Have you ever attended a concert where you had to reserve your seats WELL in advance? You show up the day of the concert and see that it is completely sold out and the doors are guarded by some hefty looking, armed young men. They have been instructed that only ticket holders be permitted in the door, and they are authorized and equipped to enforce that mandate! Only those with reserved seating will have the joy of participating in all the festivities that will happen beyond the door in the courts of praise.

We have the best seats! We have been graciously gifted eternal reserved seating! God has told us exactly where we are seated in His perfect Word. They are seats with a breathtaking view! According to the book of Ephesians, chapter 2 verse 6 it declares this: “And God raised us up with Christ Jesus and seated us with HIM in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus!” Just take the ticket from Him!

Jesus has literally gone to the courts ahead of us, purchased the seats (with a no exchanges/return policy) and awaits our appointed occupancy! Remember this TRUTH, stop trying to arrange a different way to the heavenly concert! Stop trying to buy the seat by striving in your own efforts. All the seats are full and already paid for by the Host & Perfect Love! Ask Him. He is waiting to share this with you. He is The Way into the most amazing life here AND eternally at the best praise and worship concert ever! Stop looking at your own efforts or at your feet in guilt and shame. Both will leave you wanting! Look to Him and ask Him to show you Who He is and what He has done to reserve this seat just for you. The adventure here is not what you think. It is far beyond anything we can ask think or imagine. It is wild and wonderful and hard and beautiful all at once! It is priceless!

He lovingly lifts up the downcast who have yet to know the Host personally, they are not sure who they really are, nor where they are seated. That does not stop His nail pierced hand from lifting up our chin to gaze into His blazing, powerful, love filled eyes and fill us with a humble confidence! He alone enables us to slay the giants of doubt, lies, fear, guilt and shame. He reminds us of all that He has done and that we truly are seated with Him! Even when (and ESPECIALLY when) it does not “feel” or “seem” like it!!! When we choose to actively live in this TRUTH and walk in the confidence of our secured position with Him here and now - it inevitably encourages and strengthens those that we interweave life with.

We transform before our and their eyes. Our speech changes, our lips begin to say things that are truth and life giving. Our minds and attitudes change, we are filled with an inexplicable peace. Songs of worship, thanksgiving, and praise start to stream through our hearts and minds. There is no more room for fear, sarcasm, worldly drama, ego or lies. The fiery darts from the outside world and the enemy of our soul have been rendered powerless. When we trust in The Giver of every good gift, and His Word that says we have been given the reserved seating directly from Jesus Himself - our steps are lightened, and joy overwhelms sorrow. He prepares us in Him, He will present us to The Most High God spotless, blameless, and pure! There is nothing and no one that can cancel our reservation that He has firmly secured.

Seated with Him, and secure in His hand, we hold fast to the shield of faith, the Word of God, and covered with His blood… snuffing out each dart! He ensures our victory, and we must remember that we fight as we join in that concert of Worship and Praise from our spirit that sits in the reserved heaven concert hall.

Today – I am reminded of this and will intentionally remember this truth – and remind others of it and pray that you will do the same! Because of this truth, may we all walk confidently into The Courts of Praise, with joy and humble confidence today - and for the rest of the journey! KNOWING that we sit in the reserved winner’s seat, with Jesus at The Father’s right hand!

January of 2022 The Lord spoke to my heart “Look up. Put your hand in mine. Walk with me. Worship me. Watch what I do!”