Messengers of God’s word.  There is an evident interplay between the Holy Spirit and angels in this role.  In Acts 7:53, Stephen said that the Nation of Israel received the Law, as ordained by angels.  Somehow the angels had a role in guarding how the nation of Israel received the Law, so that it was just as God gave it.  We also see the angel, Gabriel, delivering messages concerning the coming birth of John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus.  When Jesus was born, the message was delivered to the shepherds by the angel.

Messengers of God’s protection.  In 2Kings 6:8-23, there is an example of a great host of angels camped all around Elisha and his servants.  One of the servants, in a state of panic, asked Elisha what they were going to do, and at Elisha’s request, God opened the servant’s eyes, so that he could see the host of angels.

Messengers of God’s provision.  In Psalm 78:25, we are told that during the wandering in the wilderness, God’s people at the bread of angels.  It was rained down from heaven, but directed by angels.

Messengers of God’s judgment.  In Revelation 15:1, it is an angel who has the seven deadly plagues of judgment.  In Luke 16, Lazarus was carried into Abraham’s bosom by angels, but angels will deliver some to hell, just as they will deliver some to heaven.

Messengers of God’s guidance. There are numerous biblical examples of angels appearing to someone and giving them direction.  Cornelius was praying, and an angel appeared and told him he needed to send for Peter.

I particularly love what the Bible says in Hebrews 1:14, concerning angels: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be the heirs of salvation?”

It is also necessary to remove as much temptation as possible.  The person who desires to quit drinking doesn’t need to go look in the window of the liquor store.  There are two kinds of temptations with which we have to do:  temptations of the spirit and temptations of the flesh.  For temptations of the spirit, we are told to put on the whole armor of God and take our fighting stand.  On the other hand, when it is a temptation of the flesh, we are told to flee, to put distance between the temptation ourselves.

Finally, it is helpful to replace the bad habit with a more virtuous activity.  The pain of quitting a bad habit is not forever.  Most habits can be broken within 21 days.  That’s really not very long.

Circumstances, either good or bad, do not come to us by luck.  We have a Sovereign God, who in His providence, works all things according to His will.  If you want good to come your way in this new year, make sure that you love and obey God.  Nothing will put you in a better position to experience good.  Superstition is of the devil, repent of it and put your faith in God.

The Bible is far from just another book.  Down through history, many enemies of the Bible have attempted destroy it, but most of them are long gone, and the Bible remains.  Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall never pass away.”  The Bible is not just a history book, but when it speak historically, it speaks correctly.  It is not a science book, but when it speaks to matters of science, it speaks correctly.  The Bible is living and powerful and always accomplishes what God sends it to do.  The Bible is the believer’s roadmap to find prosperity in every area of life.  The Bible points us to Jesus, and Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

The greatest prosperity any person will ever find will be found in a closer walk with God.  A closer walk begins with a willing heart.

Simply knowing something will not bring about change.  There has to be a motivation that leads to action.  God is powerful to change us, but most often He does not simply “zap” us in order to make the change.  Most often, He works through our will.

The Bible tells us that as we think in our heart, that’s the way we are; however, there is a process that takes place between our thoughts and actions.   Our thoughts form our beliefs, our beliefs manifest themselves in our words, and our words will soon become actions, then from our actions, we reap results.  So, that being true, the surest way to bring about needed change in our life is to find ways to change our thinking.  What we see and hear is a major stimulus to what we think; therefore, we need to purposefully see and hear those things that will send us off in the right direction.

In Job 31:1, Job said, “I made a covenant with my eyes…”  That’s exactly what we need to do.

This is the time of year that people give more thought to their health and physical fitness than, perhaps, any other time of the year.  We are wise to think in terms of what we might be able to do that would better care for God’s temple.  There are three major areas of care that will have a certain impact on our well-being:  How we eat, rest, and exercise.  None of those are necessarily fun to deal with, but they are necessary.  It’s really best not to wait until they have split your chest open to become motivated to do what you know you ought to do.

Second Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

Given the fact that there are so many Old Testament passages that foretold of Him, how could so many, who witnessed His life and ministry, have failed to believe?  A greater question is how can those who hear the message of the gospel, and witness the evidence in the lives of believers, fail to believe today?

Christmas is such a powerful time for conveying the gospel, it’s no wonder the enemy has made such an all out effort to replace Jesus with Santa Claus.

Lest I sound more pious than I am, I must confess that I am notorious for cutting it pretty close myself, but I try not to cut it quite that close.  The whole thing turns my thoughts to the way our human nature works.  We tend to have this mentality that says, “Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow.”  Can’t you imagine the rush at the door of the ark, in Noah’s day, when it began to rain, and the waters began to rise?

If the thief, who was crucified beside Jesus, could turn to God in repentance and faith in that late hour of his life, I have no doubt that others can, also, but those who go that route miss the joy of walking by faith in this life.

I have done Christmas shopping both ways: last minute and with some time to spare.  I can tell you, it’s a whole different stress level when you know that you are prepared for it.  It is beyond the power of my vocabulary to express the peace and joy in knowing that heaven is secure, and Jesus is Lord of my today.

People are often intimidated and are made to believe that they don’t know enough to say a word on the Lord’s behalf, but the truth is, anyone can say what the Lord has done for them.  There is nobody who is a greater authority on what the Lord has done for you, than you!