry Today.  This is the second book in the Angels in the Realms of Heaven series. Kevin develops the scriptures that speak of angels in heaven, Jesus and the angels, angels in worship and prayer, healing angels, angel encounters, guardian angles, duties of angels, and much, much more.

The book is filled with stories, testimonies and illustrations of personal encounters with angels today that provide insight, understanding and affirmation to the open minded reader. Basconi boldly proclaims a message of supernatural activity in the today’s world. He invites the reader to examine the scriptures in light of these modern day testimonies of angelic ministry.

Basconi’s writing is compelling, biblically based, relevant and written with clarity. Chapter end notes and biblical references add to the credibility of his writing. The inclusion of dates, names and locations of the individual experiences add to the authenticity of these testimonies.

How to Work with Angels in Your Life is an important addition to the reference library of pastors, bible students, and anyone seeking answers to the doctrine of Angelology and the supernatural presence of angels today.

How to Work with Angels in Your Life is available at:

• Amazon
• ChristianBook.com
• Barnes and Noble
• Your local Christian bookstore
• Other fine retailers

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

When sitting down to what you think will be a faith movie it is surprising to hear a suspenseful musical chord and see the arrival of a train, a very Alfred Hitchcock opening. Doc Benson, the producer, director, and writer has surely taken a hint from the old master of suspense to give us a different tone for his faith film, Seven Deadly Words. Even the title has an Agatha Christie ring and it turns what has been an old story for many churches into a riveting tale that is based upon true events.

Can Evan Bennett Save this Church?

On the surface the story line sounds very simple. A new young minister, Evan Bennett, comes to take over an old established church in Connersville and finds that the church is in deep financial trouble. The leader of the board of deacons, Vincent Haman, and his wife Bertha have a great deal of control in the church and soon we hear that one phrase that has been the death knell for anyone with new ideas, “We’ve never done it that way before.” To add to the tension in the film Pastor Evan meets a man who once attended the church, Walt Tannin, who warns “They’ll be watching.” Later even the pastor’s wife, Elena Bennett, is told by so called well meaning ladies in regard to the deportment of her children, “We’ll be watching you, just to help out.” What seems like a peaceful community is one that is greatly divided.

A Suspenseful Mystery

There are several meetings shown in the film when the pastor must deal with the deacons and congregation members in budget concerns. The big issue is that a misappropriate amount of money is going into foreign missions and the needs of the local church are being ignored. One example is a weak, leaky ceiling which will prove to be important later. The Haman couple has a vested interest as a portion of that money is going to support a daughter who is a missionary. As the pastor works to add new people and to present a budget that would save the church, there is a whispering campaign against him and his family. When it looks like the pastor might succeed, his own children and Walt Tannin are nearly killed and we find ourselves in a real mystery. The ending of the film, I won’t be a spoiler, has twists and turns that will make the viewer want sequels. Think film noir.

Obedience to God’s Call in the Face of Opposition

It is possible that some who see this film will think it is promoting an anti-foreign mission theme; however, that is not the point. It is definitely a case of setting priorities and churches also have a responsibility for the needs of the local congregation and home missions as well. If a church dies, then missions are not served. There has to be a balance and there has to be compromise. For a brief time even Elena questions her husband going against what appears to be a majority. However, Pastor Evan believes firmly that “God brought us here for a reason.” He is not there because some of the deacons wanted someone to preside over the death of a church. The writer is reminded of Paul in the opening of his letter to Galatians. Paul writes that he is not witnessing to them because some board, some committee, made him an Apostle. It was Jesus Christ who made Paul an Apostle. Pastor Evan Bennett believes he is called by God to revive this particular church and in time he does gain support. Whether it is enough support you will have to see for yourself in the film.

Outstanding Cast

I freely admit I was not familiar with the stars in this film and have to congratulate Doc Benson and whoever did the casting on making some great selections. Roy Lynam as Pastor Evan Bennett and Guisela Moro, who portrayed his wife Elena, are the perfect choices for a couple new on the scene like this and you can believe their resolve to improve things within the church. Mark A. Ginther, as Vincent Haman, brings the right touch to seeming like a man who cares about his church and at the same time masking a sinister evil. Also very enjoyable are Shane Willimon as Brax McCoy and Wayne Greeson as Walt Tannin and it must be said that having good character actors is as important as good leads for a film to succeed. These two plus others could easily have made names for themselves in old Hollywood.

Accolades

Seven Deadly Words has well deserved a number of awards already and it is a shame that more has not been said about it. As this is being written it was learned that this film was at the Cannes Film Festival, something rare for faith films. It is a film that will cause a great deal of conversation about the needs in our churches and what our goals should be to successfully spread the Gospel. While mission support seems to be the issue here, it must be remembered that mission work starts first in our heart, then goes to our neighbors and community. I am reminded of a sign on the inside of a small Florida Church that reminds members when they leave, “You are now entering the mission field.”

Final Words

Doc Benson hopes that this film will be used in churches and church conferences. I would like to see it shown in every Bible Study group, schools and colleges. Please check out the web pages below for more information. And to Doc I would say, thank you for making this very important film.

For more information check out the following websites:

sevendeadlywords.com

facebook.com/sevendeadlywords

The Glory Within DVD Curriculum series is based on Corey Russell’s book The Glory Within, The Interior Life and the Power of Speaking in Tongues. The kit includes two DVDs containing a total of 8 sessions, designed to be completed over an eight week period.

An accompanying “Leader’s Guide” provides step by step suggestions for implementing the series. A leader checklist, an overview of the sessions, and additional detailed guidelines for each of the eight lessons guide and are designed to insure the success of the program.

Corey Russell staff member of the Kansas City International House of Prayer Ministry team and author of the book The Glory Within is the each of the sessions before a live audience. Russell is personal, genuine, and candid. He is dynamic and convincing in his presentation. He lays a Biblical foundation; beginning with the Gospel message, the person of the Holy Spirit and the benefits of tongues as a prayer language.

In a logical progression he helps the participant discover:

• A deeper intimacy with God and a new passion for Jesus
• How to prayer more confidently
• How to prepare for victory in spiritual battle

The Glory Within DVD Curriculum is ideal for use in, church classes, as Sunday school curriculum, as well as small group or individual study. The curriculum is an important resource tool for Charismatic churches and Bible School. Non charismatic Evangelical, Mainline Denomination, and Independent churches will find the series and excellent tool for creating awareness and unity among believers: ultimately strengthening the witness of the Christian Church worldwide.

A complimentary review copy of this product was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

Get a copy of The Glory Within DVD at: Amazon

In his book “The Secret Power of Covenant” Kerry Kirkwood provides the reader with practical life-changing applications that can impact every area of life. He begins with the foundational principle of Biblical Covenants, as used in business today, and a comparison of covenant and contract.

Kirkwood’s writing is engaging; his personal stories, Biblical illustrations, and the testimonies of contemporary Christians reinforce the precepts presented throughout the text. He writes with profound insight in a reader friendly style. Each chapter follows a pattern of progression; the information and instruction presented builds on the other. The material can also be read as stand-alone chapters for inspiration and reflection.

The chapter titled “Messenger of the Covenant” is especially helpful in getting a grasp on the message and provision of the New Covenant. The chapter also introduces stumbling blocks to experiencing covenant blessings and the refining work of the Holy Spirit in moving “covenant” from a doctrinal belief to a passion written on our heart.

Each chapter ends with a powerful prayer for the reader; for understanding, discernment, and commitment. “The Secret Power of Covenant” is an important book for anyone wanting to move into a lifestyle of experiencing God’s plan for Christian living and covenant blessing.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

Get a copy of The Secret Power of Covenant at: Amazon

Companion Guide to The Glory Within DVD Curriculum Series

The Glory Within: The Interior Life and the Power of Speaking in Tongues Study Guide is designed to be used as a participant’s guide with the DVD Curriculum based on Corey Russell’s book by the same title.

The study guide corresponds to the eight sessions of the video curriculum. Each lesson opens with a “fill in the blanks” page for use during the video session; it becomes an outline of the material covered in the lesson with room for the participant’s personal notes.

Five daily readings are included for each week for study; for reflection, and reinforcement of the material discussed on the video. A “Glorious Reality” focus statement precedes the daily discussion questions. These questions offer the participant a chance to integrate the daily scripture and reading personally as well as an opportunity to journal these thoughts. An affirmative prayer is provided for initiation of a personal conversation with the Holy Spirit.

The Glory Within curriculum is a first-rate tool for sharpening your spiritual senses, accessing the Holy Spirit for equipping you for spiritual warfare, deepening your intimacy God, and your passion for Jesus.

A review copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

Get a copy of The Glory Within Study Guide at: Amazon

Tongues Is An Controversial Subject That Requires Our Attention

At the end of the day, we need to be honest with ourselves and honest with the Biblical text. This unique gift of the Holy Spirit actually announced the birth of Christianity on the Day of Pentecost, it was highly prized by the man who wrote the majority of the New Testament (Paul), it equips believers to communicate with God on a unique level, and empowers us to effectively live the supernatural life. In short, it would make a lot of sense, that the enemy would tirelessly fight against something that has such strong potential to pillage his expansion of darkness in our lives and on the Earth.

Corey Russell, a senior leader at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, wrote the book and curriculum, The Glory Within not simply as a teaching on the subject of tongues, but as a summons to experience the power of a Person—the Holy Spirit. In the past, many books and teachings have emphasized tongues in almost a robotic way. What was intended to be a source of supernatural power and a catalyst for deep intimacy with God has been reduced to a mere theological position in many Charismatic churches.

Speaking In Tongues is More Than A One-Time Experience

The Glory Within makes the powerful point that tongues is not some spiritual merit badge we receive when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, use it for a season, and then put it out to pasture. Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke comments on the gifts of the Spirit, emphasizing that “they are not badges of honor, but tools for the job.” The gift of tongues is something that the Apostle Paul deeply cherished and provided nearly an entire chapter of instruction on in 1 Corinthians 14. This is not a call to place an inappropriate emphasis on tongues, as many have done in the past; it is, however, an invitation to reevaluate where we stand on its purpose, relevance and present-day power in our everyday Christian lives.

In fact, Corey took the additional bold step and developed a DVD-based Bible Study focusing on how a lifestyle of consistently praying in tongues significantly benefits your Christian life. It is not spooky. It is not exclusive to the super spiritual. It does not even signify elevated spiritual maturity. Tongues is a gift. It is a tool. It is powerful, available, and absolutely life-changing. However, many receive this gift at one point in their lives and taste its power, but they never actually make it a part of their normal Christian lives. This is why Corey invites all readers and participants to “throw their badges in the trash.” Yesterday’s encounter with God cannot sustain us for today. Yesterday’s touch is insufficient for today’s trials.

Do You Really Know Who Lives Inside of You?

In these powerful resources, Corey takes you on a journey, revisiting some of the most familiar, and yet misunderstood topics on the Holy Spirit: Do we really understand that God lives inside of us? In the introductory sessions about the Person of Holy Spirit–Who He is, what He does, and His purpose in the life of the believer—you will be absolutely awestruck. I am convinced that if we really get a clear revelation of the fact that the Genesis 1:1 God—the One Who said “light be” and light was—that He lives inside of us in the person of Holy Spirit, it would become impossible for us to change the subject. We would devote our lives to discovering how to see the Living God accurately represented in the Earth through our lives. You will be inspired and encouraged as you discover Who it is that decided to take up residence in your spirit… and what He wants to do through you!

5 Ways Praying In Tongues Will Change Your Life Forever

Based on The Glory Within, here are 5 ways that praying in tongues will change your life forever. Praying in tongues…

1)    Gives You Supernatural Understanding of God’s Mysteries

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (1 Cor. 14:2)

Corey describes Holy Spirit as the Google, or “Search Engine of Heaven.” God is mysterious, yes, but the Spirit who knows everything about the mysterious, expansive, Glorious God is the same Spirit Who lives inside of you! And furthermore, He wants to reveal mysteries to you about God, His will, about your life, and about the circumstances you are facing! How do we access this revelation? Communion with the Holy Spirit on His level—in His language. Remember, Paul defines Holy Spirit as the One who “searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.” (1 Cor. 2:10, NLT) As you pray in the Spirit, you will discover things that were previously mysterious and unknown will start coming into greater focus and clarity.

2)    Grants You Access to Other Revelatory Gifts of the Holy Spirit

…for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit… to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Cor. 12: 8,10)

Praying in tongues actually unlocks other revelatory gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life, namely the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, prophecy, and discerning of spirits. Remember, you are not praying on a natural dimension, but rather, engaging on a purely spiritual one. Don’t be surprised if, while praying in tongues, the Holy Spirit gives you supernatural insight about something, leads you to pray for people, and unlocks clarity over people, situations and even regions, enabling you to effectively pray for and break off the spiritual strongholds that are influencing them.

3)    Opens Up the Bible in a New Living Way as you Read It

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak. (Jn. 16:13)

For some modern believers, reading the Bible can feel like a life-draining experience. It’s not just history. It is not a mere record of facts. Scripture isn’t just stories. The same Holy Spirit Who inspired the writing and assembly of the Holy Scriptures lives inside of you. He wants to guide you through the Bible, make the words jump off the page, give you understanding on confusing matters, empower you to apply God’s Word to your everyday life, share prophetic promises with you, and help you discover your role in God’s unfolding story. Corey describes praying in tongues as a way the Holy Spirit “shines a flashlight on Scripture.”

4)    You Are Speaking Directly To God


For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. (1 Cor. 14:2a)

As you pray in tongues, you have a direct line to the President of the Universe. Sometimes while praying in our native languages, we have the tendency to veer off and get distracted. We may start complaining. We may start going through the routine laundry list of prayer requests—and by the time we are finished reading them off to God, we feel more burdened than refreshed (because we actively thought of every single one of those circumstances as we listed them off in prayer). Tongues keeps us talking directly to God, praying in agreement with His perfect will (see Rom. 8:26-28).

5)    Empowers You to Engage Spiritual Warfare From the Position of Victory

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18, KJV)

Praying in tongues is not some magic formula that guarantees us some free and easy lifestyle of health, wealth, prosperity, and all of those fixings. Jesus assured us that in this life, we will experience tribulation (see Jn. 16:33). In the same passage, the same Jesus declared that He has overcome the world. Victory has already been secured at Calvary. In times of trial and assault, it is easy for us to become weary in the place of prayer—often, not knowing what or how to pray. Praise God for the Holy Spirit! Paul reminds us for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us (Rom. 8:26). When in the heat of spiritual combat, it is easy to start praying prayers that agree with the size of the attack, emphasizing the problem, rather than focusing on the size of the blood-bought victory that Jesus purchased at the cross. Praying in tongues empowers you to agree with God’s victorious battle plan for your life and your circumstances, no matter what is going on around you. It does not deny reality; it simply positions you to agree with the higher Truth of Scripture—victory has been purchased and it is yours through Jesus Christ.

Tongues Reveals the Wisdom of God

Again, praying in tongues does not make you a better Christian. It does not instantly elevate you into spiritual superstardom. There are many believers who speak in tongues, but live like the devil. However, tongues is a relevant and available gift to believers today. Why tongues—something that seems so… so foolish, uneducated, and ungraspable to our natural human minds?

Keep in mind that you are dealing with the King of the Universe Who arrived on planet Earth in a manger surrounded by farm animals. He is the Holy God Who died the death of a criminal on a Roman cross to make atonement for the sins of the world. Our God is the One Who deals in wisdom that is so infinitely superior to what our natural minds can comfortably wrap around that, at first glance, such methods appear downright foolish. Birthing His church with wind, fire, and speaking in tongues would be another such demonstration of God’s otherworldly wisdom. But consider the words of the Apostle Paul,

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. (1 Cor. 1:27-29)

Just because our minds cannot understand the whys of God’s ways, does not give us permission to ignore them. Tongues is surely a mystery, but at the same time, it is a powerful gift that will not only enrich your personal prayer life, but will bring you into deeper intimacy and communion with the Holy Spirit.

If you are looking for a solid, Biblical approach to the topic of praying in tongues, I encourage you to look into Corey Russell’s The Glory Within curriculum. It is ideal for Bible studies, small groups, and church classes. Corey’s approach is fresh, non-threatening, and completely motivated by love. Whether you are looking to go to the next level in developing a lifestyle of praying in tongues, or you would like to have more clarity about the topic, The Glory Within will be a blessing to you.

You can visit Corey Russell at www.coreyrussell.org