How
many times can you remember doing stupid things that could have cost
you your life...had God not been taking care of you? I can remember
many! I once was free climbing a sandstone cliff face in northern
Texas, when I lost my grip and began to slide. As I slid toward
certain death or paralysis, I simply cried out, "God help
me!" Immediately, I stopped. It was if a hand was holding me
up, for truly, there were no handholds! Slowly, (praising the Lord)
I began to advance up the face again, using more caution than
before. On another occasion, I was at CrossView Christian Camp by
myself, working. It was late in the evening, and I was filling the
propane tank of a vehicle. As I was filling the tank, I tried to see
the gauge, however, it was too dark. So, unwittingly, I reached into
my pocket to retrieve a butane lighter I carried for igniting our
burn pit. I positioned the lighter directly above the large propane
tank gauge, and proceeded to put my thumb on the igniting wheel.
Just as I was about to take a trip to heaven (the hard way),
something reminded me that propane and flame are a dangerous mix! I
immediately began to laugh out loud at my own stupidity, as I put
the lighter away. It's embarrassing to admit, but, I could literally
fill the pages of a book with similar instances! What's interesting
though, is how many similar instances I have been protected from,
that I didn't even know were a threat to my life! How many times has
the Lord watched out for you? How many times has He protected you,
from unseen dangers? Probably, many more times than you think! In
Psalm 91:1-2, it says, "He who dwells in the secret place of
the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will
say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God in
Him I will trust." From the time I accepted Jesus Christ at the
tender age of six, I have trusted Him to protect me. Throughout the
years, I have experienced His fortress of love. I believe I have
been attended by His angels. They have been on constant watch, to
help me. This isn't just a theory mind you. In verses eleven and
twelve of the same chapter, we are reminded of angelic protection!
"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in
all of your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you
dash your foot against a stone". I realize that some people
have a difficult time believing in angelic help in this present age.
I have not knowingly ever seen an angel...but I believe they exist.
I have never seen God with my physical eyes...but I believe He
exists! Why?! Because I have experienced the effects of God in my
life! I have seen His goodness, and love for me demonstrated through
creation! Throughout God's Word there are angels mentioned. They
have an important role in the overall picture God is painting! In
Hebrews 13:1-2, we are reminded to, "Let brotherly love
continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing,
some have unwittingly entertained angels." I remember breaking
my collar bone in a spring snow skiing trip to Taos, when I was
eighteen. As I lay in pain on the cold wet snow, another
"hotdog" skier came "swooshing" by, covering me
with a layer of snow. Almost immediately afterwards, a
"man" appeared with a warm coat, an covered me. I don't
ever remember seeing him again...or his coat. The next thing I
remember was my friend putting his skis in the traditional
"X" above me, to warn other skiers of my accident. Had the
man been an angel? Or had he simply been a "good
Samaritan"? It really doesn't matter. The point is, we should
realize we are not alone. Not only do we have the Holy Spirit...the
presence of the living God with us...we also have His obedient,
loving angels attending to us as well! God's children are important
to Him...YOU are important to Him! He IS taking good care of us,
whether we consciously acknowledge it or not. Understand...before we
leave this earth, we may never actually see an angel, and identify
them as such...but that doesn't change the fact that they are real.
It doesn't change the fact that we are fortified MUCH MORE than we
may have thought! If you get time, take a look at how angels have
been powerfully used throughout scripture. See their role in the
Book of Revelation! It's pretty amazing stuff! Until next time,
remember...God has angels watching over YOU!
May
You Experience God's BEST!
Greg McCowen
P.S.
- If you feel broken and separated from God, and need someone to
talk/pray with, call me at 771-4244...I'd be glad to speak with you!
However, if you would rather handle the matter privately, with Jesus
alone...below is a prayer you might pray. (He's listening.)
Dear
Jesus,
I'm
a sinner. Until now, I haven't lived my life for You...but, I want to be changed. I believe You are the Son of God. I
believe You died on the cross for my sins. I believe You rose from
the dead with life everlasting for anyone who will accept You. I
accept You now. I turn from my sin, and from everything that has
kept me separated from You. I give You my heart. I give You my soul.
I give You complete control of my life. My past...my present...my
future...I lay it all at Your feet. Please give me a new life...a
new mind...a new spirit.
From
this day forward, help me to put You first in my life. Open the eyes
of my heart to the Truth found in Your Word. Fill me with Your Holy
Spirit, that I might live according to that Truth. Cause me to walk
in Your light, and love. Let my life bring You glory, and be a
blessing to others. Holding nothing back, I give myself to You...to
live according to Your will, not mine. Thank You Jesus, for changing
me. Thank You Jesus, for loving me unconditionally. Thank You for
hearing, and answering this prayer. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Covenant Life Fellowship - Lubbock
Church - (806) 771-4244
