King of Kings: Brings Bible alive!

 

The King of Kings2025 Film

Hello and Welcome! 

I hope you are keeping well! thank you for stopping by today. if you  fancy a visit to the movies this week, holy week, i recommend the newly released film: The King of Kings

I used to do film reviews for the Athenscope some years ago. I have been a cinema fan since childhood and I like to see new films on the day they are released to make my own mind up about them. So, I made a point of seeing this new film, that is causing such a buzz, on its release date, 11th April. 

I'd seen the trailer (see link below) and, discovering it was an animation, had no idea what to expect. I was blown away by it, though. I give it a 5 star rating. I'm not the only one singing its praises. It is getting great reviews. For instance, audiences polled by CinemaScore (an American market research firm based in Las Vegas) gave the film a rare average grade of A+. 

The Bible adaptation is loosely based on The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens, with acting giants, including Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley, lending their vocal skills to the characters. The film is released by Angel Studios, an independent media company and film distribution agency, that has become known for its Christian-themed films, including the television series The Chosen.

For me, this film uses a highly creative way, especially for a younger audience - it is PG rated - to show that The Greatest Story Ever Told is as relevant today as it was over 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked the earth. I predict this film will become a classic. Its very powerful images are still reverberating within me days after viewing...

Click here to view trailer: 

I'd love to hear what you think of the film. 

God bless,

Teresa 

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

“Write a book and show people how to speak to me.” This was the message received by Teresa O’Driscoll during lockdown in 2020. The result is a book that is designed to enhance your prayer life, penned by an author with 20 years’ experience of leading prayer groups.

Using language that is simple without being dumbed down, Pray then Listen is a succinct guide to prayer. It incorporates personal testimony alongside an encouragement to engage in regular dialogue with our heavenly Father. Urging readers to pray regularly throughout the day, O’Driscoll reminds us that nothing is too small or irrelevant for prayer. Then, once we have prayed, we should actively listen. Prayer is a two-way conversation.

Including handy example prayers that can be used in various situations, this short but helpful guide promises to bring you closer to your heavenly Father by involving him in your life, no matter what you are doing.

Samantha Kay, Premier Christianity magazine

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

 

You too can take part in Lent!

Hello and Welcome! 

Thank you for stopping by today. have you done anything spiritual for lent this year? perhaps you don't even know how to. in that case, please read on to find out...

I came across an article I wrote for the Athens News, "Whether a hymn or an OM Greece  spells spirituality" some time ago . And, looking for a way to encourage everyone to join in with Lent, I decided to share part of it. 

Article extract

If you want to begin today, right this very moment, to nourish your spirit you can do nothing better than sending out a prayer for someone else. It is not a prerequisite to prayer that you have knowledge of God, it's fine to send your petition to Him anyway, even if you think it's on the 'off chance' that SOMEONE UP THERE is listening. You don't need fancy words, just state what you want with a sincerity of heart. 

    Norman Vincent Peale in his best selling book The Power of Positive Thinking says of prayer, "Personally, I believe that prayer is a sending out of vibrations from one person to another and to God. All of the universe is in vibration. There are vibrations is the molecules of a table. The air is filled with vibrations. The reaction between human beings is also a vibration. When you send out a prayer for another person, you employ the force inherent in a spiritual universe. You transport from yourself to the other person a sense of love, helpfulness, support - a sympathetic, powerful understanding - and in this process you awaken vibrations in the universe through which God brings to pass the good objectives prayed for. Experiment with this principle and you will know its amazing results."

We are now embarking on the fifth week of Lent. When I say WE I mean Christians. Perhaps, though you were baptised, maybe as a child, you do not attend church services. Maybe you don't even pray much anymore. If you have forgotten about God you can be sure that He has not, and never will, forget you. You remain His beloved child. Or. You may not have been baptised but no matter. God loves you! Either way, you can still join join us, me, in our preparation for the holiest time of the year. Next week is Holy Week, when we will remember Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection, culminating in the glorious feast of Easter. 

Try saying the following prayer from your heart: 

"Dear Lord, I am sorry that I have not made space for You in my life. Please help me to do that from this moment on.  And please will you please help [name the person and ask for what they need] Thank you Jesus very much.” 

To read the full article " Whether with a hymn or an OM, Greece spells spirituality" please click on the link

I would love to hear your feedback on this method. 

May God bless your efforts now and always.

Teresa 

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Want spiritual growth this Lent? Try looking at life through the lens of Christ!

 

Lake Vouliagmeni, Athens 

Hello and Welcome! 

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope that you are doing well. I can hardly believe that Lent is upon us once again. today I feel inspired to suggest a new way of looking at life that could enrich your Lenten journey immeasurably. 

You may already know that I spent many years in Athens, Greece. There are beaches galore along the coast, close to the city, but one of my favourite places for swimming was Lake Vouliagmeni. (See this link for a full article about this on my website) I came across the above aerial photograph of the Lake. Here is the Lake from ground level:

Looking at something so familiar at a different angle is quite odd. It set me thinking about Christian living from a different angle. 

In my work as author and speaker I meet many practising Christians who, though they love Christ, are so very busy that they do not make Him the focus of their life. Yet He asks this of us. 

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto to you." Matthew 6:33

If you feel that your life is already too full and busy to take any other Christ-centred activities on board please don't switch off. I have a suggestion: Centre your whole day on Christ by using the following, oh so simple and quick, yet very powerful method which comes from my book Pray Then Listen, A heart to heart with God. (See details below.) It is covered under the section, Give Your Day a Good Beginning and End

Begin the day with gratitude 

When you wake up open your eyes, have a big stretch, rub your fingertips together then say your first prayer of the day.

Prayer of Thankfulness 

Hello Lord,

Thank You for the gift of a new day. And thank You too that I can see and hear and touch and for all my other senses.

Please help me to use the day wisely. 

I ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen.

In Pray Then Listen I share a number of short prayers for thanking God  and for asking His help for specific situations. However, even without those, if you remember the presence of the Holy Spirit regularly throughout the day, keep that sense of gratitude that you expressed when you woke up, and regularly check in with Him to confirm that you are indeed using the day wisely then you will indeed be looking at life through the lens of Christ. 

If you practise this throughout Lent, by Easter you are sure to have moved closer to the Lord. And having formed a new spiritual habit I pray you will continue... 

Do you usually pray only last thing at night and in church on Sundays?

Do you think using the above method will bring you closer to Christ?

I would love to hear how you get on with the above spiritual exercise. 

May God bless your efforts now and always.

Teresa 

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Thankful for small mercies? Tell God!

 

 Hello and Welcome! 

It was only a heavy cold, but this morning I awoke feeling much better, and as I stepped outside, well wrapped-up against the chilly air and was greeted by thin, yet cheerful, sunshine breaking through cloud, I was filled with gratitude. Thank You Lord, I said. 

Even as I spoke, though, I heard a siren wail of an ambulance: someone was in deep trouble. I automatically said the following prayer, which is from my book, Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God (see below for details.)  

"Dear Lord, Please bring Your love, Your mercy, Your consolation, Your help, and Your healing to those involved in this emergency situation, and in every emergency situation happening throughout the world now. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen."

After I had prayed I continued to feel gratitude for my own recovery from the minor illness. 

Do you remember to thank God for every blessing, while still remembering those going through their own testing time? 

Try saying this short prayer for just these circumstances. 

"Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for every blessing you shower on me. At the same time, please remind me that others are simultaneously being tested, some very greatly, so I beg Your help for them. I ask this in Your name, Lord. Amen."

I would love to hear how you thank the Lord for graces and blessings.

Teresa 

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Coping with Dementia? Pray for strength!

 

Hello and Welcome! 

I wonder if you, like me, have seen a loved one slowly transform into someone else who doesn't even remember who you are. I am talking of the effects of dementia. My mother, God rest her soul, suffered from this. I relived a bit of this journey today 23rd January 25 reading Our Daily Bread, in a piece penned by Karen Huang who had witnessed this in her father. 

The writer found encouragement from the Bible and other gifts from God. Watching my mother struggling I tried, through prayer, to make sense of what was happening. Mum had been a very strong and capable woman before her illness. I believe that everything happens for a reason. And also acknowledge that God's ways are not ours. While in that testing time I just kept trusting Him and seeking His help and guidance on a day-to-day basis, as I always do. 

The Alzheimer's Society website says: The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include: memory loss, confusion and needing help with daily tasks, problems with language and understanding, and changes in behaviour. For more info take a look at their site: 

I pray that if you are going through this situation either personally, or watching a loved one deteriorating in front of your eyes, or indeed coping with any problem at all right now try saying this short prayer - or one of your own - as often as needed:

"Dear Heavenly Father, please help and guide us through this very testing time. Please help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on You, and to feel Your love  surrounding and upholding us. I ask this in Jesus's name. Amen." 

Looking through a number of Bible quotes about suffering this one struck a chord: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

I would love to hear how you are coping with this problem.    

God bless,

Teresa

Visit Our Daily Bread

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Please pray for L.A. as it burns...

 

BBC photo
Hello and Welcome! 

I'm sure that you, like me, have been appalled by the scale and ferocity of the wildfires in los Angeles! And just when some of them are being tamed the forecast of strong winds again is the worst news for those caught up in this nightmare. 

The last time I wrote a post like this was about Athens, in the summer of 2021. Actually, when visiting Athens last year, there was a doubt that I could make it to the airport for my flight home as wildfires were threatening the route there. The main problem was the high winds... And so I feel empathy for residents, firefighters, and everyone in L.A. right now. 

I saw on BBC Wales Today, some interviews with Welsh people living there. I have friends who live there and work there regularly. You may well know someone who lives there too as this famous place is a magnet for people from around the globe.

Please will you join me in a prayer for all involved as we say, "Dear Heavenly Father, please look with pity upon the people of Los Angeles as they battle with wildfires. Please be merciful to them and calm the strong winds to a gentle breeze. We beg  this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

May you and your family, wherever you are in the world, cherish each other today and always.    

God bless,

Teresa

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Feeling misjudged? God knows the truth!

Hello and Welcome! 

I'm sure that you, like me, have been unfairly accused of something, and boy, does it hurt! I was reminded of this upon reading Our Daily Bread today 12th January 25, penned by Leslie Koh.

It sent me back to childhood, when, a couple of times, my word was dismissed. Picture this: I am sitting in a classroom, the teacher has told us to stop talking and get on with our work, a friend whispers something to me, I turn my face towards her, and... the teacher having heard a voice presumes it was mine. I was punished both times; once by having to stand outside the classroom on a chair for about an hour and a half. Wouldn't happen today, I presume, but it didn't hurt me. But being blamed for something I didn't do, did hurt. (I realized today that though I protested my innocence, I didn't snitch either time, I'm happy to say.)

Remembering these, admittedly, rather petty incidents, set me thinking about the world we live in today, where people swear black is white and vice versa, and sometimes good people even lose their jobs and livelihoods by speaking the truth. 

I turned to God and said, "Oh Lord, I am so grateful to know that You are Truth itself." Pondering on that fact, holding onto it I continued, "You are the lodestar, the constant, the cornerstone, the unchanging." Tears of gratitude ran down my face. It was so good to remember that God is there knowing the truth of everything - even when I am in the wrong and He knows that too.

Then Christ reminded me, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one can come to Father except through Me..."  John  14:16 

Praise the Lord, oh my soul. And may YOU be comforted and strengthened too by remembering the Constancy of the Holy Trinity.

Please do continue to get in touch as I love hearing your experiences of God.   

God bless,

Teresa

Visit Our Daily Bread

For articles, and inspiration, plus info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) 

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my simple methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven