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The Real Force: A 40 Day Devotional
The Force Awakens, the Fall 2015 installment in the Star Wars franchise, promises to excite the longtime enthusiast and enthrall a new generation of admirers. The Real Force comprises forty biblically sound devotions revealing the Christian themes found in the epic Star Wars saga.
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
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159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 22, 2017
Ok it was more of a 90 day devotional for me and my daughter. It was a pretty easy read comparing events and characters in the original trilogy and prequels to Bible verses. She liked trying to figure how they connected before we finished reading each one. There is brief mention of the old "expanded universe" but nothing of The Clone Wars or Rebel series and new movies which came out afterwards.
March 11, 2018
I’ve read this one many times. It’s a great go to is a devotional especially for Star Wars fan.
January 9, 2019
It's a good Devotional, but doesn't go really in depth.
September 5, 2019
Your favorite Star Wars characters paired with bible verses that match with them. I really enjoyed reading this from beginning to end. I highly recommend this devotional if you're looking for something different to read.
November 4, 2015
I don't think there is anyone who hasn't see or heard about Star Wars. From those of us that were fortunate enough to see it play on the big screen back in the 70's to being able to share it with a new generation, there is something played out on the big screen that applies to all of us. A sense of good overcoming evil in the world and author Paul Kent takes readers into a 40 day devotional in his book, The Real Force.
In this book, he takes readers to 40 different devotions that begin with a famous quote from one of the six movies and then takes readers back to that particular part of the movie. He teaches us what happened in that poignant moment and how we can apply those same principles in our daily lives in a contemporary sense. As Master Yoda might say: "Inside this book, the answers are. Read it, you must."
An example of what you will find is Day 27 - I Hear Voices. "Mind what you have learned. Save you it can." ~ Yoda from the Empire Strikes Back.
"Everyone, it seemed, wanted Luke Skywalker's ear. Uncle Owen either barked out orders or begged Luke's help, depending on the day. Newly purchased from the Jawas, C-3PO kept up a barrage of questions and commentary. Han Solo cautiously probed Luke's thoughts on Princess Leia: "You think a princess and a guy like me - " Luke's quick "No" brought an end to that conversation.
The Jedi master Yoda taught, shamed, and cajoled Luke. Darth Vader shared shocking news that he was Luke's father - then urged the young man to join him on the dark side, suggesting they could rule the galaxy as father and son. The emperor coaxed Luke, over and over again, to give in to his aggression and hatred....
At times, we all need some affirmation and guidance. It would be great to have that in an authoritative, audible voice like Obi-Wan Kenobi's. God, however, tends to speak to Christians in different ways. In the Bible, He did sometimes talk directly with people. "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11), and Jesus, after His ascension to heaven, got a proud Pharisee's attention by shining a bright light and asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4).
God's voice may never be as clear to us as Obi-Wan's was to Luke.But if we keep our ears tuned for God's "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12) and confirm what we hear by God's Word, we will know exactly what He wants us to know.
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 (excerpt pg 111-113).
This is truly a must have for any Star Wars fan as well as a firm believer who wants something unique in the way of devotionals that taps into that side of their life. How they can relive those famous moments in Star Wars films as well as get a bit of back story from the novelizations of those characters as well along with an applicable Biblical side we can apply in our lives today.
I received The Real Force by Paul Kent compliments of Worthy Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. This would make a great Christmas gift for any Star Wars fan especially in light of the new movie that comes to theaters in December this year. My family and I even had fun trying to guess who said the famous lines and from what movie they were from as part of our morning devotion. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
In this book, he takes readers to 40 different devotions that begin with a famous quote from one of the six movies and then takes readers back to that particular part of the movie. He teaches us what happened in that poignant moment and how we can apply those same principles in our daily lives in a contemporary sense. As Master Yoda might say: "Inside this book, the answers are. Read it, you must."
An example of what you will find is Day 27 - I Hear Voices. "Mind what you have learned. Save you it can." ~ Yoda from the Empire Strikes Back.
"Everyone, it seemed, wanted Luke Skywalker's ear. Uncle Owen either barked out orders or begged Luke's help, depending on the day. Newly purchased from the Jawas, C-3PO kept up a barrage of questions and commentary. Han Solo cautiously probed Luke's thoughts on Princess Leia: "You think a princess and a guy like me - " Luke's quick "No" brought an end to that conversation.
The Jedi master Yoda taught, shamed, and cajoled Luke. Darth Vader shared shocking news that he was Luke's father - then urged the young man to join him on the dark side, suggesting they could rule the galaxy as father and son. The emperor coaxed Luke, over and over again, to give in to his aggression and hatred....
At times, we all need some affirmation and guidance. It would be great to have that in an authoritative, audible voice like Obi-Wan Kenobi's. God, however, tends to speak to Christians in different ways. In the Bible, He did sometimes talk directly with people. "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11), and Jesus, after His ascension to heaven, got a proud Pharisee's attention by shining a bright light and asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4).
God's voice may never be as clear to us as Obi-Wan's was to Luke.But if we keep our ears tuned for God's "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12) and confirm what we hear by God's Word, we will know exactly what He wants us to know.
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 (excerpt pg 111-113).
This is truly a must have for any Star Wars fan as well as a firm believer who wants something unique in the way of devotionals that taps into that side of their life. How they can relive those famous moments in Star Wars films as well as get a bit of back story from the novelizations of those characters as well along with an applicable Biblical side we can apply in our lives today.
I received The Real Force by Paul Kent compliments of Worthy Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. This would make a great Christmas gift for any Star Wars fan especially in light of the new movie that comes to theaters in December this year. My family and I even had fun trying to guess who said the famous lines and from what movie they were from as part of our morning devotion. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
November 2, 2015
Paul Kent in his new book “The Real Force” published by Worthy Publishing Group gives us A Forty Day Devotional.
From the back cover: What lessons may we learn from this galaxy far, far away and how do they relate to the beliefs we hold so near, near to our hearts?
Paul Kent’s The Real Force features forty action-packed, thoughtful, and inspiring devotions that skillfully reveal the deep Biblical ideals represented by the characters of the epic Star Wars saga. Each devotion discusses a scene or character from the Star Wars universe, relates it to a contemporary life challenge, and connects it with relevant scripture. From the iconic rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker to the lesser-known struggles of minor characters like Major Derlin and Sabe, no stone is left unturned. No X-Wing is left unlifted. No chasm is left uncrossed.
As Master Yoda might say: “inside this book, the answers are. Read it, you must!”
You wouldn’t think it would work, taking quotes from the six Star Wars movies then combining them with scripture verses, but it does. Every day Mr. Kent has provided us with a quote from one of the movies and then he explains the scene from which the quote is taken. He then goes on to give us a Biblical view of the event and then concludes the devotional with a scripture verse. As a fan of the first trilogy I found this devotional fascinating. If you are any kind of fan of these movies I think you will be too. Here is the best part: if you are not a fan of these movies you will find this devotional interesting as well. It is not so much the quotes, though they are fun, it is the Biblical concept that Mr. Kent is trying to get across. I think this is a really clever way of making us think without being preachy. A devotional is always a great book to have and use and I think that everyone should have a copy of this one. I also think it would make a terrific gift for friends and family so that they could enjoy it as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: What lessons may we learn from this galaxy far, far away and how do they relate to the beliefs we hold so near, near to our hearts?
Paul Kent’s The Real Force features forty action-packed, thoughtful, and inspiring devotions that skillfully reveal the deep Biblical ideals represented by the characters of the epic Star Wars saga. Each devotion discusses a scene or character from the Star Wars universe, relates it to a contemporary life challenge, and connects it with relevant scripture. From the iconic rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker to the lesser-known struggles of minor characters like Major Derlin and Sabe, no stone is left unturned. No X-Wing is left unlifted. No chasm is left uncrossed.
As Master Yoda might say: “inside this book, the answers are. Read it, you must!”
You wouldn’t think it would work, taking quotes from the six Star Wars movies then combining them with scripture verses, but it does. Every day Mr. Kent has provided us with a quote from one of the movies and then he explains the scene from which the quote is taken. He then goes on to give us a Biblical view of the event and then concludes the devotional with a scripture verse. As a fan of the first trilogy I found this devotional fascinating. If you are any kind of fan of these movies I think you will be too. Here is the best part: if you are not a fan of these movies you will find this devotional interesting as well. It is not so much the quotes, though they are fun, it is the Biblical concept that Mr. Kent is trying to get across. I think this is a really clever way of making us think without being preachy. A devotional is always a great book to have and use and I think that everyone should have a copy of this one. I also think it would make a terrific gift for friends and family so that they could enjoy it as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 18, 2017
I truly enjoyed this 40-Day Devotional by Paul Kent. The way he meshed the Star Wars saga, along with bible verses, made it entertaining and educational. He made you see from a different perspective, while combining 2 different themes, but he also incorporated them with real life, in the here and now.
December 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this little book. It's a fun and approachable guide to reading the Bible for 40 days.
Like many others, Star Wars was the movie of choice for me and my siblings when we were kids. In many ways I feel some amount of ownership (if that makes any sense) with the original trilogy because its dialog, toys, and characters were such a major part of my growing up years.
Paul Kent (full disclosure: he's a friend of mine) must feel that same ownership because he treated the Star Wars canon with respect and obvious admiration. I found his points about truth -- originating in the Bible, but illustrated in Star Wars stories -- convincing and inspiring. I also think he did a good job of not overstating his case. There are no claims that Star Wars is a "Christian movie" or anything like that (see the introduction). Rather, there are observations that the truth of God -- creation, sin, love and redemption -- can be found illustrated in all kinds of places, even galaxies far, far away.
I've been a Bible reader for years and have used various reading plans and devotional books as guides. THE REAL FORCE was fresh and helpful for me. It got me reading Scripture and praying to the God revealed within it (that's the whole point, right?) and it did so through the lens of some of my favorite stories.
I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in checking out the Bible, but who might feel intimidated by it, or uncertain of how to begin reading it. This book would be a great way to get started. I also recommend this book to regular Bible readers who are just looking for something fresh to start their reading and prayer times.
Like many others, Star Wars was the movie of choice for me and my siblings when we were kids. In many ways I feel some amount of ownership (if that makes any sense) with the original trilogy because its dialog, toys, and characters were such a major part of my growing up years.
Paul Kent (full disclosure: he's a friend of mine) must feel that same ownership because he treated the Star Wars canon with respect and obvious admiration. I found his points about truth -- originating in the Bible, but illustrated in Star Wars stories -- convincing and inspiring. I also think he did a good job of not overstating his case. There are no claims that Star Wars is a "Christian movie" or anything like that (see the introduction). Rather, there are observations that the truth of God -- creation, sin, love and redemption -- can be found illustrated in all kinds of places, even galaxies far, far away.
I've been a Bible reader for years and have used various reading plans and devotional books as guides. THE REAL FORCE was fresh and helpful for me. It got me reading Scripture and praying to the God revealed within it (that's the whole point, right?) and it did so through the lens of some of my favorite stories.
I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in checking out the Bible, but who might feel intimidated by it, or uncertain of how to begin reading it. This book would be a great way to get started. I also recommend this book to regular Bible readers who are just looking for something fresh to start their reading and prayer times.
February 23, 2016
40 days of seeing connections between Star Wars and Christianity. For this devotional, I did only read one chapter a day and it was really nice. I just got to focus on that and got to examine my faith through this great story. Since someone at my church has made a Bible study using Star Wars, there were a couple of times the author would take a different approach to the same situation than that study took so I would start thinking "what about this interpretation?" I was just stuck with that other idea, not that what the author was saying was any less pertinent. I did enjoy this. In the beginning, though, there seemed to be times where the chapter, beginning quote, and the information in the chapter didn't seem to go together very well. Like, it started with one idea but covered another. Somewhere within the middle of the book, this mostly went away but made enough of an impression that I still remember it. It also seemed to cover the original three more than the prequels (but the original three were better). It is also too bad the author couldn't have incorporated anything from the new movie (I believe this book was published before the movie was release or really close to). So, if you love Star Wars and want to see your faith through the lens (or, maybe, parable) or the films, check out this book.
March 23, 2016
This is more of a 2.5 stars, but I didn't feel it was worth 3 stars.
My biggest hang-up is the fact that he spelled Ewan McGregor's name MacGregor and I couldn't get over that on day 10.
My next bout of irritation came from day 15, when Kent says that clones are "engineered" to "obey without question." No, clones are NOT engineered! They were bred, but they are humans with individual thought. Droids are engineered to obey without question.
Kent attempts to link Star Wars to Biblical passages. About half of the days, he does so. There are some very interesting links, including comparing Luke to Moses, which is not something I'd have ever thought of. Some days fall short, showing almost no connection. But I enjoyed seeing two of my favorite things together in a book.
There were some errors, like not capitalizing things that normally are in the SW 'verse, but movie-based fans may not realize that. I do like that Kent delves a bit into the novelizations too.
But, overall, the days seemed haphazardly put together. I do want to use it again in the future since it was a neat way for me and my husband to read together, particularly scripture, but there wasn't much allowance for reflection .
My biggest hang-up is the fact that he spelled Ewan McGregor's name MacGregor and I couldn't get over that on day 10.
My next bout of irritation came from day 15, when Kent says that clones are "engineered" to "obey without question." No, clones are NOT engineered! They were bred, but they are humans with individual thought. Droids are engineered to obey without question.
Kent attempts to link Star Wars to Biblical passages. About half of the days, he does so. There are some very interesting links, including comparing Luke to Moses, which is not something I'd have ever thought of. Some days fall short, showing almost no connection. But I enjoyed seeing two of my favorite things together in a book.
There were some errors, like not capitalizing things that normally are in the SW 'verse, but movie-based fans may not realize that. I do like that Kent delves a bit into the novelizations too.
But, overall, the days seemed haphazardly put together. I do want to use it again in the future since it was a neat way for me and my husband to read together, particularly scripture, but there wasn't much allowance for reflection .
December 3, 2015
This is a really fun devotional that would be great for the Star Wars fan in your life. Although it's a fun devotional it's still a Biblical devotional.
Each devotion focuses on the correlation between the Star Wars story and the Bible. There is a lot of similarities in that there is a light side and a dark side. Although I had always seen this in the movies, the author really is able to show this quite well in his book.
The devotions start with a quote from the movie and then into a little story from Star Wars. Then there is Scriptures from the Bible that focus on our faith in Jesus. It's all very well put together and an enjoyable read. It's very different from any other devotional I've ever read and I really enjoyed it.
This devotion is great for adults but would also be great for the teenager in your life. It's good for anyone but the Stars War fan will especially love it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Each devotion focuses on the correlation between the Star Wars story and the Bible. There is a lot of similarities in that there is a light side and a dark side. Although I had always seen this in the movies, the author really is able to show this quite well in his book.
The devotions start with a quote from the movie and then into a little story from Star Wars. Then there is Scriptures from the Bible that focus on our faith in Jesus. It's all very well put together and an enjoyable read. It's very different from any other devotional I've ever read and I really enjoyed it.
This devotion is great for adults but would also be great for the teenager in your life. It's good for anyone but the Stars War fan will especially love it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
October 23, 2015
I love Star Wars. I also love the Bible. That being said.... here is my review of The Real Force.
Take scenes from your favorite movie. Line them up with passages from the Bible and packaged them with a cool title. That is what you will find in this devotional by Paul Kent. It is simplistic and fairly easy to understand. There is very little deep thought and will leave those looking for some real meat hungry. However, I enjoyed the idea as well as the chapters.
For a young Christian or for someone having a hard time with the Bible, this is a great book. My son who is a fan of Star Wars loved the idea of how the Bible could apply to his favorite movie. It also got us to read the Bible, which is what a devotional is meant to do. No, it's not deep, but it is interesting and fun.
Take scenes from your favorite movie. Line them up with passages from the Bible and packaged them with a cool title. That is what you will find in this devotional by Paul Kent. It is simplistic and fairly easy to understand. There is very little deep thought and will leave those looking for some real meat hungry. However, I enjoyed the idea as well as the chapters.
For a young Christian or for someone having a hard time with the Bible, this is a great book. My son who is a fan of Star Wars loved the idea of how the Bible could apply to his favorite movie. It also got us to read the Bible, which is what a devotional is meant to do. No, it's not deep, but it is interesting and fun.
May 18, 2016
My full review can be found on Coffee With Kenobi: http://www.coffeewithkenobi.com/book-...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews