AUTHOR: Jennifer Eivaz
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Chosen Books, 2022, (224 pages).
Hurt people, hurt people. Healed people, help people. Being human, we often need to be helped first before we could help others. It has been said that Christ came to earth not to make people good, but to make dead people live. The Bible says that because of sin, we died, but because of Christ, we live. Some Christians claim belief but still live superficially. We need to change from the inside out. One way or another, we all need to be healed and to be delivered from the different impediments that prevent us from growing spiritually. Sometimes, there are deeper issues of the soul that need particular attention. This is where this book comes in. Written by one whose life has been changed from the inside out, this book represents the work and experience of an author whose conviction is that Christ heals and there is demonstrable power of the Holy Spirit that we need. Author Jennifer Eivaz asserts that every believer is a minister. Known also as the "Praying Prophet," Eivaz has spent her life teaching the need for inner healing and deliverance. Inner healing is "the healing of the inner [person]: the mind, the emotions, the painful memories, the dreams. It is the process through prayer whereby we are set free from resentment, rejection, self-pity, repression, guilt, fear, sorrow, hatred, inferiority, condemnation, or worthlessness, etc." Deliverance is "from God and is part of the blessing of being in covenant with Him. It only destroys what is of the devil; it never destroys what is of the Holy Spirit. Since deliverance is a work of the Holy Spirit, it builds up the saints and edifies the Church. It tears down the strongholds of the enemy but builds up the work of God." Both are needed together.
As one progresses through the book, Eivaz shares powerful stories of deliverance, sometimes warning readers upfront to "read with caution" the sensitive contents. She shares deeply personal traumas of her past, together with rivetting details about her restoration from the wounds of the past. She describes how hatred not only prevents us from healing, it hurts us deeply. Past trauma, PTSD, hurtful memories, and different types of shame can prevent us from even considering a journey toward healing. Eivaz also warns us about the occult and cults. Slowly but surely, readers see increasing positive light toward the end of the book as Eivaz shows us how to defeat the spirit of fear and embark on the journey toward restoration.
My Thoughts
Healing and deliverance are significant parts of Jesus' ministry. They are definitely not the only ones. In his ministry, Jesus spoke the Word. He taught the Scriptures to his disciples. He also spent considerable time ministering among the outcasts and marginalized. Whenever he has the opportunity, he would illuminate Scriptures for his hearers and remind them about the purpose of his coming. Many people followed him because of his teachings. Others followed him just to see his miracles. Sadly, most (if not all) deserted him when he was crucified at the cross. Today, inner healing and deliverance matters take on different narratives depending on which faith tradition one comes from. The Pentecostal tradition tends to be one of the most prominent practitioners. Thus, it is not surprising that the author of this book comes from a background of tongues-speaking, prophecy, and spiritual giftings filled with supernatural signs and wonders. For that reason, I am grateful for the way the Pentecostals have complimented mainstream Christianity to remind all of us how real spiritual warfare is. Perhaps, the reason why mainstream denominations and conservative circles do not see as many miracles and deliverances is because of their lack of faith in these areas.
Having said that, just as the author has acknowledged, there have been cases of excesses and wrongful applications by some misinformed or over-eager practitioners. She urges us to be open to the moving of the Spirit. By covering each chapter with prayer, she acknowledges that every act of the Spirit is to be prayerfully conceived. We should not let the excesses swing us toward unbelief. Instead, we should let the Scriptures and the prompting of the Holy Spirit sway us toward faith. We need more realization of the work of the Spirit in an increasingly secular and skeptical world. Even believers need to be reminded and refreshed about the Power of the Spirit. Some of the things described in this book can be quite mindboggling. As the Bible teaches us, the things of the Spirit must be spiritually discerned. If there is no faith, how can we expect the Spirit to work? Whatever it is, stay open to the Spirit's prompting. Be ready to let the Scriptures guide our thinking and praying. Consider the life and work of the author and let the fruit of the Spirit teach us.
Jennifer Eivaz is a minister and international conference speaker with a heart to equip the Church in the supernatural and for raising passionate and effective prayer. She is a regular contributor to Charisma Online and The Elijah List, has been featured on several Christian television shows, hosts the popular podcast Take Ten With Jenn and has authored several bestselling books. Jennifer lives with her husband, Ron, and their two children in Turlock, California, where she serves as co-pastor at Harvest Church.
Rating: 4 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Chosen Books and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
No comments:
Post a Comment