Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Trust the Gardener

“There is a land that appears desolate and barren,” says the Lord. “Its trees have lost all their leaves, and the branches have not just been clipped and trimmed but have been completely severed with an axe. This, My people, is what I am doing to you.”

“Although it may seem harsh, I am actually caring for you as I tend to you. You are accustomed to smaller adjustments and lesser types of pruning that you could easily understand whilst in the process, but in this season, I am leading and guiding you blindfolded into a higher level. Will you trust Me once more? Will you believe that My purpose and plans for you are higher and greater? Therefore, the necessary adjustments that I am making in your life must be bold and unapologetic in order for you to bear more fruit. Surrender then to My ways and be expectant of remarkable and extravagant growth and expansion.”

Activation:

Read John 15:1-3 (AMP) once, then reflect on each verse with the Lord and allow Him to give you deeper understanding:

Jesus Is the Vine—Followers Are Branches

1 “[a]I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit].

John 15:1-2 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] John 15:1 The seventh of the memorable “I am” statements. See note 6:35.

    v.1-2: Pray for revelation about those areas in your life that have become fruitless and must be cut versus those that need pruning. You may want to ask Holy Spirit how you can partner with Him to facilitate the process and be more fruitful.

    Jesus Is the Vine—Followers Are Branches

    3 You are already clean because of the word which I have given you [the teachings which I have discussed with you].

    John 15:3 (AMP)


    v.3: Jesus is the Word of God made flesh and all who believe in Him are cleansed, all who believe the Word of God are washed. It is by trusting the promises of God that we are made clean. With this truth, go deeper with the Lord to understand if you truly trust His promises. Then let Holy Spirit check your heart to see whether you have tainted spots that need further purification.

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites  – Global Prophetic Alliance – Your Current Focus

    It is My will for you to give thanks to Me and to praise Me in every circumstance. Throughout scripture My character is revealed – I am loving, kind, merciful, just and righteous. I am omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. I am full of wisdom, faithful and patient. I will draw near to those who come to Me and will be found by those who earnestly seek Me. I am calling you to a lifestyle of worship and reverence.

    Activation:

    Read Psalm 146. The writer made praising God his personal lifestyle. He declares that as long as he lives, he will sing praises to the Lord (v1-2).

    The LORD an Abundant Helper

    1 Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)
    Praise the LORD, O my soul!

    2 While I live I will praise the Lord;
    I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.

    Psalm 146:1-2 (AMP)

    He encourages us to place our trust solely in the eternal God, not in mortal man. Other translations refer to these as princes, human beings, powerful men, experts, noblemen and human leaders – for those people cannot offer eternal salvation and all their wise plans will perish when they die (v 3-4).

    The LORD an Abundant Helper

    Do not trust in princes,
    In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation (help).

    4 When his spirit leaves him, he returns to the earth;
    In that very day his thoughts and plans perish.

    Psalm 146:3-4 (AMP)

    Consider the voices in your own life that you have trusted above God’s voice – lay them before HIm now and ask for forgiveness for not trusting Him fully.

    The psalmist then outlines the reasons why we should put our faith and trust in God alone, presenting examples from everyday life how God showed compassion towards His people. The Creator of the world blesses those who put their hope and trust in the Lord (v 5-9).

    The LORD an Abundant Helper

    5 How blessed and graciously favored is he whose help is the God of Jacob (Israel),
    Whose hope is in the LORD his God,

    6 Who made heaven and earth,
    The sea, and all that is in them,
    Who keeps truth and is faithful forever,

    7 Who executes justice for the oppressed,
    Who gives food to the hungry.
    The LORD sets free the prisoners.

    8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
    The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
    The LORD loves the [a]righteous [the upright in heart].

    9 The LORD protects the strangers;
    He supports the fatherless and the widow;
    But He makes crooked the way of the wicked.

    10 The LORD shall reign forever,
    Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
    Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)

    Psalm 146-5-10 (AMP)

    Give thanks to God for the examples in your life where you have known His provision.

    The psalmist concludes with the powerful declaration that our faithful Lord will reign forever, throughout all generations (v 10). Speak this truth over your family now.

    Quiet your soul, meditate on this psalm and let the words stir up a song of praise in your own heart. Read, pray or sing your praise and thanksgiving aloud now, declaring the things that you know to be true about who God is, what He has done in your life and your trust in Him to lead you forwards.

    in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMP)

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Your Current Focus

    The Lord says, “Do not get weary in well doing, My beloved. You will see the fulfilment and the fullness of My promises for you if you do not faint. I am encouraging you to persevere, endure, persist and press! Remain steadfast and do not give up. Take a breather if you must, but get back up and go again.

    This is a time when you must persevere and keep your eyes on the prize. Not the object or the thing, even the goal, but keep your eyes on Me. I AM the ultimate prize and reward.

    Deception is extremely prevalent and at very high levels in the earth in these times and can be very subtle; should you become distracted and lose sight of Me as the goal as you move forward, you could easily slip into deception, idolatry and delusion. So, stay focused as you press towards the mark – Me!”

    Activation:

    The Lord is encouraging us in this word to not only assess our priorities, but our focus. Take time to intentionally examine, with Holy Spirit’s help and guidance, where your current focus lies. Ask Him to identify any pursuits that you’re working towards that have replaced Him as the primary objective and have inadvertently become an idol within your heart. Lay those things down before Him now, and declare Jesus’ rule and reign over your priorities.

    I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

    Philippians 3:14 (AMP)

    24 [a]Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!

    25 Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a [b]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither].

    26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing].

    1 Corinthians 9:24-26 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] 1 Corinthians 9:24 The Isthmian Games, held near Corinth, were among the major athletic competitions of ancient Greece. The Corinthians’ familiarity with this sporting event would have made this passage (vv 24-27) very meaningful to them.

    [b] 1 Corinthians 9:25 Lit perishable crown, usually a woven wreath of pine worn as a crown.

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites  – Global Prophetic Alliance – Wisdom from Above

    In the days ahead I exhort you to ask daily for My wisdom, so that you will thrive and not just survive. In order to navigate the new, I am leading you into unchartered waters where you will no longer be able to rely on previous experience or on what you think you already know. Ensure that when you ask for wisdom you do not partner with doubt, but believe in faith and you will receive.

    My Bride, you are seated in heavenly places, therefore ask for My perspective and solutions for every situation and interaction you face, however small. Then as you walk in obedience to what I show you, you will be like the wise man who built his house upon the rock, and you will not be caught up in reaction to the pressure of what is happening in the world.  Instead, you will reveal Me as I use the ‘foolish things’ of this world to confound those who are wise in their own eyes.

    Divine wisdom produces lasting fruit for the Kingdom. It aligns and gives courage and strength to partner in new ways. It builds enterprises and businesses that are established and endure.  My wisdom is always life affirming, peaceable and pure. It heals and restores relationships in family and communities and brings great glory to My name!

    Activation:

    Bring before the Lord the specific areas in your life where you need His wisdom. Hold them before Him and spend time waiting on Him.  Focus on the passage in Proverbs 24 and focus on family, business (work/ministry) and community – where is the Lord leading you in each of those areas. Thank God for His wisdom for each situation and be prepared to obey any instruction.

    3 Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built,
    And by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],

    4 And by knowledge its rooms are filled
    With all precious and

    Proverbs 24:3-4 (AMP)

    The Two Foundations

    24 “So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock.

    25 And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

    Matthew 7:24-25 (AMP)

    18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [discarding his worldly pretensions and acknowledging his lack of wisdom], so that he may become [truly] wise.

    19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness (absurdity, stupidity) before God; for it is written [in Scripture], “[He is] THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE and CLEVER IN THEIR CRAFTINESS;”

    1 Corinthians 3:18-19 (AMP)

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Remembrance

    My Beloved, remember the words I have spoken to you. Remember the things I have done for you.  Remember the path I have walked with you.  Remember who I Am, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Holy One of Israel. Remind your spirit of who I Am and what I do – like David did in this Psalm 103.

    Do not forget that my name is holy and that I AM the Holy-One. I AM always found by you – seek the foundation of a life in My presence in joyful surrender and intimate love.

    Do not forget that I have forgiven and healed you, that I have redeemed you.  My acts in the past are the foundation to step out upon today in strong hope and confident trust.

    Do not forget that I surround you with My grace, compassion and goodness for as long as you live, and that I renew you like an eagle. My Word is the foundation to lead and guide you into the future that I have already prepared and secured for you.

    So be grounded in Me, be bold and trust me for every step of the way. Together we can do it! I Am the One who has come through faithfully in the past and I will also come through as the Faithful-One in your future.

    Activation:
    Read slowly and out loud through Psalm 103:1-6. Let the verses inspire you to remember your own story with the Lord; the story of your family and of your people. Praise God for what He did in the past. Appreciate Him for who He is. Then look forward and decide to move on with the Lord however He leads you and whatever the cost. For He is worth it. Declare your readiness to obey Him and choose His ways in all you are, in all you say and in all you do. Decree: Lord, you have come through faithfully in the past and You will also come through faithfully in the future.

    (0) By David:

    (1) Bless ADONAI, my soul!
    Everything in me, bless his holy name!

    2 Bless ADONAI, my soul,
    and forget none of his benefits!

    3 He forgives all your offenses,
    he heals all your diseases,

    4 he redeems your life from the pit,
    he surrounds you with grace and compassion,

    5 he contents you with good as long as you live,
    so that your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.

    6 ADONAI brings vindication and justice
    to all who are oppressed.

    Psalm 103:1-6 (CJB)

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites  – Global Prophetic Alliance – Clothe Yourself


    Although you are one person, do not consider yourself less than vital.  You are Mine and I have placed you purposefully where you are as part of My Kingdom strategy. 

    Do not believe the lies calling and tempting you to doubt your identity as My child. Your identity is held in My love for you, and in the kingdom purposes that I have set within you.

    Hear My voice amongst the cacophony of this world, and follow Me.  Tune in to My call.  I am fine tuning your ears and eyes so that you will be able to sift through the distractions of this world to discern My Spirit and track with Me. 

    You are one of My strategic weapons, fully clothed in My armour and standing with Me in victory. So clothe yourself in truth, holiness, peace, faith, salvation and My Word.

    Activation:

    Each morning for a week read aloud the following passage from Ephesians 6:11 -18 (TPT):

    ‘Put on God’s complete set of armour provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser.  Your hand to hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. . . Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armour that covers your heart.  Stand on your feet, alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.  In every battle, take faith as your wrap around shield for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one!  Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies.  And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken word of God.  Pray passionately in the spirit, as you constantly intercede…’

    Ask God to reveal a hidden heavenly strategy for one of the pieces of armour, each day, and expect God to train you in how to use it well. Clothe yourself daily with the spiritual protection and authority that is offered to you through Jesus.

    The Presence of God…

    The Presence of God is not a physical place…..it’s a spiritual posture.

    There may be turbulence and/or turmoil around you, but the presence of God can make you feel, and be, at peace. I use the word can because it is a choice you must be willing to make.

    “Oh, that you had paid attention to My commandments!
    Then your peace and prosperity would have been like a [flowing] river,
    And your righteousness [the holiness and purity of the nation] like the [abundant] waves of the sea.

    Isaiah 48:18 (AMP)

    12 For the LORD says this, “Behold, I extend peace to her (Jerusalem) like a river,
    And the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream;
    And you will be nursed, you will be carried on her hip and [playfully] rocked on her knees.

    13 “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you;
    And you will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

    Isaiah 66:12-13 (AMP)

    To you who needs to hear this…It is well.

    God the Refuge of His People

    To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to soprano voices. A Song.

    1 God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],
    A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

    2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
    And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,

    3 Though its waters roar and foam,
    Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Selah.

    Psalm 46:1-3 (AMP)

    Psalm 46

    God the Refuge of His People.

    To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to soprano voices. A Song.

    1 God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],
    A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

    2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
    And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,

    3 Though its waters roar and foam,
    Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Selah.

    4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

    5 God is in the midst of her [His city], she will not be moved;
    God will help her when the morning dawns.

    6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered and were moved;
    He raised His voice, the earth melted.

    7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
    The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.

    8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
    Who has brought desolations and wonders on the earth.

    9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
    He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two;
    He burns the chariots with fire.

    10 “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”

    11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
    The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.

    Psalm 46: 1-11 (AMP)