There is something about agreeing with God’s will with our words and actions. Some people will say, “It creates a convergence in the quantum field.” That may be true, but there may be another more Biblical explanation.

Consider the role of angels:

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 (New Living Translation)

These Spirit-beings are hear to help us. And the exciting thing is, they listen for the commands of the Lord:

Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will! Psalm 103:20-21 (New Living Translation)

When our words agree with the thoughts God has for us, it releases the angels to carry out His plans. Good things happen when a good God’s plans get carried out.

On our end, declaring the promises of God refocuses us from our problem to His promise – and His promise makes us agree:

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14 (New International Version)

To hope at the end of the rope, you need to refocus on His promises. So remember prophetic promises and declare the promises of Scripture.

Find out more at HopeInTransition.com

In her book, Spiritual Revolution: Experience the Supernatural in Your Life Through Angelic Visitations, Prophetic Dreams, and Miracles Patricia King shows a great deal of Biblical research on Angels.

Instead of going to my handy Dictionary of Bible Themes I’ve started my study on the characteristics of angels from Patricia’s work.

Here are 20 Characteristics of Angels I See in Scripture.

1. Angels are intelligent and wise. (2 Samuel 14:20; 19:27; Matthew 24:35)
2. Angels are patient. (Numbers 11:22-35)
3. They are meek. (2 Peter 2:11)
4. They can be joyful. (Luke 15:1-10)
5. Angels are modest. (1 Corinthians 11:10)
6. They are holy. (Mark 8:38)
7. They are glorious. (Luke 9:26)
8. Angels are immortal. (Luke 20:36)
9. They are mighty and powerful. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Revelation 18:1)
10. Angels are obedient. (Psalm 103:20; Matthew 6:10)
11. Angels have wills. (Isaiah 14:12-14)
12. Angels can be referred to as male (Judges 13:6; Daniel 10:5-21) and in one case female (Zechariah 5:5-9).
13. They have spirit bodies with limbs, eyes, voice, etc (Hebrews 13:2; Judges 13:6; Revelation 15:1-6)
14. Angels don’t seem to need rest. (Revelation 4:8)
15. Angels can eat food. (Genesis 18:8; 19:3; Psalm 78:25)
16. They can be visible or invisible to us. (Numbers 22:35; John 20:12; Hebrews 13:2)
17. Angels can operate in our physical realm. (Genesis 18:1-19, 24; 2 Kings 9:35)
18. They can travel at incomprehensible speed. (Revelation 8:13, 9:1)
19. Angels can ascend and descend between heaven and earth. (Genesis 28:12; John 1:51)
20. Angels can speak languages. (1 Corinthians 13:1)

I’m trying very hard to remove the mystical from the invisible. Angels aren’t the cherubs on clouds that sit and play harps. They are amazing created beings who will encourage us, obey God’s commands and do God’s will on our behalf.

It is possible to see angels and even entertain them without knowing…or without knowing at least at first. When we see what angels are doing, we can know what God wants to do.

I’d love to know you’re thoughts about angels. Start a discussion by leaving your comment.

In my ongoing posting about Angels, I think it’s time we look at Scripture to see what they actually do. We can all have pre-conceived ideas about fat-little babies with small wings playing harps and sitting on clouds. That’s probably the most common and worst description of angels.

Here are 18 things we see Angels do in Scripture

1. Angels bring answers to prayers. (Daniel 9:21-28)
2. Angels minister to the saints. (Hebrews 1:14)
3. Angels worship God. (Revelation 5:11, Psalm 148:2)
4. Angels carry out God’s orders. (Psalm 103:20)
5. Angels wage war. (Revelation 12:7-9; Daniel 10:12-13)
6. Angels watch over children. (Matthew 18:10)
7. Angels strengthen people during trials. (Matthew 4:11)
8. They can lead sinners to followers of Christ. (Acts 10:3)
9. They can direct preachers. (Acts 8:26)
10. They can appear in dreams. (Matthew 1:20-24)
11. They minister before God. (Revelation 8:2; 14:15-19)
12. They can protect people from harm. (Psalm 91:11; Acts 12:7-10)
13. They guard the Abyss. (Revelations 9:1; 20:1-3)
14. They watch over the interests of churches. (Revelation 2 and 3)
15. They affect the affairs of nations. (Daniel 10:12-13)
16. Angels do extraordinary acts. (Acts 7:53; 12:6-7; Galatians 3:9; Hebrews 2:22)
17. They bring people special messages. (Luke 1)
18. Angels punish God’s enemies. (Acts 12:23; 2 Samuel 24:16)

I’d love to see this list grow. It started with research in Patricia King’s Spiritual Revolution: Experience the Supernatural in Your Life Through Angelic Visitations, Prophetic Dreams, and Miracles I just got a copy of what she prophesied over Karen and I – and it’s still wrecking me in such an amazing way. Maybe I’ll post it sometime.

Are there any other truths from Scripture you’d like to add? Leave your comments and let me know.

In a previous post I started to talk about the new cessationism that is prominent in some Christian circles. I believe it’s because we have a retreat mentality every time someone we disagree with goes overboard.

I’m finding more and more Christian leaders are afraid to talk about angels.

They don’t want to seem “too spiritual.” They’ve seen the damage done when someone claims a new revelation that comes from angels. They want the focus to be complete on Christ. The “New-Age-er’s” talk about angels way too much.

Whatever the reason, they are missing out of some great truths of Scripture and experiences this side of heaven. And it’s more dangerous than that.

Malcolm Godwin estimates in Angels: An Endangered Species that 1 in 10 pop songs in the past 30 years mentions angels. What this shows is that when those who should be experts are silent, the wrong message gets ingrained in a culture.

I’ve already outlined the warnings we get in Scripture about angels. Now it’s time to focus on the positive things the Bible says about them. Let’s start with 4 general facts we should never forget:

• Angels were created.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone-
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:4-7

Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created. Psalm 148:2-5

• Angels are not to be worshipped.

At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10 (New International Version)

• There’s is a lot of Angels.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Luke 2:13 (New International Version)

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, Hebrews 12:22 (New International Version)

• Angels are subject to God.

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:16

Keep these truths in mind as we continue to explore the unseen realms of angels in future posts. I’d love to have your comments on this on.

I’ve had other people ask me questions about other topics. Someone asked me about what they should do about a gift they received. Here’s my thoughts about it.

There is quite a bit of testimony in some circles that most certainly objects – especially from  pagan cultures – can bring nightmares, sickness, strife, and poverty.  In our modern world the same could be said for the things we may worship – like iPhones and Blackberrys.

It’s true we’re not to make any graven image and worship it, and someone might have made an object or symbol to do just that, but does it have any affect on Christians?

We know objects can hold supernatural power – the Ark of the Covenant brought plagues to the Philistines and killed Uzza when he reached out to steady it (1 Chronicles 13:9), hankerchiefs and aprons that Paul had touched were brought the sick and they were healed and delivered (Acts 19:12), Elisha’s staff (2 Kings 4:28-34) was supposed to have power but it didn’t work for his servant.

But while I can find the presence and power of God in objects in the Bible, I can’t think of any example of the enemy doing likewise. That’s not to say it can’t happen, just that it’s not – to my knowledge – attested in Scripture. Please comment below and let me know if I’m wrong.

Isaiah (40:19-20), Jeremiah (14:22), Jonah (2:8) and Paul (1 Corinthians 8:4) all insist that  idols are worthless.
Paul goes on to say that it’s the Christian with the weak conscience that won’t eat meat sacrificed to an idol. He also instructs the more mature to not put a stumbling block in a weaker brother or sisters way.

Notwithstanding all that, I’ve heard story after story of people who get an object – even unknowingly – and bad things start happening. When they get rid of it, things change.

Does that mean we make a rule that save we can’t have any pagan images around us? I think that’s extreme. There is a difference between worshiping an idol and wearing a pair of Nike – which comes from Athena Nike the wise goddess of victory. Pagan symbolism is too rife in our culture, and most of it’s meaning and significance is lost in our ignorance.

However in each of the stories, God reveals to the person what the source is of the problems. When they get rid of the object, the door is closed. The common denominator is that God reveals to the person. God will – He’s in a good mood and wants the best for us. He’s not offended at our ignorance and came to the cross because He wasn’t willing to let the enemy have dominion in this world. So how much more will He reveal the enemies plans to us now? It’s hearing what God thinks about an object that needs to be the rule, not an outright ban on forgotten myths that hold no significance to us in our culture and place in time.

The final thing to consider is if an object offends someone else. The irony is always that the one who is offended will consider themselves to be the more spiritually mature…even when Paul makes it clear that they are the ones with the weak conscience. We can’t promote a an attitude that says, “Objects can’t hold any power” because we see in Scripture they can. Further, we know from Scripture that the enemy mimics the Father masquerading as an angel of light. So if we simply say, “Objects can’t hold power” we may be setting weaker Christians up for seriously bad times.

For a specific item, pray about it and obey what God tells you to do. If someone is offended you’ve decided to keep it, explain what God has revealed to you. If someone is upset you’ve decided to get rid of it, explain why you have peace about cutting it off.

Now one key you should watch for is your ability to give up anything to God. It could be a family heirloom or a piece of art you just spent a great deal of money on. These aren’t easy to give up because of the value you place on them. However, if you CAN’T give them up… it’s a clue there is a supernatural stronghold on them. We can have nothing before God, so ask yourself “If God asked me to give this up, would I?” If the answer is “no”, then giving it up is something you should consider. You can have no other gods before Him.

Judging is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the Bible. It’s confusing.

Jesus tells us not to judge.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
Matthew 7:1-2 (New Living Translation)

Paul says we’ll judge the angels, so judge between yourself.

Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 1 Corinthians 6:2-4 (New Living Translation)

Jesus says He’ll return to judge the world

But all who reject my message and me will be judged on the Day of Judgment by the truth I have spoken.
John 12:48 (New Living Translation)

But He also says He didn’t come to judge the world, and that He won’t judge those who hear Him but don’t obey Him.

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17 (New Living Translation)

I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. ?John 12:47 (New Living Translation)

We’re told to test everything and hold to the good.

Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NIV)

By the same person who after talking about the retrobateness of culture in Romans 1, followed it up with this in Romans 2 -

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Romans 2:1-4 (New Living Translation)

So with all of this confusion, I find most of us have the same idea about judging -

“You don’t judge me, and I’ll judge you when you deserve it.”

We need a better understanding of judging. We’ll get to that in the next post.