The Last Starfighter with Paul McDonald and Sarah Daniels
This week on the Men at the Movies podcast, we talk about the Last Starfighter. If you have a talent or gift that you think is too weird and it’s never going to be used, just give it over to God and He will use it. Our specific brand of strange is exactly what the world needs. But we can disqualify ourselves if we don’t trust the calling we’ve been given. Victory or Death! Let’s discover God’s truth in this movie.
Quotes
If you have a talent that you think is too weird, that’s never going to be used, just give it over to God and He will use it.
He honored the community with what he could do, and they responded to support him in his gifts.
“Peace and prosperity brought with them boredom and monotony.”
If we don’t raise up our sons and daughters to fight for truth with honor, then they will end up fighting for stupid things.
You see a guy, stuck but with big dreams, burdened by expectation and limitations. When he gets the invitation, he rejects it.
“If that’s what you think (“That’s all I really am.”), then that’s all you’ll ever be.”
We have a God who does immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, but not when we force it. When we let Him have His way on our lives.
Themes
Our talents, unique and weird, are specific for what the world needs.
Star Wars was made with the best of an outdated system, Last Straighter was made with the early stages of a brand new system (computer graphics).
There is always community, a place we can fit in, for our weird.
Have to be ready when opportunity presents itself.
Feels stuck but is where he needs to be. Where he’s placed is the exact spot he needs to be to accomplish his calling.
Doesn’t believe he is capable of becoming who he is meant to be
The power of belief: don’t forget who you are. If that’s what you believe about yourself, that’s all you’ll ever be.
Resources
Forged in Film
Realm Makers website
First do what is necessary. Then do what is possible. And before you know it you are doing the impossible. - Saint Francis Assisi
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
Wild at Heart podcast - Depleted Reserves
“But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” - Genesis 50:19-20 (NLT)
Questions
How do you feel stuck?
What is your weird gift/talent?
Who wins the Rogen award? Seth, Joe, or Alex?
What is the necessary that you need to do today?
What pressure do you face when you try to do everything? How does that feel? How do those around you respond?
What comes to mind with the line, “Peace and prosperity brought with them boredom and monotony?” Where does your life feel monotonous and boring? What do you do to escape that feeling?
What opportunities have you been offered that you turned down? Why did you do that? What regrets do you have about it?
What do you believe about yourself and your identity? How does what believe define and shape your reality?
What was your life like 10 years ago? How would you describe yourself?
More info
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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster (https://graysonfoster.com/)
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston (https://ianhjohnston.com/)
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock
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