How many of us have watched those dramatic television shows about lawyers 'duking' it out in the courtroom? Tension builds when one of the lawyers points a finger at the defendant, sitting on the stand. The lawyer squints her eyes and raises her voice, having asked the death knell question - one the defendant can't wiggle their way out of. The lawyer has asked something that no matter what the defendant says and no matter the reality, she will look bad. "Yes, or no!" the lawyer says as the defendant squirms, unsure what to say. The damage is soon done and the lawyer flips her hair. Heels clicking against the tiled floors as she returns to her seat, a look of accomplishment on her face.
Then the defendant's lawyer rises and approaches his client. He says a few words to calm her down and she takes a deep breath, before he also proceeds with questions. However, these questions allow the defendant to provide more context to the answer she gave while being grilled by the other attorney. Once over, the jury is nodding as they take their notes, even the judge looks less hostile. The other lawyer though? There are deep frown lines on her forehead and her lips have turned down at the corners. She is far from pleased that her strategy didn't go as planned.
Many of us don't yet realize that there is an Accuser and an Advocate in our lives. On a day-to-day basis, they are invisible to us, yet, their impact is very real. Both of these 'lawyers' stand before God and we are the topic of discussion, or rather, litigation. What happens during these moments can make the difference between a person experiencing favor or disaster in any given situation. The Accuser points a finger, suggesting we are irredeemable, that we should be punished for our sins. It wants the curses outlined in the Bible to be the norm for those accused. The Advocate, on the other hand, outlines the reasons why we deserve mercy, even when we did wrong. He enforces God's covenant with us (Hebrews 7:22).
The Accuser is like Jezebel, who used her knowledge of God's law to have Naboth accused of a crime he didn't commit and thus killed unjustly. Jezebel knew that as long as two scoundrels accused Naboth of having insulted the king and blasphemed against God, she could quickly get him out of the way and her husband could possess the dead man's vineyard. The devil schemes against us in just the same way. Knowing God's word, it conspires to put people in situations where it can accuse them of sin. It will even go as far as encouraging an individual to sin, only to then run and snitch on them, trying to get God to remove His hand of protection from the person. It is a legalist and seeks to strictly use God's word against people. It hates that God affords His people grace, forgiveness and vindication.
Fortunately, the Advocate stands at the right hand of God to counter satan's accusations. His name is Jesus Christ and we are told in 1 John 2:1 - My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. It is His job to defend those who have claimed Him as their Lord and Savior each and every time satan points a finger. Through Jesus, believers can condemn the accusations the devil has made, no matter which ones (Isaiah 54:17).
God is so gracious that not only does Jesus act as our lawyer, but, the Holy Spirit also serves as an attorney for those that the devil seeks to destroy. John 14:26 - But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you (AMP). Look at the words used to describe the Holy Spirit! We need Him in addition to Jesus fighting for us in the heavenly court of law to silence our enemy.
When we are aware that the Accuser wants to steal from us, kill us and destroy our lives, we start to live in a way that deprives it of opportunities. We stop lying, stealing, gossiping, fornicating and doing other things that God commanded us to refrain from. We will also be more aware of the need to live a life that gives our Advocate what He needs to defend us. To that end, we'll study God's word more, praise Him more, praying for others and doing the things God has asked us to do. As none of us is perfect, we will make mistakes. Nevertheless, learning to confess and repent of our sins, choosing to live righteously and in the fear of the Lord, limits what the Accuser can use or say against us. Praise God for giving His people a more than adequate defense team! And as long as we don't break the hedge of protection around us through covered-up sin, satan is powerless in its accusations and we are justified by the blood of Christ, just as if we never sinned. Glory to God!
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY
How has God been faithful to you? It's time to share so others are encouraged. That way their hope in the Lord will not dim.
We are instructed to share our testimony as believers. In fact, doing so allows us to overcome satan according to Revelation 12:11 - They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Be sure to share testimony right on this site in the Testimony Gala Thread - Testimony Gala | The Miracle Alley.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, thank You for this day and for teaching us about the Holy Defense Team You've assembled on our behalf. Thank You for being such a good Father, that You would do such a thing for us. God, You make all things beautiful and have never forgotten to give us the best. So, I thank You again and again for giving to us out of Your abundant love. Thank You, Lord!
Dear God, I submit all who participated in P&P before You. You know who these individuals are and I trust in You to bless them. May they make choices that give their Advocates more than enough to defend them. May their lives be a shining testimony of Your grace that pleases You to move on their behalf the way You did for Cornelius. May You be highly lifted up and glorified through their lives, IJMN, Amen.
Big God. Strong King. Mighty One with a mighty hand.
I come before You to honor You and Your words. Even the Destroyer was made by You. Lord God, all things are in Your hand and under Your authority.
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19)
Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. (Isaiah 54:15)
May the high praises of God be in their mouths,
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with shackles of iron,
to execute the judgment written against them.
This honor is for all His saints. (Psalm 149)
Father, I proclaim Your word against the works of the enemy: See where the enemy plans to attack with chaos, see the evil beings that gather to plan wickedness, see the corruption in high places that perverts justice for those who need it.
Raise up a standard against the enemy's attacks on Your chosen ones. Cause evil groups to fall for our sake. I execute against the wicked the judgment You have already written against them.
God, You have a heart for justice and so I ask that You send Your fire to burn against the hand of satan. Thank You for victory in Jesus name. amen!
LAST 10 MINUTES
We've reached the last 10 minutes of today's fellowship.
Today, we learned about The Advocate and how He stands against the Accuser on our behalf. We also learned that the Holy Spirit is also on our defense team. With both the Savior and Holy Spirit interceding for us, how can satan win?
Let us take a moment to be thankful for this great blessing the Lord has given to us. Let us join sis @brownicing who prayed the following:
"Thank You Lord for being our defender. May we never give the devil ammunition by straying from the word of God. May we always hunger and thirst for righteousness. May God grant us strength to remain in Him even when things are not going well for us IJMN Amen."
God bless you.
*From BI* - Lord, I pray for an end to terror and violence in our communities. I pray that You Lord will send the Holy Spirit to melt the hearts that are stubborn and full of hatred and selfishness. Lord, place compassion, love, forgiveness, peace and understanding among Your children and let unity reign IJMN Amen.
I also place waiting mothers before You. Some may call them barren, but You are the Lord who told Abraham in Genesis 22:17 - I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies...
You are also the God who settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD (Psalm 113:9).
Bring forth this promise You gave to Abraham in the lives of families everywhere. Those who look to You, Lord, please do not delay in answering their prayers for You also promised in Ezekiel 12:28 - "Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.'"
We look forward to hearing even more testimony of miraculous pregnancies and safe deliveries so Your children - the heirs - will raise Godly offspring per Your instruction in Malachi 2:15.
Thank You, God!
Mighty God! You are compassionate and gracious. You are full of fire and are very strong. There is no one above You, You are the Most High.
My Lord, I come before You with Your word in Romans 3:22-24.
And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-24)
Lord, remember the grace You promised to give to believers. See how the enemy is trying to deny Your grace in order to accuse Your children and steal their souls. My God, my request is that in Your grace and mercy, You would justify believers through the blood of Jesus that I plead on their behalf. Amen, in Jesus name.
*From BI* - Lord, I lift up in prayer JO, CE, CS, @MamaFatCheeks, @kety and any one connected to this platform in need of healing. I pray that You deliver them from all afflictions. I pray Lord that You grant them healing in mind, body and spirit. I pray that You strengthen them and grant them Your transcending peace. I pray all negative medical reports turn into praise reports IJMN Amen.
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Good God, help Your children to remember Your word. Far too often, they have faced disappointments that have caused them to distrust. And they transfer those feelings onto You.
We know this is satan's aim - to cause people to be disappointed by others so they trust nobody, including You. However, You are the Sovereign Lord. There is no other. And Your word promises that Your love for Your children is abounding.
And so, my God, I call on You to do as You have promised. Heal broken hearts. Restore love, faith and trust in Your people for each other and most especially for You. Surprise Your children, Lord. Help people overcome their unbelief according to Mark 9:24, IJMN, Amen.
PRAYER TIME
It's intercession time.
Let's think of ourselves as the last chance someone might have to be heard by the Lord. As a result, take Your petition that seriously.
Pray for the needs of other people such as your friends, family members, co-workers and even absolute strangers. That cashier lady you see at the store when you go. That guy sitting behind the glass at the gas station. That secretary who picked up the phone. What about that kid you saw riding their bike in your neighborhood? You don't need to know their specific prayer needs. You can always just call on God to bless them.
It is better to give than to receive, says Jesus Christ. Let us obey Him and give freely of our prayers to others.
Sow seeds of prayerful blessings into the lives of others.
Thank You Abba!
- thank You for giving us an ever-present Advocate to defend us in court
- thank You for the provision You gave me a few weeks ago that I am still benefitting from
- thank You for strength anew and zeal
- thank You for the new knowledge You gave me recently
- thank You for beautifying my life and blessing me and mine richly
Thank You, Father! You are Jehovah Nissi - our shepherd. Thank You for leading us on the path of righteousness. Your word is contained in the Good Book and You take the time to speak to us mere mortals in ways we can understand. Glory to Your Holy Name!
Thank You for speaking to us. For Your word is clear in John 10:27-28 - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Father, continue to speak to us, Abba. Continue to provide us with instruction.
*From BI* - Thank You Lord for JO, CE and CS. Thank You for all You are doing in their lives. Thank You Lord for being the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank You for being the God of yes and amen.
Isaiah 41:9-12 - I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’ I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. Thank You for such heavy promises, Covenant-Keeping God!
Revelation 5:13 - Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
Yes, Lord, we join all of creation to praise and honor You. For You are greatly to be praised. Thank You for being He who deserves all the exaltation for You alone have the glory, the honor, the power and the praise, now and always, IJMN, Amen!
Thank You for taking care of people. While there are many problems in the world today, we thank You for taking care of the poor, the sick, the hungry, the naked and so many others. You give them a reason to live and fight another day. You strengthen them and provide for them. Where others want to make them think their current story is all there is to tell, I thank You that they have a future and a hope in You. And, that You shall indeed bring Your future plans to pass for them. To Your glory and by Your grace, IJMN, Amen.
Father, thank You for giving us a great defense team against the accusations made by the devil. All glory belongs to You. Bless our Savior Jesus and the Holy Spirit for tirelessly working on our behalf to silence satan's lies against us!
You are so worthy of all the glory and praise, great Jehovah!
*From BI* - Thank You God for showing forth Your Power and Glory in my life. Thank You for beauty for ashes. Thank You that it did not end the way the devil planned it. Thank You Lord for being a light unto my path and allowing only goodness and mercy to follow me. Thank You my Abba Father for blessing me with more than I deserved. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, my Rock and my Redeemer.
*From WG* - Thank you Jesus…. For all you have done and continue to do…
PRAISE TIME
Who's ready to give God thanks? Who's ready to make His praise glorious in this place?
Our God is great and greatly to be praised!
By now, you should be listening to some good ol' worship. It should have you bobbing and weaving, curving the plans and the voice of the enemy to get you to stop honoring God this way.
Come on folks!
Not happy to learn God doesn't want you taunting and mocking the wicked? Well, guess what? You always get a free pass when it comes to satan.
Put the devil to shame and worship the God Most High!