Tuesday Morning Scripture – Matthew 25:14-30

Parable of the Three Servants

14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 

15 He gave five bags of silver[a] to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more.

17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 

18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 

20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together![b]’

22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’

23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 

25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 

27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 

29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 

30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT)

Footnotes

[a] 25:15 Greek talents; also throughout the story. A talent is equal to 75 pounds or 34 kilograms.

[b] 25:21 Greek Enter into the joy of your master [or your Lord]; also in 25:23.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Living Stones

You are a living stone chosen by Me, shaped by Me, and positioned by Me. You were made to be part of a living wall that makes up a living temple. And that is where I dwell, in a living temple that will withstand storms and shaking ground.

As you yield to Me I will bring you into a greater awareness of your individuality, your unique design and the anointing I have placed upon you. At the same time I will increase your understanding of the whole body and your place in building strength and unity together with those I have placed around you.

Resist any urge to become isolated and shut down all thoughts of comparison. These are the strategies of the enemy to undermine the strength of the living temple that I release My glory within.

Activation: Look in the Spirit to see your shape as a living stone and then look to see those around you. Spend time with Holy Spirit asking Him how you compliment one another. Thank Him for the anointing He has placed on you and those you are in close connection with.

You [believers], like living stones, are [a]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.

1 Peter 2:5 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 1 Peter 2:5 Or are to be built.

But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function].

1 Corinthians 12:18 (AMP)

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

Ephesians 4:16 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 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.

#lionbites

Monday Morning Scripture – 1 Corinthians 12

The Use of Spiritual Gifts

1 Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 

2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. 

3 Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 

5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 

6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 

7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good. 

8 To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; 

9 to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; 

10 and to another the working of [a]miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. 

11 All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.

12 For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so [b]it is with Christ. 13 For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

14 For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs]. 

15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 

16 If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole [body] were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 

18 But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function]. 

19 If they all were a single organ, where would [the rest of] the body be? 

20 But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body. 

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 

22 But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary; 

23 and as for those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, these we treat with greater honor; and our less presentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 

24 while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it, 

25 so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. 

26 And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.

27 Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. 

28 So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues. 

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 

30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 

31 But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].

Footnotes

[a] 1 Corinthians 12:10 i.e. wonderful events or occurrences beyond human capability which manifest the supernatural power of God and fulfill His purpose.

[b] 1 Corinthians 12:12 Lit is Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 (AMP)

Monday Morning Scripture – Ephesians 4:1-16 (part 1)

Unity of the Spirit

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

2 with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another [a]in [unselfish] love. 

3 Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. 

4 There is one body [of believers] and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]— 

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 

6 one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all.

7 Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one of us [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and abundant] gift. 

8 Therefore it says,

“WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE,
AND HE BESTOWED GIFTS ON MEN.”

9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had previously descended [from the heights of heaven] into the lower parts of the earth? 

10 He who descended is the very same as He who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things [that is, the whole universe]). 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ephesians 4:1-16 (AMP)

Monday Morning Scripture – Ephesians 4:17-32 (part 2)

The Christian’s Walk

17 So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls], 

18 for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart. 

19 And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand]. 

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way! 

21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], 22 that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], 

24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].

25 Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]. 

26 Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. 

27 And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness]. 

28 The thief [who has become a believer] must no longer steal, but instead he must work hard [making an honest living], producing that which is good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with those in need. 

29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]. 

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealed and marked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin]. 

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. 

32 Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave [c]you.

Ephesians 4:17-32 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Ephesians 4:32 Two early mss read us.

    Monday Morning 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; 

    2 like 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], 

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

    As Living Stones

    4 Come 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. 

    5 You [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. 

    6 For 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].”

    7 This 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,”

    8 and,

    “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.

    9 But you are a CHOSEN RACE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, a CONSECRATED NATION, a [special] PEOPLE for God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

    10 Once 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.

    11 Beloved, 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. 

    12 Keep 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

    13 Submit 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, 

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

    15 For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence (muzzle, gag) the [culpable] ignorance andirresponsible criticisms of foolish people. 16 Live 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. 17 Show 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. 

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

    20 After 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

    21 For [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. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deceit ever found in His mouth. 

    23 While 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. 

    24 He 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. 

    25 For 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.

      Stephanie Ike Okafor: Resist the Resistance

      Memorable quotes and scriptures

      MEANING: RESISTANCE IS THE ATTEMPT TO PREVENT SOMETHING BY ACTION OR ARGUMENT

      You’re in a new season of your life…the words you need to hear from Me is what is going to establish you and cause you to be effective in the new season that is upon you.

      Our lives are locked up in times and seasons. Everything (Word/word/event/situation) connected to your life is a time and season. You cannot manipulate your way through it. You have to resist every resistance.

      A Time for Everything

      There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight andevent or purpose under heaven—

      Ecclesiastes 3:1 (AMP)

      and they have no real root in themselves, so they endure only for a little while; then, when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately they [are offended and displeased at being associated with Me and] stumble and fall away.

      Mark 4:17 (AMP)

      OPPOSITION

      Opposition is labour pains to a new season. Problems will occur as you take steps towards your purpose.

      Jesus Christ was led into the wilderness as He stepped into His new season. He would have changed once He was baptised, there was a switch. Things would have been different if He had failed and yielded to temptation, but He was ignited by the Holy Spirit

      Opposition comes in many forms, for example: people; disappointment; negative, destructive narratives in your mind; and events.

      Satan only has power according to permission. Therefore, either God is in control (personal note – Job) or you are.

      And angels who did not keep their own designated place of power, but abandoned their proper dwelling place, [these] He has kept in eternal chains under [the thick gloom of utter] darkness for the judgment of the great day,

      Jude 1:6 (AMP)

      Shut the door on any permissions given by our family lineage (great-grandparents, grandparents, parents). Need to break.

      Resistance strengthens faith. Faith is not about the size it’s about the strength.

      He answered, “Because of your little faith [your lack of trust and confidence in the power of God]; for I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have [living] faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and [if it is God’s will] it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

      Matthew 17:20 (AMP)

      When you talk about faith you are talking about a Word that has come to you

      So faith comes from hearing[what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.

      Romans 10:17 (AMP)

      QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING PRAYER

      • WHO AM I NOW?
      • WHAT DOES THIS SEASON OF MY LIFE REPRESENT?
      • WHAT DOES THIS SEASON OF MY LIFE REQUIRE?

      When faced with opposition, remember the below verse. Remembering the below verse provides clarity.

      For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

      Ephesians 6:12 (AMP)

      Tap into Who has put us where we are. Opposition works for us and not against us. It’s not random.

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

      James 4:7 (AMP)

      Submission is belief. Believe what good says about you. Satan doesn’t need to attack what you are called to do but what you believe you are called to do. What you believe is possible.

      God is referred to as LORD God. This portraits His authority over creation, humankind, over everything.

      Go before the LORD and request that you want to be what He created you to be – humbly.

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

      Jeremiah 1:5 (AMP)

      Think what YOU would do (react, bring forth to the world). Not what the counterfeit version of you but the version that God created you to be.

      Realise that satan is a liar. Once you remember that, everything he tries to intimidate you about will make more sense. You will believe what God has called you to be. You will become more effective. You CAN do great and mighty things. You WILL believe what God has called you to be. You believe what God thinks about you.

      Jeremiah 29:13 – Seek, Require and Search

      Whilst doing my devotional and editing the Lion Bite yesterday morning, I came across two scriptures Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 7:7-8.

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

      Jeremiah 29:13 (AMP)

      7 “[c]Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. 

      8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.

      Matthew 7:7-8 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Matthew 7:7 Here the use of Greek present imperatives (asking, seeking, knocking; vv 7, 8) emphasizes persistent, constant prayer.

      The latter scripture is the one that I came across first, and the word KEEP was the one that stood out to me the most.

      The footnote hammers in something that I had never noticed before. I speak for myself, but I know that I am not the only woman of God, in the whole of this wide world, that has half-heartedly said a prayer and wondered when or if a prayer was to be answered.

      I know this book has been written to assist us in manoeuvring through life, and we are up against so much, but the Holy Spirit was saying to me yesterday that I have to KEEP ON SEEKING, KEEP ON KNOCKING and KEEP ON ASKING. It will be given to me. The Holy Bible tells us that we are to receive God’s Kingdom as a child.

      A child believes what you tell them. They continually place their request with you and expect an answer. Oftentimes they will throw a tantrum, which is not the route I would take or suggest, but we need to be persistent and not give up and we are to trust that He will give us what we are requesting.

      1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 

      2 He called a little child and set him before them, 

      3 and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children[trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

      4 Therefore, whoever [a]humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

      5 Whoever receives and welcomes one [b]child like this in My name receives Me; 

      6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble and sin [by leading him away from My teaching], it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

      Matthew 18:1-6 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Matthew 18:4 i.e. turns his back on self-righteous pride and adopts a realistic self-view.

      [b] Matthew 18:5 i.e. new, childlike believer.

      Reading Matthew 18, it goes into deeper depth. We are also to REPENT. The Amplified Bible explains repenting as turning away from our inner self and changing our lives. This is to change our way of thinking and processing things in a different way. Allowing the Lord to take control in how we perceive things and respond. It is only then that our prayers and petitions will be effective and we will request things that are realistic.

      To put this into context, if you were a married woman, and came across someone who was attractive, if you were in alignment with God’s plans and purpose for your life, you wouldn’t place it before God for something to develop. (As I write, that’s what came to me! I couldn’t think of another example!)

      Your prayers would become realistic, in line with scripture; which is God’s plan for your life. You, being a married woman, also being attracted to someone, is not something that you should or would place before the Lord in the hope that something would develop!

      The first scripture I stated, in Jeremiah, says we will find Him! If we search for and realise WHAT YHWH/YAH/Jehovah requires of and from us, we WILL find Him. If we find Him He WILL answer our prayers. We just need to persist.

      Parable of Persistence

      9 “So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 

      10 For everyone who [h]keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened. 

      11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? 

      12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 

      13 If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!”

      Luke 11:9-13 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Luke 11:10 Here the use of Greek present imperatives (asking, seeking, knocking; vv 9, 10) emphasizes persistent, constant prayer.

      What we also need to realise is, that depending on the request, other things need to be aligned for our request to fall into alignment. We need to be ready to receive. As an example, when at work I prayed for a promotion. A Manager became pregnant, I was promoted as an Acting Manager, to carry out her role in her absence, Then, she did not return. I then became a Manager rather than Acting Manager. Everything has a time, season and moment for alignment, so prepare yourself for the answer to your prayer and make sure you are ready!

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Keep On Asking


      My beloved ones,

      You have forsaken My instruction to always pray and not give up.

      You have not believed My words.

      Haven’t I told you that if you ask you will receive? Have I not instructed you to be persistent? And yet you have grown tired of asking.

      You have stopped asking. 

      You have stopped believing.

      You have stopped hoping.

      You gave up.

      And in doing so, you have shut down heaven’s doors, keeping them from blessing the earth.

      But now, come back to Me and enter your calling to be My persistent intercessor. Be one who persistently believes in Me. Enter your call to be the people in whom the earth is blessed.

      Resurrect those prayer requests you had buried as dead and ask again. 

      Believe again. Bring again those prayers to Me. Oh, how thirsty I am for your prayers. Do not keep Me waiting.

      Come, ask and keep on asking Me.

      For I will reply.

      Activation: Following on from yesterday’s activation, reflect on the forgotten prayer requests brought to mind and spend some time interceding. Also spend some time interceding for the church body, that those who have lost hope would also be encouraged today. 

      Parables on Prayer

      Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart,

      Luke 18:1 (AMP)

      7 And will not [our just] God defend and avenge His elect [His chosen ones] who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [in providing justice] on their behalf? 

      8 I tell you that He will defend and avenge them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?”

      Luke 18:7-8 (AMP)

      9 “So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 

      10 For everyone who [a]keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.

      Luke 11:9-10 (AMP)

      #lionbites