Author: astherainandsnow

“Then Daniel… told [his companions] to seek mercy from God concerning this mystery, so that [they] might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision… Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven..:

“‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.
To you, O God of my fathers,
I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and might,
and have now made known to me what we asked of you,
for you have made known to us the king’s matter…’

^“The king declared to Daniel,.. ‘Are you able to make known to me the dream and its interpretation?^’ Daniel answered, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show the king.., but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known what will be.’” Daniel 2:17-23,26-28a

The King had made an impossible demand, and all his magicians, enchanters, and sorcerers were doomed to death because they could not meet it. But Daniel the wise met Nebuchadnezzar the fool with the possibility of God to turn the destiny of all. While the king’s seers relied on signs and the occult, Daniel knew his only hope for understanding the king’s mystery was his Lord, and to Him he prayed. (Daniel 2:1-16)

It’s easy to panic when faced with the impossible, dark looming situations beyond our control. A harrowing diagnosis, the threat of job loss, a broken marriage, or war. Without the Lord and with unbridled emotion and exasperation, we’re destined for misery. But prudence and discretion lead us to the Sovereign over every calamity. Seeking His mercy, wisdom, and light opens the way for His answers. Often He reveals His will to inquiring, believing minds as we pray.

What circumstances have tightly knotted me in turmoil? What threats press anxiety into every pore and furrows into my countenance? Do I fret and accuse and lock myself in stress, or with prudence, trust, and hopeful praise approach my Lord?

There are dangers in the world. But there is a God in heaven. There are mysteries we’re unable to discern, accusations we cannot defend, regrets we cannot shake. But there is a God in heaven. There are sorrows and pain and unmet longings that seem unbearable. But there is a God in heaven. Do I know and believe Him?

“Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.” ~ Dallán Forgaill, old Irish

Great and all-wise Father in heaven, help me turn to You in every earthly angst, trusting Your wisdom and power for every impossible to Your thanks and praise. (Daniel 2:46-47)

“Be not silent, O God of my praise!
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,
    speaking against me with lying tongues.
They encircle me with words of hate,
    and attack me without cause.
In return for my love they accuse me,
    but I give myself to prayer.
So they reward me evil for good,
    and hatred for my love…

Help me, O Lord my God!
    Save me according to your steadfast love!
Let them know that this is your hand;
    you, O Lord, have done it!..

With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;
    I will praise him in the midst of the throng.
For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,
    to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.” Psalm 109:1-5,26-27,30-31

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.  But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”Acts 7:54-56,59

“If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?  Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:31-34

David’s pleas were agonizing, heart-felt, honest, and intimate. He knew his God, and knew He heard every word of complaint and need. He also knew that his Lord stood ready to respond, confirm, defend, and answer. His Advocate and Intercessor was on his side in every way.

Life on earth is bustling with activity that grabs our attention. A ding here, urgency there, message here, distraction there… we live in a hectic horizontal often with no thought of our vertical connection to the Almighty. Yet, our Savior stands near, always close at our right hand to lead, help, confide in, comfort. What a friend is He!

How would we handle situations differently, what would improve in our attitude and industry, if we acknowledged the Lord Jesus always at our right hand? What courage or confidence would fuel our facing down the enemy? What spiritual insights would compel our choices? What peace, security, deepest pleasure and joy would hold our hearts still when all around is in sad upheaval? (Psalm 16:8-11; 108:12-13)

As we rise each day and set out to whatever is before us, would we make sure we walk beside our truest Companion, holding His hand in trust? Even while eyes must tend to tasks before us, will we remember to look around at His handiwork and up in worship? This loving Savior beside us is for us. He stands ready to bring truth to recollection, guide with discernment, soften hard and sweeten bitter hearts. What hope, what zeal, what strength does this afford us today? (Ezekiel 36:26; John 14:26; 16:13)

Lord, as You faithfully stand beside me, may I keep so close to You I hear Your breath and walk Your stride.

“‘This is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High,.. that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will… Your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules…’

“King Nebuchadnezzar… said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?..’ Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar…

“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,

for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
    and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
    and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
    and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand.’

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” Daniel 4:24-26,30,33-35,37

In the world’s eyes and his own, King Nebuchadnezzar was quite the man. His kingdom was broad and powerful and in human eyes, glorious. But God had His eye on him for eternal good, and would not allow him to continue his earthly reign without acknowledging that the He, Most High, ruled over all. Man in his pomp will not remain. (Psalm 49:12)

Through a series of visions and strange fulfillments, the Lord humbled this most famous of kings, and in the sum of his life he knew that he knew that Heaven rules. All that would have turned to dust was now for him an eternal treasure trove. His crown was indeed the Lord’s. (Daniel 4:4-23; Psalm 111:10; Matthew 6:19-21; Revelation 4:10-11)

On earth we take positions and are entrusted with various authority. In the home, workplace, and community we are personal regents over whatever kingdom we’ve been assigned. And that’s the point: the Lord is the ultimate Sovereign. What we think we’ve earned or have a natural right to own or direct or control comes from or is appointed by God.

He is the One who raises up and brings low, He assigns place and gifting and determines the measure of each life. Therein, He lovingly gives freedom to handle assignments according to our inspiration and ability. Are we doing all as unto Him? (Daniel 1:21; Acts 17:26; James 1:17)

Where have we taken credit for worldly success? What accomplishments or accolades do we flaunt as ours? Where do we selfishly, greedily, pridefully, or rudely misuse authority granted to us? When will we humble ourselves before God’s mighty hand and acknowledge Him as Lord of all? Only in believing and behaving as though He is Sovereign will we flourish with true hope and joy. (1 Peter 5:6)

Sovereign God, may my desires, words, and actions exalt You as the Most High, always.

“Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry… In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator…

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:5,7-10,12-17

‘Ah, God’s chosen! Chosen to pass from death to life, chosen to be a new creation, there are certain adornments that distinguish us from those who know not God. By attitude, action, and activity, we are to stand out from the world as holy and beloved, shining lights, permeating goodness and love’s color into the prevailing darkness. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:15; Colossians 2:13-14)

But are we? How distinguished are we from those around us? By job position, skill, dress, neighborhood, or education, we may have many similarities. We live in the world and are meant to work alongside the lost while remaining pure and emanating grace. The Lord intends us to make connections, serve neighbors and colleagues, and be bold against wickedness. He also entrusts us with the gospel, and expects us to stand out and apart in its defense, testifying with word and deed to His grace. (Matthew 5:14-16; 16:24-26; John 17:15-18)

As God’s chosen we are fueled by different passions and speak a loftier language. Where the world is easily ignited by cursory, catty speech, or complaining or gossip, we can elevate conversation toward ideas and standards that bear on human flourishing and the culture. Where the world chops and chats with snippets and grudges and rude memes, we can implement language that honors the living Word who made our mouths. When the world promotes factions and dissension, and spews hatred at every turn, we must speak truth in love, and as we are able, maintain unity in the gospel of peace. (Exodus 4:11; John 1:1; Ephesians 4:1-3,15,29; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:8)

Where and in what situations is it especially hard to behave as God’s chosen? Would we bring these specific challenges to the Lord, and trust Him to change and fill us? How can we bear His imprint in a fresh way today? (Ephesians 5:18)

Lord, may I live as Your chosen and so magnify Your image in this world.

“Both we and our fathers have sinned;
    we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness.
Our fathers, when they were in Egypt,
    did not consider your wondrous works;
they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love,
    but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.
Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
    that he might make known his mighty power.
He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry,
    and he led them through the deep as through a desert.
So he saved them from the hand of the foe
    and redeemed them from the power of the enemy.
And the waters covered their adversaries;
    not one of them was left.
Then they believed his words;
    they sang his praise.

But they soon forgot his works;
    they did not wait for his counsel.
But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness,
    and put God to the test in the desert…

They made a calf in Horeb
    and worshiped a metal image.
They exchanged the glory of God
    for the image of an ox that eats grass.
They forgot God, their Savior,
    who had done great things in Egypt,
wondrous works in the land of Ham,
    and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.” Psalm 106:6-14,19-22

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

When Israel forgot her God, disaster ensued. Maintaining a mindset of remembrance of God’s good gifts and grace filled them with praise and guarded their actions in obedience. They adored and wanted to follow this One who cared for and delivered them. But they let down that guard, opening their minds to strange affection and wandering toward foreign gods. Entertainment of self and coddling wayward impulses took captive and quenched thoughts filled with the Lord, and led to their repeated downfall.

And so happens this incessant pull with the most well-intended of men. Our biblical call to vigilance is vehement and constant because the enemy is relentless. We cannot be too guarded against his alluring and deceptive wiles. This deceiver targets our minds because he knows that’s where choices take root. We must keep fixing our minds and locking our hearts on Christ above! (Proverbs 4:23-27; John 8:44; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3,14; Colossians 3:1-2; 1 Peter 5:8)

What ingrained habits have we relished that deter our thoughts from Christ? Are we more addicted to news, exercise, or some form of entertainment than we are to time with His word? What safeguards have we in place to guard our minds (and eyes), and how well do we mind those guards? Is there a friend with whom we can talk, confess, and uphold accountability to pressing on toward the Lord?

When we are weary of the pull, or have yielded to temptation, we find great mercy and forgiveness in the Lord. We can approach Him in confidence rather than shame, and claim His gracious cleansing and help. With renewed minds, will we then freely praise Him? (Psalm 107:8-15; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 4:15-16)

Father, keep me from straying, and keep me vigilant in guarding my life for Thee, to Your honor and glory.

“Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.’ And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.^’ So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

“Then the word of the Lord came to him, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’” 1 Kings 17:1-9

“In the cover of your presence you hide them..;
you store them in your shelter.” Psalm 31:20

“Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

Elijah was committed to his Lord in both the obedience of ministry and of personal trust. He gave out as God commanded, even hard truth, and he followed His word to find supply. He maintained an attitude of staying hidden in God for comfort, strength, and sustenance. As weary as this long obedience made him, he continually returned to his Lord to be readied for the next boldness required, and God met him without fail. (1 Kings 18:20-40)

When the Lord saves us, we are at once found in Him, and hidden in Him. We are His and He is ours. He seals us with His Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our family identity and eternal inheritance. We are thus forever hidden by the living water with which He washes and fills us. (Song of Solomon 2:16a; John 7:37-39; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14)

There is much benefit in staying hidden with Christ in God. The ongoing exchanged life of sanctification means we remain in Him, putting our old self to death and hiding ourselves in Him so His life is lived through us. As we abide in Him and He in us, we bear much spiritual fruit. (John 15:4-5; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3-10)

If hiding describes us, where are we hiding? Do we conceal weaknesses by boasting and puffery? Are we hiding secret sins behind a deceptive front of neat proficiency, or shame? Are we covering up insecurities, hurt, or folly by maintaining an impenetrable wall, holding others at bay, refusing to let those who love and care for us into our need and mess?

What if we left that hiding and entered into the all-encompassing light of the Lord and His love, and drank deeply of His healing, soul-slaking water? He who bids us come hide in Him is the One who meets us there and supplies for every need. Would we cast off ours and take His cover? (Ephesians 5:8-13; 1 Peter 2:9)

Father, keep me hidden with You, sealed securely and concealed by Your grace and glory.

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;
    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
For I said, ‘Steadfast love will be built up forever;
    in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness…’

Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
    Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,
a God greatly to be feared… and awesome above all?
O Lord God of hosts,
    who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
    with your faithfulness all around you?
You rule the raging of the sea;
    when its waves rise, you still them…
The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
The north and the south, you have created them;
    Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
You have a mighty arm;
    strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face.”

“The Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” Psalm 89:1-2,5-9,11-15; 96:5b-6

The expanse of sky is an eternal blue, smudged and tufted with scattered and gathered clouds, beckoning the wondering soul. Low heavy mounds drop grey rain in angled sheets, high wisps feather like angels above. Endless is the changing splendor, moment by moment the awe. As a home reflects the personality of its owner, so this sanctuary of sky reflects the Creator’s glory.

God’s love is seen in the skies as we gaze and wonder who we are and why He’d care for small us, considering His great, majestic power that traced this intricate handiwork of fluffed clouds, sparkling stars, and shining lights. Yet, He has crowned us with glory and honor. God’s faithfulness is indeed on display in the heavens, turning and sustaining His rhythm of day and night, season upon season. God’s magnitude and authority is exhibited in this canopy of creation, ordering storms and tides, north and south, gravity that holds the atmosphere together. (Genesis 8:22; Psalm 8:3-5; Colossians 1:16-17)

How naturally, how often, do we join nature in praising this One who abides with us and rules over all, whom we adore?

“God, all nature sings Thy glory, and Thy works proclaim Thy might;
Ordered vastness in the heavens, ordered course of day and night;
Beauty in the changing seasons, beauty in the storming sea;
All the changing moods of nature praise the changeless Trinity.

“Clearer still we see Thy hand in man whom Thou hast made for Thee;
Ruler of creation’s glory, image of Thy majesty.
Music, art, the fruitful garden, all the labor of his days,
Are the calling of his Maker to the harvest feast of praise.

“God of glory, power, mercy, all creation praises Thee;
We, Thy creatures, would adore Thee now and through eternity.
Saved to magnify Thy goodness, grant us strength to do Thy will;
With our acts as with our voices Thy commandments to fulfill.” ~David Clowney (1960)

Lord, keep me praising You day upon day, night after night, making known Your great faithfulness to generations. (Psalm 72:5)

“They shall not defile themselves anymore with their idols and their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions. But I will save them from all the backslidings in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

“My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes. They shall dwell in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children’s children shall dwell there forever, and David my servant shall be their prince forever.  I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will set them in their land and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in their midst forevermore.  My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  Then the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.” Ezekiel 37:23-28

Following His promise to bring life and breath to dry bones, what an amazing added promise the Lord tucks into his message through Ezekiel. They would not be left to their own to figure out life and place and destiny. His people Israel would be revived, restored to wholehearted devotion, and return to their homeland. And that forever land would be the sanctuary of God, His dwelling place, His presence to abide in their midst forever. They were His, and He their God. (Solomon 2:16; Ezekiel 37:1-14)

This truth that God is with us as an ever-present sanctuary is powerful to heighten in us a state of constant wonder and thanksgiving. It gives comfort and hope. It bolsters strength and security. It deepens our sense of identity and belonging, and instills courage to stand, serve, and speak. It calms with peace when all around is in flux. It sustains and infuses perseverance. (Exodus 33:14; Psalm 16:8; Matthew 28:18-20)

If we are indeed indwelt with God’s Spirit, what difference is His supernatural presence making in our day-to-day? How often do we behold His greatness, grace, and splendor in focused worship? How accustomed are we to avail ourselves of His supply for every need?

“’A little Sanctuary’ art Thou to me!
O Jesus, best belov’d! I live with Thee;
My heart has found its everlasting home,
Its sure abiding place where’er I roam.

‘A little Sanctuary’ art Thou to me!
My heart is still’d beneath love’s canopy;
The ‘Holiest of All’ is open’d wide,
And I may enter and be satisfied.

‘A little Sanctuary’ art Thou to me!
No fabled shrine, but deep reality!
Thou saidst it should be so when at Thy call
I rose and follow’d gladly, leaving all.

‘A little Sanctuary’ art Thou to me!
All joyfully I pitch my tent with Thee;
Or ready still to journey at Thy word—
‘In Thee’ I ‘live and move,’ most blessèd Lord.

‘A little Sanctuary’ art Thou to me!
I always am ‘at home’ on land or sea;
Alone, yet never lonely now, I prove
The ‘Hundredfold,’ Lord Jesus, in Thy love.” ~Emily Crawford (1938)

Holy God, keep me ever aware of Your abiding, glorious presence, and vigilant to guard and expend my life as Your hallowed sanctuary.

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,  remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,  because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.  And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,  so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.  For they themselves report… how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-8,9b

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

The gospel had taken root, and Paul urged that the new believers in Thessaloniki continue to grow and flourish. His own example and prayers had much to do with the early faith of his beloved church plant, and he knew that was indicative of the Spirit at work. What he’d modeled for them in proclamation and practice they were implementing, to the spread of the gospel and God’s grace in the region. Keep on, he urged. As you bear the fruit of righteousness it will continue to spread forth and afar. (1 Thessalonians 2:4-12)

Seed-scattering, watering, and harvesting would in God’s time and way bring more growth. The point in being an example was to make sure that example pointed everyone to Jesus. This is true today in every gospel effort for us. Our message, investments, and toil are to exemplify the truths and character of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:12-13,17; 3:5-7)

We must first allow the word to take root in conviction and power. Our ensuing labor in Christ’s love and hope will cause the joy of our faith to swell and spread with contagion. What we begin to practice as a new natural sounds forth as a holy, irresistible cry to the watching world. Genuine faith that reflects Christ compels others to turn from empty living to serve the living true God.

What kind of example are we to those younger in Christ than we are? Do we concern ourselves more with personal progress, proficiency, or legacy than with nurturing and raising up others to love and follow Jesus? How do our choices and activities in work, ministry, and home life reflect the purposes and priorities of God? Whom do we regularly and patiently take under our wing in prayer and care?

Lord, may my work be of faith, my labor of love, and my hope be steadfast, all a beacon that draws others to You. Turn any reticence or complacency to zealous faith in action that exemplifies Your grace and glory.

“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.’  Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’ And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’  And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’  And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:1-8

“Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

“You shall worship the Lord your God
    and him only shall you serve.”’

“Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.” Matthew 4:10-11

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14

Exhausted, depleted, and overwhelmed, faithful Elijah despairs of his life, wondering if it is even worth living under Jezebel’s threat. Memory of the recent fantastic fire from heaven and the supernatural strength to run to Jezreel in a God-given downpour has disappeared under this dark royal intimidation. But at exactly when he needed it most, gracious God appeared by way of an angel to nourish and rejuvenate him. God always cares for His own. (1 Kings 18:36-46)

Ministering spirits sent from God are one of His sweetest gifts. Our Maker knows all about us, every pang of heartache, fear of the enemy, wave of desperation. And He meets us where we are to give grace, mercy, protection, or sustenance in time of need. His angels are not bound by space and time, and always do His bidding. (Psalm 139:1-3,5,7-12; Hebrews 4:16)

When and where has an angel of God brought specific supply by way of caution, direction, encouragement, or deliverance? Particular ministry through rest, relief, or restoration? Are we too caught up in self-sufficiency to look for and recognize God’s intervention? Are we quick to thank Him for these marvelous expressions of love? (Exodus 23:20; Psalm 34:7; 91:9-12; Matthew 1:20; 2:13)

How might I help another to see and seek God’s angelic handiwork? To whom will I testify to His divine concern and ministry? How can His sufficiency for me bring glory to His name and character? (Psalm 105:1-5)

Father, thank you for the manifold ways Your angels care for me. Make me alert to Your heavenly involvement in my earthly living, and always grateful, giving You the thanks and honor You deserve.