Photo credit: David Whitlow, courtesy of AFFIRM Films/Provident Films War Room with Priscilla Shirer and Beth Moore

As time passed, I began to see and hear more about this movie. Then about a week ago, I saw that Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer were in the film, with Shirer playing the lead female role. This instantly gave me cause to be greatly concerned about the message of the movie. For those who don't know about Beth Moore's false teachings, please refer to my article here: "What Do Ann Voskamp, Beth Moore and Sarah Young Have in Common?". In short, Beth Moore believes in the unbiblical practice of "binding Satan", as well as proudly declaring her extra-biblical prophetic messages and false visions from the Lord. Unfortunately, Priscilla Shirer is close friends, ministry partners, and contemplative prayer practitioner/teacher with Beth Moore, and as God warned us, "Bad company, ruins good morals." (1 Cor 15:33)—and Beth Moore is certainly bad company for anyone, especially believers.

But still, I wanted to be open-minded about the movie, so I prayed about whether or not I should go see it and write a review on it myself. Thankfully, the Lord answered my prayers with these two reviews by Justin Peters and Seth Dunn.

War Room sadly promotes and teaches: wives to be worldly submissive rather than biblically submissive, conversing with Satan, and many other Word of Faith types of practices. But sadly, I am not surprised because Alex Kendrick did not heed the admonition in 1 Corinthians 15:33, and earlier this year, he immersed himself with Word of Faith false teachers at the Missions and Marketplace Conference 2015. Strangely enough, the link to this year's speakers (as you can see pictured below), has recently been deleted so that you can't see that Alex Kendrick was one of their keynote speakers.



You can't travel with and work alongside false teachers and remain completely undefiled by their heresies and presumptuous blasphemes they proclaim and to their hurt, teach others to practice. This is why I wasn't surprised to hear that there were so many Word of Faith type prayers and proclamations (e.g., when Mrs. Clara was held at knife-point, she rebuked her assailant "in the name of Jesus", Elizabeth rebuking Satan, etc.).

"Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

"Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.' "

-Jude 1:3-4; 8-9, ESV

While I agree with the premise of this movie: that we need to pray more, I disagree with the unbiblical manner in which War Room teaches and promotes prayer—as our personal power source to get something from God (to fix our lives) rather than what Christ told us prayer is for—the gift of God to know and submit to His will rather than our own.

I also take serious issue with the one little line by Beth Moore's character has, "Sometimes submission to your husband looks like ducking so the Lord’s punch hits him instead". Sisters, while this may feed our flesh, it certainly does not feed our spirits with pure spiritual milk. This line completely opposes the humble, loving and biblically submissive heart-disposition God delights in Proverbs 31:11-12. Rather, a godly wife readily admits she is a sinner and is grateful for the mercy she's received from the Lord, therefore delights to submit to  her husband from her overflowing love for Christ, and not so that her husband would get "punched" by God (which denigrates our Father's holy and righteous character). A truly biblically submissive wife understands the admonition given to ungodly husbands in 1 Peter 3:7 and out of her love for Christ and her husband, she prays for him and submits to him for His good and not for his harm—for God to grant him the same mercy she's received in Christ.

I'm disappointed and saddened that this latest film from the Kendrick Brothers succumbed to the seeker-friendly, happy-clappy, false Christianity. But I hope and pray that their next film will return to more doctrinally sound portrayals of what it looks like to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ—the light and salt of the earth.

As you read the reviews from Justin Peters and Seth Dunn, please keep in mind something Charles Spurgeon once said, "Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right." And War Room is dangerous, because it's almost right.

Why Commenting is Closed

I did a rare thing today. I closed comments on this article early because I'm responsible to God for all the the content found on this site, including the comments.

I've learned from the past, and can more quickly discern when an article begins to garner too many ill-mannered commenters rather than edifying commenters. It doesn't bother me when people disagree with me (read my other posts where hundreds of people disagree with me, here and at the Christian Post). I actually appreciate and am very encouraged by sincere, loving and challenging comments/questions by brothers and sisters in the Lord and always pray about and take into serious consideration any disagreements. I know that I can and am often wrong and am encouraged by the true expression of love that I'm shown by those who care enough to correct me. So I test sincere disagreements with God's Word and if I'm right, I stand firm, and if I'm wrong, I thank the person who loved me enough to take the time to correct me and openly share my error so others won't make the same error I did.

Commenting on my blog is allowed as long as it's respectful, loving, and edifying to others; and most importantly, honoring to Christ (Ephesians 4:29-32, 5:4 and 2 Tim 2:14, 24-26). When comments become belligerent and emotion-led rather than Spirit-led, I close the thread so that I may maintain an environment of God's truth and peace, rather than provide a place for havoc and ranting. 

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25, 2015 – San Francisco residents may look up to see a rainbow in the sky next week, but it won’t indicate the typical support for gay rights. A new movie that over 1,000 LGBT supporters have warned the public not to watch will be advertised on a banner for two days over San Francisco.

While pro-LGBT viewers have slammed the film on online review sites, the film’s producer is not deterred. Ray Comfort, whose movies have been seen by millions, said, “Despite the calls for censorship and displays of intolerance, we’re hoping people will be open-minded enough to watch the film and come to their own conclusion.”

As the best-selling author noted, not all perceive the movie to be heavy-handed. One viewer commented, “I have to say, as a gay woman who watched Audacity, I agree that the topic was handled with love and compassion which was refreshing to see…the message was clear (even if it was one I disagreed with as an atheist).”

After flying the banner over San Francisco, the producer plans to target Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Austin, Houston, New Orleans, and New York. Comfort explains his goal for the banners, and the film itself: “A film reviewer stated that ‘this film has the potential to ease the tensions between Christians and the LGBT community.’ That’s something I think most people would agree is sorely needed these days.”

“Audacity” received 100,000 YouTube views in five days. It may be freely seen on www.AudacityMovie.com.

Earlier today at 6:45 a.m., a horrifyingly sinful act was witnessed when three innocent people were gunned down in Moneta, Virginia during a live WDBJ-TV interview: a reporter (Alison Parker, 24), a cameraman (Adam Ward, 27), and a woman being interviewed (Vicki  Gardner). It is heartbreaking that both Alison and Adam were killed, but I'm grateful to the Lord that Vicki has already undergone surgery and is in stable condition.

Though I'm aware of the evil in this world, I was still stunned by this act of violence by Bryce Williams (legal name: Vester Lee Flanagan) who was once a reporter and co-worker of both Alison and Adam at WDBJ. Two hours after the shooting, Williams faxed a 23-page manifesto to ABC News. In this manifesto, Williams claims that he was racially discriminated against and harassed by black men and white women because he was a homosexual black man. Williams also stated that he's "been a human powder keg for a while…just waiting to go BOOM!!" and that the church shooting in Charleston was the final spark that ignited his bustling fuse. Sadly, he also stated what many who are lost in their sins say—that God told him to do it. But those of us who truly know God, know this is not true. And my heart grieves for others who, like Bryce Williams, are completely deceived by their own sin nature.

It seems lately, that every time we watch or hear the news, there's always something that tempts us to fear man rather than God. There seems to be constant heart wrenching news about violence and the increasing depravity of man being celebrated while character, honor and holiness is being beaten to a pulp or threatened to be silenced. So what's a Christian to do? We are to do what we should always be doing—getting on our knees: repenting of our sins, asking God to forgive others, and praying for the wisdom, courage and love to do what's right in God's sight.

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him [the Almighty] who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

-Matthew 10:28, ESV

News like this senseless and tragic shooting today, should not rattle or frighten a Christian or scare us into remaining in more of a Christian bubble than some of us already are. News like this should wake up the idle Christians from their selfish stupor and exhort the faithful Christians to continue preaching the Gospel with more compassion and urgency. Ultimately, there is no human program, law or institution that can or will stop the cause of these continual evils we inflict upon one another. The only solution, the only true hope and help for anyone, is to hear and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So before you decide to judge, hate and call Bryce Williams ugly names, remember that we're all capable of such heinous crimes. Remember that in the sight of the one and only holy God, we all have sinned the greatest sin—rebellion against God Almighty; therefore we all deserve the greatest punishment—eternal damnation in Hell. But because God is gracious and full of mercy and compassion, He crushed His own Son, making Christ the propitiation for our sins. Making Him who knew no sin to be sin for us—us, who knew nothing but sin prior to the Father's gift of faith in His Son.

Remember what the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to write to the Ephesians. Then pray for Bryce Williams' family and friends and others like him. Pray for God to grant them all the gift of repentance that leads to saving faith in Jesus Christ. And be brave—pray for God to give you opportunities to share the Gospel of His grace with others, even people you may feel uncomfortable or fearful around (homosexuals, drug users, or simply people who aren't like you).

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus"

-Ephesians 2:1-6, ESV

Though it's an icky thought to have an electronic device (pacemaker) in my chest and two electrical wires (leads) in two chambers of my heart (right atrium and ventricle), I'm grateful to the LORD for providing this medical intervention that's making my heart beat as often as it should and gradually elevate as necessary, with activity.

I have a six week recovery that includes not being able to raise my left arm above my head, bear down on it, extend it back, etc. so as not to pull the leads out of my heart, which would require another surgery to put them back in. And for the first two weeks, I can't drive or do much of anything but rest, and possibly, some very light activity. Six weeks gives the tissue in my heart enough time to surround the leads and hold them in place. I never realized how many things I have to do that causes me to have to put my arms above my head (wash and brush my hair, getting dressed, reaching for a drinking glass, etc.), bear down on it (opening prescription meds, closing food lids) and extending it backward (to scratch an itch, to wash, get dressed, etc). This has caused severe pain in my right shoulder and arm due to overuse. So, I'll have to get this figured out too...perhaps...I just need to rest more.

Pain in the Flesh

I misread my care instructions and began some "normal" daily activity the day I got home from the hospital (e.g., unload the dishwasher, try to write this update). It turns out, I was supposed to pretty much do nothing but rest the first three days, and possibly have some very light activity for the next two weeks. Due to being overly zealous after my surgery, the past few days have been rough. I've had severe heaviness in my chest (where my sternum and heart are) so that it's difficult and very painful to catch a full breath. I've also had extreme pain in my shoulders, neck and upper back; so much so, I needed to take a pain med (Tramadol). I don't like pain meds due to the constipation and other side effects it causes. But thankfully, my Father God has brought me through many excruciating trials throughout my life that though my body has a low pain tolerance, I have a high pain threshold. This gift from the Lord made it possible for me to only have to take one pain med the first day home and I've been able to manage these other days with Tylenol here and there. God always knows what's ahead and provides us with what we need...when we need it.

In a couple of weeks I'll have my first post-op visit with my Cardiac Electrophysiologist (CE) and the rep from St. Jude's Medical (where my pacemaker is from) to make sure the personal settings they made for my pacemaker are working well for me, and to review the readings from my pacemaker to decide if, in conjunction with my pacemaker, I'll need heart meds to control my episodes of SVTs (supraventricular tachycardia), PACs (premature atrial contractions) and PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) caused by my heart arrhythmia: sick sinus syndrome. Both my Cardiologist and CE diagnosed me with sick sinus syndrome from the readings of my 14-day heart monitor. From this report, they discovered that I was having more bouts of bradycardia than the other arrhythmias (which was causing my lightheadedness, dizziness and near fainting spells). The pacemaker only controls my bradycardia, so my prayer is that the LORD isn't allowing enough of those other arrhythmias to occur so that medication is not needed to control them. But again, I am the Lord's handmaiden, let all things be done to me as He pleases. I know that whatever God wills is better than whatever I will.

Joy in the Lord

In the hopes that I might daily use and not waste the spiritual gifts God has given me, one of my constant prayers is Romans 1:11-12, "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine." because I never know when I'll be with a fellow believer. One of the unique joys of being a child of the Most High God is the blessing of unpretentious, altruistic and beautiful fellowship with other saints in Christ Jesus, everywhere I go (1 Pet 1:22).

I had my hospital tract bag filled with books, DVDs, CDs and tracts so that I would be ready to exhort saints to press on and share the Gospel with the lost.

Right from the beginning, I was able to encourage and be encouraged by the faith of my phlebotomist and nurse who did the pre-surgery prep work for me. They shared personal details and concerns about their lives and the Lord allowed me to share His Word with them as only He knew they needed at that moment (Eph 4:29, another one of my constant prayers). My precious nurse had been a missionary in Tanzania for six years and has only been back in the U.S. for the past year. We discussed much about how every Christian is called to be a missionary—to share the Gospel, no matter where God puts us, in Tanzania, here in our country, as a nurse or as a patient. I gave her "God Has a Wonderful Plan For Your Life" (by Ray Comfort) to encourage her. We exchanged contact info and we're already planning on our next fellowship together! She told me she's enjoying the book and Ray's message regarding evangelism. It's such an incredible blessing to know that in Christ, I have the riches of His kingdom that I may freely and generously share with others.

Neither where we live for a time nor what position God grants us for a time, should be wasted. All that we are, wherever we are and whatever we do, we ought to do for God's pleasure and glory alone; for this is our strength and joy—our joy in the Lord (1 Jn 5:3)!

My Father God also blessed me with the joy of meeting a brother in Christ, my anesthesiologist. We shared how we're mutually inspired to share the the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we both love and appreciate all the witnessing tools and resources Ray makes available through his ministry, Living Waters Publications. He told me how encouraged he's been by our brother Ray's ministry and asked me to relay a message of great thanks to Ray for his faithfulness and love for Christ and all those He came to save. So my Romans 1:11-12 prayer extended all the way to California and I was glad for it!

My anesthesiologist and I chatted about our mutual love and faith in Christ all the way up to the point of him putting me to sleep. As I began to fall asleep, I prayed that the Lord would help me (as He's done before) to share the Gospel, whether or not I'm fully conscience. Because I'm never completely lucid while in the recovery room, I can't recall all that I said and did, but I do recall asking those around me (I don't know how many were there because my eyes were still closed, but I heard multiple voices), "Do you know Jesus Christ?" There were varied responses and I don't remember if I got to share the entire Gospel, but I do recall saying, "You must repent and believe...there's nothing more important than your eternal salvation." I also remember repeating that multiple times and I'm not sure if I was talking to the same person/people. But I was grateful that the LORD granted me my request and I pray that the seed He gave me to sow was on the soft and tendered hearts that He's prepared to receive and believe the Gospel.

"This message [the Gospel] is not supposed to make us tame and comfortable. Christ crucified and raised for our justification is intended to unleash us, embolden us, and put us to work. Christianity is much more about serious adventure than sentimentalized safety. It is much more about faith in suffering than ease in prosperity. It is much more about death—death to sin and self—than it is about personal affirmation and precious moments."

-Dr. Owen Strachan, Tabletalk Magazine, August 2015 issue

Sadly today, we have too many "Christian Picnickers" and too few "Christian Runners". Our lives are but a mist and none of us are guaranteed our next breath. Just because I'm so obviously ill doesn't mean I will die before you will. No one takes one breath more or one breath less than God has ordained before the foundation of the world (Ps 139:16). And we ought not take that truth lightly or forget it altogether. Rather, we ought to embrace all that God has spoken to us through His Word and make the most of every moment we have for the glory and pleasure of our Savior, instead of indulging ourselves with personal affirmations and self-centered desires and fears.

My prayer is that God uses everything...everything that He's given me: my marriage, my parenting, my friendships, my time, my money, my talents, my spiritual gifts, my social media platforms, my writings, my errands, my broken body, and every conversation, to be something that's beautiful in His sight (Mk 14:6). And I pray this for everyone who claims Christ as their Savior; that we would all hunger and thirst for righteousness, and like our Father God, that our hearts would be filled with compassion for the lost. Don't waste another breath. Don't waste another vacation, errand, telemarketing call, etc. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and generously give others what you profess you're grateful for—Christ, given to you by God, as a propitiation for your sins, so that you may have eternal life in His Son.