Monday Morning Scripture – Isaiah 50

God Helps His Servant

1 [a]The LORD declares this;

“Where is the certificate of divorce
By which I have sent your mother away, [O Israel]?
Or to which one of My creditors did I sell you [as slaves]?
In fact, You were sold for your wickedness [your sin, your injustice, your wrongdoing],
And for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

2 “Why, when I came, was there no man [to greet Me]?
When I called, why was there no one to answer?
Is My hand really so short that it cannot redeem [My servants]?
Or have I no power to rescue?
Listen carefully, with My rebuke I dry up the sea,
I make the rivers into a desert;
Their fish stink because there is no water
And die of thirst.

3 “I clothe the heavens with the blackness [of storm clouds]
And make sackcloth [of mourning] their clothing.”

4 The Lord GOD has given Me [His [b]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.

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.

10 Who is among you who fears the LORD,
Who obeys the voice of His Servant,
Yet who walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust and be confident in the name of the LORD and let him rely on his God.

11 Listen carefully, all you who kindle your own fire [devising your own man-made plan of salvation],
Who surround yourselves with torches,
Walk by the light of your [self-made] fire
And among the torches that you have set ablaze.
But this you will have from My hand:
You will lie down in [a place of] torment.

Isaiah 50:1-11 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Isaiah 50:1 An ancient rabbi suggested this as an answer that God gave to Isaiah in response to Jews who came to him, but refused to repent. They compared themselves to a wife divorced by her husband and to a slave sold by his master (referring to God as husband and master), claiming that they had no further obligations to God.

[b] Isaiah 50:4 i.e. the Messiah.

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Consider Your Ways (Part 2)

    In Part 1 we learned that the Lord is requiring us to work with Him in assessing what we are doing and how closely aligned we are to His heart and His plans. Today we continue that reflection through the lens of the Holy Spirit as we dig further into 1 Peter 5, looking at the remaining verses 7 – 11. As we consider our ways, today we look more intently at how we consider the cares of this world in light of who Christ is and what He requires of us.

    Activation:

    Serve God Willingly

    7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

    1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

    Take a moment to sit in this verse. What anxieties are you carrying that should be handed over to the Lord? Because He cares so deeply for you, He wants to be the one to carry them. As you read this verse imagine God removing your burdens and exchanging them for the peace that comes from surrendering to His care. Allow this lightness to rest on you as you hand over all the heaviness you are carrying.

    Serve God Willingly

    8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 

    9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]

    1 Peter 5:8-9 (AMP)

    Allow the Lord to search your heart and reveal areas where you may have become intoxicated, distracted, or indifferent toward worldly things. Consider how this might expose you to unnecessary attacks. What are some ways you can stand firm in your faith to resist the influence of the wicked one?

    We find the instruction in James 4:7

    Things to Avoid

    So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.

    James 4:7 (AMP)

    Ask the Lord to show you what this looks like for you and identify the areas in your life that are not fully submitted to Him.

    10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. 

    11 To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.

    1 Peter 5:10-11 (AMP) 

    Consider the promises that are listed in these verses. Ask the Lord to reveal what that will look like for you specifically. As He does this, allow the hope of our eternal salvation and glory in Christ to encourage your heart. Praise Him for His supremacy above all things.

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Consider Your Ways (Part 1)

    The Spirit of the Lord says: “Consider your ways.” 

    During this time and season, it is important to give careful thought to where you apply your efforts. The Lord tests the hearts of men and understands all our actions and our ways. As He searches our hearts, our intentions and motivations are revealed, allowing His Spirit to lead and guide us toward a higher alignment with Him.

    Just as Jesus told His disciples that those who do the will of His Father in Heaven are His true family, the Lord is challenging each of us to take a serious and sober look at what we do and why we do it. Is what we are doing in accordance with His will? We must carefully consider how we steward our time, finances, words, relationships, and responsibilities. All of these aspects require careful reflection through the lens of His Spirit.

    Activation:

    Over the next two days, we will read through 1 Peter 5: 1-11 (ESV). Today we begin with the first six verses of this scripture. The Lord wants to stir your hearts as you hear His voice through the scripture.

    Serve God Willingly

    1 Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed: 

    2 shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm; 

    3 not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation]. 

    4 And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory.

    1 Peter 5:1-4 (AMP)

    Consider where God has placed you geographically, spiritually, and relationally. Ask the Lord how you can serve as a better example to the people around you. If you’re a leader in any capacity, seek His guidance for a candid assessment of your strengths and weaknesses in leading and guiding others.

    Serve God Willingly

    5 Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble.

    6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,

    1 Peter 5:5-6

    It is in humility and surrender that we grow in wisdom. Ask the Lord to show you the areas where you need to increase in humility towards God and others to better reflect the meekness of the heart of Jesus. 

    #lionbites

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Reveal the Word

    I am bringing you into a new capacity to internalise My word and to understand the depths of what I have hidden, only for you to discover. Prepare to receive knowledge, understanding and insight as I expand your capability to process My Kingdom truths. Come and feast, devour My words, make them part of who you are, and allow them to become the foundation of your thinking and your speaking.

    I am calling you to know Me in ways that can only be revealed to you through My word – in the mysteries that My Spirit will release to you through scripture. Seek Me, find Me, dwell with Me and abide in My word.

    As My church increasingly becomes the embodiment of My words, so My Kingdom will be revealed in the nations. Precious one, let My word pour out of you, let what you speak be so seasoned with My Spirit that I am revealed and glorified. Come and be expanded, let Me increase you.

    Activation:

    Have you doubted your ability to understand, process and remember God’s word? Reject all lies of the enemy and decree, “Holy Spirit is increasing my capacity for understanding his word.” Decree over your mind “Holy Spirit is forming in me the mind of Christ as I read the word.”

    As you spend time in the word, ask:
    “Holy Spirit will you fill and expand my mind. Would you teach me to understand with your understanding. Would you take me into new realms of encountering your presence and your voice through your word. In the name of Jesus I break off any assignment of the enemy to keep me in the shallows of your word. I break off any curses I have spoken over my own mind. Come as my teacher, come in power and immerse my entire being in your word, that all I do and say may be impacted for your glory. Amen”

    11 Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart,
    That I may not sin against You.

    12 Blessed and reverently praised are You, O Lord;
    Teach me Your statutes.

    13 With my lips I have told of
    All the ordinances of Your mouth.

    14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
    As much as in all riches.

    Psalm 119:11-14 (AMP)

    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 [a]sword, penetrating as far as the division of the [b]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)

    Footnotes

    [a] Hebrews 4:12 In addition to “sword,” the word in Greek was used for the knife used by the priests to slit the throats of the sacrificial lambs and for the knife (scalpel) used by a surgeon.

    [b] Hebrews 4:12 “soul and spirit” used here to emphasize the whole person, not two separate entities as in other passages.

      13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. 14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you.

      John 16:13-14 (AMP)

      #lionbites

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – A Reformed Army

      The Spirit of the Lord says:

      Who will answer the call to enlist in the army that I am forming for the days ahead? 

      Do not be afraid of the valley you are standing in with dry bones all around you. I am standing with you, and I am directing and guiding you with My words, so that all which once was dead will come alive. You are called to prophesy into the precise timing of the formation of the company who will lead this new army. 

      The boot camp of My preparation is in the hearts and minds of those who desire to walk in purity with clean hands and a pure heart. The cleansing of the mind must come before My warriors are formed in bodily strength. I am about to breathe on minds even as I fill your spirit with My presence. 

      Do not fear the chaos you are seeing or the resistance to change that feels part of the atmosphere all around you. As I have in the past, I am putting confusion into the minds of your enemies and placing a new determination into the minds of those resistant to change. Continually ask for clarity, revelation, and instructions so that you are fully aware of your role in the calling up of the troops.

      Activation:

      Ask Holy Spirit to help you to see the dry bones all around you, those whom God has asked you to pray for and call back to life. Prophesy for them as Ezekiel did and call them by name:  ________, listen to the word of the Lord! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! 

      Ask the Lord if there are any situations or relationships in your life that you have given up on prematurely – speak life into these and ask the Lord to restore that which is within His purposes to build his army for the Kingdom.

      Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones

      1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. 

      2 He caused me to pass all around them, and behold, there were very many [human bones] in the open valley; and lo, they were very dry. 

      3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.” 

      4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.’

      5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones, ‘Behold, I will make [a]breath enter you so that you may come to life. 

      6 I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin, and I will put breath in you so that you may come alive; and you will know that I am the LORD.’”

      7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a [thundering] noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 

      8 And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on the bones, and flesh grew and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them. 

      9 Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” 

      10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood up on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

      Ezekiel 37:1-10 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Ezekiel 37:5 Or spirit, and so throughout the chapter.

      #lionbites

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Wrong Yokes

      The Spirit of the Lord says: 

      I am removing the yoke of relationships that have drawn you away from Me. Some relationships in your life are holding you back from entering into My presence and your purpose. You are aligned with the wrong people.

      Instead, be yoked with Me. When you walk with Me, I will shoulder the burden of your purpose alongside you. No longer will you strain against what is fleeting and temporary. Together, we will work toward what has eternal value. I will give you rest and bless the work of your hands. I will heal the pain you’ve endured from being yoked with those I did not choose for you because I’ve seen your struggle. Early in the morning, I will come to rescue you, free you from this bondage, and lead you on the right path.

      Application:

      Take time to pray about each of your relationships and ask God to reveal His will for them. Surrender these relationships to Him, trusting that He will guide you into connections that align with His purpose for your life. God is faithful to heal the wounds caused by harmful relationships and to lead you into partnerships that bear fruit for His Kingdom.

      28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 

      29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS.

      Matthew 11:28-29 (AMP)

      Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

      2 Corinthians 6:14 (AMP)

      #lionbites

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Milestone Moment

      The Spirit of the Lord says:

      Just as a man runs a race set before him, there are half-way milestones that refresh and bring cheer to help you continue to go through the next mile. So too in this season, remember that this is a marathon not a sprint. We are hitting a milestone moment of refreshing and cheering that will bolster your ability to continue forward and not relent.

      Just as a marathon has refreshing stations, I am calling you into My refreshing station, for it is time to see new definitions of rest.  Many see rest as simply a slumber, but I say it’s a time of refreshing. Just as a runner will pause momentarily to get water, I too am asking you to refresh with living water and then get on your way. This season will be tiring and trying (James 1:2-4) and you will feel a desire to partner with the apathy in the air. Yet I say today, slow and steady wins the race set before you. 

      You must earnestly pursue this season and allow Me to refresh you. Do not sprint or shortcut your way out of this season. Instead, learn what it means to enjoy the milestone moments. Enjoy the pit stops throughout the race.

      Activation: 

      Ask God what brings refreshment to your soul and spirit? Ask God how you can partner with Him in this refreshment and what does it look like to rest temporarily at each Milestone Moment?

      2 Consider it nothing but joy, my [a]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 

      3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 

      4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

      James 1:2-4 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] James 1:2 Lit brethren.

      Jesus, the Example

      1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of [a]witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, 

      2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, [b]disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

      3 Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

      Hebrews 12:1-3 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Hebrews 12:1 i.e. the people commended for their faith in ch 11. See 11:2, 39.

      [b] Hebrews 12:2 Sometimes the public shame of the cross is overlooked when one thinks of the pain and agony inflicted by it, but in the Roman Empire crucifixion was a shameful and disgraceful way to die, a form of capital punishment from which Roman citizens were exempt; and in Roman comedy it was used in a curse: “Go to a bad cross!”

      #lionbites

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – See With My Eyes – A Holy Moment

      Just as in the days of chaos when the earth was void, without form, and dark, I am moving upon the face of the earth. And amidst the chaos, I have felt the deep hunger and desperation of the people who want true freedom from the wicked oppression of Pharoah – a freedom that only I can give. This is a holy moment. 

      Just as Moses encountered Me at the burning bush and I commissioned him, I am now commissioning you to go and boldly proclaim My message. Break the bands of wickedness as you cry out and call My people back to Me. You must also reach out to those who do not know Me, instructing them to turn to Me with all their hearts. Now is the time to seek Me and to find Me. 

      As I commission you for this purpose, I ask you today: Will you press in for all that I am? Will you come to meet with Me when I call? Will you stand for Me, and will you be satisfied with Me alone? I long for My bride, yearning for her dedication. I desire to see My bride entirely devoted to Me and completely in love with only Me. 

      My people, you must seek Me. Meet and connect with Me daily, and share your heart and life with Me. In seeking Me, you will find life! Abide in Me, and you will multiply and bear much fruit. I will bless you wherever you go!

      Application:

      Take a moment to reflect with God on the tasks and people He is calling you to serve. Genuinely ask Him to help you evaluate the following areas:

      • Am I being fruitful in the assignments He has given me?
      • Am I truly multiplying what He has entrusted to me according to His standards?

      Additionally, ask Him if there is a need for you to change your approach to be more impactful for His Kingdom. Whatever guidance He provides, follow His instructions. By doing so, you will be truly fruitful as you multiply for the Kingdom of God.

      Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

      Jeremiah 29:13 (AMP)

      Behold, I stand at the door [of the church]  and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me.

      Revelation 3:20 (AMP)

      #lionbites

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – See With My Eyes

      I Am the Creator of heaven and earth.  I Am the Master of the universe, and I Am the Lord of all. I long to share My vision and My perspectives with you. I want you to see the world around you with My eyes. I will grant you My perspective on situations, events, and relationships. Let us sit and watch together.  Although we may see the same things, we might not see them in the same way. Your view and My view on things and events might differ. So I want to share My point of view with you. 

      I want to give you My redemptive sight as I enable you to see the same way as Me. I will open your eyes to see the world as I do, and you will look at what I see as beautiful and enjoy it as I do. I will enable you to look closely at the broken, the distorted, and the dark, and see them through the lenses of My eyes. I see through the ashes and find the original beauty. I look at the broken and see the original creation. I observe the distorted and perceive the original truth. I recognize darkness and it is dispelled under My eyes of fire. 

      As you see with My eyes, you will see through the physical reality before you and into the origin of My creation and My original plans. 

      Activation:

      Invite Jesus to sit with you. Picture Him sitting next to you as you reflect on the situations, events, and encounters you will face today—whether they are joys or challenges, like a meeting with friends, a strained relationship, a job interview, an exam, or an ordinary workday. Ask Him to help you see everything through His eyes. Request His perspective on these experiences as you intentionally seek to understand the unseen reality of His creation that lies beyond the visible world. Allow His truth to fill you and resonate within you, as you walk with Him throughout your day.

      21 In that very hour He was overjoyed  and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the [a]wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught]. Yes, Father, for this way was  [Your gracious will and choice, and was]  well-pleasing in Your sight. 

      22 All things have been transferred and  turned over to Me by My Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”

      23 Then turning to His disciples, Jesus said privately, “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see,

      Luke 10:21-23 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Luke 10:21 An ironic criticism of the Jewish leaders who regarded the followers of Jesus as childlike and untaught.

      16 But blessed [spiritually aware, and favored by God] are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 

      17 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, many prophets and righteous men [who were honorable and in right standing with God] longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

      Matthew 13:16-17 (AMP)

      For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].

      1 Corinthians 13:12 (AMP)

      #lionbites

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Because You Love Me

      My child, now is the time to be so captivated with Me. For then your eyes will continue to stay focused on Me. Lift up your eyes and see Me. I am looking for those who will love Me with a pure, unadulterated love. I am jealous to have all of you. I am jealous for all of your affections.

      My child, are you totally focused on Me? Or do other things grab your attention? This is a season to behold Me in a deeper, more intimate way. Are you willing to let go of those things that distract you from Me?

      Activation:

      Spend time with the Lord and allow Him to show you those things that distract you from Him. Read and meditate on Psalm 91:14-16.

      14 “Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him;
      I will set him       [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never].

      15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
      I will be with him in trouble;
      I will rescue him and honor him.

      16 “With a long life I will satisfy him
      And I will let him see My salvation.”

      Psalm 91:14-16 (AMP)

      As you do, allow the Lord to reveal His promises to you. If you struggle to receive His love and promises, take note of that and ask for revelation from the Lord as to why you struggle to believe. Ask for direction on how to move forward with what He shows you.

      —for you shall not worship any other god; for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]—

      Exodus 34:14 (AMP)

      13 Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 

      14 I will be found by you,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and I will [free you and] gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’

      Jeremiah 29:12-14 (AMP)

      #lionbites