"Divine Influencer" movie review

My Review of Divine Influencer movie

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix (now “Great American Pure Flix”) is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Great American Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Great American Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service.

Great American Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie Divine Influencer. I watched this thought-provoking, cleverly crafted, beautifully told, life-changing movie a few weeks before it was made available for viewing on Great American Pure Flix today (Sept. 15). I admired so much about this movie! I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review).

Here’s the synopsis of the movie with words from Momentum and me: When an entitled influencer loses everything, she must humbly trust God to understand what the meaning of true influence is. Desperate, she takes a job at a homeless shelter only so she has a place to lay her head and quickly realizes the joy and purpose that comes from serving others. Divine Influencer is such a timely movie as the world of social media expands at a rapid pace. The message of this film is a reflection on how easy it is to live for the likes, the shares and the comments instead of living our lives for God or to serve others.

The opening scenes of this movie show the viewer that Olivia, a social media influencer, is celebrating her birthday and she’s behind on her rent. Then the scene that starts making the Olivia's world unravel happens: Olivia accidentally posts a video of her bashing a product she represents and that results in her being fired. Making matters worse, Olivia’s best friend moves into her position as an influencer for her former boss. As the story progresses, Olivia hears an interview with Andrew Geller, a top marketing executive, and she quickly realizes she doesn’t have her own sense of purpose or direction. All hope seems lost in the next few scenes when Olivia’s parents call and tell her they are selling all their belongings and are creating a nonprofit to further God’s kingdom. Olivia’s parents tell her she’s on her own and they are no longer going to pay for her apartment and lifestyle.

After wallowing in despair and briefly staying at a friend’s house, Olivia runs into Ryan, a high school classmate who she hasn’t seen in 10 years. He invites her to help serve dinner at the Rescue Mission he works and he ends up hiring her to work there. But to work there, Olivia must live there. So she moves into the shelter and her life along with the life of everyone who she influences, starts to change!

Now for my review:

I was happy to see that Shari Rigby, a renown Christian actress, directed this movie. She definitely is a natural behind the camera and knows how to tell a story.

The producer of this movie, Shawn Boskie, did a wonderful work in producing this story and bringing it to life.

Lara Silva who you may recognize from the popular Bible story series titled, “The Chosen”, did a fabulous and very convincing job of playing Olivia Golden who has been wealthy from birth because of her parents.

Jason Burkey, who played Ryan in this movie, did a great job. He was always in character and the way he interacted with Olivia was adorable.

Jesse Metcalfe, who played Andrew in this movie, is no newbie to acting. He delivered a stellar performance every time he was part of a scene.

All of these main actors and those in supporting roles collaborated wonderfully well in telling this story. From the start, these characters drew me into the movie and made me want to know what happens next. I found the storyline to be very real and reflective of real-life. I remember hearing about similar stories on popular talk shows on television years ago which is why I believe this movie conveys a message that is very relatable and yet also very inspirational.

The director, producer and cast really brought God into the picture. Seeing how the characters grew in their faith journey with God was really inspiring. Watching Olivia transform from self-absorbed to focusing on others and helping make their life better is a note we could all take and apply it to our daily life because people are struggling and we all need Jesus Christ. They say, “You may be the only Bible that some people read.” And I think that so many storytelling elements in this movie reminded me of that truth.

I must say that having a five-star chef work in the kitchen of the homeless shelter was an unexpected and very nice touch and the food she fixed looked delicious!

My takeaway from this movie was how important it is to count your blessings, help others and encourage everyone you meet because we’re all fighting battles—some silent and some obvious—and we all need Jesus who is the answer to it all.

If you need a dose of hope and encouragement, watch Divine Influencer. It will help you in so many ways and it may make you hungry too! Hungry for a closer walk with Jesus Christ, and hungry to fill your stomach with some good food.

Themes of this movie included: 

• Self-centered vs. serving others
• Entitlement
• Sense of purpose and direction
• Not taking responsibility for your actions
• Hardship is a humbling experience
• Second chances
• God sees us and knows us in all circumstances
• Rely on Jesus
• Power and importance of prayer
• Asking God to use us for His will and purpose
• Our past does not define us, our identity is in Christ

Divine Influencer is a movie that will introduce you to Great American Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Great American Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Here's the website link to where you can watch Divine Influencer:
https://www.pureflix.com/movie/divine-influencer

See the movie trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrNifHNYZ7s

Watch the Momentum Influencers interview conducted by Jean Thomason with Lara Silva, who plays the lead in Divine Influencer. Here’s the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQCxAtrPdJA

Bible verses illustrated by this movie: 

“But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:48 (NIV)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Recommended Reading related to the messages in this movie:

OUR FAVORITE & MOST IMPACTFUL QUOTES FROM 'DIVINE INFLUENCER'

15 POWERFUL BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THANKFULNESS AND GRATITUDE

HELPING OTHERS: 13 BIBLE SCRIPTURES ON GIVING

INSPIRE GIVING AND SERVING OTHERS WITH THESE PURE FLIX MOVIES

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN one 3-month Pure Flix subscription!

Please note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on Sept. 21, 2023.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c468/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. #DivineInfluencerMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: The value of caring and loving people like Jesus

Give a Care
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” –Proverbs 28:27 (KJV)

My wife and I have been married for 39 years. I thought that it was my responsibility to closely manage our money. She said I was a cheapskate and a skinflint. In retrospect, she was right.

As our finances and credit score improved, I relaxed a little. However, I did remain penurious. Even though I tithed and gave a liberal offering at church, I was not philanthropically oriented, until I had an experience that prompted me to pray for a giving spirit. God has grown me!

Here is an example of how God has helped me want to be more giving: One day, I was in my car. As I approached a corner, the light at the intersection turned red. I stopped. As I looked around, I noticed a lady walking up the line of cars. She was holding a sign with a message in English and Spanish. The sign said that she was a mother of two and was unemployed. The sign asked for donations. Had the light remained green, I may not have noticed her. But I did notice her, and our eyes met. In my penurious years, I might have averted my eyes and ignored her. But not that day! In that moment when our eyes connected, the verse above (Proverbs 28:27) reverberated in the core of my soul.

Immediately, I reached into my pocket, rolled down the window and gave her 25% of the cash that I had in my pocket. Her face radiated appreciation, affirmation and admiration. She said, “One day, I will give to others as you have given to me.”

Benevolence is a spiritual virtue. It is also the conduit of grace that insures the flow of blessings and grace. Benevolence (doing something good for someone else, just because), is an antidote for selfishness. Selfishness is really fruit from the tree of fear that you do not have enough.

According to Mark 14:7, we will always have poor people among us. The wise writer of Proverbs 28:27 shares a key that can unlock the divine storehouse where blessings are waiting to be dispensed. Kindness is like a catalyst for miraculous expansion of shared resources. Giving does not cause scarcity; being stingy does.

I am encouraging you to try an experiment today. Look for someone who needs some help and help them. Here are five reasons to do so:

Reason #1: Giving and helping are virtues that Jesus extolled and demonstrated.

Reason #2: Many people are in need through no fault of their own.

Reason #3: Poverty is not a sin. It is a circumstance.

Reason #4: Kindness and brotherly love are more valuable to God than worship.

Reason #5: Kindness suspends judgement and can be transformational in the life of the recipient.

Two years ago I had dinner with a multi-millionaire. I paid for the dinner. He told me a thumbnail sketch of his life story: He was an orphan in a country far from America. He, along with some other children were selling pencils on main street in a big city when a woman passed by him. She looked at him as she handed him some money. He stood up, thanked her, and extended a pencil. She declined to take the pencil and walked away. A few moments later, she came back and asked him where his parents were. He told her that he was an orphan. That day, she began the process of adopting him.

Today, he is a scientist. He has created and patented several world changing innovations. He is a brilliant and humble man. Yet, he says that had that woman not followed the prompting of God and shown kindness to him, he would likely not be who he has become. Now, he is wealthier than his original benefactor.

Make an investment in yourself by investing kindness in someone else. When it becomes a habit, goodness and mercy will follow you. Your humanity, caring eye contact, and gift may change one life and many others in turn. Please do not shirk an opportunity to care.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, as we move through this day that you have blessed us with, please help us to be blessings in the lives of other people. Give us opportunities to give, share and care about someone or several people. Guide us into divine appointments where our sacrifice of money, time, and interest will be meaningful and transformational for the persons we help and ourselves. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps. 

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Provision

God Provides
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”

–Luke 12:22-24 (ESV)

Have you ever dealt with lack?

In Luke 12:13-21, there is a parable about a rich farmer who had an over abundant harvest one year. Therefore, he decided knock down his current house and build a bigger barn to store up all he can of his crops so that he won’t have to worry about being in need. He builds it and then God comes to tell him that he is foolish, because his time on Earth is now done.

For a while this parable confused me. Isn’t it wise to save up? Isn’t it okay to store enough for ourselves? Why is God chastising him?

I grew up extremely poor, so when I received anything, I would cling to it in fear that I could possibly lose it at any moment. Sometimes that did happen, so I certainly get the mindset of the rich farmer and the urge to hoard things to prevent future poverty. The uncertainty of not knowing if we’d keep our home or have enough money at the end of the month caused a lot of anxiety for me growing up. When I reached adulthood, I swore that I would never have to depend on anyone and that I would always be able to take care of myself.

The problem that I and the farmer both had was a lack of trust in God to provide.

When hard times happened and I had to ask for help, it was a challenge. I felt like I failed. It revealed pride and a serious lack in trust in God. Depending only on myself is not the type of relationship God intended to have with me.

Underneath that parable are the following verses in Luke 12:22-24 (ESV):

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”

We are not to worry about anything because God will provide everything. If God takes care of the birds, why wouldn’t He take care of us?

In my times of poverty as a child, God did provide. One time, as my family and I were in the process of being evicted, one of my mother’s coworkers miraculously gave her what she needed to cover the rent. When we needed food, friends would step in and buy groceries. Even in my adult life when I have faced financial troubles, God has, without fail, provided the funding for what I needed. Poverty is hard, but God sees it and will always provide.

In closing, I’d like for you to remember this Bible verse found in Psalm 34:10 (NIV): “The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

Let’s Pray: Dear God, Help us to remember that with you, we never lack. You see us and know what we need. Thank you for always providing for us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA.

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and launched her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: A Savior

A Savior is Born
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” –Luke 2:11-12 (KJV)

Christmas is such a wonderful and magical season.

It’s the time of year when people tend to be generous and kind toward each other, even if in the other eleven months of the year they are not. Children are in awe anticipating Santa’s arrival, decorations are going up, trees are lit, and the air is filled with Christmas music. Retail merchants are vying for the Christmas club dollars and there is a mad dash to accomplish what one deems important for their family’s Christmas. Everything is bright and glittery. This is what Christmas has become in the 21st century. But two thousand years ago, the first Christmas was quite different.

I always think of Mary (the mother of Jesus) and I can’t imagine being nine months pregnant, riding a donkey ninety miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. That trip would have taken four to seven days over some rough terrain. We know Mary’s origin was Nazareth and Joseph was from Bethlehem. They both were in Nazareth when Caesar Augustus degreed that the whole world should be taxed and Joseph needed to return to his city of origin.

Think how Mary must have felt, tired, uncomfortable in early labor and needing a place to bring her child into the world. One could assume Joseph was poor and they did not have the money to procure a room in a private home, which was made available for the well-to-do. Mary and Joseph might have been turned away from several places before they came to the inn.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
– Luke 2:7 (KJV)

They were offered a stable, an out building similar to a barn and many commentaries dispute whether it was a stable or in a house. Some believe they stated in a family members home. This is not a doctrinal point as to whether he was born in a stable or in a house. What does matter is that He was born.

Why the chosen date of December 25 as the birthdate of Jesus Christ? That is another debate among scholars. Many say it couldn’t have been in winter because the shepherds were outside with their flocks, so some have assumed Jesus was born in the spring. Others say winter because there is a special breed of sheep that can tolerate the colder weather. Winter or spring, He came. God sent His only begotten son as the greatest gift of all (John 3:16)! Jesus came to redeem sinful mankind. The blood of cattle and goats could no longer be atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:12).

So, when we gather on Christmas Day with our families, break bread together and enjoy the fellowship of the season, let us reflect upon Jesus, our Savior, who left the splendor of a Heavenly Kingdom to come down to our level and sacrifice Himself for sinful mankind.

There was a song many years ago that had a line that said, “He would have come, even if you’d been the only one.” That is a humbling thought, Jesus would have come just for YOU. He loves you that much.

Let us thank our Heavenly Father for the wonderful gift of Jesus, and share with those around you the love of God. Let’s not be too busy to be kind to one another and say, “Merry Christmas.”

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.