Friday Morning Scripture – Luke 11:1-13

Instruction about Prayer

1 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” 

2 He said to them,

“When you pray, [a]say:
‘[b]Father, [c]hallowed be Your name.
[d]Your kingdom come.
3 
‘Give us each day our [e]daily bread.
4 
‘And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us [who has offended or wronged us].
And [f]lead us not into temptation [[g]but rescue us from evil].’”

Parable of Persistence

5 Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves [of bread]; 

6 for a friend of mine who is on a journey has just come to visit me, and I have nothing to serve him’; 

7 and from inside he answers, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’

8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything just because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence and boldness he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

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 11:1-13 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Luke 11:2 I.e. as a model or pattern.

[b] Luke 11:2 Later mss add phrases from Matt 6:9-13 to make the two passages closely similar.

[c] Luke 11:2 I.e. set apart, keep and treat as holy, revere.

[d] Luke 11:2 A plea for God’s kingdom to be inaugurated on earth.

[e] Luke 11:3 I.e. life’s essentials.

[f] Luke 11:4 I.e. lead us away from situations where we are vulnerable and have the opportunity to sin. God does not tempt man (see James 1:13) but does allow man to be tested.

[g] Luke 11:4 NU omits.

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

    Friday Morning Scripture – Luke 18:1-8

    Parables on Prayer

    1 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, 

    2 saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and had no respect for man. 

    3 There was a[desperate] widow in that city and she kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice and legal protection from my adversary.’ 

    4 For a time he would not; but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 

    5 yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will give her justice and legal protection; otherwise [a]by continually coming she [will be an intolerable annoyance and she] will wear me out.’” 

    6 Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says!

    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 18:1-8 (AMP)

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Keep At It

    My Beloved, today I encourage you to keep at it and do not give up. I challenge you to continue asking, seeking, and knocking.

    I know the questions you are afraid to ask and why. 

    I see what has caused you to fear the answer, so you have been silent to avoid disappointment. In the past, people have silenced you when you asked too many times, and you now fear that I will do the same if you keep asking Me. There are many questions and thoughts swirling around you that are hindering your progress and ability to move forward freely. They are creating reluctance in you to ask Me again. 

    I want to challenge those hindering thoughts. Beloved, be assured that your voice is most precious to Me. I long to hear it and listen to you as you voice your deepest concerns and ask your burning questions.

    You have diligently sought Me, My guidance, and My interventions before, so what has caused you to stop hoping and settle into resignation? Was I not trustworthy enough for you? Did other things or people become more important? Has your desire for encounters with Me faded?

    Seek Me, My dear child. Let Me challenge you, My dearest, to give it another try. There will be a great reward for those who persevere. Your thinking will be changed and hope in Me will replace resignation.

    Activation: Sit with the Holy Spirit and ask him to search your heart for questions you have stopped asking. Let Him show you the situations where you gave up seeking Him and why? Let Him remind you of the locked door you turned away from prematurely and stopped knocking. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the motives and reasons for stopping. Let the Holy Spirit change your thinking and renew your heart. As a prophetic act get up and declare that you will keep asking, seeking and knocking until you hear God’s answer, find God’s solution and experience God’s intervention.

    Prayer and the Golden Rule

    7 “[a]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.

    9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will [instead] give him a stone? 

    10 Or if he asks for a fish, will [instead] give him a snake?

    11 If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him.

    Matthew 7:7-11 (AMP)

    Footnotes

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

    35 Do not, therefore, fling away your [fearless] confidence, for it has a glorious and great reward. 

    36 For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.

    Hebrew 10:35-36 (AMP)

    #lionbites

    Thursday Morning Scripture – Hebrews 10:26-39

    Christ or Judgment

    26 For if we go on willfully and deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate], 

    27 but a kind of awful and terrifying expectation of [divine] judgment and the fury of a fire and burning wrath which will consume the adversaries[those who put themselves in opposition to God].

    28 Anyone who has ignored and set aside the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 

    29 How much greater punishment do you think he will deserve who has rejected and trampled under foot the Son of God, and has considered unclean and common the blood of the covenant that [d]sanctified him, and has insulted the Spirit of grace [who imparts the unmerited favor and blessing of God]? 

    30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine[retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], I will repay [the wrongdoer].” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 

    31 It is a fearful and terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God [incurring His judgment and wrath].

    32 But remember the earlier days, when, after being [spiritually] enlightened, you [patiently] endured a great conflict of sufferings, 

    33 sometimes by being made a spectacle, publicly exposed to insults and distress, and sometimes by becoming companions with those who were so treated. 

    34 For you showed sympathy and deep concern for those who were imprisoned, and you joyfully accepted the [unjust] seizure of your belongings and the confiscation of your property, conscious of the fact that you have a better possession and a lasting one [prepared for you in heaven]. 

    35 Do not, therefore, fling away your [fearless] confidence, for it has a glorious andgreat reward. 

    36 For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.

    37 FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.


    38 BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE [the one justified by faith] SHALL LIVE BY FAITH [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him];
    AND IF HE DRAWS BACK     [shrinking in fear], MY SOUL HAS NO DELIGHT IN HIM.

    39 But [e]our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.

    Hebrews 10:26-39 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] Hebrews 10:29 All believers are sanctified, that is, set apart as holy for God and His purposes.

    [b] Hebrews 10:39 Emphatic in Greek.

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – New Steps

      I have made a way for you to step into the new ways of doing church. This will be different for each person, therefore, it’s important to seek Me at this time for the direction I want you to take so that you will be aligned with Me, ready to advance and take ground. I want you to look to Me for the strategy that you need. The old wineskins in your life must be completely disposed of. Alignments with new people must be made and prayer and intercession are essential for the areas of your life I am positioning you into. It is an exciting time! So do not despise the new beginnings and watch how I position you for favour and increase as you obediently step into the areas that I am shifting you into!

      Activation

      Ask God these questions:

      1. What are the old wineskins in my life that must be completely disposed of? What do I need to let go of so that I can advance in the new?

      2. What are the shifts you are preparing me for, Father? Is there an action of faith and obedience I need to take so that I can partner with you in this season?

      3. How can I partner with you, Father, in prayer and intercession? 

      Ask the Lord to direct you to the scriptures you need to digest this season so that your heart can shed the old and you can step into the new.  Get excited! Rejoice in Him as you partner with Him in the plans for the great shift that He is leading you into now!

      37 And no one puts new wine into old [a]wineskins; otherwise the new [fermenting] wine will [expand and] burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. 

      38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 

      39 And no one, after drinking old wine, wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is fine.’”

      Luke 5:37-39 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Luke 5:37 See note Matt 9:17.

        10 Who [with reason] despises the day of small things (beginnings)? For these [a]seven [eyes] shall rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord which roam throughout the earth.”

        Zechariah 4:10 (AMP)

        Footnotes

        [a] Zechariah 4:10 The seven eyes reflect God’s oversight of the world and its inhabitants, and His pleasure in the construction of the temple.

          #lionbites

          Wednesday Morning Scripture – Zechariah 4

          The Golden Lampstand and Olive Trees

          1 And the angel who was speaking with me came back and awakened me, like a man who is awakened out of his sleep. 

          2 He said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I see, and behold, a [a]lampstand all of gold, with its bowl [for oil] on the top of it and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it. 

          3 And there are two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side [supplying it continuously with oil].” 

          4 So I asked the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?” 

          5 Then the angel who was speaking with me answered me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 

          6 Then he said to me, “This [continuous supply of oil] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel [prince of Judah], saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of whom the oil is a symbol],’ says the Lord of hosts. 

          7 ‘What are you, O great mountain [of obstacles]? Before Zerubbabel [who will rebuild the temple] you will become a plain (insignificant)! And he will bring out the capstone [of the new temple] with loud shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”

          8 Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 

          9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundations of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know (recognize, understand fully) that the LORD of hosts has sent me [as His messenger] to you. 

          10 Who [with reason] despises the day of small things (beginnings)? For these [b]seven [eyes] shall rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD which roam throughout the earth.”

          11 Then I said to him [who was speaking with me], “What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on its left?” 

          12 And a second time I said to him, “What are these two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes by which the golden oil is emptied?” 

          13 And he answered me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.”

          14 Then he said, “These are the two [c]sons of fresh oil [Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the prince of Judah] who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth [as His anointed ones].”

          Zechariah 4:1-14 (AMP)

          Footnotes

          [a] Zechariah 4:2 The lampstand may symbolize Israel as a light to the nations.

          [b] Zechariah 4:10 The seven eyes reflect God’s oversight of the world and its inhabitants, and His pleasure in the construction of the temple.

          [c] Zechariah 4:14 The oil used in anointing symbolizes the Holy Spirit (v 6). The combination of priest and ruler points ultimately to the Messianic Priest-King (Ps 110; Zech 6:13; Heb 7).

          Wednesday Morning Scripture – Luke 5:27-39

          Call of Levi (Matthew)

          27 After this Jesus went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi (Matthew) sitting at the tax booth; and He said to him, “Follow Me [as My disciple, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk].”

          28 And he left everything behind and got up and began to follow Jesus [as His disciple].

          29 Levi (Matthew) gave a great banquet for Him at his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others who were reclining at the table with them. 

          30 The Pharisees and their scribes [seeing those with whom He was associating] began murmuring in discontent to His disciples, asking, “Why are you eating and drinking with the tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews]?” 

          31 And Jesus replied to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but[only] those who are sick. 

          32 I did not come to call the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to repent], but sinners to repentance [to change their old way of thinking, to turn from sin and to seek God and His righteousness].”

          33 Then they said to Him, “The disciples of John [the Baptist] often practice fasting and offer prayers [of special petition], and so do the disciples of the Pharisees; but Yours eat and drink.” 

          34 Jesus said to them, “Can you make the wedding guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? 

          35 But days [for mourning] will come when the bridegroom is [forcefully] taken away from them. They will fast in those days.” 

          36 He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old one; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 

          37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new[fermenting] wine will [expand and] burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. 

          38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 

          39 And no one, after drinking old wine, wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is fine.’”

          Luke 5:27-39 (AMP)

          Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Run for the Prize

          Are you prepared for a sudden and mighty move of My Spirit?  

          No more standing on the side-lines or spectating from the bench. I need you to be race ready, match fit, with miles in your legs. 

          A professional athlete does not wake up one morning and decide to enter a race.  They are ready and positioned to run as a result of months and years of training on a balanced programme of exercise, good nutrition, and rest.

          Consistency and discipline in the daily choices of life shape your tomorrows and prepare for what lies ahead. And so it is with you, My friend.  Stay focused and keep your eye on the prize.  No comparison with others around you; that’s a joy stealer straight from the enemy camp. 

          Let the Holy Spirit lead you and show you what’s best.  Spend time in the Word and at My feet.  Nourish, replenish and hydrate well. Build movement and exercise into your weekly routine and take time out for both recovery and Sabbath rest.  Throw off everything that would hold you back. Well-being and vitality are your inheritance.  The dynamic power of the Holy Spirit is on the inside of you; receive boundless energy, endless strength!

          Activation: Spend time in God’s presence and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your energy gains and energy drains. Where do you need to make change? What small steps can you put in place as a response to this Word in order to see transformation?

          24 [a]Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! 

          25 Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a [b]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. 

          26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 

          27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].

          1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (AMP)

          Footnotes

          [a] 1 Corinthians 9:24 The Isthmian Games, held near Corinth, were among the major athletic competitions of ancient Greece. The Corinthians’ familiarity with this sporting event would have made this passage (vv 24-27) very meaningful to them.

          [b] 1 Corinthians 9:25 Lit perishable crown, usually a woven wreath of pine worn as a crown.

          12 Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on [a]so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.

          13 [b]Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 

          14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

          Philippians 3:12-14 (AMP)

          Footnotes

          [a] Philippians 3:12 Lit even if I may. Paul knew that he could not really reach perfection in this life, but his goal was to “press on” as if it were attainable.

          [b] Philippians 3:13 Lit Brethren.

          God’s Discipline Proves His Love

          Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

          Hebrews 12:1 (AMP)

          #lionbites