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February 7, 2013

God got you to this place, NOT to drop you on your face!

What are you facing right now? Whatever “this” problem is – it will NOT overpower you, NOT crush you, NOT destroy you! Paul faced stress but never quit. “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT) Even if you are “going through hell” don’t stop! God hasn’t stopped working. Don’t quit!

Can you relate to the expression on my brother Barry’s face (below)? What do you imagine he was thinking? Perhaps – “I think I can; I think I can; I think I can; OH, NO!”

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33 AMP)

God doesn’t intend for you to break under pressure. He offers abundant grace and promises that “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4b KJV)

God doesn’t promise to keep you from experiencing tribulation, but He promises to walk with you through it! “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.” (Isaiah 42:2 GNT)

You may be waiting, but God is still working. You’re right on schedule – God’s schedule! Remember, you are on God’s timetable, not your own. God’s Word and His Promises are never on pause like a DVR.

God DOESN’T do HALFway! He is a finisher, a completer, not just a starter. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Our Lord Jesus Christ is described as “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) God finishes what He starts.

February 7, 2013

Gaining God’s Perspective

Perspective alters our attitude and our action. Our perspective can filter or distort what we experience.

When I watch the replay of a New Orleans Saints’ game in which I already know they won, I feel differently about a missed a field goal or a turnover. The final result is already set, so I know my favorite team somehow will overcome the mistake. That doesn’t mean I LIKE the missed field goal or turnover! Of course not – I want the Saints to play perfectly! But, stressing out isn’t going to change the recording. How do you view your life? What’s your perspective?

I want God’s perspective. I want to see my life and the lives the people around me through His eyes. In Christ, you and I have a seat with Him in the heavenly realms. Gaining God’s perspective will transform the way in which I:

love my wife, laying down my life to minister to her need.
train my children, expecting God’s gifts to flourish.
show up for a job, working for Lord and for His glory.
resolve conflict, forgiving quickly and not holding on to anger.
overcome temptation, looking for the escape route He promised.
pay my bills, stewarding the resources He has entrusted to me.
study for an examination.
handle discouragement and disappointment.
listen to and talk back to media.
live every aspect of my life.

At last night’s mens meeting at Valley Fellowship Church, Josh Laster did a great job of leading the call for Better Men. He made a significant comment (my paraphrase): “If we could see the other side of every obstacle – like God does – we would joyfully tackle whatever is in the way.”

God perspective is so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). God sees the end and the beginning. He sees stuff inside of us that we can’t even see. He sees the end result of His beautiful work in our lives.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NASB)

February 5, 2013

Point Your Kids in the Right Direction

The best thing a parent can spend on their child is time, not money. Time with a child is critical for children tend to pursue the goals they see modeled. The reason some parents don’t lead their child in the right direction is because the parents aren’t going that way themselves. Children tend to follow in their parents’ footsteps, even the footsteps thought to be covered up. Do your children mirror you?

Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost. Proverbs 22:6 MSG

Kids want to live up to expectations. If through my life I imply that the aim of adulthood is a big-screen television or an expensive car or an amusing hobby, guess what aim my children are likely to have?

Ask yourself, “I am passing along a goal that my child may pursue with more vigor than the pursuit Christ’s Kingdom?” If we want to raise our families to love and serve God, we have to be clear about our priorities. Like Joshua, we have to face up to those around us and say: “If serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, them choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 NIV)

In the first scene of a Nancy comic, Nancy states, “Things will be different when I’m an adult. When I have kids of my own, I’m going to let them do whatever they want, whenever they want.” After a frame to reflect, Nancy completes her thought, “As long as they do it my way.” (John Maxwell, “What Children Owe Their Parents (and Themselves),” Preaching Today, Tape No. 140)

Okay, we can’t force our kids to turn out great! Every child has a free will and individual responsibility. But, as parents, we can shoulder faithfully our God-given responsibility to discipline and instruct our children.

Some years ago, the National Research Bureau, Inc. published a list of Ten Things for Which You as a Parent Will Never Be Sorry (Illustrations Unlimited, 1988, p. 395).

TEN GOOD THINGS:

For doing your level best even when discouraged.

For hearing before judging in family quarrels.

For thinking before speaking when emotionally upset.

For not harboring unkind thoughts of a talebearer.

For being generous to an enemy, perhaps the next door neighbor.

For stopping your ears to gossip over the fence.

For standing by your principles in dealing with your teenagers.

For asking pardon, when in error, even of your child.

For being square in business dealings with the newsboy.

For accepting the stewardship of “another” child.

February 5, 2013

Connect With Kids So Kids Can Safely Connect

Abraham was chosen to be a blessing to the whole earth, but his calling began in a simple way. Abraham was charged by God to lead “by parental authority as well as by personal example” (The Pulpit Commentary: Genesis, p. 246). Abraham was called to teach his own household, who again would hand down the truth to their households. Abraham’s being a blessing to the world depended on his being a blessing to his own home.

“For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.” Genesis 18:19 NASB

COMMAND = to “command,” “order,” “direct,” “instruct” his children.

One BIG reason God chose Abraham to bless the whole world was the fact that Abraham would instruct his children. As parents, we can not afford to shirk our duty to train our children. Christian Parenting Today (Jan/Feb 2000) shared a story that made me laugh:

While listening to the song “Train Up a Child,” my daughter Emily asked me what “train up” means. I explained that it means to teach children about God and the difference between right and wrong.

“Are you and Daddy training me up?” she asked.

“We’re trying to,” I said.

Emily turned back to the stereo and muttered, “We’ll see about that.”

One area where adolescents need parental insight is social media. Even if you think your kids know more than you about “all that internet stuff” – you are still called by God to be a PARENT! We must connect with our kids so that our kids can safely connect online.

Two years ago my daughter Kimberlyn agonized over some of the information she encountered via social media. Her concern prompted a research paper for English class and ultimately resulted in an open letter which was published in the January 2011 Ignite magazine. I thought the message needed to be highlighted once again.

An Open Letter to My Parents By Kimberlyn Simon

Mom and Dad, I feel pressure to connect to social networking – most kids my age are active online and I don’t want to be left out. Actually, I really enjoy getting online, reading the posts from friends, and catching up with what’s going on in my world. But, Mom and Dad, some of what’s happening is scary. Most of the discussion happening online is silly or nonsensical or normal. However, I think some of it is unhealthy and some of it is very dangerous.

Without any hesitation and with little thought, millions of teens daily use social networking to greet friends, to get information, and to post status updates. Teens are in jeopardy because they exercise little caution with the precious particulars posted on social networking sites. Vast numbers post personal info without even considering the vulnerability such honesty exposes, and many teens are ignorantly accepting harmful advice.

Please, keep on talking to me. I recently did a research paper on the dangers of social networking and I discovered some astonishing facts. Mom and Dad, did you know that forty percent of teens tell almost nothing to their parents about what all they do online? Keep on asking me what I am doing online. Thank you for not just asking but looking to see what I am posting. Thanks for reading what I am posting!

I go to worship services every week, pay attention in youth meetings, and attend a Christian school. Online, I am friends with lots of kids who go to church. I really don’t think that some of their parents are keeping up with what is happening. Some of the profile pictures I see from kids are dark, as if they are crying out for help. Some the status updates I read really shock me because I have never heard my friends use that language in person. I have friends who use cuss words in their status updates. Online teenagers seem to be free to complain, to rebel, to curse, and even to take God’s Name in vain.

I read posts from lots of people. Most are real friends, not just people I have friend-ed on facebook. But there are posts discussing disgusting material. Abuse has twisted social media into something that puts real dangers in the short reach of teenagers like me. You are my parents. I am reassured to think you are pleasing God when you train me. Thanks for doing your job. Guide me. Help me filter out the junk and hold on the good.

Sometimes I struggle to sort out the large amount of information available online. There is lots of healthy advice, but some groups actually encourage destructive behavior like anorexia, cutting, and even suicide. Social networking might be helpful, for some, but discussing suicide via social sites keeps destructive thoughts fresh in the minds of young people. Teens debate reasons for suicide and even exchange information on how to do it.

Insecure teens are especially vulnerable to networking sites that reinforce negative self-image. Some teens struggling with thoughts about the inadequacies of their own body, visit pro-anorexic sites to somehow be accepted and understood, but instead discover how to adopt and to hide this life-killing lifestyle. Some sites display pictures of deathly-skinny girls and extol this unhealthy image as the ideal.

Social networking supplies a lot of helpful communication; but, some groups do not give wise counsel. I learned from my research that social networking also puts me at higher risk for burglary, identity theft, pedophilia, and unhealthy exposure to pornography and gambling. The potential for harm is real.

Mom and Dad, I am so fortunate that you are my parents. Social networking can be a helpful thing but I seriously profit from your honest maturity and practiced wisdom. I want to exercise critical thinking skills but I benefit from your watchful adult supervision. Mom and Dad, I don’t want my friends to be hurt and I don’t want to be in danger. Thanks for talking to me. Thanks for looking at what I am posting. Thanks for praying for me. Thank you for connecting with me so that I can safely connect online.

February 4, 2013

Service Is Love In Work Clothes

Words expressing servanthood are used more than 300 times in the New Testament but the Biblical idea of service contradicts the ME-generation with its emphasis on self and being all I can be.

Being a servant doesn’t mean that I let other people walk over me. Service doesn’t mean, “I’ll do whatever YOU want to do.” Actually, to be a good servant I must have a clear sense of mission, of purpose, of calling. I need to respond to the God call of service. How is God asking you to serve others? I am not asking what other people think you should do, but what is God calling you to do?

The Apostle Peter urges us to “use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV). Are you utilizing your gifts and abilities to faithfully fulfill kingdom responsibilities? Are you yielding your gifts and abilities to allow God’s Word to be communicated? Are you empowering your gifts and abilities by drawing from the ready-supply of God’s strength? Are you directing your gifts and abilities to bring praise and glory to Jesus Christ? As we join together, we accomplish great things.

In world’s eyes, greatness is being in charge, being the best, being a celebrity. But you could be lead engineer at NASA, the president of a fortune 500 company, a professor at UAH, an Alabama or Auburn football player, or even the pastor of a large church and still not be great in God’s eyes. Our Heavenly Father prizes service. Faithful service is valued and is honored by God.

Do I go out of my way to serve guests who come into the doors of the sanctuary of Valley? Do newcomers feel love and care? Am I willing to get my hands dirty? Can I find an area of ministry that offers no glamour or prestige, and might even be physically demanding? How much skill does it take to clean up excrement from an elderly body? How much time does it take share a handshake or a hug? How much effort does it take to smile? You know, every Valley Fellowship short-term mission trip reminds me – even small actions display God’s love. Patti’s willingness to paint a face in Leticia, Colombia (2010) opened the door for great things in the Amazon.

Are we ready to do something significant for the kingdom of God? Real ministry takes place when I get my hands dirty and practically serve people where they live. Oswald Chambers, the author of the classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest, advises “Never allow the thought, ‘I am of no use where I am,’ because you certainly can be of no use where you are not.” You can make an impact.

The opportunities to serve the Lord at Valley Fellowship are endless – parking-lot security, table setup, construction labor, video production, yard work, fence-row clearing, greeting, food distribution, diaper changing, children’s church cleanup, hotdog grilling, window washing – more than I can list! So, what are you going to do? American industrialist Henry Ford wisely quipped, “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.”

What makes you say, “Why doesn’t someone do something about this?” Ask God what He wants you to do about it. Get into service. Perform random daily acts of kindness and service. Shoulder ongoing, structured, organized kingdom responsibilities – weekly or at least monthly. Tackle a big project at least once a year – a mission trip, Christmas feeding, or kids camp.

Some people are difficult to serve. Oswald Chambers divulges “If I love Jesus Christ, I will serve humanity, though men and women treat me like a doormat.” Ultimately, I must keep in mind that I’m not serving my spouse or my kids; I’m not serving the elders; I’m not serving that cranky church member; I’m not serving that troublesome person at the office.

As I serve my children – I am serving Jesus Christ. As I serve my spouse – I am serving Jesus Christ. As I serve my employer – I am serving Jesus Christ. As I serve my church – I am serving Jesus Christ. I am serving Jesus Christ . . . how about you?

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

February 3, 2013

Super Athletics

Television sets across the United States are tuned into the big game . I don’t have a horse in the race today – the Saints didn’t even make it to the playoffs this year – but I will still enjoy the 49ers vs Ravens contest. At least the game is being played in my favorite NFL stadium (the Super Dome, of course!). Could the game tonight be a reminder that our greatest achievements come as the result of teamwork and mutual effort?

Big athletic events aren’t new. The Greek and Roman world regularly held huge athletic events. I guess it’s not surprising that athletic metaphors abound in the New Testament. Here are eight of them:

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NLT
I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Galatians 2:2 NIV
You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? Galatians 5:7 NLT
Hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:16 NIV
Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 MSG
No one wins an athletic contest without obeying the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5 CEV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV

February 2, 2013

Prayer Targets from Acts 4:29-31

Valley Fellowship Church has TWO Sunday Services tomorrow – 8:30am & 10:00am. I am praying for great things. Let’s join together in faith and allow the Lord to do what He desires. I’ll see you tomorrow in the buildings at 3616 Holmes Avenue NW, Huntsville, Alabama!

Will you join me today before God’s throne? Below are three prayer targets from the experience of the early church in Acts 4:29-31.

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31 NJKV

PRAYER TARGETS

#1: BOLDNESS (4:29)

#2: MIRACLES (4:30)

#3: HOLY SPIRIT OUTPOURING (4:31)

February 1, 2013

Don’t Mess With Me; My Angel Is Right Here!

During the 1970’s, as my family lived as missionaries in Uganda, East Africa, we experienced God’s supernatural protection. Frequently during three years under the cruel dictatorship of Idi Amin, the Lord supernaturally protected us. The house in to which we moved in Fort Portal was 200 miles away from our nearest American neighbor, but God showed Himself to be very near. I have many great memories from those years in East Africa. Below is a picture of me, my brother Barry with glasses, and Dad standing in front of Toyota Land Rover we used for so many tasks. To the right is Dad with a warthog that would soon become good eating!

One memorable episode from those years, involved my Dad trying to establish a work with a pigmy tribe not too far from where we lived. This particular tribe stayed high on a weed similar to marijuana and had dangerous mood swings. As Dad was learning the language, he became accustomed to leaving before the tribe would become violent. Unfortunately, on one visit Dad and another missionary were unable to leave in time. The tribe demanded an exorbitant payment or else they would kill them. Dad knew he was a goner! The tribe circled around them, not letting them return to their Land Rover. At that moment, a tall very-dark-skinned man dressed in a black suit, white shirt, black tie, and black polished dress shoes stepped out of the jungle and walked over to them. The tall man spoke to Dad in cultured British English, “Sirs, what is your problem?”

Frantically, Dad described that they were about to die because they did not have money to pay. “No problem,” the man said as he turned and began speaking to tribe in a dialect Dad didn’t understand. The tall man turned back and said, “Sirs, you may now go.”

Dad raced for the Land Rover. As they jumped in and started down the trail, the tall black man turned, walked into the jungle and disappeared. Later, Dad realized the man HAD to be an angel. This was the jungle! People do not wear suits in the jungle! Even if they did, shoes would not remain polished. He spoke English and the pigmy dialect fluently. Dad would later say, “I don’t know what the pigmies saw, but it obviously wasn’t the same thing I saw! If so, they would have killed him along with us. I am just thankful that my black angel was with us on that day.”

Many years after this incident, Dad maintained an uncommon degree of courage, even in the face of arduous challenges. Sporadically Dad would testify, “Don’t mess with me. My black angel is right here with me!”

Angels still guard today. We can walk and live in peace knowing that God has His angels watching us. Angels, as God’s servants, guard and deliver. The Lord surrounds us with His security force. Scripture reveals God’s care 100% of the time. Protective angels have been charged with our personal care. Are we assigned a personal guardian angel? I believe so!

When Peter was miraculously released from Herod’s jail and stood knocking at Mary’s door, the disciples praying inside did not believe that Peter was knocking – “It must be his angel.” (Acts 12:15 NIV) Apparently, the early disciples accepted that Peter had an angel charged to keep him. Jesus warns His listeners to “not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10 NIV) I think it’s proper to see personal guardian angels in the wording “their angels”. Oral Roberts assures, “Every child has a personal guardian angel. This means a great deal to those of us who have children and grandchildren.” (The Angels that Help Us, 1980, p. 7) My Dad accepted he had a personal angel and drew great courage from that fact.

The angelic protective covering might be more appropriately compared to a zone defense, than to a man-to-man defense. Angel-to-man or zone? Conceivably, two accounts in Acts chapter 5 and 12 suggest a prison-zone defense! Ultimately, I don’t have to know for certain. The way in which God chooses to protect us is up to Him. I’ll trust the Lord’s supervision.

Before the people of Israel entered their promised land, God promised to send His angel to prepare the way. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I’ve prepared.” (Exodus 23:20 NIV) Two angelic responsibilities are mentioned:

to guard and
to bring to the place that God had prepared.

God assigns angels to do the same thing today. We have proof of God’s angelic protection in the past. The Lord sent an angel to protect Dad, to deliver Peter and Paul, to rescue Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the Lord can do the same today. Believers’ bodyguards are on assignment.

I wonder – did God reassign Dad’s angel to me? I think he might be here in my office with me, so don’t mess with me!

January 31, 2013

Have You Ever Seen an Angel?

Angel paraphernalia abounds in the 21st century – figurines, posters, good-luck charms, toys, and even television programs. The media-marketed stuff is highly make-believe, but we know that angels are real created beings. Angels surround us in a generally unseen spiritual realm, tasked with a variety of assignments including praising God, executing God’s judgment, communicating God’s messages, and preparing for Jesus second coming. We should neither fear nor worship God’s heavenly angels. However, I certainly appreciate one commission God placed upon the angel special service – serving as believers’ bodyguards.

The 91st Psalm is a powerful proclamation of the guardianship of Almighty God. Psalm 91 is one my personal favorites; I quote passages from this chapter almost every day because its message encourages me. Verse 11 exalts the Lord who “will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (NIV).”

Interestingly, satan is aware of this charge given to angels by the Lord. When tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11), satan paraphrases Psalm 91:11, tempting Jesus to put the Lord to the test. Speaking the Word, Jesus overcame the enemy’s deception and satan stepped away. Jesus passed the test and – guess what – the very angelic assistance upon which Jesus refused to presume shows up! Angels minister to Jesus. (Matthew 4:11)

Angels are numerous. How many? No human knows. The Bible doesn’t tell us the exact number of the angelic host, but Christians through the centuries often have envisioned a universe full of angels.

Following His arrest, Jesus reveals that He had “more than twelve legions of angels” at His disposal. (Matthew 26:53 NIV) If a Roman legion has six thousand soldiers, Jesus’ personal heavenly bodyguard may have numbered over seventy-two thousand. One little boy after hearing about Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion asked, “Where were the police when all this was going on?” “It was love that kept Jesus from calling 12,000 angels who had already drawn their swords to come to His rescue (Billy Graham).”
Hebrews 12:22 NIV alludes “to thousands upon thousands of angels.” Psalm 68:17 NIV poetically lists the chariots of God at “tens of thousands and thousands of thousands.” It is a big number. The countless hosts of heaven are on assignment.

Ordinarily, we are not aware of angels, but at times the Lord opens eyes and allows humans to see them. In 2 Kings 6, Aramean soldiers were sent to capture Elisha. When Elisha’s servant stepped outside, he was terrified just like any average, ordinary individual. Overwhelming fear seized the servant as he viewed an army with horses and chariots encircling the city. But, Elisha prayed. Elisha didn’t pray that that the enemy would disappear or that the servant would no longer see the enemy. Elisha prayed his servant’s eyes would be opened to the supernatural realm.

When the Lord opened his eyes, he was amazed to see the scores of heavenly horses and chariots of fire. Elisha truly spoke, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16 NIV)

The reality of the prophet’s protective bodyguard revolutionized the situation. Enemy forces were still posed to pounce, still amply armed, still chockfull with cruel concentration, but God’s force was greater. Verse 16 is as awe-inspiring for us today as it was for that servant in Dothan. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b NIV) Awareness of Heaven’s armies mollifies our terror.

God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant in 2 Kings 6, but God blinded the perception – the eyes – of the interlopers. Read if for yourself. God’s deliverance is mindboggling!

The Lord might open your eyes to see an angel. Don’t freak out! Worship Jesus! The Lord might NOT let you perceive an angel. Again, don’t freak out! Worship Jesus! Whether or not you see angels isn’t the point. God cares for you and you can certainly trust His protection.

January 30, 2013

5 Examples of Angel Special Service

God’s kids are blessed to be in the care of angels. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7 NIV) Praise the Lord! The Lord sends angels to protect us today. Angels protect believers from harm, serving as the believers’ supernatural guard.

Angels guard and deliver us. Many Godly people find themselves in need of Divine assistance and the Word of God is filled with examples of angels providing watch-care and deliverance. Consider these five examples:

#1 Peter needed an angelic alarm, not coffee or a clock, to wake him for God’s prison break.

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV84)

Peter’s miraculous release from jail was accomplished with angelic involvement. The Lord sent an angel to bring him out. Peter’s release was not the first time an early disciple lived through angelic liberation.

#2 Church leaders needed an angelic jailbreak.

The apostles as a group experienced deliverance via an angel. “During the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.” (Acts 5:19 NIV) Prison chains, jail locks and iron bars could not prevent the supernatural release of these men. The Lord brought them out of their imprisonment! The Lord can bring you into freedom, too! Years later, many of these men would die in prison, but the Lord’s supernatural protection would not allow them to die before God’s appointed time. The Lord will bring you out!

#3 Daniel needed an angelic shut-your-mouth shield.

Daniel needed a guardian angel to bring him out of the lion’s den. Surviving the night spent in the dark den, Daniel announced to King Darius, “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.”(Daniel 6:22 NIV) You may feel like you are in a pit filled with cat-fighting relatives, but the Lord isn’t overwhelmed.

#4 Three righteous dudes needed angelic fire-protection.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego witnessed Nebuchadnezzar’s praise to the Lord “who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!” (Daniel 3:28 NIV) Even if you are in a fiery trial, the Lord’s soon-coming release will likely inspire even your enemy to magnify the Lord. The Lord will bring you out!

#5 Paul needed an angel life-preserver.

In Acts 27: 23-24, Paul buoyed the courage of his fellow passengers, testifying that an angel stood with him on the storm-tossed ship. The Lord safely brought him through the storm and the island adventures once on shore.

Time after time, an angel of the Lord protects and delivers the saints of Scripture, and angels protect and deliver today. Numerous angels guard and deliver us today. The believers’ bodyguards are on assignment.

As I type this conclusion, I am singing Amy Grant’s hit “Angels Watching Over Me”.

“Take this man to prison” the man heard Herod say
And then four squads of soldiers came and carried him away
Chained up between two watchmen Peter tried to sleep
But beyond the walls an endless prayer was lifting for his keep
Then a light cut through the darkness of a lonely prison cell
And the chains that bound the man of God just opened up and fell
And running to his people before the break of day
There was only one thing on his mind, only one thing to say
Angels watching over me, every move I make; Angels watching over me
Angels watching over me, every step I take; Angels watching over me

God only knows the times my life was threatened just today
A reckless car ran out of gas before it ran my way
Near misses all around me; accidents unknown
Though I never see with human eyes the hands that lead me home
But I know they’re all around me all day and through the night
When the enemy is closing in I know sometimes they fight
To keep my feet from falling, I’ll never turn away
If you’re asking what’s protecting me then you’re gonna hear me say
Got His angels watching over me, every move I make; Angles watching over me
Angels watching over me, every step I take; Angels watching over me [Amy Grant, Brown Bannister, Gary Chapman, Michael W. Smith © 1984 Meadowgreen Music, Word Music, Bases Loaded Music]