THURSDAY Daniel 8:15-18, 9:20-23
• What’s your mental image of an “angel”? (If it’s a plump infant with short wings, you’re not alone.But that image is from medieval art, not the Bible.) What do these verses hint about the kind ofbeing Gabriel is? Hebrews 1:14 asked, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve thosewho will inherit salvation?” How can you keep your heart and perceptions open to any angel messengers God may send you along your journey?
• Daniel says he met Gabriel while “watching the vision” and in prayer. Mary, as far as we know, was just going about her daily business when she met the angel. In what settings have you had your most vivid encounters with God’s presence?
Today’s Reflection by Jennifer Poole
ANGELS
GOD’S MESSENGERS
One day this past spring, I was sitting on our sofa feeling very discouraged. So I decided to go for a walk. As I walked down my driveway I noticed that one of my older neighbors was also walking down her driveway. We had not seen each other for several months. She smiled and thanked me for the dragonfly bookmark that I had slipped into her Christmas card. I had known that when her son died, she had a spiritual experience with God in which she had learned that for her a dragonfly was a sign from God that her son is with God and is fine. This sign and God’s love gives her comfort and peace.
After talking a little longer, she looked into my eyes and said, “I Believe!” I replied, “I Believe, also!” Suddenly, I was very aware of God’s Presence with us. It was an amazing and beautiful experience!
I continued my walk, but had not gone far when I ran into another neighbor who was installing a new post and mailbox. I rarely see him and had not talked with him for 2 or 3 years. He greeted me with a smile followed by a cheerful and humorous conversation.
Then I continued onto another street and was greeted by a handsome man dressed in a suit who had just come home from work. He was a stranger to me, but greeted me warmly and introduced me to his dog. He explained to me that he is retired from the Montgomery County PD. I responded by telling him that my son is currently an officer with MCPD and had just begun working in a new unit. It turned out that years before, this man had organized and developed the unit in which my son had just begun working.
As I turned to go back home I felt JOYFUL and thanked God for the gifts of His Presence and for the encounters with these 3 people. They did not wear white gowns, halos, or wings, but to me they were Gods messengers – angels!
I walk outside often but this experience was far from my typical walk. Once in awhile I stop and chat with someone I know or wave to someone passing by. I believe that on this spring day this experience was a gift from God to lift me from discouragement, to assure me of his love, and to give me the experience of His amazing Presence.
May you be blessed by His love for you!
3 Comments
Erin
Jennifer, what a wonderful story. I believe that God puts these people in our lives at the exact times that we need them. Whether to lift us, or for us to life them. It always amazes me when I hear stories of people who don’t know each other “from Adam” but have a connection elsewhere linking us together in this huge world. Like the gentleman and your son. It really puts things into perspective when looking at the grand scheme of things, for me. It was God’s plan for us to meet, and to have that small piece of whatever we have in common to spark the initial conversation. These relationships and interactions, whether they last 5 minutes, or 5 years, or 50 years are so important to the growth and strengthening of our faith. They are just another way for us to see God at work, and help us to continue to believe and open our hearts to share the Love with others.
Im sure you were an angel to them that day, as well. You never know what people have going on in their lives –
or what troubles they have. A simple nod and smile can mean so much for someone and encourage them to have HOPE for what God will bring to them! We have many angels surrounding us, spreading God’s love and showing us his grace – I give my *simple thanks* for them each day and hope that I can be the light to someone else (hopefully many others) in the same way.
Joy P
Ms. Jennifer,
I’ve not forgotten this story from Disciple class. So many times I look for the BIG things…forgetting that God is in the ordinary…the everyday. When you shared it in class I was reminded to look for Him in the day to day…..a good reminder for me during the hustle and bustle of this season.
Linda D
Jennifer – There have been countless times when you have been my angel. Like tonight — for example.. Thanks. Linda
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