Unapologetically Marcia

Wednesday Morning Scripture – Hebrews 7

Melchizedek’s Priesthood Like Christ’s

¹ For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he returned from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

²and Abraham gave him a tenth of all [the spoil]. He is, first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace.

³Without [^[a]any record of] father or mother, nor ancestral line, without [any record of] beginning of days (birth) nor ending of life (death), but having been made like the Son of God, he remains a priest without interruption and without successor.

⁴Now pause and consider how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the spoils.

⁵It is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to collect tithes from the people—which means, from their kinsmen—though these have descended from Abraham.

⁶But this person [Melchizedek] who is not from their Levitical ancestry received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who possessed the promises [of God].

⁷Yet it is beyond all dispute that the lesser person is always blessed by the greater one.

⁸Furthermore, here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; but in that case [concerning Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he ^[b]lives on [perpetually].

⁹A person might even say that Levi [the father of the priestly tribe] himself, who received tithes, paid tithes through Abraham [the father of all Israel and of all who believe],

¹⁰for Levi was still in the loins (unborn) of his forefather [Abraham] when Melchizedek met him (Abraham).

¹¹Now if perfection [a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper] had been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people were given the Law) what further need was there for another and different kind of priest to arise, one in the manner of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed to the order of Aaron?

¹²For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is of necessity a change of the law [concerning the priesthood] as well.

¹³For the One of whom these things are said belonged [not to the priestly line of Levi but] to another tribe, from which no one has officiated orserved at the altar.

¹⁴For it is evident that our Lord descended from [the tribe of] Judah, and Moses mentioned nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.

¹⁵And this becomes even more evident if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,

¹⁶who has become a priest, not on the basis of a ^[c]physical and legal requirement in the Law [concerning his ancestry as a descendant of Levi], but on the basis of the power of an indestructible and endless life.

¹⁷For it is attested [by God] of Him,

“YOU (Christ) ARE A PRIEST FOREVER
ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.”

¹⁸For, on the one hand, a former commandment is cancelled because of its weakness and uselessness [because of its inability to justify the sinner before God]

¹⁹(for the Law never made anything perfect); while on the other hand a better hope is introduced through which we now continually draw near to God.

²⁰And indeed it was not without the taking of an oath [that Christ was made priest]

²¹(for those Levites who formerly became priests [received their office] without [its being confirmed by the taking of] an oath, but this One [was designated] with an oath through the One who said to Him,

“THE LORD HAS SWORN
AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND OR REGRET IT,
‘YOU (Christ) ARE A PRIEST FOREVER’”).

²²And so [because of the oath’s greater strength and force] Jesus has become the certain guarantee of a better covenant [a more excellent and more advantageous agreement; one that will never be replaced or annulled].

²³The [former successive line of] priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office];

²⁴but, on the other hand, Jesus holds His priesthood permanently and without change, because He lives on forever.

²⁵Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God].

²⁶It was fitting for us to have such a High Priest [perfectly adapted to our needs], holy, blameless, unstained [by sin], separated from sinners and exalted higher than the heavens;

²⁷who has no day by day need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices, first of all for his own [personal] sins and then for those of the people, because He [met all the requirements and] did this once for all when He offered up Himself [as a willing sacrifice].

²⁸For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak [frail, sinful, dying men], but the word of the oath [of God], which came after [the institution of] the Law, permanently appoints [as priest] a Son ^[d]who has been made perfect forever.

Hebrews 7:1-28 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Hebrews 7:3 Some believe that Melchizedek was an ordinary man blessed and appointed by God as a special priest, who serves as a Christlike figure in his priestly and kingly functions because his order was a priesthood without end. Others take the description literally to mean that Melchizedek was not a human, but an angel (v 8). If this is so, then Christ, as the Son of God, would be the “High Priest” of the order in which Melchizedek served as priest in the sense that angels are spiritual beings who have a pretemporal, but not eternal origin. Another view suggests that Melchizedek was perhaps a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus in human form. Those who maintain that Melchizedek was an ordinary human being would say the writer is speaking symbolically concerning his ancestry; hence the insertion of “any record of” in the text of v 3 since his death is not recorded in Scripture.

[b] Hebrews 7:8 See note v 3.

[c] Hebrews 7:16 Lit law of a fleshly commandment.

[c] Hebrews 7:28 Lit perfected.

Wednesday Scripture – 1 Peter 2

As Newborn Babes

¹ So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech;

²like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment],

³if in fact you have [already] tasted ^[a]the goodness and gracious kindness of the Lord.

As Living Stones

⁴Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God.

⁵You [believers], like living stones, are ^[b]being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

⁶For this is contained in Scripture:

“BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOSEN STONE, A PRECIOUS (honored) CORNERSTONE,
AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].”

⁷This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve,

“THE [very] STONE WHICH TGE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE,”

⁸and,

“A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE”;

for they stumble because they disobey the word [of God], and to this they [who reject Him as Savior] were also appointed.

⁹But 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.

¹⁰Once you were NOT A PEOPLE [at all], but now you are GOD’S PEOPLE; once you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

¹¹Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul.

¹²Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that ^[c]for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God ^[d]in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].

Honor Authority

¹³Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power,

¹⁴or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right.

¹⁵For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence (muzzle, gag) the [culpable] ignorance andirresponsible criticisms of foolish people. ¹⁶Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover or pretext for evil, but [use it and live] as bond-servants of God. ¹⁷Show respect for all people [treat them honorably], love the brotherhood [of believers], fear God, honor the king.

¹⁸^[e]Servants, be submissive to your masters with all [proper] respect, not only to those who are good and kind, but also to those who are unreasonable.

¹⁹For this finds favor, if a person endures the sorrow of suffering unjustly because of an ^[f]awareness of [the will of] God.

²⁰After all, what kind of credit is there if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you endure it patiently? But if when you do what is right and patiently bear [undeserved] suffering, this finds favor with God.

Christ is our Example

²¹For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps. ²²He committed no sin, nor was deceit ever found in His mouth.

²³While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance], but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges fairly.

²⁴He personally carried our sins in His body on the ^[g]cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been ^[h]healed.

²⁵For you were continually wandering like [so many] sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

1 Peter 2:1-25 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 1 Peter 2:3 Lit that the Lord is kind.

[b] 1 Peter 2:5 Or are to be built.

[c] 1 Peter 2:12 Lit in that which.

[d] 1 Peter 2:12 Another view interprets this as the day when the wicked are judged by God.

[e] 1 Peter 2:18 The Greek refers to household servants who may have been well-educated and managed the estate.

[e] 1 Peter 2:19 Lit conscience toward.

[f] 1 Peter 2:24 Lit wood.

[g] 1 Peter 2:24 Generally regarded as a reference to being spiritually healed from the illness of sin; however, many also consider physical healing to be included in Christ’s atoning death.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Unwavering Trust

My child, I am a jealous God, and I seek your complete and unwavering trust. I want to be the first One you turn to when you are full of joy and thankfulness but also in times when you face temptation, in moments of struggle or anxiety. Entrust to Me your every thought, emotion, question, and worry. Surrender to Me your will, your plans, your present, and your future. I long to hold every part of your life in My hands. In exchange for your trust I will give you a profound inner peace – one that cannot easily be shaken and will stand firm through life’s storms (John 14:27). Remember this, My child: I am a loving Father and I care for you with all My heart. I desire only the very best for you.

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.[Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

John 14:27 (AMP)

Activation

Read through Jeremiah 17:5-10 section by section. As you read, allow the Spirit of God to speak to your heart and reveal His truth. Be open to whatever He is showing you.

Verses 5-6: God condemns those who place their trust in their own strength. In other words, He brings judgment on those who rely only on their own understanding or the wisdom of the world. Their hearts are turned away from Him. They may find success by earthly standards, but in God’s eyes, they are foolish (1 Cor. 3:19). Like David, ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas where you might be trying to handle things on your own.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness (absurdity, stupidity) before God; for it is written [in Scripture], “[He is] The one who catches the wise and clever in their craftiness;”

1 Corinthians 3:19 (AMP)

Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts;

Psalm 139:23 (AMP)

Verses 7-8: In stark contrast to the previous verses, God blesses those who place their full trust in Him, no matter the circumstances. He blesses those who hope and expect Him to transform their situations for their good—who wait on Him for breakthrough, provision, and healing. These people will not be swayed by life’s challenges or by the turmoil in the world around them. Instead, they are like trees with deep roots, unshaken by the storms.

Invite the Holy Spirit to show you any areas where you’ve been shaken, where your peace has been stolen. Repent for any time you’ve failed to fully trust in God or believed a lie. Ask Him to fill your heart with His peace and renew your mind with His truth. For every worry you carry, find a promise from God and meditate on it.

Verses 9-10: God warns us about the deceitfulness of our hearts and minds. They are easily led astray. That’s why it’s so important to regularly invite God to search our hearts and minds. Allow Him to reveal any hidden motives, even if it’s difficult to face them.

The Deceitful Heart

⁵Thus says the Lord,
“Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind,
Making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength,
And whose mind and heart turn away from the LORD.

⁶“For he will be like a shrub in the [parched] desert;
And shall not see prosperity when it comes,
But shall live in the rocky places of the wilderness,
In an uninhabited salt land.

⁷“Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the LORD
And whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord.

⁸“For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters,
That spreads out its roots by the river;
And will not fear the heat when it comes;
But its leaves will be green and moist.
And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought
Nor stop bearing fruit.

⁹“The heart is deceitful above all things
And it is ^[a]extremely sick;
Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives?

¹⁰“I, the LORD, search and examine the mind,
I test the heart,
To give to each man according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds.

Jeremiah 17:5-10 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Jeremiah 17:9 Lit incurable.

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Depth of Character

As your good Father, know that I am always calling you deeper – for I have good things set aside for you. As I call you into more, you have already felt the pull within you that recognises the cost.

You are so loved. Because of the great love that I have for you, I am calling you to a greater depth of character. Just as a father disciplines and guides his child, so I am doing the same for you.

The distractions, coping mechanisms and compromise of the previous season are not acceptable to Me. You must lay them all down to move into surrendered union with Me. The relational difficulties you have faced have served to remove your harder edges, to bring forth a softness to your character that is needed to reveal the fullness of My love to others. The tough situations you have walked through have revealed in you a yieldedness and a resilience that have increased your maturity.

Do not avoid the process, as difficult as it may be. Depend on My wisdom, and continue to lean into understanding – for I have so much more to reveal to you. For I am calling forth in you a depth of character that will enable you to stand firm and to love well. I am your perfect Father, and I love you and will continue to shape you according to My perfect will in your life.

Activation: Spend time with the Father, ask Him to reveal Himself to you and sit in His embrace. Ask Him to show His Father’s heart towards you, as you sit in a space of contentment in being His child.

From that place of peace and acceptance, read James 1:2-5.

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

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

⁴And 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.

⁵If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.

James 1:2-5 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] James 1:2 Lit brethren.

Ask Holy Spirit to reveal to you the areas of trials, testing & perseverance that Father God has been calling forth in you. Ask for the wisdom and understanding that you need to be able to surrender yourself fully to this process. Let go of any unhelpful distractions, coping mechanisms or areas of compromise that have been holding you back from stepping into maturity.

³And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; ⁴and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. ⁵Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3-5 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – It’s Time

It’s time, My child, to cast off your chains and begin to walk in the fullness of the freedom I’ve won for you. Through My sacrifice, you’ve already secured victory in every area of your life. You no longer need to live in bondage. Step into the reality of your freedom now, for you are free, My Beloved!

Bind up the limiting thoughts that have held you back. Tear down the walls you’ve built for protection which only serve to isolate you. Allow Me to heal your wounds and comfort your mind so you can truly live in the freedom I offer.

The time has come to break free from the shackles on your hands and start building for My Kingdom. You are needed, My child, for the talents and gifts I’ve placed in you are essential for this moment. Steward them well and use them to serve others. Don’t listen to the enemy’s lies that seek to keep you bound in passivity, doubting your worth, your gifts, or your calling.

Fix your eyes on Me. Then step forward and follow Me. I will guide you, one step at a time. But you must choose to live and walk in the freedom I’ve given you.

Activation:

Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of bondage in your life. Ask Him to show you what they look like in the spiritual realm. In an act of prophetic declaration, remove, shake off, and cut away every shackle and rope you see attached to you. Repent for partnering with any lies or false beliefs that have held you captive. Then, take a moment to see yourself as free in the spirit realm, fully released from those chains. Finally, take a bold step forward, embracing the freedom Christ has already won for you.

Walk by the Spirit

It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].

Galatians 5:1 (AMP)

“Now, I will break his yoke [of taxation] off you,
And I will tear off your shackles.”

Nahum 1:13 (AMP)

#lionbites

Friday Morning Scripture – Nahum 1

God is Awesome

¹ The ^[a]oracle (a burdensome message—a pronouncement from God) concerning ^[b]Nineveh [the capital city of Assyria]. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh [which he saw in spirit and prophesied].

²The LORD is a jealous and avenging God [protecting and demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His];
The LORD avenges and He is full of wrath.
The LORD takes vengeance on His adversaries,
And He reserves wrath for His enemies.

³The LORD is slow to anger and great in power
And He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.
The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm,
And the clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

⁴He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
He dries up all the rivers [illustrating His judgment].
Bashan [on the east] and [Mount] Carmel [on the west] wither,
And [in the north] the blossoms of Lebanon fade.

⁵The mountains quake before Him
And the hills melt away;
Indeed the earth is shaken by His presence—
Yes, the world and all that dwell in it.

⁶Who can stand before His indignation [His great wrath]?
And who can stand up and endure the fierceness of His anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire
And the rocks are destroyed by Him.

⁷The LORD is good,
A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble;
He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.

⁸But with an ^[c]overwhelming flood [of judgment through invading armies]
He will make a complete destruction of ^[d]its site
And will pursue His enemies into darkness.

⁹Whatever [plot] you [Assyrians] devise against the LORD,
He will make a complete end of it;
Affliction [of God’s people by the hand of Assyria] will not occur twice.

¹⁰Like tangled thorn branches [gathered for fuel],
And like those drowned in drunkenness,
^[e]The people of Nineveh are consumed [through fire]
Like stubble completely withered and dry [in the day of the LORD’s wrath].

¹¹From you [O Nineveh],
One has gone forth who plotted evil against the LORD,
A malevolent ^[f]counselor [the king of Assyria].

¹²This is what the LORD says,

“Though they are at full strength and many in number,
Even so, they will be cut off and pass away.
Though I have afflicted you and caused you grief [O Jerusalem],
I will afflict you no longer.

¹³“Now, I will break his yoke [of taxation] off you,
And I will tear off your shackles.”

¹⁴The LORD has given a command concerning you [O king of Nineveh]:
“Your name will no longer be perpetuated.
I will cut off the carved idols and cast images
From the temple of your gods;
I will prepare your grave,
For you are vile and unworthy.”

¹⁵Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news [telling of Assyria’s destruction],
Who announces peace and prosperity!
Celebrate your feasts, O Judah;
Perform your vows.
For the wicked one [the king of Assyria] will never again pass through you;
He is completely cut off.

Nahum 1:1–15 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Nahum 1:1 An urgent message the prophet is under compulsion to proclaim.

[b] Nahum 1:1 Under the preaching of Jonah, the king of Nineveh and all its people repented (Jon 3:5). But when Nahum came to Nineveh a hundred and fifty years later, everything had changed and the people had become hopelessly wicked. God’s wrath was not to be turned away this time.

[c] Nahum 1:8 The overwhelming flood may be understood as a metaphor describing a conquering army as well as a literal reference to a flood of water. Diodorus of Sicily refers to a legend that Nineveh could never be taken until the river became its enemy. Arbaces the Scythian had besieged the city in vain for two years, but in the third year the Khoser River washed away a considerable section of the very great wall and the invaders pushed through this opening. Nahum 2:6 refers to the devastating flood and 3:13, 15 probably to the destruction of Nineveh by fire. The vivid descriptions of ch 3 are historically accurate.

[d] Nahum 1:8 The city of Nineveh was the magnificent capital of the Assyrian Empire. The great palace of Sennacherib was without rival and contained at least seventy or more rooms. The city was home to more than 120,000 residents (at least twice the size of Babylon) and had no less than fifteen gates in the wall surrounding the city. During its glory days it was probably the largest city in the known world. Built near the juncture of the Tigris River and its tributary the Khoser, it was served by an elaborate water system of eighteen canals. Nineveh had many suburbs, three of which are mentioned along with Nineveh in Gen 10:11, 12. Nineveh’s extensive ruins are located near the modern city of Mosul, Iraq.

[e] Nahum 1:10 Lit They.

[f] Nahum 1:11 The reference here may be to Sennacherib, who reigned over Assyria from 705-681 b.c. He led an attack on Judah (the Southern Kingdom) in 701 b.c.

Friday Morning Scripture – Galatians 5

Walk by the Spirit

¹ It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].

²Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision [as a supposed requirement of salvation], Christ will be of no benefit to you [for you will lack the faith in Christ that is necessary for salvation].

³Once more I solemnly affirm to every man who receives circumcision [as a supposed requirement of salvation], that he is under obligation and required to keep the whole Law.

⁴You have been severed from Christ, if you seek to be ^[a]justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing with God] through the Law; you have fallen from grace [for you have lost your grasp on God’s unmerited favor and blessing].

⁵For we [not relying on the Law but] through the [strength and power of the Holy] Spirit, by faith, are waiting [confidently] for the hope of righteousness [the completion of our salvation].

⁶For [if we are] in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but only faith activated and expressed and working through love.

⁷You were running [the race] well; who has interfered and prevented you from obeying the truth?

⁸This [deceptive] persuasion is not from Him who called you [to freedom in Christ].

⁹A little ^[b]leaven [a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers] leavens the whole batch [it perverts the concept of faith and misleads the church].

¹⁰I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view [contrary to mine on the matter]; but the one who is disturbing you, whoever he is, will have to bear the penalty.

¹¹But as for me, ^[c]brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision [as I had done before I met Christ; and as ^[d]some accuse me of doing now, as necessary for salvation], why am I still being persecuted [by Jews]? In that case the stumbling block of the cross [to unbelieving Jews] has been abolished.

¹²I wish that those who are troubling you [by teaching that circumcision is necessary for salvation] would even [go all the way and] castrate themselves!

¹³For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the ^[e]sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through ^[f]love serve and seek the best for one another.

¹⁴For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].”

¹⁵But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another.

¹⁶But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the ^[g]sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].

¹⁷For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the ^[h]sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.

¹⁸But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.

¹⁹Now the practices of the ^[i]sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control),

²⁰^[j]idolatry, ^[k]sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies],

²¹envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²²But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

²³gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

²⁴And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the ^[l]sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.

²⁵If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].

²⁶We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:1-26 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Galatians 5:4 See note 2:16.

[b] Galatians 5:9 Leaven (yeasty dough) represents the man-made tradition and false teachings that obscure the truth regarding salvation through personal belief and faith in Christ.

[c] Galatians 5:11 Lit brethren.

[d] Galatians 5:11 Paul’s opponents in Galatia were trying to support their own arguments for circumcision by claiming that Paul was actually in favor of it. They probably knew that he had circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3) and were taking advantage of that fact.

[e] Galatians 5:13 Lit flesh.

[f] Galatians 5:13 The key to understanding this and other statements about love is to know that this love (the Greek word agape) is not so much a matter of emotion as it is of doing things for the benefit of another person, that is, having an unselfish concern for another and a willingness to seek the best for another.

[g] Galatians 5:16 Lit flesh.

[h] Galatians 5:17 Lit flesh.

[i] Galatians 5:19 Lit flesh.

[j] Galatians 5:20 Including prostitution, which was often part of pagan ritual.

[k] Galatians 5:20 Including such things as occult practices, witchcraft, worship of evil powers, drug-induced trances.

[l] Galatians 5:24 Lit flesh.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – An Invitation to Dwell (Part 2)

“I am reminding you today that I am the God of your past, your present, your future and generations to come. You were created with purpose, and your life is a reflection of Me. Though you have been through trials, and walked through fire, I am The One who protects, teaches, rescues, and restores. My righteousness and grace know no end. As we dwell in My word again today, lean into Me. Abide in Me afresh. Receive fresh hope and revelation of who I am so that you can step forward with purpose and assurance.”

Activation

Yesterday we dwelt with the Lord in the first half of Psalm 71, and today He leads us into the second part.

Verses 17-18: Think about some of the things that God has taught you in your life. What lessons has He pressed upon your heart? It may be a generational curse that has broken, or a learnt behaviour that God has redeemed. Spend time with Holy Spirit, asking Him to help you understand the impact of that for the generations that come after you. Is there anything more that He needs you to do to secure that, or something you can do to declare His power through your testimony?

Verse 19: Ask Holy Spirit to show you what it looks like for God’s righteousness to reach to the skies. God is incomparable – let that verse settle upon your heart, and repent for the times when you have allowed your gaze to be drawn by other things.

Verses 20-21: Have you felt tested by fire in recent seasons? Tell the Lord how you felt during those times. Allow yourself to lament and grieve for the things that you need to. But then ask him to show you how he has comforted you, and what it looks like in your life for him to increase your honour.

Verses 22-24: Spend time worshipping God in tongues and allow your spirit to commune with Holy Spirit, releasing praise and joy for all that He has done for you. If you have never spoken in tongues before – sit humbly before the Lord, and ask for that gift to be released in you now – in order that you may minister to the Lord afresh.

Prayer of an Old Man for Rescue

¹ In you, O LORD, I have put my trust and confidently taken refuge;
Let me never be ^[a]put to shame.

²In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline Your ear to me and save me.

³Be to me a rock of refuge and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually come;
You have given the commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.

⁴Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked (godless),
From the grasp of the unrighteous and ruthless man.

⁵For You are my hope;
O Lord GOD, You are my trust and the source of my confidence from my youth.

⁶Upon You have I relied and been sustained from my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day.
My praise is continually of You.

⁷I am as a wonder to many,
For You are my strong refuge.

⁸My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.

⁹Do not cast me off nor send me away in the time of old age;
Do not abandon me when my strength fails and I am weak.

¹⁰For my enemies have spoken against me;
Those who watch for my life have consulted together,

¹¹Saying, “God has abandoned him;
Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”

¹²O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, come quickly to help me!

¹³Let those who attack my life be ashamed and consumed;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.

¹⁴But as for me, I will wait and hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.

¹⁵My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your [deeds of] salvation all day long,
For their number is more than I know.

¹⁶I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord GOD [and in His strength];
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

¹⁷O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous works and miraculous deeds.

¹⁸And even when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not abandon me,
Until I declare Your [mighty] strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.

¹⁹Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the [height of the] heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You, [who is Your equal]?

²⁰You who have shown ^[b]me many troubles and distresses
Will revive and renew me again,
And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

²¹May You increase my greatness (honor)
And turn to comfort me.

²²I will also praise You with the harp,
Your truth and faithfulness, O my God;
To You I will sing praises with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.

²³My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You,
And my soul, which You have redeemed.

²⁴My tongue also will speak of Your righteousness all day long;
For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my injury.

Psalm 71:1-24 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Psalm 71:1 i.e. that have my expectations in Your goodness be disappointed.

[b] Psalm 71:20 Another reading is us.

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – An Invitation to Dwell (Part 1)

In these days of shaking and trial, I am calling mMy people to abide in Me with greater depth and intentionality. Though confusion, half-truths, and deception are in the atmosphere of the world – remember the place of refuge, truth and security that you have in Me. No longer be content to be with Me, but instead abide IN Me. Abide in My word and I will speak truth and revelation to your heart.

As we sit in scripture together, allow My Spirit to write the words upon your heart as you dwell in the richness of My presence.

Activation

Read Psalm 71 through once, then come back here and take your time reading through it again. As you read this second time, allow God to speak to you – verse by verse. Today you will work through the first half; tomorrow you will work through the second half.

Verses 1-2: Ask Holy Spirit what it means to be rescued and delivered into God’s righteousness. Think of an area of your life that God has redeemed, and ask for fresh revelation of the impact of that salvation in your life.

Verses 3-4: What does it look like for God to be your rock and fortress, your refuge from the plans of the enemy? Ask Him to reveal to you what that place of safety looks like in your life.

Verses 5-8: Ask Jesus to take you back to times in your childhood/youth where He brought you through situations, where His hand was upon you – even if you did not know it at the time. Thank Him for His faithfulness throughout your life.

Verses 9-13: We all face times when we feel that people are against us, and we are thwarted at every turn. Take time to sit in a recent disappointment – bring Holy Spirit into those feelings and ask Him to redeem them according to the comfort and healing that only he can bring.

Verses 14-16: Finish this time asking God to reveal hope to you afresh for the season that you are in. Bring thanksgiving and praise to Him for His righteousness and salvation in your life.

Prayer of an Old Man for Rescue

¹ In you, O LORD, I have put my trust and confidently taken refuge;
Let me never be ^[a]put to shame.

²In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline Your ear to me and save me.

³Be to me a rock of refuge and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually come;
You have given the commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.

⁴Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked (godless),
From the grasp of the unrighteous and ruthless man.

⁵For You are my hope;
O Lord GOD, You are my trust and the source of my confidence from my youth.

⁶Upon You have I relied and been sustained from my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day.
My praise is continually of You.

⁷I am as a wonder to many,
For You are my strong refuge.

⁸My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.

⁹Do not cast me off nor send me away in the time of old age;
Do not abandon me when my strength fails and I am weak.

¹⁰For my enemies have spoken against me;
Those who watch for my life have consulted together,

¹¹Saying, “God has abandoned him;
Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”

¹²O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, come quickly to help me!

¹³Let those who attack my life be ashamed and consumed;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.

¹⁴But as for me, I will wait and hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.

¹⁵My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your [deeds of] salvation all day long,
For their number is more than I know.

¹⁶I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord GOD [and in His strength];
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

Psalm 71:1-16 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Psalm 71:1 i.e. have my expectations in Your goodness be disappointed.

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Joy in Me

The Lord asks: “What is joy that the human heart can discern? Mankind’s joy is but a hollow laugh. It is like a small silver coin, valued one day and lost the next. It is as fleeting as tulips in Spring; a breath of wind and the petals are gone. It appears one minute like the rainbow and then as quickly it vanishes.

But joy in Me is everlasting. It knows no beginnings or endings. It has no boundaries or limits. Its worth cannot be calculated. Its benefits cannot be measured. It transcends human wisdom. It does not favour some over others. It is offered freely but rarely is it received. My children, honour Me with all your heart. Follow My ways with obedience. Praise Me in all circumstances. Approach My presence with thanksgiving on your lips. Then you will find ‘joy in the Lord,’ My blessing for eternity.”

Activation:

Think about some of the small, daily pleasures that give you joy. Thank the Lord for these. Try to eliminate hurry from your schedule because that is where we breeze past moments of joy that the Lord wants to give us. Ask Holy Spirit to transform your heart and mind to celebrate the setbacks as well as the victories to increase your joy quotient. Pray to the Lord to make you more receptive to the wonder of pure joy that is found in creation, in scripture, and in the promises that He has made over you. Let your spirit bask in these and thank Him for His blessings of joy.

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalms 16:11 (AMP)

⁷The law of the LORD is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul;
The statutes of the LORD are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.

⁸The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 19:7-8 (AMP)

“They will come and sing aloud and shout for joy on the height of Zion,
And will be radiant [with joy] over the goodness of the LORD—
For the grain, for the new wine, for the oil,
And for the young of the flock and the herd.
And their life will be like a watered garden,
And they shall never sorrow or languish again.

Jeremiah 31:12 (AMP)

#lionbites