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So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
Genesis 32:1-2

Recommended Reading: Genesis 32:1-12

We all face moments when we dread what lies ahead—a difficult conversation, an uncertain future, or a problem we cannot solve. Jacob knew exactly how that felt. As he journeyed home with his sizable family, he expected to meet the brother he had wronged years before, a man who now commanded a force of seasoned warriors.

That’s when we find this strange verse in Genesis 32—the angels of God met Jacob. We don’t know anything more about the encounter, but Jacob named the spot Mahanaim, which means “two camps.” He had his frightened clan of earthly pilgrims, but around him was God’s host of angelic helpers. Two camps—one visible and one invisible—were traveling together.

The angels of God are camping around you too. They are God’s messengers who stand ready to direct, strengthen, assist, protect, and encourage you. No matter what you’re facing, ask God to send His host to help you face your trouble.

No human effort can be sufficient…. The source of defense and the means of victory come from God’s ministering angels.
Allen P. Ross

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Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
Hebrews 13:2

Recommended Reading: Genesis 18:1-2; 19:1

Hebrews 13:2 gives us a rare window into an unexpected possibility: that we might encounter and interact with an angel. It’s possible that the writer of Hebrews was thinking of an encounter between Abraham, the personified Lord, and two angels who appeared as men (Genesis 18).

All three figures—Jesus and the two angels—first appeared to be human visitors. When Abraham recognized one of them as the Lord, he persuaded them to stay so that he might provide hospitality and a meal. The Lord appeared to Abraham and Sarah to tell them that they would have a son within a year. After their meeting, the Lord departed while the two angels continued to Sodom to deliver a message of judgment (Genesis 19). If this meeting was in the mind of the writer of Hebrews, it serves as an admonition for us as well. Angels can appear in our life without us knowing who they are. Hospitality extended to strangers may be an act of kindness extended to angels.

Hospitality is incumbent upon us all (1 Peter 4:9)—even more so when the possibility exists that we might be serving angels.

We must not get so busy counting demons that we forget the holy angels.
Billy Graham

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And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.”
Luke 1:19

Recommended Reading: Daniel 10:12-14

Everybody has a name—even God, who is Yahweh (“I AM”). Three angels are identified by name in the Bible: Michael the archangel, Gabriel, and Lucifer (Satan). Whether human or spiritual, names serve to identify and communicate one’s characteristics.

Michael means “Who is like God?” meaning that he represents the majesty and power of God. In Scripture, Michael serves as the leader of heavenly armies, the defender of God’s righteous purposes on earth (Daniel 12:1). He is identified as “the archangel” (Jude 9), possibly God’s only archangel. Gabriel means “strength of God” and is seen delivering messages from God Himself to the people of God. He announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zacharias and the birth of Jesus to Mary. While Michael serves as the strong arm of God, Gabriel serves as the voice of God.

The names and roles of these two powerful angels remind us that we each have a purpose and calling from God. Pray today that God will continue to reveal your purpose and calling and equip you to fulfill it.

Humility is the ornament of angels, and pride the deformity of devils.
William Jenkyn

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Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
Philippians 4:11

Recommended Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-8

In a materialistic world one of the hardest character traits to acquire is contentment—being satisfied and patient with the way things are while trusting God for changes to be made. We can take some comfort from the fact that the apostle Paul said that he had to learn contentment, that it didn’t come naturally or easily to him. In fact, when he wrote about learning contentment, he was in jail!

Being discontent often manifests as an insistence on change. We are not happy with our possessions or our position in life, and we attempt to change our status by our own efforts. But rather than being achieved through change, contentment is frequently learned by waiting on the Lord: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it is the active pursuit of God and His will through prayerful, patient seeking.

Gratitude is a sign of contentment and can be learned while waiting on the Lord.

Contentment with what we have is absolutely vital to our spiritual health.
Jerry Bridges

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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12

Recommended Reading: Colossians 2:9-10

Look at the way any organization is structured, whether a business, a church, the military, or an athletic team. The organization can always be structured according to a chart of hierarchy and function. Organizations are not just random collections of individuals or groups. Rather, they are organized and structured according to purpose.

Why do human beings structure organizations that way? Because we are made in the image of God and that is the way God orders His own creation. God has even applied structure and organization to His ranks of angels. While the Bible does not give us an organizational “chart” of angelic beings, we do have descriptive terms that reflect angelic orders of both good and evil angels. On the evil side, there are principalities, powers, rulers, and hosts of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). On the good side, there are thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers (Colossians 1:16).

Thank God today that He has structured His creation and your place in it for His own glory and purposes—even angelic beings.

Angels are the ministers of God’s wrath, as well as of His grace. 
John Calvin

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[The prophets] spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
1 Peter 1:12, NIV

Recommended Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-12

There is an odd vehicle bouncing over the landscape of Mars. Its name was chosen from a nationwide student contest that attracted more than nine-thousand ideas. NASA’s rover is called Curiosity. The Kansas student who suggested the name said, “Curiosity is an everlasting flame that burns in everyone’s mind.”¹

Curiosity even burns in the minds of angels. Peter told us the angels long to “look into” the things we experience in salvation. The original Greek word means “to stoop down, bend over, and peer intently into something.” It was also used for peering out a window to catch a glimpse of the sight below. How remarkable to ponder! We are privileged to experience something that intrigues the angels. According to Luke 15:7, they rejoice when any human being repents and turns to the Savior.

Knowing this should make us appreciate all the more the inheritance we have in Christ. What a privilege to enjoy blessings that make the curious angels sing!

Angels now are hovering round us… wondering at the love that crowned us.
Thomas Olivers

1. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “NASA Selects Student’s Entry as New Mars Rover Name,” May 27, 2009.

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For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Colossians 1:16

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:15-18

When were angels created? They are not mentioned as part of the created order in Genesis 1, but we have an intriguing passage about this in the Old Testament. Near the end of the book of Job, God spoke to Job out of a whirlwind and asked: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation… while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7, NIV) That seems to indicate that a choir of angels sang in worship as God created the universe. If so, the Lord made them first.

The apostle Paul said in Colossians 1:16 that Christ created everything, the invisible as well as the visible, the spiritual realm as well as the physical. One day God will merge these two realms into one unified reality (Ephesians 1:10; Revelation 21:3). But for now, as we thrash around on this visible world, we should rejoice that we have the support of an invisible host whose existence predates the cosmos.

Praise God for that today!

Angels, unseen, attend the saints, and bear them in their arms; to cheer the spirit when it faints, and guard the life from harms.
John Newton

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Are [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:14

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 1:10-14

It’s fascinating to notice what angels did in the Bible. Throughout Scripture, angels are constantly at work behind the scenes. They protected Lot (Genesis 19:15-17), guided Abraham’s servant (Genesis 24:7, 40), strengthened Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-8), defended Daniel (Daniel 6:22), ministered to Jesus (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43), announced Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28:5-7), rescued Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-11), and encouraged Paul in the midst of a violent storm (Acts 27:23-24). God assigns specific tasks to angels for our aid. When we are unable to fight our own battles, God sends His helpers to encourage, deliver, and empower us.

Perhaps the best definition of angels is in Hebrews 1. They are ministering spirits sent to serve those who inherit salvation. That’s you and me! We seldom see them, and most of their work is done without our awareness. But they are nonetheless near at hand.

Allow that thought to linger in your mind through this day and evening, and take comfort. All day, all night, angels are watching over you. Rely on that help today.

Angels descending, bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Fanny Crosby

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God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.
Hebrews 1:1-2

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 1:1-9

The Old Testament, written primarily in Hebrew, uses the word mal’ak (pronounced mal-AHK) for angel. Its basic meaning is “messenger, one who is sent.” This word occurs more than two hundred times in the Old Testament, and it can refer to either human or heavenly messengers. The New Testament uses the Greek word angelos (pronounced AN-gel-os), and it also occurs nearly two hundred times. It, too, can refer to either a human or a supernatural messenger.

We commonly use the word angel to describe any kind of heavenly supernatural being apart from God Himself. The reality is a bit more complex since the Bible gives us glimpses of various spiritual beings, including cherubim, seraphim, archangels, principalities, and powers.

Nevertheless, the word angel reassures us that God wants to communicate with us, and He has many ways of sending us messages and messengers. His greatest communication is in His written Word, the Bible, and His Incarnate Word, the Son. Praise God today that He exists and He is not silent.

[Angels] come to attend the redeemed; they wait on their steps; they sustain them in trial; they accompany them when departing to heaven. 
Albert Barnes

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Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2, NIV

Recommended Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Thomas Heelis, an English sailor, did missionary work to India from 1855 to 1910. Once he shipwrecked and the crew was washed up in a small fishing village. Thomas, not one to miss an opportunity, began preaching the Gospel to those villagers.¹

Our lives go through various seasons, but we are to be about our Master’s business. When we labor for Christ, we will find some seasons productive and fruitful. We will see a harvest. At other times the work will appear unrewarded and in vain. But remember what Paul said: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Let’s labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun. Let’s preach the Word, in season and out of season. Even misfortune such as shipwrecks can be God’s way of guiding us to someone needing the Gospel.

I thank God that the gospel is to be preached to every creature. There is no man so far gone, but the grace of God can reach him.
D. L. Moody

1. Footsteps Worth Following (Echoes International, 2021), 120.

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Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.
Joshua 1:8, NIV

Recommended Reading: Joshua 23:6-8

When we think of stirring speeches, we remember Churchill’s words before the Battle of Britain: “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’”

The Bible has an even greater address preparing people for battle—the Warrior’s Passage of Joshua 1. God challenged Joshua to be unafraid. He gave Joshua His Word, telling him to meditate on it continually, read it obediently, follow it exclusively, and accept it totally. He wanted Joshua to be committed to following His Word.

When we meditate on Scripture, we increasingly begin thinking God’s thoughts. We look at things as He does. Our minds are transformed, and our thoughts reflect those of Jesus.

Are you committed to following His Word? To meditating on it daily? Find a passage such as Joshua 1. Read it over and over until it sinks into your heart. Learn it, and put it into practice.

You will grow by meditating upon the Word of God—that is, by going over it again and again in your thinking until it becomes part of your life.
J. Vernon McGee

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Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Joshua 1:7

Recommended Reading: Psalm 1:1-3

Joshua became a strong and fearless leader as he led Israel into the Promised Land. At first he might have been timid, given the enormity of the task ahead of him. Six times when Joshua was being prepared to lead Israel, he was exhorted to be strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:7, 23; Joshua 1:6-7, 9, 18, NIV). And it seems Joshua got the message as we find him telling the people to be “strong and courageous” (Joshua 10:25, NIV).

But Joshua’s strength and courage were to be tied to his observance of the laws of God. In other words, his courage and strength were not to be found in himself but in trusting in the promises of God to make him prosperous as he walked in God’s ways. It was the same principle later repeated by the psalmist who said that the man who meditates on God’s Word will be prosperous in whatever he does (Psalm 1:2-3).

Strength and courage come from trusting in promises that will never fail.

Let God’s promises shine on your problems.
Corrie ten Boom

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No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:5

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 13:5-6

When we are very young, doing something for the first time can seem scary: attending a new school or jumping off a high diving board. What makes it easier is for someone we trust to say, “I’ll be with you!” The same is true when we are adults: getting married or starting a new job.

When Joshua was starting a new “job,” he had every reason to be nervous—his job was leading an entire nation of people into their new homeland and getting them settled. But God reminded him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” Joshua had been Moses’ “assistant” during the nation’s wilderness wandering and had seen how God had directed and provided for Moses. Knowing God would do the same for him gave him every reason to be “strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6, 9, NIV).

We start something new with God each day. Remembering that He has been with us in all our yesterdays gives us strength and courage about our tomorrows.

Who brought me hither will bring me hence; no other guide I seek.
John Milton

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Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
Joshua 1:2-3

Recommended Reading: Joshua 6:1-5

If someone includes you in their will, your inheritance is as good as done even though it may be years before you receive it. Words spoken with authority before the fact ensure that what is spoken will take place.

That was the case when Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Before Joshua and the people crossed the Jordan River and entered into the land, God said He was giving the land to them. Even though God said it before it happened, it ultimately took place just as He said it would. It happened again before the Israelites captured Jericho: “I have given Jericho into your hand” (Joshua 6:2). When God makes a promise about something in the future, His promise removes all fear. We can be certain that what He has said or what He has called us to do, will be accomplished.

What has God called you to do? His calling removes any reason to fear the future.

Nothing is more offensive to God than disbelief of His promise.
Matthew Henry

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And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18, NIV

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:6-7

A centurion in the armies of Rome commanded a cohort of eighty soldiers; they were considered the backbone of the Roman army. Centurions are mentioned several times in the New Testament, two by name: Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8) and Julius (Acts 27:1-6). Centurions received orders through the chain of command and conveyed them to their soldiers.

When Paul used a Roman soldier’s armor to illustrate the Christian’s spiritual armor, he did not mention a centurion. But in the verse immediately following his description of spiritual armor, he exhorted the Ephesian believers to be diligent in prayer—to be alert and pray continually for all the saints. Just as a Roman soldier depended on his commanding centurion for direction and strategy, so Christians need to depend on their Commander for daily guidance. Prayer “in the Spirit” is how we stay in touch with God who guides us and strengthens us to be victorious in spiritual warfare.

As you prepare each day to engage in victorious Christian living, begin with Spirit-led prayer as you put on the whole armor of God.

I live in the spirit of prayer…and the answers are always coming.
George Müller 

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 13:7-16

For centuries, travelers crossed oceans and deserts using the North Star. The stars around it seem to wheel across the sky night after night, and the seasons change from spring to summer to autumn to winter. Yet Polaris remains fixed, providing a point of reference for those trying to find their way.

Perhaps God designed it that way to remind us of the stability Jesus Christ brings to our lives in every season and circumstance, no matter where we are. Every single thing in this universe—both seen and unseen—is changeable and changing. But God says in Malachi 3:6, “I am the Lord, I do not change.” And James 1:17 adds, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

If you’re entering a new season of life, enter it with the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Man at his best is but a creature of eclipses and changes, fits and starts, ups and downs, high tide and low ebb, but the glory of God shines with a fixed brightness.
Herbert Lockyer

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Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, PHILLIPS

Recommended Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Isaac Watts, the London pastor and hymn writer, wrote, “There is such a thing as correspondence [communication] with heaven and prayer is a great part of it while we dwell on earth. Who would not be ambitious to correspond with heaven? Who would not be willing to learn to pray? This is the language wherein God hath appointed the sons of Adam, who are but worms and dust, to address the King of Glory, their Maker.”¹

In our preparation for the battle, it’s important to realize God gave us a secret resource: prayer. Prayer is a direct link to our Lord, and we are to pray without ceasing. While this doesn’t mean we are constantly praying, it does mean that we consistently leave the lines of communication open, walking with God in uninterrupted fellowship.

Be alert and be ambitious to correspond with heaven.

Prayer is a sacred and appointed means to obtain all the blessings that we want [need], whether they relate to this life, or the life to come.
Isaac Watts

1. Isaac Watts, A Guide to Prayer (London, 1789), 264-265.

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These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:35-37

What if an army knew the outcome of a battle before it even started? What would such knowledge do to the confidence of the soldiers? Before the army of Israel attacked Jericho, God told Joshua, “See! I have given Jericho into your hand” (Joshua 6:2). The battle was over before it ever began; God had won the war for them.

Such is the case in the spiritual war that is currently playing out. Satan has been opposing the work of God since before creation. Genesis 3:15 hinted at the final defeat of Satan, and the resurrection of Jesus proved to be the harbinger of the final victory to come. But even before His death and resurrection, Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” Though the Resurrection was the turning point, there are still battles and skirmishes taking place between Satan’s forces and God’s people. If we stand firm, clothed in the armor of God, we can win every spiritual battle.

Do not fear the enemy’s attacks. Be confident that in Jesus Christ you have overcome the world.

There is no holiness without a warfare.
J. C. Ryle

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Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11

Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

When it was time for David to go out and face the giant Goliath, King Saul dressed David in his own armor. But David took the armor off because he was not used to wearing it and approached Goliath with only his staff and his sling and five stones (1 Samuel 17:38-40).

Centuries later, armor was still being used by soldiers who were preparing for battle. In the first century A.D., Roman soldiers wore helmets, breastplates, belts, and sandals—and carried a shield and sword. Paul made a point of saying that Christians engaging in spiritual warfare do not wear the armor of soldiers—reminiscent of David (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We fight with a different kind of armor protecting us. But Paul used the familiar image of a Roman soldier to illustrate the Christian’s spiritual armor: truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Spend time meditating on this armor and how it can protect you when you are attacked by Satan.

Our enemies are on every side, and so must our armor be.
William Gurnall

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And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
Daniel 2:21

Recommended Reading: Daniel 2:20-23

Journalists believe they know what is going on in the world, and historians think they can explain what has happened in the past. But a true understanding of the unfolding events in world history requires wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It requires knowing that God has a plan for this planet and that everything in the past has been orchestrated under the governing eye of His Providence. Everything occurring now is aligning with His long-term intentions. And the Most High rules over the affairs of men (see Daniel 4:17).

We can gain understanding in these things by reading the books of Daniel, Esther, and Revelation. Yet we would also be wise to look over the course of our own individual lives and see how the guiding goodness of God has led our steps, our stops, and every stage along the way. Whatever season you are in, ask the Lord for wisdom to discern His ways and to trust His guidance.

God has a plan and a purpose for the world and governs history such that everything from the least to the greatest contributes to the achievement of that plan and purpose.
Robert Rothwell

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