Too Doubtful?

 Doubting God is an awful thing. Jesus speaks of doubt-

     Mat_14:31  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

     Those with little faith will doubt. But you say, we all doubt, does that mean none of us have faith? No. it means the faith we have is rendered ineffective through doubt. We believe…. And like this man whose son was tormented by an evil spirit we must cry out!

Mar 9:24  And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 

     LORD, I BELIEVE! HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF!

     Doubt can be crippling. Doubt can eat away at us until we yield to its evil clutches.         Doubt is sneaky. Doubt it a whispering evil spirit in our ears constantly. Doubt steals our faith. Doubt destroys us. 

     ALL of God's children will face many trials and tribulations so much that they seem IMPOSSIBLE to bear. We feel abandoned by God, left to fend for ourselves. Our evilness before God makes us believe He cannot accept us- that evil is just too great! As agonies assault us on all levels- physical, mental, emotional, spiritual - Satan has one great purpose in it all and that is to get us to renounce God! 

     Why do you think that after you've asked for forgiveness for some great evil in your life that Satan will assail you over and over bringing up that evil so that you believe you are unforgiven, that God could not possible forgive that great evil! That God could not forgive you, not really. Satan wants the very fact we have the thought of that past evil in our lives to prove to us that we are too horrible to belong to God, that God doesn't want someone so horrific. Satan WANTS US TO DOUBT GOD!  As soon as any evil wile of the Devil can get us to entertain doubt, Satan is joyful. Doubt has the possibility of turning us from God completely, and this is the goal of the evil one!

     People lament in complete honesty that the trials and tribulations are too much to bear, that they cannot see past the agony, and feel abandoned by God.  Again, Satan wants us to doubt God can still love us while allowing us such pain!

     Doubt- the insidiousness of this is unparalleled. 

Mat_21:21  Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

If you doubt not….

Mar_11:23  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

No doubting in our hearts.

Luk_11:20  But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

No doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. 

Luk 4:43  And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Mar 1:14  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 

Mar 1:15  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 

 

WE have no doubt that Jesus - the only begotten Son of God- left His glory in heaven and took on human flesh to dwell among us and die for us so that we may know the kingdom of heaven, that we may be forgiven and to one day live with Him in eternity. 

We have no doubt of all I just wrote, but we allow doubt to grow in us so that we can't believe that we will be among those Jesus loves that much. Somehow we are too evil, too doubting, too dreadful on all fronts to belong to Jesus.  

Jesus never tells us that, Jesus tells us that our doubt is a hindrance.

Help us, LORD, help our unbelief! We do NOT want to doubt in YOU. We do not want to doubt that no matter WHAT, YOU are on the throne, YOU are in control, YOU love us! YOU will save us from our awful, awful selves!

Let us read the following about angels, and know we are not left alone through any horrible part of this life we must endure.

All through Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior! Now and forever!!!!!!! AMEN!

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'EVERY CHILD OF GOD HAS A GUARDIAN ANGEL

That the Lord sends an angel to watch over every saint is plainly taught in the Bible. This is assuring to those who appreciate the nature of the foes we have to meet in the Christian warfare. In our conflicts with the powers of darkness, the angels who excel in strength can give us that help which we so much need. They can impart to us light and strength and courage, and can be present to protect us from dangers both seen and unseen. Satan is well aware of this, as he said to the Lord, "Doth Job fear God for naught? Hast Thou not made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?" Job 1:9, 10. 

And David informs us how it is that the Lord makes a hedge about His servants: "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Ps. 34:7. God's angels constantly watched over Job and all that he had, so that no evil could approach him except as the Lord gave special permission.

What was true in Job's case is true in that of every child of God. Of those that believe on Him, Christ says, "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of  My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 18:10. The phrase "their angels" shows that there are angels so closely connected with the servants of Christ that they are called their angels. 

When Rhoda affirmed that she had seen Peter at the gate, the brethren said, "It is his angel." Acts 12:15. They did not mean that it was Peter's spirit, for they supposed that he was yet alive and in the prison. They meant just what Christ said, and what they said, viz., that it was his angel, the one who attended him. Speaking of the time of trouble, it is said to the saints, "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." Ps. 91:11, 12.

It is directly affirmed that an angel accompanied the camp of Israel: "And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them." Ex. 14:19. 

The wise man says: "Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error." Eccl. 5:6. This assumes that an angel is always present to hear what we say. In harmony with this the apostle says: "We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." 1 Cor. 4:9. Because we cannot see the angels with our natural eyes, we are apt to forget that they are constantly with us, seeing and hearing us, and noting our words and conduct. But, according to the Bible, this is really the case. 

A beautiful illustration of this fact is found in 2 Kings 6. The king of Syria made war on the king of Israel. But the prophet Elisha revealed to the king of Israel all the plans and motives of the Syrians, so that he was able to defeat or elude them every time. The king of Syria, having learned what Elisha did, said to his servants: "Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host; and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?" They were in a close place, indeed, shut up in a small city, surrounded by a host of enemies. But how did Elisha feel about it? "And he answered, Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." We may naturally suppose that the servant looked around him in utter astonishment. But "Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw; and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." Now the servant could well understand why Elisha was so confident and fearless. Legions of the angelic armies were around the man of God to deliver him, according to the sure promise of God. The servant could not see them; perhaps his master did not see them, but by faith he knew that they were there.

And the case of Jacob, recorded in Gen. 28:10-22, is a striking illustration of this truth. As he left his home for fear of his brother Esau, he lay down alone at night to sleep. "And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and  the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it;" and he talked with Jacob. "And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not."

Angels of God were all around him, and the eyes of the Lord were upon him, but he had not realized it. Could we, too, only realize these solemn and joyful truths, we should often feel as did Jacob. Thus we have the fact abundantly substantiated that the angels are always with the children of men. What a consolation to the humble saint when afflicted, reproached, despised, and persecuted, to know that these heavenly messengers are his companions; that they sympathize with him in all his trials, protect him from the power of the devil,  and strengthen him in his service to God!

These holy angels take a deep and lively interest in the salvation of the children of men. This is manifest from the many references to it in the Scriptures. The apostle says, "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, . . . which things the angels desire to look into." 1 Peter 1:10-12. They rejoiced when our Saviour was born. To the shepherds the angel said: "Be hold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. . . . And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men." Luke 2:10-14. This indicates the great interest they feel in the plan of salvation for man. In heaven they assist Jesus, our High Priest, in His work for the saints.

John, speaking of what he saw in heaven, says: "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne." Rev. 8:3. Thus they bear our prayers up before God. How touching is the language of Christ: "Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10. They know the worth of a soul; they realize the value of heaven, and the awful doom of the ungodly. They labor long, and earnestly, and patiently, to rescue men from the power of Satan. When one is gained to the service of God, all the angels rejoice. 

Then what a tender interest, what deep anxiety, what sympathy, they must feel for every struggling soul! O my soul, take courage in God, who has made such gracious provision for thy help and thy salvation! 

John, the beloved apostle of Christ, was banished to a lonely island, but the angels of God went with him. To one was given the honor of committing to him the revelation of the Son of God. Rev. 1:1. The Father gave the revelation to His Son, who sent His angel to make it known to John. And it has come down through the ages, a source of instruction and consolation to thousands of waiting ones. And so of all revelation. Paul said, "For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast," etc. Heb. 2:2. And Stephen said to and of the Jews, "Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." Acts 7:53. And they have now the same interest in our welfare that they had in the work of salvation in the days of old. God's promises are ever sure to all; His angels ever minister to the heirs of salvation.' 

Angels: Their Nature and Ministry-

 (Excerpt - for continuing study) Revised by J.H. Waggoner.  1891 by Pacific Press Publishing Co.)

Angels Ministering.

(Excerpt)

THE ANGELS ARE MINISTERING SPIRITS TO THE CHILDREN OF GOD

"Angel" signifies messenger. The Union Bible Dictionary, under the word "angel," says: "The original word, both in the Hebrew and Greek, means messenger, and is so translated. Matt. 11:10." We learn from the Scriptures that it is the office of the angels to oversee the works of God, especially the cause of God in this earth; to watch over His children, minister to their wants, and defend them from their adversary, the devil. As there is "an innumerable company of angels," some of them are always before the throne of God, to go at His command.

Says John: "I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne." Rev. 5:11. David says: "The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth overall. Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion." Ps.

103:19-22. 

Here it is declared that God hath His throne in the heavens; the angels are represented as waiting before Him, ready to go at His pleasure as messengers to all parts of his dominions. We have here a scene presented similar to that which we would behold in the court of an earthly monarch. The king sits upon his throne, with his officers and servants around him. Messengers are constantly being received by him from the different parts of his dominions. When he determines what is needful to be done, he dispatches a trusty messenger to perform it in his name. He also has officers in different parts of his kingdom, who faithfully report to him the state of things in their several districts. Thus the king is able to attend to the wants of his subjects, and to oversee their actions, in all parts of the dominion, however large it may be. And thus it is that the Lord employs His servants, the angels. He always works by means, or agents. The angels are His officers, or messengers, whom He has appointed to have charge of this earth. They watch over His people, and minister to their wants. They bear the prayers of the saints up before the Lord, and come again to answer them, according to His directions. The proof of this is abundant. Thus Paul says: "To which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on My right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. 1:13, 14.

This is a direct confirmation of the position above taken. Upon this subject David says, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Ps. 34:7. 

This grand truth is beautifully illustrated in Jacob's dream. As he was traveling alone in the wilderness, he lay down upon the ground at night to sleep. "And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it." Gen. 28:12. This dream was given to teach Jacob that the angels are constantly passing between heaven and earth. And this is just as true now as it was then. 

We have another illustration of this truth in the history of Daniel. He was mourning over the sad state of the people who were captives under the king of Persia. For three whole weeks he fasted, and prayed to God to open the way for his people to return to their own land. At the end of this time an angel came to him and said: "Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes [the first of the chief princes, Hebrew], came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." Dan. 10:12, 13. 

As soon as Daniel began to pray, God sent an angel to perform his request. The angel went to the Persian court, and sought to influence the king to further the work which had already been commenced in behalf of his people and city. The king seems to have been opposed to this, and the angel was not able to prevail with him. At last the chief of the angels united with him, and they were successful. No man in the Persian court saw those angels. The king himself was not aware of their presence, or of their influence upon him; yet they brought him to do just what he had not been inclined to do. 

This is the way in which the angels co-operate with God's children in their efforts for the conversion of souls. Our hearts are moved to pray for a son, a companion, or a friend. God sends an angel to impress the heart and trouble the mind of the subject of our prayers. Or we are in distress; we cry to God, and He sends an angel to deliver us; nor are they slow in coming. See an instance in Dan 9:21-23: "Whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me  about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee."

When the prophet began his prayer, Gabriel was in heaven; but before he ceased he was at his side. Ezekiel, describing the rapidity of their movements, says they "ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning." Eze. 1:14.

So when God hears the cries of His children, He immediately sends an angel from His throne, to answer their prayers and to relieve their wants. This is very comforting to the child of God. We find a very remarkable instance of this recorded in Acts 12: "Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quarternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison. And he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did, and he said unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord; and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." Acts 12:1-11.

Here all the power of the king was arrayed against a few helpless Christians. James he had already killed. Peter was strictly guarded in prison, awaiting his execution. To make escape or rescue impossible, he was bound with chains, between two soldiers, several others being placed to assist them. He was put into an inner prison, from which it was impossible to escape, except by passing these guards and breaking an iron gate. What did Peter's friends do? bribe the guard? Overpower the soldiers? or break into the prison?-No; they went to God in earnest prayer. "But prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." 

God heard their prayers, granted their request, and sent an angel to deliver Peter. Simply by his touch the chains fell from Peter's hands. The guards became senseless, the iron gate swung open, and the child of God was saved. Cannot Christians trust in such a God as this? Are not his angels ready and able to deliver them from all their foes? It is truly as the Psalmist says, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Ps. 34:7.

Many other instances are recorded in the Bible where God has sent His angels to minister to His children. They are so numerous that we can barely refer the reader to a few of the most interesting of them. Does Abraham send his servant on an important mission? He says to him, "The Lord . . . shall send His angel before thee." Gen. 24:7. Does Jacob bless his children at his death? He says, "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads." Gen. 48:16. Does the Lord direct the Israelites to go into the land of Canaan? He says to them, "Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared." Ex. 23:20. Is Elijah about to perish in the wilderness? "Then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head." 1 Kings 19:5, 6. Is Daniel to be delivered out of the lions' den? He says, "My God has sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." Dan. 6:22. Is the gospel to be opened to the Gentiles? An angel is sent to Cornelius, and also to Peter, to accomplish the work. Acts 10. Is Paul's life in danger? An angel of God stands by his side to assure him of safety. Acts 27:23. 

What more shall we say? Time would fail us to mention a tithe of such instances where the angels of God are directly mentioned as having acted an important part in the affairs of men. If this was so in the times when the Bible was written, is it not so now? If not, why?

Angels: Their Nature and Ministry

 (Excerpt - for continuing study) Revised by J.H. Waggoner.  1891 by Pacific Press Publishing Co.)