Psalm 91 reveals an incredible truth. Angels are sent by God to watch out for us. A curtain is pulled back to reveal God’s ministering spirits, angels, working on our behalf.

    For He will give His angels charge concerning you,

    To guard you in all your ways.

    They will bear you up in their hands,

    That you do not strike your foot against a stone (Psalm 91:11-12).

Even Jesus was ministered to by angels. After He resisted the temptations of Satan in the wilderness, we read in Matthew 4:11, “Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.” Just as they ministered to Jesus, so they minister to us as well.

Though we should marvel and be encouraged that God takes care of us through such incredible supernatural means, we must not forget the “other” angels: demons. Yes, there are two kinds of angels, holy angels and evil angels, good ones and bad ones. And the bad ones are out to destroy us.

There are many ways they seek us harm, but here is just one of which we must constantly be aware. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians of a man in the congregation who needed their forgiveness, for he had repented of his sin:

    But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have         

    forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

    so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his

    schemes (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

This specific scheme of Satan is to prevent Christians from forgiving each other. Hurtful, sarcastic and critical words can come from an unforgiving heart. As Christians, we justify our unforgiveness. Sadly, our spiritual growth will be stunted by unforgiveness. It can become a stronghold in our life, that if left unattended, will cause much damage to not only ourselves but others. When Satan and his minions gain a foothold, the foundation of our life and even the foundation of a church can crumble.

Generally, our enemy is trying to divide believers through personal differences, and thus disrupt the unity which we have in Christ—bought for us by His sacrifice (cf. Ephesians 4:1-3).

So, what should we do?

    •    Do you need to forgive someone? Do it.

    •    Put on the whole armor of God, which means praying for one another (Ephesians 6:18)

    •    Pray for Valley Bible Church

    •    Pray for the progress of the Gospel

    •    Pray for all our ministries of discipleship

    •    Pray for unity

    •    Pray for God’s glory

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love” (Ephesians 6:23-24).