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. Theyre 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 youre in trouble, dont 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. Theyll 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? ITS FOR A PURPOSE We know that all things work together for good... Romans 8:28 NKJV When you know Gods plan for your life, you wont permit things that are contrary to it. You wont be quick to get discouraged when situations bring conflict and disorder. You wont become frustrated or overwhelmed by those things you cant pray away, confess away, or speak away. Why? Because you know that if its in your life, and its 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 cant see any real purpose in it. Hold on, you will! God is building a foundation under you. Hes equipping you to handle a level of success you cant cope with right now. Out of this pressure will come the power to do what He, not others, desires in your life. Hes teaching you in the wilderness so that when you get to the Promised Land and people become unco-operative, resentful or jealous, you wont 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 dont, youd better ask somebody! But dont 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) Dont be afraid to ask God, Why? Men and women in the Scripture asked that question often. But be ready when God answers, Its for a purpose!
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 07:52:29 +0000