The Courts of Heaven

God rules sovereignly from Heaven but not arbitrarily. In the Unseen Realm, “God [Hebrew, ělôhîym, ruler, judge, divine one, angel] has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods [Hebrew, ělôhîym] He holds judgment” (Psalms 82:1 ESV). With the Supreme Judge of All the Earth (Genesis 18:25), both Abraham and Moses pleaded cases before His court and won (Genesis 18:25; Numbers 14:13-20). Why should Yahweh allow Himself to be persuaded by a mere mortal in prayer? “Remind Me of what happened! Let’s debate! You, prove to Me that you are right [Hebrew, tsadeq, acquitted, justified, vindicated, declared right]!” (Isaiah 43:26 NET). God desires us to enter into intimate relation with Him to form a more perfect union, when we argue our case in the Courts of Heaven using all our intellect, understanding, experience, emotion, and feeling, thus bonding to Him with all our strength for eternity. 

God Has Got Your Back

“I’ve got your back” is what we would hear from a trusted friend, who is looking out for our best interests, like ‘eyes in the back of our head.’ When a military formation advances or especially retreats, a rear guard must protect its interests from behind. David had his Jonathan looking out for him, where he wasn’t looking. Most importantly, Jehovah looks out for those who put their confidence in Him. “For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward [Hebrew, ‘âsaph, rearguard]” (Isaiah 52:12 KJV). God has got your back is the assurance of all those who put their trust in Him. 

Thou Maintainest My Lot

“The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot [Hebrew, gôrâl, pebble used for systematically making decisions, e.g., die (singular) or dice, as in casting lots]” (Psalms 16:5 KJV). Yahweh takes all chance out of maintaining the life and circumstances of those who are trusting Him. We make a great mistake, when we do not teach this as a foundational principle to all those who receive the religion of Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd alone is capable of maintaining us to perfection and to the end — even those with failing health, diminishing mental capacities, feeble social circumstances, a difficult physical situation, frail financial means, or dire political position. Pray for all those the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. 

Do Not Relinquish Your Life Lightly

Though Christians may be willing to lay down their lives for Christ, we must be willing to endure the often difficulty of living for Christ. I’ve heard stories of Christians competing for the honor of sacrificing their physical lives for the cause of Christ. This is noble, if we are just as willing to endure the suffering for Christ, should we live. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My [Christ’s] strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

I Can Do All Things

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). Humanism makes large about the abilities of man. Christianity is about our need for Christ. Through Christ we understand our humanity only has meaning because of Christ. Only through Christ are we truly able to do anything worth doing. The enemy cannot win, if we rely only upon Christ. 

Not Ashamed of Us

“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:16 KJV). There are professing Christians who are ashamed of Christ. They don’t truly desire Him and His better country. But, what an honor! Our God is not ashamed to be called our God, if we desire Him above all! His Son bore our reproach outside the camp hanging on a Tree. Blessed Jesus! May we return the love to Thee! 

Confusion to the Enemy

“Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city” (Psalm 55:9 NIV). Whenever someone is confused, they are confounded in their attempt to accomplish their goals. Likewise, David prayed for the Lord to confuse his enemies, as should we. Elisha prayed for blindness upon the Syrian army, who came to capture him. “And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And He smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha” (2Kings 6:18 KJV). LORD, teach us to wage war victoriously in our Spiritual Warfare. Amen.

Sexual Purity Comes From Higher Purpose

Sexual purity comes from higher purpose from the LORD, not from simply refusing to give in. Christ-centered motivation overpowers the strongest sexual desire. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:9-10 KJV). Let the Spirit of God guide your affections to a higher purpose rather than simply resolving in your own strength not to give in. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2 KJV). Human will power alone is a poor substitute for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to keep you pure. Remember, God’s Word and promises “effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1Thessalonians 2:13 KJV), that is, it works in those who believe.

God Moments

We “can do all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13 KJV); but especially, when we have to do the seeming impossible, while we’re trying to do the right thing. The Israelites were called to exit Egypt only to be cornered by Pharaoh’s chariots at the Red Sea, but God delivered them. Abraham was promised offspring through Isaac, whom God now required to kill and sacrifice, until Jehovah was satisfied with Abraham’s faith. Then, a nearby ram was caught and substituted. God will do the same for you in your moment of need, because “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 KJV). Don’t be surprised by a miracle!

You Are Here

Whenever we are confused and lost about anything, the Spirit of God is able to drop a spiritual map into our understanding to direct us. “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 KJV). The moral clarity of God in directing His people is so unmistakable, even without physical or tangible contact with others, He is able to direct us. “I being in [or, on] the way, the LORD led me” (Genesis 24:27 KJV).