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  • The Chosen – Season 1 – Episode 5 Rewind

    Who doesn’t love a wedding! Love is in the air, everyone is dressed up, enjoying themselves and having lots of fun dancing. And in this episode of The Chosen, we get front-row seats to a beautiful wedding in Cana. Mary’s there. Jesus is there. The disciples are there. And tucked inside all the laughter and feasting is the moment Jesus performs his very first public miracle: turning water into wine. Talk about a reception upgrade.

    Every host knows the nightmare scenario—running out of food or drinks. In Cana, the food situation is solid, but the wine supply? Not so much. Before the wedding kicks off, we meet Thomas and Ramah. We know Thomas from Scripture, but Ramah is a character created by the writers to help shape the storyline. In the show, Thomas and Ramah are the wine suppliers, and the host simply didn’t order enough. Scripture doesn’t say Thomas was in the wine business, but it’s a creative liberty that helps set the stage. Just like Matthew witnessing Simon’s miracle in the show (not in the Bible), the creators have Thomas witness the water-to-wine moment to show why he’d drop everything to follow Jesus. It’s storytelling with purpose.

    The episode opens with one of my favorite flashbacks: Mary and Joseph losing Jesus in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41–52). They leave the Passover celebration, travel an entire day, and suddenly realize—no Jesus. It takes them three days to find him. Three. Days. Knowing that Mary, lost Jesus for 3 days gives me comfort that I’m not a horrible mom for losing my daughter in the grocery store once for 10 minutes. It happens, especially if you have a wandering child and you’re not a bad mom because of it!

    And Jesus’ response—“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”—is both convicting and clarifying. Of course he’d be in the temple. Of course he’d be with God. It makes me wonder if that should be our default answer too. Where were you? I was at church. I was reading my Bible. I was thinking about God. I was sharing Jesus with someone. When our focus is on God, we’re not wandering—we’re anchored. So, the real question becomes: where is your focus?

    Back to the wedding. By the time the celebration is in full swing, the wine is gone. Mary turns to Jesus, and he steps in with quiet authority and breathtaking generosity (John 2:3–11). What a perfect wedding guest, he saves the day and we even get to see him dance with the disciples at the end of the episode.

    After watching such a delightful episode, take a moment to dive deeper into the Scripture behind this miracle. Download the attached study and explore the richness of Jesus’ first public sign. The celebration continues long after the credits roll.

  • The Chosen – Season 1 – Episode 4 Rewind

    This episode, “The Rock on Which It Was Built,” puts Simon front and center—and honestly, the man is a walking tornado of trouble. He’s tangled himself in a mess so big you almost need a flowchart to keep up. He couldn’t turn in the merchant fishermen on Shabbat because, surprise, they were his friends. He can’t pay off his debts. He’s in hot water with the Romans. And every attempt to fix things only seems to make the hole deeper.

    When he finally confesses everything to Eden, she doesn’t yell. She doesn’t spiral. She simply asks the two questions that cut straight to the heart: “Where is your faith?” and “Why are you not pursuing God?” Those words land. You can almost see them hit him. And when Simon goes out for one last desperate attempt to pull in a catch, he finally breaks. He cries out to God—not with polished prayers, but with raw honesty. Frustration. Exhaustion. A plea for help from someone who has run out of options.

    And right on cue, Eden sends James, John, and Andrew to help him. It’s almost like God heard Simon’s cry and whispered, “Watch this.”

    There are many times in life when things don’t go as we planned, just like Simon’s situation. But are you going to God? Are you expressing your frustrations and having an honest conversation with him? God is not a genie and will not grant your every request, but he will listen and his will prevails. I think this is a good lesson we can all learn from, when we are in a hard situation GO TO GOD!

    The night of fishing is a bust… but joy comes in the morning. And with the sunrise comes Jesus. He tells Simon to drop the net one more time. One more act of obedience. One more chance to trust. And then it happens—the miracle that changes everything. The nets overflow. The boats nearly sink under the weight of the catch. Debts can be paid. Futures can be rewritten. And Simon falls to his knees, overwhelmed by the holiness standing in his boat.

    This is the moment Simon accepts the invitation of Jesus to follow him. He leaves being a fisherman and becomes a fisher of men. And he’s not alone—Andrew, James, and John join him. One miracle, four lives redirected forever. (Luke 5:4–11)

    Now, scripture doesn’t say Matthew witnessed any of this, but The Chosen gives us a fun twist: Matthew is watching the whole thing unfold like a stunned reporter at the scene of the world’s strangest fishing story. He’s scribbling notes, eyes wide, trying to make sense of the impossible. His curiosity about Jesus is officially ignited, and we all know where that’s headed in future episodes.

    If you want to dive deeper into Simon’s story, check out the free Bible study attached. Now that you’ve seen the moment dramatized on screen, go read it in the Word. You might be surprised by how alive the passage feels when you’ve watched it play out.

  • The Chosen – Season 1 – Episode 3 Rewind

    If I’m being completely honest, this is not my favorite episode. It actually is my least favorite episode in the entire Chosen series. Although that is a strong statement, every episode of The Chosen is so good! This one is just a little too slow for me. I’m not sure if you noticed, but it also is the shortest episode in The Chosen series clocking in at just over 20 minutes.

    But here’s the thing: even though it doesn’t push the main storyline forward, it does something quietly beautiful. It gives us a peek into the everyday life of Jesus. The episode is titled “Jesus Loves All the Little Children,” and that’s exactly what you get—a simple, tender look at Jesus living a humble, ordinary life and making time for the children.

    Watching it made me pause and think about just how humbling Jesus’ earthly life really was. The Son of God could have arrived with royal fanfare, dripping in gold, adored by crowds from day one. Instead, He chose a manger. He chose poverty. He chose to walk among the outcasts, the forgotten, the ones no one else wanted. This episode captures that heart so well. You see Him doing chores, working with His hands, cracking jokes, listening to kids, and being wonderfully, beautifully relatable. He stepped into our world and lived our struggles—and still loved people deeply and intentionally.

    So yes, this episode may not be packed with plot twists or high‑stakes drama, but it shines in a different way. It highlights the gentleness, humility, and warmth of Jesus. And honestly, that’s worth slowing down for.

    Let’s dig deeper into what Scripture says about Jesus’ life, His work, and His interactions with children. Grab the free study attached and let’s explore it together.

  • The Chosen – Season 1 – Episode 2 Rewind

    This episode is all about Shabbat and observing the sabbath. It is an interesting episode because we get to see a couple of Shabbat dinners in action! And The Chosen doesn’t just tell us about it; it lets us peek into several Shabbat dinners happening all at once.

    Mary is healed and ready to host her very own Shabbat dinner for the first time ever and little does she know, but she will have the most important dinner guest there is. She has undergone a drastic change and is no longer is tormented by demons. She is happy, enjoying life and ready to observe her Jewish traditions and host Shabbat.

    Meanwhile, Nicodemus hears rumors that Mary is healed and immediately goes into detective mode. He has to see it with his own eyes. When he finds her, he’s stunned—not just by her transformation, but by the fact that she credits her healing to a mysterious man who didn’t even give his name. Nicodemus can’t wrap his mind around someone performing a miracle and not wanting the spotlight. Little does he know… this is going to be a recurring theme with Jesus.

    Two of our other main characters, Matthew and Simon both don’t get to celebrate Shabbat. They have very different reasons, but both situations provide insight into their lives. Matthew as a tax collector is rejected by the Jewish people and has no where to celebrate Shabbat. He goes to someone’s home, but doesn’t have the courage to knock on the door and attend the dinner. He is used to rejection and assumes the same will happen this Shabbat.

    Simon has gotten himself into a pickle where he needs to deliver the merchant fishermen who are fishing on the Sabbath or he will be in big trouble with the Roman officers. He attempts to butter up the fishermen at the bar to understand who is fishing on the Sabbath and then ends up having to leave the Shabbat dinner to catch the fisherman in the act. Andrew and Eden are both upset with Simon and it ruins their Shabbat dinner as well.

    As Christians, we don’t celebrate Shabbat with a traditional Friday‑night dinner, but we are called to honor the Sabbath and rest (Exodus 20:8–11). Watching this episode raises a pretty convicting question: how are we actually spending our Sundays? Are we resting the way God designed us to? Are we slowing down, reconnecting with family, and making space for Him?

    It’s worth pausing to take inventory. Not out of guilt, but out of invitation. God built rest into creation long before He ever commanded it. Maybe it’s time to reclaim it.

    If you want to dig deeper into the scriptures behind this episode, download the Bible study I’ve attached. Test everything against the Word. Let the show inspire you—but let Scripture shape you.

  • The Chosen – Season 1 – Episode 1 Rewind

    The Chosen has become more than a national phenomenon—it’s a global wave of excitement that’s pulling people straight into the world of the gospels. There’s something powerful about watching Scripture unfold on screen. Suddenly, the stories you’ve read for years take on color, movement, and emotion. Once you’ve seen these moments play out, you’ll never read your Bible the same way again. I’m thrilled you’re stepping into The Chosen journey. It’s one ride you won’t regret.

    One of the best parts of this series is how intentionally the creators stay close to Scripture. Sure, they fill in some narrative gaps, but the backbone of the show is firmly rooted in the biblical text. Episode one drops us right into the life of Mary Magdalene. At first glance, she seems like any other woman in Capernaum—until we discover she’s tormented by seven demons. No one can help her. Not the townspeople. Not the religious leaders. Not even Nicodemus, the respected Pharisee and teacher of teachers. But then Jesus steps onto the scene, and everything changes. With a word, He frees her. It’s a stunning moment and a bold choice for the show’s opening miracle. Jesus for the win!

    Some theologians point out that Jesus’ first public miracle was turning water into wine. But Scripture doesn’t give us a timeline for Mary’s healing. Luke simply tells us that seven demons had come out of her. (Luke 8:2) Whether this moment happened early or later, The Chosen uses it to introduce one of the most compelling characters of the entire series.

    While Mary takes center stage in this episode, we also meet Simon and Andrew. Scripture tells us they were fishermen, but The Chosen adds some extra layers—showing them as scrappy, street-smart, and occasionally in over their heads. Is every detail biblical? Not exactly. But considering Simon’s fiery personality, he did cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear who tried to mess with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. (John 18:10), it’s not hard to imagine he had a bit of an edge.

    We’re also introduced to Nicodemus and Matthew. Nicodemus is portrayed as a respected Pharisee wrestling with questions he can’t quite shake. Matthew is the meticulous, socially awkward tax collector who will eventually become one of Jesus’ closest followers. The Bible doesn’t say Nicodemus ever attempted to cast out Mary’s demons, but the show uses that moment to spark his curiosity about Jesus. It’s a creative choice that sets up some of the most meaningful scenes in later episodes.

    The first episode is really an introduction to the characters. As the show continues more of the story will take place and many more characters will be introduced. The fun is just beginning!

    To help you follow along, I’ve created a Bible study you can complete after each episode. It’s short—about 10–15 minutes—and totally free to download. Each lesson includes a “While You Watch” section to help you track characters and key moments, plus reflection questions to help you dig deeper. With so many characters entering the story this season, subtitles can be your best friend. They’ll help you catch every name, every line, and every detail.

    My prayer is that watching The Chosen stirs something in you—a hunger to open your Bible and read the gospels for yourself. Now that you’ve seen the creators’ interpretation, go back to the source. Nothing replaces Scripture. No show, no matter how well done, can match the depth and beauty of the written Word. Read the stories they included, the ones they didn’t, and the ones they rearranged. Compare, reflect, and let God speak to you through His Word.

    And if you want even more, The Chosen offers its own Bible study as well. It’s excellent—just a bit longer and different in style from the one I’ve created. Both can be great tools as you walk through the series.

    The journey has just begun. Let’s dive in.

  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Rewind

    Last year at Christmas time, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever came out in the movie theatres. I booked my tickets and brought my family to go see the movie and I absolutely loved it! I walked out thinking, “Finally, a Christmas movie that actually tells the Christmas story!” This year, it’s available to rent or own on Amazon Prime, and yes, I bought it immediately. If you’re looking for a film that’s fun for kids, meaningful for adults, and centered on Jesus, this one is a must-watch. Given how much I liked this movie and now that Christmas is coming up, I wanted to add this one to my blog and put together a family friendly bible study/ devotional for you to do.

    The story kicks off with the infamous Herdman family. These kids are the definition of chaos—they steal, lie, fight, and even set fires. They really are a nuisance to the Emmanuel town. The parents are not around and the kids basically do whatever they want. Other children are scared of them, and adults don’t know what to do with them. They are the outcasts of the town. But then they discover the church serves snacks on Sundays. Free food? They’re in. And while they’re there, they overhear talk of the annual Christmas pageant. Naturally, they bully their way into all the lead roles. The congregation is horrified. The kids are furious. And poor Grace, who volunteered to direct after Mrs. Armstrong broke both her legs, is left wondering how she’ll survive this disaster.

    Here’s the twist: the Herdman’s don’t even know the Christmas story. Grace walks them through Luke 2:1–20, and their raw, unfiltered reactions are both hilarious and profound. They’re outraged that the innkeeper turned Mary and Joseph away. They’re baffled by the wisemen’s gifts. And for the first time, the congregation sees the nativity through fresh eyes—eyes that aren’t dulled by tradition but wide open to wonder.

    The pageant rehearsals didn’t go well and no one knows if the pageant is going to be any good this year. At the last minute the Herdman’s show up—and what happens next is unforgettable. Their touching gift of a ham for baby Jesus instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh shows real sacrifice. The way Imogene looks at Jesus and actually cries with tears rolling down her cheeks brings emotion to the play for the first time in 75 years. The Herdman’s made the Christmas pageant the best one ever!

    This movie isn’t just entertainment—it’s a reminder that Jesus came for everyone, even the outcasts, even the Herdman’s. It’s packed with scripture, overflowing with heart, and it leaves you remembering that Christ is the reason for the season.

    So here’s my invitation: after you watch the movie, gather your family and dive into the 5-day devotional Bible study I’ve put together. Reflect, discuss, and let this Christmas be one where Christ truly takes center stage.

    Merry Christmas—and may your celebrations be just as surprising, heartfelt, and joyful as the Herdman’s pageant.

    Feel free to print the devotional using the download above. If you would like to purchase the devotional, visit the below link for your copy!

    https://www.lulu.com/shop/brittany-mcgaffin/the-greatest-christmas-pageant-ever-5-day-family-devotional/paperback/product-zmwzgrg.html?page=1&pageSize=4

  • Ruth & Boaz – Rewind #2

    If you thought the book of Ruth was dramatic, wait until you see the movie’s second half. Love, faith, and legacy take center stage, and the sparks between Ruth and Boaz? Let’s just say the screenwriters turned up the heat. While the biblical account keeps things subtle, the film leans into the romance—cue longing glances, grape stomping, and a few heart-thumping obstacles.

    In scripture, Ruth and Boaz’s budding relationship is paused by a legal technicality: another relative has first dibs on redeeming Ruth. In the movie, it’s not a family formality but a fiery antagonist named Syrus, whose threats and shady dealings keep Ruth at arm’s length. Whether it’s a distant cousin or a dangerous manager, love has hurdles—but in both versions, love wins. Ruth and Boaz tie the knot, and the audience breathes a collective sigh of relief.

    Now, let’s talk drama. The movie throws in a barn fire that threatens Boaz’s prized wine. It looks like disaster, but somehow—miraculously—the wine isn’t ruined. It’s better. God’s work at his best! Then Syrus storms into Naomi’s house, threatening Ruth. But Naomi isn’t having it. She grabs a shotgun (yes, really), and the police arrive just in time to haul Syrus away. With the villain out of the picture and the wine saved, Ruth and Boaz finally get their moment.

    Back in the book of Ruth, Boaz plays it cool and honorable. He meets with the other relative, lays out the facts, and they seal the deal with a sandal exchange. Strange by today’s standards, but totally legit back then. With the path cleared, Ruth and Boaz marry—and this time, there’s a baby.

    Here’s where the legacy kicks in. The movie ends with Ruth becoming a successful singer and co-owner of R&B Winery. It’s a modern twist, but it skips a major biblical milestone: Ruth becomes the mother of Obed, grandfather of King David, and ancestor of Jesus Christ. Talk about a legacy. Ruth and Boaz weren’t just a love story—they were part of God’s redemptive plan for the world.

    So whether you’re watching the drama unfold on screen or reading the quiet power of scripture, the themes remain: love that overcomes, faith that endures, and a legacy that echoes through eternity.

    Want to dig deeper? Download the study and explore Ruth chapters 3 and 4 with us. Let’s uncover the beauty of this story—one sandal, one vineyard, and one divine thread at a time.

  • Ruth & Boaz – Rewind #1

    Tyler Perry has officially gone biblical—and I was all in! His new Netflix film Ruth & Boaz takes a bold swing at reimagining one of the most beloved stories in scripture, and while it doesn’t stick to the biblical script word-for-word, it still delivers a compelling tale that’s worth watching. If you’ve seen it, I hope it sparked your curiosity to dive into the actual book of Ruth. Spoiler alert: it’s only four chapters long, but it packs a punch. The book of Ruth is only 4 chapters long, but it is packed with some great themes that are relevant to our everyday lives. It starts with loss and grief and moves into the power of hard work! Then in the second part of the movie and book of Ruth you will see the themes of love, faith and legacy.

    I have broken the attached study guide into four sessions covering all of these topics. First let’s start out talking about the loss and grief that Naomi is feeling. Naomi loses her husband and two sons—heartbreak stacked on heartbreak. In the movie, the tragedy unfolds through a carjacking. In scripture, the details are left out, but the emotional weight is the same. Naomi decides to return home—Israel in the Bible, Tennessee in the movie—and she tells Ruth to stay behind. Ruth, of course, isn’t having it. She’s loyal, fierce, and full of faith. She clings to Naomi like a lifeline and sets out on a new journey.

    Now here’s where things get interesting. Ruth rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. In the Bible, she’s gleaning grain in Boaz’s field. In the movie, she’s harvesting grapes. Either way, she’s hustling. And Boaz? He notices. Cue the slow burn romance.

    But Perry adds a twist—Ruth’s got pipes. She’s a singer tangled up in a toxic contract with a manipulative manager. That’s part of why she leaves her old life behind. The Bible doesn’t mention karaoke nights or viral videos, but the movie uses those modern beats to show Ruth’s courage and her desire for something more.

    One standout scene? Ruth belts out a song at a bar with her friend Lena, and Boaz is there to catch the moment. Sparks fly. But fame has its price, and that karaoke clip ends up in the wrong hands. Trouble’s brewing.

    So yes, the movie takes creative liberties. But the heart of Ruth’s story—grief, grit, loyalty, and love—is still pulsing underneath. That’s why I’ve broken the study guide into four sessions, starting with the themes of loss and hard work from Ruth chapters 1 and 2.

    Ready to dig deeper? Download the study and explore how this ancient story still speaks today—even when it’s dressed up in modern drama and a killer soundtrack.

    More on love, faith, and legacy coming soon in part two.

  • Redeeming Love Rewind

    Redeeming Love is finally streaming on Netflix, and if you haven’t watched it yet… what are you waiting for? Based on Francine Rivers’ bestselling novel (which is based on the book of Hosea in the Bible—yes, you read that right), this movie is a triple-layered storytelling sundae: Bible → Book → Movie. And somehow, it works.

    I read the book a few years ago and was completely hooked. Like, cancel-my-plans, stay-up-too-late kind of hooked. And while I’ll always be Team Book-Is-Better, the movie does a beautiful job bringing the story to life. So, if you’re not ready to commit to the novel’s page count, the film is a solid place to start.

    Let’s get into the heart of it. Michael is a Christian farmer looking for a wife, and God tells him—wait for it—to marry a prostitute named Angel. Cue the drama. Angel’s past is painful, and she runs from Michael not once, not twice, but at least three times. And every time, Michael gives her the choice to come back. No ultimatums. No guilt trips. Just grace.

    Sound familiar? That’s our story with God. We mess up. We wander. We chase things that leave us empty. And yet, God keeps inviting us back. He doesn’t force us—He wants us to choose Him. That choice? It’s the most important one we’ll ever make.

    If you were shouting “Angel, just stay with him!” at your TV, you’re not alone. But her journey—and Michael’s relentless forgiveness—mirrors the story of Hosea and God’s love for Israel. It’s messy. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s full of mercy.

    Each time that Angel came back, after she cheated on Michael with his brother-in-law, went back to prostitution, he accepted her back. He even washed her feet after the first time she left and wasn’t wearing appropriate shoe attire. It’s raw. It’s humbling. It’s straight out of the Jesus playbook. Would you do that for someone who hurt you? Michael did. And God does—for us.

    Michael’s love isn’t just romantic—it’s redemptive. It’s the kind of love that forgives betrayal, welcomes the prodigal, and chooses mercy over revenge. That’s the love God offers us. And it’s the kind of love we’re called to offer others.

    So… when’s the last time you thanked God for His mercy and grace? And when’s the last time you showed that same grace to someone who didn’t deserve it?

    If Redeeming Love stirred something in you, don’t stop at the credits. Grab your Bible and flip to Hosea. It’s tucked in the middle—easy to miss, but packed with truth. It’s not just ancient history; it’s a mirror to our modern hearts.

    To help you dive in, I’ve put together a 4-day mini study focused on marriage, redemption, and the messy beauty of grace. It’s designed to help you reflect on your faith, your relationships, and the biblical truths woven into the movie. Francine Rivers gave us the novel. Hollywood gave us the film. Now let’s explore what God gave us in Hosea.

    Ready to unpack what’s biblical truth and what’s creative liberty? Let’s go.

  • For the One – Rewind #4

    If you’ve ever wondered what fuels Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham’s passion on stage, the final moments of For the One make it crystal clear. It’s not just about music—it’s about mission. As the concert wraps, Brandon steps up and delivers a powerful call to action. He invites the crowd to open their hearts to Jesus, leading them in a prayer to become new creations, leave behind the old, and follow Christ for life. It’s not just moving—it’s monumental.

    And the impact? Absolutely jaw-dropping. The film captures one concert, but behind the scenes, Brandon and Phil traveled to city after city, and thousands said yes to Jesus. Thousands. That’s not just a tour—it’s a revival.

    The movie seals this moment with a verse that hits home:

    Romans 10:9 (ESV)
    Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

    So let me ask—have you accepted Jesus? If not, why wait? Today could be your turning point.

    One of my favorite parts of the concert wrap-up is when Phil shares stories of how their music has changed lives. One person brought their non-believing roommate to the show—and that night, they gave their life to Christ. That’s the kind of ripple effect you can’t plan for, but God orchestrates perfectly.

    It’s all FOR THE ONE For the one who saved us and the one who is lost out there. That phrase echoes throughout the movie, and honestly? It’s a mantra worth living by. Every song, every story, every city—they did it all for Jesus. And so should we.

    This isn’t about applause or spotlight. It’s about giving God every ounce of glory. We’re called to share the gospel, not stifle it. Jesus laid it out clearly in the Great Commission:

    Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
    Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

    So let’s go! Share the movie. Send clips of Phil and Brandon’s songs. Tell your story. Let people know that God loves them and that salvation is real, powerful, and available.

    Want to keep the momentum going? I’ve got you covered. The last two days of the devotional walk through four powerhouse songs from the film:

    • “This Is Amazing Grace” – Phil Wickham
    • “Honey in the Rock” – Brandon Lake
    • “Homesick for Heaven” – Phil Wickham
    • “Hard-Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll

    Each song carries a message, and I’ve paired them with reflection questions and scripture to help you dig deeper.

    Bonus for the Younger Crowd

    Brandon and Phil’s concert isn’t just for grown-ups—it’s a blast for all ages. That’s why I created a tween/teen devotional with questions tailored just for them. Whether you’re leading a youth group or handing it off to your kids, it’s a great way to help the next generation connect faith with music and truth.

    Feel free to download the devotional or grab a copy using the SHOP button on the homepage.

    Let’s keep the revival going – FOR THE ONE!