Friendship is a quiet walk in the park with the one you trust
Love is when you feel like you are the only two around
Friendship is when they gaze into your eyes and you know they care
Love is when they gaze into your eyes and it warms your heart
Friendship is being close even when you are far apart
Love is when you can still feel their hand on your heart when they are not near
Friendship is hoping that they experience the very best
Love is when you bring them the very best
Friendship occupies your mind
Love occupies your soul
Friendship is knowing that you will always try to be there when in need
Love is when you will give up everything to be at their side
Friendship is a warm smile in the winter
Love is a warming touch that sends a pulse through your heart
Love is a beautiful smile to which nothing compares
A tender laugh, which opens your heart
A single touch that melts away your fears
A smell that reminds you of the tenderness of heaven
A voice that reminds you of the innocence of youth
Friendship can survive without love
Love cannot live without friendship
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Fifty Fascinating Facts about Angels
by: Joe R. Garman
Angels are mentioned about three hundred times in the Bible. The first description of an angel appears in Genesis 16:7, the last in Revelation 22:16. The angel is portrayed at the beginning as carrying a message from God, and in the closing chapter of scripture as carrying a message from Christ.
1. ANGELS CARE ABOUT MILITARY PERSONNEL. The very first Gentile convert was a military officer. "About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in to him, and said to him, ‘Cornelius!’ and fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God’ " (Acts 10:3-4)
2. PRISON BARS CANNOT KEEP ANGELS FROM US. What glorious things angels have wrought in prison. "But an angel of the Lord during the night opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, ‘Go your way, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life’." (Acts 5:19-20)
3. LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE GUARDIAN ANGELS. Jesus lovingly spoke of children seven times in this, the children’s chapter of the Bible. "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." (Matt 18:10, 11)
4. ANGELS HAVE NOT ALWAYS EXISTED, BUT WERE CREATED PRIOR TO ADAM. Only four angelic beings are mentioned by name in scripture: Michael and Gabriel (Holy): Lucifer and Abbadon (Fallen). "And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created by Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:15, 16)
5. ANGELS ARE SUBJECT TO JESUS, THEIR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. Angels cannot work the works of the Holy Spirit, nor grant forgiveness for sin. "And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you - not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him." (I Peter 3:21,22)
6. BECAUSE NAKEDNESS IS A MARK OF APOSTASY BEFORE GOD, ANGELS IN THEIR NATURAL STATE ARE CLOTHED IN PURE, FINE, WHITE LINEN. So was the High Priest when making access to God. Jesus was wrapped for burial in fine linen prior to His resurrection. "And his appearance was like lightning, and his garment as white as snow; and the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men." (Matthew 28: 3,4)
7. A NUMBERLESS HOST OF ANGELS DESCENDED UPON MT. SINAI. There Moses received the law from God, which the angels themselves had ordained. "Why do you look with envy, O mountains with many peaks, at the mountain which God has desired for His abode? Surely, the Lord will dwell there forever. The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness." (Psalm 68:16,17)
8. GOD’S ANGELS ARE HOLY (SINLESS) BY CHOICE. Angels are spoken of more in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. "For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:37,38)
9. ANGELS LIVE IN CLOSE AND CONSTANT COMMUNION WITH GOD, CONTINUALLY PRAISING HIM. If man were the only creature giving praise to God, how little glory He would receive from His creation. "And Zacharias said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years,’ And the angel answered and said to him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God: and I have been sent to speak to you, and to bring to you this good news." (Luke 1:18,19)
10. THE ANGELS’ CAPITOL IS IN A HEAVEN FREE FROM SIN, THE BUSIEST PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE. To deny the existence of angels and of heaven is to deny the Deity of Christ, for He spoke of them both quite often. "Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.’ And He said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." (John 1:50,51)
11. ANGELS ARE VASTLY NUMEROUS. The Hebrew language had no word for "million", so when speaking of angels, they expressed a million as "a thousand thousands (which is a million) and ten thousand times ten thousand (a hundred million)". "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living god, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect." (Hebrews 12:22,23)
12. ANGELS DO NOT MARRY OR REPRODUCE. There is no mention in scripture of "baby" angels. "But Jesus answered and said to them, ‘You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels in heaven." (Matthew 22:29,30)
13. ANGELS NEVER DIE, NEITHER IS IT MENTIONED THAT THEY CAN WEEP. There will be no hospitals, graveyards or jails in heaven. "But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage; for neither can they die any more, for they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection." (Luke 20:35,36)
14. ANGELS ARE NOT "ALL KNOWING". "heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away. But the day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." (Matthew 24:35,36)
15. ANGELS CAMP AROUND THOSE WHO FEAR GOD. "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (Psalm 34:7,8)
16. ANGELS ARE WISE AND HAVE DISCERNMENT. "In order to change the appearance of things your servant Joab has done this thing. But my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know all that is in the earth. Then the king said to Joab, ‘Behold now, I will surely do this thing; go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom." (II Samuel 14:20,21)
17. ANGELS ARE MULTI-LINGUAL. "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (I Corinthians 13:1,2)
18. ANGELS CAN VIEW US FROM THEIR ROYAL COURT AND HAVE THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE AS THEIR COLISEUM. "For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor." (I Corinthians 4:9,10)
19. ANGELS EAT HEAVENLY MANNA. It is possible that Jesus ate angel food (manna from heaven) when angels ministered to Him after His 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. "And He rained down manna upon them to eat, and gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance." (Psalm 78:24,25)
20. AROUND THE THRONE OF GOD SERAPHIM STAND ABOVE AND CRY, "HOLY", CHERUBIM STAND BELOW TO GUARD, BUT NO ANGEL IS ALLOWED TO SIT AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, AS THAT IS RESERVED FOR HIS SON AND OUR SAVIOR. "For to which of the angels did He ever say, ‘Thou art My Son, today I have begotten thee’? And again, ‘I will be a Father to Him, and He shall be a Son to me’? And again He brings the first-born into the world, He says, ‘And let all the angels of God worship Him’." (Hebrews 1:5,6)
21. ANGELS PATROL THE EARTH. The "real" God-squad. "And the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered and said, ‘These are those whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth’. So they answered the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees, and said, ‘We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is peaceful and quiet." (Zechariah 1:10,11)
22. ALTHOUGH HIS DISCIPLES SLEPT, JESUS WAS NOT ALONE IN THE GARDEN OF PRAYER, FOR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN WAS PRESENT AND STRENGTHENED HIM. "Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. and being in agony he was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground." (Luke 22:43,44)
23. ANGELS ARE CURIOUS. "It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven - things into which angels long to look. Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 1:12,13)
24. ANGELS WILL BE JUDGED BY US. "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, matters of this life?" (I Corinthians 6:2,3)
25. ANGELS PROPHESY AND INTERPRET DREAMS. "But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20,21)
26. OUR LORD HIMSELF APPEARED AS AN ANGEL TO JACOB, GIDEON AND MENOAH...ONLY TO MENTION A FEW. If this had not been the Lord, He would have constrained them when they began to worship and pay tribute to Him, just as the angel did in the revelation when John fell down to worship him. "Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He found Him at Bethel, and there He spoke with us, even the Lord, the God of hosts; the Lord is His name." (Hosea 12:4,5)
27. THE TOMB OF JESUS WAS NEVER EMPTY, FOR THE ANGELS WERE THERE AND PROCLAIMED THE FIRST RESURRECTION STORY. "But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she beheld two angels in whit sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying." (John 20:11,12)
28. SATAN WAS AN ANOINTED CHERUB, BUT HE HAS THE ABILITY TO DISGUISE HIMSELF AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT (THEREFORE AS A MESSENGER). "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds." (II Corinthians 11:14,15)
29. HELL WAS NOT PREPARED FOR MAN, BUT WAS PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS. If you force yourself into Hell by purposely rejecting Christ, you will be going to a place not at all prepared for you...God prepared Heaven for you. "And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:40,41)
30. ANGELS CAN APPEAR AS WINDS AND FLAMES OF FIRE. "And of the angels He says, ‘Who makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire.’ But of the Son He says, ‘Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom." (Hebrews 1:7,8)
31. ANGELS CANNOT SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD. "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor thing present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38,39)
32. ANGELS REJOICE OVER REPENTANT SINNERS. "And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15;9,10)
33. ANGELS ARE NOT ALWAYS RECOGNIZABLE. Only seraphim and cherubim are mentioned in scripture as having wings, and never does it mention that angels have halos. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:2,3)
34. ANGELS ARE SO STRONG THAT IT TOOK ONLY ONE TO KILL 185,000 ASSYRIANS...AND NOW THEY ARE FIGHTING ON YOUR TEAM. Then it happened that night that the angel of the Lord went out, and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead. So Sennacherib, king of Assyria, departed and returned home and lived at Nineveh." (II Kings 19:35,36)
35. ANGELS WERE CHARGED TO GUARD JESUS IN ALL HIS WAYS. This is why they are mentioned more in the Gospels and Revelation...because where Jesus was, the angels were en masse. "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91:11,12)
36. AN ANGEL ALMOST DESTROYED JERUSALEM. "So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning until the appointed time; and seventy thousand men of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity, and said to the angel who destroyed the people, ‘It is enough! Now relax your hand!’ And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Arunah the Jebusite." (II Samuel 24:15,16)
37. ANGELS ARE IN CONSTANT WARFARE AGAINST SATAN AND HIS AGENTS. Many times they are mentioned as driving chariots of fire pulled by the only earthly animal mentioned that will be in heaven, the horse. "Then he said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia." (Daniel 10:12,13)
38. ANGELS CAN CAUSE THE EARTH TO QUAKE AND MOUNTAINS TO TREMBLE. "Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it." Matthew 28:1,2)
39. ANGELS DESIRE TO COMFORT US. "And the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying." (Matthew 28:5,6)
40. MAN IS CREATED LOWER THAN THE ANGELS. "But one has testified somewhere, saying, ‘What is man, that Thou rememberest him? Or the son of man, that Thou art concerned about him? Thou hast made him for a little while lower than the angels; Thou has crowned him with glory and honor, and has appointed him over the works of Thy hands." (Hebrews 2:6,7)
41. ANGELS DIFFER IN CLASS, CALLING and RANK. The list is not exhaustive and not necessarily in this order: Seraphim, cherubim, archangel, princes. "But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’ But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed." (Jude 9,10)
42. ANGELS ARE NOT TO BE WORSHIPPED. "Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to be head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God." (Colossians 2:18,19)
43. ANGELS ARE NOT TO PREACH "ANOTHER GOSPEL". Only fools rush in where angels fear to tread. "But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8,9)
44. ANGELS CAN CAUSE AFFLICTIONS. "And the people kept crying out, ‘The voice of a god and not of a man!’ And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died." (Acts 12:22,23)
45. ANGELS ARE ALWAYS OF MASCULINE GENDER WHEN MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE AND WHEN REVEALED IN HUMAN FORM. "And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment had come; and worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." (Revelation 14:6,7)
46. ANGELS WILL CAST THE UNSAVED INTO A FURNACE OF FIRE. "The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:41,42)
47. ANGELS WILL GATHER TOGETHER THOSE WHO ARE SAVED. "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other." (Matthew 24:30,31)
48. IN GREAT GLORY ANGELS WILL RETURN WITH JESUS, LED BY A SHOUT FROM THE ARCHANGEL, MICHAEL. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:16,17)
49. ALL ANGELS WILL BE PRESENT AT THE JUDGMENT WHEN JESUS IS UNVEILED IN HIS FATHER’S GLORY. Man has never before seen Jesus in full glory...neither did the friends of the bridegroom (the prophets and disciples). "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." (Matthew 25:31,32)
50. 72,000 ANGELS (TWELVE LEGIONS - 6,000 TO A LEGION) WERE WAITING FOR CHRIST’S COMMAND AT HIS HOUR OF BETRAYAL, AND ANY ONE OF THEM COULD HAVE, AND GLADLY WOULD HAVE, RESCUED HIM...BUT JESUS WILLINGLY LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR YOU. "Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:52,53)
Angels are mentioned about three hundred times in the Bible. The first description of an angel appears in Genesis 16:7, the last in Revelation 22:16. The angel is portrayed at the beginning as carrying a message from God, and in the closing chapter of scripture as carrying a message from Christ.
1. ANGELS CARE ABOUT MILITARY PERSONNEL. The very first Gentile convert was a military officer. "About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in to him, and said to him, ‘Cornelius!’ and fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God’ " (Acts 10:3-4)
2. PRISON BARS CANNOT KEEP ANGELS FROM US. What glorious things angels have wrought in prison. "But an angel of the Lord during the night opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, ‘Go your way, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life’." (Acts 5:19-20)
3. LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE GUARDIAN ANGELS. Jesus lovingly spoke of children seven times in this, the children’s chapter of the Bible. "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." (Matt 18:10, 11)
4. ANGELS HAVE NOT ALWAYS EXISTED, BUT WERE CREATED PRIOR TO ADAM. Only four angelic beings are mentioned by name in scripture: Michael and Gabriel (Holy): Lucifer and Abbadon (Fallen). "And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created by Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:15, 16)
5. ANGELS ARE SUBJECT TO JESUS, THEIR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. Angels cannot work the works of the Holy Spirit, nor grant forgiveness for sin. "And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you - not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him." (I Peter 3:21,22)
6. BECAUSE NAKEDNESS IS A MARK OF APOSTASY BEFORE GOD, ANGELS IN THEIR NATURAL STATE ARE CLOTHED IN PURE, FINE, WHITE LINEN. So was the High Priest when making access to God. Jesus was wrapped for burial in fine linen prior to His resurrection. "And his appearance was like lightning, and his garment as white as snow; and the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men." (Matthew 28: 3,4)
7. A NUMBERLESS HOST OF ANGELS DESCENDED UPON MT. SINAI. There Moses received the law from God, which the angels themselves had ordained. "Why do you look with envy, O mountains with many peaks, at the mountain which God has desired for His abode? Surely, the Lord will dwell there forever. The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness." (Psalm 68:16,17)
8. GOD’S ANGELS ARE HOLY (SINLESS) BY CHOICE. Angels are spoken of more in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. "For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:37,38)
9. ANGELS LIVE IN CLOSE AND CONSTANT COMMUNION WITH GOD, CONTINUALLY PRAISING HIM. If man were the only creature giving praise to God, how little glory He would receive from His creation. "And Zacharias said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years,’ And the angel answered and said to him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God: and I have been sent to speak to you, and to bring to you this good news." (Luke 1:18,19)
10. THE ANGELS’ CAPITOL IS IN A HEAVEN FREE FROM SIN, THE BUSIEST PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE. To deny the existence of angels and of heaven is to deny the Deity of Christ, for He spoke of them both quite often. "Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.’ And He said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." (John 1:50,51)
11. ANGELS ARE VASTLY NUMEROUS. The Hebrew language had no word for "million", so when speaking of angels, they expressed a million as "a thousand thousands (which is a million) and ten thousand times ten thousand (a hundred million)". "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living god, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect." (Hebrews 12:22,23)
12. ANGELS DO NOT MARRY OR REPRODUCE. There is no mention in scripture of "baby" angels. "But Jesus answered and said to them, ‘You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels in heaven." (Matthew 22:29,30)
13. ANGELS NEVER DIE, NEITHER IS IT MENTIONED THAT THEY CAN WEEP. There will be no hospitals, graveyards or jails in heaven. "But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage; for neither can they die any more, for they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection." (Luke 20:35,36)
14. ANGELS ARE NOT "ALL KNOWING". "heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away. But the day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." (Matthew 24:35,36)
15. ANGELS CAMP AROUND THOSE WHO FEAR GOD. "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (Psalm 34:7,8)
16. ANGELS ARE WISE AND HAVE DISCERNMENT. "In order to change the appearance of things your servant Joab has done this thing. But my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know all that is in the earth. Then the king said to Joab, ‘Behold now, I will surely do this thing; go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom." (II Samuel 14:20,21)
17. ANGELS ARE MULTI-LINGUAL. "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (I Corinthians 13:1,2)
18. ANGELS CAN VIEW US FROM THEIR ROYAL COURT AND HAVE THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE AS THEIR COLISEUM. "For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor." (I Corinthians 4:9,10)
19. ANGELS EAT HEAVENLY MANNA. It is possible that Jesus ate angel food (manna from heaven) when angels ministered to Him after His 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. "And He rained down manna upon them to eat, and gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance." (Psalm 78:24,25)
20. AROUND THE THRONE OF GOD SERAPHIM STAND ABOVE AND CRY, "HOLY", CHERUBIM STAND BELOW TO GUARD, BUT NO ANGEL IS ALLOWED TO SIT AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, AS THAT IS RESERVED FOR HIS SON AND OUR SAVIOR. "For to which of the angels did He ever say, ‘Thou art My Son, today I have begotten thee’? And again, ‘I will be a Father to Him, and He shall be a Son to me’? And again He brings the first-born into the world, He says, ‘And let all the angels of God worship Him’." (Hebrews 1:5,6)
21. ANGELS PATROL THE EARTH. The "real" God-squad. "And the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered and said, ‘These are those whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth’. So they answered the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees, and said, ‘We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is peaceful and quiet." (Zechariah 1:10,11)
22. ALTHOUGH HIS DISCIPLES SLEPT, JESUS WAS NOT ALONE IN THE GARDEN OF PRAYER, FOR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN WAS PRESENT AND STRENGTHENED HIM. "Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. and being in agony he was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground." (Luke 22:43,44)
23. ANGELS ARE CURIOUS. "It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven - things into which angels long to look. Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 1:12,13)
24. ANGELS WILL BE JUDGED BY US. "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, matters of this life?" (I Corinthians 6:2,3)
25. ANGELS PROPHESY AND INTERPRET DREAMS. "But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20,21)
26. OUR LORD HIMSELF APPEARED AS AN ANGEL TO JACOB, GIDEON AND MENOAH...ONLY TO MENTION A FEW. If this had not been the Lord, He would have constrained them when they began to worship and pay tribute to Him, just as the angel did in the revelation when John fell down to worship him. "Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He found Him at Bethel, and there He spoke with us, even the Lord, the God of hosts; the Lord is His name." (Hosea 12:4,5)
27. THE TOMB OF JESUS WAS NEVER EMPTY, FOR THE ANGELS WERE THERE AND PROCLAIMED THE FIRST RESURRECTION STORY. "But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she beheld two angels in whit sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying." (John 20:11,12)
28. SATAN WAS AN ANOINTED CHERUB, BUT HE HAS THE ABILITY TO DISGUISE HIMSELF AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT (THEREFORE AS A MESSENGER). "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds." (II Corinthians 11:14,15)
29. HELL WAS NOT PREPARED FOR MAN, BUT WAS PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS. If you force yourself into Hell by purposely rejecting Christ, you will be going to a place not at all prepared for you...God prepared Heaven for you. "And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:40,41)
30. ANGELS CAN APPEAR AS WINDS AND FLAMES OF FIRE. "And of the angels He says, ‘Who makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire.’ But of the Son He says, ‘Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom." (Hebrews 1:7,8)
31. ANGELS CANNOT SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD. "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor thing present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38,39)
32. ANGELS REJOICE OVER REPENTANT SINNERS. "And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15;9,10)
33. ANGELS ARE NOT ALWAYS RECOGNIZABLE. Only seraphim and cherubim are mentioned in scripture as having wings, and never does it mention that angels have halos. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:2,3)
34. ANGELS ARE SO STRONG THAT IT TOOK ONLY ONE TO KILL 185,000 ASSYRIANS...AND NOW THEY ARE FIGHTING ON YOUR TEAM. Then it happened that night that the angel of the Lord went out, and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead. So Sennacherib, king of Assyria, departed and returned home and lived at Nineveh." (II Kings 19:35,36)
35. ANGELS WERE CHARGED TO GUARD JESUS IN ALL HIS WAYS. This is why they are mentioned more in the Gospels and Revelation...because where Jesus was, the angels were en masse. "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91:11,12)
36. AN ANGEL ALMOST DESTROYED JERUSALEM. "So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning until the appointed time; and seventy thousand men of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity, and said to the angel who destroyed the people, ‘It is enough! Now relax your hand!’ And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Arunah the Jebusite." (II Samuel 24:15,16)
37. ANGELS ARE IN CONSTANT WARFARE AGAINST SATAN AND HIS AGENTS. Many times they are mentioned as driving chariots of fire pulled by the only earthly animal mentioned that will be in heaven, the horse. "Then he said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia." (Daniel 10:12,13)
38. ANGELS CAN CAUSE THE EARTH TO QUAKE AND MOUNTAINS TO TREMBLE. "Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it." Matthew 28:1,2)
39. ANGELS DESIRE TO COMFORT US. "And the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying." (Matthew 28:5,6)
40. MAN IS CREATED LOWER THAN THE ANGELS. "But one has testified somewhere, saying, ‘What is man, that Thou rememberest him? Or the son of man, that Thou art concerned about him? Thou hast made him for a little while lower than the angels; Thou has crowned him with glory and honor, and has appointed him over the works of Thy hands." (Hebrews 2:6,7)
41. ANGELS DIFFER IN CLASS, CALLING and RANK. The list is not exhaustive and not necessarily in this order: Seraphim, cherubim, archangel, princes. "But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’ But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed." (Jude 9,10)
42. ANGELS ARE NOT TO BE WORSHIPPED. "Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to be head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God." (Colossians 2:18,19)
43. ANGELS ARE NOT TO PREACH "ANOTHER GOSPEL". Only fools rush in where angels fear to tread. "But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8,9)
44. ANGELS CAN CAUSE AFFLICTIONS. "And the people kept crying out, ‘The voice of a god and not of a man!’ And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died." (Acts 12:22,23)
45. ANGELS ARE ALWAYS OF MASCULINE GENDER WHEN MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE AND WHEN REVEALED IN HUMAN FORM. "And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment had come; and worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." (Revelation 14:6,7)
46. ANGELS WILL CAST THE UNSAVED INTO A FURNACE OF FIRE. "The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:41,42)
47. ANGELS WILL GATHER TOGETHER THOSE WHO ARE SAVED. "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other." (Matthew 24:30,31)
48. IN GREAT GLORY ANGELS WILL RETURN WITH JESUS, LED BY A SHOUT FROM THE ARCHANGEL, MICHAEL. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:16,17)
49. ALL ANGELS WILL BE PRESENT AT THE JUDGMENT WHEN JESUS IS UNVEILED IN HIS FATHER’S GLORY. Man has never before seen Jesus in full glory...neither did the friends of the bridegroom (the prophets and disciples). "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." (Matthew 25:31,32)
50. 72,000 ANGELS (TWELVE LEGIONS - 6,000 TO A LEGION) WERE WAITING FOR CHRIST’S COMMAND AT HIS HOUR OF BETRAYAL, AND ANY ONE OF THEM COULD HAVE, AND GLADLY WOULD HAVE, RESCUED HIM...BUT JESUS WILLINGLY LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR YOU. "Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:52,53)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Talking with Your Guardian Angels
By Tracy Bonczyk
Did you know that your guardian angels job is to focus entirely on you? By placing your thoughts, actions and words at the center of their attention, they are able to help you manifest your beliefs.
When talking with your guardian angels the phrase "thoughts are things" holds especially true.
These angels of direction and safety want to assist you along your life path, so it's important to be aware of the messages you are sending out.
Guardian angels also assist with special requests. However, you must request their assistance in order to have these special requests granted. According to universal law, angels cannot intervene unless their assistance is requested. If you don't ask, they can't help.
Guardian angels are available to help with any request that is positive and causes no harm. If you've lost something, ask your guardian angels to show you where it is. If you need financial assistance, ask your angels to provide it. If you're uncertain of your life work, ask your angels for guidance.
Guardian angels can help you with everything in your life. However, help is the key word. Guardian angels are here to assist you, but they cannot do everything for you. In essence, guardian angels are your personal cheerleader offering support, guidance and love.
When talking with your guardian angels it's important to be specific about your requests. Eliminate preconceived expectations and keep your mind open to endless possibilities. Turn your request over to your guardian angels and know it will be handled for the highest good of all.
Answers to requests oftentimes emerge in the most unexpected ways at the most unexpected time. Results are sometimes instantaneous, while others may take months to manifest. Oftentimes, requests arrive in a manner much different than expected. When you recognize your request has been granted, take time to thank your guardian angels.
Before talking with your guardian angels, it's advised to get into a state of higher consciousness. Doing so allows you to clear away negative energy that may surround you. Find a place where you feel safe and are able to release any attachment to anger, fear, guilt, or shame. If this is difficult to accomplish, ask your guardian angels to clear negative energies and replace with serene, tender energies.
Each of us has access to these benevolent helpers known as Guardian Angels. Learning how to talk with them can help you create the life you desire and deserve.
Did you know that your guardian angels job is to focus entirely on you? By placing your thoughts, actions and words at the center of their attention, they are able to help you manifest your beliefs.
When talking with your guardian angels the phrase "thoughts are things" holds especially true.
These angels of direction and safety want to assist you along your life path, so it's important to be aware of the messages you are sending out.
Guardian angels also assist with special requests. However, you must request their assistance in order to have these special requests granted. According to universal law, angels cannot intervene unless their assistance is requested. If you don't ask, they can't help.
Guardian angels are available to help with any request that is positive and causes no harm. If you've lost something, ask your guardian angels to show you where it is. If you need financial assistance, ask your angels to provide it. If you're uncertain of your life work, ask your angels for guidance.
Guardian angels can help you with everything in your life. However, help is the key word. Guardian angels are here to assist you, but they cannot do everything for you. In essence, guardian angels are your personal cheerleader offering support, guidance and love.
When talking with your guardian angels it's important to be specific about your requests. Eliminate preconceived expectations and keep your mind open to endless possibilities. Turn your request over to your guardian angels and know it will be handled for the highest good of all.
Answers to requests oftentimes emerge in the most unexpected ways at the most unexpected time. Results are sometimes instantaneous, while others may take months to manifest. Oftentimes, requests arrive in a manner much different than expected. When you recognize your request has been granted, take time to thank your guardian angels.
Before talking with your guardian angels, it's advised to get into a state of higher consciousness. Doing so allows you to clear away negative energy that may surround you. Find a place where you feel safe and are able to release any attachment to anger, fear, guilt, or shame. If this is difficult to accomplish, ask your guardian angels to clear negative energies and replace with serene, tender energies.
Each of us has access to these benevolent helpers known as Guardian Angels. Learning how to talk with them can help you create the life you desire and deserve.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Angels Among Us by Alabama
I was walking home from school on a cold winter day. Took a shortcut through the woods and lost my way. It was getting late and I was scared and alone, but then a kind old man took my hand and led me home. Now, Momma could not see him, oh but he was standing there and I knew in my heart he was the answer to my prayers. Oh, I believe there are angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love. When life held trouble times and had me down on my knees, there's always been someone come along and comfort me, a kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand, a phonecall from a friend just to say I understand. Aint it kind of funny at the dark end of the road that someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope. Oh, I believe there are angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and to me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love. They where so many faces, show up in the strangest places, to grace us with their mercy in our time of need. Oh, I believe there are angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours, to show us how to live, to teach us to give, to guide us with the light of love. To guide us with the light of love!
Friday, February 13, 2009
I’ve Never Felt This Way Before
I want you to know so many things about my feelings for you. It used to scare me a little bit to know how open I have been with you. Before you came along, so many of my inner feelings were completely mine. I didn’t think I would ever find anyone I could trust enough to share them with. But now, so sweetly and assuredly, I have. I am so incredibly glad you’re here.
And now… you know so much about me. Things that, for the first in my life, I feel safe sharing. I guess I just knew that you had a caring heart that would take wonderful care of the things that are so important to me.
Now there is a connection between us that will always be one of the most meaningful things I’ll ever be blessed with. The place where my life lives alongside yours is my sanctuary. It is a space where an unbreakable bond exists between us. It’s the one place on this planet where my path converges with the path of another, where I can be close enough to walk alongside you on your journey and have you there to walk with and talk on the journey of all my days.
You know where I hade the keys to the doors that lead to my happiness and my hopes. You have been with me in moments of closeness so complete that worlds get lost and love gets found in everything. You know the highs and lows, the dreams, the memories, the way yesterday has been, and the way I want tomorrow to be.
There are many things that no one knows… but you. And today, I want you to know this, to: No matter what the rest of the world might have planned, I want our lives to continue on… with the sweetest understanding and the strongest connection any two people can share…
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Alone by Heart
I hear the ticking of the clock
Im lying here the rooms pitch dark
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slow
Oh I hope that it wont end though
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
You dont know how long I have wanted
To touch your lips and hold you tight
You dont know how long I have waited
And I was going to tell you tonight
But the secret is still my own
And my love for you is still unknown
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
Alone, alone
alone - heart
Im lying here the rooms pitch dark
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slow
Oh I hope that it wont end though
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
You dont know how long I have wanted
To touch your lips and hold you tight
You dont know how long I have waited
And I was going to tell you tonight
But the secret is still my own
And my love for you is still unknown
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
Alone, alone
alone - heart
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
