By John David Hicks

For many centuries, people believed that the earth was the center of the universe. The earth stood still and the sun rose and set in an arc above it. Everything revolved around the earth. When Galileo discovered the fact that the earth revolved around the sun, he was persecuted as a heretic.

It is interesting that it took mankind so long to accept the fact that they are not the center of everything. Even today, many act like they believe they are the center of their own little universe. Everything must revolve around them, even God.

The Bible teaches, however, that the universe rather revolves around Jesus. “[But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order]” (Heb 1:2 AMP).

John writes in Revelation 4:11, the saints in heaven will worship saying, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” And again, in Revelation 5:9–10, 13, “And they sang a new song: “You are worthy [of our worship] …because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth… To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Amen!

Let us rejoice that the Lord of the universe is not our puny, little selves. Take as your motto for 2019, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24).  Lord, every day with you is a special day.  So, today is my new special day!

By John David Hicks

When you face a problem or difficultly, you have a choice.  You will focus on the problem or you will focus on God. When God wanted His people to go into the promised land under Moses, the people focused on the giants in the land and the fortified cities—the problems.  But years later, facing the same problems under Joshua, they focused on God and His promises. 

Your human logic and reasoning always requires more information before you risk stepping out in faith.  But trust or faith requires a promise. “Those who know your name [character] will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Ps. 9:10).  Joshua testified: “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled” (Josh. 21:45).

We are all called to prayer, yet so many of us stay away from it. Prayer allows us time with God.  It lets us see God’s grace and faithfulness.  It gives us the opportunity to experience His love and presence.  It transforms us and the world.

Let me give you five reasons for Prayer:

1. You have not because you ask not.  That is the first Law of prayer: ASK (James 4:2; John 14:13-14). 
2. Jesus is Lord of All. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18; Rom. 11:36).
3. Jesus has pledged Himself to answer when you: “Ask, Seek, Knock” (Luke 11:8-13; John 15:7).
4. In prayer God’s presence is manifested in revelation, guidance and peace (John 16:13; Prov. 3:5-6; Col. 3:15).
5. Nothing can stop God from fulfilling His purpose (Isaiah 55:11; Psalms 40:5).

I put a sign in my prayer closet that reads:  “Whose life shall I change, and what circumstances shall I influence today with my prayers!”

Will you pray with me:  Father, I ask You to let Your Spirit challenge my heart to a much deeper life of prayer with you.  I want to see “Your Kingdom come, Your will done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.”  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By John David Hicks

In the Old Testament, kings that wanted guidance from the Lord went to the High Priest who wore gemstones over his heart called the Urim and Thummim and asked for direction. “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus, Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.” (Exodus 28:29–30). 

All the garments worn by the Old Testament priests were symbolic of being set apart for God’s work. Determining God’s will and direction in various matters was part of their function, as well as the sacrifices for atonement and representing the people before God. The breastplate held twelve gemstones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel for intercession. Next to them were two mysterious objects, likely stones that gleamed like diamonds reflecting the light. One was called the URIM, which in the Hebrew means light or enlightenment. The second, the THUMMIM means perfection or revelation. When they radiated with light, they give you wisdom, or as we might say, “perfect light.” Israel could now “walk in the light” of God’s leading.

The High Priest garments were foreshadowing the work of Jesus, the “great high priest” (Heb. 4:14). In the New Testament we see the symbolism of Jesus as the “great High Priest” making atonement for our sins and making intercession for us and then giving us the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance in making decisions. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). God replaces the old articles of the Urim and Thummim with the relational person of the Holy Spirit. Faith and guidance are born out of this relationship. He is your breastplate of wisdom and guidance from within (1 Cor. 1:30). “You [Oh Lord] have made them a kingdom [a royal race] and priests unto our God” (Rev. 5:10).

In John 10:3-4, 27 Jesus said, “The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice…My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Ps.32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Rev. 2:7, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says.” “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).

When you are “in Christ,” the Urim and Thummim are within you in the person of the Holy Spirit. He will bear witness to you like the Urim, with enlightenment or conviction in the form of knowing in your spirit. “We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit” (1 John 4:13). In the Thummim, with perfection or revelation in the form of peace. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [govern] your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

The knowing or conviction confirms your inner peace (Rom. 9:1;1Thess.1:5), and that peace will govern and guide you as you make decisions (Phil. 4:6-7). “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” (Phil. 2:13). All the promises of God and all that He has provided for us are activated in you by faith. In faith you recognize what the Lord has done, then you hold on to it; you stand in it, (Heb.11:1, 6) and then “walk in the light” of His promises and guidance (1 John 1:7).
Because you are “in Christ,” in relationship (Rev. 3:20), you abide in Him (1 John 2:27-28). You are God’s dwelling place (1 Cor. 3:16). You are His beloved bride (John 3:29). Jesus gave you the Holy Spirit as your 24/7 helper (2 Cor. 1:22; Heb. 4:16). He who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Since Christ is your life (Col. 3:3), you can sense His reactions and responses within (1 John 4:13). The Holy Spirit has given you the Urim, enlightenment or conviction, and the Thummim, revelation or peace, to give you the wisdom and guidance you need.

Learn to nurture a time of praise, prayer, and the word, by listening, talking, and thanksgiving. Still yourself in God’s presence and wait on the Lord (Isa. 40:31; Ps. 37:7). Fix the eyes of your heart on the Lord (Heb. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:6). Ask Him questions and wait for His response (Jer.33:2 3; John 8:47; Phil.4:6). When God speaks, the thoughts, visions, dreams, feelings, or impressions are confirmed with peace and conviction (Col. 3:15; Rom. 9:1; James 1:6; Phil.4:6-7). The wisdom flows through spontaneous thoughts in your spirit (Phil.2:13; John 18:37; 1 Cor. 1:9). Use a journal, to write out what you hear the Lord saying (Jer. 30:2; Prov. 3:3). That way you will be a not only be a hearer, but a doer of the Word (James 1:23).

Thank you, Lord, that I can approach your throne of grace with freedom and confidence. You have said in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Lord, thank you for helping me to understand that the access I have gained into your grace in which I now stand has come to me by faith. Help me to rejoice in the hope of your glory! (Rom. 5:2). For you Oh Lord, have chosen to make known to me the mystery of Your glorious love and grace, which is Christ in me; this is my hope of being what you meant me to be. (Col. 1:27). –Amen and Amen.