Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – A New Day

The Sovereign Lord says: “Long have I sustained you through the darkness of night and brought you safe to morning’s first light. As you have slept, I have not been idle, for I watched over you. I exchanged rest for your weariness and washed your wounds with tears of love. I stilled your anxious heart with whispers of peace. I thwarted your enemies’ strategies to undermine and frustrate you. I put in place the words and the deeds which will be your tomorrow. And I prepared a bountiful sunrise to herald your waking.”

“Yet even in sleep or time of rest, there is so much more. I delight with those who seek me in the small hours; whose eyes remain vigilant through the watches of the night; whose ears hear My words of wise counsel; whose subconscious minds meditate on My promises; whose imaginations are receptive to My dreams of revelation; whose hearts ache for My presence and embrace; whose spirits soar with hope as the dawn brings forth a new day, full of fresh possibilities and opportunities.”

Activation:

The Lord has so much more to give us when we sleep. Even then, He wants us to prepare our hearts, minds and spirits to be open to His ministering grace and revelation, which will then set us on the right path each new day. There are ways we can prepare: Keep short accounts with the Lord and don’t go to sleep without doing a quick soul check. Ask Holy Spirit to bring to mind anything you need to say sorry for or someone you need to forgive.

Recite a Bible verse you know well before you lie down. Pray that the Lord will bring fresh wisdom to your mind as you wake. Listen to a worship song before you go to sleep. Pray that the words of that song will be on your lips when you wake. Keep pen and paper by the side of your bed or a recording device. Early morning dreams can be rich in revelation so be ready to write them down as soon as you wake.

Consider waking for a particular watch of the night or ask the Lord to wake you when He wants to give you a ‘watch revelation download’. Write it down and pray. Then go back to sleep. In the morning, reflect on what you wrote & prayed and ask Holy Spirit what the Lord wants you to do with it.

21 But this I call to mind,
    and therefore I have hope:

22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,[a]
    his mercies never come to an end;

23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

24 ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul,
    ‘therefore I will hope in him.’

Lamentations 3:21-24 (NRAVC Anglicised)

Footnotes

[a] Lamentations 3:22 Syr Tg: Heb LORD, we are not cut off

Qoph.

145 I cried with all my heart; answer me, O Lord!
I will observe Your statutes.

146 I cried to You; save me
And I will keep Your testimonies.

147 I rise before dawn and cry [in prayer] for help;
I wait for Your word.

148 My eyes anticipate the night watches and I awake before the call of the watchman,
That I may meditate on Your word.

Psalm 119:145–148 (AMP)

The LORD God has given Me [His [a]Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught],
That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].

Isaiah 50:4 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Isaiah 50:4 i.e. the Messiah.

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – A New Wind

Dear one, I know that you sense the stirring in the atmosphere, the shifts of change in the air. Behold there is a new wind blowing from a direction that is unfamiliar to you. My Spirit is blowing in with purpose to accelerate and administrate transition. Watch for the direction of the windsock changing in the spirit, and do not be surprised or caught off guard – for you have been forewarned.

My Spirit comes to blow away what has been, and to deposit something new. Do not resist Me, do not shelter from My power – lean into the winds of change and transition. Stay open to the new and let go of the ways things have always been – let go of your comforts and traditions, for they have no place in the new season that I am calling you into.

Note the direction from which the wind of My Spirit blows – you sense that there are things I am asking of you that I have not asked before. Strategies are being deposited that are specific to the timings of the new season – do not miss or dismiss them because they seem so different to what has gone before.

Expect things to be uncovered in your life that I have previously planted; seeds that are now ready to grow into this new alignment. Though this uncovering may feel exposing at times, remember that this is for your strengthening and equipping by the wind of My Spirit.

Activation:

Ask Holy Spirit if there are any comforts or traditions that you are still holding onto, give Him permission to reveal dormant things and choose to let them go. Consciously choose to lean into the fresh wind of the Spirit – release control and let His power hold you. Ask Him to blow through your spirit with His, and deposit the new strategies and timings of the new season inside of you.

Do not rush this process – it may take a few days, so keep coming back to that place of reliance in the spirit with Him.

But from there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT)

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be  [a]transformed  and  progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

Romans 12:2 (AMP)

Footnotes
[a] Romans 12:2 From the Greek word meaning “metamorphosis.” Refers to the process that leads to an outward, permanent change.

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Abraham’s Trust (Part 3)

The Spirit of the Lord says, “Beloved one, there is an invitation before you to step into a deeper trust in Me. My heart’s desire is that your trust in Me would grow and flourish. That you would choose to trust Me with all the things that matter to you, from the very small to the very big.

My beloved, you are so dear to Me! There will be times when My ways do not make sense to you, but will you resolve within yourself to choose to trust Me?  Let Me come close to you today and remind you that I AM, and I AM the one who IS trustworthy.”

Activation: 

Once more, take a moment to first read through Genesis 22:1-8. Close your eyes and picture this scene of Abraham walking with Isaac. What must it have felt like to be in Abraham’s shoes? Consider Abraham’s response to Isaac when he asked him, “Where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered: “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son.” What a trust filled response!

Take sometime today to consider the level of trust you place in the Lord. 

  • What are some areas where you could trust in Him more? Invite Holy Spirit into these considerations. If you are able, pray for an increased trust to arise. 
  • Repent of where you have kept God at a distance and invite Him to come closer in those areas where you struggle to trust in Him. 
  • Then, consider the questions that have been raised over the past two days regarding testing and obedience. How do these three things work together? 

Take some time to consider what we have learned about God’s nature in considering testing, obedience, and trust. Invite Holy Spirit to speak to you directly about how this applies to your life. 

The Offering of Isaac

1 Now after these things, God tested [the faith and commitment of] Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he answered, “Here I am.” 

2 God said, “Take now your son, your only son [of [a]promise], whom you love, Isaac, and go to the region of [b]Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 

3 So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and his son Isaac; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and then he got up and went to the place of which God had told him. 

4 On the third day [of travel] Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 

5 Abraham said to his servants, “Settle down and stay here with the donkey; the [c]young man and I will go over there and worship [God], and we will come back to you.”

6 Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it [d]on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the [e]fire (firepot) in his own hand and the [sacrificial] knife; and the two of them walked on together. 

7 And Isaac said to Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 

8 Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself [f]a lamb for the burnt offering.” So the two walked on together.

Genesis 22:1-8 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Genesis 22:2 Abraham also fathered Ishmael by Sarah’s slave, Hagar, but Isaac was his only son of promise, the legal heir of Abraham.

[b] Genesis 22:2 This area later was to become Jerusalem and the site of Solomon’s temple.

[c] Genesis 22:5 At this time Isaac would probably be about twenty years old.

[d] Genesis 22:6 As Jesus carried the crossbar for His own crucifixion, so here Isaac carried the wood for his own execution by fire, but God had mercy on him.

[e] Genesis 22:6 i.e. a firepot filled with burning coals.

[f] Genesis 22:8 Abraham had complete faith and trust in God. Because God’s covenant with him depended on Isaac, Abraham may have anticipated that God would reveal to him an alternative to the sacrifice of Isaac, as He in fact did (vv 11-13). But Abraham was determined to carry out what God had commanded him to do, because of his faith in God’s promise.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Abraham’s Obedience (Part 2)

Today, we continue to examine Abraham’s testing, this time focusing on his obedience. 

The Spirit of the Lord says, “I need hearts that are quick to respond in obedience to me. Obedience leads My people into the centre of My will. It establishes them in My timing and rhythms. I constantly search for obedient hearts—hearts that are open to My leading. Obedience requires a leap, yes, but it will take you to places you never imagined you would go.”

Activation: 

With these words in mind, re-read Genesis 22:1-8 and consider Abraham’s response to God’s request in this passage. After waiting so long to see God’s promise to him and Sarah fulfilled with the birth of Isaac, God then asks Abraham to make this monumental sacrifice. The very next morning Abraham acted upon God’s instructions.

Take some time to consider Abraham’s extraordinary obedience. How do you think you would respond to such a request? What do you learn from Abraham’s response?

Allow Holy Spirit to speak to you about your heart posture. Is your heart postured in obedience to the Lord? Are you willing to grow in this area? Spend time considering these questions and journal the revelation you receive. 

The Offering of Isaac

1 Now after these things, God tested [the faith and commitment of] Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he answered, “Here I am.” 

2 God said, “Take now your son, your only son [of [a]promise], whom you love, Isaac, and go to the region of [b]Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 

3 So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and his son Isaac; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and then he got up and went to the place of which God had told him. 

4 On the third day [of travel] Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 

5 Abraham said to his servants, “Settle down and stay here with the donkey; the [c]young man and I will go over there and worship [God], and we will come back to you.”

6 Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it [d]on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the [e]fire (firepot) in his own hand and the [sacrificial] knife; and the two of them walked on together. 

7 And Isaac said to Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 

8 Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself [f]a lamb for the burnt offering.” So the two walked on together.

Genesis 22:1-8 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Genesis 22:2 Abraham also fathered Ishmael by Sarah’s slave, Hagar, but Isaac was his only son of promise, the legal heir of Abraham.

[b] Genesis 22:2 This area later was to become Jerusalem and the site of Solomon’s temple.

[c] Genesis 22:5 At this time Isaac would probably be about twenty years old.

[d] Genesis 22:6 As Jesus carried the crossbar for His own crucifixion, so here Isaac carried the wood for his own execution by fire, but God had mercy on him.

[e] Genesis 22:6 i.e. a firepot filled with burning coals.

[e] Genesis 22:8 Abraham had complete faith and trust in God. Because God’s covenant with him depended on Isaac, Abraham may have anticipated that God would reveal to him an alternative to the sacrifice of Isaac, as He in fact did (vv 11-13). But Abraham was determined to carry out what God had commanded him to do, because of his faith in God’s promise.

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Abraham’s Test (Part 1)

    Begin today by reading through Genesis 22:1-8 (AMP):

    The Offering of Isaac

    1 Now after these things, God tested [the faith and commitment of] Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he answered, “Here I am.” 

    2 God said, “Take now your son, your only son [of [a]promise], whom you love, Isaac, and go to the region of [b]Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 

    3 So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and his son Isaac; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and then he got up and went to the place of which God had told him. 

    4 On the third day [of travel] Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 

    5 Abraham said to his servants, “Settle down and stay here with the donkey; the [c]young man and I will go over there and worship [God], and we will come back to you.”

    6 Then Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it [d]on [the shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he took the [e]fire (firepot) in his own hand and the [sacrificial] knife; and the two of them walked on together. 

    7 And Isaac said to Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 

    8 Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself [f]a lamb for the burnt offering.” So the two walked on together.

    Genesis 22:1-8 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] Genesis 22:2 Abraham also fathered Ishmael by Sarah’s slave, Hagar, but Isaac was his only son of promise, the legal heir of Abraham.

    [b] Genesis 22:2 This area later was to become Jerusalem and the site of Solomon’s temple.

    [c] Genesis 22:5 At this time Isaac would probably be about twenty years old.

    [d] Genesis 22:6 As Jesus carried the crossbar for His own crucifixion, so here Isaac carried the wood for his own execution by fire, but God had mercy on him.

    [e] Genesis 22:6 I.e. a firepot filled with burning coals.

    [f] Genesis 22:8 Abraham had complete faith and trust in God. Because God’s covenant with him depended on Isaac, Abraham may have anticipated that God would reveal to him an alternative to the sacrifice of Isaac, as He in fact did (vv 11-13). But Abraham was determined to carry out what God had commanded him to do, because of his faith in God’s promise.

    The Spirit of the Lord says to you today,

    “My child, do not be deceived. There will be times when I will test your faith. In those times you must yield yourself to Me, remembering that My ways are not your ways; My thoughts are not your thoughts. Testing is not punishment. Far from it! Testing means that I am moving; it means I am preparing you for the new thing. It means you are being stretched and moulded into the form required to carry what is coming. In those times you must seek My perspective. You must choose to partner with Me. It is uncomfortable but with each season of testing you will notice yourself grow stronger in Me. Testing is necessary so My request for you is: do not run from the test. When the challenge comes, allow faith to rise and set your mind upon my truth.”

    Activation: 

    As you consider what God has said about times of testing, take some time to sit and read through Genesis 22:1-8 again. As you do this, think back to a time when you experienced testing.

    • How did you respond to God in that time of testing?
    • How do you feel about the idea of being tested by the Lord?
    • How does Abraham respond to this test and what can you learn from Abraham’s response? 

    Spend some time journaling and reflecting upon these questions and how you have typically responded to God’s testing. Consider how your mindset or heart posture might need to change to position you for different outcomes in future challenges and times of testing

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Faces of Flint (Part 2)

    Those who have set their faces like flint, determined and unwavering in their pursuit of My Kingdom, will be the ones who repel lies and accusations. They will laugh with Me at the enemy’s schemes to thwart My ways. They will stand because they know that they stand in Me; they will be confident in the righteousness I have imparted to them, and they will be guilt-free, for they know how far I have removed their sin. 

    My child, where do you feel the accusations of the enemy? Do not accept these; I have vindicated you already. I call you blameless and holy. Stand firm; let me lift your head. Resist the enemy, and he will flee. Do not look to the right or the left, but set your face like flint, fixed on Me and My expanding Kingdom.

    Activation:

    Today’s activation continues with Isaiah 50:8-9. As you read Verse 8, consider what is presented in this verse: “He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me!” Are you being confronted by the accuser, whether in your thoughts or in the actions and words of others? What lies is he throwing at you? Stand firm and rebuke these lies, as you laugh with the Holy Spirit at their absurdity. 

    Now, as you read Verse 9: “It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me?” Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the vast difference between their power and God’s in the spirit. Picture yourself putting these things behind you and turning your back on them to face Jesus. Allow His mightiness to fill your being.

    33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. 

    34 Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us.

    Romans 8:33-34 (AMP)

    8 He who declares Me in the right is near;
    Who will     [dare to] contend with Me?
    Let us stand up to each other;
    Who is My adversary?
    Let him approach Me.

    9 In fact, the Lord God helps Me;
    Who is he who condemns Me     [as guilty]?
    Indeed, they will all wear out like a garment;
    The moth will eat them.

    Isaiah 50:8-9 (AMP)

    8 He who vindicates me is near.
        Who then will bring charges against me?
        Let us face each other!
    Who is my accuser?
        Let him confront me!

    9 It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me.
        Who will condemn me?
    They will all wear out like a garment;
        the moths will eat them up.

    Isaiah 50:8-9 (NIV)

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Faces of Flint (Part 1)

    My beloved one, I have equipped you for fearless pursuit. I Am is with you, filling you, surrounding you, overflowing from you. I am the One before whom the mountains quake, therefore, do not fear the mountains of this world. Instead, speak to them and command them to move. 

    I am the One who brings the whirlwind and calms the storms, therefore, allow no storm to unsettle you. Set your face like flint.  Be unwavering as you pursue My plans. Be unyielding to doubt and fear as you follow My direction.

    Where the enemy has attempted to unsettle you and hold you back, or even accuse you, renounce his attempts. Draw a line on all that has gone before you and set your face forward. See what I am doing and move fearlessly with Me.

    Application:

    Read Isaiah 50:7 (NIV): “Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced.” Ask Holy Spirit to show you in the Spirit how powerful He is and how you look with Him filling you. Linger in the image He shows you, allowing yourself to be immersed in Him as you allow your mind to be renewed by what He shows you.

    Decree the following scripture, Isaiah 50:7, over every circumstance or situation of uncertainty:  “Therefore, I have made My face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.” As you do this, ask the Holy Spirit where He wants to set your vision, ask Him to reveal anything which is a distraction or source of fear. Renounce these and determine with the Holy Spirit what “setting your face like flint” looks like for you. What does fearless pursuit look like?

    5 Great is our [majestic and mighty] Lord and abundant in strength;
    His understanding is inexhaustible     [infinite, boundless].

    6 The LORD lifts up the humble;
    He casts the wicked down to the ground.

    Psalm 147:5-6 (AMP)

    4 The Lord GOD has given Me [His [a]Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught],
    That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
    He awakens Me morning by morning,
    He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple     [as One who is taught].

    5 The Lord GOD has opened My ear,
    And I have not been rebellious
    Nor have I turned back.

    6 I turned My back to those who strike Me,
    And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
    I did not hide My face from insults and spitting.

    7 For the Lord GOD helps Me,
    Therefore, I have not been ashamed or humiliated.
    Therefore, I have made My face like flint,
    And I know that I shall not be put to shame.

    Isaiah 50:4-7 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] Isaiah 50:4 i.e. the Messiah.

      4 The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue,
          to know the word that sustains the weary.
      He wakens me morning by morning,
          wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

      5 The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears;
          I have not been rebellious,
          I have not turned away.

      6 I offered my back to those who beat me,
          my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
      I did not hide my face
          from mocking and spitting.

      7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me,
          I will not be disgraced.
      Therefore have I set my face like flint,
          and I know I will not be put to shame.

      New International Version (NIV)

      #lionbites