Angels and Jesus

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

"And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.  When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they."  Hebrews 1:1-4 

It’s the Christmas season.  Seen any angels lately?  Angels.  You know those human-looking beings that flit around with big fluffy wings, playing harps, who greet you in Heaven?  

There are angel films, like, “The City of Angels” and “Michael”.  And books -- one bookstore had 29 titles containing the word “angel”.  Even TV has weekly programs devoted to angels.  Interesting isn't it?  But it reflects people’s growing hunger for answers to the everyday mysteries of life. 

As they search for answers, we must be equipped, ready and willing to help them see the Answer is Jesus Christ – the true reason for this holiday season.  And Jesus is superior to angels in many ways.  Three primary ways to keep in mind from this passage are:

-              He communicates through the Bible more personally, clearly and directly with us than angels ever will.

-              Angels attend to God’s work tasks --but Jesus finished the work

-              Although angels minister to people’s physical needs, only Christ ministers to the needs of our heart.

When we make the decision to turn to and trust Jesus with our failures and disappointments, He forgives and heals us, calls us and empowers us to serve Him.  Yes, the Bible teaches that angels exist and many of us have stories to tell about our experiences with angels, but remember angels are and always will be second best to Jesus.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS:  Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room. 

Elaine wrote:  "We realise you know the value of prayer as we've seen your WeakDay Devotions widen to increase more prayer over the years.  We have a team of committed intercessors, so you can be sure of prayer coverage for you. 

New visitors need to register for a login and password and will receive an email confirmation.  The room is open 27/7.  Go here to learn more:  

https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   Bubonic and pneumonic plague has broken out on the island of Madagascar.  Last stats 40 dead, 119 confirmed cases.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads for many reasons:  missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were over 7,000 deaths from Ebola.  570 healthcare workers have been affected and of those, 324 have died.

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Pray for calm and a return to founding values in the USA.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  

ONGOING PRAYERS:  For the man who has opened his home to Adrian that his heart would soften toward Adrian.  The damage from the cancer in his spine is causing increasing pain.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.  Please pray for the little walks he takes each day with his beloved pet, Toby, that they are always inspiring and most of all safe as Adrian is very frail now.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  With the many typhoons and floods their financial needs continue to grow as they work in the fields training up labourers for Christ.  Please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Nancy, a friend of Hans, had surgery last week and although they did not find cancer, they will still have to perform surgery.  She does not know the Lord, yet.

Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke. 

No word yet on the small project for me.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations.  Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration. 

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom.  Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Pray for Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work.  Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany. 

Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!)  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

*Trusting God is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.