Salvation by Faith and Not Good Works

What’s something most people don’t understand?

Many who are new to the faith, and those that are within it, have issues believing or understanding that, salvation is by faith and not good works. Personally, for themselves, or when they view others they use it as a measuring stick to gage how much of a Christian an individual is. They judge and assume that a person isn’t doing enough to truly be a Christian. However, the Book of Ephesians says the following:-

8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;

9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].

Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP)

None of us receive salvation by how how frequently or much we follow religious laws, which pertain to ethical and moral codes. It is by our faith in Jesus Christ and the work He done before during and after the cross.

None of us receive a measure of salvation based on how much we do or don’t do and how often; it is by our belief and faith in the birth of Jesus Christ, His life, death on the cross and eventual resurrection.

Not one of us can boast because it is not by anything we have done but is all for what He has done!

It is because we are grateful that, in return, we live our lives reflecting what we have received and trying to  spread the good news, spreading the Gospel, to friends, family and all who will hear.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Time for Great Authority

The Lord says, “In the days of chaos when gross darkness will cover the earth and man is at a loss for answers, they will cry out for solutions as they seek those who carry clear sight, strategic focus, and steady leadership. I intend to position you to be that. However, this will require your wholehearted submission to My leadership, counsel, and preparation. This means that you must willingly embrace the process. 

In systems and structures designed and governed by human intellect alone, it is common to see untested individuals placed in prominent positions. These people often skip the necessary testing, ultimately resulting in a deficiency of solid, good, and effective leadership.

However, for My purposes, the front-line positions will be held for those whose lives are entirely yielded to Me – those who have walked in the furnace with Me at their side. Those who have walked through the darkest valleys and shadows without fearing evil or death because My fear dwells within them. They move step by step alongside Me, intentionally listening for and to My voice. Even in the midst of trials, they sing songs of thanksgiving and praise, remembering My name and choosing to glorify Me over their circumstances. These are the ones who I will position and empower with great authority to lead, and they will possess the wisdom and understanding to govern and judge righteously. I will entrust the secrets of deep truths to these pure-hearted ones, as they have proven their faithfulness to My heart and the matters that concern Me. They have not compromised themselves or My Word and they find their delight in the fear of the Lord.”

Activation:

Will you allow yourself to be tested so that you can be among the called and the chosen? Just as any trainer will tell you, if your muscles are not sufficiently developed to carry 100 lbs, you will not be able to safely carry 300 lbs without risking harm to yourself and those around you. This process is essential; to carry great weight, you must go through a development process to do so successfully. 

With this in mind, now is a great time to ask the Lord where you have not yet been tested and proven for your revealed calling. When He identifies those areas, ask Him to help you identify scriptures that highlight His promises regarding them. Additionally, reflect on your own life and recall where God has demonstrated His faithfulness in giving you victories. Based on both His written Word and revealed truth, begin to establish yourself in those promises so that when tests come, you will be equipped and prepared.

For many are called (invited, summoned), but few are chosen.”

Matthew 22:14 (AMP)

For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!

2 Corinthians 4:17 (AMP)

Righteous Reign of the Branch

1 Then a Shoot (the Messiah) will spring from the stock of Jesse [David’s father],
And a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.

2 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—

3 And He will delight in the fear of the LORD,
And He will not judge by what His eyes see,
Nor make decisions by what His ears hear;

Isaiah 11:1-3 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Come Out of Babylon

Come away from the world and its fleeting pleasures. The enemy is speaking loudly, even shouting, with all sorts of things that seem important. But My child, see them for what they truly are: distractions meant to pull your focus away from Me. I am calling you out of the systems of Babylon—its worldviews, priorities, and ways of living.

I am calling you to step fully into My Kingdom and immerse yourself in it completely. Don’t just dip your toes in or wade ankle-deep. I am calling you into the deep, because I want you to transform the place I’ve put you through demonstrations of My power. This is how you will bring heaven to earth. But you cannot do this if you are not fully separated from the kingdom of this world. Come out of Babylon and its idolatrous ways, and sit in My presence. Let Me fill you with My thoughts and My perspective.

Don’t you know that I laugh at the enemy’s plans? Nothing surprises Me. Nothing is out of My control. I am the King, the true Ruler of this world.

So come to Me, My child. Let Me take you to a higher place where you can see what is happening in this moment—in your life, your city, your nation, and even the world—from a new perspective. Let Me show you what I am building in this time and season, and then I ask you to partner with Me. Come, take My hand, and let Me pull you closer to Me.

Activation:

Sit with the Lord and ask Him to reveal the areas in your life where you are still influenced by Babylon—the ways of the world. This could be in your viewpoints, where you place your trust, or what and whom you believe, such as beliefs about yourself, world events, or even (social) media. Then, ask Him to give you a new perspective from His viewpoint. Let Him replace the lies you’ve been believing with His truth and infuse you with the power of His Kingdom.

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not be a partner in her sins and receive her plagues;

Revelation 18:4 (AMP)

Declaring the end and the result from the beginning,
And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose,’

Isaiah 46:10 (AMP)

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all [the universe].

Psalm 103:19 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Rest From Chaos

I know that you feel the chaos in the world, where every day brings another example of people exploiting others for their own gain. I know that you grow weary from the voices vying for traction and attention as the world celebrates and upholds them. The dramas of culture and the half-truths of the media shout loudly, and you feel overwhelmed and unsure about the call I have placed on your life in the context of such chaos.

You question how you could possibly make a difference in times such as these. Beloved, trust my voice within you. You know Me, and you hear Me. My Spirit within you is so much greater than anything in the world – find rest in Me. Tune out of the chaos and tune into Me – as we walk together in My ways, your overwhelm will settle into rest. For the paths that I call you along are paved with wisdom and understanding – I have gone before you and made the way. I ask only for your trust, your surrender and your courage to keep moving forward. Do not be distracted by the atmosphere around you, instead find peace in My ways within you.

Activation:

Ask Holy Spirit to highlight to you the situations that have been bringing chaos into your life. Perhaps it is the voices that you are listening to, that do not have good intentions – or that have been content to diminish what God wants to do in you and through you. Take time with this, as He may bring to mind some things that you do not expect. Allow Holy Spirit to counsel you through this process.

Now, stand with Him at a crossroads and ask Him to show you the way to go; the road paved with ancient wisdom and infinite understanding. Ask Him to reveal to you the ways that you can move through the chaos, and instead find rest – this may involve laying down the things or people highlighted to you. He has promised you rest for your soul if you move away from the chaos surrounding you, when you step into Him. Ask Him to show you what it looks like in your life to walk in His good ways, and commit to taking those steps forward today. Declare aloud – ‘Jesus, I leave the chaos behind Me and step forward into your ways. I find rest for my soul in your presence.’

13 “For from the least of them even to the greatest of them,
Everyone is greedy for [unfair] gain;
And from the prophet even to the priest
Everyone deals deceitfully.

14 “They have treated superficially the [bloody] broken wound of My people,
Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
When there is no peace.

15 “Were they ashamed because they had committed disgusting and vile things?
No, they were not at all ashamed;
They did not even know how to blush [at their idolatry].
Therefore they will fall among those who fall;
At the time that I punish them
They will be overthrown,” says the LORD.

16 Thus says the LORD,
“Stand by the roads and look; ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is; then walk in it,
And you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’

Jeremiah 6:13-16 (AMP)

Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].

1 John 4:4 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Now Is The Time

The Spirit of the Lord says:

“This is the year, now is the time! Many in the Body of Christ have contended for prophetic words and promises which have yet to come to pass.  I celebrate your faithfulness in warring over these words and remaining hope filled.  In this season I am releasing favour, opening doors and bringing alignment in Kingdom relationships. Now is the time when many of these words will bear fruit and fulfilment is coming.

I need My people to be ready to move and, in some cases, quickly. Bring before me those promises and words which still have life, also your dreams and visions and allow me to breathe afresh upon them to ignite hope, re-fire you and release a momentum for the days ahead. Deal with any disappointment or discouragement in order that you have stability of heart to steward well all that I plan to release. Let a fresh infilling of my Spirit propel you into my plan and purpose for this year as I desire to advance and promote.

The intense time of preparation is over. You are not defined by lack or fear. You will need courage this year but know that I have equipped you and you are ready to receive the increase.”

Activation:

Spend time in the Lord’s presence and bring before Him your prophetic words, promises and dreams. As you sit with Him, notice which words fill your heart with faith and expectation. Write out an overview of what you are believing for this year and ask the Lord for the next steps or blueprints.  Come back to it regularly over the days and weeks ahead.

1 As God’s partners,[a] we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.

2 For God says,

“At just the right time, I heard you.
    On the day of salvation, I helped you.”[b]

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NLT)

Footnotes
[a] 6:1 Or As we work together.
[b] 6:2 Isa 49:8 (Greek version).

18 “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME (the Messiah),
BECAUSE HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO ANNOUNCE RELEASE (pardon, forgiveness) TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy),

19 TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD [the day when salvation and the favor of God abound greatly].”

20 Then He rolled up the scroll [having stopped in the middle of the verse], gave it back to the attendant and sat down [to teach]; and the eyes of all those in the synagogue were [attentively] fixed on Him.

21 He began speaking to them: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing and in your presence.”

Luke 4:18-21 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance  – Time Changers


“My people, you are faced with the timing of this world, with this world’s clock that turns according to this world’s agenda.

And I see some of you who have come under it, submitted to it, as if ruled by it, because you have thought you had to accept this.

Not so, My people.

And I see some of you who have stepped outside of it, disengaging with it and no longer participating and being fully active in this time.

Not so either, My people.

For this is My time, in which I have sent you.

This is the war of the clocks. My clock against this world’s clock.

It’s timings and My timings.

And I know it has been such an exhausting fight.

But again I am calling you. Stand up! And come back today, now!

For I am calling you to walk on this world’s time and to set My time instead.

I call you to place your feet over it, as if you were walking on its clock.

Walk on it!

Step over it!

Leave your mark on it!

Push the clock hands and resist them by your standing.

It is time for you to resist time, to push it, to stop it.

It is time for you to rule over the time and to change it.

Yes, I am calling you Time Changers,

For I want you to bring My rule, My will, My Kingdom over this world’s time and to not give up, but win the time !

Application:

Ask Holy Spirit to reveal any area where you are out of time with Him. If you have been out of time, isolated and detached, disengaged from it; if you have refused to interact and be fully present and active in this time; if you have been laying under this time, passively ruled by the rulers and events of this time.

Confess and acknowledge it before God in truth out of the fullness of your being. Repent for disengaging with His will for you, in this time, for not being alert and standing.

Confess also your reasons, what caused you to disengage. Ask God to heal your wounds, to fill you with new faith, vision and hope where you had given up. Now see His hand reaching to you, take it, allow it to lift you up.

Ask Holy Spirit how He wants you to partner with His timing differently.

And now stand up you time changer, decree God’s will, resisting the current time flow, and push God’s will and His timing on earth. Hold your ground, and continue decreeing God’s timing in the following days.

Example: I decree today it is not a day of loss. No, today is the day of salvation, the day of God’s favor. Today is the day God saves!

15 Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people],

16 [a]making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.

17 Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.

18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.

Ephesians 5:15-18 (AMP)

Footnotes
[a] Ephesians 5:16 The Greek word in this verse means “buy up at the market place.” Opportunity is regarded as a commodity to be used by believers.

Their Ministry Commended

Working together with Him, we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain [by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness].

2 For He says,

“AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME (the time of grace) I LISTENED TO YOU,
AND I HELPED YOU ON THE DAY OF SALVATION.”

Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”—

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (AMP)

Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

Ephesians 6:13 (AMPC)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Position Yourself (Part 2)

Yesterday, I required of you to take a position of surrender. Today, I am calling you to recognise the spiritual standing in which I have purposefully positioned you. Having released that which was holding you back, I now ask you to understand the spiritual position that I have given you. You may look around you and see that there are some worldly things that have not yet changed – they look the same as they did yesterday. But you are viewing them with earthly eyes. I am calling you to view them as they are in the spirit – do you not have the victory through Jesus who has overcome?

My child, you must become aware of the spiritual weight and authority that is yours through Jesus – your prayers and declarations should come from a place of victory, not of request. Settle your spirit with Mine, ensure you are aligned with My purposes – and speak with authority to that which you need to overcome.

Position yourself in spiritual authority, speak out of a place of victory, and call into order the earthly chaos that surrounds you. Your words, when aligned with my Spirit – in the purpose of my Kingdom, have the power to shift, to break through and to build.

Activation:

Position yourself in a standing posture, if you are able. Position yourself in a strong and ready stance. Recall the situations from yesterday; dreams not realised, debts not paid, family not reconciled, calling not recognised. Examine your heart honestly, and let go of the things that are not on God’s heart for you – that were born out of selfish ambition. Ask Holy Spirit to show you the areas upon which you need to stand and overcome. Stand firm in your body, and in your spirit – you have been positioned by God purposefully, to overcome that which is for His Kingdom. Declare aloud that you have victory through Jesus, and that you call into order that which is causing chaos. Stand firm in the spiritual authority you have to call situations (name yours aloud) into the alignment of God’s will and purposes in your life.

3 For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]. 

4 For [a]everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered  and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God].

5 Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 John 5:3-5 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 1 John 5:4 Lit everything that is. John uses the Greek neuter to underscore the fact that everyone who has been born again, regardless of gender or age, is victorious over the world.

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].

Romans 8:37 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Position Yourself (Part 1)

When you look at your life, I know that there are areas that you feel unfulfilled; dreams not realised, debts not paid, family not reconciled, calling not recognised. You have found uncertainty and doubt creeping in – you want to trust Me, but it feels like things aren’t changing.

You lift your hands in worship, but a part of your heart feels stuck and full of sorrow. You speak My name through tears that you won’t let fall. You counsel others while feeling lost yourself. Dear one, know that I love you too much to allow you to continue to walk in anything other than My fullness. In order to move forward, you must first acknowledge that your spirit will always need My Spirit – the very nature of your humanity is that you are spiritually bankrupt without the inheritance that is yours through Jesus Christ.

Position yourself in surrender. Allow My Spirit to move through the parts of you that have felt stuck, sorrowful and lost – open yourself to Me in ways that you never have before. Know that in your humanity, as you recognise Jesus’ sacrifice over ALL that binds you, you are released into the victory of My Kingdom in all its fullness.

Activation:

Position yourself in a posture of surrender – on your knees if you are able. Take some deep breaths, and allow Holy Spirit to bring to mind the areas of your life that you have found difficult to release to Him so far. Recognise that Jesus’ death frees you from all sense of unfulfillment – you are released into the victory of the Kingdom, and into the fullness of life. Ask Jesus to restore to you the joy of your salvation – as you release sorrow; receive joy.

6 Behold, You desire truth in the [a]innermost being,
And in secret You will make wisdom known to me.

7 [b]Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
[c]Cleanse me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 [d]Let me hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones You have broken rejoice.

9 Hide Your face from my sins
And wipe out all my guilty deeds.

10 Create [e]in me a clean heart, God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And sustain me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:6-12 (NASB)

Footnotes

[a] Psalm 51:6 Or inward parts

[b] Psalm 51:7 Or May You purify…that I may be clean

[c] Psalm 51:7 Or May You cleanse

[e] Psalm 51:8 Or May You cause

[f] Psalm 51:10 Lit for

7 But when he saw many of the [a]Pharisees and [b]Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the [divine] wrath and judgment to come? 

8 So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin];

Matthew 3:7 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Matthew 3:7 The Pharisees identified with the common people and had control over them. They were prominent legalistic leaders in Judaism who were experts in Mosaic Law and its rituals and traditions. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, immortality of the soul and in the existence of angels and spirits.

[b] Matthew 3:7 The Sadducees were aristocratic members of a priestly group (religious party) who controlled the temple. They denied the possibility of a resurrection and the existence of any spiritual beings apart from God. Although the Sadducees were in the minority, they were leaders of the Sanhedrin, controlling the Jewish High Court.

#lionbites