God's Secret Agents

It seems that Americans today are fascinated by the concept of angels, depicting them in everything from jewelry and Christmas decorations to movies and television programs.

A poll conducted by Time magazine in 1993 reported that 69 percent of American adults believed in the existence of angels, and 46 percent felt they had their own guardian angel. Also, 32 percent claimed to have felt an angelic presence at some time in their lives.

In addition, a 2000 poll conducted by the Barna Research Group of Ventura, California, found that 81 percent of adults polled said they believed that "angels exist and influence people's lives."

But is it correct to assume that angels are the nonthreatening, loving beings that many people believe them to be? That all depends.

We find instances in the Bible when angels were sent to deliver specific messages from God. They often began their messages with phrases like "Do not be afraid," or "Do not fear."

But we also find instances in which God used angels to execute His judgment, as in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah and elsewhere.

Generally, God's angels operate undercover. They don't draw attention to themselves, but instead carry out God's assignments.

One reason we may not recognize the presence of angels in our lives is because they are doing their jobs properly. Angels are actively involved in the lives of the people of God, and even in the affairs of people in general. They have a specific function and ministry in the lives of Christians.

The Bible says in Psalm 34:7, "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (NKJV). Hebrews 1:14 says of angels, "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (NKJV).

It is even possible that you have personally met an angel. Hebrews 13:2 teaches, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (NKJV).

It is amazing to think that some of us may have communicated with an angel, but were unaware of it. Angels are nearer than we may realize.

If an angel of God were to appear before you right now, you would stand in awe because angels are very beautiful. When we read biblical accounts of people who encountered angels, they were often overwhelmed by the glory and beauty of them.

Still, angels remain invisible most of the time, except on very special occasions when God sends them on a unique mission or clothes them in human form.

Contrary to what some have been led to believe, angels are not deceased human beings who are trying to earn their wings. Also, when someone dies, their friends or loved ones may say that person is now an angel who watches over them. However, this is not true.

When people say that someone who has died now helps them or guides them or their presence is felt, it is not true. People who have gone from this life into eternity do not communicate with us. They do not comfort us. They do not guide us. Certainly, they do not turn into angels. Angels are an altogether unique group created by God.

Also contrary to what some people have attempted to do, it is incorrect to attempt communication with an angel, to try to pray to an angel, or to specifically develop a relationship with an angel. We find in Scripture that the focus is on praying to God, looking to God, and developing a relationship with God.

Yes, God does work through angels, but that is not the point. The point is that it is God who is doing it.

We don't know how many times angels have been working behind the scenes, how many times they have delivered us, helped us out of tight situations, or intervened on our behalf. Angels are all around us, taking care of us and ministering to us, even when we are not aware of their presence. This certainly gives hope in these troubled, dangerous times in which we are living.

When we think of all of the violence and chaos and danger in the world today, it is comforting to know that God's angels are watching out for us. They may not help you find a parking space or make your casseroles more flavorful, but you can be certain that angels are God's secret agents, powerfully and effectively doing the work He has called them to do.

Above article are extracted from http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11582498/

T-R-U-S-T

In our last devotional, we talked about the need to trust God. You may wonder, what does trust really mean? Let me help you understand by using the word T-R-U-S-T as an acronym.

“T” stands for trust…which means that if you are going to trust Him, you have to take Him at His word. Even if it seems like it is not true, you take Him at His word. If we will take Him at His word, He will guide us through the course of life and bring us across the finish line safely.

“R” stands for rest. The Bible tells us to rest in the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 says, Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Do not worry. Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but you don’t get anywhere.

“U” stands for understanding. Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Sometimes things just won’t make sense to your understanding.

“S” stands for speech. Our speech is an expression of our faith. In Mark 11, Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” And then the very next thing Jesus said is, “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” Our faith in God is expressed through our speech.

The final “T” stands for thanksgiving. We offer thanks to God in advance. Philippians 4:6 says, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. When we offer thanks to God, it is an expression of our faith.

That’s T-R-U-S-T!

Above article are extracted from http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/Answers/11582732/

CMC Combine meeting

AGC Youth will be having a combine meeting with CMC (Christ Methodists Church), the detail are as below:

• Venue : CMC ( located around the Korean village opposite Ampang Point)
• Date : 1st of November 2008 (Saturday)
• Time : 4.30pm
• Activity : TBC 

Well this is just to inform you guys about the combine meeting, more information TBC ( To be confirm) when I get it. Or maybe you can visit AGC.Youth blog to see it there's any update or detail on it. 

Do make yourself available on that day and bring along friends to join us.

Four Levels of Gratitude

Ephesians 5:20 – “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There are four types of people.

There are those who are constantly complaining and grumbling. Have you met any of these folks? I mean, they can brighten up a room just by leaving it. That’s the lowest level.

Then there are others who live lives of ingratitude. They don’t complain, but they never thank God for His obvious blessings. That’s a little better, but not much better.

Then there are people who thank God for obvious blessings. When something good happens, they’re grateful. That’s a better level.

But the highest level is to be grateful for all things at all times. That is the secret of a happy and productive life.

Bow before the Lord and begin to think about difficult circumstances you’re facing. Now, thank Him for each one in light of James 1:2-4 which tells us: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Article extracted from http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/LoveWorthFinding/11582584/

God’s Provision for Your Failure

Psalm 37:23-24 states,

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.

When you first read these verses, it is easy to focus on the truth that God orders the steps of a good man, someone who is following God. That is certainly a comforting, motivating, and powerful truth.

But I want to point you to the second sentence, Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.

What an amazing statement! Even when your steps are being ordered by the Lord, you can still goof up! God affirms that you may be seeking to walk with Him and you can still mess up, there is always that human factor.

Our flesh gets in the way. Sometimes we make wrong decisions. Sometimes we can be a bit stubborn. And sometimes we blow it, even when that is the last thing we want to do!

Here is what I want you to grasp today: Even if you mess things up, even if you stumble and fall, God will not utterly abandon you. He will support you, and He will lift you up with His hand.

The Bible says in the book of Deuteronomy that God is our refuge and our strength and that underneath us are His everlasting arms. That brings me a lot of comfort.

You and I may stumble, you and I may fall, but we are not going to stay down, because God’s arms and His hands are underneath us, and they will uphold us.

Thank God for that!

Above article was extracted from http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/answersforeachday/