I don't watch many movies anymore.
On the few occasions that I try it is
usually a lost cause because I am so tired
I just fall asleep.
However, one evening this past year
we wanted to do something together as
a family and off we went to see the animated
Despicable Me.
I didn't have high expectations.
But I was wrong.
I loved it!
While it is not deep and it is not an unusual
story line there was just something about the
writing that I really connected with.
Maybe it was just that the girls were so
stinkin' cute!
Or maybe it was that
for once the evil was
truly portrayed as evil.
So many times it is hard to tell
if we are supposed to think
bad is bad
in today's films.
This afternoon I will lead a Bible Study with
ladies who are recently out of prison.
They have every reason to want change in their
lives. I am certain that there is a some amount of
self hate talk that goes on in their minds.
We will talk about making resolutions.
Why? Is it worth it?
Resolutions that will make a difference.
Working out of the 16th Proverb we will
determine what, if any, resolutions would be
pleasing to God.
Proverbs 16
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
and he will establish your plans.
4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
than much gain with injustice.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.
but the LORD establishes their steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.
and his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.
they value the one who speaks what is right.
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it.
but the wise will appease it.
15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
to get insight rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a]
and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.[b]
and gracious words promote instruction.[b]
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,
but folly brings punishment to fools.
but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.[c]
and their lips promote instruction.[c]
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
but in the end it leads to death.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
their hunger drives them on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.
and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.
and leads them down a path that is not good.
30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
but its every decision is from the LORD.
I have highlighted a few verses from which we will
draw discussion....I hope the ladies get into it and
see more gems...the ones that I have not highlighted.
Whatever the case, I am going to spend time pondering
these verses and making every effort to become a bit less
despicable. These are my kind of resolutions!
8 comments:
My kids saw this movie with their father and they loved it too! God bless you for doing a Bible Study with those dear sisters... I'll be praying that His purposes are accomplished♥
Oh I know that these gals are so going to appreciate your words today. What a hope we have in Christ no matter our past. I'd love to be sitting in on this study myself! (I had wondered about Despicable Me.)
Tim and I LOVE this movie, in fact I got it for him for Christmas. First of all it has to do with unwanted children finally finding their home, and as a couple battling infertility that's something that strikes a big chord with us.
Also we love Gru, we love that his evil came from a misguided attempt to please his mother. The movie is really quite deep if you look at it.
However for me it's the minions that sealed the movie. How funny it is that they were evil just like their boss when he was evil, but good once he changed. It's all about who you're following. Will you follow the good or the evil? Will you notice the change in your life when it comes.
We quote this movie often. Especially "Lightbulb" and "No burping, no farting, no other annoying noises"
hi becky!
thank you for your visit and kind words.
i am so impressed by your ministry to
women recently out of jail. your words
and His word and Spirit will bring such
life to them.
blessings,
lea
This is one my favorite Psalms, Becky. There are so many treasures within these verses. I know it will be a good discussion and these ladies will glean much as the Lord directs your words. I admire you for doing this. You never know how far the ripples will go. God bless you in the New Year! I'm equally blessed to have found your blog! Thank you so much!!!
Oh, Becky, such a lovely write. Have not hear of this movie ...
Pop over for our lovely CSN GIVEAWAY!
Have a beautiful New Year ~
TTFN ~
Hugs, Marydon
That's an awesome chapter in Proverbs. I am partial to verse 31:)
Bless you for taking time with these gals to teach them from God's Word! It is so true. We all are despicable sinners outside of God's grace. The thing is...we still like to dabble in that even when we know He's paid the price to bring us out from that. Oh to be more like my Savior! A worthy thought for this New Year! Thank you!
Post a Comment