American Gospel: Christ Alone a review

 American Gospel: Christ Alone is a 2018 documentary which became available on Netflix in May 2020. Written and directed by Brandon Kimber, American Gospel offers a critical critique of the Word of Faith Movement also known as the prosperity gospel and its influence on Christianity. Through expert interviews, biblical references and personal testimony, the documentary exposes the dangers of the prosperity gospel as well as the call to refocus on the true gospel. Through the Word of Faith history into the prosperity gospel of today, American Gospel argues that salvation with through Christ alone and a call to return to the true gospel, the gospel of Jesus. The Bible gives example after example that Jesus is the hero, the source of our salvation. Throughout the Old Testament, God is saying we need a better lawgiver, we need a better judge, we need a better king and we need a better prophet. The New Testament is Jesus as the fulfillment of those needs. The prosperity gospel teaches man as the hero and God is simply a genie in a lamp to make requests. What is the core of the documentary? What are the praises and well as the criticisms?

American Gospel opens with the core of what Christianity and the gospel is about and that is Jesus. The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus brings salvation and from other the fruit of good work follows. The prosperity gospel appeals to two basic human desires: 1) not to be sick or unhealthy and 2) to be wealthy, not to have to worry about money. A common theme among all the prosperity gospel proponents is that Christians are called to be healthy and wealthy and if you are not, then your faith isn’t big enough or strong enough. It is idolatry as it elevates the gift above the Gift Giver. At the heart of the prosperity gospel is “the more money you give to the Lord’s work, the more likely God will answer your prayers.” The prosperity gospel is a softer, gentler salvation by works. It is still the law, “do this and be blessed.” American Gospel focuses on exposing the falseness of these various teachers including Benny Hinn’s and his “healings” and well as Todd White of Gateway Church. The prosperity gospel teaches that you cannot speak against or criticize the anointed (aka the pastors) and if we do, God will curse us. However, Scripture after Scripture that tells us that we are to hold our teachers accountable and call out the false teachers. In Acts 17:11 tells us that the Bereans heard Paul’s message and checked it against the Scriptures to make sure what he said was true.

The documentary has been praised by many. American Gospel reveals that “the money changers are still in the temple, still making God’s name a mockery” (Strachan, 2019) as Costi Hinn, nephew of Benny Hinn and former Prosperity Gospel follower, “provides a key perspective that is brutally honest while being compassionate” (Vandenboom, 2020). I had known little about the Prosperity Gospel before this documentary. I had tried researching it before and the information out there was so convoluted that I eventually stopped. I knew it wasn’t biblically based as many of the teachers in the Prosperity Gospel rarely teach from Scripture with specific verses. The Prosperity Gospel’s main teaching is the “Name it and Claim it” doctrine, essentially the Power of Positive Thinking that God calls all Christians to be healthy and wealthy while ignoring the truly sick. Justin Peters of Justin Peters Ministries has made it his mission to expose the fallacy of the faith healers like Benny Hinn. I also liked that American Gospel shows why the Prosperity Gospel has been able to thrive in the United States as “America has always been a pragmatic, can-do kind of country” and “the material focus of the “gospel” suits the American culture” (Strachan, 2019).

American Gospel is not without its critics as Todd White, who is featured prominently in the film as a false teacher and faith healer, has stated that the film has been “demonically inspired” (Bjornson, 2020). Another criticism is that the film “enables a patriarchal power structure” (Pidcock, 2020) as men were interview for an instructional purpose while women were interviewed for their emotional stories. Unfortunately, many churches have a prohibition against women in leadership roles, especially as senior pastors. However, it doesn’t mean that women cannot have an active role the church, but that’s a different post. Another criticism is the film’s view on sin and justice (Pidcock, 2020). In the film, Ray Comfort, a minister, is seen doing his common Ten Commandments confrontation with a stranger, and with a microphone and camera in this individual’s face, Comfort questions and questions about lawbreaking until this person relents and admits he is a sinner. I understand Comfort’s motivation to share the gospel in the world; however, this is the part of the film I did not like. It is a common evangelistic method: confront, pray the sinner’s prayer, and then move on. I think the film would still have an impact without featuring Ray Comfort and this tactic.

In conclusion, American Gospel opened my eyes to the prosperity gospel which I have heard about in the last decade but didn’t truly delve into it very deeply. I knew it felt wrong, against my understanding of the Bible. The basics of prosperity gospel is great faith leads to health and wealth. The truth is that is not a great faith we need but a small faith (a mustard seed as Jesus says in Luke 17:6) and a great God. While the idea that we can be healthy and wealthy simply undermines the many examples in the gospel in which Jesus tells people to give up everything and follow him. The story of Jesus and the rich young man in Mark 10:17-31 comes to mind. The Church needs to refocus on the focus of Christianity in Jesus. Christianity is simply Jesus and nothing else. American Gospel is not perfect; however, it does an amazing job expose the truth behind the prosperity gospel. A teaching which doesn’t allow you to question and challenge your pastors is not a teaching we need in the church today. I recommend watching American Gospel and take the information they present to begin an investigation of your own. 

References

Bjornson, Greta (May 29, 2020). ‘American Gospel Christ Alone’ Controversy: Why The Film is Dividing Netflix Viewers. Decider. www.decider.com/2020/05/29/american-gospel-netflix-controversy/. Retrieved September 13, 2020.

 

Pidcock, Rick (August 14, 2020). Six ways ‘American Gospel’ is small-minded and abusive. Baptist News Global. www.baptistnews.com/article/six-ways-american-gospel-is-small-minded-and-abusive/#.X15cS2hKi1t. Retrieved September 13, 2020.

 

Strachan, Owen (January 17, 2019). ‘American Gospel’ Blows a Hole in the Prosperity Gospel. The Gospel Coalition. www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/american-gospel-blows-hole-prosperity-gospel/. Retrieved September 13, 2020.

 

Vandenboom, Liza (June 22, 2020). “American Gospel” Shows Real-Life Consequences Of Poor Theology. Ministry Watch. www.ministrywatch.com/american-gospel-shows-tangible-consequences-of-poor-theology/. Retrieved September 13, 2020. 

The Grumble Free Year: One family's journey to help others be grumble free

The Grumble Free Year: Twelve months, eleven family members and one impossible goal by Tricia Goyer is her family’s journey to attempt to grumble less and praise more. Before they set off on this seemingly impossible journey, Tricia and her husband, John, promise their kids that if they can achieve this goal, the family will go on a cruise. Their ten children agree to give it a try. The book is twenty chapters, separating into three parts: Gearing Up, The Challenge Begins, and Winding Down, Tricia Goyer details their planning, their successes as well as their failures and where the ideas need to be thrown out, added new ideas or improved upon original ones. At the end of each chapter, there are three Reflection Questions in which the reader can reflect on the topics discussed in each chapter and find the areas that need more attention or improvement. There is also a My Turn section in which the reader can apply the Grumble Free technique to their own journey. Using personal stories and well as relevant Bible verses, Tricia Goyer guides the reader to a grumble free year and beyond.

I was invited to become a member of the Grumble Free Year Launch team. Since I review books on a regular basis, I joined even though I was unfamiliar with Ms. Goyer’s work. I was curious about what this journey would be about. As I began, I was intrigued by her story as her younger children come to their family through adoption and the challenges they faced as the children were older adoptees. At the end of each chapter, I would thoughtfully answer the Reflection Questions and I begin to see where I could change my grumbly ways. Some of the challenges and methods do not apply to me…yet as my children are only 7 years old and 13 months. However, I now have a tool at my disposal in order to face those future grumble years by getting to the root of the grumbles. The Grumble Free Year is a wonderful book with heartfelt, personal and honest stories that shows that the goal of being grumble free isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. This book helped me realize where I am already working on my grumbling and the areas where I still need work. It is a book I will be visiting again and again as I need it. I highly recommend The Grumble Free Year.

The Grumble Free Year:

Twelve months, eleven family members, and one impossible goal

will be available November 5, 2019

in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Revelation: more than just end time prophecy

The final book of the Bible is the book of Revelation. A book which has many interpretations through the centuries. Its purpose is to reveal the full identity of Christ and give warning to nonbelievers and hope to believers. It was written by the apostle John. According to tradition, he wrote it while in exile on the island of Patmos. While the book is filled with imagery and prophecy, I do not intend to discuss the possible meanings as it would take far too long. And there are countless books on the market if anyone is interested. I will discuss the messages and lessons we can take from the seven churches. Each church either has a praise and/or reprimand which are qualities we need to seek and those we need to avoid as a church and as a believer.

First, the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) is praised for its hard work and perseverance. The ancient city of Ephesus was located in present day Izmir Province, Turkey. It was a very important port of trade and a center of early Christianity. Paul wrote the letter of Ephesians to the church and church tradition claims the Gospel of John was written there. The church did not tolerate wickedness and tested those who claimed to be apostles and found those who proved false (verse 2). They endured hardships and did not grow weary (verse 3). However, they have forsaken their first love (verse 4). They had lost their enthusiasm and zeal for Christ which is common for many believers as years past from the moment they first believed. Christ calls them to remember and repent (verse 5). Many new believers have love for God without knowledge but with time, many have knowledge of Him without the same love. To be effective for God, we must have both. Unfortunately, for many Christians as they study God’s word, they tend to focus on pointing out the sins of others rather on their own. We must remember the joy of forgiveness as we gain knowledge of God through studying of his word. It is when we have both that we can teach others about the love of God and the joy we can have in Him.

Second, the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) is praised for suffering persecution and poverty (verse 9) and there is no reprimand. The city of Smyrna was located on the western coast of Asia Minor at the head of the gulf which the Hermus River (today is known as the Gediz River) flows. The church is told to be faithful and do not fear coming trials (verse 10). To remain faithful in difficult times is, well, difficult. It is easy to turn away from God when all you see is pain and suffering. But when you turn to God and focus on His promise of hope and joy, the difficult times will not last. As tests to our faith develops perseverance for future trials (James 1:2). The lesson we can take from the church of Smyrna is to remain faithful, trust God and seek Him as we face difficult times. I understand that when amid turmoil, it can be easier said than done. When faced with extreme difficulties, we often forget to turn God. I know I have. I have learned in recent years to pray first. A quick prayer of “Lord, help me” is sometimes all the words that are needed. The Lord knows what is going on and He knows what needs to be done and what He wants to us to turn to Him. The church of Smyrna is a great example of this reliance on God.

Third, the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) is praised for their faith. They remained true to his name; however, they compromised in other areas. Pergamum was the capital city of the Pergamenian kinds until Rome took over in approximately 133 B.C.E. The city was a sophisticated city, a center of Greek culture and education with a library of over 200,000. However, it was also home of four cults centered around Zeus, Dionysius, Asclepius, and Athene. The politics of the city was deeply entwined with the religious practices and the Christians there would have been heavily pressured to compromise which according to Revelation they did. One man, named Antipas, is mentioned as a faithful witness who was “put to death” in the city (verse 13). There is little information known about Antipas except that he refused to compromise. The specific sins listed were eating foods which were sacrificed to idols and sexual immortality (verse 13). The lesson for us here is not to tolerate sin by bowing to the pressure to be considered open-minded. Sin is still sin regardless if it is accepted by society. Pressure to compromise will be fierce; however, we need to stand firm and avoid practices which Christ opposes. We don’t have to avoid association with non-believers; however, we need to be careful to avoid any type of alliance, partnership or participation can lead to immoral practices.

Fourth, the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) is praised for their deeds, love, faith and service. Thyatira was a working man’s city with many trade guilds in pottery, cloth making, and dyes. The They continued to do more than they did when they first began (verse 19). However, they were reprimanded for their immorality. They tolerated Jezebel who called herself a prophetess and were misleading the church members to eat foods sacrificed to idols and sexual immortality (verse 20). The woman’s name may not have been really Jezebel. John may have used this name to invoke the story of Jezebel the pagan queen who was considered the most evil woman in history (her story can be found in 1 & 2 Kings). Whoever this woman was, she refused to repent (verse 21). Christ says that she will be casted on a bed of suffering along with her followers who refused to repent (verse 22-23). Christ says that he will search “hearts and minds” and will repay according to our deeds (verse 23). We cannot keep secrets from God. He knows our thoughts and hearts. He loves us and all we need to do is repent from all sins and we will forgive us.

Fifth, the church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) is praised for being effective and reprimanded for being superficial. Sardis was the capital of the Lydian empire and one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. This church had the reputation for being alive, but they were dead (verse 1). They are told to wake up and strengthen what is left before it dies (verse 3). Despite being so good on the outside, they were spiritually dead on the inside. They were urged to get back to the basics of Christian faith. We need to grow in our knowledge of God, to deepen our understanding through study; however, we are urged not to abandon the basic truths about Jesus. Not everyone in Sardis were spiritually dead, Jesus says that few are worthy, dressed in white and their names are written in the book of life (verse 4-5). To be dressed in white means to be set apart for God and made pure. The book of life records the names of all believers and symbolizes God’s knowledge of all who belong to him. The lesson from the church of Sardis is we must be spiritually alive inside as well as physical active in our faith.

Sixth, the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) is praised for being faithful and had no reprimands. The city of Philadelphia sat on the Cogamus River and was named in honor of the brother of the Pergamon king, Eumenes. The church is praised for having little strength and yet kept His word and had not denied His name (verse 8). They endured his command patiently (verse 10) and are told to hold on to what they have so that no one can take their crown from them (verse 11). Each Christian has different gifts, abilities, experience and maturity; however, despite these differences, we are each told to hold on to what we have and persevere and use our resources for him. The Philadelphian church was commended for doing just that and was encouraged to continue to hold on. We can remember their example and hold on to His word, to His promise and to our gifts in Him as we persevere through our trials especially when we feel physically, mentally and spiritually weak. When we feel as if we cannot go on, we can remember the faithfulness of the Philadelphian church who had little strength and yet persevered.

Lastly, the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) had no words of praise and only reprimands for being lukewarm. Being lukewarm is worse than being hot or cold. Jesus says he will spit them from his mouth (verse 16). In verse 17, Jesus describes them as claiming to be rich, acquired wealth and in need of nothing; however, they are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” The city of Laodicea was the wealthiest of the seven cities known for its banking industry, wool manufacturing and a medical school. They also had a problem with water and by the time water came to the city from the aqueducts, it was distastefully lukewarm. Jesus is using this imagery to describe the church. The members wouldn’t stand up for anything and their indifference had led to idleness. Jesus is saying that there is no middle ground when it comes to faith and belief in him. You either do or you don’t. You are either fully devout Christian or a non-believer. There is no middle. Being lukewarm is the same as being a non-believer in Jesus’ eyes. He’s about to spit them out unless they repent and be the church for the community that they needed to be.

In conclusion, each church is an example of what do to right and what not to do as believers in Jesus. The church of Ephesus had forgotten their first love in Christ. The church of Pergamum had compromised their convictions. The church pf Thyatira were participating in immoral acts. The church of Sardis had become superficial Christians. The church of Laodicea were lukewarm Christians. For these churches, the course of action was to repent. For the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia, they were praised for their faithfulness despite their suffering and were told to: do not fear, be faithful and hold on. We can read about these churches and learn from their examples. Remain faithful despite our sufferings, remember our first love in Jesus Christ and keep our zeal for Him and follow his commands. If we do these things, we can avoid the sins of the five churches and follow the example of the two churches.

The Huntsman: Winter's War: a review

The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016) is a fantasy adventure prequel/sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman (2012). The movie begins as Queen Ravenna (played by Charlize Theron) plays chess with her sister, Freya (played by Emily Blunt), whose powers have not yet emerged. When tragedy strikes, Freya’s powers sudden appear as ice powers. She flees and builds her own kingdom as the Ice Queen. She trains children to be her fearsome huntsmen. She has forbidden love in her kingdom. Despite her decree, two of her best huntsmen, Eric (played by Chris Hemsworth) and Sara (played by Jessica Chastain) fall in love, secretly marry and plan to escape. Their plans is thwarted and Eric is cast out of the kingdom. Seven years later, it is after the events of Snow White and the Huntsman, Queen Snow White has taken ill due to the influence of Ravenna’s evil mirror. The mirror is ordered to be hidden so its dark magic can be contained. On the trip, the mirror disappears and it is feared that Freya is after it. Eric is sent to investigate and recover the mirror. Can Eric find the mirror before Freya? What evil will be released if she gets it?

First, my review will be based on viewing the extended version of this film. There are a few things I liked. First, Chris Hemsworth is great as he returns to the role of the Huntsman. The only reason I wanted to see this film was Chris Hemsworth’s Huntsman. I enjoyed this character in the first film and I looked forward to seeing him again. Hemsworth has proven he is capable with an action film. And I have yet to see a movie he’s in that I didn’t like. Granted I haven’t seen all of his films yet, so there may be a film or two I won’t like. I also loved his Scottish accent. Although I’ve read comments that the accent was horrible but it works for me and sounds like many Scottish accents I’ve heard. Second, the action was good and entertaining. Jessica Chastain was great in the action sequences and she and Chris Hemsworth worked well together. I thought their characters’ love story was very moving and believable. Third, there were moments of humor that made me smile or chuckle especially with the dwarves. Nion (played by Nick Frost) and Gryff (played by Rob Brydon) join Eric on his search for the mirror. Along the way, they are joined by Doreena (played by Alexandra Roach) and Bromwyn (played by Sheridan Smith). The interaction between the four dwarves add humor to the story. They aren’t just there for comic relief. The dwarves are in the thick of the action too.

The main issue I had about this film was how it was advertised. The movie was billed as “the story before Snow White” and the first part of the movie takes place before her story. However, the majority of the story and action takes place AFTER the events of Snow White’s story. So how can this be “the story before Snow White?” It reminds me of the movie 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) which takes place before, during and after the events of 300 (2007). If I remember correctly 300: Rise of an Empire was billed as a before, during and after movie unlike Winter’s War which was billed as a prequel. And it’s only a prequel for the first 25 minutes or so. I think the movie fully intended to be a sequel but when the affair scandal between Kristin Stewart and the director Rupert Sanders broke out and Kristin Stewart refusing to do the sequel, I think the producers scrambled about what to do next. Although, in my opinion, I think they could have recast Snow White and the fans would have applauded. There was also a mentioned that Disney may not have allowed the producers to use the name “Snow White” as they have the rights to the name and character. I’m not sure how true that it because she is mentioned in the movie several times and seen in a few scenes.

This movie was heavily criticized by critics and audiences alike. First, many critics and moviegoers pointed out that Freya was similar to Disney’s Elsa in Frozen (2013). They are similar because they were both inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s story, The Snow Queen. Was it smart to create a character who was inspired by the same story as a widely popular Disney film? Probably not, because even through Freya is closer to the cruelty of the Snow Queen, Elsa is still the image of the queen with ice powers. Second, many critics hated that the narrator in the film gives away the story before the movie has a chance to start. There was narration in Snow White and the Huntsman, so it would make sense that there would be narration with this film too. When I watched the film again, I paid more attention to the narration and I don’t think it gave anything away that the audience could already anticipate from just the description of the film. In the movie poster, you see Freya dressed as the ice queen but when you first see her in the film, she hasn’t gotten her ice powers yet. So you would anticipate something happening in order for her to transform into the ice queen. Third, many comments I read had a problem with the prequel/sequel premise and I can see why because I had an issue with it too as I stated above. I think a straight forward sequel would have been better. The Freya character could have introduced to the story without having to explain her backstory as they did. Or her backstory could have been shown as part of an exposition from another character.

Overall, I have watched the film three times now and each time I enjoy it more and more. It is a fun adventure story. It is a great Saturday afternoon popcorn movie. I think so many people now want movies which require you to think and contemplate the great questions of our lives and our world. However, sometimes you need a simple straight forward adventure story which leaves you pumped up and victorious. A movie which you cheer for the heroes and you cheer at the demise of the villains. The Huntsman: Winter’s War is such a movie. In my opinion, you don’t even need to see Snow White and the Huntsman first. You can get enough of the story which happens before in Winter’s War without being lost or confused. So if you have the chance and want to watch an adventure story with humor and great action sequences, I recommend The Huntsman: Winter’s War. It is available now on Blue-ray, DVD and On Demand. 

Psalms: the book for all occasions

Psalms is a collection of poems, songs and prayers which express praise, worship and confessions to God. The book contains 150 psalms which express the heart and soul of humanity. The shortest psalm is only two verses (Psalm 117) and the longest psalm is 150 verses (Psalm 119)! The psalmists experience the depths of despair and the heights of joy and God brings them out of their struggles. David was the most prolific psalmist who wrote 73 psalms. The psalms are said to be written between the time of Moses (around 1440 BC) and the Babylonian captivity (586 BC). With so many psalms, it was hard to choose just a few to discuss; however, I’ve chosen psalms which have great meaning to people I know as well as ones which stood out to me as I read.

First, Psalm 40 is my husband’s favorite psalm. His favorite band, U2, used Psalm 40 as inspiration for their song, “40.” It was written by David and speaks to waiting patiently while doing God’s will. While we wait, we can love God, serve others and tell others about him. Verse 1 opens this theme directly, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Waiting patiently for the Lord is not easy but David received four blessings for he patience: God had 1) lifted him out of this despair, 2) set his feet on a rock, 3) gave him a firm place to stand (verse 2) and 4) gave him a new song of praise (verse 3). Blessings are often not received until a trial of waiting. For instance, my husband and I recently bought a car. We waited for years for our own car. From balancing sharing a car with my mom and then getting a gift of a car riddled with problems, we patiently waited for the day when we could get our own car. Then this year, God rewarded our patience with a great deal and a car we love to drive.

Second, Psalm 73 was written by Asaph, a leader of one of the temple choirs. This psalm speaks about living holy lives and trusting God for our future. The psalm opens discussing how the wicked seem to prosper: “always carefree, they increase in wealth” (verse 12) but the righteous have lasting rewards. After the riches of this earth will fade away, the righteous has something which cannot disappear: God. Verse 27-28 states “Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” One verse stood out to me and speaks to those who feel as if they have failed and cannot return to God. Verse 26 says “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” As you and I live our life, despite our best efforts to live a Christ-like life, we will fail. We will have moments of weakness. However, as long as we cling to God in those moments, we will have renewed strength.  

Third, Psalm 103 is a psalm of David which speaks of God’s great love for us and what God does for us tells us what he is really like. Verses 8-10 tells us who God is. He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love (verse 8). He will not accuse, harbor his anger forever or treat us as our sins deserve (verse 9-10). My favorite verses is 11-12, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his live for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” These two verses are great joy for believers. Since the east and west can never meet, it is symbolic of God’s forgiveness. When He forgives our sins, He separates it from us and doesn’t remember it. People will remember their sin and dwell on it. However, when we place our trust in Christ and seek forgiveness, God forgives and forgets. Our record has been wiped clean and we can live with a new slate. Although this doesn’t mean we won’t sin again because we will; but when we truly seek forgiveness from God, he will remove our sin.

Lastly, Psalm 112 is a psalm about the advantages of having faith in God. God guards the minds and actions of those who follow his commands. Verse 1 states, “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.” To fear the Lord is to have great reverence and respect for God and His Word. The Hebrew word for fear, yirah, have a wide range of meanings in Scripture. It can mean a fear of impending danger. However, it also means the idea of wonder, amazement, astonishment, gratitude, admiration, and worship of God. Therefore, the fear of the Lord is an overwhelming sense of the glory, worth and beauty of the One True God (Parsons). If we have fear and trust in the Lord, we “will have no fear of bad news” and our hearts will be “steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (verse 7). This verse is one of the reasons why that I do not fear the future. Despite the discord in our country and the world, I trust that God is in control and all will work for His good. Many people will be dragged into the debates, the arguments and great anger will ensue, but I refuse to do so. I have faith in the Lord and no man can change that. 

The book of Psalms is a great source of encouragement when feeling afraid or a host of other emotions. It is also a source to go to when facing struggles and difficult times. For the psalms which I have featured, these psalms teach us that if we wait patiently for the Lord, we will be blessed. Trusting in God will give us riches that will never fade. God will help us in our moments of weakness. God has great love for us and He is a forgiving Lord. Lastly, fear of the Lord helps us be unafraid in the world around us. Although it sounds too good to be true and sometimes we will fail. Sometimes, we will get inpatient, we will falter in our trust, and the fear in the world around us will overpower us, God is a forgiving God and he will welcome you back. All you have to do is turn to Him.

References:

Parsons, John J. (retrieved 1/29/2017) The Awe of the Lord http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Eikev/Yirah/yirah.html

First and Second Chronicles: the power of prayer

First and Second Chronicles are a brief retelling of the events which occur in 1 and 2 Kings. First Chronicles serves as a commentary on the events of 2 Samuel and emphasizes the religious history of Judah and Israel. Second Chronicles serves as the commentary for 1 and 2 Kings and highlights the importance of the temple and the religious revivals in Judah while the kingdom of Israel in ignored. As I read through these books, one thing stood out: prayer. In particular three prayers which are examples of how God can work in our lives if we ask him. With an honorable man named Jabez, we see the power of a simple prayer. With King David, we see a formula in which to pray. With King Asa, we see asking for the impossible in prayer can allow it to become possible.

Jabez is a man who is remembered for a simple prayer with a big impact. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” By asking God to bless him, Jabez was acknowledging God as the true center of his life and his work. When we pray for God’s blessings, as Jabez did, we need to pray that He take his rightful place as Lord of our homes, our workplace and our lives. The protection Jabez was asking for wasn’t just from the outside world which is full of evil and pain but also internally. The evil and pain which starts from within us in our motives, desires, thoughts and actions. This simple prayer is an example of what can happen when we recognize that God provides all. He provides the means for success, protection from harm and guidance in our lives. If we just ask him to.

David was known as a man of prayer. His prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19 is an example of how we can pray. First, he opens his prayer with praise. In verse 10, he says, “Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.” Second, he recognizes God’s power and glory. He recognizes the God is powerful, majestic and splendor (verse 11). He acknowledges that everything comes from the Lord from their wealth to their honor (verse 12). Third, he prays for the people. In verse 18, David prays that God would “keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever” and “keep their hearts loyal” to Him. He also prays for his son, Solomon, the next king of Israel in verse 19, “And give my son, Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees.”  Wholehearted devotion is complete dedication to God. To serve God above all else. David’s prayer follows a simple formula: praise to God, recognize God’s power, and make our requests. When we praise God and recognize his power before we make our request, we acknowledge that God has the authority to grant our requests and everything we have comes from him.

Asa was a king up against the Cushite army. Knowing that his army had no chance against this army without the power of God, he calls out to Him. His prayer in 2 Chronicles 14:11 says, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, in your name, we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God, do not let man prevail against you.” The Lord provided the victory (verse 12). Asa uses a similar formula as King David. He praised God and acknowledged His power. Then he made his request. King Asa is an example of when facing battles that seem impossible, don’t give up. To paraphrase a common saying, when the going gets tough, the tough get praying. Asa knew he could not do it on his own. He need the power and glory of God behind every swing of his army’s swords. The secret of victory is first to admit the futility of unaided human effort and to trust God to do the rest. God’s power works best though those who recognize their limitations. It is those who think they are able do anything without God are the ones in the greatest danger.

In conclusion, it may seem too simple, prayer. Just ask and you can receive. However, prayer is the most powerful tool a believer has. Prayer is a direct connection to God. When we pray, we have the ear of the Creator of Heaven and Earth. We have the attention of the Father of Lights. When we pray, we have the power to do the impossible. Jabez asked for God’s blessings and protection in his life. And he received it. David asked for hearts of Israel to remain with God forever and that his son would be completely dedicated to serving Him. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen quite like that. Asa asked for God’s help with an unbeatable enemy and he got it. You may say, wait a minute. Two prayers were answered and one wasn’t. Well, that’s another post for another day. The point is all three men humbled themselves before the Lord and made their requests. They knew that only God had the power to fulfill their request and they left it all in God’s hands. Imagine what we could do we did the same.