You Have To Reach A Place Where You Trust What He SAID And Not What You SEE? If You Leave It In God’s Hands. I Mean Totally Leave It In His Hands It’s Amazing The Doors He Will Open To Get What You Need. Trust GOD, NOT Your Circumstances.

 Who Is He To You? You Have To Reach A Place Where You Trust What He SAID And Not What You SEE? If You Leave It In God’s Hands. I Mean Totally Leave It In His Hands It’s Amazing The Doors He Will Open To Get What You Need Accomplished. Know this: Trusting GOD, NOT Your Circumstances, is What Matters Most!

“…AND HOW ABOUT YOU? WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?” (Matthew 16:13-19 MSG).

Meteorologists have studied weather patterns to discover the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE WHY, and HOW of rain, thunder, lightning, hail, drought, monsoons, and the like. They have pondered why deserts receive less than an inch of rain per year, while India’s monsoons pour down over 400 inches annually. Why does lightning strike? What causes hail? Why does thunder make the sound it does? How can we predict hurricanes and tornadoes?

While great strides have been made in observing, predicting, and understanding the weather, no one has been able to change it. Why? Because while human beings have studied the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW, they often have forgotten to ask the most important question of all: WHO?

Maybe you’ve been making the very same error. Looking at your situation and focusing on the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE HOW and even WHY? But falling short in focusing on WHO?

Job’s friend, Elihu, didn’t subscribe to the weather channel or own a farmer’s almanac. He understood, however, that God controls it all: “It is GOD WHO takes water from the earth and turns it into drops of rain. He lets the rain pour from the clouds in showers for all human beings” (Job 36:27-28 GNT). He may as well said, “I don’t understand the process of condensation and precipitation, but I do understand that God is in control of it all!”

So, what’s keeping you from reaching that same place? A place of complete confidence that even when you don’t understand all that’s going on in your life, you yet trust HIM? You Trust GOD! You may not understand the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, or WHY, but what’s keeping you from trusting the WHO that is Always Faithful? “God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out; his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left” (Lamentations 3:22-24 MSG); “For the Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and his faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation” (Psalm 100:5 TLB); “God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 AMP) Sounds to me as though we gravely underestimate our God’s Faithfulness towards us. In fact, hearing those Scriptures alone ought to lead us to repentance and a newfound attitude of gratitude for the Lord’s Consistent Faithfulness.

Furthermore, the first words in the Bible are, “In the beginning GOD. He was there before any of it came into existence AND HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER RIGHT UP TO THIS MOMENT. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and HOLDS IT TOGETHER, like a head does a body.” (Colossians 1:15-18 MSG). Now, if God can create and hold all of this together, surely you have no doubt about His ability to hold you and all that concerns you, together?

Jeremiah states: “Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You” (Jeremiah 32:17 AMP). Did you read that? “…There is NOTHING too hard…for You” The word ‘nothing’ is defined as, ‘not anything.’ Where is your level of confidence in your God? Do you believe that there is absolutely NOTHING taking place in your life that is too hard for your God to handle? There’s absolutely nothing that you’re experiencing, enduring, suffering, or struggling through or with that is too hard for your God to handle. There’s NOT ANYTHING that you can name that will EVER be listed under the TOO HARD FOR GOD TO HANDLE category! Which is why you should be encouraged to finally reach a place where you can confidently say: “…With men this is impossible, BUT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD” (Matthew 19:26 AMP). In other words, don’t let the government scare you; you don’t allow the doctor’s diagnosis to cause you to panic; don’t let the marital discord make you believe that what’s out of your hands is also out of God’s; don’t focus on your children doing the very opposite of what you’ve taught and trained them to do under the admonition of the Lord (God has His hands on them too); stop pacing the floor over the funds that are no longer piling high in your bank account (God is neither limited by money or intimidated by numbers). Learn how to trust God even in the moments when you can’t trace Him. Know that He’s still your LIGHT even in DARK places and seasons of life. Believe that He is still a very present help in times of trouble and that no matter how dark your circumstances get, your God is not afraid of the dark, therefore, neither should you be!

When will you reach a place where you trust what He SAID and not what you SEE? After all, “…we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our convictions…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP. You see, when you reach a growth level where you trust God without question, you began to stretch and strengthen your faith to the point where your convictions are firmly held in their belief because they are utterly convinced of what they believe and what they declare and decreed. Your faith reaches a point where you’re convinced and believe firmly in the truth of what God has already said concerning you, knowing that His Word can’t fail and can’t lie, therefore, you are fully persuaded to overcome your fear by the demonstration of your faith and conquer all that life’s struggles tell you can’t be conquered! You began to walk, talk, think, act, and live in the full knowledge that there is Absolutely Nothing Too Hard for Your God, and Nothing With Him Will Ever Be Deemed Impossible!

Know this: Trusting GOD, NOT Your Circumstances, is What Matters Most!

So, are you going through a difficult situation in your life right now? Are there circumstances that you cannot understand? Well, instead of trying to fix it or control it, rather than trying to figure out the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE WHY, and HOW of your struggle, why not simply focus instead on WHO:

FOCUS ON GOD WHO IS ELOHIM: The Creator, Who Made You With a Plan and For a Purpose!  “…I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for” (Jeremiah 29:10-11 MSG). People of God, you have no need to worry, fret or fear about your past, present or future, for God has a plan, a purpose, and a promise, and neither of them will fail due to your problems!

FOCUS ON GOD WHO IS EL ELYON: The God Most High, Whose Ways are Higher Than Your Ways! “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, so will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them” (Isaiah 55:8-11 MSG). So, stop trying to figure this out on your own! God’s Got It And You! Trust Him, Follow Him, Lean On Him, Obey Him! He Cannot Lie And Won’t Fail You! He Can Handle What’s Got a Hold of You! “This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own” (Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG). Imagine That! God Himself is sitting by waiting for you to call on Him! He’s waiting for you to bring to Him all your WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW questions! Because He alone will “…tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own” So, why are you still struggling with this? Why are you continuing to lose sleep, hair, peace, joy, comfort, and strength? When you can simply talk to God, the One WHO is the answer to all your questions?!

FOCUS ON GOD WHO IS EL ROI: The God Who Sees and Knows Where You Are and How You Feel! “So, she called the name of the Lord Who spoke to her, You are a God of seeing, for she said, Have I [not] even here [in the wilderness] looked upon Him Who sees me [and lived]? Or have I here also seen [the future purposes or designs of] Him Who sees me?” (Genesis 16:13 AMP). Much like Hagar, you can be at your lowest point in life right now, wandering through the wilderness ready to give up and throw in the towel. Not knowing what to do for yourself or your child. With no provision or protection, and worse yet, having those who should be there to support you, be nowhere to be found. And yet, it is at this very same place where God manifests Himself to you and like Hagar all you can say is “I looked upon Him Who sees me [and lived] …”. In other words, yes, you’ll survive this, yes, you’ll make it through this! There will be an “After This” testimony for you too! But like Hagar, you must focus on WHO, not WHAT! “Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So, let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” (Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG). Did you catch that? “…Take the mercy, accept the help”. God is waiting to extend mercy and help to you, so, what are you waiting for? If you can simply take your eyes off everything and everyone else and focus them where they need to be on (WHO) you will come out of this a lot better than you went into it!

FOCUS ON GOD WHO IS EL SHADDAI: The Lord God Almighty, the One Who Can Change You or Walk With You Through Your Circumstances as Surely as He Can Send Rain From Heaven! “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!” (Proverbs 3:5-12 MSG). If you want to live and have a good life than simply follow God! You want restored health than simply follow God! The WHO is all you need to get through all the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE HOW and WHY! The greatest exercise to maintain good health and a good life is walking with God! “But look!” he said. “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25 NKJV). Saints, there is absolutely nothing you can walk in, where God is absent! Remember: “God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 AMP). The Message Bible says it like this: “God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in sea storm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains.” (MSG). You are never alone! Your God loves you too much to ever leave your side! “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG). Now that’s what you call comfort! Need a little more reassurance? Here you go: “for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5 AMP). You my friend are tucked away safely under the wings of God and in the hands of God, whereby nothing and no one can touch you or take you away! “Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you will end up out in the cold – real losers. Those who worked against you will end up empty-handed – nothing to show for their lives. When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won’t find them – Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory. That’s right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.’ (Isaiah 41:11-13 MSG). Now that’s what you call safe!

And just in case you think something or someone in the world can harm you, God loves you enough to even give you a protection plan that’s better than ADT:

“You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge, outstretched arms protect you—under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path. “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!” (Psalm 91 MSG).

And just in case your faith fuel hasn’t reached all the way on full yet, here’s a little more:

“The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is His!” (Psalm 24:1 TLB)

“Do you have any idea how powerful God is? Have you ever heard of a teacher like him? Has anyone ever had to tell him what to do, or correct him, saying, ‘You did that all wrong!’? Remember, then, to praise his workmanship, which is so often celebrated in song. Everybody sees it; nobody is too far away to see it.” (Job 36:22-25 MSG)

“What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. Men of God in days of old were famous for their faith. By faith – by believing God – we know that the world and the stars – in fact, all things – were made at God’s command; and that they were all made from things that can’t be seen” (Hebrews 11:1-3 TLB).

“Don’t you yet understand? Don’t you know by now that the everlasting God, the Creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary? No one can fathom the depths of his understanding.  He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak.  Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up.  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 TLB).

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG).

Don’t Allow Focusing On WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW, Distort Your Vision That You Can’t See WHO! And YES, It’s Vital That You Know WHO He Is!

“When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” He pressed them, “AND HOW ABOUT YOU? WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?” Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of WHO I REALLY AM. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. “And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth, and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19 MSG).

SO, DO YOU KNOW WHO HE IS? WHO HE REALLY IS? Because if you did, you wouldn’t worry about WHAT is going to happen in the government, WHEN will I be healed, WHERE will I find the money to pay the bills, WHY did the promotion pass over me, and HOW am I going to get out of this? NOPE! You stand confident in your faith knowing that the God WHO is responsible as the source of your faith has never failed before and He most certainly won’t fail you now!

So, despite WHAT you’re going through, WHO will you allow God to be to you?!

“Though you have changed a thousand times, He has NOT changed once.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [ALWAYS] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).” (AMPC)

Blessings

J.P. Olson

Today Be Encouraged. Here’s Another Promise You Should Claim Every Day: “…No Harm Will Befall You, No Disaster Will Come Near Your Tent. For He Will Command His Angels Concerning You To Guard You In All Your Ways.”

 Hebrews 1:14, “Are not all the angels ministering spirits sent out [by God] to serve (accompany, protect) those who will inherit salvation? [Of course, they are!]” (AMP) 

Jesus Christ is the magnet who holds us all in place. The vertical forgiveness is that which we receive from our gracious God and the horizontal forgiveness is that which we extend to others in His name. God has also made a command for each of us.

Schedule Time With God, Your Soul (And Your Life) Needs a Drink of His Living Water!

If you believe the Bible, you must believe in Angels! Why? Because there are over 300 references to them! How are they described you ask? Maybe Chiffon wings and Meringue sweetness? Nope! Two words in fact describe them: Many and Mighty! How Mighty are they you ask? Well, it took only ONE Angel to shut the mouths of the lions for Daniel (Daniel 6:22, “My God has sent His angel and has shut the mouths of the lions so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, before you, O king, I have committed no crime.” AMP); also, an angel was sent to bring Peter out of prison on the eve of his execution! (Acts 12:7, “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared [beside him] and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter’s side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off his hands.” AMP).

Now, do you remember Elisha’s servant? When an army threatened to take their lives, Elisha asked God to open His servant’s eyes. Here’s what the Bible says: “And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17). With that said, I wonder if God opened your eyes today what would you see? Possibly Angels escorting your children to school? Shielding you from drunken and distracted drivers? Guiding the hand of the surgeon? Protecting you while you sleep?

Redirecting the robber and rapist from your path? Blocking the bullets and knife wounds that were aiming for your body? Would you see angels holding back the hand of incidental and accidental and untimely death?! Would you see the gang and terroristic activity being shut down on your behalf? Would you see angels stopping the flood from breaking in and the fire from breaking out? Would you see angels moving your feet before that tree fell or that pipeline blew up? Would you see angels delaying your train so you wouldn't be the victim of the pusher or the slasher? TODAY, ASK GOD TO OPEN YOUR EYES SO YOU CAN SEE THE ANGELS HE'S ASSIGNED TO YOUR LIFE.
 

When they attempt to foreclose on your home, Look Out For Angels;
When they attempt to repossess your car, Look Out For Angels;
When the doctor says there’s nothing else that can be done, Look Out For Angels;
When they say you’re about to be laid off, Look Out For Angels;
When they say your church doors are about to close, Look Out For Angels;
When your children look like they’re heading in the wrong direction, Look Out For Angels;
When your marriage is driving towards divorce court, Look Out For Angels!

As a Believer, Angels Are Commanded to Care For You! So Always, “…Expect Powerful Angels to Accompany You In Your Life’s Experiences”

Angels Are Charged to Protect! But WHO is this protection for? The Bible says, “…Those who will RECEIVE SALVATION.” In other words, Reject Jesus, and you Forfeit the Ultimate Protection; Accept Him and You’re Covered 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, 366 Days of the Year! (Yep, Angels Cover You All Year Long, Including Holidays and Leap Year Too!) As a believer, one of our greatest benefits is that we are never without coverage! We’re shielded in the supermarket, in the parking lot, at the bank, doing laundry, standing in the unemployment line, at the pharmacy, at school, at work, at church, waiting for the bus, just boarding the train, standing on the platform, entering the cab, at the doctor’s office, getting our nails done, at the barbershop, at McDonald’s, getting gas, in the bathroom! There is nowhere that the believer is, that protection is without!
 
Listen: “The angel of the LORD Encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7). Note, He doesn’t wave as He flies past; He 'Encamps', He Lingers, He Lives, He Keeps Vigilance Over You!

Let that understanding lower your anxiety levels in this life.

Another translation says it like this: “GOD’s angel sets up a Circle of protection around us…” (MSG). A Circle is Full Coverage All Around You! Meaning Not One Area of Your Life Is Left Exposed to the Hand or the Attack of the Enemy! Angels Circle Around You and Block His Every Entry Way to Cause You Harm!  The truth is, some of the Wealthiest people on the planet don’t have it that good! Strapped with guns, knives, bullet proof vests, and still—down goes the bodyguard! But it’s Not So for the believer! Thank God For My Angels! You see, the word ‘circle’ has its origin in Latin, from ‘circulus’ which means ‘a small ring’, from ‘circus’ meaning ‘ring’. Look at it this way, when I think of a ‘small ring’, I think about a boxing ring. You’re on one side, and the devil is on the other. And as many times as the devil can beat you upside the head with every struggle, circumstance, sickness, and trial, he can never knock you out! Because you’ve got angels in the corner of your small ring!

The Bible gives yet another translation of our text like this: “On Every Side, the LORD’s Messenger Protects Those Who Honor God; And He Delivers Them” (CEB). You Are Covered “On Every Side…” Angels Are Encamped Around You; Angels Have Formed a Circle of Protection About You; Angels Have Got You Covered On Every Side! Be it North, South, East or West, Before You or Behind You, Above You or Beneath You, Angels Have You Fully Covered! On your best day, on your worse day, in sickness and in health, angels have you fully covered, on every side, always! 

Therefore, learn how to talk like the Psalmist: “I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, LORD, Will Keep Me Safe” (Psalm 4:8 CEV). Another translation reads like this: “I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O LORD, Enable Me To Live Securely” (GWT). People of God, You Can Go To Sleep! Why? Because the God you serve never sleeps nor slumbers! Psalm 121:4, "...Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly]." (AMP); "...never sleeps or rests!" (CEB); "...doesn’t doze or ever get drowsy." (CEV); "...does not get tired. He never sleeps." (ERV); "...will not close his eyes or sleep."

God Has Promised In His Word That You Are Safe and Secure! And God cannot fail and cannot lie! Last I checked God has also Promised: “…Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So Will The Words That Come Out Of My Mouth Not Come Back Empty-Handed. They’ll Do The Work I Sent Them To Do, They’ll Complete The Assignment I Gave Them” (Isaiah 55:8-11 MSG). Therefore, When God’s Word Says You Are Safe and Secure, You My Friend Are Safe and Secure! Now Sleep On That!

Here’s Another Promise You Should Claim Every Day: “…No Harm Will Befall You, No Disaster Will Come Near Your Tent. For He Will Command His Angels Concerning You To Guard You In All Your Ways.” (Psalm 91:10-11 NIV). Angels Are Commanded Concerning You! They Do Not Have An Option In The Matter! It Is Not A Suggestion! God Doesn’t Ask the Angels How They Feel About Protecting You; Or What They Think About Protecting You; They Don’t Even Have a Choice! Because God Loves You So Much That He Commanded Angels To Care For You! And a ‘command’ is defined as, ‘to be given an authoritative order.’ Angels don’t make the decision to protect you, they’ve been commanded and ordered by the only Authority that matters, the Godhead! And it’s the Godhead that has said, “…NO HARM WILL BEFALL YOU; NO DISASTER WILL COME NEAR YOUR TENT. FOR HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS.” I reiterated, “…IN YOUR ALL YOUR WAYS.”  

So again, I say to learn how to talk like the Psalmist: “You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe. I Am Not Afraid of Anyone. You Protect Me, And I Have No Fears” (Psalm 27:1 CEV). WE HAVE NO REASON TO FEAR! Why? Because we have angels on guard to protect us day and night, no matter where we are! So, no matter what the diagnosis; no matter the financial struggle; no matter the marital dispute; no matter the family squabble; no matter the job chaos, you are safe, secured, covered, protected, and have full time heavenly surveillance, that never ceases!

Lastly, believe it or not, but angels not only Serve you, but they’re Stunned by you!
Listen to the Word of God: “…Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given Anything to be in on this” (1 Peter 1:12 MSG).  Can you believe it? There are things that God doesn't tell the Angels, but He Tells US!

However, you may still ask, why would angels be Stunned by us? Think about it: Does the Holy Spirit indwell angels? NO, but He indwells you! Do angels thank God for salvation? NO, they’ve never been lost—but you have been both lost and found! Did Christ become an angel? NO, but He became a human being just like you, and angels stood in awe! Angels attended His birth, witnessed His death, and announced His resurrection! And still, they stand in awe of what We Know! They would give anything to be in on the secrets God only tells US!

Angels are so involved with us that they even watch over the work of the Church: The Bible says, “Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about Even Among The Angels.” (Ephesians 3:10 MSG). Imagine the angels gathering to discuss the Church: “Gabriel, have you seen what’s happening in Nigeria? As well as the Australians that are taking great strides…Yeah, but Michael, I just returned from New York—let me tell you about those awesome Brooklyn believers.”

God’s angels are so involved with us that the Bible even admonishes us: “Do not forget to Entertain Strangers, for by so doing some people have Entertained Angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV).

Angels not only stand to guard and protect you, but they also stand in awe of you!

Did you catch the Scripture above? “Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels.” They’re talking about us, the church! Can you imagine being the topic of conversation among the Angels?! Yes, my friend, you are valued that much, even among all of the heavenly host!

BE ENCOURAGED: Mark 1:12-13, "At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him." (MSG). Like Jesus, even in the midst of temptation and demonic attack, angels will take care of you!

BE ENCOURAGED: John 20:11-13, "But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid. They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?” (MSG) Even in a time of crisis; death; sickness; grief; loss; and confusion, angels will always be present with you!

BE ENCOURAGED: 1 Timothy 5:21-23, "God and Jesus and angels all back me up..." (MSG) You have God; Jesus and Angels that back you up too!

BE ENCOURAGED: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, "All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he’ll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we’ve been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they’ve done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you." (MSG) Not only are angels present with you now, but 'strong angels' will return with our Master Jesus to take us home! That's the best good news of all for every believer!

Listen, No Matter How Lonely You May Feel, You Are Never Alone! Angels Are Always On Call and On Guard Where The Believer Is Concerned! How wonderful to know you have your very own bodyguard unit—and you didn’t have to pay a dime for it either! God sends His personal bodyguards to protect you! But is this sloppy Christian sentiment you may ask? NO, it’s Solid Scriptural Reality! If Jesus is Lord of your life, then angels are watching over you!  The Bible says, “Watch that you don’t treat one of these childlike believers arrogantly. You realize, don’t you, that Their PERSONAL ANGELS Are Constantly In Touch With My Father In Heaven?” (Matthew 18:10 MSG) So, No more worry, fear, anxiety, and panic attacks! No more stress and frustration! Regardless to what the bank says, the doctor says, the employer says, the school says, the dealership says…Remember GOD’S WORD SAYS: You’ve Got “…Personal Angels…” that are “…Constantly In Touch With…(our) Father In Heaven”! Where You're Concerned, to God, Your Protection is Personal!

So, From This Day Forward, Rest In The Promise That You Have Angels Assigned to Watch Over You! You Are Safe, and it is Well!

"Spending time with God is the key to our strength and success in all areas of life. Be sure that you never try to work God into your schedule, but always work your schedule around Him." (Joyce Meyer)

"We schedule meetings to keep our business going in the right direction – we need to schedule meetings with God to help keep our lives going in the right direction." (DeVon Franklin)

"It is not easy to shut out the world, set aside a few minutes by yourself, and spend time in God's Word and prayer. But it is essential to grow in our relationship with God and be strengthened for the battles ahead. Do not delay. Begin now to spend time alone with God every day." (Billy Graham)

Blessings

J.P. Olson

We All Have Had Some Days When We Feel Like We’re Stuck In The Basement, The View Isn’t Very Inspiring, And Neither Is The Situation We’re In. Allow Me To Share With You Daniel’s Elevator. Elevators Change Your Perspective, Prospective & Your Posture

 Daniel 2:19, “…and then Daniel praised the God of heaven…” (TLB)

Now, if you were to ask my husband or adult children, they would be the first to say I am still the biggest kid in the entire house! And truth be told, I unapologetically admit, they’re right! And one of the things that bring out the kid in me most is riding those glass elevators that are found in some hotels. You know how it goes, you get in on the main floor and then you ascend to the top floor, all the time you’re watching the big things in the lobby become the small things in the lobby. And the limited view you had down there, suddenly turns into a panoramic view up here. I mean we’re talking about going from the lobby to the observation deck in a matter of seconds; rising scores of floors in less time than it takes to place some phone calls! For instance, at 9:32, you’re down in the lobby or even the basement, but by 9:33, you’re looking out over the entire city – and all because of an elevator! You see, elevators have a funny way of changing your perspective (which is the particular way you view something, the height, width, depth, length, and distance of it), your prospective (which is what is expected or likely to happen or be in the future) and even your posture (which is the particular way a body is positioned, the way in which a person holds their body, to look down, to look up and most importantly to look out, over and beyond)! Elevators Change Your Perspective, Your Prospective, and Your Posture.

And not that we don’t know it, but the word “elevator” is defined as “a platform or compartment housed in a shaft for raising and lowering people or things.” And in Daniel’s case, his praise elevator raised him up!

But before we get to Daniel, let’s face it, we all have some days when we feel like we’re stuck in the basement, right? The view isn’t very inspiring, and neither is the situation we’re in. It’s dark, it’s lonely, it’s gloomy, it’s hard, it’s depressing. We’re low in funds, low in joy, low in peace, low in confidence, low in health, low in marriage, low in singlehood, low in dealing with the battles of raising children, low in dealing with coworkers, and even low while sitting in the pew next to our brothers and sisters in Christ, Sunday after Sunday! There are simply some moments in life when we’re held in bondage in the basement, instead of breaking through the ceiling!

Well, the good news is that there is no basement so deep or so gloomy that you must stay there, because there’s an elevator just waiting to take you up and out!

In essence, it’s the spiritual elevator many of God’s leaders in the Bible knew about – like Daniel, for example. He’s a top advisor to the most powerful man in the world, King Nebuchadnezzar. All the king’s pagan advisors have been unable to meet his demand, and they tell him they don’t know what his disturbing dream meant. Of course, he’d also asked them to tell him what the dream was. But nobody could do that either. So, he sentences them to death – a sentence that applies even to Daniel, even though he wasn’t there! So, Daniel is literally staring at being executed for no reason at all! Talk about a dark basement!

However, he doesn’t become weary, he doesn’t panic, he doesn’t freak-out, he doesn’t start crying. So, what does he do? Well, as any wise man (or woman) would, he recruits his spiritual brothers!

Daniel 2:16-17, “So Daniel went in to see the king. “Give me a little time,” he said, “and I will tell you the dream and what it means.” Then he went home and told Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions” (TLB).

First things first, he lets the king know, oh it won’t end like this, at least not for me! And sometimes you need to speak to the very person, place or thing that is attempting to snuff out your life, that it won’t go down like that, not today, and not for me! I know what I’m facing is tough, but I refuse to just lay down and die! Just give me a little time, I’m about to put a strategy in place that can’t fail! This is designed to take me down, but I’m coming up and out!

Listen: Don’t you dare just accept situations or attacks for their face value. Hit it head on! Don’t cower, don’t run, don’t give up, don’t get depressed…Strategize! That’s what Daniel did! It was time for a step of faith, not a stumble in fear! 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” (AMP). I reiterate, this is a time to take a step of faith, not a stumble in fear!

Daniel responds, ‘Just give me a little time…’ And what does Daniel do in that little time? He gets Reinforcements! However, it’s important to note, that he only called three of them. Sounds a lot like Jesus with His inner circle of Peter, James, and John. Which means we really need to be careful when going into spiritual battle (even battles we face in the natural) in making sure that we call for the right troops. We need to make sure that when we call in reinforcements, we call the right people! Proverbs 11:14, “Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.” (AMP). Know that everybody who says they’re praying for you, are not! Not everyone asking about your situation cares that you get out of it, some just want to make sure you’re still in it! That’s why discernment and wisdom are necessities, not options when you’re gathering troops to go into battle!

Listen: You only need to take those IN, who can help bring you OUT! But how do you know you’ve selected the right people? Let’s continue reading: “They asked the God of heaven to show them His mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not die with the others. And that night in a vision God told Daniel what the king had dreamed.” (vss. 18-19)

Daniel didn’t just call any group of men; he called the ones he knew would immediately intercede! The Bible says, “They asked the God of heaven…” Are those the first people you call? If it’s not, you need to change your strategy if you plan to win! Notice, they don’t hold a long conversation with Daniel, they don’t offer him options or their opinions. They don’t find some other brothers to talk about the mess involving Daniel and the king. No, they go straight into intercession, talking to only God! They don’t ask Daniel how he feels about it, they don’t question him at all. He called for them, they came to him, then they went to God! If you don’t have reinforcements like this, find them, today!

Something else to note, the 3 men asked God to show “THEM” His mercy by telling “THEM” the secret. But the answer to what they asked goes like this: “…And that night in a vision GOD TOLD DANIEL what the king had dreamed…” They asked for God to show “THEM”, but God told “DANIEL”. Note: You need intercessors that can intercede without jealousy or competition! They could have responded, “God WE came to you in intercession so you would reveal it to US” …but they were just fine with Daniel receiving the answer…ALONE. Some people pose as your teammates when they’re really your opponents! Choose these people wisely!

Surround yourself with people who will not be so busy competing with you that they can’t help you win. It didn’t matter if it was revealed to Daniel alone, if the revelation came, the inner circle was fine! And when it did, listen to Daniel’s response: “…Then Daniel praised the God of heaven…”

Before Daniel even goes to the king, remember, his life as well as the lives of others were already at stake, so if you think anything like me, you may respond with, “Daniel, now may not be the most opportune time to go into a praise break…maybe you should talk to the king first” But, in Daniel’s case, that’s exactly what he did first, he talked to the KING!

See, the problem with us is that we let fear supersede our faith! But even during having his life at risk, Daniel stops to praise God first! He has a problem, God provides the solution, but before Daniel applies the solution, he praises God first! If that’s not how you’ve handled it in the past, handle it like that in the present and in the future!

Truth is, we must reach a place of trust, reliance, dependence, and faith in God where our circumstances don’t alter our praise! We need to allow our praise to be the evidence that we trust God’s outcome, before we even come out! We need our situations, trials, and struggles to see that we walk by faith, even when that walk takes us through the valleys of the shadows of death! And so, Daniel is our example of celebrating God for Victory before the Battle is even over!

‘Don’t Wait till the Battle is Over, Shout Now!’

Listen to the rest of the text: “…saying, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for He alone has all wisdom and all power. World events are under His control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones. He gives wise men their wisdom and scholars their intelligence. He reveals profound mysteries beyond man’s understanding. He knows all hidden things, for He is light, and darkness is no obstacle to Him. I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers, for You have given me wisdom and glowing health, and now even this vision of the king’s dream and the understanding of what it means.” (TLB)

Daniel steps into the spiritual elevator that takes him from the basement of his circumstances to the penthouse of his awesome God! That elevator is called “Praise!” Now, you would think that finally receiving a solution to his problem would make him run to the king, but he had to praise his King first! And people of God, so do you!

In Daniel 2, beginning with verse 19, the Bible declares, “Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes the times and seasons and sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise…He reveals deep and hidden things…and light dwells with Him…”

See, Daniel rises from the basement of a dangerous and impossible situation to the penthouse view from the Throne Room of the Most High God! And everything looks different from there! Please know that as you rise higher on an elevator, what seemed so close and so big and so overwhelming (when you were on the same level as it), starts to shrink in size the higher you go up! The higher you go up, the smaller it gets, the higher you go up the further away from you it gets! Which is why it’s so vital that you learn how to rise from low places! Yes, it hurts, yes, it’s confusing, yes, it’s aggravating and frustrating, yes, it’s caused you some night’s sleep, yes, you’ve even worried, fretted and had panic attacks because of it, but that’s only because you stayed on the same level as it for far too long! When life’s attacks come at you and attempt to snuff out your life, start elevating! You don’t stay on the same level as your issues. Leave them right where they are and you shift your perspective, prospective and posture! Walk by faith and not by sight; began singing, dancing, clapping, praising and worshiping God! Sink into the depths of His Word where you will be reminded of His power, providence, sovereignty, provision, promises and protection! Began to speak His Words of Life, no matter the danger of death that is near! Walk like you know He is still the lifter up of your head and that He’s placed your feet like hinds’ feet on high places! Straighten your back and square off your shoulders. Put on the whole armor of God and get ready to do battle and win! Even when your situation and circumstances don’t change, you must! You never stay on levels beneath the privilege of a Child of God!

Now, one of the secrets of peace during great stress, of poise when everything is up for grabs, of perspective when you could be flippin’ out – the secret is to start celebrating the kind of God you have! Remember, you enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, not just with prayer requests. The great prayers of the Bible are like two-thirds about the greatness of God and maybe one-third about the need. When you start telling God the things about Him that you love, the things He’s done that you’re grateful for, that anxiety in your heart starts to ebb and the peace in your heart starts to grow. You realize that the size of the situation and the size of the need don’t change the size of your God at all! The size of your situation will never change the dimensions of your God! What may be too big for you, will never be too big for Him! With Him all things are possible, and they are likewise possible for you too because He’s already told you that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! So, stop listening to the words of your adversary, and start listening to the words of your Advocate! He’s fighting with you and for you, you will not lose! He ALWAYS Causes Us to Triumph!

In the midst of danger, Daniel still paused to take a praise and thank break! And so should you! Daniel could have complained, started to stress out, flip out and worry. Or do like many of us do and try to design back-up plans just in case God doesn’t show up on our timetable! But no! His very life is in danger, and yet he doesn’t panic, he simply presses pause so he can give God praise!

And how does such a response end for Daniel? Listen to what happens after Daniel praises God, then shares the dream and revelation with the king:

Daniel 2:46-49, “When Daniel finished, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face in awe before Daniel. He ordered the offering of sacrifices and burning of incense in Daniel’s honor. He said to Daniel, “Your God is beyond question the God of all gods, the Master of all kings. And he solves all mysteries, I know, because you’ve solved this mystery.” Then the king promoted Daniel to a high position in the kingdom, lavished him with gifts, and made him governor over the entire province of Babylon and the chief in charge of all the Babylonian wise men. At Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to administrative posts throughout Babylon, while Daniel governed from the royal headquarters.” (MSG)

How’s that for taking a praise elevator from the basement to the penthouse?! Everyone in your situation, everything in your situation looks different from God’s penthouse perspective. You’ll see the people differently. You’ll see possibilities you haven’t seen before. You’ll have ideas you haven’t had before. You’ll have the peace that you couldn’t have otherwise.

That is the power of praise – the elevator that takes you from the “basement” of earth-stuff to the “penthouse” of your awesome God! Daniel and his reinforcements, go from having their lives in danger to governing and administrating in the royal headquarters!

Despite What You Face As A Struggle, It’s Important That You Learn How To Put Your Praise In Place, So Your Problem Doesn’t Knock You Out Of Position, But Promotes You In It! No Matter How Low Life May Take You, Never Allow It To Lower Your Praise! It Was The Elevator That Raised Daniel Up, Elevators Change Your Perspective, Your Prospective and Your Posture.

The Bible says, “When Daniel finished, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face in awe before Daniel. He ordered the offering of sacrifices and burning of incense in Daniel’s honor. He said to Daniel, “Your God is beyond question the God of all gods, the Master of all kings…”

Listen: What Hurt You Will End Up Honoring You! And What Had Your Back Up Against The Wall, Will Bow Down Before You! When You Praise God During Your Problems, Even What Came Up Against You, Will Eventually Bow Before You! 

Which means, going forward when you face an uphill battle, fight like Daniel! Seek out the right men (and women) (those with a prayer life that know how to use their mouth to intercede to God as opposed to gossiping to other people); and when God reveals the solution to the problem, don’t panic and run to the problem as if you don’t get to it quick enough, God’s plan will fail. No, when you have enough sense to go to God in the first place, you don’t have to fear anything afterwards. Which is why you can then walk by faith, walk in favor, and walk away from fear! And then watch God do for you as he did for Daniel and even as He did for Joseph (God Will Use the Very Same Plans That Were Meant to Hurt You, to Help You Instead! What Was Meant For Your Evil, Will Be For Your Good!) Before you know it, your problem, turned into a praise, will turn into a position of promotion for you and those attached to you!

No matter how low life may take you, never allow it to lower your praise! It was the elevator that raised Daniel up, and it’s the same elevator that will do the same for you!

Blessings

J.P. Olson