Proverbs 4:20-22

 

You Will Get Through This

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

I’ve had anxiety over many hard things in my life. But some of the most difficult situations are the ones where someone I thought I could count on broke my trust and my heart.

You only have to be betrayed one time to start feeling angst and fear over the risks of relationships.

I remember being a young child on the playground at school, and a girl who I thought was my friend started making fun of me in front of the “cool kids.” I’ll never forget the feeling I had when they walked away together, all laughing, and she didn’t look back at me.

I think that was the first time I realized sometimes people just want what they want, and if they hurt me in the process of getting it, they can justify that because they feel it's worth more than their relationship with me.

Maybe you have a story of broken trust like this.

In the Bible, the Hebrew word for “trustworthy” is batah. When that word is directed toward God, it’s always in a positive sense. But when that same word refers to human relationships, it often has a negative connotation, carrying the sense that people will not always be trustworthy.

The trustworthy nature of God is certain. Sometimes the trustworthy nature of others is not. This doesn’t mean trust is impossible with others, but it does mean all relationships will need to be handled with grace, wisdom, forgiveness, healthy boundaries, and an understanding of how trust works.

If you’re walking through trust issues on any level today, consider what my friend Dr. Joel Muddamalle once said in a conversation about getting over heartbreak, hurt and disappointment: “One of the most powerful prepositions in the Bible is the word ‘through.’”

The Israelites had to go through the Red Sea to escape Egypt.
They had to go through the wilderness to the promised land.
Jesus had to go through the suffering of the cross for our redemption.

Isaiah 43:2 also says: “When you pass through the waters, [God] will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (emphases added).

Sometimes we have to walk through something even when we desperately want to get over it quickly. Going through gets us to the other side with a greater understanding that God has always been and will always be with us.

I know it’s tempting to isolate. The story I used to tell myself was that relationships were just a recipe for eventual pain, and I didn’t want to experience that pain again; therefore, the risks of trusting others were too high. If you were to share similar concerns with me today over coffee, I would listen with great understanding and zero judgment. Working through broken trust is hard. But, friend, it is possible to trust God even when we have doubts about what He’s doing.

And I know you will make it to the other side. You didn’t choose what happened when others broke your trust. But you do get to choose how you move forward. You will heal. You will get through this. And you won’t be alone for a single part of it.

Heavenly Father, I give You my anxieties, fears and doubts related to trust. I don’t have to feel ashamed that I have trust issues. I also don’t have to move forward more quickly than I’m ready to. But at the same time, I’m not going to make excuses for not healing. I’m taking one step at a time, moving forward with You on this journey of growing in trust. Give me the courage, wisdom and hope I need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Lysa TerKeurst
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Galations 2:20

Greed: Watch Out! It's A Trap!

Scripture:
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. - 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (ESV)

Reflect:
What other sins might greed and the love of money lead to? How have you seen greed destroy lives?

The Reverend Charles Spurgeon once preached, “You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.” He’s right. I’ve seen it in my own life. When I finally get whatever, I think will make me happy, I realize that now I want something else. It’s a vicious cycle.

In today’s verses, the apostle Paul advised that “godliness with contentment is great gain”. In this letter to Timothy, Paul had been cautioning him about false teachers. In verse, he warned that some false teachers are “imagining that godliness is a means to gain.”

In other words, some people professing to be Christian teachers won’t be sincere. They’ll start ministries under the guise of pointing people to Jesus, but they’ll really just pick people’s pockets and try to get rich quick. We still see this today in certain celebrity pastors with net worth's in the millions of dollars but with teaching that is not biblically sound.

Instead of viewing godliness as a means to monetary gain, Paul told Timothy that godliness with contentment is in itself a great gain. He reminded Timothy of a truth we so often conveniently forget - we came into the world without anything, and we can’t take it with us when we go. So, he concludes, we should be content with food and clothing, focusing instead on living godly lives.

He described the desire to be rich as a trap and that’s just what it is. Once we set our hearts on wealth, we will stop at nothing to get what we want. Once we get what we want, we realize it’s not enough. Pretty soon, the end (getting rich) justifies the means. We’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means exploiting and taking advantage of other people, because ultimately nothing satisfies our desire for wealth. We always want more!

The online commentary, Gotquestions.org explained: “It is impossible to be content when our hearts are set on gaining more. We will not remain godly for long if we are not content with what God has given us. A desire for godliness is quickly eroded by a greedy, covetous spirit.”

You see, the sin may start with loving money and wanting more of it, but it rarely ends there. Time and again, people get caught in the snare of greed in which one sin leads to another and another and another until they are left ruined and destroyed.

Is it a sin to be wealthy? Of course not! The issue at hand isn’t how much money you have; the issue is your heart! As Paul continued in his letter to Timothy, he directly mentioned those who are rich. He said, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

The only riches that are worth anything of eternal value are the riches that we find in Christ. Let’s love and pursue Almighty God instead of the almighty dollar.

The way we manage our money can be a testament to what we believe about God. Regardless of whether we have a lot or only a little, being content with what we have is counter-cultural and reveals where our true treasure is (Matthew 6:21).

Pray:
Lord, I confess that I have been guilty of greed and discontentment. Sometimes, I want more than what You’ve given me, and I covet what other people have. Please forgive me. When I start to struggle with greed, remind me that the material riches of this temporary world are a poor substitute for the eternal spiritual riches You have blessed me with in Jesus Christ. Amen.

- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")

Prayer: Live At Peace With Others

 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Application of God's Word: Matthew 8:25-26

 

Verse: Matthew 8:25-26
 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying,
“Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”
Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 

Application:

It is by faith that God's mighty power is released into the life of a Christian (Hebrews 11:33-35). The fact that you have doubts indicates that you do not know God as you should. If your prayer life is infiltrated with doubts, you have denied yourself the greatest single avenue of power that God has made available to you. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). God never comforts you in your doubt. Jesus consistently rebuked those who would not believe Him. He had revealed enough of Himself for His disciples to have believed Him in their time of need.

Although the disciples had witnessed many miracles, they panicked in this storm. As experienced sailors, they knew its danger; what they did not know was that Christ could control the forces of nature. We often encounter storms in our life, where we feel God can't or won't work. When we truly understand who God is, however, we will realize that he controls both the storms of nature and the storms of the troubled heart. Jesus' power that calmed this storm can also help us deal with the problems we face. Jesus is willing to help if we only ask him. We should never discount his power even in terrible trials.

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"Everyone has worries and troubles. They’re no fun, but you can use them for good. Use them to grow closer to Me. Whenever a worry starts to worm its way into your mind, toss it out by talking to Me. Create your own collection of quick prayers, such as: 'Help me, Jesus. I need Your Peace. Show me what to do.' These prayers are like vitamins for your soul - the more you say them, the stronger you will be."

"Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my cry for mercy. Come to help me because you are loyal and good." - Psalm 143:1

- "Jesus Today for Kids" by Sarah Young

Music: "Lord Jesus, I Can’t Take It Anymore"

 

I’ve been walking through this valley, Lord, it’s darker than before,
Every step feels heavier, I can’t take it anymore.
The chains are tight around me, I’ve been fighting for so long,
But I’m crying out to You now, Lord, I know where I belong.
 
Lord Jesus, I can’t take it anymore,
This weight upon my shoulders, it’s too much to endure.
Break this curse, break these chains, set my spirit free,
I’m kneeling at Your feet, Lord, I’m begging on my knees.
 
I’ve tried to fight this battle with my own two hands,
But I’m tired of the struggle, I don’t understand.
The enemy’s been whispering, but I know Your voice is true,
So, I’m calling on Your power, Lord, to see me through.
 
Lord Jesus, I can’t take it anymore,
This weight upon my shoulders, it’s too much to endure.
Break this curse, break these chains, set my spirit free,
I’m kneeling at Your feet, Lord, I’m begging on my knees.
 
You’re the God of miracles, the One who calms the storm,
You’re the healer of the broken, the lifter of the worn.
I know You hear my cry, Lord, I know You see my pain,
So, I’m trusting in Your promise, I’ll rise and live again.
 
Lord Jesus, I can’t take it anymore,
This weight upon my shoulders, it’s too much to endure.
Break this curse, break these chains, set my spirit free,
I’m kneeling at Your feet, Lord, I’m begging on my knees.
 
I feel Your love surround me, I feel the darkness fade,
Your mercy’s like a river, Your grace has made a way.
Thank You, Lord, for breaking every chain, every curse,
I’m standing in Your freedom, no longer in the hurt.
Lord Jesus, You’ve set me free.

Sermon: A Recipe For Resentment

 

Meme: It's OK To Fall Apart...

Do You Want To Heal From This?

“When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition
for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’”

John 5:6 (NIV)

A few years ago, I walked into an appointment with my counselor, Jim, wishing I’d canceled.

So much felt unsettled in my life. I felt utterly unmotivated to talk and overly motivated to cry.

“Lysa, do you have the desire to heal from this?” he asked.

Of course! But how could I possibly start healing when there was so much still unresolved in my life?

I thought those who did wrong things would realize they were wrong. And then surely they would say they were sorry and seek to make things right between us. Then I would consider forgiveness. And then I could possibly heal.

But as Jim kept talking, I started to realize I might never feel like things were fair. Even if the people who hurt me suddenly became repentant and owned all they’d done, that wouldn’t undo the past. That wouldn’t instantly heal me or make any of this feel right. Therefore, I had to separate my healing from their choices. My ability to heal cannot depend on anyone’s choices but my own.

It reminded me of something I learned during a trip to the Holy Land, when my guide taught about the two healing miracles Jesus performed in Jerusalem. The first was a healing at the pools of Bethesda.

In John 5, we read about a man who couldn’t walk. “When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’” (John 5:6). The man’s response was surprising. He gave Jesus an excuse based on the fact that no one would help him. Isn’t it amazing that the man was so focused on what others needed to do that he almost missed what Jesus could do?

Jesus instructed him to get up, pick up his mat and walk - and “at once the man was cured” (John 5:9). The healing didn’t involve anyone but the man and Jesus.

The other healing miracle is found in John 9 and focuses on a blind man. In this story, the disciples wanted to know whose actions caused the man’s blindness. Surely someone was at fault.

But Jesus said, “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). Jesus then spat on the ground, mixed up some mud, rubbed it on the blind man’s eyes, and instructed him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. Notice that Jesus didn’t make healing contingent on other people doing or owning anything.

Jesus gave the instruction. The blind man obeyed. Jesus healed. The man moved forward.

My guide in Jerusalem said, “One of these miracles shows us a new way to walk, and the other shows us a new way to see.” I couldn’t grab my journal to record this revelation fast enough.

Moving forward and seeing beyond our current darkness is between us and the Lord. We don’t need to wait for others to do anything. We must simply obey what God is asking of us right now. God has given us a new way to walk. And God has given us a new way to see.

My healing is my choice. And your healing? It’s with the utmost compassion that I say your healing is your choice too. I know how incredibly hard all of this is. But we can heal. We can forgive. We can trust God. And none of those beautiful realities can be held hostage by another person.

Lord, thank You for inviting me to see and walk in a new, healed way today. Forgiveness and healing may feel incredibly hard to choose, but I know You give me the strength to walk through these processes. Thank You for making me more like You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Lysa TerKeurst
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Jesus Wants You To Know...

"I uphold all those who fall and lift up all who are bowed down. Sometimes you and I are the only ones who know you have fallen. It’s tempting at such times to gloss over what you have done (or failed to do). You may not be overwhelmed by feelings of shame, but you feel restless and unsettled - mildly guilty. Even at times like this, I continue to love you perfectly. Sometimes I display My Love for you in unexpected ways - humbling and delighting you simultaneously. This deepens your awareness of your sin, intensifying your desire to confess and draw near Me. As you settle into your rightful position, My redeemed one, your restlessness yields to calmness."

"The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." - Psalm 145:14

- "Jesus Always" by Sarah Young

Music: "The One We Love"

Jude 1:17-23

Dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said before. They said to you, “In the last times there will be people who laugh about God. They will do only what they want to do - things that are against God.” These are the people who divide you. They do only what their sinful selves want. They do not have the Spirit.

But dear friends, use your most holy faith to build yourselves up strong. Pray with the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love. Wait for the Lord Jesus Christ with his mercy to give you life forever.

Show mercy to people who have doubts. Save them. Take them out of the fire. Show mercy mixed with fear to others. Hate even their clothes which are dirty from sin.

Does The Bible Promote or Prohibit Praying To Angels?

While there is no verse which explicitly states, “You shall not pray to angels,” it is abundantly clear that we are not to pray to angels. Ultimately, prayer is an act of worship. And, just as angels reject our worship (Revelation 22:8-9), so they would also reject our prayers. Offering our worship or prayer to anyone but God is idolatry.

There are also several practical and theological reasons why praying to angels is wrong. Christ Himself never prayed to anyone but the Father. When asked by His disciples to teach them to pray, He instructed them, “This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven…’” (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2). If praying to angels were something we, as His disciples, are to do, this would have been the place for Him to tell us. Clearly, we are to pray only to God. This is also evident in passages such as Matthew 11:25-26, where Christ’s prayer introduction begins with "I praise thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth...." Jesus not only begins His prayers by addressing the Father, but the content of His prayers usually requests assistance that could only be granted by someone with omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent powers. Praying to angels would be ineffective because they are created beings and do not possess these powers.

The case against praying to angels can also be made by reviewing John 17:1-26 where Jesus prays on behalf of His followers, requesting multiple blessings on them from God the Father, including sanctification, glorification, and preservation of the saints. These three blessings can only come from the source that presently holds them, and again, angels simply do not have this power. Angels cannot sanctify us, they cannot glorify us, and they cannot guarantee our inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Second, there is an occasion in John 14:13 when Christ Himself tells believers that whatever we ask in His name, He will accomplish because He pleads directly with the Father. Offering a prayer up to angels would fall short of an effective and biblically guided prayer. A second occasion in which Christ mentions that prayers must be offered up in His name alone occurs in John 16:26. This verse conveys the message that, after Christ’s ascension to heaven, He acts as an intercessor to the Father for all believers. Neither angels nor any other created being is ever depicted as an intercessor with the Father. Only the Son and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26) can intercede before the Father’s throne.

Last, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells the believer to pray without ceasing. This would only be possible if a believer has access to a God who is always present and available to listen to the pleas of every person at one time. Angels do not have this ability - they are not omnipresent or omnipotent - and as such are not qualified to receive our prayers. Prayer to the Father through Christ is the only necessary and effective means by which we can communicate with the Father. No, praying to angels is absolutely not a biblical concept.

- Provided by "Got Questions Ministries"

Truth Is To Be Experienced

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon,
“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Luke 5:4

When Christ teaches you something about Himself, He implements it into your life through experience. As the crowds gathered around, Jesus chose to board Peter's boat and teach the people from there. All day long Peter sat in the boat listening to Jesus teach the multitudes. At the close of His discourse, Jesus allowed Peter to experience the reality of what He had just been teaching the crowd. The crowd had heard the truth, but Peter was to experience it.

Jesus put His teaching into language a fisherman could understand. He told Peter to put out his nets into the deep water. Peter hesitated, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing.” Peter had been fishing all night, had washed and repaired his nets in the morning, and then listened to Jesus teach. He was tired. He probably was not expecting a dramatic encounter with God at a time like that. Yet, as Peter obeyed Jesus, he pulled in such a miraculous catch of fish that his boat almost sank! Peter was filled with amazement and recognized that he had just experienced the power of God (Luke 5:4-11).

Peter learned that with a command from Jesus, he could do anything. Thus, Jesus was able to reorder Peter's priorities from catching fish to catching men (Luke 4:10). Peter's obedience led to a dramatic new insight into the person of Jesus. This was an invitation to walk with Jesus in an even more intimate and powerful way.

God does not want you to merely gain intellectual knowledge of truth. He wants you to experience His truth. There are things about Jesus you will learn only as you obey Him. Your obedience will then lead to greater revelation and opportunities for service.

- Excerpt from “Experiencing God Day-By-Day” by Henry and Richard Blackaby

Meme: How Much Scripture Do You Live?

 

1 Peter 5:8-9

 

Who Is The Angel Of The Lord?

The precise identity of the angel of the Lord is not given in the Bible. However, there are many important clues to his identity. These clues help us see that the angel of the Lord is a unique being, separate from the other angels. Here are some instances of the angel of the Lord showing up in Scripture:

• He finds Hagar in the wilderness and gives her a promise concerning her son, Ishmael (Genesis 16:7–12).

• He stops Abraham from sacrificing Isaac (Genesis 22:11–18).

• He appears to Moses “in flames of fire from within a bush” (Exodus 3:2).

• He delivers a message to wayward Israel (Judges 2:1–4).

• He commissions Gideon and performs a miracle for him (Judges 6:11–24).

• He brings a plague on Israel during David’s time (2 Samuel 24:15–17).

• He appears in a vision of the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 1:11–13).

In various passages, the angel of the Lord speaks as God, identifies Himself with God, and exercises the responsibilities of God. In several of these appearances, those who saw the angel of the Lord feared for their lives because they had “seen God” (Judges 13:22). Therefore, we can say that, in at least some instances, the angel of the Lord is a theophany, an appearance of God in physical form.

The appearances of the angel of the Lord cease after the incarnation of Christ. Angels are mentioned numerous times in the New Testament, but “the angel of the Lord” is never mentioned in the New Testament after the birth of Christ. One possible difficulty is that the angel who appears to Joseph in a dream in Matthew 1:24 is called “the” angel of the Lord. However, this angel is clearly the same one appearing in verse 20, which calls him “an” angel. Matthew is simply referencing the same angel he had just mentioned. There is also some confusion regarding Matthew 28:2, where the KJV says “the angel of the Lord” descended from heaven and rolled the stone away from Jesus’ tomb. Here, it is important to note that the original Greek has no article in front of the word for “angel”; it could be “the angel” or “an angel,” but the article must be supplied by the translators. Other translations besides the KJV say it was “an angel,” which is the better wording.

It is possible that appearances of the angel of the Lord represent the Son of God taking on temporary human form - a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be existent “before Abraham” (John 8:58), so it makes sense that He would be active and could manifest in the world. Whatever the case, whether the angel of the Lord was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany) or an appearance of God the Father (a theophany), it is likely that “the angel of the Lord” was, in most cases, a physical appearance of God.

- Provided by "Got Questions Ministries"

Meme: You Are Not Alone...

What Is The Hierarchy Of Angels?

Some branches of Christian theology have proposed a 9-level hierarchy of angels as follows:

• Highest/First Order:

    Seraphim

    Cherubim

    Thrones

• Middle/Second Order:

    Dominions

    Virtues

    Powers

• Lowest/Third Order:

    Principalities

    Archangels

    Angels

The difficulty is that the Bible identifies no such hierarchy of angels. In the Bible we see that there could be different kinds of angels, and, if there are different kinds, there might be some sort of hierarchy. If a hierarchy exists, the Bible does not tell us about it explicitly. If it were important for us to know about it, the Bible would have told us. The term angel simply means “messenger” and emphasizes the work that angels do.

Seraphim (singular seraph) is simply a word that means “fiery” or “bright.” Seraphim are mentioned as angelic beings only in Isaiah 6:1–4: “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 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. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.” Since the word seraphim is simply a description, it may be that the seraphim are simply “fiery beings” that may or may not be a distinct “kind” of angel.

Cherubim (singular cherub) are mentioned numerous times in Scripture. After Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden, cherubim were placed there to guard the entrance (Genesis 3:24). The vast majority of the instances where cherubim are mentioned are in connection with the ark of the covenant, as the likeness of two cherubim adorned the cover of the ark (Exodus 25:18 –20; 37:7 –9; 1 Samuel 4:4). David sings a song of praise to God in which he says that God “mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind” (2 Samuel 22:11). When Ezekiel sees the glory of God leaving the temple, he also sees cherubim carrying the throne of God (Ezekiel 10). In verse 14, the cherubim are described as having four faces, those of a cherub, a human being, a lion, and an eagle. However, since angels are essentially spirit beings, it may be that they simply appeared to Ezekiel in this form for that particular revelatory vision.

There is only one archangel named in Scripture: Michael. He is mentioned in Jude 1:9. The voice of the archangel is heard in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, with no mention of his name. Revelation 12:7 describes war between Michael and his angels and the devil and angels. In Daniel 10:13, 21 and 12:1, Michael is described as an angelic prince. Michael’s being the leader of the angels would fit with both the title archangel and the role he plays. Archangel may be a role rather than a distinct kind of angel.

Another individual angel, Gabriel, is also named in Scripture. Gabriel delivered messages regarding the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19) and Jesus (Luke 1:26). In speaking to John’s father, he describes himself as one who stands in the presence of God. There is no mention of what “kind” of angel Gabriel may be. He also delivered messages to Daniel in answer to his prayer (Daniel 8:16; 9:21). Daniel describes him as a man, which means that Gabriel appeared in human form. Again, as angels are essentially spirit beings, they do not have physical bodies, but it seems they may appear in various forms.

Michael and Gabriel are the only angels mentioned by name, but we know there are untold myriads of angels who serve God. It should be noted that, although angels have greater power and glory than human beings, it is human beings who are created in God’s image, and it is human beings, not angels, who will reign with Christ (Hebrews 2:5). It is human beings, not angels, who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ (Hebrews 2:16). Angels are servants of God who minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14). From one perspective, angels are certainly greater than people, yet, from another perspective, human beings occupy the primary place in God’s created order, and angels are to some extent excluded. They do not understand redemption in the way that God’s children understand it (1 Peter 1:12).

The term guardian angel is never mentioned in Scripture, although this concept is commonly assumed. Perhaps it is based on Matthew 18:10, “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.”

Finally, there are fallen angels. Jude 1:6 clearly mentions them: “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling - these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day”; as does Revelation 12:7–9: “Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down - that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

In summary, speculation abounds, but there is no elaborate hierarchy of angels revealed in Scripture. Seraphim and cherubim are mentioned in close connection with the throne and glory of God. Since seraph simply means “fiery,” it may be a description of an angel rather than a separate kind. The cherubim and seraphim are generally described as other-worldly creatures. Michael is the archangel, which would indicate that he has a distinct role, but not necessarily that he is a distinct kind of angel. Gabriel is an important messenger for God. When Gabriel appears, he is normally identified as being a “man,” as are other angels when they appear to humans. Angels do an important work, but we are never encouraged to fixate on them, and, of course, we are forbidden from worshiping them (Colossians 2:18). Overcome by the glory of his visions, John records, “At this I fell at [the angel’s] 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!’” (Revelation 19:10). Angels simply serve in the background and bring glory to God.

- Provided by "Got Questions Ministries"

Choosing To Love God Even When Life Hurts

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Several years ago, I endured one of the hardest seasons I have ever experienced. My heart ached, my head spun with worry and stress, and my fears of what the future held were crippling.

There were days I wasn’t motivated to keep going or get out of bed, and the tears wouldn’t cease. Days when I questioned God about heartbreak and suffering, the seeming unfairness of life, and unanswered prayers.

Yet one particular day, amid an especially trying problem, my heart changed in a moment of prayer. I heard myself say something to God that caught me off guard. It was just one simple statement that rolled effortlessly off of my lips:

I still love You, Lord.

As my mind swirled with hurt and negative thoughts, my soul swirled with my love for Him, even when I didn’t think it could. And I knew His love for me didn’t waver.

As Romans 5:8 says, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

When life is going well, it’s easier to love God and believe He loves us. But when life falls apart or an unexpected hardship hits, it’s not as easy. It might even feel impossible. Those feelings and doubts don’t make us bad people or failures as believers. They merely make us human.

The upside is these thoughts can force us to ask ourselves some difficult questions: Despite everything, will I still love Jesus with my whole heart, soul and mind, even though He allowed these circumstances to happen? Will I still believe He loves me and has good plans in store?

Our honest answers to these questions serve as an indicator of whether we love the Lord just in the good times or all the time - when He gives and when He takes away, when He answers our deepest prayers and when we feel like He isn’t listening at all.

Maybe you’re facing a difficult time, an unexpected hurt or a painful loss. Perhaps you’re wondering if God hears your prayers or if He has forgotten you. Or possibly you’ve been secretly doubting if He loves you and if you still love Him.

You aren’t alone. Even the most faithful followers of Jesus have times of doubting His love. Times when they wonder if His love is meant for them or just everyone else.

Those thoughts are from the enemy who wants to cloud our minds, make us bitter, and pull us away from God. But Scripture tells us God sent His Son to die for us - even though we were still sinners - because He loves us that much.

We are so blessed to have the love of God. Will you love Him no matter what?

 

Dear Lord, forgive me for doubting Your love for me. Help me to focus on Your everlasting love, push past my doubts, and love You unconditionally despite my circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Tracie Miles
Provided by “Proverbs 31 Ministries”

2 Peter 1:2-4

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,
through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises,
that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature,
having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

What Are The Different Types of Angels

Angels fall into two categories: the "unfallen" angels and the fallen angels. Unfallen angels are those who have remained holy throughout their existence and accordingly are called "holy angels." In Scripture, generally when angels are mentioned, it is the class of holy angels in view. By contrast, the fallen angels are those who have not maintained their holiness.

Holy angels fall into special classes, and certain individuals are named and mentioned. Michael the archangel is likely the head of all the holy angels, and his name means "who is like unto God?" (Daniel 10:21; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7-10). Gabriel is one of the principal messengers of God, his name meaning "hero of God," and was entrusted with important messages such as those delivered to Daniel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21), to Zechariah (Luke 1:18-19), and to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).

Most holy angels are not named in the Bible but are described only as "elect angels" (1 Timothy 5:21). The expressions "principalities" and "powers" seem to be used of all angels whether fallen or holy (Luke 21:26; Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; Colossians 1:16; 2:10, 15; 1 Peter 3:22). Some angels are designated as "cherubim," which are living creatures who defend God’s holiness from any defilement of sin (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18, 20). "Seraphim" are another class of angels, mentioned only once in Scripture in Isaiah 6:2-7, and are described as having three pairs of wings. They apparently have the function of praising God, being God’s messengers to earth, and are especially concerned with the holiness of God. Most of the references to holy angels in Scripture refer to their ministries, which are broad. Holy angels were present at creation, the giving of the Law, the birth of Christ and His resurrection, the Ascension, and they will be present at the rapture of the Church and the second coming of Christ.

In stark contrast to the company of holy angels, the fallen angels are also innumerable, though considerably less than the holy angels, and are described as fallen from their first estate. Led by Satan, who was originally a cherub, the fallen angels defected, rebelled against God, and became sinful in their nature and work. Fallen angels have been divided into two classes: those who are free and those who are bound. Of the fallen angels, Satan alone is given particular mention in the Bible. When Satan fell (John 8:44; Luke 10:18), he drew after him one third of the angels. Of those, some are reserved in chains awaiting judgment (1 Corinthians 6:3; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6), and the remainder are free and are the demons, or devils, to whom reference is made throughout the New Testament (Mark 5:9, 15; Luke 8:30; 1 Timothy 4:1). They are Satan’s servants in all his undertakings and share his doom (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

- Provided by "Got Questions Ministries"

Jesus Wants You To Know...

I am the firm Foundation on which you can dance and sing praises and continually celebrate My Presence - just as you long to.

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." - Psalm 16:11

- "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young

Music: "Heaven On My Mind"

What Is The Purpose Of Angels?

Naked cherubs, wings, halos, and cute kindergartners in the Christmas play are some of the images that come to mind when we think about angels. But God’s Word gives us an entirely different picture. Hebrews 1:7 says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” Angels are spirits created to serve God’s purposes.

Scripture gives us only glimpses into the supernatural realm, but it is enough to learn that angels perform a variety of tasks and are used for several purposes:

1. To serve the people God saves. One purpose of angels is to minister to the elect of God: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14). Paul experienced an angelic visitation during a storm at sea. The angel brought him comfort (Acts 27:23–24). Others who have been served by angels include Elijah (1 Kings 19:3–8) and Peter (Acts 12:6–10).

2. To deliver messages. The word angel literally means “messenger.” In the Bible, angels usually appeared as men when they delivered messages from God to people (see Genesis 18:1–3). The angel Gabriel appeared to at least three people in the Bible. He interpreted a vision for Daniel (Daniel 8:16), told Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19), and proclaimed to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:26). Angels in the form of men also warned Lot of God’s impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1).

3. To wage spiritual battle. Another purpose of angels is to fight the forces of spiritual darkness who try to thwart God’s plans (Ephesians 6:12; Jude 1:9). When an angel appeared to Daniel to deliver the interpretation of a vision, the angel stated that Michael the archangel had to help him fight his way through enemy forces (Daniel 10:10–14). The full extent of angelic warfare is not known to us, but these few glimpses are enough to suggest that a fierce cosmic battle rages just out of sight.

4. To worship God. Angels constantly surround the throne of God, worshiping and shouting His praises (Psalm 148:1–2; Isaiah 6:3, Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8–13). Since angels were created to worship God, their rejection of that purpose is an unforgivable wrong. When Lucifer, a chief angel, refused to worship God and insisted that angels worship him instead, God cast him from heaven (Isaiah 14:12–18). Angels siding with Lucifer were exiled with him.

5. To serve. Angels exist to do the will of their Creator. They go where God sends them, say what He gives them to say, and minister to His children on earth (Psalm 103:20; Revelation 22:9; Hebrews 1:14). After Jesus’ forty-day temptation in the wilderness, angels came and ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11). When the righteous die, it seems that angels carry them straight to the place of God’s rest (Luke 16:22).

6. To execute judgment. Angels are not all radiance and joy. They also carry out God’s orders for destruction. The book of Revelation foretells many angelic acts that will bring about the ultimate destruction of the world (Revelation 7:1; 8-10). When Pharaoh refused to let the people of God leave Egypt, God sent an angel to strike down every firstborn son (Exodus 12:12, 23). Angels were involved in the death of Herod (Acts 12:23), the slaughter of the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35), and the punishment of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:15).

7. To aid in the transmission of God’s Word. Hebrews 2:2, speaking of the Mosaic Law, calls it “the message spoken through angels.” Somehow, angels were involved in the process of Moses receiving the law on Sinai, revealing yet another purpose of angels.

God uses angels any way He chooses. Because we hardly know anything about a world outside our physical universe, we cannot possibly understand all the purposes angels fulfill. But Christians have the confidence that God’s holy angels stand ready to protect and deliver God’s mortal children (Psalm 91:11). While angels are created beings, as we are, and should never be worshiped, we can thank the Lord for them and the unseen ways He uses them to impact our lives.

- Provided by "Got Questions Ministries"

Meme: Hope is Jesus

Hope Has a Name: Jesus

 “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live,
but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

Have you ever misplaced your keys? It’s so frustrating. You're running late, the kids are impatient, and nothing is going according to plan.

Imagine misplacing something far more important than your keys - your hope.

When we place our hope in anything or any person, including our children, we get stuck.

It’s time [for us] to get unstuck and embrace our true hope: Jesus. He is not a fleeting hope or a wish but a rock-solid anchor for our souls. Here are three ways hope in Jesus can encourage us today:

1. Jesus is our life.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Especially in parenthood, it can feel like we’re always pouring out our time, energy and love. Sometimes it leaves us wondering, Who am I outside of being a parent? But your life isn’t defined by the roles you play or what you accomplish. You are defined by the One who saved you and lives in you. When you feel empty, remember that His life in you is abundant and never-ending.

2. Jesus is our love.
In Galatians 2:20, we are also reminded that Jesus loves us and gave Himself for us. The King of the universe chose to die for you, breaking the power of sin and opening the floodgates of forgiveness. His love for you is beyond measure, an unending fountain that never runs dry. Jesus will never turn His loving heart away from you.

3. Jesus is our significance.
In a world that measures success by Instagram likes, spotless homes and perfectly behaved kids, it’s easy to feel like you aren’t enough. But Jesus flips that script. If God gave Himself for you, think of how precious you are to Him.

Don’t underestimate the significance of your daily faithfulness. Verses like 2 Timothy 1:5 show us that the consistent love of grandmothers and mothers can teach children the Christian faith: Paul wrote to Timothy, “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also”.

Lois and Eunice were so lit up with love that the embers of grace became a burning flame in Timothy.

Don’t misplace your hope in temporary things. Cars will break down, kids will test your patience, and life will be beautiful and terrible. But Jesus is your unshakable hope. He is your life, love and significance.

Your hope has a name, and His name is Jesus.

 

Heavenly Father, empower us to live anchored in the unshakable hope that has a name - Jesus. In the Holy Spirit’s power, may our lives be lit up with love. In the powerful name of Jesus, our hope, we pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Derwin L. Gray
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"

Hebrews 4:15-16

What Does The Bible Say About Angels?

Angels are personal spiritual beings who have intelligence, emotions, and will. This is true of both the good and evil angels (demons). Angels possess intelligence (Matthew 8:29; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Peter 1:12), show emotion (Luke 2:13; James 2:19; Revelation 12:17), and exercise will (Luke 8:28-31; 2 Timothy 2:26; Jude 6). Angels are spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14) without true physical bodies. Although they do not have physical bodies, they are still personalities and occasionally take on physical bodies.

Because they are created beings, their knowledge is limited. This means they do not know all things as God does (Matthew 24:36). They do seem to have greater knowledge than humans, however, which may be due to three things. First, angels were created as an order of creatures higher than humans. Therefore, they innately possess greater knowledge. Second, the angels know what God's Word says (James 2:19; Revelation 12:12). Third, angels gain knowledge through long observation of human activities. Unlike humans, angels do not have to study the past; they have experienced it. Therefore, they know how others have acted and reacted in situations and can predict with a greater degree of accuracy how we may act in similar circumstances.

Though they have wills, angels, like all creatures, are subject to the will of God. Good angels are sent by God to help believers (Hebrews 1:14). Here are some activities the Bible ascribes to angels:

They praise God (Psalm 148:1-2; Isaiah 6:3). They worship God (Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8-13). They rejoice in what God does (Job 38:6-7). They serve God (Psalm 103:20; Revelation 22:9). They appear before God (Job 1:6; 2:1). They are instruments of God’s judgments (Revelation 7:1; 8:2). They bring answers to prayer (Acts 12:5-10). They aid in winning people to Christ (Acts 8:26; 10:3). They observe Christian order, work, and suffering (1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12). They encourage in times of danger (Acts 27:23-24). They care for the righteous at the time of death (Luke 16:22).

Angels are an entirely different order of being than humans. Human beings do not become angels after they die. Angels will never become, and never were, human beings. God created the angels, just as He created humanity. The Bible nowhere states that angels are created in the image and likeness of God, as humans are (Genesis 1:26). Angels are spiritual beings that can, to a certain degree, take on physical form. Humans are primarily physical beings, but with a spiritual aspect. The greatest thing we can learn from the holy angels is their instant, unquestioning obedience to God’s commands.

- Provided by "Got Questions Ministries"

The Way to Live with the Mind of Christ

[The Power of Purposeful Thinking According to God's Word]

One of the greatest revelations of my life is: I can choose my thoughts and think things on purpose. In other words, I don’t have to just think about whatever falls into my mind. This was a life-changing revelation for me because as Proverbs 23:7 says, "As he [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he." I like to say it like this: Where the mind goes, the man follows.

Now God is concerned about the hidden man of the heart, which is our inner life. Our inner life is what we think about. And like the scripture above says, the way we think determines how we live and who we are. That’s why we need to think about what we’re thinking about.

It’s so important for us to understand this because if we don’t learn how to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10:4-5), we won’t live the life Jesus died to give us – a life of peace with God, peace with ourselves, great relationships, real joy and the ability to become all God has created us to be. It comes down to choosing to believe what God says (the truth) more than we believe our feelings, what other people say or our circumstances.

The Bible specifically talks about three things we must do to develop a mind that agrees with God. I want to share the benefits of each of them.

Set your minds and keep them set on what is above… (Colossians 3:2 AMP).
This is the key to resisting temptation. See, when we make up our mind ahead of time what we will and won’t do, then when temptation comes, we have laid a foundation to make right choices and are more likely to successfully overcome the temptation. For example, before you get into social situations, decide “I am not going to gossip. I’m not going to ruin someone’s reputation and offend the Holy Spirit.” Other temptations may require you to decide things like “I’m not going to eat four candy bars today.” Or “I am not going to look at pornography on the Internet.” Or “I am not going to hang out with people who are bad influences.” My point here is, we don’t want to wait until the temptation comes and then react based on how we feel about it.

Do not be conformed to this world…but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind… (Romans 12:2 AMP).
Renewing the mind is an ongoing process. Every day we need to take time to study the Word so we can purposely think according to what it says. And we can’t keep one or two “junky” areas in our thought life because it just keeps us from the best God has for us. I’m not saying we have to be perfect with this, but we need to make progress each day so we can keep our mind renewed and grow in our relationship with God.

Gird up the loins of your mind… (1 Peter 1:13 NKJV).
You are probably thinking, What does that mean? It’s basically saying we need to get all the junk in our mind out of our way so we can keep running our race in Christ Jesus and have the victory God wants us to have. Then we are ready for action to follow God’s plan for our lives.

One practical way we can accomplish these three directions from God is to have a think session every day. Just sit down and say, “I’m going to think about some things on purpose.” Then spend some time thinking about scriptures that renew your mind with the truth about what God says – about His love for you, His plan for you, how He wants you to live and behave... Use a concordance to find verses that cover areas you are struggling with or need to know more about. I want to encourage you to write some of them down and put them places where you will see them every day, like the bathroom mirror or refrigerator.

If you will commit to set your mind on God’s Word, renewing your mind with truth and getting stinkin’ thinkin’ out of your way, then you will experience the fullness of new life that we can all have in Christ. All it takes is a little more progress one day at a time.

- Joyce Meyer

Prayer: The Gift of God's Word

 

Growing Spiritually: You Never Outgrow the Word

Scripture:
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, - 1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

Reflect:
Prayerfully consider how much you’ve grown spiritually in the past year. What did you consume that contributed to your spiritual growth the most? What do you think hindered your spiritual growth the most? 

When my children were babies, I read a lot of research about the benefits of a mother’s milk. It is astonishing to me that a mother’s milk contains everything a baby needs to be well-nourished. Even if a baby is only nursed for the first few days after birth, they receive powerful antibodies that give their little immune systems a strong foundation for life. 

The fact that I found most amazing is that a mother’s milk changes and adapts as a baby grows and his needs change. For example, if mom or baby is fighting an illness, mom’s body will release more immune cells into the milk. I even discovered that some researchers believe milk content changes based on the time of day with evening milk containing relaxing components to prompt sleepiness! The more I learned, the more I stood in awe of our awesome Creator - His design is perfect! 

In today’s verse, the apostle Peter urged believers to be like newborns and “long for the pure spiritual milk” (the milk being God’s Word). But here Peter wasn’t calling all of them immature “baby believers”. He was reminding them that we never outgrow our need for the perfect, sustaining nourishment of Scripture. 

All three of my babies instinctively sought out milk almost immediately after birth - it was their strongest desire. Likewise, God’s Word should always be our strongest desire because it meets our greatest need - fellowship with God. 

Dr. Wayne Grudem wrote: “To drink the milk of the Word is to ‘taste’ again and again what he is like, for in the hearing of the Lord’s words believers experience the joy of personal fellowship with the Lord himself.” 

I have been abundantly blessed to have grown up in a Christian home because I was exposed to God’s Word even from a very young age and that had a profound impact on my spiritual development. Still, I can attest to the fact that it doesn’t matter how long we’ve been believers or how much we have grown spiritually. We will need the perfect nourishment of Scripture our entire lives. 

Now, the content of a mother’s milk may change to meet her baby’s needs, but the content of the Word of God never changes. Still, regardless of my season of life or my circumstances, Scripture provides just what I need in that stage of life to grow and develop spiritually. 

If I need encouragement, comfort, or hope I can find it in His Word. If I need wisdom and guidance for life, I can find it in His Word. If I need to be challenged to think and grow, I can find it in His Word. If I need to be rebuked or convicted of sin, well, THAT seems to find me in His Word. Most importantly, if I am seeking truth and want to know who God is and how I can be made right with Him, I can find it in God’s Word. 

While a mother’s milk perfectly meets the nutritional needs of their baby, babies eventually grow and mature beyond their need to be nursed. But believers never outgrow our need for “the pure spiritual milk”. We should never think that we don’t need to open our Bibles anymore because we’ve already read it or because we’ve graduated from seminary or because we memorized verses as a kid or because we hear a message from it every Sunday. If spiritual growth is the goal, Scripture provides the nourishment that drives that growth. May we always long for “the pure spiritual milk” no matter how old we are. 

Pray:
Lord, thank You for Your Word. I have tasted and I have seen that You are good (Psalm 34:8)! I have trusted in You for salvation. Now, help me to grow up in that salvation. Use the nutrition of Your Word to transform, renew, strengthen, and sanctify me so that I can develop and mature in Christ. Keep me longing for Your Word because my greatest desire is fellowship with You. Amen.

- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")

Quote: Charles Spurgeon

Meme: God's Promise...

 

Jesus Wants You To Know...

 

Waiting patiently does not come easily to you, but it is nonetheless very good for you. You long to plan ahead, make definitive decisions, and make things happen. There is a time for that, but this is not the time. Now is a time for sitting in My Presence, trusting Me with your whole being.

"Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him." - Isaiah 30:18

- "Jesus Always" by Sarah Young