This week a friend mentioned about Benny Hinn in our conversation. If you are not familiar with Benny Hinn, he was known for preaching the prosperity gospel and hosting big, flashy miracle crusades in 1990s. I watched him on TBN Christian network in my college years and often wondered about his ministry. TBN founders and their guests were too flashy for me. But when I would close my eyes and just listen to their words, it would minister to me greatly. I just didn’t know what to think about him or TBN Christian network that was available in our area.
In the last 13 years, I rarely watched any Christian TV networks because of my husband’s discomfort but I was very surprised to note that there are several Christian TV networks out there now. There are also many, many, many televangelists and preachers through their own YouTube and other social media channels. With so many choices, it is hard to figure out which ones to listen to. For me, this challenge makes me dig deeper into the word of God for myself so that I can discern better. If I am not sure, I would pray and ask other friends in the ministry for their opinions.
Going back to Benny Hinn, after watching this interview I think he is another safe pastor to listen to. He has repented from his focus on prosperity and I was deeply touched by his humility, genuine heart to not hurt Jesus, and to care for His people especially the persecuted Christians. I also learned about his childhood. He grew up in a very strict Greek Orthodox family in Israel. It was very fascinating to hear how he got supernaturally saved in high school in Canada. I look forward to visiting his ministry website.
I have learned from many, many, many ministries, pastors and teachers in the last 13 years. Other than my local church, the other church that I would hear weekly is from Times Square Church in NYC. Last Sunday’s message at TSC concerned me greatly. They were forewarned by the Holy Spirit before 9-11-01. They are receiving the same alarm again. Please listen to this message and we must pray along with them for God’s mercy with humility and repentance.
https://sermons.tsc.nyc/how-can-a-nation-that-had-known-gods-blessing-come-under-gods-judgement/
It would perplex me greatly why the Jewish people who are so tiny in number but are relentlessly persecuted. There are only 16 million Jewish people worldwide (0.2% to be exact). In comparison, there are about 53 million South Koreans (my birth country) worldwide. I thought this short article explained biblical and simply the main reason why. This one sentence in the article sums it up – “The truth is that the world hates the Jews because the world hates God.”
https://www.gotquestions.org/anti-Semitism.html
As the Middle East crisis continues, let’s keep both Israel and Palestine in our prayers. This ministry lady, Christine Darg, from Jerusalem that I listen to sometimes reminded me yesterday that Adonia Tsavout, the Lord of Angel Armies is strong and powerful. I hope her message gives you strength and comfort too.
As I have been gripped with fear more lately, I have been meditating more often on Bible verses against fear and our hope in Jesus. I’ve even started to listen to worship songs more; usually I don’t get too excited about worship songs by myself but only in corporate settings. I also have been utilizing my gift of tongues more and praying in tongues privately. Since I have no idea what I’m saying I usually don’t pray in tongues because my mind wanders away. However when I’m gripped with fear and anxiety; and my mind freezes, I greatly value my gift of tongues. I highly recommend that you ask for this spiritual gift if you don’t have it yet. It is a very valuable gift when you are paralyzed with fear and anxiety.
Journal of Faith 