ARE ANGELS JUST FOR KIDS?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? - Hebrews 1:14
Most of us heard about our guardian angel when we were just children; and, in those days, it was a comforting thought. With monsters lurking behind the closet door and creepy things crawling beneath the bed, it was good to know that someone was there to protect us when the light was out.
But, as the years passed, we outgrew our childhood fears. The imaginary creatures that had once seemed so real disappeared from our minds--and sadly enough, for most of us, the angels did too.
But angels are not just kid stuff. They're powerful spirits sent forth to minister for us who are heirs of salvation.
The word salvation in Hebrews 1:14 is from the Greek word soteria meaning deliverance, preservation of material, and temporal deliverance. Think about that! God has created vast numbers of gloriously powerful spiritual beings for the express purpose of protecting us and delivering us from the evils of this world.
And remember, according to Psalm 103:20, the Word of God is what puts those angels in action. So when you're in trouble, don't cower and cry about how awful things are. Speak the Word! Give your angels something to respond to. Then be patient and let them have time to work. They'll get their job done.
STILL WORKING
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” —Matthew 25:23
Vivian and Don are in their mid-90s and have been married more than 70 years. Recently Vivian suffered a setback when she broke her hip. This has been additionally difficult because for several years both Don and Vivian have been saddened by the realization that they are no longer strong enough to be active in the life and work of their church.
However, Vivian and Don are still hard at work for the Lord: They are prayer warriors. While they may not always be physically present and visible in the life of their church, they are faithful “behind the scenes” in their service for Him.
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us that we must use the “talents” God has given us wisely. All of us have God-given skills and abilities at various levels—and we must not bury, unused, what God has given us.
It is not only in our years of strength that God will use us, but also in our youth and age, as well as in our sickness and weakness. Vivian and Don continue to serve by praying. And like them, we honor our Savior by using our skills—“each according to his own ability” (v.15) to serve Him who is worthy.
Lord, You have done so much for me. Please show me what I can do to serve You—to honor You with the abilities You have provided. May my life be a living sacrifice of love and action for Your honor.
God can use you at any age—if you are willing.
PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH JESUS
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
The greatest blessing anyone can have is peace with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus took upon Himself all our sins at the cross. He absorbed all of God’s fiery indignation and judgment against all our sins, past, present and future, so that we can be totally forgiven and have peace with God.
So today, there is nothing between you and God. There is no more sin, no more shame and no more condemnation! Jesus’ sacrifice has given you everlasting peace with God. God is not angry with you. He never will be. He is on your side and for you all the way.
Now, what will you do today knowing that God is for you and that His assuring presence will never leave you? What will you do today knowing that all His favor, wisdom, heavenly provision and blessings are backing you up?
'IT'S FOR A PURPOSE'
'We know that all things work together for good...' Romans 8:28 NKJV
When you know God's plan for your life, you won't permit things that are contrary to it. You won't be quick to get discouraged when situations bring conflict and disorder. You won't become frustrated or overwhelmed by those things you can't pray away, confess away, or speak away. Why?
Because you know that if it's in your life, and it's not caused by disobedience, God has allowed it and He wants to use it to produce in you the nature of Jesus. All things, not things, work together for good to those who love the Lord.
You say, 'But I can't see any real purpose in it.' Hold on, you will! God is building a foundation under you. He's equipping you to handle a level of success you can't cope with right now. Out of this pressure will come the power to do what He, not others, desires in your life. He's teaching you in the wilderness so that when you get to the Promised Land and people become unco-operative, resentful or jealous, you won't be afraid to cut those unhealthy ties. He wants you to know that your help comes from the Lord, not people. Do you understand that? If you don't, you'd better ask somebody! But don't ask just anybody, ask the Lord. His Word says, 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV)
Don't be afraid to ask God, 'Why?' Men and women in the Scripture asked that question often. But be ready when God answers, 'It's for a purpose!
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? - Hebrews 1:14
Most of us heard about our guardian angel when we were just children; and, in those days, it was a comforting thought. With monsters lurking behind the closet door and creepy things crawling beneath the bed, it was good to know that someone was there to protect us when the light was out.
But, as the years passed, we outgrew our childhood fears. The imaginary creatures that had once seemed so real disappeared from our minds--and sadly enough, for most of us, the angels did too.
But angels are not just kid stuff. They're powerful spirits sent forth to minister for us who are heirs of salvation.
The word salvation in Hebrews 1:14 is from the Greek word soteria meaning deliverance, preservation of material, and temporal deliverance. Think about that! God has created vast numbers of gloriously powerful spiritual beings for the express purpose of protecting us and delivering us from the evils of this world.
And remember, according to Psalm 103:20, the Word of God is what puts those angels in action. So when you're in trouble, don't cower and cry about how awful things are. Speak the Word! Give your angels something to respond to. Then be patient and let them have time to work. They'll get their job done.
STILL WORKING
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” —Matthew 25:23
Vivian and Don are in their mid-90s and have been married more than 70 years. Recently Vivian suffered a setback when she broke her hip. This has been additionally difficult because for several years both Don and Vivian have been saddened by the realization that they are no longer strong enough to be active in the life and work of their church.
However, Vivian and Don are still hard at work for the Lord: They are prayer warriors. While they may not always be physically present and visible in the life of their church, they are faithful “behind the scenes” in their service for Him.
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us that we must use the “talents” God has given us wisely. All of us have God-given skills and abilities at various levels—and we must not bury, unused, what God has given us.
It is not only in our years of strength that God will use us, but also in our youth and age, as well as in our sickness and weakness. Vivian and Don continue to serve by praying. And like them, we honor our Savior by using our skills—“each according to his own ability” (v.15) to serve Him who is worthy.
Lord, You have done so much for me. Please show me what I can do to serve You—to honor You with the abilities You have provided. May my life be a living sacrifice of love and action for Your honor.
God can use you at any age—if you are willing.
PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH JESUS
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
The greatest blessing anyone can have is peace with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus took upon Himself all our sins at the cross. He absorbed all of God’s fiery indignation and judgment against all our sins, past, present and future, so that we can be totally forgiven and have peace with God.
So today, there is nothing between you and God. There is no more sin, no more shame and no more condemnation! Jesus’ sacrifice has given you everlasting peace with God. God is not angry with you. He never will be. He is on your side and for you all the way.
Now, what will you do today knowing that God is for you and that His assuring presence will never leave you? What will you do today knowing that all His favor, wisdom, heavenly provision and blessings are backing you up?
'IT'S FOR A PURPOSE'
'We know that all things work together for good...' Romans 8:28 NKJV
When you know God's plan for your life, you won't permit things that are contrary to it. You won't be quick to get discouraged when situations bring conflict and disorder. You won't become frustrated or overwhelmed by those things you can't pray away, confess away, or speak away. Why?
Because you know that if it's in your life, and it's not caused by disobedience, God has allowed it and He wants to use it to produce in you the nature of Jesus. All things, not things, work together for good to those who love the Lord.
You say, 'But I can't see any real purpose in it.' Hold on, you will! God is building a foundation under you. He's equipping you to handle a level of success you can't cope with right now. Out of this pressure will come the power to do what He, not others, desires in your life. He's teaching you in the wilderness so that when you get to the Promised Land and people become unco-operative, resentful or jealous, you won't be afraid to cut those unhealthy ties. He wants you to know that your help comes from the Lord, not people. Do you understand that? If you don't, you'd better ask somebody! But don't ask just anybody, ask the Lord. His Word says, 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV)
Don't be afraid to ask God, 'Why?' Men and women in the Scripture asked that question often. But be ready when God answers, 'It's for a purpose!
GOD WILL NEVER TURN HIS BACK ON YOU :
HEBREWS 13:5 - …He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
For six whole hours, the Son of God was suspended between heaven and earth. And at the height of His suffering on the cross, He cried out in the deep darkness, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:45–46)
For the first time, Jesus addressed His Father as “God”. The Father had forsaken the Son. As Judge of the universe, God had to turn His back on His Son, who was carrying the filth of the world’s sins, for His eyes are too pure to behold evil. (Habakkuk 1:13)
If the Father had not turned His back on His Son, He would have to turn His back on you today when you call out to Him in your hour of need. But because Jesus has taken your place, today, you take His place, and you have God’s face smiling on you always!
Right now, God’s face is smiling on you. His countenance is shining on you. I can stand before you and declare, “The Lord make His face shine upon you.” (Numbers 6:25–26) And it is all because Jesus has paid the price for God to never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
As Judge, God turned His back on His Son. But as Father, He cried. His heart was broken because Christ was never more pleasing to Him than when He was on the cross. Christ’s suffering was a sweet-smelling aroma to the Father. (Ephesians 5:2)
Do you remember what Jesus said? “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.” (John 10:17) If you are a parent, you love each one of your children equally. But when one of them does something special for you out of love, it touches your heart, and you just want to run to him and hug him.
That was what happened at the cross, except that the Father could not embrace His Son. Instead, He had to turn His back on His Son because our sins had to be punished in His Son’s body.
Beloved, when you cry out to the Father for help today, know that He hears you and will surely help you. Because of Jesus, He will never turn His back on you!
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