Tuesday Morning Scripture – Jeremiah 33

Restoration Promised

1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard, saying,

2 “Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it—the LORD is His name,

3 ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.’

4 For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city and the houses of the kings of Judah which are torn down to make a defence against the siege ramps and against the sword,

5 ‘While they (the besieged Jews) are coming to fight against the Chaldeans and to fill the houses with the dead bodies of men whom I have slain in My anger and in My wrath, for I have hidden My face [in disgust] from this city because of all their wickedness.

6 Behold, [in the restored Jerusalem] I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace (prosperity, security, stability) and truth.

7 I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel and will rebuild them as they were at first.

8 I will cleanse them from all their wickedness (guilt) by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon (forgive) all their sins by which they rebelled against Me.

9 Jerusalem will be to Me a name of joy, praise and glory before all the nations of the earth which will hear of all the good that I do for it, and they shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the peace (prosperity, security, stability) that I provide for it.’

10 “Thus says the LORD, ‘Yet again there will be heard in this place of which you say, “It is a [desolate] waste, without man and without animal”—even in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without animal—

11 the [sound of the] voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the [song-filled] voice of those who say,

“GIVE PRAISE AND THANKS TO THE LORD OF HOSTS, FOR THE LORD IS GOOD; FOR HIS [STEADFAST] LOVINGKINDNESS (MERCY) ENDURES FOREVER”;

and of those who bring a thank offering into the house of the LORD. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were at first,’ says the LORD.

12 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘There will again be in this desolate place—[a place] without man or animal—and in all its cities, pastures for shepherds who rest their flocks.

13 In the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, in the cities of the South (the Negev), in the land of Benjamin, in the places around Jerusalem and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hand of the one who counts them,’ says the LORD.

The Davidic Kingdom

14 ‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good word and promise which I have made regarding the house of Israel and the house of Judah.

15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He (the Messiah) shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth.

16 In those days Judah will be saved and [the people of] Jerusalem will live in safety; and this is the name by which she will be called: the LORD Our Righteousness (Justice).’

17 For thus says the LORD, ‘David shall never lack a man (descendant) to sit on the throne of the house of Israel;

18 and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man (descendant) to offer burnt offerings before Me and to burn grain offerings and to prepare sacrifices all day long.’”

19 The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,

20 “Thus says the LORD, ‘If you can break My covenant for the day and My covenant for the night, so that day and night do not take place at their appointed times,

21 then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant so that he will not have a son to reign on his throne, and [My covenant may also be broken] with the Levitical priests, My ministers.

22 As the host of [the stars of] heaven cannot be counted and the sand of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the descendants of David My servant and the Levites who minister to Me.’”

23 And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,

24 “Have you not noticed what this people have spoken, saying, ‘The two families [Israel the northern kingdom, and Judah the southern kingdom] which the LORD chose, He has rejected’? Thus they despise My [chosen] people, no longer are they [considered] as a nation in their sight.

25 Thus says the LORD, ‘If My covenant with day and night does not stand, and if I have not established the fixed patterns of heaven and earth, [the whole order of nature,]

26 then I would [also] reject the descendants of Jacob and David My servant, not taking from his descendants rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But I will restore their fortunes, and will have mercy on them.’”

Jeremiah 33:1-26 (AMP)

Tuesday Morning ‘I am’ Statements

Victory by Cherine Anderson

Because He IS, you are, so say the above and below statements with confidence…

I AM WHO THE MOST HIGH GOD SAYS I AM;

I am the apple of His eye;

10 “He found him in a desert land, in the howling wasteland of a wilderness; He kept circling him, He took care of him, He protected him as the apple of His eye.

11 “As an eagle that protects its nest, that flutters over its young, He spread out His wings and took them, He carried them on His pinions.

Deuteronomy 32:10-11 (AMP)

I am ALL He says I am; and can do ALL He says I can do;

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

Philippians 4:13 (AMP)

I am ALL that The Most High God has called me to;

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].

Romans 11:29 (AMP)

I am a work in progress;

2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be 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)

I am BEAUTIFUL;

God Set Eternity in the Heart of Man

11 He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God]—yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (AMP)

I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14 (AMP)

I am INTELLIGENT;

An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.

Proverbs 31:10 (AMP)

I am CHOSEN;

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9 (AMP)

I am LOVEABLE;

We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him.

1 John 4:16 (AMP)

I am LOVED

I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another.

John 13:24 (AMP)

I am MADE IN HIS IMAGE

So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:27 (AMP)

I am STRONG

And He will also confirm you to the end [keeping you strong and free of any accusation, so that you will be] blameless and beyond reproach in the day [of the return] of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:8 (AMP)

I am STRONG

10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].

2 Corinthians 12:10 (AMP)

I am VALUABLE

Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are far more valuable than many sparrows.

Luke 12:7 (AMP)

I am VALUABLE

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the crop]; they have no storehouse or barn, and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds!

Luke 12:24 (AMP)

I am the WOMAN/MAN GOD ORDAINED ME TO BE; and

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were appointed for me, when as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].

Psalm 139:16 (AMP)

I am VICTORIOUS

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; 

57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].

1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (AMP)

I am VICTORIOUS

I am writing to you, fathers [those believers who are spiritually mature], because you know Him who has existed from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men [those believers who are growing in spiritual maturity], because you have been victorious and have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children [those who are new believers, those spiritually immature], because you have come to know the Father.

1 John 2:13 (AMP)

I am (made) WORTHY

Jeremiah’s Call and Commission

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument],
And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own];
I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD!
Behold, I do not know how to speak,
For I am [only] a young man.”

7 But the LORD said to me,
“Do not say, ‘I am [only] a young man,’
Because everywhere I send you, you shall go,
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8 “Do not be afraid of them [or their hostile faces],
For I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:5-8 (AMP)

I am (made) WORTHY

Unity of the Spirit

So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation],

Ephesians 4:1 (AMP)

I am (made) WORTHY

…….and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

Ephesians 5:2 (AMP)

I am (made) WORTHY

I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Galatians 2:20 (AMP)

I am (made) WORTHY

Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].

1 Peter 4:8 (AMP)

…and (because) He loves me tooo

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Rest in the Storm

My children do not worry when people say all kinds of evil things about you. Who is your rightful judge but Me and I choose not to condemn you. I will judge all things and weigh the actions of men. If I am for you, who can be against you?

Do not fret about the actions of others. Look not at your problems but look at Me. As you fix your eyes on Me, the author and perfecter of your faith, I will give you proper perspective and understanding. I seat you in heavenly places, above the noise of the battle so in rest you can hear My words and reflect as one in leisure.

Did I not rebuke My followers for not resting in the midst of the storm as I did? Learn to rest with Me in the midst of the storm. Do not react to your accusers but in silence let Me take up your cause. In your obedience, I will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Activation: In prayer and thanksgiving give the Lord all your worries. In the spirit, fix your eyes on Him. Trust that He is willing and able to go before you and fight for you in every battle. Spend some time in worship handing your cares to Him.

Security of Those Who Trust in the Lord, and Insecurity of the Wicked.

A Psalm of David.

1 Do not worry because of evildoers,
Nor be envious toward wrongdoers;

2 For they will wither quickly like the grass,
And fade like the green herb.

Psalm 37:1-2 (AMP)

“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed;
And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.
This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And this is their vindication from Me,” says the LORD.

Isaiah 54:17 (AMP)

He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was [at once] a great and wonderful calm [a perfect peacefulness].

Matthew 8:26 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Alignment

Come into alignment with My timings as we crossover into a new season. The time for comfort and living in the comfortable places that have been built for us is no longer My agenda and never was. 

I am bringing a new juxtaposition in the Body of Christ at this time. The world will see division but I see unity, as different people stand together functioning in the fullness of their call together as one body and one spirit. I am putting teams of people together to build and birth the new structures. 

Ordinarily they may not place themselves in these positions but I am repositioning many in the earth realm at this time to function with one another as a body. This is a time of the body of Christ being restored to its function.  

I am asking you to say yes to radical life changes, to move away from the comfort and the ordinary and to instead move with a wave of My spirit to build and establish something never yet seen before. 

I am asking you to move in synergy with My spirit and with one another as you come into this new season.

Activation: 

The Lord says, “What things do you know I’m asking you to leave behind? Is it a place, a people group, an old way of functioning, a mind set, a habit, an addiction, a false idol, a comfort that takes president over My desires for you, hope deferred, wounding or pain?”

Today, ask Holy Spirit to reveal to you what He is asking you to leave behind in order to fully move with His spirit. Ask Him how to put down the things that you are holding onto in your heart, mind or life and come into alignment with Him. 

What is God asking you to say yes to as you lay down what is old and not fit for purpose anymore? Lean into the Spirit, listen and look as you ask Him. 

Many of you have allowed God to burn you in this season and have laid down many things. God is pleased with you as He moves you to the birthing suites to establish all He has already placed inside of you and the others He is marrying you together with. 

The Rewards of Wisdom

1 My son, do not forget my [a]teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;

2 For length of days and years of life [worth living]
And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.

3 Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you];
Bind them [securely] around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

6 [b]In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Proverbs 31:6 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Proverbs 3:1 Or law.

[b] Proverbs 3:6 One of the ancient rabbis said that all the essence of the Torah (Law) depends on this verse.

11 And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], 

12 [and He did this] to fully equip  and  perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; 

13 until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity]. 

14 So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of [unscrupulous] men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit]. 

15 But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all  things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. 

16 From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined and knitted  firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to grow and  mature, building itself up [a]in [unselfish] love.

Ephesians 4-11-16 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Take Over the Prison

The Spirit of the Lord says, “This is the season for setting My people free from captivity. Where you have been so long in chains that you have forgotten to hope. In an instant I will bring freedom from your captivity, but in this process I will be inviting you to partner with Me in bringing salvation to all the prisoners.

Did I not proclaim freedom for the prisoners? Did I not set Joseph in charge of all those in prison as I led Him into his ultimate call? Did I not lead Paul and Silas to bring salvation to their jailers’ household?

It is time to take over the prison!

Do not assume that I want to just release you from your incarceration. I want to use you as a sign and a wonder to bring freedom and release to your fellow prisoners. I am not just concerned with you, but I am concerned with using you to bring my freedom to others.

Remember, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:25-34 (NIV)

“Do you not think I can do this today? Pray and sing hymns and see what I will do.”

Application: Where do you feel trapped and imprisoned by circumstances? Pray to the Lord and worship Him in song. Have faith that He chooses to bring you freedom from your incarceration be that physical release from a situation or the ability like Paul the Apostle or John the Revelator to endure and transcend it.

The warden committed to Joseph’s care (management) all the prisoners who were in the prison; so that whatever was done there, he was [a]in charge of it.

Genesis 39:22 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Genesis 39:22 Lit the doer.

“Bring my soul out of prison (adversity),
So that I may give thanks and praise Your name;
The righteous will surround me [in triumph],
For You will look after me.”

Psalm 142:7 (AMP)

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared [beside him] and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter’s side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off his hands.

Acts 12:7 (AMP)

Then the jailer called for torches and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas,

Acts 16:29 (AMP)

#lionbites

Thursday Morning Scripture – Genesis 39

Joseph’s Success in Egypt

1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the [royal] guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. 

2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he [even though a slave] became a successful and  prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. 

3 Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to prosper (succeed) in his hand. 

4 So Joseph pleased Potiphar and found favor in his sight and he served him as his personal servant. He made Joseph overseer over his house, and he put all that he owned in Joseph’s charge. 

5 It happened that from the time that he made Joseph overseer in his house and [put him in charge] over all that he owned, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house because of Joseph; so the LORD’s  blessing was on everything that Potiphar owned, in the house and in the field. 

6 So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with Joseph there he did not [need to] [a]pay attention to anything except the food he ate.

Now Joseph was handsome and attractive in form and appearance. 

7 Then after a time his master’s wife  [b]looked at Joseph with desire, and she said, “Lie with me.” 

8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, with me in the house, my master does not concern himself with anything; he has put everything that he owns in my charge. 

9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God [and your husband]?” 

10 And so it was that she spoke to Joseph [persistently] day after day, but he did not listen to her [plea] to lie beside her or be with her. 

11 Then it happened one day that Joseph went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the men of the household was there in the house. 

12 She caught Joseph by his [outer] robe, saying, “Lie with me!” But he left his robe in her hand and ran, and got outside [the house]. 

13 When she saw that he had left his robe in her hand and had run outside, 

14 she called to the men of her household and said to them, “Look at this, your master has brought a Hebrew [into the household] to mock and insult us; he came to me to lie with me, and I screamed. 

15 When he heard me screaming, he left his robe with me and ran outside [the house].” 

16 So she left Joseph’s [outer] robe beside her until his master came home. 

17 Then she told her husband the same story, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you brought among us, came to me to mock and insult me; 

18 then as soon as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his robe with me and ran outside [the house].”

Joseph Imprisoned

19 And when Joseph’s master heard the words of his wife, saying, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger burned. 

20 So Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined; so he was there in the prison. 

21 But the LORD was with Joseph and extended lovingkindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the warden. 

22 The warden committed to Joseph’s care (management) all the prisoners who were in the prison; so that whatever was done there, he was [c]in charge of it. 

23 The warden paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s care because the LORD was with him; whatever Joseph did, the LORD made to prosper.

Genesis 39:1-23 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Genesis 39:6 Lit know.

[b] Genesis 39:7 Lit cast her eyes on.

[c] Genesis 39:22 Lit the doer.

Thursday Morning Scripture – Psalm 142

Prayer for Help in Trouble

A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of David; when he was in the cave. A Prayer.


1 I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD;
I make supplication with my voice to the LORD.

2 I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare my trouble before Him.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed and  weak within me [wrapped in darkness],
You knew my path.
In the way where I walk
They have hidden a trap for me.

4 Look to the right [the point of attack] and see;
For there is no one who has regard for me [to act in my favor].
Escape has failed me and I have nowhere to run;
No one cares about my life.

5 I cried out to You, O LORD;
I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.

6 “Give attention to my cry,
For I am brought very low;
Rescue me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than I.

7 “Bring my soul out of prison (adversity),
So that I may give thanks and praise Your name;
The righteous will surround me [in triumph],
For You will look after me.”

Psalm 142:1-7 (AMP)

Thursday Morning Scripture – Acts 12:1-19

Peter’s Arrest and Escape

1 Now at that time [a]Herod [Agrippa I] the king [of the Jews] arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to harm them. 

2 And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword; 

3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to have Peter arrested as well. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread [the Passover week]. 

4 When he had seized Peter, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers of four each to guard him [in rotation throughout the night], planning after the Passover to bring him out before the people [for execution]. 

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent andpersistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church.

6 The very night before Herod was to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries were in front of the door guarding the prison. 

7 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared [beside him] and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter’s side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off his hands.

8 The angel said to him, “Prepare yourself and strap on your sandals [to get ready for whatever may happen].” And he did so. Then the angel told him, “Put on your robe and follow me.” 

9 And Peter went out following the angel. He did not realize that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 

10 When they had passed the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city. Of its own accord it swung open for them; and they went out and went along one street, and at once the angel left him. 

11 When Peter came to his senses, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and has rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting [to do to me].” 

12 When he realized what had happened, he went to the house of [b]Mary the mother of John, who was also called [c]Mark, where many [believers] were gathered together and were praying continually [and had been praying all night]. 

13 When he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. 

14 Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she failed to open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gateway. 

15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel!” 

16 But [meanwhile] Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were completely amazed. 

17 But motioning to them with his hand to be quiet and listen, he described how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to [d]James and the brothers and sisters.” Then he left and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 

19 When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he interrogated the guards and commanded that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea [Maritima] and spent some time there.

Acts 12:1-19 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Acts 12:1 I.e. Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great. Since he was of Hasmonean descent he was partly Jewish.

[b] Acts 12:12 According to Col 4:10 this Mary was the aunt of Barnabas, so her son John Mark and Barnabas were cousins.

[c] Acts 12:12 John Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark.

[d] Acts 12:17 James, the oldest of the Lord’s half brothers, was the leader of the Jerusalem church and wrote the Letter of James.

Thursday Morning Scripture – Acts 16:22-40

Paul and Silas Imprisoned

22 The crowd also joined in the attack against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and ordered that Paul and Silas be beaten with rods. 

23 After striking them many times [with the rods], they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely. 

24 He, having received such a [strict] command, threw them into the inner prison (dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks [in an agonizing position].

25 But about midnight when Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; 

26 suddenly there was a great earthquake, so [powerful] that the very foundations of the prison were shaken and at once all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 

27 When the jailer, shaken out of sleep, saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped. 

28 But Paul shouted, saying, “Do not hurt yourself, we are all here!” 

29 Then the jailer called for torches and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, 

30 and after he brought them out [of the inner prison], he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

The Jailer Converted

31 And they answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus [as your personal Savior and entrust yourself to Him] and you will be saved, you and your household [if they also believe].” 

32 And they spoke the word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ] to him and to all who were in his house. 

33 And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their bloody wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. 

34 Then he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, since he had believed in God with his entire family [accepting with joy what had been made known to them about the Christ].

35 Now when day came, the chief magistrates sent their officers, saying, “Release those men.” 

36 And the jailer repeated the words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent word to release you; so come out now and go in peace.” 

37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us in public without a trial, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now they are sending us out secretly? No! Let them come here themselves and bring us out!” 

38 The officers reported this message to the chief magistrates, and [a]when they heard that the prisoners were Romans, they were frightened; 

39 so they came [to the prison] and appealed to them [with apologies], and when they brought them out, they kept begging them to leave the city. 

40 So they left the prison and went to Lydia’s house; and when they had seen the brothers and sisters, they encouraged and comforted them, and left.

Acts 16:22-40 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Acts 16:38 Paul was a Roman citizen because he was born in Tarsus (22:28), capitol of Cilicia and a city that the emperor Augustus had pronounced “free” because of its support of Rome. Nothing is known of Silas’ family background, but if his name is short for “Silvanus,” it is a Roman name (taken from the god of the forest) and it could be that Silas was also born a Roman citizen. Details on Roman citizenship at that time are sketchy at best, but it is clear from Acts that punishing a citizen without a trial and guilty verdict was illegal, probably involving severe penalties for the magistrates in charge. Also, a Roman citizen charged with a crime had the right to go to Rome and be tried in the emperor’s court (25:9-12).

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – The Bridge

My bride, I am calling out to you to know Me as your bridge. In the troubles ahead I remind you that I have repeatedly laid My life down for you. My death on the cross was the place for all of eternity where you could come and meet Me as your bridge.

I am The Bridge that will come to wipe away your tears of sadness and frustration and bring you to My joy and gladness. I am forever on your side.

I am your bridge over the difficulties you will encounter when loneliness and abandonment surround you. I will be your close and intimate friend.

In the darkest places of your life I will be the bridge that comes to comfort you and ease the pain. I will take your part. I died once for all, willingly bridging the gap between your times of distress and times of intimate love and contentment.

My light shines with brightness over your life, leading you past the difficulties and soon it will shine from your very being to all around you. You will become the bridge between heaven and earth revealing buried dreams and giving life.

Activation:

Ask Jesus to walk you through your life story and show all the places where He has been your bridge over troubles and storms. As you remember them thank Him for all that He is to you and all that He is. Renew your covenant with Him and ask Him to strengthen you once again for where He is taking you.

But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]
Will gain new strength and renew their power;
They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun];
They will run and not become weary,
They will walk and not grow tired.

Isaiah 40:31 (AMP)

17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life so that I may take it back. 

18 No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down voluntarily. I am authorized  and  have power to lay it down and to give it up, and I am authorized and have power to take it back. This command I have received from My Father.”

John 10:17-18 (ESV)

#lionbites