Noticing God Devotion #5
Entertainment (Movies, TV, Theater)
Philippians 4:8
This devotion is designed to guide you through a passage of Scripture related to our practice for the
month. Read the passage and choose one or both of the exercises to complete with God. Following the
study of Scripture there are a series of questions (“Reflecting on the Month”) that ask you to reflect on
your interaction with God over the past months emphasis. Set aside a quiet time to be in the Word, and
to reflect on how you have noticed God more clearly.
NOTE: This is a more simple devotion for the month. Spend time with the verse given, think about the
Biblical emphasis on story, and use a movie time with a more devotional emphasis. Enjoy your time
with God.
WARMING UP
Before you begin, get in a comfortable position, relax your body, and spend a few moments in silence. If
distractions interrupt your silence, turn each one over to God as they come, and return to silence before
Him.
1) Philippians 4:8
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.
-Read this verse slowly a few times. What are the thoughts that come to mind for you?
-For most of my life, this verse always read in the negative for me. I would read it and immediately think
of the thoughts I had that weren’t true, pure, lovely, etc. and think of how I needed to change. When
discussing this verse, Biblical commentator N.T. Wright pointed out that we live in a “God-bathed
world”; He really is everywhere. When our mind is set on the things of God, there is much to see that is
true, praiseworthy, lovely, etc. if we are looking. This could really be a theme verse for our entire years’
vine emphasis. Take a moment in silence and think through a typical day in your life (maybe even
yesterday or your day up to this point). What opportunities do you have (or did you have) to see the
true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy things of this “God-bathed
world”? Make a point to look for and then set your mind on those things in the coming days.
-How could this verse apply to your daily interaction with different forms of entertainment?
2) The Bible as Story
Movies, TV, and theater connect with us so immediately for many reasons, including the fact that we are
drawn to stories. We have seen this year in our church through “The Story” how the Bible can be seen
as an entire story, always pointing us to the work of God with His people. The Bible is filled with story,
from the whole story we are seeing from beginning to end, to the dramatic individual stories we see in
the Old Testament, to the story of Jesus life, and even to Jesus’ use of story with His parables. Think
about how unique the Bible is as a religious text, how it focusses on story, and not only on commands
and teachings. Take time and think about the stories that stand out most to you in the Bible. Find one
of those stories and read it again, focusing on how that story impacts you. For the fun of it, imagine the
story being made into a movie. What would it look like, who would play what roles, etc.?
3) Watch one of the movies on our list of suggestions. Watch it with God in mind from start to finish.
What does it teach you about Him? What verses of Scripture come to mind as you reflect on the film?
REFLECTING ON THE MONTH
Use the questions below to reflect on the time you have spent with God during the monthly practice.
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How did you notice God during your times of viewing various forms of entertainment?
What one or two films/shows/performances most captured your heart or made an impression
on you as you viewed them? How did they point you to God? Did they challenge you in any of
your relationships?
Did you come to realize anything that needs to change about your viewing habits? What
changes will you look to make? Is there anyone that can hold you accountable?
Staff Movie Ideas: These are movies that make us think of God and/or His ways, or that use Christian
themes. Ask if you have any questions about the recommendations.
12 Angry Men
Les Miserables
East of Eden
Dead Man Walking
The Matrix Series
Lilies of the Field
The Elephant Man
Chariots of Fire
Signs
The Day the Earth Stood Still (original) Field of Dreams
Schindler’s List
Lion, Which, and the Wardrobe
Big Fish
Wit
My Afternoon’s with Margueritte
Count of Monte Cristo
Lord of the Rings Series
Bruce/Evan Almighty
A Night to Remember