MOVIE & BOOK CORNER

There’s a rare and little known movie about a man named Robert Sheffey simply titled Sheffey. I’ve never written a review about the movie but I have referenced it and I’ve quoted Brother Bob many times in previous newsletters so it’s about time I plugged the movie officially.

Sheffey is a true story taking place in the 1800’s in the Appalachian Mountains where Robert gave his life to Christ and traveled throughout the hills tending his flock. They called his kind, circuit-riding preachers.

Some of his methods seemed unorthodox and he locked horns with church officials but he reached everyone in a multi-state area. Friends simply called him brother Bob and would do anything for the man that brought Christ into their lives.

Robert Sheffey developed a campground where people from all over would gather annually for a massive tent revival. That’s the part of the story that appealed most to me. He had an incredible knack for helping people make the decision to live for Christ and the filming of the tent revivals are so charming and heartwarming that it will leave you wanting the real thing.

When you read a history of religious trends in America, you will find that Christianity was in decline at the beginning of that century. Tent revivals lasted until the early 1900’s and were very successful.

Our country experiences highs and lows in commitment to the Lord and Christians are struggling now with the ACLU and social indifference and a level of decadence that reflects the mood of Mr. Sheffey’s days. The things he said about faith are something we all need to hear today.

If you like historically accurate period pieces, this is in a class all its own. Unusual Films is the name of the production company that made the film, based on the book, Saint of the Wilderness. They are from Bob Jones University and the cast were students there.

I have only been able to find the film through Netflix and online at a site called, christianbook.com , but it’s worth the effort to find a copy. The movie not only touches a religious chord but a patriotic one as well. Watch it with family and friends but beware; it will touch your heart and leave you yearning for simpler times.

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18

Gracious Freedom

They are gracious, merciful and righteous.
Psalm 112:4

In Les Miserables, Victor Hugo tells about a priest who welcomed into his home a man recently released from prison. Though the man was branded a thief, the priest left him to sleep in a room filled with valuable silver items.

During the night the man gathered several pieces of silver and fled. He was caught by the police and brought before the priest. “This man claims you have given him gifts of your finest silver,” the officer stated. “Shall we arrest him?”

The priest replied, “He has told you the truth. But he forgot these last items. I meant to give him the rest of my silver as well.” This act of grace gave the thief a new freedom and a redeemed perspective of the world around him.

Being gracious is difficult indeed. It can mean letting go of grudges or prejudices. It can mean going beyond what’s fair to what’s merciful. In graciousness, being right is less important than being helpful and generous. When we’re filled with kindness and gentleness, there’s no room for bitterness or self-centered motives. We are free to give of ourselves and of what we have to anyone who is in need. Celebrate the freedom to be gracious.

Add this to your prayers tonight; God of grace, open my heart to my neighbor. Amen.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures