May It Be So

 

     It has been a week of challenging ourselves to move beyond our own  needs and desires, to bring ourselves closer and closer to Jesus. In getting to know Him more intimately, in growing in wisdom and knowledge, in our times of prayer and within the grace He provides daily, we can continue to bring glory to Him. Our faith pleases Him. Our time with Him delights Him as much as it fills us.

     As I continue to challenge myself in the faith and allow God’s Holy Spirit to do His work, I leave you with this. I pray it over each person reading today. May it be so!

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord, and please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10

Amen!

All Glory

 

     As we grow in spiritual maturity and in the grace of God, we finally figure out that it’s not about us. It’s all about Him. We are His children, His beloved friends, His inheritance, His disciples. When we live our lives in honor of Him, it brings us out of ourselves into living a life filled with His Spirit.

     All glory goes to Him, and all of this glory will move with us into heaven one day.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen 2 Peter 3:18

     I love this thought. Bringing glory to God doesn’t mean pleasing others. It doesn’t mean a show of faith and how much we are doing. It might consist of just being in His presence, of being thankful while cleaning the kitchen, or stopping to enjoy the sunrise. He will definitely use us in the lives of others, but our greatest desires should include spending time with Him, and changing other lives so that they, too, can know Him.

I will give thanks to You, O’ Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever. Psalm 86:12

     As we mature and grow in the faith, everything we do, will be about Him. Both Peter and Paul lead us into living our lives for His glory.

Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified, through Jesus Christ, through whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen 1 Peter 4:11

Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Father,

We are always in Your presence. You will provide what we need, when we need it, wherever we are, with the people we meet. You are everything and to You belongs the glory. Bless this day to Your glory.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Increase Our Faith

 

     If you are struggling with faith, or in trusting God, or in growing in your faith, join the club! The disciples were filled with doubt and fear. They stumbled along the way. They let Jesus down when they fell asleep after He asked them to pray. They were afraid of the storm when He was in the boat. Peter denied knowing Him when he thought he was in danger. The list goes on and on in their lives and in ours. Here is a prayer we can use, just as the disciples cried to our Savior.

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5

     Our faith and trust in God please Him. Trusting in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus saves us forever. God rewards us as we continue to seek Him and to know Him better, to continually increase our faith.

And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him, must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Jesus,

Increase our faith! Show us more and more of You. We do believe that You exist and we earnestly seek You. Bless us with all of the spiritual riches that belong to us because of You.

Amen

 

Spiritual Growth

 

     Training our spiritual muscles takes time and training. Our knowledge of God and our faith-filled life can grow through struggle, through blessings, through tragic times and joy-filled moments. God weaves and works through all of life, if we are willing to let Him change us and train us.

     Our spiritual food is necessary for our souls. Our training in the Scriptures and in prayer brings a harvest of fruit into our lives. Don’t be afraid of disciplining yourself to spend time with Jesus. Just as our bodies sometimes cry out when we push them through some physical training, our spiritual disciplines can test our patience and take up our time. Paul reminds us, it is worth it!

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

     God tells us just what our spiritual harvest will look like, as Jesus works on our hearts through our time spent with Him. Think about what this spiritual fruit looks like in your own life.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22

     When God works on any one of the fruits listed above, He will provide all of the challenging situations and experiences necessary to grow us spiritually. Have you gone through times that tested your patience and learned from them? Have you learned to discipline yourself in a certain area of your life that wasn’t healthy? Have you blessed someone that is difficult to be around and felt a peace in your soul? There are so many ways in which God grows this fruit.

     If you are being tested in some way right now, take it as a good sign. God may be growing the spiritual fruit necessary to become more like Him. It will bless your life and the lives of others.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:1-3

Father,

Continue to grow us even when we are struggling through our tough times. Teach us Your ways that do not come naturally to us. Keep us rooted in the vine that is Jesus. He will grow the fruit for us that brings true value to our present lives and the lives to come.

In His name we pray,

Amen

Worship

 

    I’ve been guilty of attending church and thinking the message didn’t resonate, or the music was too loud, or wondering why they did things a certain way and not another. You, too? We all have our ideas about what we need and how worship should be done.

     What would happen if we went in with a mind so full of love for Jesus that we brought that selfless spirit in along with us? It would change the nature of our thoughts and maybe bring a smile to someone else, not to mention having a heart full of true worship.

     Paul tells us we, are called to become more mature. It is our responsibility to soak up God’s word, to feed on it, to nourish ourselves with it as if it were as imperative as the food we eat to strengthen our bodies.

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5:12

     Just as babies move from needing only milk, to needing and desiring solid food, so, we too, need to develop a hunger and a thirst for more of God. And maybe, we will bring our hearts so full or worship, that we feel God’s presence no matter where we are with a loving Spirit along with us.

God is Spirit and His worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. John 4:24

Lord,

Draw us deeper into your Word and into your ways. Let us delight in the spiritual food you offer us on a daily basis and grow us into mature, active believers.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Guardian Angels and Escorts

 

     Today is our last day on angels. 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, with live coals in the midst of them, following along are 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 masquerade 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 a while God opens human eyes to see these angels in their full glory. In the Bible they 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 becomes fearful and what does Elisah say?

“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! Angels are still 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? Something to ponder today.

     I believe angels will escort us to heaven when we die. I have worked with hospice patients on several occasions. 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. Help us to trust You with everything.  Open our eyes to see.

Amen

 

Angel Stories

 

     Stories of angels protecting, guiding, ministering and delivering are written throughout the Bible. When Daniel is thrown into the lion’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.

     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. She 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. Do you have an angel story? Here is what I believe to be my angel story. I gave up driving almost thirty years ago I had lost some peripheral vision, but could have driven for many more years and I could have easily passed the eye exam. But on this particular day, I was at a four-way stop with my then 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 the car.  The car pulled over and I pulled in a ways behind it. I walked up to the car. An older woman with the sweetest smile 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 talking.

     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 Ways of Angels

 

     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 glorious 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.

  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

     Men and women do not turn into angels, 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

      Angels:

 Watch over us.Psalm 91:11

Protec: Daniel 6:21-22 Acts 27:21-25

Guide Acts 8 

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

Lord,

How wonderful to think of angels ministering to us, watching over us and protecting us. Thank You for Your words that have so much to teach us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The One Within You

 

     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 body armor to put 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

     Be aware of Satan and his angels, but never forget, we have armor and we know that Jesus came to give us life 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 keep away 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

 

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 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  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

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)

     So many verses from the Bible lead us to believe 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

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

·       There are live coals on the altar of the Lord and the angels handle them 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? 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

 

Michael

 

     Our heavenly messenger, Gabriel, was sent to play an important part in God’s plan. He interpreted Daniel’s visions and gave him insight into the last days. He was the one to deliver the good news regarding the upcoming births of John and our Lord, Jesus.

     Erase the memory of John Travolta playing the cigarette-smoking angel, Michael. The true Michael is holy and formidable and willing to fight evil for us. The mighty warrior angel, Michael, is mentioned in three books of the Bible; Daniel, Jude and Revelation. Like Gabriel, Michael is involved in bringing answers to prayer and in fulfilling the prophecies of the Scriptures. I want to share a larger portion of Scripture. Watch for another remarkable angel, who will mention Michael for the first time. Again, we are in the book of Daniel. Daniel has been in a time of deep and fervent prayer.

I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left; my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you and stand up for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. Then he continued. “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now, I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”  Daniel 10:5-14

     This first mention of Michael helps us understand his mission as a warrior angel, fighting with the demonic world. We will talk about the fall of the angel Lucifer (or Satan) later. When Lucifer fell from heaven, he took 1/3 of the angels and the battles continue in the spiritual realm.

     Isn’t it interesting that this angel was sent to answer Daniel’s prayer and it took him 21 days? This awe-inspiring angel with fiery eyes and a face like lightning could not get to Daniel without a battle in the heavens, even enlisting the help of Michael. Amazing!

     Daniel’s companions did not even see the angel, yet they hid themselves in terror and Daniel had no strength, fell into a sleep and had to be helped to his feet, still trembling. The angel says, “Do not be afraid.” Sound familiar? (See yesterday’s blog)

But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Jude 9

     Michael was, earlier in history, fighting with the devil over the body of Moses. Notice the words, “the archangel Michael.” Michael may be the only archangel. The name Michael means, “like God.” The term archangel means “high-ranking angel.”

      In the book of Revelation, we find Michael front and center in the final battle with the dragon (the devil) and his angels. Here again, we see angels are immortal. Michael is there at the time of Moses, at the time of Daniel, and will be a part of the final battle yet to come, at least 2500 years later.

Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.  Revelation 12:2

     The archangel’s voice is heard at the final trumpet call of the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

     Michael, the Lord’s archangel, is fighting the demonic angels and the devil on behalf of God’s people. He is called “the great prince who protects your people” (Daniel 12:1) or Israel.  He fought the king of Persia. It sounds as if God’s angels and Satan’s angels have specific territories, doesn’t it?

     Did these first glances at angels in the Bible whet your appetite for more? Tomorrow we will read the Scripture verses having to do with seraphim and cherubim. The descriptions we will read will leave you with mouth-dropping awe!

Dear Father in heaven,

We know the end of the story when there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Your purposes are being played out on earth and in the heaven even now. Everything will be resolved in Your timing. We trust you. Thank you for Your word and Your love. They never fail.

Amen   

Gabriel

 

     Angels were created by God. (Colossians 1:16-17) There are different types of angels, all serving God’s purposes on earth and in heaven. Today and tomorrow, we will be introduced to two of the angels mentioned by name in the Bible, Gabriel and Michael.

    The name, “Gabriel” means “God is mighty.” God sends Gabriel to Daniel to give him insight and understanding and to interpret his visions. We know he can fly as Daniel mentions in chapter 9, verse 21, ...”he came swift in flight”… Daniel describes him as one like a man, but when he sees him, he is terrified and falls prostrate with his face to the ground.

     Seeing an angel is no every day, ordinary event, although they can take on human form, as we will discover later in our study. Just like Daniel, most angelic encounters in the Bible are met with fear and trembling. Zechariah and Mary are no exception.

     Gabriel appears 500 years later in the book of Luke, chapter 1.  We find Zechariah serving as a priest before God. His wife, Elizabeth has not been able to conceive and they are very old.

    An angel of the Lord appears and, just as we saw in the book of Daniel, Zechariah is startled and gripped with fear. (verse 12) The angel explains that their prayer for a child has been heard and they will have a son. They are to call him John.

    Zechariah finds this difficult to believe and Gabriel introduces himself and gives us a little more information about where he resides.

“The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.” Luke 1:19

     Six months after his visit to John the Baptist’s father, Gabriel is sent to deliver more good news. The GOOD NEWS about the birth of Jesus to the virgin girl. Mary is greatly troubled.

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. Luke 1:30

     He continues to explain the birth through the Holy Spirit and just who this child will be. His last words to her are important for all of us.

“For no word from God will ever fail.”  Luke 1:37

     What do we know about Gabriel from these two books of the Bible?

·       He can fly.

·       He was sent as God’s messenger to bring good news, along with insight and understanding. The messages he delivers are prophetic, including visions of the last days and the fulfilling of prophecies in the births of John the Baptist and the Messiah, Jesus.

·       His appearance brings fear and trembling and yet he “looks like a man.”

·        He is immortal. His appearances to Zechariah and to Mary are 500 years after his appearance in the book of Daniel.

·       He stands in the presence of God.

     Tomorrow we will meet the arch angel, Michael.

Dear Lord,

Teach us to see with our spiritual eyes as we imagine the heavens full of Your angels. One day we will see them face to face just as we will see You.  Thank You for Your word. As the words from Gabriel remind us no word from You will ever fail.

In Jesus name.

Amen

The Number of Angels

 

     When we become members of God’s family and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, not only do we receive His Holy Spirit within us, and a heavenly home forever, and a life of hope and purpose on earth (as if that were not enough!) we have added protection in the spiritual realms.

     In literature and in our culture, we see and hear much about angels. As we delve into the truth about angels in the days to come, I think you will be surprised at the difference between the angels we imagine and the angels in the Bible. You may be shocked at their appearance, what they do and how they can affect our lives. Do people turn into angels? Have people really seen angels? What do they do?

     We will discover together the answers to some of those questions and more. For today, we will talk about their number.

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. Revelation 5:11

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.  Hebrews 12:22

     Tomorrow we will discover what some angels look like, even name a few. As you look around today, marvel at God’s creation. He created you! You are unique; one-of-a-kind. Some of my personal favorites in God’s creation are the palm tree, the koala bear, the flamingo, the spider mum, and the ocean. How about you? He made the stars in the sky and the moon and the stars.

     Imagine a sunset over the ocean, the view from a mountain-top, walking through a field of wildflowers. He is our almighty God and there are thousands upon thousands, ten thousand times ten thousand angels worshipping Him and surrounding His heavenly throne. His angels not only worship, they minister, they bring messages, they fight in the heavenly realms. (We will discover there are fallen angels too)

     See you tomorrow as we meet Gabriel, Michael, and the seraphim and cherubim. 

Dear Father,

Everything about your creation astounds us. From the human body and all of its intricacies, to the birds of the air and the fish of the deepest ocean. We praise You this morning for it all. Be with us as we study Your word and what it says about angels.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Into Old Age

 

     Along with my husband, many of our friends have retired. What’s next? Do we put our feet up, sit on a beach and indulge ourselves for our remaining years? It’s a tricky question. Certainly, God has placed enjoyment and pleasure in His creation. The warm sunshine, good friends, refreshment and relaxation.

     On the other hand, He never tells us to retire from His service. He has purpose for our lives until He takes us home. What is He asking you to do? Moses did not lead his people out of Egypt until he was 80 years old. Abraham and Sarah had Isaac in their 90’s. Caleb was just as strong at 85 as he was when he began serving God as a young man. John was given the revelation of Christ when he was well over 90.

     No matter what we do, no matter where we land, He gives us the ability to encourage, to share, to teach, to serve, to pray, to show mercy, to gain knowledge, and to love. What an adventure! We have only just begun.

They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright. He is my Rock and there is no wickedness in Him.” Psalm 92:14-15

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3

Father,

We want to bear fruit at every age. Give us purpose and opportunities until we walk through heaven’s door. Give us more and more love to share.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Gifted and United

 

     Just as the baby boomers of South Minneapolis are united in our shared memories of times and places, of friends and memories, so, too, are we united in prayer as followers of Jesus.

     Our prayers are powerful. Our prayers are heard. Our prayers rise to the throne room of heaven, as we pray for each other and our country. Our prayers are needed and they are heeded.

     You are gifted by God, for this time and for this season. Use your personality, your natural talents, your spiritual gifts to make a difference. There is only one you. And together, we are turning things around. God uses us for His purposes with His perfect timing.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Ephesians 4:7

     Gifted with God’s grace for such a time as this, united in faith, each serving in our own unique way.

Lord,

Show us how and where to make a difference for You in the short time we have on this earth. Guide us to show Your love to others and to keep encouraging each other.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Speech Limits

 

     It is a year filled with anger, hate and violence in our country and it’s easy for us to get caught up in it as we each take a side. We do need to speak the truth of God in love. Some of us are meant to speak up in politics, to serve and take a stand, to speak out against what we know is not right. Always. But God does set limits on how and when we speak. The Holy Spirit, if we trust Him, will guard our hearts and our mouths as we move out into the world.

Let your conversation be always filled with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

     Read through James 3 and see what he has to say about the power of our tongues. Let’s watch our speech and let it be pleasing to God.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, Or Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

     As we strive to follow God’s instructions, keep asking Him for wisdom.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Father,

Guide us in when and how to speak to others. Fill our mouths with Your grace and truth. Keep Your light shining in us and through us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Happy Ever After

 

     I have been honored and blessed to have my husband in my life for almost 40 years. He has put up with my blindness, my weaknesses, my quirks and with the complete opposite parts of our personalities for a long time. He continues to be my safe and happy place in this crazy world, my earthly happily-ever-after.

     Together, we are moving into what, not that long ago, we considered, “old age.” The cremation plans have been made and paid for and we have given our daughters instructions. The joints are beginning to ache and we are appreciating the blessings of each and every day as we have said our earthly goodbyes to so many we love.   

     My husband loves the movie, “The Great Escape,” starring Steve McQueen. As the prisoners in this movie worked to escape the prison walls, they slowly dug a hole through the floor of their cell.  Little by little, they placed the dug-up dirt in their pants legs and slowly let it out in the prison yard. Since my husband knows Lake Nokomis continues to be a special place for me, he said he could do the same with my ashes if I am the first to go home to heaven. I’m down with that!

     After our earthly deaths, we will be in our ultimate happy places forever. In fact, Jesus tells us he is preparing a place just for us! Maybe my mansion will include a lake and, hopefully, a palm tree or two.

My Father’s house has many mansions. If it were not so, would I have told you I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me where I am. John 14:2-3

     Our earthly bodies will wear out, but our eternal bodies will be ours forever in a place meant just for us, our happy place, our eternal home.

Jesus,

Thank You for preparing the perfect spot for each of us. There are days we can’t wait to be with You. In the meantime, keep us focused on what is important to You.

Amen

Plant Some Seeds

 Years ago, my husband and I followed a sign posted on the side of the road to a garden center and found pure treasure. We would call the owner, “old guy” and we visited him year after year. He was ancient looking. His large greenhouses sat on the peropty where he lived.

     He and his shop were a treasure trove of unusual and common plants, planted in every kind of container you could imagine, from pots and pans to watering cans to birdhouses, to cages. When I think of the seeds he planted and took care of, it seemed astronomical and impossible. His gnarled hands worked lovingly and every time we stopped in he was singing.

     What a joy to be in his presence. Over the last few years, the shop was closed. On a beautiful Saturday year ago, on our 28^th wedding anniversary, we decided to take a drive. We found out this loving gardener and wonderful example of humanity had died and the family was selling it all, everything. I bought an old watering can and a garden sign. We reminisced with his son and great grandson and enjoyed picking through everything he loved and cherished.

     What seeds are you planting in the lives of others? His passion, his love for nature, his joy-filled nature filled the souls of all who visited. We are reminded in Scripture to plant those seeds of kindness and love and of Jesus. Sometimes it takes more than one person to pass along the Gospel. You might begin the process, the next person waters and one day, they bloom into the kingdom.

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe-as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:5-6

Father,

Give us our task of sowing, planting or watering the seeds of grace. We know it is Your work to grow the Spirit.

In Jesus name,

Amen