Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Find Me in the Familiar

The Sovereign Lord says: “I am a God who is familiar with all your ways. There is nothing that I don’t know about you. I know your likes and dislikes, your hopes and your disappointments, your joys and your sorrows. I am acquainted with your moods, your motives and your musings. Because I know you so well, there are questions I see deep in your heart that you still want to ask Me, like: ‘How is that you know me so completely but I still find it difficult to understand your ways? How is it that so much of my time is spent not feeling or sensing your presence? How is it that one day I experience you close to me and another day I feel as though you are at a distance?’

Know this, My child, that I am here to answer these questions that are producing doubts and causing concern about your connection with Me. I see the war that is being waged for your attention – where your focus on Me is under siege from the world and the enemy. I will not allow this battle to prevent you from connecting with Me so I will make it easier for you to find Me. As I am familiar with your ways, I will make it so that you will find Me in the things that are well known to you. I will bring you revelation through these things because I want you to know Me better and I want to be more familiar to you than anything – and everything! Test Me in this. Find Me in the familiar,” says the Lord.

Activation: Compile a list of things that are familiar to you such as a place, a Bible verse, a song, a photograph or picture, an item of clothing, a particular food, a person, a pastime, a tree or a flower, an item of jewellery, and so on. 

Select one of these, picture it in your mind and think about what it represents to you. Ask Holy Spirit why this is significant what does it reveal about your connection with Him. Also, ask if there is something He wants to impart to you through it.

Finally, pray to Holy Spirit to continue to use these things to prompt you to seek His presence and know Him better through them. Keep a look out for those familiar things because the Lord will be waiting for you.

God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David

1 O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do];
You understand my thought from afar.

3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken],
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.

Psalm 139:1-4 (AMP)

The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 18-15 (AMP)

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Honourable Purposes

My Child, I have placed immense treasure within you that reflects the beauty of the Godhead.  You are made in My image but also unique, revealing dimensions of My heart in ways that only you can.  I long for you to fully comprehend your individual value and stop discrediting yourself.  Many new and beautiful opportunities await you in the days ahead to help others encounter the depths of My love. 

I say to you, ‘You are My Beloved’, so you must not allow comparison with others to discourage, undermine or distract you from the purposes I have for you.  This is one of the enemy’s greatest strategies to steal your joy and destiny. The truth of your identity in Me is immovable and beyond dispute regardless of what others may say or think.  Be careful what you listen to and what you focus on.  Be wise in who you choose to spend time with.  Partner with those who bring life and purpose.  Feed on My Word and let the truth of who you are penetrate deep within to remove the impurities and bring clarity in thought and word and deed.

This is a crossover season in the Body of Christ, so I exhort you to consecrate yourself afresh to Me.  Allow My refiner’s fire to reveal you as pure containers of My love, dedicated to My honourable purposes for your life and prepared for every good work that I give you to do.

Activation:

Spend time with the Lord in prayer and ask Him to show you where you have discredited yourself or allowed comparison to rob you in any way.  Repent, break agreement with any lies and ask the Lord to fill you with a greater revelation of His love, acceptance and purpose.  Thank Him for the plans He has for your life and dedicate yourself afresh to Him.

20 Now in a large house there are not only [a]vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common). 

21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 2 Timothy 2:20 Like Rom 9:20-23, the analogy here has its roots in OT poetry (e.g. Ps 31:12; Prov 26:23) and prophecy (e.g. Is 45:9; Jer 18:2-6). Paul speaks of believers and unbelievers in Rom 9, but here he seems to be describing God’s household or family, in which all the vessels (containers, utensils) represent believers. While the objects in Rom 9:21 do not change, the vessels here are capable of changing their status and the use to which God puts them by keeping themselves from sinful behavior and influences (v 21).

    That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and[a]desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, [b]acquaintance, and recognition].

    Colossians 1:10 (AMPC)

    Footnotes

    [a] Colossians 1:10 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.

    [b] Colossians 1:10 G. Abbott-Smith, Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament.

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

      24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me,
      And lead me in the everlasting way.

      Psalm 139:23-24 (AMP)

      #lionbites

      Thursday Morning Scripture – Psalm 139

      God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience

      To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David

      1 O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.

      2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do];
      You understand my thought from afar.

      3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
      And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

      4 Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken],
      Behold, O Lord, You know it all.

      5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
      And       [You have] placed Your hand upon me.

      6 Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me;
      It is too high       [above me], I cannot reach it.

      7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
      Or where can I flee from Your presence?

      8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
      If I make my bed in Sheol       (the nether world, the place of the dead), behold, You are there.

      9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
      If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,

      10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
      And Your right hand will take hold of me.

      11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me,
      And the night will be the only light around me,”

      12 Even the darkness is not dark to You and conceals nothing from You,
      But the night shines as bright as the day;
      Darkness and light are alike to You.

      13 For You formed my innermost parts;
      You knit me       [together] in my mother’s womb.

      14 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.

      15 My frame was not hidden from You,
      When I was being formed in secret,
      And intricately and skillfully formed       [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.

      16 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].

      17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
      How vast is the sum of them!

      18 If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand.
      When I awake, I am still with You.

      19 [a]O that You would kill the wicked, O God;
      Go away from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.

      20 For they speak against You wickedly,
      Your enemies take Your name in vain.

      21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord?
      And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

      22 I hate them with perfect and utmost hatred;
      They have become my enemies.

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

      24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me,
      And lead me in the everlasting way.

      Psalm 139:1-24 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Psalm 139:19 In the first eighteen verses of this psalm, the psalmist acknowledges that God knows everything that the psalmist ever does, no matter when or where he does it. Although God’s vast knowledge of an individual’s deeds can be reassuring for the righteous, it should be frightening for the wicked. In verses 19-24, the psalmist distances himself from the wicked and asks God to help him live in such a way that pleases God.

      Thursday Morning Scripture – Colossians 1

      1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother,

      2 To the saints (the consecrated people of God) and [a]believing and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace (spiritual favor and blessing) to you and [heart] peace from God our Father.

      3 We [b]continually give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), as we are praying for you,

      4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [[c]the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God’s consecrated ones),

      5 Because of the hope [of experiencing what is] laid up ([d]reserved and waiting) for you in heaven. Of this [hope] you heard in the past in the message of the truth of the Gospel,

      6 Which has come to you. Indeed, in the whole world [that Gospel] is bearing fruit and still is growing [e][by its own inherent power], even as it has done among yourselves ever since the day you first heard and came to know and understand the grace of God in truth. [You came to know the grace or undeserved favor of God in reality, deeply and clearly and thoroughly, becoming accurately and intimately acquainted with it.]

      7 You so learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ in our stead and as our representative and [f]yours.

      8 Also he has informed us of your love in the [Holy] Spirit.

      9 For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [[g]special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the [h]full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [[i]in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—

      10 That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and [j]desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, [k]acquaintance, and recognition].

      11 [We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,

      12 Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the [l]portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light.

      13 [The Father] has delivered and [m]drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son [n]of His love,

      14 In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.

      15 [Now] He is the [o]exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation.

      16 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.

      17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).

      18 He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent].

      19 For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him [p]permanently.

      20 And God purposed that through ([q]by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled [r]back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross.

      21 And although you at one time were estranged and alienated from Him and were of hostile attitude of mind in your wicked activities,

      22 Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable in His [the Father’s] presence.

      23 [And this He will do] provided that you continue to [s]stay with and in the faith [in Christ], well-grounded and settled and steadfast, not shifting or moving away from the hope [which rests on and is inspired by] the glad tidings (the Gospel), which you heard and which has been preached [t][as being designed for and offered without restrictions] to every person under heaven, and of which [Gospel] I, Paul, became a minister.

      24 [Even] now I rejoice in [u]the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [[v]on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.

      25 In it I became a minister in accordance with the divine [w]stewardship which was entrusted to me for you [as its object and for your benefit], to make the Word of God fully known [among you]—

      26 The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [[x]from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints),

      27 To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory.

      28 Him we preach and proclaim, warning  admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom ([y]comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).

      29 For this I labor [[z]unto weariness], striving with all the [aa]superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.

      Colossians 1:1-29 (AMPC)

      Footnotes

      [a] Colossians 1:2 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.

      [b] Colossians 1:3 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament: “Continually” belongs with “give thanks,” not elsewhere.

      [c] Colossians 1:4 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon of the Greek New Testament.

      [d] Colossians 1:5 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.

      [e] Colossians 1:6 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon.

      [f] Colossians 1:7 Many ancient manuscripts read “yours.”

      [g] Colossians 1:9 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.

      [h] Colossians 1:9 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.

      [i] Colossians 1:9 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon.

      [j] Colossians 1:10 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.

      [k] Colossians 1:10 G. Abbott-Smith, Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament.

      [l] Colossians 1:12 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

      [m] Colossians 1:13 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.

      [n] Colossians 1:13 Literal translation.

      [o] Colossians 1:15 Charles B. Williams, The New Testament: A Translation in the Language of the People: Strong terms—thus translated “exact likeness.”

      [p] Colossians 1:19 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

      [q] Colossians 1:20 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.

      [r] Colossians 1:20 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

      [s] Colossians 1:23 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

      [t] Colossians 1:23 Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with A Commentary.

      [u] Colossians 1:24 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

      [v] Colossians 1:24 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

      [w] Colossians 1:25 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

      [x] Colossians 1:26 Johann Bengel, Gnomon Novi Testamenti and Henry Alford, The Greek New Testament.

      [y] Colossians 1:28 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon.

      [z] Colossians 1:29 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

      [aa] Colossians 1:29 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

        Thursday Morning Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:14-26

        An Unashamed Workman

        14 Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. 

        15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 

        16 But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness, 

        17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, 

        18 who have deviated from the truth. They claim that the resurrection has already taken place, and they undermine the faith of some. 

        19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God [which He has laid] stands [sure and unshaken despite attacks], bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand apart from wickedness and withdraw from wrongdoing.”

        20 Now in a large house there are not only [b]vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common). 

        21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 

        22 Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 

        23 But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels. 

        24 The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be], skilled in teaching, patient and tolerant when wronged. 

        25 He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it], 

        26 and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

        2 Timothy 2:14-26 (AMP)

        Footnotes

        [a] 2 Timothy 2:20 Like Rom 9:20-23, the analogy here has its roots in OT poetry (e.g. Ps 31:12; Prov 26:23) and prophecy (e.g. Is 45:9; Jer 18:2-6). Paul speaks of believers and unbelievers in Rom 9, but here he seems to be describing God’s household or family, in which all the vessels (containers, utensils) represent believers. While the objects in Rom 9:21 do not change, the vessels here are capable of changing their status and the use to which God puts them by keeping themselves from sinful behavior and influences (v 21).

        Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Wonderfully Made

        My child, as you begin to transition into the new year, I am wanting to gather you tighter into Me. There are things that I am asking you to put down so you can be propelled into the next year. Spend time with Me and ask Me what needs to be laid aside. As you begin to gather in closer to Me, there will be such a hunger placed in you that only I can satisfy.

        My child, this is the time to be more intentional in how you spend your time. What are you going to focus on? Will it be Me or what you see in front of you or how you feel? Aren’t I the God of the impossible? Isn’t My Kingdom limitless? Remember, My yoke is easy and My burden is light, so don’t pick up what is not yours to carry.

        Allow Me to pull you in closer to Me. I desire a greater intimacy with You. It is time to let go of those things that pull you away from Me. I am calling out to you, come and behold Me in a deeper and more intimate way. Start to see Me differently in this next year than you have ever seen Me before. There are many aspects of Me that are still a mystery to you and it is My joy for you to search them and find them out.

        Activation: Spend time meditating on Matthew 11:28-30. Be brave and ask the Lord what He is asking you to put down so you can behold Him in a deeper and more intimate way.

        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.

        30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

        Matthew 11:28-30 (AMP)

        Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
        On those who hope in His mercy,

        Psalm 33:18 (NKJV)

        One thing I have desired of the Lord,
        That will I seek:
        That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
        All the days of my life,
        To behold the         [a]beauty of the Lord,
        And to inquire in His temple.

        Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

        Footnotes

        [a] Psalm 27:4 delightfulness

        #lionbites

        Wednesday Morning Scripture – Psalm 27

        A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.

        A Psalm of David.

        1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life—Whom shall I dread?

        2 When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

        3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, even in this I am confident.

        4 One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.

        5 For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

        6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, in His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

        7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious and compassionate to me and answer me.

        8 When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].”

        9 Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not abandon me nor [1]leave me, O God of my salvation!

        10 Although my father and my mother have abandoned me yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].

        11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies [who lie in wait].

        12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have come against me; they breathe out violence.

        13 I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

        14 Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.

        Psalm 27:1-14 (AMP)

        Footnotes
        [a] Psalm 27:9 Lit forsake.

        Wednesday Morning Scripture – Psalm 33

        Praise to the Creator and Preserver

        1 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones;
        Praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright         [in heart—those with moral integrity and godly character].

        2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
        Sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings.

        3 Sing to Him a new song;
        Play skillfully         [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.

        4 For the word of the LORD is right;
        And all His work is done in faithfulness.

        5 He loves righteousness and justice;
        The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

        6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
        And all their host by the breath of His mouth.

        7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as in a wineskin;
        He puts the deeps in storehouses.

        8 Let all the earth fear and worship the LORD;
        Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

        9 For He spoke, and it was done;
        He commanded, and it stood fast.

        10 The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations;
        He makes the thoughts and plans of the people ineffective.

        11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
        The thoughts and plans of His heart through all generations.

        12 Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the nation whose God is the LORD,
        The people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance.

        13 The LORD looks [down] from heaven;
        He sees all the sons of man;

        14 From His dwelling place He looks closely
        Upon all the inhabitants of the earth—

        15 He who fashions the hearts of them all,
        Who considers and understands all that they do.

        16 The king is not saved by the great size of his army;
        A warrior is not rescued by his great strength.

        17 A horse is a false hope for victory;
        Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

        18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear Him [and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience],
        On those who hope         [confidently] in His compassion and lovingkindness,

        19 To rescue their lives from death
        And keep them alive in famine.

        20 We wait [expectantly] for the LORD;
        He is our help and our shield.

        21 For in Him our heart rejoices,
        Because we trust         [lean on, rely on, and are confident] in His holy name.

        22 Let Your [steadfast] lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
        In proportion as we have         [a]hoped in You.

        Psalm 33:1-22 (AMP)

        Footnotes

        [a] Psalm 33:22 i.e. placed our confidence.

        Wednesday Morning Scripture – Matthew 11

        John’s Question

        1 When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and to preach in their [Galilean] cities.

        2 Now when [a]John [the Baptist] in prison heard about the activities of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 

        3 and asked Him, “Are You the Expected One (the Messiah), or should we look for someone else [who will be the promised One]?” 

        4 Jesus answered, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 

        5 the blind receive [their] sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed [by healing] and the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 

        6 And blessed[joyful, favored by God] is he who does not take offense at Me [accepting Me as the Messiah and trusting confidently in My message of salvation].”

        Jesus’ Tribute to John

        7 As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out in the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind [which is commonplace]? 

        8 What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing [entirely unsuited for the harsh desert]? Those who wear soft clothing are in the palaces of kings! 

        9 But what did you [really] go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one [more eminent, more remarkable, and] [b]far more than a prophet [who foretells the future]. 

        10 This is the one of whom it is written [by the prophet Malachi],

        ‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU,
        WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’

        11 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater [in privilege] than he. 

        12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize]. 

        13 For all the prophets and the Law prophesied up until John. 

        14 And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is [the fulfillment of] Elijah [as the messenger] who was to come[before the kingdom]. 

        15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words.

        16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like little children sitting in the market places, who call to the others, 

        17 and say ‘We piped the flute for you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we wailed sad dirges [playing funeral], and you did not mourn and cry aloud.’ 

        18 For John came neither eating nor drinking [with others], and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 

        19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking [with others], and they say, ‘Look! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews]!’ Yet wisdom is justified and vindicated by her deeds [in the lives of those who respond to Me].”

        The Unrepenting Cities

        20 Then He began to denounce [the people in] the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent [and change their hearts and lives]. 

        21 “Woe (judgment is coming) to you, [c]Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon [cities of the Gentiles], they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes [their hearts would have been changed and they would have expressed sorrow for their sin and rebellion against God]. 

        22 Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for [the pagan cities of] Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 

        23 And you, Capernaum, are you to be exalted to heaven[for your apathy and unresponsiveness]? You will descend to Hades (the realm of the dead); for if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 

        24 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”

        Come to Me

        25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [I openly and joyfully acknowledge Your great wisdom], that You have hidden these things [these spiritual truths] from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants [to new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose]. 

        26 Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. 

        27 All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one fully knows and accurately understands the Son except the Father; and no one fully knows and accurately understands the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son [deliberately] wills to reveal Him.

        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.

        30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

        Matthew 11:1-30 (AMP)

        Footnotes

        [a] Matthew 11:2 John and Jesus were about the same age and were related through their mothers, Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:36).

        [b] Matthew 11:9 John was unique among the prophets because he was sent to prepare the hearts of the people for the immediate disclosure of their Messiah.

        [c] Matthew 11:21 A city near Capernaum, where Jesus later made His home. They would have heard His teachings many times.

        Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Come and Behold

        My child, as you begin to transition into the new year, I am wanting to gather you tighter into Me. There are things that I am asking you to put down so you can be propelled into the next year. Spend time with Me and ask Me what needs to be laid aside. As you begin to gather in closer to Me, there will be such a hunger placed in you that only I can satisfy.

        My child, this is the time to be more intentional in how you spend your time. What are you going to focus on? Will it be Me or what you see in front of you or how you feel?

        Aren’t I the God of the impossible? Isn’t My Kingdom limitless? Remember, My yoke is easy and My burden is light, so don’t pick up what is not yours to carry.

        Allow Me to pull you in closer to Me. I desire a greater intimacy with You. It is time to let go of those things that pull you away from Me. I am calling out to you, come and behold Me in a deeper and more intimate way. Start to see Me differently in this next year than you have ever seen Me before. There are many aspects of Me that are still a mystery to you and it is My joy for you to search them and find them out.

        Activation: Spend time meditating on Matthew 11:28-30. Be brave and ask the Lord what He is asking you to put down so you can behold Him in a deeper and more intimate way.

        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.

        30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

        Matthew 11:28-30 (AMP)

        Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
        On those who hope in His mercy,

        Psalm 33:18 (NKJV)

        One thing I have desired of the LORD,
        That will I seek:
        That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
        All the days of my life,
        To behold the         [a]beauty of the LORD,
        And to inquire in His temple.

        Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

        #lionbites