This is an excellent article. This part here seems to be the critical point, and I do see a lot of people in the US of A who don’t appear to understand it.
“God never promised us that if we do X, we’ll achieve some reward—health or wealth, protection from evil influence, personal guidance, romance, or popularity in the world.”
This is why I hated The Prayer of Jabez. In the book, it’s presented as an incantation. Repeat it every day, kind of thing. Yuck.
I disagree with this author on a few points. God’s Word absolutely describes His rewards to those who walk in His paths, follow His commandments. Both in Old and New Testaments there are thousands of such promises. Just not the ones for new house, new BMW and gorgeous-model wife.
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” - one example, twisted WAY wrong - forgetting the first part and just wanting the second. James warns against this.
Like another poster said - God also Absolutely provided the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and instruct us.
This guy is a little too smart by half on some of his points.