Mentoring on The Courts of Heaven 07-18-2023: Replay - Restraining Orders & Relationship with Jesus
Petitioning for Spiritual Restraining Orders in the Courts of Heaven: Building an Intimate Relationship with Jesus
Building an Intimate Relationship with Jesus
The courts of heaven offer believers a profound means of engaging with Jesus to find inner healing, deliverance, and access God’s justice and mercy. In this transformative mentoring session, Pastor Timothy Tomlinson guides participants into the depths of this process, emphasizing the scriptural foundations for approaching Christ in prayer.
Pastor Tomlinson begins by stressing the importance of cultivating an intimate, trusting relationship with Jesus as both a friend and a Father. Drawing wisdom from the Bible, he outlines two essential prayer strategies modeled by Christ himself. First is the practice of persistently knocking, seeking, asking, and believing, as illustrated in Jesus' parable of the friend who comes asking for bread at midnight (Luke 11:5-8). Though his request is initially denied, the friend’s shameless persistence results in the door being opened. Jesus encourages us to pray with similar boldness and faith.
The second model is humbly approaching Jesus as a loving Father through the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2). Here believers enter God’s presence acknowledging his holiness, depending on Him for provision, seeking His will and forgiveness. As we persist in these heartfelt prayers, we experience Jesus’ power to heal and deliver. But we must trust His timing, avoiding frustration when answers come slowly.
Petitioning the Courts of Heaven
Pastor Tomlinson then explains how the courts of heaven integrate biblical prayer with the concept of “spiritual restraining orders” against demonic powers. Just as a restraining order establishes legal protective boundaries in the natural realm, believers can petition the heavenly court for decrees limiting the enemy’s ability to harass and harm (Hebrews 4:16).
Presenting a compelling case before our Heavenly Father as Judge requires meticulous spiritual record-keeping and great humility. We must document evidence of the enemy’s attacks through dreams, tormenting thoughts, emotional oppression, etc. However, when sharing our grievances, we must guard against vengeful motives, instead seeking justice bathed in Christ-like mercy.
Inspired by practices in Deuteronomy, Pastor Tomlinson notes how individuals would bring disputes to city elders at the gates for judgment and intervention. Similarly, through Jesus as mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), we now can present our case before the highest Heavenly court. When God renders just verdicts on our behalf, we gain victory and freedom from the enemy’s influence (Psalm 7:11).
Cultivating a Heart of Persistent Prayer
Throughout the session, Pastor Tomlinson emphasizes the courts of heaven represent a vital relationship with Christ, not merely a formula. Our Heavenly Father only gives good gifts, so if we feel condemned or confused in prayer, it is not God’s voice (Romans 8:1). As we persistently knock on heaven’s door, we must trust Jesus’ timing in responding (Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 18:1-8).
After outlining these foundations, Pastor Tomlinson demonstrates principles in action by engaging volunteers.
Barbara Jean shares feeling “stuck” regarding next steps in ministry. Unsure whether to launch out or remain in a season of quietness with her family, she requests the Lord’s direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). Pastor Tomlinson leads her through repentance for a potential doorway regarding past involvement in martial arts (1 John 1:9). As they pray, Barbara Jean senses the Lord's strong presence and receives a confirmation of His acceptance and love (Romans 15:7). She then presents her case before the Courts of Heaven, and Jesus declares her "not guilty," bringing a verdict in her favor (Isaiah 61:8). Through this process, Barbara Jean receives clarity to rest in her identity in the cross of Christ (Galatians 2:20).
Julia requests prayer regarding torment from hearing voices (Mark 5:1-20). Pastor Tomlinson guides her to forgive generational roots in witchcraft and renounce any footholds (Leviticus 20:27, Acts 19:18-20). As they pray for inner healing, Julia receives a tangible feeling of the Lord’s peace and comfort (Philippians 4:7). However, there are indications more work is needed in future sessions (Luke 13:8). Pastor Tomlinson encourages Julia that persistently knocking on heaven’s door in prayer will eventually bring breakthrough (Matthew 7:7-8), and suggests she could also approach Jesus as Judge in the Courts of Heaven for additional healing and freedom (Hebrews 4:16).
William transparently confesses to opening "grave" doors by violating God's laws, resulting in profound shame and despair (Psalm 38:4). As they pray for inner healing, William struggles to receive freedom from this shame, indicating deeply rooted strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Pastor Tomlinson gently encourages him to persevere in the process of inner healing and deliverance, bringing past wounds and transgressions before the Lord for healing (1 John 1:9). He reassures William that spiritual maturity and freedom are a journey, reminding him that persistently knocking in prayer will eventually open the door (Matthew 7:7-8). Pastor Tomlinson suggests consulting further for personalized guidance (Proverbs 11:14), and emphasizes that the Lord can redeem William's past if he persists in humility and faith (Joel 2:25). Above all, he reminds William of God's relentless grace toward us as imperfect but beloved children (Romans 5:8).
Lucia shares feeling "stuck" in her attempts to obtain real justice regarding her children's wellbeing, as she does not have full custody (Isaiah 1:17). As a mother, she ardently desires divine help and heavenly intervention to protect her children, who are vulnerable without her daily care (Psalm 10:14, Psalm 82:3-4). Looking to the courts of heaven, Lucia petitions God Almighty, the ultimate Righteous Judge, to enact justice and mercy on behalf of her children (Deuteronomy 10:17-18, Psalm 146:7-9). Pastor Tomlinson explains that for spiritual restraining orders to remain in effect against the enemy, she must be diligent in identifying and closing any potential legal doorways through inner healing and wholehearted repentance (Matthew 12:43-45). As Lucia prays, she becomes aware of generational roots connecting to occult practices, and repents thoroughly of this foothold of darkness (Leviticus 20:6, Acts 19:18-20). While she is encouraged by sensing the Lord's love and deliverance, Pastor Tomlinson urges Lucia to persist boldly in this spiritual warfare, trusting God to continue revealing and redeeming hidden areas of bondage (Ephesians 6:10-18).
As they pray, Lucia senses the name of someone connected to generational occult practices - a potential doorway of witchcraft (Leviticus 20:6). After repenting, Lucia receives confirmation of the Lord's love (1 John 4:16) and feels a weight lift spiritually (Psalm 34:6). However, the prayer process also reveals potential lingering issues requiring more time and persistence (Luke 11:5-10). Yet Lucia expresses feeling encouraged and empowered to keep engaging in this spiritual warfare on behalf of her family (Ephesians 6:10-18). Pastor Tomlinson affirms her sensitivity to the Spirit's leading (John 16:13) and urges her to continue boldly approaching God's throne of mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).
In each situation, Pastor Tomlinson meets individuals right where they are with compassion (Colossians 3:12). He emphasizes waiting patiently for the Lord to surface root issues (Psalm 27:14), then guides them to pray through repentance, forgiveness, and renunciation (Acts 3:19, Colossians 3:13). As participants actively engage their part, invoking Christ’s power and authority, many experience profound breakthroughs with joy and peace (Philippians 4:4-7).
However, the session reveals this process is deeply challenging. Some requests are not instantly resolved, indicating the need for persistent, tenacious prayer over time (Luke 18:1-8). Pastor Tomlinson stresses that walking with Jesus through the courts of heaven is a lifelong journey of inner healing and deliverance (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). As humans with a sin nature, we will continually need to bring hidden strongholds into God’s light (Psalm 139:23-24).
Although intimidating warfare, we can have full confidence in Christ’s authority over every demonic influence seeking to harm us (Luke 10:19). Pastor Tomlinson encourages participants to keep drawing near to Jesus in unwavering faith (James 4:8), boldly knocking on heaven’s door (Matthew 7:7-8). As we open our hearts transparently before our compassionate Father, He will heal, restore and unleash greater freedom than we can imagine (Joel 2:25-27). Truly, we serve a gracious God whose timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and whose justice and mercy know no end (Psalm 103:17).
Restraining Order Request
Before petitioning for a restraining order against the enemy's attacks, we must first approach Jesus in the Courts of Heaven. Jesus will reveal anything in our hearts or lives that needs repentance, forgiveness, or inner healing. These steps close legal doorways and remove the adversary's grounds for access (Matthew 12:43-45). Once we allow Christ to cleanse these areas through alignment with Him, we can request a spiritual restraining order with confidence. This does not instantly win the battle, but rather enforces boundaries that facilitate Jesus continuing His deliverance work in and through us. As long as we remain sensitive to His leading, diligently closing any new footholds, the restraining order helps restrict the enemy's ability to harass and harm us. But ultimately, we must trust in Jesus' authority and unwavering love to walk us through to total freedom.
DEFENDANT: Jesus, my Mediator, I come before You to request a restraining order against my adversary in accordance with the principles outlined in Deuteronomy 16:18 and Deuteronomy 19:16-21. I acknowledge that You hold the ultimate authority and power over all spiritual forces and that You are the One who can enforce this restraining order on my behalf.
With the understanding that my adversary has continuously harassed and inflicted harm upon me, I seek Your intervention to establish boundaries and limitations on their ability to harm, oppress, and obstruct my life. I invoke the spiritual authority given to me as a believer in Jesus Christ to issue this restraining order, placing restrictions on the enemy's activities.
In alignment with Deuteronomy 16:18, where judges and officials were appointed to ensure fair judgment, I request Your divine wisdom and discernment to enforce this restraining order. Just as the judges in the Old Testament were responsible for executing judgments and restraining wrongdoers, I trust that You will carry out justice on my behalf.
According to Deuteronomy 19:16-21, which emphasizes escalating punishments for repeated offenses, I request that the restraining order comes with increasing consequences for any violation. I ask that the enemy be held accountable for their actions and that the severity of the punishment be commensurate with the harm inflicted upon me.
By Your grace and power, I entrust this restraining order into Your hands. I believe that as I surrender to You and Your divine authority, You will safeguard me from the schemes and attacks of the adversary. I place my confidence in Your ability to enforce this restraining order and bring about the necessary boundaries to protect me and restore peace in my life.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my Advocate, Mediator, and Protector. I am grateful that I can come before You in the Courts of Heaven to seek justice, healing, and victory. In Your name, I make this request for a restraining order against my adversary. Amen.
By incorporating this section, we specifically address the request for a restraining order against the adversary in alignment with the principles outlined in Deuteronomy 16:18 and Deuteronomy 19:16-21. It acknowledges Jesus as our Mediator and Advocate, entrusting Him with the authority to enforce the restraining order and bring about the necessary boundaries for our protection.
18 scriptures used in this blog for Building an Intimate Relationship with Jesus: Engaging the Courts of Heaven for Inner Healing, Deliverance, and Justice
Luke 11:5-8 (NIV): "5 Then Jesus said to them, 'Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him." 7 And suppose the one inside answers, "Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything." 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.'"
Summary: Jesus shares a parable about persistent prayer, emphasizing the importance of boldness and faith in approaching God.
Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2 (NIV): "9 This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"
Summary: The Lord's Prayer serves as a model for believers, teaching them to approach God with reverence, seek His will, and ask for provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from temptation.
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV): "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Summary: Believers are encouraged to approach God's throne of grace boldly, seeking His mercy and grace in times of need.
Luke 11:5-8 (NIV): "5 Then Jesus said to them, 'Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him." 7 And suppose the one inside answers, "Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything." 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.'"
Summary: Jesus reiterates the parable of the persistent friend, highlighting the need for persistence in prayer.
Psalm 7:11 (NIV): "God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day."
Summary: God is a just judge who displays His wrath against wickedness.
Romans 8:1 (NIV): "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Summary: Believers in Christ are not condemned but set free from condemnation.
Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV): "7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Summary: Jesus encourages believers to persistently ask, seek, and knock in prayer, assuring them that their requests will be answered.
Learn about The Courts of Heaven through our Masterclass:
The Courts of Heaven Masterclass is a course that teaches how to approach Jesus as Judge and access the Mercy Court of Heaven to get justice quickly. It covers topics such as reasons why prayers are not answered, regaining confidence in aggressive intercession, understanding how the courts of heaven work, dealing with adversaries and accusations, presenting a case, and accessing breakthroughs in prayer that have been delayed for years. The course is taught by Pastor Timothy, who has helped thousands gain freedom from the enemy's stronghold for over 14 years. The course aims to help participants experience the Joy of the Lord, be led by the Lord, hear His voice clearer, and fulfill their destiny.
