Elizabeth Swann:  It's too late to earn my forgiveness.

~quote from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (PG-13) 

The third installment of the Pirates movies didn't feel like it lived up to it's billing.  Perhaps it was the high bar set by the previous two and it merely met those expectations, or being as it didn't totally blow us away it unfairly had been judged harshly.  Regardless, it's a good entertaining movie and it's probably not on par with the first but more in line with the second.  Anyway, enough of that, I won't ramble on here... just pick it up and watch it for yourself ;)

On to the subject at hand; forgiveness.^(a,b)  The moment I heard this line something within me cringed.  The thought of having to earn forgiveness goes against the true core of what forgiveness is all about... the word itself even has the word GIVE in it.  Forgiveness is something offered, something given to another... it simply can't be earned.  In the world of men, we take on this thought-line all the time.  People harm us or do us wrong and we hold grudges until we "feel" like letting them go or until the person earns it back... whatever "it" might be.  We become so hard inside^(c) that forgiveness doesn't even cross our thoughts... when it is forgiveness that will set us free from the decaying power of those wrongful acts.

As someone who has been wronged, the best medicine for the soul is to forgive.  It's not a feeling, it's a choice.  Forgiveness never comes easy, though the more you learn to forgive the easier it comes.  Forgiveness brings incredible freedom; yet, no one really feels like forgiving someone... it goes against human nature.  Often it is the things that go against the normal line of thinking and our feelings that are best for our lives... like forgiveness.

It's not up to us to make sure the wrong doer pays for their actions^(d), it's our responsibility to forgive^(e) and move on with our lives.  Earn forgiveness?  No, just give it away.

a: Psalm 79:9
b: 1 John 1:9
c: Proverbs 28:14
d: Romans 12:19
e: Matthew 6:14

(thought history)

August Rush:  It's like someone's calling out to me, only some of us can hear it.
Wizard:  Only some of us are listening.

~dialogue from August Rush (PG) 

This film, about a gifted boy who is orphaned and sets out on an adventure to find is birth parents, is fantastic.  I had heard mixed reviews, but I knew I wanted to gather my own opinion on it... and when I caught it in the theater, I was completely pleased by this lovely flick.  I highly recommend it, and I think it will be on DVD very soon.

The film does feature this "magical" feeling that Evan Taylor gets and appears to consume him.  Later in the film when his name is changed to August Rush and he is conversing with Wizard (Robin Williams) he tries to explain the feeling that overcomes him.  He describes it as if someone is calling out to him and he believes that he is one of the few that can hear this call.  Wizard confirms that "only some are listening".  This whole thought and subsequent conversation reminded me of something slightly different...

God, by His Spirit, calls out to every one of us.^(a,b)  He sent His Son, Jesus to give us the means to reconnect with Him for eternity^(c)... and He calls out for all of us to return to Him.^(d)  The problem is "only some of us are listening".^(e)  These deaf ears grieve the heart of God and though God's heart breaks for these people, it is these very people who are missing out on the greatest opportunity of their lives.^(f)  God loves, is love^(g) and desires more than anything to shower His love on mankind.  This love is given freely^(h) and abundantly⁽ⁱ⁾ for those who believe in Him, commit their trust in Jesus Christ making Him Lord.^(j)

Someone is calling out to you, be one of those who are listening and respond to His call.

a: Matthew 4:19
b: Mark 1:17
c: John 3:16
d: Isaiah 44:22
e: John 10:2-4
f: Romans 6:23
g: 1 John 4:16
h: Ephesians 1:6
i: 1 Timothy 1:14
j: Romans 10:9-10

(thought history)

John Newton:  Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly.  I'm a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.

~quote from Amazing Grace (PG)

Kicking off my return with this film is almost cheating.  The message is so clear and this quote is even more crystal.  However, I thought this would be a good way for me to ease my way back into things.  Amazing Grace IS a fantastic film and I highly recommend it, and quotes to remember don't get much better than the one above.

I've always enjoyed Albert Finney (Big Fish, Bourne Ultimatum) as an actor and here is no exception.  However, in this case, it's not really his acting that struck me, but the words he uttered.  As the years pass in our lives, it's often said that our minds are the first go.  People joke about being forgetful and absent minded.  John Newton was faced with the reality that he no longer remembered things like he used to, but he recalled two very important things.  Two things he deemed to be of utmost importance to remember.  The fact that he is a great sinner in need of God's grace.^(a)  Then equally as important, if not more so, that Jesus Christ is the great Savior^(b) and that in Him he receives God's matchless grace.^(c)

Easily the two greatest things a person can be sure to remember.  Above all remember that you are a great sinner in need of a savior, and that Jesus Christ is that great Savior.  Remember it, believe it, live it.

a: Romans 3:22-23
b: John 4:42
c: 2 Corinthians 9:8

(thought history)

Spider-Man:  ...You came...
New Goblin:  Looks like just in the nick of time.
Spider-Man:  A couple of minutes ago wouldn't have been so bad either.

~dialogue from Spider-Man 3 (PG-13)  

Pride and revenge along with their destructive effects take center stage in the latest installment of the Spider-man saga.  Peter Parker finally seems to have his life together and everything in balance; then pride begins to set in.  When he learns the identity of the man who killed Uncle Ben, revenge consumes him.  Adding to the mix the seemingly unlimited, addictive power stemming from a mysterious alien substance which attaches itself to Peter... Spider-Man faces his toughest battle yet, himself.  Pride, revenge, power... a three-headed monster even a superhero will struggle with.  Personally, since I'm bias toward comics, I think it's a great film... a must see.

The above dialogue occurs during a battle where Spider-Man and the New Goblin (Harry Osborn played by James Franco) joined forces against film's evil-doers.  In the midst of the battle, Goblin swoops in on his glider and saves Spidey from certain despair.  Of course, it's an exciting moment in the movie, but Spider-Man's humorous response got my hamster wheel turning.

We all have experienced various battles throughout our lives.  Physical, emotional, mental, spiritual... battles rage in all different aspects of life.  At the moment when we're tired, knocked around and ready to hit the canvas, who do you turn to?  For those of you who have already cemented your allegiance under the Lordship of Jesus Christ^(a), the answer is simple.  Turn to God.^(b)  For those of you who have not... Do you turn within searching for that extra hidden strength to press on?  What about when there's no strength left?  Perhaps a friend or family member, someone you trust?  What happens with no one's around?  When the only description that validates the situation is desperation, there is still hope.^(c)  God is always there, always available, always holding you.^(d,e)  Though, this could potentially be an excellent tangent... I won't go down that road right now.

Timing.  Our timing vs. God's timing.^(f)  I've begun to wonder if these are ever in line.  Personally when I'm in the middle of the battle, I tend to prefer immediate rescue, and honestly, I really don't enjoy walking through the fire.  However, experience has taught me that through the fires of life, character is shaped.^(g)  Whether it's positive or negative, character is molded.  If you embrace the Lord in the midst of the fire, He will bring you through and solid godly character will begin to take shape.

Stand firm and trust in the Lord^(h) in the midst of the various trials you may encounter.^(i,j)  As we battle and trust, at just the right moment God shows up, saves us from despair... often we think, it sure would have been nice had God shown up sooner to save us.  Truth is, His timing is perfect.^(k)

a: Romans 10:9-10
b: Proverbs 18:10
c: Psalm 71:14
d: Psalm 139:10
e: Isaiah 41:13
f: Romans 5:6
g: Romans 5:3-4
h: Proverbs 3:5
i: James 1:2-4
j: James 1:12
k: Habakkuk 2:3

(thought history)