Thinking Out LOUD ~ Higher Heights, Deeper Depths

For a long time, I have been receiving emails, which go into the very depths of Scripture and allows the reader to understand what God is saying from the Old Testament straight through to the New, but I wasn’t reading them! I started off okay, but then trailed off. I must admit that I was not being diligent at all, when receiving these. In fact I became very overwhelmed because I had joined too many mailing lists, so was receiving data from different places. It became a state of information overload! I will not even say how large my mailbox is! I have issues with my memory, so would read one thing one place and wouldn’t remember who said what, where, when or in what context! However, I restarted reading emails from Jeff A. Benner, who is an Author, Researcher and Bible Translator. On his webpage, analysis is done of the Hebrew text, breaking it down, so that there is no doubt of what is being said. Personally, my preferred translation has been the Amplified Bible for several years now, because it expands and provides an enhanced meaning to text.

Many read the Holy Bible and whilst speaking, we use one word, but when the full meaning is expanded with several words, a deeper understanding of what is meant can be reached.  A deeper and richer knowledge of God, His love and His requirements can then become clear and our walk solidified OR our prayers directed to correct areas so we are strengthened. We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

Philippians 4:13 (AMP)

Scripture tells us that the Word of God is living, active and full of power.

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

This means that when we consume and digest it, we should believe and understand every word being said to us, by our Heavenly Father. We will then reach a deeper and richer level of faith. We need to take it to heart, take it to spirit.

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (KJV)

Translated directly from the Hebrew it becomes the below:-

Israel, pay careful attention and respond: Yahweh works in unity with himself: and you shall act upon your love to YHWH with your thoughts and mind, with your entire body and with everything that you possess.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (Hebrew interpretation)

I have noted it as Hebrew interpretation, but of course, it is the original and it is from it that all other Word flows. So, the words that are improved upon, expands the text and gives it more meaning.

Hear becomes to hear, pay attention to what is spoken and obediently act upon it.

One portrays YHWH being in unity with Himself. The example given online is ‘the pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. A cloud and fire are opposites—one provides coolness and shade and the other heat and light. Yet, they work together to preserve the people during the day and the night’ (excavatingthebible.com – Jeff A. Benner).

Love – there are several types of love, i.e agape, eros, pragma, to name just three, but the one in this verse is not of emotion but of action. We are not to do it because of a feeling; we are in a good mood today or everything appears to be going well, but it is an action. We are to love God, no matter what. Not as a reaction to how we are feeling or what we have received but just because. Thankfully, it is the same for Him towards us. He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. If He is to rebuke, it is with these same characteristics and reprimand and judgement can only be moved by repentance and correction.

Heart – to love YHWH by keeping our focus on Him. In the western world we think of love in conjunction with the heart, which is a fluttering in our chest when we are attracted to someone, or when we experience joy at something that is happening. When heart is referred to in this text, it is to do with the thoughts of the mind. We need to keep our mind/heart stayed on Him. In other words, steadfast and fixed, no matter what the circumstance.

Soul – our whole body, not only the mind/heart. This means that our actions will also be directed and motivated. However, this can only be achieved through prayer and supplication, because with our minds we can be very willing, but the body weak.

Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the [a]body is weak.”

Matthew 26:41 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Matthew 26:41 Lit flesh.

Might is everything we have.

YHWH wants the whole of us. Being a Christian, follower of Christ, isn’t to be taken lightly or on a surface level. We love Him because He first loved us and is calling us into His presence. When we diligently seek Him, He will take us to higher heights and deeper depths.

Stay blessed. Remain focused. Be diligent. Be unapologetically you.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Watch and Pray

I saw a tsunami of dark forces rising in the spirit, wanting to instill fear and drive God’s people into spiritual captivity. This darkness did not come from the right or the left. It arose from the spiritual hosts of wickedness.

“Although it will look like the enemy is overtaking you, do not fear for I have already overcome him,” says the Spirit of the Lord. “My children, I am telling you these things, so you are not caught off guard. It’s time to watch and pray.”

‘Therefore, consecrate yourselves and set your hearts upon Me. Resist the devil and he will flee. Be alert and be watchful, and do not fear, for I will give you strength to stand in the shaking. I will empower you to rise above the storm.

I will set you afire with My Spirit, and light your path with the lamp of My Word. As you seek My face, I will draw near. I will instruct you and equip you in this season.”

Activation:

Take time today to draw near to God and sit in His presence. Ask Him to show you what He is doing in your life, and in the place where you are assigned. Ask Him how you can partner with Him to bring His Kingdom to those around you. Then choose in your heart to trust Him and receive His peace.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

John 16:33 (AMP)

#lionbited

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Idols of Misery

“Your worries have become your idols!” says the Spirit of the Lord. “You have put your problems in the central position on the altar of your life. You have taken your eyes from Me and focused instead on your pain, endlessly cycling through negative what-if scenarios in your mind.

Your worries have become first in your life – your first thought as you wake up, to your last thought of the day. Finances cannot give you salvation. A spouse cannot be your eternal Saviour. Having a ministry cannot save you. Followers on social media cannot save you. 

It’s time to pull down your idols of misery from the altar of your life. Put Me back at the centre of your heart and your mind. Be led by My spirit who lives in you, not by the worries that will try to distract you.

I am not a God who worries. Nor am I a God who asks you to worry. Shift your eyes back to Me, and take hold of the peace I give you, a  peace not of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. Put Me back in My rightful position front and center of your life, and watch what I will do.”

Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

Philippians 4:6 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Travel Light

“Travel light on your journey,” says the Spirit of the Lord. “My Spirit shall be your guide. This season is all about your surrender, yielding to Me and My mighty power. Allow the Spirit of knowledge and wisdom to direct your steps.

I need you to give Me the best portions of your life first. Your time, your energy, your provision, and finances. Commit your everyday life to Me. Let go of everything that is hindering easy travel in this journey: distractions, pain, your earthly priorities.

As you release your life to Me, I will refresh and restore you. Through surrender to My leading, I will give you divine directions and holy strategy to protect you. By travelling light, you will be able to be nimble in times of fast change.

By surrendering all unnecessary weight, you will become nimble and efficient, able to move at Godly speed in a fast-paced season. Don’t let distractions weigh you down, or you will miss your moment, as I will call on you and need you to be ready.

Live a surrendered life. Travel light.’

Activation:

Ask the Lord what particular area of your life you need to surrender to Him in this season to travel light. Then pray, “Lord, here are my hands, take them. Here is my heart, take it and make something beautiful out of it. Here is my life, it’s yours.”

Put On the New Self

1 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].

Colossians 3:1-2 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Prophesy

“I have given you a voice, and all power and authority over the enemy. You don’t need to wait for the audience. You have the atmosphere, your family, your work, your current situation to prophesy into,” says the Spirit of the Lord.

‘Did I not command Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones? What dry bones do you see, My child? Are there dry bones of barrenness, of sickness or delay around you? Are there dry bones of dead religion, of need, of employment or provision of every kind?

There is nothing that is beyond My reach, nor are My ears too dull to hear. I have given you eyes to see and I love you asking Me questions and hearing what I have to say to you.

My dear child, aspiring yet hesitant. You have been questioning, even doubting, if you really hear My voice or if I am actually calling you to speak. I want to remind you that it is My words I have put in your mouth.

I have much I want to accomplish through you. Will you partner with Me, believing in the dunamis/divine power I have given you. Grab hold of a faith that moves mountains, and stand firm in the divine authority on your words. No more running from your call. Prophesy My child, Prophesy!’

So will My word be which goes out of My mouth;
It will not return to Me void (useless, without result),
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Pass the Megaphone

“I am coming after your fear of speaking,” says the Spirit of the Lord. “It is time! I am passing the megaphone over to you. In the coming months, you will need to speak up, and speak out clearly what I am sharing with you. Know that I will give you the words to speak with sharp wisdom, authority and anointing.’

‘I say again, I am coming after your fear of speaking. So lay hands on yourself and declare “I am a courageous truthteller for God.” Grab hold of My Holy boldness which I am giving you now.

In the coming months, the revelation I give you will be the liberation of others.

Speak Courageously.
Speak with Authority.
Speak with My Power.

Activation:

What has Holy Spirit been revealing to you this week? Take a step of boldness and release it! It will be this that brings healing, freedom and revelation to those around you.

A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer,
And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!

Proverbs 15:23 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Seven Spirits of God

“My child, do you know how much I have for you? I have everything you could need! Let me into your life, with all that I am. For you have not connected to Me in My fullness, including My seven spirits:

The Spirit of the LORD: The overarching spirit of God.

The Spirit of Wisdom: Divine insight and application of truth.

The Spirit of Understanding: Spiritual comprehension.

The Spirit of Counsel: Divine guidance and advice.

The Spirit of Might (Power): Divine strength and capability.

The Spirit of Knowledge: Knowing God and His ways.

The Spirit of the Fear of the LORD: Reverence and awe of God.

I long for you to meet Me in all that I Am. I have the answer for every area of life, ministry and wellness. But you don’t seek Me in My fullness. Instead you seek out other avenues such as other people’s opinions of who they think I Am.

Today come to Me, sit with Me, meet Me, for I Am vast and great. Situations are coming where you will need all that I Am to lead and guide you. Come and sit with Me. I’m waiting.

Activation:

Spend time repenting to the Lord for not coming to Him in the fullness of who He is. Spend seven days in prayer exploring the seven spirits of God and let Him show you who He can really be to you.

And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and strength,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the LORD—

Isaiah 11:2 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Blaze with Holiness

“Sons and Daughters, I am Your Heavenly Father, but I am also a Holy God. You are My chosen ones, My special possession called to a life that is blazing with holiness.

As great High Priest, Jesus paid the ultimate price for forgiveness of sin, to allow you to come with confidence and boldness into My presence, fully convinced of My love. Never again will you be separated from Me. 

Holy Spirit has given everything you need to live a life that is set apart, holy and consecrated to Me. Stay true to your citizenship in Heaven, living out your days in awe and reverence before Me.

No longer partner with the ways of the world and cultural expectations which welcome distraction and compromise, opening the door to sin.  You are created to transform the world around you, not be shaped by it.  Invite Me to show you those areas where there is need for surrender and change. 

Live in the light which overwhelms darkness.  Take every opportunity to declare My praises and speak truth.  Display My nature and virtues to a world which so desperately needs hope. Live in such a way that everyone sees Me.

But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage];

16 because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY (set apart), FOR I AM HOLY.”

1 Peter 1:15-16 (AMP)

#lionbites