Pastor Paul is a young seminary graduate called as interim pastor to a small rural church. He is full of zeal, but mostly for self-promotion. He sincerely loves the Lord but his past emotional wounds leave him vulnerable and in need of attention and affirmation. He constantly frustrates his angel, Saldu, who tries to steer him toward a more humble attitude. Sarah Edwards is a new church member, a recent widow who gets saved at age 71. Unknown to her, Sarah has two angels to help disciple her and she is maturing rapidly in the faith. She is confused by her prophetic gifting, which leads her to offend some church members. She also prayer walks in front of Pastor Paul's house. When his wife sees her pacing back and forth "talking to no one," Paul quickly writes her off as a "wacko." Through the lives of Paul and Sarah you will see that the really wonderful news is that living a life pleasing to God has nothing to do with gritting your teeth and trying harder (again and again and again). God rewards you for simple, loving, serving actions throughout your days, stepping outside your own concerns to truly see others in His name.
If you’ve ever doubted the power of praying… read this book! If you’ve ever thought that your imperfect prayers didn’t matter, read this book! If you are a prayer warrior, praise the Lord! And read this book! And if don’t believe in prayer, or even know who to pray to, I hope you will consider reading this book.
When I see a Kindle Freebie with 18 reviews and 17 of them give five stars, I can’t help but be skeptical. Especially when the majority have a common thread. In the case of Angels of Humility, that thread was “I’ve never read anything like it… A life changing book… My prayer life will never be the same.” I don’t let skepticism stop me, however. I like fiction about spiritual warfare, and there were enough positive words NOT in common to sway me to pick it.
About four chapters in, I had decided this was a 4-star book. It’s extremely well written, and it’s readable. The story and the characters drew me in – I wanted to keep reading. But I felt the plot wasn’t entirely original, and I considered it to be heavily influenced by Frank Peretti’s “Darkness” duo. (Not a bad thing!)
It wasn’t long, though, before Angels of Humility set itself apart as something different, and my rating climbed to 5 stars. By the end of the book, I knew why all of the Amazon reviews were high. I was gasping in awe and wonder.
Many of us have no idea what an overwhelming gift of responsibility and power we carry – untapped. And, though it sounds cliché, I can honestly say … “I’ve never read anything like it… A life changing book… My prayer life will never be the same.”
Angels of Humility is wonderfully connected, and I mean that in the sense that every event has been knit together by smaller incidents and moments to form a beautiful illustration of how nothing happens by accident, and how God works through all things. The story concerns the lives of two very different people: Sarah and Pastor Paul. Paul, a young ambitious pastor, who--even though he strives to be a good Christian- is in serious need of being humbled. He finds work at a small church and immediately begins dreaming and scheming to grow its numbers, but his desire for church growth slowly wedges itself between his relationship with his wife and child.
Meanwhile, Sarah, an elderly widow, has only recently found God, and even though her health is deteriorating quickly, learns the power of prayer, and focuses all her time to pray for those needing God. As I have mentioned before, events transpire to bring Paul into Sarah's life (even if they don't get along), and Sarah learns the importance of standing up to for the message of Christ. That in all things, we must love and spread the hope that is a relationship with God, even to a crowd thick with judgement and preconceived notions of "good."
Angels of Humility comes packed with wit, depth, relatable characters, humanity at its best and worst, and one of the loveliest descriptions of Heaven I have ever come across in Christian writing. I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ A friend recommended this book to me saying that it will teach me the power of prayer and the importance of relinquishing my need to control my life.
𝙒𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚? Yes, it was true! & I learned a lot!
The importance of humility, intercession, the ministry of angels and understanding spiritual warfare are also the central themes of the book.
I needed to take my time as the story wasn't a page-turner for the most part. It doesn't have plot twists, but it has a great message, and that was all I needed.
What an absolutely amazing work. This book clearly reveals the difference and impact that one life can have on so many others. It shows us that God can and does use the weak to confound the wise. Age clearly does not hinder or limit what God can do with a humble heart and a "Holy" surrendered life. We should never "underestimate" our enemy, however, we must also never "underestimate" the love and power of our God to use the individual that seems to be the weakest link. It is my opinion that Jackie Macgirvin could not have written this book except by the leading of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded that "prayer" is not simply something you do but it should become WHO you are...a person who IS a pray er. It would be impossible for me to articulate the many lessons that this book revealed to me. I wept and could not put this book down. I am sure I will read it again and again. Graciously, Pastor Pam Kacys, Chicago, Illinois
This book was literally life-changing. I know some people only think of fiction as entertainment. BUT this book was such much more than that. Angels of Humility is a glimpse into the spirit-realm. It shows you what impact(eternal impact that is) your decisions make on others lives. It is really a "how to" on intercessory prayer!!!! It has def changed the way I pray and how I treat other people-seeing them from God's perspective and not my own. And it wasn't one of those endings where everything is happy for everyone at the end. It's the truth about what actually happens. It shows God's heart towards his children and sometimes our errant heart towards Him. You will not agree with everything in this book or how the author chooses to explain some things. BUT, I always say...Eat the Meat and Throw Away the Bone. I highly recommend this book!!! You will not be disappointed. One of the best lines in the book- Invest in the Right Kingdom. :)
I can hope that this book can be half true. The concept of guardian angels is not foreign to me. But the way they are portrayed in this book makes you think twice about how you act. This is a book of fiction, but it still gives you a lot to think about. God wants to help you, but you must first call out to him. The book also shows how our actions can have an impact that we can't even imagine. Read and then contemplate this book. Then put it into action. You won't regret it.
An eyeopening read on how life is truly very connected and nothing happens by accident. In an old town, the book touches on the lives of two very different people ; an elderly lady name Sarah, who is used mightily by the Lord at the end of her life for his glory & an ambitious young pastor who is in desperate need of being humbled. The novel portrays to readers that sometimes in life even those who are priests and apart of the church can be so hypocritical and very blind to the needs of the lost, the lame, the disabled and the sick and spend time worrying rather about rebuilding the church, preparing lengthy sermons and their own material success. Sometimes the very people we look upto can be wolves in sheep's clothing. Angels of Humility draws reader close is sprinkled with an aura of old English authenticity with uplifting words and impeccable vocabulary, virtually making you apart of the book. Through the lives of Paul the young pastor & sarah, I learned that living a life pleasing to God isnt one that involves human praise or grandoise accomplishments but rather involves quiet service touching the lives of others with no expectation of reward, just like Sarah did when the Lord touched her heart & called her. What i loved most about this book was the secret it held to hearing Jesus someday say "WELLDONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT". God doesnt want you to go proclaiming his name all over the countryside but rather use each day to live for him. Humility the greatest of all virtues is what Jesus requires of all his servants and ultimately that is what sarah possesed which led to her entering the pearly gates of heaven and pride is what led to the demise of Paul whose obsession with glory, popularity and acceptance was the reason behind his very fall.
“I am an intercessor. There I said it. As one called to pray, and who actually prays, I am always on the lookout for resources on prayer that can serve as 'on ramps' for those who are interested in prayer or who have a desire to pray but aren't sure where to start.
Jacquie has done a masterful job as the author of Angels of Humility published by Destiny Image Publishing. She took a complex subject - intercession - and both simplified and glorified it! I have a multitude of books on the subject of prayer in my library. Many contain helpful material and teaching. Some are theologically rich. But if I were asked to recommend one book to someone who wanted to begin the journey of living a life of prayer, without a doubt, Angels of Humility would be the book I would give them.
Jacquie masterfully incorporates the depths of intimacy with God, the art of listening to the voice of the Spirit and walking clothed with the elusive cloak of humility and packages it in a delightful piece of fiction that grabs both your attention and your heart at the beginning and doesn't let you go until the last page. And when you've finished you have to work to remember it as a fictional work and not a biography. What a wonderful book! I heartily recommend it.”
After her husband dies, Sarah is left feeling lonely and depressed. Contemplating on ending her life, the Lord saves her through the witness of the new pastor in town. Although she is 71 years old and at the end of her life, God uses her to intercede for many through the power of prayer before she is called home. A truly wonderful story that will inspire you and teach you that through a life lived in humility one can become a true and powerful servant for the Lord. HIGHLY recommended!
Although there were some things in the book that I couldn't embrace (praying in tongues), there were abounding food for thought. I loved this book! I would recommend it to anyone who loves God and seeks to do his will. I would also recommend it to those who contemplate the meaning of life. You can't go wrong reading this book. Who knows, it just might give you a new perspective on life. It did for me.
I enjoyed the Biblical lessons taught through the story. I looked up each verse as I went through the book so I had more time in the Word. I recommended the book to several friends and I look forward to discussing it with them.
I gave this book 2 stars because the overarching themes are good--living in humility before God, and learning to "pray without ceasing." That said, I had real problems with the approach taken by the author. It seemed that the characters' guardian angels had a greater impact on the lives of the characters than did the Holy Spirit, as far as spiritual development was concerned. Also, the scene of a "carnal Christian's" arrival in heaven was presented in a very negative way. I'm not recommending this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a bit of a Frank Peretti feel to it (This Present Darkness) but on a smaller, more personal scale. The lessons on humility and pride were challenging, in a good way.
I knocked off one star only because at times the message for particular sections of the book were not presented as organically as they could be. It's kind of like musicals. In my opinion there are two types. In the first type, when a song comes along everything stops for the big musical number, and the plot resumes afterwards. The second type, the songs are part of the plot and move the story along. Both can work, but I prefer the second type.
I wish I had perfect memories that I could remember each passage of this book. I pray that this book will inspire me to continue my prayers for people that I don't even know. I pray that it will fire and convict others To continue in the prayer for others. Lord Jesus thank you for dying for me Thank you for leaving your heavenly home for the sake of those You love. Bring to my remembrance these encouraging words from this book and from Your holy scriptures. Remind me to always reach to you no matter the circumstances. You are holy. You are good and worthy of all praise. Help me to be a better prayer warrior in the name of Jesus my savior and Lord.
Of all the hundreds of books I have read this is by far the best. I read it in one day and am changed forever. Thank you. And Thank you Jesus for your ever ending love for us. Thank you for helping me see our prayers make a difference and lives are changed as we pray. Even when we don't know what we are praying for. This encourage me at my job in retail. God has been telling me to bless the people and pray for them as they mess up everything I just straightened up. As I straighten it up again. It is no longer a job but now a mission field. As I pray for people ever day. Your book confirms it. I am on the right path. Thankyo
I'm going to stop here because I've just been skimming this book and still at page 50 find it too boring to read more slowly. I did enjoy another of her books, "Designer Bag at the Garbage Dump" but even in that book, I skimmed through many of the italicized sentences that represented God talking to the main character. It's supposed to be fiction but much of this book so far is long paragraphs about "Plan of Salvation" "How to Have a Quiet Time" etc., etc. That prevents me getting into the story when so much of it is a lecture on basic Christianity.
Humble yourself before GOD, and pray without ceasing. Pray about everything and everyone. GOD wants us to talk to Him. He wants that intimate relationship with us. Although written as a story, this book brought many reminders to me on things that I have let slide. I am not as humble as I should be. My prayer life is falling short. There is so much more I can be doing for the Kingdom of GOD, for His Glory. This book has brought a conviction to my heart and my soul. Thank you.
This is an amazing book. It brought to life for me in such a profound way the impact that intercession has on the unseen world and how important it is to live not for the here-and-now, but for those heavenly treasures--the people impacted by our prayers and the way we live our life to show them the love of the Father. This is definitely one I will read again. And maybe again. There is so much depth here and it has a great story line that kept me reading page after page. I could hardly put it down. I laughed, I cried, I devoured this book. If you believe in Jesus and prayer, you can't read this book and go away unchanged.
Halfway through the book, the reading was flowing. I could relate to the characters. I enjoyed the unfolding of spiritual struggles each had. One learns quickly from the first half. Second half was somehow too much to take in terma of events. Feeling comfortable with the second part of this book will depend on the stage of the readers' spiritual journey. Doctrine-wise expect discrepancies. Overall, great lessons, wrapped in a simple, yet elegant writing.
Me of the best Christian novels I have ever read. Made me dig deep in my own soul and realize how much more I should be doing daily. I know that Christ died for me, a sinner, and by His grace I am saved, but oh, how unworthy I am. There is so much more I can do, but keep putting other things ahead of them. I will be reading this again and try to stay motivated to do more praying for others and sharing with others Thank you Jackie Macgirvin for writing and publishing this wonderful novel
This book is really amazing. The dept of the things of the lord was great. I cried. I smiled. I even had to stop reading some times to figure out what I was feeling. My only thing was that the Holy Spirit, who is our comforter, and our guide was not mentioned a lot. He was replaced so much times with the angels. At least that's what I felt. But in all a great piece. I hope to read it over again in the future
What a beautifully written story or God’s Love and the power of a Christian life handed over totally to God’s purpose. This is a ‘must-read’ for every Christian who wonders about their value in the kingdom of God. God is mighty to save but He doesn’t stop at the moment of salvation. Rather this is a starting point of a life of adventure if we yield to Him and Him alone. Thank you for a remarkable read.
This is a powerful fictional book that truly causes one to think about the power of prayers. It’s a story of God using people to do His will to bring about events for the good of His kingdom. God uses people from different backgrounds and ages to shares the love of God for all mankind. The story uses angels and demons to influence choices. Human weakness is part of our lives and God shows his forgiveness and love for all mankind.
I read this book because I got it free. I didn’t know that it would impact me the way it did. Now I pray for everyone. All around the world there are people crying out for the Lords help. I think they are going about it the wrong way . You have to ask for forgiveness first and then follow our Lord and Savior heart and soul. This book is wonderful. A great inspiration to all who will take the time to read it.
The imagery here has uplifted me and inspired. I have a friend named Sarah, like the lead in this book. She has rheumatoid arthritis that limits many of her days, but does not limit her prayers. I want her to read this and be inspired to continue her own journey praying. I need to verify some scriptures, like each of us having guardian angels, but my spirit says God wants us to live the way the angels in this text support their people.
Jackie, this is a beautiful description of living and has encouraged me to pray in the spirit more. There is so much I can take from this to improve my walk with Christ. I tried praying with my mind in the Spirit and also thinking of people and places to pray for as well. At first I told myself I couldn't do it and that's when, I could. Thank you so much for writing this book, it has elevated me to a higher level. Oh! I'm buying a wall world map. 😘
There was much in this book I didn't understand, !one hos to pray in tongues while watching tv or reading. But what was clear as glass, was the message to let God lead in your life. To always seek His will. Most interesting was the concept of intercessory prayer walks and praying for souls you don't even know. The way the book was written did not call out to me,but its message certainly did.
This book sheds light on our walk with the Lord by revealing the struggle a believer faces. The Angels who try to help us, the demons who do their best to hinder us. I’m amazed by some of the things the author brings out. I don’t necessarily agree with all the doctrinal things presented, but the author showed how effective prayer is. Folks, I believe she hit the nail on the head as far as bringing out how we can pray. It’s a very interesting read!
This was a thought provoking novel. I was able to catch a glimpse of what is going on around believers in the unseen world...the good and the evil. I finally understand why prayer is so important...we all need to work on praying without ceasing and growing in humility.
This book is like nothing I have ever read before. It is intense at times, straight to the point, thought provoking, life examining. This book will have a long life impact on all who read it. God bless the author for not shying away from life’s difficulties.