Tuesday Morning Scripture – 1 Corinthians 9

Paul’s Use of Liberty

1 Am I not free [unrestrained and exempt from any obligation]? Am I not an apostle? Have I not [a]seen Jesus our [risen] Lord [in person]? Are you not [the result and proof of] my work in the Lord? 

2 If I am not [considered] an apostle to others, at least I am one to you; for you are the seal and the certificate and the living evidence of my apostleship in the Lord [confirming and authenticating it].

3 This is my defense to those who would put me on trial and interrogate me [concerning my authority as an apostle]: 

4 Have we not the right to our food and drink [at the expense of the churches]? 

5 Have we not the right to take along with us a believing wife, as do the rest of the apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas (Peter)? 

6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to stop doing manual labor [in order to support our ministry]? 

7 [Consider this:] Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock?

8 Do I say these things only from a man’s perspective? Does the Law not endorse the same principles? 

9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating the grain].” Is it [only] for oxen that God cares? 

10 Or does He speak entirely for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake: The plowman ought to plow [b]in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the harvest. 

11 If we have sown [the good seed of] spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 

12 If others share in this rightful claim over you, do not we even more? However, we did not exercise this right, but we put up with everything so that we will not hinder [the spread of] the good news of Christ. 

13 Do you not know that those who officiate in the sacred services of the temple eat from the temple [offerings of meat and bread] and those who regularly attend the altar have their share from the [offerings brought to the] altar? 

14 So also [on the same principle] the Lord directed those who preach the gospel to get their living from the gospel.

15 But I have used none of these privileges, nor am I writing this [to suggest] that any such provision be made for me now. For it would be better for me to die than to have anyone deprive me of my [c]boast [in this matter of financial support]. 

16 For if I [merely] preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am compelled [that is, absolutely obligated to do it]. Woe to me if I do not preach the good news [of salvation]! 

17 For if I do this work [d]of my own free will, then I have a reward; but if it is not of my will [but by God’s choosing], I have been entrusted with a [sacred] stewardship. 

18 What then is my reward? [Just this:] that, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge [to everyone], so as not to take advantage of my rights [as a preacher and apostle] in [preaching] the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to everyone, so that I may win more [for Christ]. 

20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews [for Christ]; to men under the Law, [I became] as one [e]under the Law, though not being under the Law myself, so that I might win those who are under the Law. 

21 To those who are without (outside) the Law, [I became] as one without the Law, though [I am] not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. 

22 To the [f]weak I became [as the] weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means [in any and every way] save some [by leading them to faith in Jesus Christ]. 

23 And I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings along with you.

24 [g]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 [h]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 9:1-27 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 1 Corinthians 9:1 Paul knew that to be an apostle in the same sense as the original twelve apostles (with Matthias replacing Judas Iscariot, Acts 1:26), he had to be an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:22). His encounter with Christ on his journey to Damascus met this requirement (Acts 9:2-8, 27; 22:6-21; 26:12-18).

[b] 1 Corinthians 9:10 In the NT the word “hope” expresses a cherished desire along with the confident assurance of obtaining that which is longed for.

[c] 1 Corinthians 9:15 Paul was not bragging, but rejoicing because he could support himself as a tradesman while he ministered.

[d] 1 Corinthians 9:17 Paul did not seek his call to minister, he was chosen by a sovereign act of God.

[e] 1 Corinthians 9:20 Cf Acts 21:20-26.

[f] 1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul may be talking about those with spiritually immature consciences regarding questionable issues (see ch 8). If so, he means that he abstained from any practice which he knew was actually acceptable for him, but capable of posing a bad example for others who were less mature spiritually.

[g] 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.

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

Tuesday Morning Scripture – Philippians 3

The Goal of Life

1 Finally, my [a]fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Look out for the [b]dogs [the Judaizers, the legalists], look out for the troublemakers, look out for the [c]false circumcision [those who claim circumcision is necessary for salvation]; 

3 for we [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, set apart for His purpose and] are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory and take pride and exult in Christ Jesus and place no confidence [in what we have or who we are] in the flesh— 

4 though I myself might have [some grounds for] confidence in the flesh [if I were pursuing salvation by works]. If anyone else thinks that he has reason to be confident in the flesh [that is, in his own efforts to achieve salvation], I have far more: 

5 circumcised when I was eight days old, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews [an exemplary Hebrew]; as to the [observance of the] Law, a Pharisee; 

6 as to my zeal [for Jewish tradition], a persecutor of the church; and as to righteousness [supposed right living] which [my fellow Jews believe] is in the Law, I proved myself blameless.

7 But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. 

8 But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ, 

9 and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. 

10 And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; 

11 [d]so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead.

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

13 [f]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. 

15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.

17 Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you. 

18 For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation], 

19 whose fate is destruction, whose god is their belly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], and whose glory is in their shame—who focus their mind on earthly and temporal things. 

20 But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 

21 who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious resurrected body.

Philippians 3:1-21 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Philippians 3:1 Lit brethren.

[b] Philippians 3:2 Jews often used “dogs” as a derogatory term to refer to Gentiles, so Paul’s reference to his Jewish opponents in this verse is ironic. Most dogs were untamed scavengers and considered disgusting because they ate anything.

[c] Philippians 3:2 Because circumcision was not necessary for salvation, the circumcision demanded by the Judaizers was nothing more than mutilation.

[d] Philippians 3:11 Lit if somehow.

[e] 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.

[f] Philippians 3:13 Lit Brethren.

Tuesday Morning Scripture – Hebrews 12

God’s Discipline Proves His Love

1 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. 

2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a]Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 

3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c]then you won’t become weary and give up. 

4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?[d] He said, 

“My child,[e] don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t give up when he corrects you.

6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”[f]

7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 

8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 

9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?[g]

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 

11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

A Call to Listen to God

14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 

15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 

16 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.

17 You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.

18 You have not come to a physical mountain,[h] to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai.

19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 

20 They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[i] 

21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”[j]

22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering.

23 You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. 

24 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.

25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!

26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”[k] 

27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.

28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 

29 For our God is a devouring fire.

Hebrews 12:1-29 (NLT)

Footnotes

[a] 12:2a Or Jesus, the originator and perfecter of our faith.

[b] 12:2b Or Instead of the joy.

[c] 12:3 Some manuscripts read Think of how people hurt themselves by opposing him.

[d] 12:5a Greek sons; also in 12:7, 8.

[e] 12:5b Greek son; also in 12:6, 7.

[f] 12:5-6 Prov 3:11-12 (Greek version).

[g] 12:9 Or and really live?

[h] 12:18 Greek to something that can be touched.

[i] 12:20 Exod 19:13.

[j] 12:21 Deut 9:19.

[k] 12:26 Hag 2:6.

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Lead with Vigour

    My people, lead with vigour and anticipation!

    No matter where you are placed, you have a call to lead for you are a part of My body. Do not sit back declaring, “Leading is not meant for Me!”

    “To lead,” looks like many things.

    It is knowing that you can change the tone of a conversation from one of death to life.

    It is kindly calling a friend higher who has lost sight of their great worth.

    It is shifting the atmosphere of a room from pessimism to optimism. 

    It is My great joy to see you Beloved Ones walking in the fullness of the authority I have given to you. Do not allow this authority to be diminished because of how you perceive your circumstances. It is I who qualifies you to lead, not your circumstances. 

    Activation: Take a moment with Jesus to examine your heart posture towards leading. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal anywhere you have been diminishing your call to lead. Repent for partnering with lies you are believing about yourself in this area. Ask for a fresh understanding of what it is to lead as a part of the body of Christ.

    Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].

    1 John 4:4 (AMP)

    Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on [a]serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.

    Luke 10:19 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] Luke 10:19 Perhaps a reference to demonic powers (spirits).

    Monday Morning Scripture – 1 John 4

    Testing the Spirits

    1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. 

    2 By this you know and recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ has [actually] come in the flesh [as a man] is from God [God is its source]; 

    3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world. 

    4 Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind]. 

    5 They [who teach twisted doctrine] are of the world and belong to it; therefore they speak from the [viewpoint of the] world [with its immoral freedom and baseless theories—demanding compliance with their opinions and ridiculing the values of the upright], and the [gullible one of the] world listens closely and pays attention to them. 

    6 We [who teach God’s word] are from God [energized by the Holy Spirit], and whoever knows God [through personal experience] listens to us [and has a deeper understanding of Him]. Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know [without any doubt] the spirit of truth [motivated by God] and the spirit of error [motivated by Satan].

    God is Love

    7 Beloved, let us [unselfishly]  [a]love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. 

    8 The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.] 

    9 By this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind] into the world so that we might live through Him. 

    10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [that is, the atoning sacrifice, and the satisfying offering] for our sins [fulfilling God’s requirement for justice against sin and placating His wrath]. 

    11 Beloved, if God so loved us [in this incredible way], we also ought to love one another. 

    12 No one has seen God at any time. But if we love one another [with unselfish concern], God abides in us, and His love [the love that is His essence abides in us and] is completed and perfected in us. 

    13 By this we know [with confident assurance] that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given to us His [Holy] Spirit. 

    14 We [who were with Him in person] have seen and testify [as eye-witnesses] that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

    15 Whoever confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 

    16 We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him. 

    17 In this [union and fellowship with Him], love is completed and perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him]; because as He is, so are we in this world. 

    18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]. 

    19 We love, because [b]He first loved us. 

    20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his [Christian] brother he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 

    21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should also [unselfishly] love his brother and seek the best for him.

    1 John 4:1-21 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] 1 John 4:7 See note 2:10.

    [b] 1 John 4:19 Because God bestowed on humanity a free will, man is not forced to love Him, but rather consciously and freely chooses the response he makes to God’s love

    Monday Morning Scripture – Luke 10:17-37

    The Joyous Results

    17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 

    18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning. 

    19 Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on [a]serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. 

    20 Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

    21 In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the [b]wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught]. Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight. 

    22 All things have been transferred and turned over to Me by My Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”

    23 Then turning to His disciples, Jesus said privately, “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see, 

    24 for I say to you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, and they did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

    25 And a certain lawyer [an expert in Mosaic Law] stood up to test Him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

    26 Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”

    27 And he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

    28 Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this habitually and you will live.” 

    29 But he, wishing to justify and vindicate himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

    Parable of the Good Samaritan

    30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, who stripped him of his clothes [and belongings], beat him, and went their way [unconcerned], leaving him half dead. 

    31 Now by coincidence a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 

    32 Likewise a Levite also came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road]. 

    33 But a Samaritan (foreigner), who was traveling, came upon him; and when he saw him, he was deeply moved with compassion [for him], 

    34 and went to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them [to sooth and disinfect the injuries]; and he put him on his own pack-animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

    35 On the next day he took out two denarii (two days’ wages) and gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I return.’ 

    36 Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to the man who encountered the robbers?” 

    37 He answered, “The one who showed compassion and mercy to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and constantly do the same.”

    Luke 10:17-37 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] Luke 10:19 Perhaps a reference to demonic powers (spirits).

    [b] Luke 10:21 An ironic criticism of the Jewish leaders who regarded the followers of Jesus as childlike and untaught.

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Creator God

      Beloved, I AM Elohim, the Mighty Creator God. 

      My creation is not static, but flows and moves to the beat of My heart! You need only watch a flower blossom from the humble beginnings of a seed or an animal who has brought forth its young. If I can create these, can you imagine what I can do in and through you, if you fully partner with Me? 

      The key to breakthrough is intimacy with Holy Spirit, the same spirit that hovered over this earth at its conception! As you spend time together, My perspective will be revealed, hope will arise, creative, heavenly ideas will be released and you will become synced with the rhythms and timing of My plans! You see, I am doing a new thing! Much has changed, therefore old road maps & paths will not do. This is why it is vitally important to ask Holy Spirit to help you understand My viewpoint on current family, community, national and worldwide issues. As you do, you will be able to fully partner with My purposes and solutions, not only for your family but those around you, bringing My will on earth as it is in heaven. So today, Dear One, be encouraged! There is nothing boring about My Kingdom or My ways! As you embrace this life, adventure afresh with Me!

      Prayer:

      Dear Father God, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, I am sorry for when I have not partnered with your ways. I long for deeper relationship with You! As I draw near to You, will You show me Your perspective and bring me in sync with heaven’s rhythms, timing and the beat of Your heart? Today I choose to come into full agreement with Your plans and purposes for my life, community, nation and world. Holy Spirit, please flow through me afresh in every circumstance of life, to the extent that I burst forth with the full weight of heaven’s creativity, resources and supernatural breakthrough, whenever and however it is needed! Amen 

      The Creation

      1 In the beginning God([a]Elohim) [b]created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth.

      2 The earth was [c]formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.

      Genesis 1:1-2 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Genesis 1:1 This is originally a plural form based on el (root meaning: strength), which itself is used to refer to God in compounds like El Shaddai (Almighty God). The word el is also used to refer to false gods, so the context determines whether Elohim means “God” or is better understood as “gods” (elohim).

      [b] Genesis 1:1 Heb bara. Here and in 1:21, God created from nothing which is something only He can do. In 1:27, God used preexisting materials (man from the dust of the ground; Eve from Adam’s rib); each use of the word bara(“create”) must be considered in its specific context.

      [c] Genesis 1:2 The Hebrew text here has two rhyming words, tohu and bohu, which have similar meanings of “wasteness” and “emptiness.” The construction is a figure of speech called hendiadys, in which two words are used together to express the same idea. The meaning is that the earth had no clearly discernible features at this point in creation but essentially was a mass of raw materials. This proves to be very important from philosophical and scientific viewpoints, because it documents the fact that the raw matter of the earth—and by extension, of the universe—did not coexist eternally with God, but was created by Him ex nihilo (Latin “out of nothing”).

      Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—

      Jeremiah 32:17 (AMP)

      #lionbites

      Friday Morning Scripture – Genesis 1

      The Creation

      1 In the beginning God ([a]Elohim) [b]created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth.

      2 The earth was [c]formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. 

      3 And God said, [d]“Let there be light”; and there was light. 

      4 God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and [e]He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness. 

      5 And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was [f]evening and there was [g]morning, one day.

      6 And God said, “Let there be an [h]expanse [of the sky] in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters [below the expanse] from the waters [above the expanse].” 

      7 And God made the expanse [of sky] and separated the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so [just as He commanded]. 

      8 God called the expanse [of sky] heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.

      9 Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place [of standing, pooling together], and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 

      10 God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that this was good (pleasing, useful) and He affirmed and sustained it. 

      11 So God said, “Let the earth sprout [tender] [i]vegetation, [j]plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit according to (limited to, consistent with) their kind, whose seed is in them upon the earth”; and it was so. 

      12 The earth sprouted and abundantly produced vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, according to their kind; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it. 

      13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day.

      14 Then God said, “Let there be light-bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care], and for marking seasons, days, and years; 

      15 and let them be useful as lights in the expanse of the heavens to provide light on the earth”; and it was so, [just as He commanded]. 

      16 God made the two great lights—the greater light (the sun) to rule the day, and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night; He made the [galaxies of] stars also [that is, all the amazing wonders in the heavens]. 

      17 God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to provide light upon the earth, 

      18 to rule over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it. 

      19 And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

      20 Then God said, “Let the waters swarm andabundantly produce living creatures, and let birds soar above the earth [k]in the open expanse of the heavens.” 

      21 God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it. 

      22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 

      23 And there was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

      24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to (limited to, consistent with) their kind: livestock, crawling things, and wild animals of the earth according to their kinds”; and it was so [because He had spoken them into creation]. 

      25 So God made the wild animals of the earth according to their kind, and the cattle according to their kind, and everything that creeps and crawls on the earth according to its kind; and God saw that it was good (pleasing, useful) and He affirmed and sustained it.

      26 Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.”

      27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. 

      28 And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.” 

      29 So God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; 

      30 and to all the animals on the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that moves on the ground—to everything in which there is the breath of life—I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so [because He commanded it]. 

      31 God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good and He validated it completely. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

      Genesis 1:1-31 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] Genesis 1:1 This is originally a plural form based on el (root meaning: strength), which itself is used to refer to God in compounds like El Shaddai (Almighty God). The word el is also used to refer to false gods, so the context determines whether Elohim means “God” or is better understood as “gods” (elohim).

      [b] Genesis 1:1 Heb bara. Here and in 1:21, God created from nothing which is something only He can do. In 1:27, God used preexisting materials (man from the dust of the ground; Eve from Adam’s rib); each use of the word bara(“create”) must be considered in its specific context.

      [c] Genesis 1:2 The Hebrew text here has two rhyming words, tohu and bohu, which have similar meanings of “wasteness” and “emptiness.” The construction is a figure of speech called hendiadys, in which two words are used together to express the same idea. The meaning is that the earth had no clearly discernible features at this point in creation but essentially was a mass of raw materials. This proves to be very important from philosophical and scientific viewpoints, because it documents the fact that the raw matter of the earth—and by extension, of the universe—did not coexist eternally with God, but was created by Him ex nihilo (Latin “out of nothing”).

      [d] Genesis 1:3 This is not in the imperative mood (the ordinary grammatical form for a command), but God willed these creative events into existence. It is the voluntative mood in Hebrew. This translates, “It is My will that this happen.” English does not have the voluntative mood, which includes the jussive and cohortative forms. When “let” is used in this way, it represents a command not in the imperative mood, but rather an expression of God’s will, the jussive form. God literally commanded (willed) the world into existence.

      [e] Genesis 1:4 “He affirmed and sustained it” is understood (deduced) from the context. The italic “and” alerts the reader or student of Hebrew that the word or words that follow are amplifications not found in the Hebrew text itself, but implied by it or by contextual factors.

      [f] Genesis 1:5 The Hebrew word translated “evening” indicates dusk or sunset.

      [g] Genesis 1:5 The Hebrew word translated “morning” indicates the time when it is getting light (dawn).

      [h] Genesis 1:6 Or a firmament.

      [i] Genesis 1:11 Or grass.

      [j] Genesis 1:11 Or herbs.

      [k] Genesis 1:20 Lit over the face of.

        Friday Morning Scripture – Jeremiah 32:16-44

        Jeremiah Prays and God Explains

        16 “Now when I had delivered the purchase deed to Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed to the Lord, saying, 

        17 ‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You— 

        18 You who show lovingkindness to thousands, but repay the wickedness (sin, guilt) of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], O great and mighty God; the Lord of hosts is His name; 

        19 great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds; 

        20 who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day. 

        21 You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; 

        22 and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land [of plenty] [a]flowing with milk and honey. 

        23 They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do. Therefore You have caused all this disaster and suffering to come upon them. 

        24 See the siege ramps [of mounded earth that the enemy has built against the walls]; they have come up to the city to capture it. And the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans [of Babylon] who fight against it, because of the sword, the famine and the virulent disease [that have overcome the people]. What You have spoken has come to pass, and behold, You see it. 

        25 Yet, O Lord God, You said to me, “Buy the field with money and get witnesses,” even though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans.’”

        26 Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, saying, 

        27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?” 

        28 Therefore thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am about to give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will take it. 

        29 The Chaldeans who are fighting against this city will come in and set this city on fire and burn it, along with the houses on whose roofs incense has been offered to Baal and drink offerings have been poured out to other gods to provoke Me to anger.

        30 For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have done only evil in My sight from their youth; for the children of Israel have been provoking Me to anger by the [idols that are the] work of their hands,” says the Lord. 

        31 “From the day that they built it [during the reign of [b]Solomon], even to this day, this city has been such a provocation of My anger and My wrath, that I must remove it from My sight, 

        32 because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah which they have done to provoke Me to anger—they, their kings, their princes, their priests, their prophets, the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 

        33 They have turned their back to Me and not their face; though I taught them repeatedly, yet they would not listen and receive instruction. 

        34 But they put their detestable things (idols) in the house which is called by My [c]Name, to defile it. 

        35 They built the high places [for worship] of Baal in the Valley of Ben-hinnom (son of Hinnom) to make their sons and their daughters pass through the fire to [worship and honor] Molech—which I had not commanded them nor had it entered My mind that they should do this repulsive thing, to cause Judah to sin.

        36 “Now therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel concerning this city of which you say, ‘It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by sword and by famine and by virulent disease.’ 

        37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries to which I have driven them in My anger, in My wrath and in great indignation; and I will bring them back to this place and make them live in safety. 

        38 They will be My people, and I will be their God; 

        39 and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may [reverently] fear Me forever, for their own good and for the good of their children after them. 

        40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will do them good and not turn away from them; and I will put in their heart a fear and reverential awe of Me, so that they will not turn away from Me. 

        41 I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul. 

        42 For thus says the Lord, ‘Just as I have brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them. 

        43 Fields will be bought in this land of which you say, “It is desolate, without man or animal; it is given into the hands of the Chaldeans.” 

        44 People will buy fields for money, sign deeds, seal them, and call in witnesses in the land of Benjamin, in the places around Jerusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South (the Negev); for I will restore their fortunes and release them from exile,’ says the Lord.”

        Jeremiah 32:16-44 (AMP)

        Footnotes

        [a] Jeremiah 32:22 This phrase referred to the abundant fertility of the land of Canaan. Milk (typically that of goats and sheep) was associated with abundance; “honey” referred mainly to syrups made from dates or grapes and was the epitome of sweetness. Bees’ honey was very rare and was considered the choicest of foods.

        [b] Jeremiah 32:31 Solomon was the first king of Israel to participate in idolatry.

        [c] Jeremiah 32:34 See note Deut 12:5.

          Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Encourage My Children

          You have heard Me say, “let the little children come to Me.” In these times seek opportunities to let the precious children flourish and thrive in your places of worship. Allow them to minister fresh impartations of Holy Spirit anointing and fire! Teach them My Word and do not cease from investing patience and leadership, training them to grow strong and joyful! Support and encourage their parents or guardians to raise them up as My glory carriers!

          Activation: Ask Jesus to show you how to talk with your leaders or those in authority to create engaging activities in your church for this new generation that allow for prayer and prophetic opportunities. Spend some time praying for the children in your nation and blessing parents and carers to have the resources they need to raise them up in their anointing and call.

          But He said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

          Matthew 19:14 (AMP)

          Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babes You have established strength
          Because of Your adversaries,
          That You might silence the enemy and make the revengeful cease.

          Psalm 8:2 (AMP)

          Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],
          Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

          Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

          #lionbites