I considered seeing or visiting with angels part of a normal Christian life. Let’s consider our computer quits or a faucet breaks or a severe need arises and we call for help. We would expect the visit by a technician, angel or plumber to our home or department. This is so common; after a few days, we probably would not remember the occurrence.
Over the past forty years, people hearing my experiences with God and angels felt comfortable enough to testify of their experience. Each person explained their experience, reactions by family or friends and their years of silence. In each instant, the person was left with a feeling that God was trying to help them find Him.
I asked a group at work, during a coffee break, what their response might be if I threw down my broom and it morphed into a reptile. Remember Moses and the bad guys? The group agreed their response to a stick change would be a moment of extreme silence, then using the nearest door, window or ventilation shaft to leave the room.
They had no experience with a God that answered.
The Bible is actually a library of super condensed books about God and us. It includes information about Heaven, Hell, angels and some events we still do not understand. No one can fathom God. We struggle with:
· Where certain whales live and mate,
· Why certain birds act as they do,
· Increasing our height,
· Dramatic changes in our weather pattern and environment,
· Where did ancient civilizations get the engineering skills to build structures lasting thousands of years?
How could we even think to understand the fullness and works of God.
I can understand, but not agree with, why people make up and believe theories of how everything came to be. As lunatic as they may sound, to some, these theories are easier to grasp than understanding God.
· First a BIG BANG,
· Then amoeba came,
· They decided to change,
· One decided to populate dry land,
· Another wanted to fly and chose the sky
· Lastly, one decided the sea was fine.
According to theory, they agreed to redevelop into really cool and curious types of creatures. Apparently, each would decide their specific identity and characteristics needed to live in their future habitations. All the particulars would work out over the next thirty to fifty billion years or so. By the way, the Missing Link has never and will never be found or proven to exist. Every archaeological discovery proves those REALLY OLD people looked just like us.
And he hasn’t changed either.
God declared the end of this physical world and universe to the Jews to record in the Bible for us. This message was received and recorded by many others to confirm to us the reality of the event. The End Time Ministries with Irvin Baxter examined and explained World news and events and their relation to Biblical references. These answered many questions my wife and I had concerning Jesus’ soon return to Earth.
My pastor brought my attention to a theme of God’s interaction with his people. The Israelites would go through a desert (time of trial or testing) then enter a land of bounty (blessing). Another theme is God’s communication with us regarding blessings and judgments/curses. If a judgment or curse, He uses all forms of media to warn us so we may repent. If a blessing, He just surprises us with it. Now, look and listen to all the warnings, discussions and advisement's from every corner and source on Earth.
The Bible does not record every visit made by Jehovah or his angels to humans or what they accomplished. It only records the absolute essential items. So what am I saying? God and his angels have had continued involvement in our lives, from Adam and Eve. There are thousands of books, pamphlets and brochures of God and His angels’ present activity, yet not every detail or visit is recorded.
For example:
Joh 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written.
Jesus visits those without his Spirit and is resident with those that contain his Spirit. His angels are constantly among us to assist in our daily needs. Oh Yeah, in case you think this is super Christian living, NOPE, it is just normal Christian living; Healing folks, casting out Demons, raising the dead.
Act 3:1 Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, beingthe ninth hour.
Act 3:2 And a certain man that was lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Act 3:3 who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms.
Act 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us.
Act 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something from them.
Act 3:6 But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.
Act 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength.
Act 3:8 And leaping up, he stood, and began to walk; and he entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Act 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
Act 3:10 and they took knowledge of him, that it was he that sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Act 3:11 And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
Act 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this man? or why fasten ye your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk?
Act 3:13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant Jesus;
AND
Act 14:8 And at Lystra there sat a certain man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked.
Act 14:9 The same heard Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,
Act 14:10 said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked.
Act 14:11 And when the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
Act 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker.
Act 14:13 And the priest of Jupiter whose templewas before the city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the multitudes.
Act 14:14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out
Act 14:15 and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:
It took me about 30 years to grasp the difference between saying a prayer and speaking the Mind of God. Saying a prayer is always beneficial but speaking the Mind of God has immediate and profound effects. For example:
· Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John
· The same heard Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes upon him, and seeing he had faith to be healed.
There are times when the Holy Ghost/Spirit inside you reveals what He is seeing and wants done. This is to help with a decision, choose a path, or accomplish an activity. When we respond to this prompt; the right decision will be made, correct path chosen, and the need met for God’s glory. There are consequences to obedience and rejection that increase with our experience and time with God.
My daughter, Susan, described in perfect detail the process as we obey.
There is:
· The quiet voice,
· Next a whisper,
· Then a gentle breeze,
· Finally, a wisp of air.
Scientists do great and profound works, yet they can get hung up in the webs of knowledge, logic and proof. Christians and Jews lead this world in morality, justice and wisdom from God but often become stuck in the mire of misunderstanding of secular truths and fear of “What If's”.
May we explore those consequences you mentioned? Sure!
Victory for Many - Obeyed
1Sa 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.
1Sa 14:7 And his armor bearer said unto him, Do all that is in thy heart: turn thee, behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
Peter Water Doubted – Mild
Mat 14:28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters.
Mat 14:29 And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus. Mat 14:30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.
Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, and saith unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Tired Sleeping Disciples – Mild
Mat 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and sore troubled.
Mat 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: abide ye here, and watch with me.
Mat 26:39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Mat 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mat 26:42 Again a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, My Father, if this cannot pass away, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Mat 26:43 And he came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
Mat 26:44 And he left them again, and went away, and prayed a third time, saying again the same words.
Mat 26:45 Then cometh he to the disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Knowledge and Experience – Mild to Moderate
Luk 12:48 but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.
Days of Noah - Severe
Mat 24:38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 and they knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.
Desolate House - Severe
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Mat 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Mat 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Saul – Extreme
1Sa 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, Jehovah said unto him, Behold, the man of whom I spake to thee! this same shall have authority over my people.
1Sa 15:10 Then came the word of Jehovah unto Samuel, saying,
1Sa 15:11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king; for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And Samuel was wroth; and he cried unto Jehovah all night.
1Sa 15:12 And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning; and it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a monument, and turned, and passed on, and went down to Gilgal.
1Sa 15:13 And Samuel came to Saul; and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of Jehovah: I have performed the commandment of Jehovah.
1Sa 15:14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
1Sa 15:15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto Jehovah thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.
1Sa 15:16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what Jehovah hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
1Sa 15:17 And Samuel said, Though thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel? And Jehovah anointed thee king over Israel;
1Sa 15:18 and Jehovah sent thee on a journey, and said, Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.
1Sa 15:19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of Jehovah, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah?
1Sa 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of Jehovah, and have gone the way which Jehovah sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
1Sa 15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice unto Jehovah thy God in Gilgal.
1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
1Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
The consequence severity of obedience or disobedience directly relates to the knowledge and experience level of personnel in each example.
Allow me a few recent and related examples:
1. Salesman offers to trade his dealer car for a client’s used car. No money exchanged, just turn one in, finance and drive away. Client senses God but gets afraid, rejects offer and is stuck for several years with a failing used car. Husband, wife and children suffer.
2. Husband made offer to sell property and move and husband gets positive signal from God. Offer will pay off all debts but husband likes land and rejects offer. Eventual family disputes over land, debts overwhelm and bankruptcy. Everybody suffers.
3. Friends and family suddenly and continually start encouraging an employee to invest. The person senses slight impulses from God and agrees with proposed steps but allows himself emotional misdirection. Long term side effects:
a. Years of financial loss and stress for himself, family and friends.
b. Emotional stress from realizing consequences of failing to act.
If Jonathan had not continued, he and his armor bearer would have disappeared from history, possible death for both and no inspiration for King Saul and Israel. How often do we hear ourselves and others testify of some God-given opportunity that we let fear and doubt prevent our pursuing? There always comes a time of realization after any chance of recovery is gone that it WAS God. When we obeyed and acted, the results are ever so sweet and of course we all know the other side.
I pray this 15th revision is the last one; I am sooo tired. Full day Friday and we crashed at 7PM. Lightning and the dog woke me at 10PM so I decided to proof and add changes. Quit at 4AM to have lightning and the dog wake me at 5:15AM for our morning walk. Something– daylight? – woke me enough to crawl to my coffee pot; make that extra hot and quadruple shots, please.
Two sips then drug trash to garage door but needed more coffee for trip to street and back. A few thoughts materialized mentally (like where else would thoughts materialize?), so with coffee under arm and peanut butter sandwich in mouth, off to the office.
Let me turn left for a moment. During and after teaching an A.C.T.S. class for several years, I began to really listen to what I and others say.
For example:
· You find enough money to buy that item and exclaim, “two dollars is two dollars”. What else would it be?
· “I was thinking in my mind.” as opposed to in your pajamas or car or library.
· “Would you stand to your feet?” Better than on our hands or head.
· “I would like to say, ‘Thank You’”. Okay, please do.
· Public speaker to audience, ”If you are here.” If I am not here, where am I?
As I searched definitions, I learned many of our words are not only combinations of other languages but often originated from 400 to 1600 AD. Certain words changed definition and use several times in its life. Think you have a language barrier with your children, how about talking to 600 year old super granny.
Now a right turn and we are back on the story line.
Jesus hammered the unrepentant distorters of God’s Word while healing and saving repentant sinners. Moses faced off against corrupt religious/spiritual leaders not scientists or doctors. God has healed me and numerous family and friends, but my gall bladder was surgically removed, I wear glasses and visit a dentist. He healed my cancer but not my aching tooth. Go figure!
Scientists, physicians, evolutionists, plumbers, electricians, and mechanics are all regular people with opinions. They can be re-educated and re-influenced by Christians willing to respect them and tell them about God. Jesus was courteous and ate with open-minded, though confused, people of all stations.
The opposites of Christians are devotees loyal to Satan’s plan to destroy God’s creation. They passed the “Torch”to each generation of followers to continue development of a global dictatorship against God. Look at the following simple chart.
Normally, the structure above works in harmony with its governed subjects. The Federal Government, using each sub government, could enforce laws of worship and cooperation for every individual and monitor their compliance; research gasoline shortages of the’60s and ‘70s. All governments have proven they can and will force their philosophies on individuals or groups to accomplish a goal.
I will hide!
I watched a very impressive FBI demonstration of finding and arresting a criminal. Once informed he was in the United States, their electronic system found him, four states distance, through a department store security camera. They called the local office which arrested him as he left the store. Total time from notification to capture was less than two days.
Jesus warned:
Luk 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
Luk 23:29 For behold, the days are coming, in which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the breasts that never gave suck.
Luk 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
Luk 23:31 For if they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
Jesus experienced every good and bad thing life and people offered. His father and angels assisted Him as he journeyed to His victorious finish and restart. Jesus and His angels continue helping us as we trust and obey Him. If we struggle with trust and faith in the green tree what will we do in the dry?
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