Godly Wisdom

     Thank you for taking a few minutes to read Jesus Changes Everything. This blog will be back on Tuesday, September 3. In the meantime, please find a few Proverbs to read and enjoy over the next week. King Solomon took over the throne of Israel after his father, King David, around 970 B.C. He is said to be one of, if not the wisest man who ever lived.  These Proverbs are filled with reverence for God and tools for wise and practical living.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.  Proverbs 3:3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.  Proverbs 10:9

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.  Proverbs 12:25

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  Proverbs 16:18

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  Proverbs 17:22

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.  Proverbs 20:19

(You will love this oneJ

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.  Proverbs 21:9

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.  Proverbs 22:6

     This week we paused a moment to think about our mortality and appreciate every moment of life, we recognized the value in repeating and memorizing God’s Word, and in asking for and expecting Him to be present with us each day and to be open to the opportunties He places in our paths. Enjoy these Proverbs of Solomon and continue to look for God’s wisdom in your life.  See you soon!

Dear Father in Heaven,

Please bless each reader today and watch over them this week as we move into the last days of summer. Continue to teach us and guide our ways through Your Word and Your love.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Not By Sight

     Reminders of our mortality force us to pause and think about what is important and valuable, how to focus our attention.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:2

     Reading and repeating God’s Word prepares us for the future, prepares our minds and hearts for the times we need it most.

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.  Psalm 119:16

     Remind yourself each morning to pray! Pray for God’s presence to be with you, to guide your speech and your actions and to be a part of our conversations.

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16

     Bonnie attended my junior high and high school. She had very thick glasses and always sat in the front row. Her books were huge, made just for her, with very large print. She had some lessons put on tape and walked with a cane. I don’t remember ever speaking with her.

     At our reunionJ the two of us had a wonderful conversation. I told her about my blindness and she told me her husband has the same disease. Here’s the cool part. Bonnie has her PHD, lives in Washington D.C. and works on public policy. Wow! She looked beautiful, spoke so sweetly and encouraged me to call or message her on Facebook anytime to talk.

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 3:7

     The person you have been avoiding, or the person in front of you that you purposefully step around, may be just the person to inspire you today, or the one you are meant to encourage.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for the lessons available to us each day. Remind us to pause, to focus on you, to read the Word and pray and to speak with those you put in our path. Thank you for the breath of life today.

Amen

The Presence of God

     You know where I’m heading this morning don’t you? Somehow God is teaching me lessons from our reunion. He will teach us anytime, anywhere through anything. He just needs us to stop and listen. The evening was special. Think back to a day, a vacation, a time that was a little different from the rest. This time it wasn’t just me. Listen in to the comments that have been flowing in on Facebook, via e-mail, note or phone.

 “I am still trying to come down from that great night.”

“I had the best time at my 40^th reunion last night. It was very emotional for me.”

“It was an extremely moving experience.”

”I was surprised by how much warmth seeing old friends brought to my heart.”

“I didn’t recognize enyone at first; everyone peeking at name tags, but it was a magical evening.”

“I can’t get it out of my head. It surpassed my expectations.”

“it was a smash hit, filled with emotion, love for great long-time friends, laughter, great food and fun."

“I can’t wrap my head around, or explain my feelings about that night.”

“Now that I am back home, I want to try to put into words what it meant to see all of you again.”

“It was a night to treasure.”

“The memorial table put it all in perspective and we appreciated this time together to share past history and our current lives.”

    As I walked early yesterday morning, I tried to put into words the atmosphere of the reunion. And then it hit me. It was God’s presence. Others may not have recognized it, but everyone felt it. We had been praying for that night. Some of my prayers included these words;

“Lord, please send your angels in before us, anoint that room with Your presence and let us feel Your Holy Spirit.” Can it be a surprise that He was there? The power of prayer moves the hand that moves the world. He is so good. Our hearts were open to each other.

    Pray. Pray before a big event, before a difficult conversation, before work today, in the midst of a party. Ask for His presence. He will be there with bells on, to fill the space with His overpowering and loving presence. Tears are flowing when I remember all of the times He has been there, through so much suffering and in the deepest and most profound moments of my life. His presence changes everything. You won’t be able to wrap your head around it. There will be nights to remember. Here is a blessing for you from the Word of God as you begin your day.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Dear Lord,

Teach us to pray. Let us come before You and ask for Your presence. Thank you for the sweet memories of youth, of middle age and beyond. Thank you for Your love ahd the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence around us.

Amen

Reminders/Repeating

     You know those annoying habits in families, the ones that drive each other crazy? I am distracted every day. My mind floats easily from one subject to another and eventually, or sometimes, I do get everything done. Our 40^th reunion has taken up a good part of my summer, especially over the last month as we put it all together. The pre-reunion stories have turned into the post-reunion stories, and I am beginning to repeat some of them.

     Last night after dinner, I said something like, “Did I tell you….?” And my husband and two daughters nodded their heads before I began. There are things worth repeating, like God’s Word, but before we talk about that I want to tell you two reunion stories. 

     Our class heartthrob (or one of them); our class had over 600 people, came to the reunion all the way from New York. He had not been to a reunion in decades. Over the course of the evening the joke began. “I had a crush on Rick in 6^th grade, another 8^th grade, on and on it went. Several girls dated him in high school and beyond. He now has three daughtersJ I call that justice.

     My friend, Gwen, has been on the planning committee. She is beautiful and funny and so organized, not distracted at all. She had been telling us how mean she was in Junior High. Gwen and I were sitting at the registration table and a man came up and said to her, “I remember you. You were mean and funny.” She turned to me and said, “I told you so!” And we laughed. He continued, “You called me tubsy wubsy.” She was mortified. She apologized. They hugged and had a nice conversation. I call that forgiveness.

     I could go on, but I can wait until my family gets home. God’s Word is worth repeating. It is alive and powerful. Try repeating God’s Word over and over. Memorize a few verses in the next couple of weeks. It becomes an arsenal for the future. Here are a few good ones. If you Google, “Blue Letter Bible” you can put in any word and it will give you all of the Bible references.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8

    And some evening, you may hear about an act of justice, a touch of mercy and a little humility when you realize you are talking way too much and repeating yourself. Did I tell you about...? Maybe I will wait until tomorrow.

Dear Jesus,

We do want to act justly, show mercy and walk humbly with You. Your Word gives us courage, power, strength, light, and love and teaches us how to walk as Your children. You give us strength to do all things. We are more than conquerors. Thank you for Your Word. It is worth repeating over and over again.

Amen

Reminders/Reunions

     It was the best night. The old pictures stuck to our lapels contradicted the phrase of the evening, “You haven’t changed a bit.” Forty year reunions bring about deep emotion. There was laughter, shared history, many of us friends since kindergarten. We grouped into grade schools to take pictures. We are the baby boomers from South Minneapolis. We are the Teddies, the mighty, mighty Teddies.

     Our maroon and gold napkins, coasters made from our homecoming pins, our class president’s speech, made it seem as if we were back in 1973. Forty years? I still don’t believe it. There in the back of the banquet hall, where we couldn’t miss it, was a table filled with candles and pictures of our classmates, gone too soon. A couple just recently, some the summer after high school and many in between.

     Life sneaks up on us like that. In the blink of an eye, it is 40 years later. In the midst of eating, drinking and being merry, something comes around the corner to stop you in your tracks. And you pause to think a little deeper, speak with your heart, remember where you came from and what means the most. You hug those old crushes and smile at the girl who made fun of you in junior high, treasure these old friends. It was the best night.

     The biggest reunion is yet to come. It’s getting a little bit closer for the class of 1973. Accepting Christ not only gives us a purpose and peace for this life, but a guaranttee of a reunion in heaven. That reunion will never end. There will be joy and love and the deep conversations forever.

 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for these nights to treasure, for deep conversations, for a chance to reminisce. Teach us to savor each moment of this earthly life. It goes so fast. Let Your Holy Spirit wake us up to You and Your everlasting home.

Amen

A Word for the Weekend

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  Isaiah 43;18-19

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.  Isaiah 46:9

     The two verses above seem to contradict each other. One begins with, “Forget the former things” and the other begins “Remember the former things.”  The former things have been on my mind all summer. We will be celebrating our 40^th high school class reunion tomorrow night. Just the planning has brought back so many wonderful memories.

     Past hurts and mistakes can be left behind, right along with unforgiveness. Let the guilt go too. God has forgiven you as far as the East is from the West. Take the lessons learned into the future. Tomorrow night we will reminisce about our shared past, talk about our current lives and look into the future possibilities. Many classmates are thinking and planning for retirement.

     God’s children never retire. He always has work for us to do. It is an adventure. Bring along all of the goodness from your past, learn from the difficult mistakes and look forward to the possibilities. Talk it over with some great friends. I can’t wait.

Wonderfully Made

     From one cracked pot to another, life is not easy. Some of those old cracks have been covered up with a façade, a painting over of the past. Other fine lines come from the everyday irritations of an over-packed schedule, an annoying co-worker, words spoken in anger, a testy computer (don’t get me started!). Then there is the big stuff; the job loss, the divorce, the sick child, the death of someone we love, the chronic pain. You understand. You have been there. During those seasons of life we feel as if those cracks are going to divide us into a million pieces and we will never put it all together again.

     Letting God into every nook and cranny of our lives, the past, the present, and the future, brings healing and hope. Think of yourself as being held by those strong Potter’s hands, as He works out a few old cracks. He will refine you as you go through the fire. His creative workmanship has a tender touch.  The bigger the crack, the ones He chooses to leave in place? They just force more of His light to shine through. Slowly, but surely we understand the only way to keep going, the only way to keep peace, the only way to keep moving into the future, is by placing everything in His hands.

     Along the way we also need each other. God made us to be in relationship. First of all, with Him and learning to put Him first, understanding He is right there around and inside of us. He teaches us to be more like Him.  He built us for relationship. The more He is involved the healthier our relationships become. We need each other.

     We need a listening ear, a tender touch, a card, a phone call, a walk with a friend, someone to say, “I love you.” And right in the middle of a rough day, someone might ring your doorbell and give you the sweetest hug after a bad day of her own. Right Renee?  Love is what it’s all about isn’t it? It all comes down to love. And His creation, including you, is wonderfully made, with the creative touch of the Potter.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful. I know that full well.  Psalm 139:14

     Yes, you! You are fearfully and wonderfully made. There is no one like you. Isn’t it time to let the Potter work with you? He knows you, every hard-earned crack and weakness will shine beautifully in His hands.

Dear Lord,

It is difficult to understand Your kind of love. Teach us how to be more like you. Mold our hearts into the likeness of Christ, so we can navigate this journey together. Heal us and fill us with hope.

Amen

Trusting the Potter

     Can we learn to lean on and trust God with our future? Our natural instinct is to follow our feelings, to allow our circumstances to overtake us with worry and stress. I pray you are focusing on the Words of Scripture in these devotions. The Word of God will change your life, more than words from someone else, more than a forty-five minute visit to a church pew on Sunday mornings. So many of us believe the Bible is impossible to figure out, intimidating and foreign. That is just what Satan wants you to believe.

     Scripture often interprets Scripture. The Old Testament is just as vital and relevant to our lives as the New. As the Words of Scripture become etched in our hearts and in our minds, we become prepared to trust God through the most terrifying events of our lives and we learn to trust Him to overcome our deepest grief and fear.

     Will we ever get to the point of trusting Him completely? Boy, I hope so. I’m still working on that one, but He will not give up on these jars of clay. The Holy Spirit within us can become stronger than our will and emotions as we listen to His voice above the other competing voices surrounding us each day. His deep and abiding joy can be our strength.

     I can testify to that. Dealing with an eye disease that has left me with no peripheral vision is a struggle as I attempt to navigate the world around me. I need to rely on others to safely guide me, to chauffeur me and to help decipher small print. I am grateful for my husband and daughters and so many thoughtful and caring friends. We need each other don't we?

     God has found purpose and passion for me even as I deal with this weakest part of my body. How about you? Have you found God’s strength in the midst of suffering and weakness? Do you have verses to comfort you, specific verses meant just for you? Allow me to share one of my favorite verses with you. I believe Isaiah is speaking to the spiritually blind, but this speaks to my physical blindness as well.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.  Isaiah 42:16

     He has taken me along new and adventurous paths. He has turned the toughest parts ot the years into smooth sailing once again and He has never, not once, left me alone or forsaken. His light is the only light that really matters in this ever-increasing darkness.

     Take hold of His mighty hand today and open yourself to His plan for you. Worried or in deep grief? Search through His Word. It is written for you. It is powerful and it is life and it is truth. It will teach you the lessons that matter most, the lessons of the Spirit.

Dear Father in heaven,

You will never leave us and You will continue to fill these empty pots, work  around and through our flaws and weaknesses and allow the fires of life to make us strong and wise. Thank you for Jesus, the light of the world. May He shine in each heart today and always.

Amen

Jars of Clay

     So far this week we have seen ourselves as empty vessels ready for Christ to fill us, as weak and cracked pots ready for God to shine through us and today we see ourselves as jars of clay ready for the potter’s hand. Sounds a little like a ceramic's class. God sees us in all of our uniqueness, in the way we act, in our personality types, in our natural giftedness and He puts it all together to create in us the desires of His heart. 
      Sometimes, just as the potter needs to use fire to form the pot in just the right way, God uses our sorrow and suffering for His good purposes. We would never choose to go through some of the things that life throws at us, but we often come out of the darkest of days with more strength, more wisdom, more compassion and with the desire and ability to help others, especially those suffering in a similar way. 
      As I was imagining God working as a potter to mold us into something unique and special I thought of two pieces or pottery in my house. One is a yellow vase with a very large and uneven rim around it; the other, a shallow chubby, deep-blue coffee mug with several imperfections. Both were made by our youngest daughter, Lauren, years ago. They both make me smile and both are proudly on display. God loves every part of us, even those quirky parts of us that may seem odd to the casual observer. He sees beyond the blemishes, the disabilities, the health issues, the loss and tragedy, the parts of ourselves we despise and He smiles. He sees the heart. 

Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8 

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 

     Begin to see yourself as God’s treasure. Be ready for the Potter’s hand to continue to mold you into all you are meant to be during this short life on earth. His all-surpassing power is within us to do His good work. Are you ready, you amazing work of art? 

 Dear Father, You see beyond our imperfections and look to all of the possibilities in us. Mold us into Your workmanship, into Your treasures. We are the work of Your hands. Amen

Cracked Pots

     You and I are cracked pots.  On most days that is not a stretch for me to think about myself.  I hope by the end of this devotion you will see it as a good thing.  God often works through our flaws and cracks to show His goodness and strength. Here is a story I have used many times in teaching and speaking. It is worth repeating. The author is unknown and I am paraphrasing.

     Many, many years ago, a water bearer walked a mile to collect water from a well for his master’s house. He carried a pole across his shoulders with a large pot on either end. One of the pots was perfect in every way and this perfect pot became proud of his work. The other pot had flaws including two large cracks running down its side. After two years of humiliation he spoke up. (As all cracked pots do) 

     “Excuse me, sir, but why do you continue to use me to carry the master’s water?  I am half empty by the time we reach his house.”  The water bearer replied with great compassion, “I knew you before I placed you on my pole for the very first time. Notice on your side of the road as we walk back, there are rows of beautiful flowers. You see, I planted seeds a long time ago. Each day as we walk back from the well, you have been faithfully watering those seeds.  Now the master has flowers for his table and a beautiful view.”

     Jesus knows us, cracks and all. It is amazing what God can do with us. He often uses the weakest and most “cracked” parts of us to work with and use. We realize how much we need Him to do the work in and through us. As we empty ourselves and begin with His help, He fills the cracks and flaws with His glorious light.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

Dear Jesus,

Fill these cracked pots with usefulness and purpose, as we learn to rely on you. Our flaws and weaknesses become beautiful in Your eyes. Help us to see each other in the same way. Your  grace is sufficient for us today.

Amen

Empty Vessels

     After a rejuvenating weekend spent with good friends, I woke early to write. I love the early morning time with the Word of God and Jesus.  As usual, I sat down and focused my arrow on the “recent documents” tab.  I have had computer issues over the last two weeks and this morning as I clicked to begin my morning, only one word came up: “empty.”

     Staring, transfixed, at the word and wondering what to do next, I thought of our lives. We keep moving, hectically busy, setting goals, getting up to do the “usual” routine, fitting in time with family and friends, going to jobs we don’t like or worrying that our children don’t need us as much or maybe they need us too much and when we do have a free minute to stop, or something shocking forces us to stop in our tracks, our hearts and souls cry out, “empty!”

     I turned off my computer,  and “emptied” all of my thoughts and frustrations in prayer. Do you need to stop today and empty yourself of what is really on your mind and heart? God is ready to fill those empty places within you. When I turned my computer back on, everything had returned to normal. Well, at least for now. As we know, life can change in the blink of an eye. Allow God to take on your burdens this morning and remember, the Word of God is life-changing and transforming.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my Word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  Isaish 55:10-11

     God’s Word will flourish within you, planting seeds to grow into His goodness and mercy. His purposes will not return empty.

Dear Lord,

Fill our souls with Your love and Your Word. It will never return empty, but will transform us into living lives of purpose and hope.  We praise You for the way You work among us.

In Jesus Name

Amen

A Word for the Weekend

     I hope this weekend allows you time to reflect and rejuvenate. Think about encouraging or comforting someone else, too. First, be refreshed by God.

You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Psalm 68:9

     Feeling a bit weary and worn out? My week has left me weary and crabby. God will shower us with His love until we are refreshed.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.  Proverbs 11:25

     That’s exactly what happens isn/t it? We are blessed when we bless others. I am fortunate to have great friends. They shower me with love and refresh my soul. Tomorrow I get to spend time with one of them. Can’t wait to see you, Ginny!

The Truth About Angels and Us

     I hope you have enjoyed this peek into God’s heavenly creation and what the Bible tells us about them. Two have names: Gabriel and Michael. One is a messenger and one is a warrior. We met the seraphim with their six wings residing above the throne of God and the cherubim, the living creatures, with four faces, live coals in the midst of them, followed by wheels with eyes and a spirit. They surround the throne of God.

     Lucifer was created as one of God’s highest ranking angels, created in beauty and splendor. His pride caused him to fall and he has temporary reign over the earth and the air along with the other demonic angels. They can masguerade as angels of light and seek to destroy and devour.

     God’s angels deliver, minister, protect and guide those of us on earth. I want to leave you with more comforting news about angels as we leave our study. Remember God’s angels are innumerable. Once in awhile God opens human eyes to see these angels in their full glory. In the Bible, most of them are dressed in bright white, filled with brilliant light and are tall.

   In the book of 2 Kings chapter 6 we find the King of Aram poised to attack Israel. Elisha, God’s prophet, warns Israel about this secret plan. The King of Aram becomes angry and surrounds Elisha with a great army with horses and chariots. Elisha’s servant is afraid.

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16

     It gets even better!

And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.”  Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17

     I heard an account of a missionary and his wife, only the two of them, struck with fear as a tribe in a remote village of Africa surrounded their tent. They fell to their knees in prayer.  A few days later they heard through an interpreter that the group ran away when they saw the great bright army with swords surrounding their small tent!

     I love to hear of these accounts. Not only were angels active in the times of the Bible, they are active today.  What about guardian angels? There is not a specific mention, but two verses will make you believe we do indeed have our own angels.  Jesus is speaking a warning against harming any child.

  See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:10

    The next mention of a personal angel comes after another angelic encounter.  Peter has been arrested and is in jail sleeping between two guards and bound in chains.  There are sentries at the doors. An angel strikes Peter to wake him and the cell is filled with light. The angel speaks to him, tells him to get dressed as his chains fall off of him. The doors open and they walk out.  At first Peter believes he is having a dream, but once they are walking outside he comes around and the angel leaves him.  He walks to a house where his fellow believers have been in earnest prayer for him.  The servant is so startled she shuts the door on him and goes to tell everyone. Here is their response:

“You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”  Acts 12:15

    Could this mean we do have a personal angel and maybe they even resemble us? 

     I believe angels will escort us to heaven when we die. Do you know where the most reported angel sightings are documented in the age in which we live?  In hospitals and hospices.

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  Luke 16:22

     Comforting Scripture verses for us today. God can call armies of angels to protect us, a personal angel to attend to us and an angel to escort us to heaven and watch our reaction as we enter our home.  Thank you for taking part in this study. You are loved!

Dear Jesus,

You have thousands of angels at Your command. You care for us each and every moment of each and every day. Open our spiritual eyes. Take away our fear when we feel surrounded by enemies. We do not need to fear anything with Your protection and love even unto death.

Amen  

The Truth About Angels Today

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?  Hebrews 1;14

     Do you believe angels are around us? The verse above tells us all angels are ministering spirits. Do you have an angel story? 

     Stories of angels protecting, guiding, ministering and delivering are written throughout the Bible. When Daniel is thrown into the linon’s den, an angel protects him by closing the lion’s mouth.  in the book of Luke an angel comforts Jesus after his 40 days of fasting. An angel breaks Peter out of prison and an angel tells the women at the tomb that Jesus is not there.

     Angel sightings, when humans are allowed to see them in their spiritual form, are accompanied by fear, met with the angel saying, “Do not be afraid.” I highly recommend the book, The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom. Her family, even though they were not Jewish, were sent to a concentration camp after protecting some Jews in their home.

     As she and her sister entered the camp, each woman was stripped of everything, even underwear, and left with a thin dress to wear. Corrie had a Bible with her and asked God to put His angels around her. They continue on through two check points and it was as if no one could see her. That Bible would offer comfort to their camp over the next years. God’s ministering angels were around her.

     We saw yesterday that angels can also disguise themselves in human form. Maybe you have heard stories of someone assisting a stalled car in the middle of nowhere and maybe you have had an encounter of your own.

     Here is what I believe to be my angel story. I gave up driving about seventeen years ago now. I had lost some peripheral vision, but could have driven for many more years and I could have easily passed the eye exam. I was at a four-way stop with my six and eight year old daughters in the back seat. I did not see the large, old car to the left of me.

    I ran into the front right side of that car.  The car pulled over and I pulled in behind it and walked up to it.  An older woman with the sweetest smile, got out, put an arm around me and said, “Oh sweetheart, don’t worry. This old car isn’t hurt. Now you go take care of those two girls.” I thanked her and apologized and walked back to the car, which took about ten seconds. Her car was gone. There was no way she would have been out of sight (even with my limited periphery!)  I also did not know how she could have seen that I had two girls as they were in the back seat a long way from where we were standing and speaking.

     This encounter was a wake-up call for me and I gave up driving that day. I did not want to put anyone in danger and I believe God sent that sweet angel to “bump” into me that day.

     Angels are around us daily. They comfort us, protect us spiritually and listen in joy as we talk about Jesus and His Word.

Dear Father in heaven,

We thank You for Your ministering angels today. We pray they will surround us as we move around in our lives each day. Help us to tell our stories of Your amazing love.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

The Truth About Angels: Fun Facts

     We have studied much about angels. They are innumerable. They surround the throne of God in worship and praise. We have looked at the appearance of some and the fall of others.  They speak and deliver messages and fight spiritual battles. Some have six wings and others have four faces. Here are a few more interesting facts about this part of the heavenly host.

     Angels hearken to God’s Word:

Bless the Lord, you his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word.  Psalm 103:20

     Read God’s Word out loud as you study and angels will hearken to you!

     Angels do not marry and neither will we in heaven:

But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die, for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.  Luke 20:35-36 (see also Matthew 12:25)

     I told my husband I was still going to live near him in heaven and he got the strangest look on his face.  I guess I’ll have to give him a 1,000 year break now and again.J

    

     Angels rejoice over our salvation and they want to look into such things:

In the same way, I tell you there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.  Luke 15:10

….when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.  1 Peter 1:12

     Man does not turn into an angel, but angels can disguise themselves as man.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.  Hebrews 13:2

     Angels are not to be worshipped:

At this, I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”  Revelation 19:10 (see also Revelations 22:8-9)

     Angels eat.  The manna that God sent from heaven for the Israelites to eat could be the first mention of angel food cake.

Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.  Psalm 78:25

Dear Lord,

We thank you for Your Word of truth and life today. As we read these Words we can feel the presence of angels around us. They worship You too.  Thank You for this day. We rejoice in it!

Amen

The Truth About Angels: Lucifer

    Feel God’s strength, peace and joy today in your soul as you recognize the power of God at your disposal. We are able to shine with His light in the ever-increasing darkness around us.  We talked yesterday about the spiritual battles on earth and in heaven, after Lucifer’s pride turned him from God.  We have at our disposal full spiritual body armor to pur on and use each day.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth, buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, with this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:13-18

     Please notice that most of the armor is defensive in nature, but the Word of God is our sword. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He spoke back with the written Word. (Matthew 4)  Here are two more verses to comfort you.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10

You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.  1 John 4:4

     We need to be aware of Satan and his angels, but we have armor, we know that Jesus came to give us life and to be able to live it in abundance. The Holy spirit within us is much greater than the ruler of this earth.

Thank you Lord, for this opportunity to read about evil, knowing we are in Your capable hands. We have the Word of God as our sword and our faith to avoid every flaming arrow of our enemies. We praise you today for Your angels and we look forward to reading about them and their ministries on earth.

Amen

The Truth About Angels: Lucifer

     Do you see Satan as the opposite of God, as equals, one evil and one good? The truth is Satan (or Lucifer) was created as one of God’s high-ranking angels. His pride led to his fall and he took 1/3 of the angels with him. The spiritual battles continue today and will ultimately, in God’s timing, be dealt with swiftly and forever.

     Read this account of Lucifer and his story:

You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you; carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold, on the day you were created they were prepared.  You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways, from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade, you were filled with violence and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. Ezekiel 28:13-17

     Two other references to Satan’s fall are found in Luke 10:18 and Isaiah 14:12-14. He saw himself as exalted above the stars of God.

     God created Lucifer as one of his guardian cherubs. He was filled with splendor and beauty and it was pride that caused him to turn from God.  All of the world’s strife, violence, wars, and our struggles from within are spiritual in nature. Listen to this:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

     Satan is on his last legs and he is pulling out all of the stops. Here are some of the names the Bible gives to him. Be aware.  He tempted Jesus while he was on the earth and offered him the world. He has temporary control of much of the world around us.

     He is our accuser (Revelation 12:10), our adversary (1 Peter 5:8), and he disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) His ways can be manipulative and enticing and dangerously close to truth. The Bible is where we always need to land when we are seeking truth.

     He is deceptive (Revelation 12:9) and he is our enemy (Matthew 13:39). He is the evil one (John 17;15) and the father of lies (John 8:44). These next descriptions may surprise you, but as we consider the world around us, we better understand. He is the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14), the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:1-2). He walks about like a roaring lion ready to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He is the ruler of demons (Luke 11;15) and, finally, he is the ruler of this world (John 12:31-32)

     There are many more names for Satan in the Bible, including the dragon and the beast (Revelation). Tomorrow we will read Scripture verses to comfort us as children of God. Yes, we need to be aware of this fallen angel, the prince of the air and the ruler of this world. His time is short. Never forget it. We are children of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Creator of all. He is our Savior and our strength.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

Father,

We have no fear. Help us to understand the spiritual battles around us. Your Holy Spirit is stronger and mightier and in control. Take away the fear of our enemy and keep us close to You, in the shadow of the Almighty.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

A Word for the Weekend

     God’s angels are fascinating, spectacular, unique and impossible to imagine.  We met an archangel named Michael, a bearer of good news named Gabriel, the six-winged seraphim above the Lord’s throne, and the cherubim beneath and around the throne. These cherubs were described as having four faces, four wings, fiery coals nearby, and wheels with eyes that follow them! Whew! Hope you are up for more. We will take a quick peek at the devil and his angels. We don’t want to give him too much of our time, but we do need to be aware of who he is and his deceptive ways. Did you know he was created to be one of God’s guardian angels? Later next week we will see what the angels have to do with us on earth. Here is a hint. 

For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  Psalm 91:11-12

     Be aware of God’s presence this weekend. Feel His love and protection surrounding you.

The Truth About Angels: Cherubim

     God sent cherubim to the east side of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life after Adam and Eve were banished. A flaming sword flashed back and forth between them.  (Genesis 3:24)

     Cherubim made of gold are included in God’s specific instructions and design on the cover of the ark of the covenant, which carried the law of Moses. They are woven into the veil of the tabernacle and they play a prominent role in Solomon’s temple, carved into the panels and supports. The ark of the covenant is placed in the inner room of Solomon’s temple called the Holy of Holies. Two large cherubim are carved out of olive wood and embossed in gold. They are fifteen feet tall and there is fifteen feet from one wing to the next. The wings of the two cherubim meet in the middle of the wall. (Exodus 25, 1 Kings 6 and 7, 2 Chronicles 3)

   

     When David is praising God for delivering him from his enemies in 2 Samuel 22 he says:

He mounted the cherubim and flew, he soared on the wings of the wind. 2 Samuel 22:11   (Also Psalm 18)

     Over and over again in Scripture we find these words about the Lord: “He is enthroned between the cherubim”  (1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 6:2, 2 Kings 19:15, 1 Chronicles 13:6, Psalm 80:1, Psalm 99:1, Isaiah 37:16)

     The cherubim are below and surrounding the throne of God, and He actually rides on them.

     So what do these angelic guards look like? When I hear the word, “cherub” I picture a small angel, resting her head on her arms, with golden curls, small wings and a halo. This image couldn’t be further from the truth. Are you ready?

I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north, an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their forms were human, but each of them had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings, and the wings of one touched the wings of another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved. Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox, each also had the face of an eagle. Such were their faces. They each had two wings spreading out upward, each wing touching that of the creature on either side; and each had two other wings covering its body. Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.  The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures. It was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning. As I looked at the living creatures I saw a wheel in the ground beside each creature with its four faces. This was the appearance and structure of the wheels. They sparkled like topaz and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel, intersecting a wheel. As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced, the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went. Their rims were high and awesome and all four rims were full of eyes all around. When the living creatures moved, the wheels beside them moved; and when the living creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.  Ezekiel 1: 4-20    (See also Ezekiel 10 and Revelation 4 and 5)

     Remember the live coals the seraphim picked up from the altar?

The Lord said to the man clothed in linen, “Go in among the wheels beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched he went in. Ezekiel 10:2

     Four faces? Wheels with eyes and a spirit? Moving like flashes of lightning? Live coals among them? Imagine if one of these was your guardian angel!  I can understand why God placed them as guards and why they are below and around His throne! Maybe they really are fifteen feel tall like the carvings in Solomon’s temple.

     Thank you, Father for this study. Your miraculous angels are messengers, warriors and guards. They are swift in flight, surrounded with light and unbelievable in appearance. We are amazed. We love You and ask for Your angels to protect and guide us.

Amen

The Truth About Angels: Seraphim

     I planned to write on Gabriel, Michael, the seraphim and cherubim all in one day. Turns out I could have done a week on each. The study of angels in the Bible is exhaustive and I encourage you to dig deeper even after our two week look at these fascinating creations of our awesome God.

     Let’s check in on the seraphim. They are mentioned only in Isaiah 6. Isaiah is a major prophet and began his ministry in 740 B.C.

Above him were seraphim; each with six wings; with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  Isaiah 6:2

     Isaiah saw the Lord and these six-winged angels above His throne. They are praising God saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of his glory.”  At this sound everything shook and the temple was filled with smoke (see Isaiah 6:3-4)

     Isaiah’s reaction to this sight?

“Woe to me!” I cried, “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips…Isaiah 6:5

     The most amazing thing happens next:

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”  Isaiah 6:6-7

     Can you imagine seeing this vision of the Lord and His angels? No wonder Isaiah believes he is ruined. It is too much for us to imagine let alone see with our own eyes. What do we know about the seraphim?

·       They reside above the throne of God

·       They praise Him in holy worship

·       They have six wings and can fly

·       They are able to speak

·       They handle the live coals on the altar with tongs

     The cherubim also have coals floating between their bodies and the wheels with eyes that follow below them. Interested? Tune in tomorrow. The cherubim are in the Bible over seventy times, so we will delve in as much as possible in one day. 

Dear Lord,

How can we imagine such a scene as this? But You are above all that we think or imagine. Your creation around us is astounding. Your creations in the heavenlies take our breath away. Keep us studying Your Word. You are the light of the world and to Your glory we praise You.

In our precious Savior, Jesus

Amen