Angels

Angels, Angels!

Dec. 28, 2008

By Rev. Jess Foglesong


Who are Angels? We are told that God created angels to help manage His Kingdom … and everything surrounding it. Angels were created as a way to relate His information and messages throughout His Kingdom, in relationship with human beings -- they are called "Mighty Ones." Whether you know it or not: “time” is not a factor in God’s world. Angels, humans and animal creatures were created simultaneously. And all existed in full harmony. All three levels (or spheres) interacted harmoniously as one –in God’s Kingdom.

Even after the fall of man, God’s angels were still the main lifeline and guardians of the lower echelon: humans. They are … the Father’s right hand helpers, and are relied upon for many, many duties.

Angels are able to infiltrate between levels of creation, and have the God given power to interact with human beings, as written in the Old Testament when angels came to Abraham and said that his wife Sarah would have a baby boy, even though she was past child bearing age. Also to Joseph and Mary, announcing that a savior would be born through the spirit of God.

Angels have dropped into the human stream throughout history. I suggest to you that angels are a huge part of our “everyday” lives. The problem is … we can’t see them! We are forbidden to view them, unless it is for a special purpose; in which they reveal their form to us.

One must remember: humanity is a fallen group of people. Fallen due to original Sin, brought on by Lucifer, an Arch-Angel of God; a trusted, created being, who was given the role of steward of planet earth, as well as the surrounding universe. Lucifer (who became Satan) rebelled against God (wanting to be like God); caused himself and all that dwell under his stewardship to be separated (divorced) from the Father.

And when Satan lost his heavenly title (arch-angel), he was banished to earth, along with one third of all the angels. They became ‘fallen angels’ … receiving a new title: demons.

These demons – along with Satan -- are able to influence humanity; almost exclusively in negative ways – always against God and His purposes.

Hence, there is a battle going on, spiritually. And we are the pawns. The (un-fallen) good angels, through orders from God are here on earth to guard us from evil; but because we are a fallen bunch and have ‘Sinned,’ God sees us as “tainted,” needing to be cleansed and salvaged, and made spotless again. And that is where the Christ, Jesus enters into the picture. Let it be known to you that a new steward has been proclaimed and crowned at the Cross in the name of the Son of God, The Anointed One, The Christ, Jesus. He will come again to implement a new Kingdom of human beings who have been reclaimed from Satan’s grasp. Most know that story, therefore I won’t elaborate.

As I stated, angels are all around – and likewise are demons. But thank heavens, there are more angels (messengers) …reporting to God, ensuring that we exist in a somewhat stable and harmonious world.

God’s power (His light), His Spirit is comprehensive, working throughout the planet, keeping it in good working order.

An illustration of this picture would be to look at your own body: the brain (symbolizing the God head); the body is the vessel ( symbolizing the universe, the earth); the body functions - working flawlessly (as does the earth and the universe); the interactions throughout, millions of messages or impulses sent out from the brain (angels coming and going, messengers - relentlessly). All held together by God’s “Presence” – without Him, all is cancelled, chaos.

Our body is the temple of the spirit. It is holy, created by God. He has allowed us to utilize it as a temporary vessel until the coming of the New Kingdom. We do not own our bodies. God keeps an array of angels to watch over us. Just as He watches over this planet, its physical functions and properties. He is the true keeper of this planet, and the only one that can save it (or destroy it) -- certainly not mankind.

We are still living outside of God's main camp; although we are at the door, ready to enter. And because we have been bought and paid for; reborn through the sacrificial death of the Lamb of God (The Christ); we are guaranteed everlasting life, and granted the right to come through the door to live within the main tent -- the Big Top. All we need to do is make a choice whether to accept His gift or not.

We, in the interim, before the transformation are constantly influenced by Satan and his fallen angels; but inherently, good angels, as well, also surround us. And one way to keep good angels around you is to have a good outlook of life; being positive; believing in the Father, putting Him first in your heart and mind. Once you look away and start believing only in your self, you invite the unwanted; the deceivers; the demonic forces.

I know it’s hard to fathom (for some of you) the notion that angels are around (perhaps sitting next you at this moment). They are an immense influence in our everyday lives … in order to counteract the deceivers. They have been with us since the beginning; and will be with us through eternity. They may be that person you bumped into today; or the reason why you stopped and changed direction yesterday; or why you decided to help someone in a difficult situation. It is a mystery! That adjacent, parallel spiritual world is teeming with action – coming and going. If you think it is busy on this side of the curtain? If you could only see on the other side: God’s world and realm is ultra busy and extremely full of activity.

One day in the near or distant future, it will be time for us to take that step over the threshold … into the amazingly beautiful world of Angels. How comforting … How reassuring … How trusting and loving. It is what the Kingdom of God is …

It is your choice. Let’s join the arena of Angels! When the new Kingdom comes!

God’s best is always for you – today!

Why is it taking so long to enter God’s Kingdom?
January 25, 2009
By Rev. Jess Foglesong

Have you ever wondered, what is taking so long for God to call us home? It has been over 2000 years since the Resurrection -- Cross event. Most who believe in Christianity, in God, have hope that He will follow through with His promise to bring us home; to lead us from this imperfect world to the land of milk and honey. Does that sound familiar?

Yes it does … we can look back to Exodus (in the Old Testament) and see that God’s covenant people – The Israelites – wandered in the desert for forty years before finally entering the land of milk and honey: the promised land of Canaan. They actually were at the door of Canaan within two years, but because of their stubbornness, grumbling and indignation; as well as their distrust of God’s word, were told that they had to continue their march through the desolate desert many more years. It was only until after a new generation – 40 years – had passed did God finally allow them to cross the Jordan River into the promised land.

Now how does the plight of the ancient Israelites relate to us today? Well, I am suggesting to you that what happened to the Israelites is a prophecy of what and where we are today.

We must look at the larger picture: A perspective from God’s point of view (if that is possible). A view that humans were redeemed from Satan’s grasp (Sin) by God, through a mediator – His sacrificial lamb, Jesus -- The Christ. And now -- like the Israelites, led by Moses – we too are moseying along in a “symbolic” desert waiting to enter God’s promised land. And so why is it taking (what seems like) such along time?

Well, I believe – like the Israelites – that we have lost our way. We too are stubborn, indignant and without faith. Therefore, He is allowing us to continue on our journey (through the wilderness) until he sees maturity; trust; faith -- in His word. He made a covenant with Abraham that his seed will multiply, like the millions of stars in the heavens. And all of his children will have everlasting life.

This was God’s promise. It was His promise at the onset, at the beginning; it was the same promise when the Israelites were freed from Egypt; and it is still the same promise today. God’s word is absolute. He made a covenant, a promise, and no matter how long it takes – He keeps His word.

All we have to do is accept it! Trust His word. Have faith in His word. Be committed to his promise. As soon as He sees us doing this; as soon as He sees the maturity of the wheat, of the grapes, He will rein us in, but not until then.

Perhaps many of you are mature grapes, ready to be picked. God needs as many as possible. Not just a few; He is looking for a multitude. Although in the end only 144,000 will be allowed to enter His Kingdom: symbolically, a number representing the twelve tribes of Israel; a "symbolic" number of mature believers and true remnants of redeemed faithful followers: 144,000, equaling millions of faithful believers; those who accept the enheritance of eternal life.

Are you one of the faithful ones? Do you have full trust in your Father, our Creator? Are you enjoying the ride, the journey, at the same time trusting that no matter how long it takes, the day will come when He will call us home? Know that in this interim time, He is patiently gathering, calling and corralling His flock of sheep, and will soon lead them to green pastures.

Like the Israelites, wandering in the desert for 40 years, we too are wandering, generation-to-generation; maturing, ripening, for the day we are taken across the threshold; the parting river; into the land of promise.

God’s best is always for you – today!




Where is your Allegiance?
January 18, 2009
by Rev. Jess Foglesong

I can still remember those childhood classroom days where we all had to stand to recite the “Pledge of Allegiance.” And as a kid – of 8 or 9 years old – I never paid too much attention to what the words really meant: To have allegiance to a flag; to our country; to the people? I just knew that it was important to say those words, because the teacher said so; or because it was part of the school rules. Not until many years later did I realize the importance of those words; of patriotism; of honor; of freedom; of democracy.

To have allegiance to one’s country is certainly important and commendable. And certainly most people in the world are very allegiant to their distinct culture, heritage and country: Italians, the Irish, Russians, the French, Dutch, and Norwegians, as well as the English, Chinese, Japanese – and many, many more. All are naturally allegiant to their individual culture – or race: such as the Jewish, Hawaiian, or American Indian cultures. Some are so in to their culture that – to them, all others are inferior (or at least, irrelevant).

Nationalism for the most part becomes so strong, in some cultures, that it impedes one’s vision of global “oneness.” That is: humanity, as a whole, created by God. Instead of being allegiant to the Creator, we look at Him as secondary to one’s country or culture.

I suggest that we look beyond one’s nationalistic interest, and instead focus on the one who made us; and the one who showed us the importance of love and respect for all. Yes, we should never forget who we are, and where we came from; and of course, never stop embracing our own distinct culture. But we must also never forget the Father in Heaven who made us; who was there when we were lost, and brought us back to the living. Our culture; our nationalistic interest will not ensure everlasting life. Only God and His angels can do that!

Our full commitment and allegiance to Him should be first on your list. All other things should be secondary. Your faith in His redemptive plan, through the deliverance of the Sacrificial Lamb, is imperative for your survival in this potentially, chaotic universe.

This is where my allegiance is … in God -- Jehovah! Who through His Son, The Christ, saved all of us. Why not celebrate this knowledge, as part of who you are. No matter what ancestry, culture, or country you derive from … don’t forget your true history and who created you.

He has not left the scene. He has been with us from the beginning. His illustrations and signs are everywhere! Don’t shut Him out! Live your life with The Father in mind. Include Him in your daily activities, in your conversations, in your journey.

We are all on a journey … like the multitude of migrating animals, we too are on our own journey home to the Father – to our true parent; to our true heritage, culture, country. To our true “Homeland.”

God best is always for you – today!

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