Angelic Encounters

"Are not angels all ministering spirits sent out (of God for the assistance) of those who are to inherit salvation?"

Hebrews 1:14

Whenever I approach the book of Hebrews I know I can plan on being impacted by its heavy words. Today this verse caused me to stop and ponder.  Are not angels available for our assistance and guidance as we walk through this journey here on earth? 

This thought may challenge some of your theologies.  Recently I had the privilege of taking a class here at Regent University titled, "Angelology and Demonology." Whenever I would tell someone I was taking this class their interest was always sparked.  No we did not sit around and share stories of angelic and demonic encounters.  But we did focus on their origin and purpose during ancient biblical text, and their possible purpose for today in the lives of Believers.  

This topic was vast and because of the lack of time we were very limited on our discussions, but one day while we were discussing the ministry of angels I was shocked and saddened to learn that some of my seminary classmates did not believe in angels today. They rationalized for the sake of scripture that God used them during biblical times, because this is very clear throughout the Old Testament and within the journeys of our New Testament church; however, since we now have the Holy Spirit as our assistance, some believed we no longer needed the assistance of these angelic beings.  

But here's my ration: Paul had many angelic encounters that were after the ascension of Christ and the coming of Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit).  I am no theologian, nor do I consider my self an expert of the scriptures, but this seems a little self explanatory to me.

This scripture I think, is self explanatory as well. Angels were created to serve God, and when we become joint heirs of the Kingdom of God through salvation in Jesus Christ, we too partake in this privilege. 

No angels are not to be worshiped (Paul makes this clear in the book of Colossians), but I think we can learn a thing or to from them, such as HOW to worship. Scripture tells us of them worshiping God (Heb. 1:6)! Also ancient biblical text also tells us of how close the Angels work with God and encounter His throne room!

 (This was another very interesting thing I learned during my class, but this is a whole other topic, but an interesting one, especially as one who loves to worship. Real quick~can't help myself~, there was a civilization within the Qumran Community where the Dead Sea Scrolls where found, who longed and strived to live in purity such as angels to get as close as they could to the throne of God. There are even texts within the Dead Sea Scrolls that tell us this community of people encountered Angels who taught them how to worship their Heavenly Father!)

I could go on all day about this topic, as it is one that is vastly researched, discussed, and debated; however, my goal in this blog post is too discuss and bring to light the privedlge we have as Believers.  Angels are not beings to be forgotten or ignored, but they are gift from God that He uses from time to time to help us in time of need, and minister to us whenever He so desires to send them. 

Every night when I put my girls to bed, I ask God to send forth His angels to our home and our my girls as they sleep. They are there to fight our spiritual battles for us in the unseen world. Their swords of Praise can tear down any stronghold and attack of the enemy.  Better yet, they are an extension of Gods hand and kingdom and He has provided their services to us during our time here on earth and this scripture reminds me of their help and assistance in this trying world.

I urge you as a Believer to seek God on this topic. Discover for your self how God can use Angels in your life to serve as helpers in this journey of life. 

Here are some books that I highly recommend concerning this topic:

Angelic Encounters By James and Michal Ann Goll ~ This is a great book about a couple in ministry who encountered Angels in the night. God used these Angelic encounters to minister to them, and to show them a piece of His heavenly Kingdom.

The Books of Enoch~ The is a translation of the extra-biblical text, The Book of Enoch.  This book shows the origins of Angels and of Demons(The Book of Watchers). And it also shows how God used Archangels to perform His tasks... This is clear representation too of how our Old Testament authors viewed angels and their capabilities. (This was a text book used within my class)

Resting In His Grace

Whew... Well if I told you that this week was marvelous, I would only be considered optimistic, because honestly, its felt anything but.  I think God allows these times to reel us back in to reality. And I've been hearing the winding of the wheel as God turns the handle. The tugs don't always feel so good, but the end results are worth it.

Humility and His Grace is where I am choosing to rest tonight. I thank God for allowing me to walk in my ways for a little bit so I can experience the hiccups first hand. They are just bittersweet reminders that I am not quite where I need to be, and I am absolutely nothing without His grace and providence in my life.

Have you felt like you've failed the test lately? Well, let me just say, you are not alone. I have failed more than one test this week, but I am learning these failed test are not to be looked upon as negative experiences. We should look upon them as huge stepping stones that are getting us closer and closer to His Heavenly Throne. Sometimes we'll trip as we are taking that next step and fall, and may even skid our knee a bit, but His graceful hand reaches down to help us back up, and it's then that we realize we can't get up these big stones without Him.

So tonight, as I reflect on this week of reeling, I am graciously reminded of where I belong, in His presence, just resting in His grace......

Seeing Your Reflection in His Eyes!

Tonight I had the privilege to hear Jason Upton speak at our UnChapel here at Regent University. I don't get on campus much; however, I always cease the opportunity too when Jason comes. He comes bearing heavy words to challenge my heart and lunges me into the deeper pursuit of the one who created me. 

Tonight was no different. His words pierced my heart, and actually God spoke the same word he spoke through a young girl before he even spoke. For some reason emotions were high for me tonight. I would like to blame it on over exhaustion from being a mommy of two babies and being in school, but thats the norm of my life. Tonight the emotions seem to be more God lead.  Sometimes when I am in His presence thats all I can do, is weep.  Its almost cleansing for me and allows me to release all the burdens I've been holding inside! 

Anyways, as the young girl spoke about Hagar, the maid servant to Abraham who bore his first son. She reminded us of how God never forgot about her. Although it seemed she was forgotten, God still met her in the desert and provided for her and her child. And as she spoke those words. The tears began.  I wasn't feeling forgotten. Or at least I didn't think I was, until that moment God just decided or well, knew, I needed a little love tonight.  I felt it.  He whispered gently in my ears, "I see it all. I see all who you are as a mother, and all that you give as a person. Your still you, and YOU are the one I love." 

I learned tonight that in order for me to truly love myself, and most importantly my children, I need to understand the depth of the Fathers love for me.  He created me to be a true representation of the His kingdom! And no this does not entail some HUGE ministry endeavor that will make me a better Christian in the eyes of the church, but just being Amber. The Amber he created. Not painted or designed to meet someone else's expectations, but designed perfectly the way God made me.

In that moment, my heart was lightened, and my soul rejuvenated. God saw my need, and he filled it. 

I walked away tonight feeling better about who I am, all because I saw myself in the REFLECTION of HIS EYES.  

Thank you Jesus for loving me, just for me. And most importantly showing me the true beauty in just being!