LEARNING THE WAYS OF THE COURTS

PART  # 2

In part one of becoming a house of prayer, we learned the three ways that Jesus taught on prayer. He spoke of prayer as flowing from a son in relationship to his loving father. That type of prayer is when we take our own needs to the Father.  Then He speaks of intercessory prayer as a friend approaching a friend.  This type of prayer is when we come to God as a friend for the needs of my friend. 

 The third way Jesus taught on prayer was in the setting of a courtroom,  Luke 18:1-8.  Here this widow is seeking justice from a unjust judge in a court of law.   Jesus was teaching them to pray and not lose heart, but He also said " hear what the unjust judge said. " Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out to Him ? I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. "   Jesus was trying to show them through this parable to never give up in our praying, but also that this type of prayer takes place in a court of law. He was saying if this woman could get a verdict from an unjust judge, how much more can we come before God the judge and have Him render verdicts because we are His elect. 

When we have been praying for something for a long time and not seeing the answers,  sometimes it leads to frustration and striving. So sometimes we think we are not doing enough and we pray longer, louder, harder, add fasting, fly flags, dance,  somehow thinking things might change by more effort.  There is nothing wrong with using these type of things in certain settings, but more effort is not always the answer. 

Many times the answer is in the discovering of secrets through revelation,  that will bring about a breakthrough. Jesus was unlocking a secret that sometimes our prayers are needed to be taken to the courts of heaven.  This widow in Luke 18:1-8  wanted justice from her adversary and she went into the courtroom, not the battlefield..  If you notice the widow never even addressed her adversary.  She understood that if the judge rendered a legal verdict, the powers of the adversary would be demolished. 

Because this type of prayer takes place in a courtroom, we must learn the spiritual protocol of God's courts.  Lawyers go to school for years to learn how to operate within the judicial system.  Just like in the courts here on earth, there is a protocol to follow. Presenting evidence, answering accusations, petitions offered, and verdicts rendered. 

 Jesus understood that  we need to secure a verdict in the courts of heaven before rushing out into a battlefield. He shows us this in  Revelation 19:11.   Now I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse. He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.  When the Bible talks about judging, it is a judicial activity.  There needs to be  a judgment, decision, and a verdict  to establish a legal precedent. If we want to get results from the courts of Heaven we need to know how to address the court, present our cases and ask for a verdict.  So lets begin .......

Daniel 7:10  A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.  This scripture tells us that there are books or scrolls in heaven that must be opened before the court of Heaven goes into session. Once the court is seated the books are opened and the court comes into session. What are these books or scrolls and what is written in them ?

 We find the answer to this in Psalm 139:16   Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they were all were written, the days fashioned for me. When as yet there were none of them.  God  saw you in fleshly form before the earth was formed. He saw the number of your days,  your activities and what you would accomplish in your life and the Kingdom impact He destined for you.  Before you existed on the earth there was a book written about you in Heaven. 

Hebrews 10:5-7     He came into the world and said, sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said,  " behold I have come, in the volume of the book it is written of Me to do Your will, Oh God.  This Scripture tells us that Jesus had a book that chronicled the Kingdom purposes He would fulfill in the earth. Jesus came with a commitment to complete that which had been written in the books of Heaven concerning Him. 

John 1:14 says, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  Jesus physical birth allowed what was written in His book or scroll to be manifested in the earth.  He spent the next 33 years fulfilling what was written of Him. 

Ephesians 2:10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepare beforehand that we should walk in them.  

Psalm 40:7-8   Behold I have come, in the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do your will, O God your law is written within my heart. 

Anything God ordained is first written in a book in Heaven and when you were born, you began the process of living out our Kingdom purposes in the earth. When we live out what is written in our books, Kingdom influence comes to the earth and Kingdom cultures that look like Heaven are revealed.

Part  three : THE FIGHT TO KEEP YOUR BOOK FOR BEING MANIFESTED

Lovely ladies......over the past few months we have heard from various leaders calling us to be a house of prayer. We have also been hearing the word breakthrough being spoken out over us for  2017.  This journey is taking me into the Word of God and to discover what exactly is prayer?

God is calling us up higher and He is opening books of revelation so that His Kingdom purposes may fill the earth.  Last Tuesday night Susan Morino shared a message and a word from the Lord concerning prayer.  I quote her  "  The Lord told her,  " I'm listening,  I'm waiting, I'm here.  I'm waiting to hear a sound from each of my children. I need them to realize as they seek the meaning of House of Prayer,  that I've called them to as an individual,  it will lead to an understanding of what I want them to partake in the corporate house of prayer.  I want to stretch them and there is a sound that will come from the body that will be unlike anything else that has been heard..... "  So pray with me.......Lord we ask for a Spirit of revelation and truth to open our eyes and ears and our understanding into your truths.  Amen

 PART  ONE :    So we need to ask some questions, what is prayer ?   What happens when we pray ?   How did Jesus teach us to pray ?  Do we have a clear understanding as to just what is happening in the spirit as we pray ? When we pray we are entering into a spiritual conflict.   We are engaging and petitioning God for answers,  but at the same time engaging the powers of darkness that want to resist your prayers.  Daniel 10:12-14  the angel says to Daniel, " do not fear from the first day your words were heard, and I have come because of your  WORDS.

 Daniel 10:12-14 is a perfect example of this activity.   Daniel prays for 21 days and during this time there is a battle in the heavens holding up his answer.  Ask yourself, do you have prayers that you have been praying for years but not seen the answers for ?  I know I do.     Where is the conflict ?    Instead of getting frustrated or putting more effort into doing the same thing over and over again and striving.  Lets dig in together to discover the hidden secrets and truths in God's Word that will bring about the breakthrough we need.   John 8:32 says......you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.

How did Jesus teach us to pray ?    In Matthew 6 and Luke 11  Jesus is teaching about prayer.  He first speaks about prayer as flowing from the relationship of a son or daughter to a father.  Then He taught about prayer as a friend approaching a friend.  The third way He taught about prayer was of a widow seeking justice in a courtroom in Luke 18:1-8.   The activity of this prayer or encounter takes place in the courtroom.  This widow cries out for justice from her adversary.  The word adversary in the Greek is anti-dikos which means... one who brings a law suit to deny you your rights.

This is why Jesus was speaking this parable. He was unlocking a secret that some prayers take place in a courtroom. When the widow wanted justice, she didn't go to the battlefield.  Jesus never taught about prayer on a battlefield.  The widow went to the courtroom.  She realized she didn't need to march onto a battlefield and yell at her adversary. She simply needed a verdict from the court and judge. She didn't even address her adversary.

Revelation 12:10 talks about the devil, our accuser who stands before the throne day and night bringing accusations against you.  The accuser is bringing charges up against you in a judicial system........so why are we going out unto a battlefield to fight. ?   We need to be like the widow in bringing our cases to the courtroom of heaven to judge.

Any adversary that is resisting God's Kingdom purpose for us will have to bow their knee to the verdicts from the courts of heaven.  All we need is a legal precedent based on a verdict from heaven and the fight is over.   That is good news  !   We are on this journey together but we need an understanding of just where are we going.   Let's learn how to operate within these courts, learn the language of the courts, and present our cases........ see you in court  !   Diane

Watch for part 2...... coming soon  !

Matthew 17:20  (AMP) For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.


What Does a Breakthrough Look Like?  


 Many times when I hear the words "break through," I picture doors bursting wide open that were once sealed up, or the smashing of a brick wall...like something you would see from a superhero movie (as my boys love to mimic, "Hulk smash!").  We know as children of God that a "break through" often describes a moment of victory, either in our own lives or in some kind of circumstance connected to us.  Breakthroughs resound with joy, healing, revelation and many times bring us to a higher place of faith.

I love break throughs.  I love the incredible encouragement they bring.  I love those moments when my heart cries out, "Yes! A true shift has happened!"

Some breakthroughs can happen suddenly, or with great momentum.  I've witnessed that.  Yet, I also believe breakthroughs don't always happen immediately, or over night.  Prayer, perseverance and continuous trust in God are all part of the journey leading us to breakthrough moments.  We sow precious seeds of faith and prayer into the soil of our lives and our spheres of influence....and then we wait.  And wait.  And sometimes wait a bit longer.  Sometimes for years.  Sometimes our tears become like rain, watering our prayers of faith.  Our worship opens the window of our hearts to the beautiful warmth of the Son, radiating beams hope within our souls...bringing us the nourishment of God's very presence.

And the seed grows.  Slowly.  Hidden and unseen.  The roots go deeper, developing an incredible system that encompasses absorption, support, nutrient storage and reproduction.  The root systems become a true anchor for whatever it is connected to and upholding.... our seeds of faith.  What we are hoping for, praying for...believing for.  I am reminded of the tap root illustration Pastor Aimee gave us last year at Bible Study, as we are becoming like that tree, "planted by streams of living water."  Rooted and established in the incredible love of our Father.

Picture with me a sweet little sunflower shoot, ever so slowly finding it's way through the soil, reaching and reaching upward until the surface opens. Pressing upward, through the dirt...through the surroundings of earthen sod where the seed was first planted. It rises higher....and higher.  Then, ever so beautifully, the green color of life emerges. 🌱   I think sometimes a breakthrough looks like that.  The incredible process leading to that shoot rising was hidden and unseen, and yet so significant and necessary.  Breakthroughs are the harvest of what was planted in faith...and what was developed in the waiting.  It remains rooted, yet has risen to meet the atmosphere for which it was designed to thrive. The picture you first saw introducing this blog shows a child, taking delight in a sweet little plant growing.  I see in this picture an expression of faith and wonder.  You see, even after this little plant has broken through, there is more life to be lived, more growth to take place. In fact, a breakthrough not only represents victory...but a brand new beginning.

That little green shoot will keep rising and is far from finished...

by Erin Paolercio

 

Psalm 145  God's Greatness (Passion Translation)

King David's poetic song of praise

 

Psalm 145 starting in verse 3 declares, "Lord You are great, and worthy of the highest praise! For there is no end to the discovery of the greatness that surrounds you. Generation after generation will declare more of your greatness, and discover more of your glory."  

 

As I sat at the piano with this Scripture opened in front of me, I was deeply moved by the powerful truth that I am destined to discover MORE of God's glory!  We represent what David prophetically declared...we are the "generation after generation" here and NOW!  As we declare more of His greatness, we WILL discover more of His glory! The next verse describes how His "miracles of majesty are my constant meditation."  What an awesome challenge, that His majestic miracles be what our thoughts dwell on!  I have seen breakthrough after breakthrough in my own life when my gaze is fixed on God's nature and presence.  He holds the answers!  He holds the power to overcome!  And that same power is IN us!  I'm just amazed at how He continues unfolding and revealing more and more to us His children.  What a good God, what a loving Father. No wonder David continues by saying in verse 8, "You're so kind and tenderhearted to those who don't deserve it...Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness."  His love overflows, providing us with more than enough.  He is a God of MORE!  Even further in verse 19, "Every one of your godly lovers receives even MORE than what they ask for.  For you hear what their hearts really long for, and you bring them your saving strength!" 

I'm challenged myself, and I want to challenge you today...to see that there is more.  More to see in Him today, more to praise Him for...more glory to discover!  See that image today of that flooding river of His love, overflowing the banks of your life with His kindness.  Be encouraged in the truth that He gives us MORE than we ask for, because it's Who He is. My mind cannot grasp this yet my spirit responds and cries out, "More of You Lord!" Let that be our cry and our prayer as we walk this life out.  We are a generation who is destined to see MORE.

by Amy Pasinski

If you have ever been to a 3D bible study or event, you have probably heard the following passage of scripture.

Ezekiel 47:1-12 The Message (MSG) Trees on Both Sides of the River

47 ^1-2 Now he brought me back to the entrance to the Temple. I saw water pouring out from under the Temple porch to the east (the Temple faced east). The water poured from the south side of the Temple, south of the altar. He then took me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the gate complex on the east. The water was gushing from under the south front of the Temple.

^3-5 He walked to the east with a measuring tape and measured off fifteen hundred feet, leading me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another fifteen hundred feet, leading me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another fifteen hundred feet, leading me through water waist-deep. He measured off another fifteen hundred feet. By now it was a river over my head, water to swim in, water no one could possibly walk through..."

Early this morning I heard a new song from Bethel Live.  As I ran on the treadmill, the presence of God filled my heart once again.  It filled it as promised, with new mercies for today.  It filled with new hunger, determination to move further away from the shore.  It filled my heart with hope and peace that the instant I call upon your name, you show up.  It filled my heart in so many ways.
 Take a moment to listen, read the lyrics, and hear the heart cry of this song.  Thank you Lord, that even at knee depth waters, you keep calling us further.  You call us to freedom.  You call our hearts to come back to you.  You are always calling on us.  Always forgiving.  Always kind and just.  God, we give you our lives this day.  We ask for you to take our hand and lead us into deep water, where we can be, beautifully in over our heads.  Because that is where you want us to be.  Tear down the boxes we have put you in.  We give you free reign to move in our lives.  You are so good, God.



 

I have come to this place in my life
I’m full but I’ve not satisfied
This longing to have more of You
I can feel it my heart is convinced
I’m thirsty my soul can’t be quenched
You already know this but still
Come and do whatever You want to

I’m standing knee deep but I’m out where never been
I feel You coming and I hear Your voice on the wind

Would you come and tear down the boxes that I have tried to put You in
Let love come teach me who You are again
Take me back to the place where my heart was only about You
And all I wanted was just to be with You
Come and do whatever You want to

Further and further my heart moves away from the shore
Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours
Further and further my heart moves away from the shore
Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours
[x2] Then You crash over me and I’ve lost control but I’m free
I’m going under, I’m in over my head
And You crash over me, I’m where You want me to be
I’m going under, I’m in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head
I’m Beautifully in over my head
I’m Beautifully in over my head

by Aimee Sych

Hello 3D gals! Our Tuesday evening Bible Study is back up and running with fire after our Holiday break. This season, we have been going through the study of my upcoming book, "For This ... I Bow." It is such vibrant season we are living at 3D, both in the Word and in Spirit! If you haven't joined us yet, don't hesitate! Each study, though part of the series, is independent and stands on its own for anyone to enjoy at any time! So, you can come and go as your schedule permits!

This week our study comes from Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” Adorned with glorious riches, the worshiper stands poised with extraordinary power flowing from their inner being, fueled by the fire of the indwelling Spirit of God."
There is a Covenant for you to enter into today! A covenant with God that is a NEW, fresh, Living Covenant … one not based on Law or human effort, but on grace and favor! This Covenant will lead you into new dimensions that you may have never even imagined. Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, left His Disciples (and generations to come) with a great and precious gift, a power accessible to each one of us! This power is the sign of the New Covenant!

Join us at 3D, this Tuesday at 7pm at The Tab's World Leadership Center. Let's discover this power and come in to greater understanding together, as we see the New Covenant activated in our lives!

by Amy Pasinski

Hey beautiful ladies. It's a new year. I'm sure we all have different feelings when this time rolls around each January 1st. I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions. I AM one to open a new journal and seek God to hear His heart for my life, for the new year. What areas do I need to grow in? Where can I do better? What things do I need to give up, that are not effective uses of my time? How can I be a better version of who God wants me to be...to Him, to my husband..., to my children, to my friends, to my church, to strangers, to my enemies? Most importantly, where do I fit in? Where do you want to use me? Deep stuff, right? We all ask these questions. As I was journaling and studying, I came across this paragraph from Beth Moore. It brought me to tears, and I hope it encourages you all today. We are all in this together.

 
In this, she is talking about finding our place, our ministry, where we fit in.  Look at it as... in 2015....
 
God is looking to our sincere resolve to do some good in His great name. Stay after it, Sister. Stay willing, stay flexible, and teachable, and God will not let you miss what He put you on this planet to accomplish. If you're on the wrong road, He'll take you to the right place. He will raise you up out of a rubble of confusion, so that you're trained and equipped for works that work." Beth Moore
So, if in this new year, you are searching, it's a good thing. The last thing we ever want to be is, content. We're on a pilgrimage. Stay after it, Sister.  Beth Moore
 
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 MSG
Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time-pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.