Tuesday 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.

Tuesday Morning Scripture – John 14:1-15

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. 

2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. 

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 

4 And[to the place] where I am going, you know the way.”

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; so how can we know the way?” 

6 Jesus said to him, “[a]I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but the [real] Life; through Me.

Jesus’ Oneness with the Father

7 If you had [really] known Me, you would also have known My Father. From now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father and then we will be satisfied.” 

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and you do not know Me yet, Philip, nor recognize clearly who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not say on My own initiative or authority, but the Father, abiding continually in Me, does His works [His attesting miracles and acts of power]. 

11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe [Me] [Me] because of the [very] works themselves [which you have witnessed]. 

12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. 

13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name [[b]as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. 

14 If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.

John 14:1-15 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] John 14:6 The sixth of the memorable “I am” statements. See note 6:35.

[b] John 14:13 Acting as Jesus’ representative means that the person calling on His name is in a close relationship with Him and wants what He wants.

Tuesday Morning Scripture – 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The Wisdom of God

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God. 

19 For it is written and forever remains written,

“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE[THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE PHILOSOPHERS],
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER [WHO DO NOT KNOW ME] I WILL NULLIFY.”

20 Where is the wise man (philosopher)? Where is the scribe (scholar)? Where is the debater (logician, orator) of this age? Has God not exposed the foolishness of this world’s wisdom? 

21 For since the world through all its [earthly] wisdom failed to recognize God, God in His wisdom was well-pleased through the [a]foolishness of the message preached [regarding salvation] to save those who believe [in Christ and welcome Him as Savior]. 

22 For Jews demand signs (attesting miracles), and Greeks pursue [worldly] wisdom and philosophy, 

23 but we preach Christ crucified, [a message which is] to Jews a stumbling block [that provokes their opposition], and to Gentiles foolishness [just utter nonsense], 

24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

25 [This is] because the foolishness of God [is not foolishness at all and] is wiser than men [far beyond human comprehension], and the weakness of God is stronger than men [far beyond the limits of human effort].

26 Just look at your own calling, believers; not many [of you were considered] wise according to human standards, not many powerful or influential, not many of high and noble birth. 

27 But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. 

28 God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, 

29 so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God. 30 But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God [revealing His plan of salvation], and righteousness [making us acceptable to God], and sanctification [making us holy and setting us apart for God], and redemption [providing our ransom from the penalty for sin], 

31 so then, as it is written [in Scripture], “He who boasts and glories, let him boast and glory in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 18-31 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 1 Corinthians 1:21 The straightforward message of salvation seemed foolish to unbelievers.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – The Power of Thanksgiving

Beloved, choose thanksgiving in every life situation. 

It is a weapon against the enemy that changes the focus from his attack to My character, from your weakness to My strength, from your problems to My solutions, and builds faith to believe for the impossible! 

At times, thanking feels hard, especially when breakthrough is needed. Remember that as you pray for help and cast your cares on Me, I will lift your burdens and replace them with My peace, which passes all understanding! 

In Luke 17, ten lepers asked Me to heal them. Only one, the Samaritan that did not know My father, thanked Me. He not only received healing that day but relationship with the Saviour! Which of the ten would have spread the Good News of Salvation? Remember you are not just part of your own story but other people’s too! 

So today, start thanking Me for who I AM; creation; My promises; My interventions in the lives of those in the Bible, your life and the lives of others. 

Declare, if God broke through for them, He can for me! As you do, your faith will rise, atmospheres will shift before you and My presence will carve a path to Victory! 

Activation: Take an area you need breakthrough in and invite Holy Spirit into it. Begin to thank God for who He is; His creation; people in the Bible who experienced similar breakthrough from the one you need; other people’s testimonies and your own. Now Declare “Lord, if you did this for them, I know you can do it for me! I ask you now for breakthrough!” Declare faith building verses. Be aware how your perspective/ the atmosphere changes as you pray. Allow Holy Spirit to speak to you about it. Pray this way often until breakthrough comes. Record your testimonies and share them! 

4 Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5 (AMP)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 

5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 

6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 

7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Philippians 4:4-7 (AMP)

#lionbites

Friday Morning Scripture – Psalm 100

All Men Exhorted to Praise God

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

1 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness and delight; come before His presence with joyful singing.

3 Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5 (AMP)

Friday Morning Scripture – Philippians 4

Think of Excellence

1 Therefore, my [a]fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. 

3 Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 

5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 

6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 

7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

8 Finally, [b]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 

9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.

God’s Provision

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. 

11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 

12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 

13 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.] 

14 Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of [c]giving and receiving except you alone; 

16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 

17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you]. 

18 But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 

19 And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

20 To our God and Father be the glory [d]forever and ever. Amen.

21 Remember me to every [e]saint in Christ Jesus. The [f]brothers who are with me greet you. 

22 All [g]God’s people wish to be remembered to you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philippians 4:1-23 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Philippians 4:1 Lit brethren.

[b] Philippians 4:8 Lit brethren.

[c] Philippians 4:15 The word used here was commonly used in financial transactions referring to payments or installments.

[d] Philippians 4:20 Lit to the ages of the ages.

[e] Philippians 4:21 Every born-again believer (saint) has been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, made holy and set apart for God’s purpose.

[f] Philippians 4:21 Lit brethren.

[g] Philippians 4:22 Lit the saints.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Motivated by Faith

By faith [that pleased God] Enoch was caught up and taken to heaven so that he would not have a glimpse of death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD HAD TAKEN HIM; for even before he was taken [to heaven], he received the testimony [still on record] that he had walked with God and pleased Him.

Hebrews 11:5 (AMP)

Faith motivated Abraham to get up in obedience and leave the familiar without prior knowledge of the destination.  His eyes of faith were fixed on Me, and he remained steadfast on the journey to inherit the promises I had given him.

Many in the Body of Christ are at a juncture where the weariness and struggle of this past season would tempt you to stop and settle for comfort and ease. However, I encourage you to consider the consequences of Lot’s choice to settle on the fertile plains of the Jordan valley.  His eyes were drawn to what appeared lush and inviting, but it wasn’t to last.  In that same moment, Abraham trusted in My ways and chose to take the ‘higher ground.’

Let bold faith arise to empower you to make the right decisions and inherit the promises for your life.  Don’t always trust in what you see with your eyes.  Outward appearances can be deceptive. My ways are higher than yours.  Don’t give up now, keep trusting and stay on this journey of faith with your heart fixed on Me.  I AM is faithful and I have so much more for you, My child, and your loved ones in the days ahead.  The rewards of your faith are coming.

Activation: Spend time over the next few days reviewing promises and prophetic words you have received for your life.  Have you settled for less than God’s best in any area? Repent of any unbelief.  As you praise and worship the Lord, with eyes fixed on Him, allow fresh faith to arise, believe and now ‘go again!’

14 The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had left him, “Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are standing, northward and southward and eastward and westward; 

15 for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your descendants forever. 

16 I will make your descendants [as numerous] as the dust of the earth, so that if a man could count the [grains of] dust of the earth, then your descendants could also be counted. 

17 Arise, walk (make a thorough reconnaissance) around in the land, through its length and its width, for I will give it to you.”

Genesis 13:14-17 (AMP)

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (AMP)

Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

#lionbites

Thursday Morning Scripture – Galatians 6

Bear One Another’s Burdens

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. 

2 Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].

3 For if anyone thinks he is something [special] when [in fact] he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself. 

4 But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior], and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable [a]without comparing himself to another. 

5 For every person will have to bear [with patience] his own burden [of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible].

6 The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support]. 

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. 

8 For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 

9 Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. 

10 So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).

11 See with what [b]large letters I [c]am writing to you with my own hand. 

12 Those who want to make a good impression in public [before the Jews] try to compel you to be circumcised, just so they will escape being persecuted for [faithfulness to] the cross of Christ. 

13 For even the circumcised [Jews] themselves do not [really] keep the Law, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh [that is, in the fact that they convinced you to be circumcised]. 

14 But far be it from me to boast [in anything or anyone], except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 

15 For neither is circumcision anything [of any importance], nor uncircumcision, but [only] a new creation [which is the result of a new birth—a spiritual transformation—a new nature in Christ Jesus]. 

16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and conduct their lives by this principle], and upon the [true] Israel of God (Jewish believers).

17 From now on let no one trouble me [by making it necessary for me to justify my authority as an apostle, and the absolute truth of the gospel], for I bear on my body the [d]branding-marks of Jesus [the wounds, scars, and other outward evidence of persecutions—these testify to His ownership of me].

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, my [e]brothers and sisters. Amen.

Galatians 6:1-18 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Galatians 6:4 Lit to himself alone and not to.

[b] Galatians 6:11 Paul frequently dictated his letters to a secretary (such as Tertius, Rom 16:22). In this case, however, he applied the ink himself. His reference to “large letters” has been variously interpreted: (1) Paul may have been using large print for emphasis; or (2) Paul may have been referring to some problem with his vision (cf 4:15).

[c] Galatians 6:11 Or I have written.

[d] Galatians 6:17 Gr stigmata.

[e] Galatians 6:18 Lit brethren.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Who Am I

“Who do you say that I am?”

When this question was asked of Peter he received revelation that Jesus was the Christ. Upon this revelation I built the foundations of the church, a church with power, authority and revelation. Today I am asking the same of you:

“Who do you say that I am?”

I am looking for those who chose Me fully, who search out every aspect of My character, that love Me as Father, know Me as Saviour, honour Me as Righteous Judge, yield to Me as King of kings; those who know they can approach My throne of grace with confidence yet also know that I dwell in unapproachable light.

Only those who embrace My fullness can be firmly rooted. They are the ones I can build upon, the ones who will form the walls, the towers, the turrets of My house. They will be able to bear the weight of My glory, stepping into greater levels of authority and releasing My power on the earth.

Activation: With the Holy Spirit assess how you view God. Are there aspects of His nature you dwell on less than others? Ask Him where your blind spots are to His nature. Commit to knowing these aspects better, find Bible verses or passages revealing this side of His nature. Pray through this aspect of His nature asking Him to strengthen your understanding in this area. Spend time over the coming weeks praising Him for this aspect of His character and growing in love for this.

18 And I say to you that you are [a]Peter, and on this [b]rock I will build My church; and the [c]gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]. 

19 I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth [d]will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth [e]will have [already] been loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 16:18-19 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Matthew 16:18 Gr petros, a small or detached stone.

[b] Matthew 16:18 Gr petra, bedrock or a huge rock. Jesus uses a simple play on the Greek words petros and petra in this verse. Throughout the N.T. Christ is clearly depicted as both the foundation petra and chief cornerstone of the church. Here He praises Peter for his accurate confession of faith in Him as Messiah. Peter explains the role of believers as “living stones” in the church which is built on Christ as the foundation and cornerstone (1 Pet 2:5, 6).

[c] Matthew 16:18 The physical death of Christ will not hinder the establishment of the church nor will death overtake the church.

[d] Matthew 16:19 Gr estai dedemenon, future perfect passive referring to a state of having already been bound.

[e] Matthew 16:19 Gr estai lelumenon, future perfect passive.

For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift].

John 1:16 (AMP)

19 For it pleased the Father for all the fullness [of deity—the sum total of His essence, all His perfection, powers, and attributes] to dwell [permanently] in Him (the Son), 

20 and through [the intervention of] the Son to reconcile all things to Himself, making peace [with believers] through the blood of His cross; through Him, [I say,] whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:19-20 (AMP)

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Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Letting Go

I know that sometimes things don’t make sense. It’s at those times you must remember that everything I do is for your good. 

Please don’t always assume when things are not going to plan it’s an attack of the enemy. Remember, things will not always look how you expect them to. Remain focused and in tune with what I am doing. Give little thought to the enemy or external factors.

Be like David, when he asked for his Joy to be restored and posture yourself to receive. Have I not said, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand? Stand firm on My words and the promises that have been declared over you.

Don’t be afraid to let go. Let go of the things that hold you back. Things that keep you static. 

I have given you a willing spirit that will sustain you, so when you think letting go is losing yourself, be assured you are losing yourself in Me.

Activation: Find a quiet moment and ask God what you need to let go of. Trust that God wants the best for you. Declare Psalm 51:8-12 over yourself as you release all that he has asked you to.

A Contrite Sinner’s Prayer for Pardon

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David; when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had sinned with Bathsheba

8 Make me hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

9 Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:8-12 (AMP)

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