Is this your concept of angels? Are they just the a figment of our imagination? Are they the departed spirits of good people and children? Do angels have any part in our lives? The subject of the world of spirits can be unnerving and unknown.
We are surrounded by a world that we often never consider. I asked the question, "Are you aware of your surrounding?" If that means do we see the other people, other cars, other scenes, the answer is normally yes. We do a pretty good job of having our eyes open to what's around us. I certainly hope every other driver on the road remains alert to the other drivers. When I go to a baseball game we are instructed to remain aware of the game lest a bat or ball flies into the stands! Being watchful and vigilant is important in life.
So, also, is being vigilant to remember that an invisible world exists around us. in 2 Kings 6 Elisha prays that those with him would have their eyes open to see the "chariots of fire" that encircled the city! They were already there. It's just that the servants didn't see them. Balaam's donkey saw the angel standing in the way when Balaam was blind to it. It wasn't until after a conversation with his donkey that the Lord opened Balaam's eyes to see the angel. The angel was already there. It's just that Balaam didn't see it.
Both good angels and evil demons are all around us. Satan is called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. One of his domains is the atmosphere we live in. Demonic spirits are all around us trying to distract us, delay us and destroy us. Satan and his army of evil minions work hard to keep us from serving the Lord. And, they work hard to keep people from coming to the Lord as their Saviour and Lord.
On Sunday we will begin an investigation into a biblical theology of the world of the spirits. Join us as we study this most important subject. Today we are being influenced more and more by demonic doctrines, demon possession, occultic practices and Satanic attacks. Be hear, or listen in, as we probe this topic.
April 22, 1970 is an important day in our history. On that day Congress established April 22 as "Earth Day." In a time when pollution seemed to be running rampant and people were misusing Planet Earth, some decided to set aside a day to remember where we live. I realize that for many people then, and now, this day reflects more on "Mother Earth" than God as Creator. But, that shouldn't stop us from presenting Him as such.
Throughout the Bible God's role as Creator is clearly seen. Psalm 24:1-2 says, "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. " King David was reminding us of God's creative work.
Psalm 24 is part of a trilogy of Psalms. Psalms 22, 23, and 24 form a movement of truth. Psalm 22 presents the truth of the cross, Psalm 23 presents the truth of the crook, and Psalm 24 presents the truth of the crown. Each Psalm reminds us of the importance of Jesus Christ. When David reflects on the crown he wants us to realize that one day Jesus will sit as King over Planet Earth because it is His from creation.
Other Bible writers present the truth of God's creation and ownership of earth. From Moses in Exodus 9:29 and 19:5, to Asaph in Psalm 50:12, to Ethan in Psalm 89:11 to Job in Job 41:11, to even the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:26, the writers of Scripture are clear that God owns and operates His creation. This world is not man's and it did not come about by accident.
In the Garden of Eden God gave to mankind a responsibility to till the ground and to keep the earth. In this command rests mankind's duty to God's creation. Mankind is to cultivate the earth and to guard it. We are merely stewards taking care of Someone else's property. We are only borrowing it.
When I was growing up my mother used to tell me that when I borrowed something I was to return it in better condition, or at least as good of a condition, as when I borrowed it. Since we are just borrowers of this universe it is incumbent upon us to treat it in that manner. Though the songwriter said, "This world is not my home," we actually do live here for awhile. In the time we sojourn here on Planet Earth we should take care to treat it well.
As believers in Jesus Christ, and children of God, may Earth Day 2015 be a day we remember Whose world we live in. We could say it like this, "God Created Earth Day." Now, if I punctuate it like this, "'God Created Earth' Day" it gets it right! God didn't create "Earth Day." Rather, He created Earth and on this day we can celebrate that truth.
Planes, planes, planes. How thankful we can be for planes. Being a "world traveler" is much easier these days than it was 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago. Boarding a plane and flying at over 500 mph eill get you to places very quickly! Boats could take people to the same places, but much more slowly. You can change continents and cultures in less than 24 hours.
Today Beth, Nicole and I are flying to Spain. We've completed our first leg from San Francisco to Atlanta and will soon board our plane from Atlanta to Madrid. Although they are normally full flights and the food is nothing to write home about and they can be cramped spaces they do get you where you want to go.
Once onboard our ticket takes us to our final destination. We know, once onboard, where we are going, or do we? I once boarded a flight, took my seat, only to have a flight attendant come to find me to tell me I was on the WRONG plane! I was in a country where I didn't understand the language. I thought I was doing good. I was permitted on the plane. But, I was actually not headed where I thought I was. What a surprise it would have had if I had gotten out in the wrong place!
Some people think they are headed to heaven. They think they have a ticket that will grant them access to the home of the saints. But, how surprised they will be when they realize they didn't make it. Some will find that the enemy of our souls will decieve many into believing that they are on the corect "plane." Where are YOU going? Maybe you'd better check your ticket!
