Podcast Summary: "Life on Wings"
Podcast: Times Square Church - Sermons
Host: Pastor Tim Dilena
Date: November 23, 2025
Overview
In this powerful sermon, Pastor Tim Dilena explores the biblical image and reality of living "life on wings"—the idea that God Himself stands between us and our greatest threats, carrying and protecting us like an eagle carries its young. Drawing from Exodus 19:4 and Psalm 91, Pastor Tim provides scriptural, historical, and personal stories to assure listeners that God’s divine protection and providence are real and available for all who trust in Him, especially in troubling times.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Welcoming the Nations & Launching the Hebrew Channel
[00:00-05:00]
- Pastor Tim joyfully acknowledges over 38 countries and 33 US states tuning in live, including international students and even viewers on airplanes.
- Announces the launch of Times Square Church’s 13th language channel—Hebrew—with a heartfelt prayer for Israel and revival in Jerusalem, led in Hebrew by Rebecca, the new translator from Jerusalem.
- Memorable Quote:
"We launch in Hebrew today... Would you believe with me for revival in Israel today?" (A, 02:45)
- Memorable Quote:
2. Introduction to 'Life on Wings'
[05:00-10:00]
- Pastor Tim sets the theme by recounting the need for hope and assurance in dark times, referencing both recent world events and scripture.
- Main Message:
Being close to God is our ultimate safety—not geography, politics, or preparedness:“Hide yourself in God so when your enemy wants to find you, he will have to go where God is first. Safety comes in our closeness to God, not in our distance from our enemies.” (A, 06:50)
3. Illustrative Stories of God's Protecting Presence
[10:00-25:00]
Peter Marshall’s Warning
- Shares how Peter Marshall, future chaplain of the US Senate, was supernaturally stopped from falling to his death in a quarry by the audible voice of God.
“It was the voice of God that literally kept this man between life and death.” (A, 09:30)
Israel Carried on Eagle’s Wings – Exodus 19
- Explains the metaphor: Eagles carry their young on their wings because nothing can fly higher—nothing can attack them without getting through the parent eagle first.
“To be carried on eagle's wings means God is putting Himself between you and your enemy.” (A, 12:36)
- Connects this to God’s loving protection over Israel, Moses’ journey, and all believers.
4. Five "Wings" of Divine Protection
[25:00-54:10]
Pastor Tim identifies five ways God places Himself between us and harm:
I. The People of God
[27:00-38:00]
- Shares the transformative story of Nikki Cruz, a former gang leader, reached through David Wilkerson.
“God puts a skinny Pennsylvania preacher between Nicky and death. That's living life on wings. Hallelujah.” (A, 37:10)
- Relates the story of Paul in Acts 23: Paul’s unnamed nephew saves his life, enabling him to write key epistles.
II. The Voice of God
[38:00-43:00]
- Recounts a chilling personal testimony: a former occultist and Army Ranger, angered by Pastor Tim, planned an attack but was audibly stopped by God’s voice:
“I heard the audible voice of God... ‘If you back up, I will kill you. And if you touch him or his family, I'll kill you.’” (Testimony relayed by A, 41:25)
- Emphasizes how God’s direct voice powerfully intervenes in our lives.
III. The Angels of God
[43:00-48:50]
- Cindy Dilena’s encounter with an apparent angel who escorted her safely in Detroit.
- Biblical precedents: Exodus 14’s pillar and angel moving between Israel and Egypt before the Red Sea crossing.
“God was going, ‘You, Gabriel or Michael, get to Detroit... walk the prettiest young lady in all of Detroit over to her car.’” (A, 45:20)
- Pastor Tim’s own practice of praying for angelic protection over his family and the church.
IV. The Providence of God
[48:50-54:10]
- Defines providence: God orchestrates events for His purpose, nothing is random.
- Shares personal and family stories, from his father's career shift (inspired by David Wilkerson) to his daughter's athletic success and spiritual placement.
“God put it together. Even with roommates that are thinking about God and reading the Bible. God put her there.” (A, 50:55)
- Notes how even small, seemingly unrelated moves can change destinies:
“It's the hand of God that guides every single one of us.” (A, 54:03)
V. The Prayers of the Saints
[54:10-58:30]
- Candidly shares about “the hardest hour of my week”—Sunday mornings at 6:00 am—when discouragement attacks, but is overcome through intercessory prayers.
- Describes the UK-based “6am Prayer Club” and how timely messages from others uplift him.
“We started this Sunday today, the 6am Prayer Club. There's no way... we're gonna let Pastor Carter hoard all the blessings for covering you in prayer. We want in on the action!” (A, 56:35)
- Connects to Israel’s first battle after the Exodus: Moses, Aaron, and Hur praying on the mountain ensured victory for Joshua below (Exodus 17).
5. Scriptural Conclusion: Psalm 91 and "Life on Wings"
[58:30-65:30]
- Reads Psalm 91, emphasizing fierce and intimate divine protection:
“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you may seek refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and bulwark...” (A, 60:35)
- Celebrates longevity (New York life expectancy “83!”) but reframes the ultimate goal:
“My goal is not to live to 83. My goal is to live forever.” (A, 61:44)
6. Invitation: Committing to Life on God's Wings
[65:30-73:00]
- Challenges listeners: If you don’t have God, what protects you?
“If God is not in your life, you have nothing to protect you... I want to be with Him. I want Him in my life.” (A, 67:30)
- Leads attendees and listeners in a step of faith:
- Many respond and come forward for prayer and commitment.
- Explains how to receive life on wings: Admit, Believe, Confess (the “ABC” of faith).
- Prayer for salvation:
“Dear Jesus, I believe You’re the Son of God. I believe that on the cross You took my sin, my shame and my guilt and You died for it…” (A, 75:23)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “To be carried on eagle's wings means God is putting Himself between you and your enemy. God stands between you and death.” (A, 12:36)
- “Safety comes in our closeness to God, not in our distance from our enemies.” (A, 06:54)
- Story of Nikki Cruz’s first prayer:
“Good night, Jesus.” (A, 33:45)
- Testimony of deliverance:
“Even if your prayer is only ‘Good night, Jesus,’ God hears you and goes to work.” (A, 34:10)
- On life’s aim:
“I don't want to be identified as he's a preacher… I want to be identified that this man walks with God, is protected by God, is close with God.” (A, 24:30)
- Salvation’s promise:
“God is not going to give you 83. He gives you forever.” (A, 74:12)
Key Timestamps
- 00:00: International welcome and Hebrew channel launch
- 05:00: Main theme introduction (“Life on Wings”)
- 09:30: Peter Marshall’s supernatural warning story
- 12:36: Explanation of “carried on eagle’s wings”
- 27:00: Nikki Cruz testimony and “the people of God”
- 38:00: Personal story: the voice of God intervening
- 43:00: Cindy’s angel encounter and “the angels of God”
- 48:50: “Providence of God”—personal and family stories
- 54:10: “Prayers of the saints”—intercession and Moses on the hill
- 60:35: Psalm 91—God’s protecting wings
- 65:30: Call to commitment—affirming faith
- 75:23: Salvation prayer led by Pastor Tim
Conclusion
Pastor Tim Dilena’s “Life on Wings” sermon weaves biblical insight, moving testimonies, and a call to trust God’s active protection in every season of life. Through stories ancient and modern, ordinary and miraculous, he illustrates that for those who draw close to God, He becomes their unfailing shield and lifter—placing Himself, His voice, His people, angels, providence, and prayer between them and danger. The sermon culminates in an invitation to leave behind self-reliance and to find lasting life and safety—forever—under the wings of God.
“I'm just telling you: I have a bulwark. I have a defender. I have a tried stone. I have a cornerstone. You gotta get through Him to get to me.” (A, 67:04)