Wednesday Morning Scripture – John 4:7-38

The Samaritan Woman

7 Then a woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink”— 

8 For His disciples had gone off into the city to buy food— 

9 The Samaritan woman asked Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me, a [a]Samaritan woman, for a drink?” (For Jews have nothing to do with Samaritans.) 

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew[about] God’s gift [of eternal life], and who it is who says, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him[instead], and He would have given you living water (eternal life).” 

11 She said to Him, “Sir, [b]You have nothing to draw with [no bucket and rope] and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 

12 Are You greater than our father [c]Jacob, who gave us the well, and who used to drink from it himself, and his sons and his cattle also?” 

13 Jesus answered her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 

14 But whoever drinks the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. But the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water [satisfying his thirst for God] welling up[continually flowing, bubbling within him] to eternal life.”

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not get thirsty nor [have to continually] come all the way here to draw.” 

16 At this, Jesus said, “Go, call your husband and come back.”17 The woman answered, “I do not have a husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I do not have a husband’; 

18 for you have had five husbands, and the man you are now living with is not your [d]husband. You have said this truthfully.” 

19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I see that You are a prophet. 

20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one ought to worship is in Jerusalem [at the temple].” 

21 Jesus replied, “Woman, believe Me, a time is coming [when God’s kingdom comes] when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 

22 You [Samaritans] do not know what you worship; we [Jews] do know what we worship, for salvation is from the Jews. 

23 But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. 

24 God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 

25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ—the Anointed); when that One comes, He will tell us everything [we need to know].” 

26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you, am He (the Messiah).”

27 Just then His disciples came, and they were surprised to find Him talking with a woman. However, no one said, “What are You asking about?” or, “Why are You talking to her?” 

28 Then the woman left her water jar, and went into the city and began telling the people, 

29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done! Can this be the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed)?” 

30 So the people left the city and were coming to Him.

31 Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus [to have a meal], saying, “Rabbi (Teacher), eat.” 

32 But He told them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 

33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him something to eat?” 

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to completely finish His work. 

35 Do you not say, ‘It is still four months until the harvest comes?’ Look, I say to you, raise your eyes and look at the fields and see, they are white for harvest. 

36 Already the reaper is receiving his wages and he is gathering fruit for eternal life; so that he who plants and he who reaps may rejoice together. 

37 For in this case the saying is true, ‘One[person] sows and another reaps.’ 

38 I sent you to reap [a crop] for which you have not worked. Others have worked and you have been privileged to reap the results of their work.”

John 4:7-38 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] John 4:9 The Jews considered Samaritan women ceremonially unclean.

[b] John 4:11 The woman’s response is due to the fact that “living water” was the normal description for running water. She probably thought that Jesus was referring to the underground water source that fed the well.

[c] John 4:12 Jacob (renamed Israel in Gen 32:28) was the son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham and father of the twelve sons who established the twelve tribes of Israel.

[d] John 4:18 God does not regard cohabitation as marriage. Marriage is a binding, legal covenant between a man and a woman.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Rivers of Living Water

Dear ones,

Instead of coming to Me for the water of life that will heal you and satisfy you,  many of you are digging your own cisterns, cisterns that can hold no water. 

Closed cisterns. 

Limited cisterns.

Instead, ask Me to fill you up, to give you the living water you seek. 

Allow Me to fill you with My Spirit.

Without My Spirit you cannot understand heavenly things.

Not even earthly things, for that matter. 

I am Your Good Shepherd and I will lead you to the living waters that will truly restore your soul.

Ask of Me, believe, and receive My Spirit.

I will send you rivers of living water!

Activation: 

Where have you gone for healing and satisfaction and rest?

Confess and cover up those cisterns that don’t effectively water you. Next, go to Him and ask Him for fresh water. Believe and receive from Him rivers of living waters.

Jesus answered her, “If you knew [about] God’s gift [of eternal life], and who it is who says, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him [instead], and He would have given you living water (eternal life).”

John 4:10 (AMP)

Jesus Promises Living Water

37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 

38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”[a]

39 (When He said “living water,” He was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in Him. But the Spirit had not yet been given,[b] because Jesus had not yet entered into His glory.)

John 7:37-39 (NLT)

Footnotes

[a] 7:37-38 Or “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from the heart of anyone who believes in me.’”

[b] 7:39 Several early manuscripts read But as yet there was no Spirit. Still others read But as yet there was no Holy Spirit.

(0) A psalm of David:

Psalm 23:1-3 (CJB)


(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.

#lionbites

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – The Good Fight

My Beloved, you are My warrior bride. Keep up the good fight! Don’t give up! Don’t give in to the strategies and the discouragements of the enemy. Don’t let the opinions of men get the better of you. 

Keep on fighting. 

Keep on pushing through. 

Keep on being renewed by My Spirit day by day. Do not listen to the whisper of the enemy or the shouting of the crowd. Push through. Aim for the higher call. Aim for Me and My kingdom.

Activation: Take some time to lift up the Lord in praise and worship. Proclaim His Lordship. Declare that He alone is your heart’s desire and to do His will is your only aim. Praise and worship is the strongest weapon in your fight for God’s Kingdom to come. By doing this you will see things fall into place, situations change and the atmosphere shift. He alone is worth it!

Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:12 (AMP)

Dedicated Service

1 [a]Therefore I urge you, [b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which isyour rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 

2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

Romans 12:1-2 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Romans 12:1 Paul now begins outlining for the believer the practical application of the theological truths taught in chs 1-11.

[b] Romans 12:1 Lit brethren.

[c] Romans 12:2 From the Greek word meaning “metamorphosis.” Refers to the process that leads to an outward, permanent change.

Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (AMP)

#lionbites

Tuesday Morning Scripture – Romans 12

Dedicated Service

1 [a]Therefore I urge you, [b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 

2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

3 For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. 

4 For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, 5 so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other]. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; 

7 if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; 

8 or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, [d]with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.

9 Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. 

10 Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; 

11 never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; 

12 constantlyrejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ],  steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], 

13 contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them].

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. 

16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. 

17 Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. 

18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap [e]burning coals on his head.” 

21 Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:1-21 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Romans 12:1 Paul now begins outlining for the believer the practical application of the theological truths taught in chs 1-11.

[b] Romans 12:1 Lit brethren.

[c] Romans 12:2 From the Greek word meaning “metamorphosis.” Refers to the process that leads to an outward, permanent change.

[d] Romans 12:8 Or without ulterior motives.

[e] Romans 12:20 This may refer to an ancient Egyptian custom in which a penitent person carried a bowl of burning embers on his head to show his shame and guilt. By analogy, being kind to an enemy may lead him to shame and repentance.

Tuesday Morning Scripture – 2 Corinthians 4

Paul’s Apostolic Ministry

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation. 

2 But we have renounced the disgraceful things hidden because of shame; not walking in trickery or adulterating the word of God, but by stating the truth [openly and plainly], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 

3 But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing; 

4 among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 

6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.

7 But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. 

8 We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; 

9 hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; 

10 always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body. 

11 For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death]. 

12 So physical death is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you.

13 Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had, who wrote in Scripture, “I believed, therefore I spoke.” We also believe, therefore we also speak,

14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present us [along] with you in His presence. 

15 For all [these] things are for your sake, so that as [God’s remarkable, undeserved] grace reaches to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of [our great] God.

16 Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day. 

17 For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! 

18 So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 (AMP)

Tuesday Morning Scripture – 1 Timothy 6

Instructions to Those Who Minister

1 All who are under the yoke as bond-servants (slaves) are to regard their own masters as worthy of honor and respect so that the name of God and the teaching [about Him] will not be spoken against. 

2 Those who have believing masters are not to be disrespectful toward them because they are brothers [in Christ], but they should serve them even better, because those who benefit from their kindly service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these [duties and principles].

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine and teaching which is in agreement with godliness (personal integrity, upright behavior), 

4 he is conceited and woefully ignorant [understanding nothing]. He has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, which produces envy, quarrels, verbal abuse, evil suspicions, 

5 and perpetual friction between men who are corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, who think that godliness is a source of profit [a lucrative, money-making business—withdraw from them]. 

6 But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God]. 

7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so [it is clear that] we cannot take anything out of it, either. 

8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 

9 But those who [are not financially ethical and] crave to get rich [with a compulsive, greedy longing for wealth] fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction [leading to personal misery]. 

10 For the love of money [that is, the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically] is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves [through and through] with many sorrows.

11 But as for you, [a]O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. 

12 Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses. 

13 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and [in the presence] of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession [in His testimony] before Pontius Pilate, 

14 to keep all His precepts without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

15 which He will bring about in His own time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign [the absolute Ruler], the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, 

16 He alone possesses immortality [absolute exemption from death] and lives in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal power and dominion! Amen.

17 As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 

18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share [with others]. 

19 In this way storing up for themselves the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

20 O Timothy, guard and keep safe the deposit [of godly truth] entrusted to you, turn away from worldly and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 

21 which some have professed and by doing so have erred (missed the mark) and strayed from the faith.

Grace be with you.

1 Timothy 6:1-21 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 1 Timothy 6:11 An OT title referring to a man who officially spoke to God. In the NT this title is used only in reference to Timothy.

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Tree of Life

    Am I not the God who restores all things?  It was always My plan. I speak of restoration in many ways, one of which is the tree of life.  It weaves as a theme through My story, depicting eternal life and provision for mankind.  It features, like bookends, in the garden of Eden and in the throne room of Revelation, the great unveiling to come.  Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is the tree of life.

    All things in My Word point to Jesus. He became a curse on a tree at Calvary and through His resurrection restored everything lost at the fall. He ushered in The Kingdom of Heaven where there is healing, fruitfulness, light overcoming darkness, sickness and death defeated, victory and fullness of life.

    Am I not the same God, yesterday, today and forever?  The God of complete restoration, the one who rewrites your story with MY story for your life.  Your life is a wide-open book before Me. I know it all.  Surrender every area where restoration is needed, where hope has been dashed.  Family, Health, Relationships, Marriage, Ministry, Finances and Work.  Allow Me to breathe newness of life and bring breakthrough.  All is not lost. Restoration in Me is glorious, it cost My Son His ALL.

    Activation: Bring before God in prayer ALL pain and disappointment. Allow the Holy Spirit to minister healing and restore hope. Declare God’s Promises over your life. Let fresh hope and faith arise. 

    The Perfect Life

    1 Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Christ), 

    2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

    3 There will no longer exist anything that is cursed [because sin and illness and death are gone]; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion]; 

    4 they will [be privileged to] see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.

    Revelation 22:1-4 (AMP)

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

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

    Colossians 1:19-20 (AMP)

    #lionbites

    Monday Morning Scripture – Colossians 1

    Thankfulness for Spiritual Attainments

    1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed) by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

    2 To the [a]saints and faithful [b]believers in Christ [who are] at Colossae: Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father.

    3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we pray always for you, 

    4 for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [how you lean on Him with absolute confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness], and of the [unselfish] [c]love which you have for all the saints (God’s people); 

    5 because of the [confident] hope [of experiencing that] which is reserved and waiting for you in heaven. You previously heard of this hope in the message of truth, the gospel [regarding salvation] 

    6 which has come to you. Indeed, just as in the whole world the gospel is constantly bearing fruit and spreading [by God’s power], just as it has been doing among you ever since the day you first heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth [becoming thoroughly and deeply acquainted with it]. 

    7 You learned it from [our representative] Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf 

    8 and he also has told us of your love [well-grounded and nurtured] in the [Holy] Spirit.

    9 For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things], 

    10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]; 11 [we pray that you may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy; 

    12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the Light.

    The Incomparable Christ

    13 For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 

    14 in whom we have redemption [because of His sacrifice, resulting in] the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins’ penalty].

    15 He is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation. 

    16 For [d]by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him. 

    17 And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.] 

    18 He is also the head [the life-source and leader] of the body, the [e]church; and He is the beginning, [f]the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will occupy the first place [He will stand supreme and be preeminent] in everything. 

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

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

    21 And although you were at one time estranged and alienated and hostile-minded [toward Him], participating in evil things, 

    22 yet Christ has now reconciled you [to God] in His [g]physical body through death, in order to present you before the Father holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 

    23 [and He will do this] if you continue in the faith, well-grounded and steadfast, and not shifting away from the [confident] hope [that is a result] of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed [h]in all creation under heaven, and of which [gospel] I, Paul, was made a minister.

    24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings on your behalf. And with my own body I [i]supplement whatever is lacking [on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, on behalf of His body, which is the church. 

    25 In this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship which God entrusted to me for your sake, so that I might make the word of God fully known [among you]— 

    26 that is, [j]the mystery which was hidden [from angels and mankind] for ages and generations, but has now been revealed to His saints (God’s people). 

    27 God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory. 

    28 We proclaim Him, warning and instructing everyone in all wisdom [that is, with comprehensive insight into the word and purposes of God], so that we may present every person complete in Christ [mature, fully trained, and perfect in Him—the Anointed]. 

    29 For this I labor [often to the point of exhaustion], striving with His power and energy, which so greatly works within me.

    Colossians 1:1-29 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] Colossians 1:2 Every born-again believer (saint) has been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, made holy and set apart for God’s purpose.

    [b] Colossians 1:2 Lit brethren.

    [c] Colossians 1:4 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.

    [d] Colossians 1:16 Or in.

    [e] Colossians 1:18 This refers to the entire body of born-again believers (whether past, present, or future), not a local congregation.

    [f] Colossians 1:18 Christ is the first to be resurrected with an incorruptible, immortal body. Others who were raised had to die again.

    [g] Colossians 1:22 Lit body of flesh.

    [h] Colossians 1:23 Paul may be referring to the fact that the created world displays proof of the existence of an omnipotent, benevolent God (cf Rom 1:20), without whom there would be no possibility of salvation. Such a God is the foundation of the “good news.”

    [i] Colossians 1:24 i.e. since the church is Christ’s body, figuratively speaking, whatever the church suffers can be considered additional sufferings by Christ Himself, and all such suffering was ordained and destined by God; what is left to suffer in God’s plan is what is “lacking of Christ’s afflictions.” Paul, as a member of the church, was destined to suffer through persecution etc., thereby taking his share of the church body’s divinely-ordained suffering.

    [j] Colossians 1:26 i.e. that believing Gentiles would be united with believing Jews into one body of believers.

    Monday Morning Scripture – Revelation 22

    A Perfect Life

    1 Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Christ), 

    2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

    3 There will no longer exist anything that is cursed [because sin and illness and death are gone]; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion]; 

    4 they will [be privileged to] see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 

    5 And there will no longer be night; they have no need for lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign [as kings] forever and ever.

    You Are Invited to be Blessed

    6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel [as a representative] to show His bond-servants the things that must soon take place.

    7 “And behold, I am coming quickly, [a]Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is the one who heeds and takes to heart and remembers the words of the prophecy [that is, the predictions, consolations, and warnings] contained in this book (scroll).”

    8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 

    9 But he said to me, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets and with those who heed and remember [the truths contained in] the words of this book. Worship God.”

    10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time [of their fulfillment] is [b]near. 

    11 Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy (vile, impure), still be filthy; and the one who is righteous (just, upright), still be righteous; and the one who is holy, still be holy.”

    12 “Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, [c]to give to each one [d]according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness). 

    13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End [the Eternal One].”

    14 [e]Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are those who wash their robes [in the blood of Christ by believing and trusting in Him—the righteous who do His commandments], so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 

    15 Outside are the dogs [the godless, the impure, those of low moral character] and the sorcerers [with their intoxicating drugs, and magic arts], and the immoral persons [the perverted, the molesters, and the adulterers], and the murderers, and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying (deception, cheating).

    The Final Invitation

    16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you and to give you assurance of these things for the churches. I am the Root (the Source, the Life) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and bright Morning Star.”

    17 The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, believers) say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take and drink the water of life without cost.

    18 I testify and warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book [its predictions, consolations, and admonitions]: if anyone adds [anything] to them, God will add to him the plagues (afflictions, calamities) which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from or distorts the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away [from that one] his share from the tree of life and from the holy city (new Jerusalem), which are written in this book.

    20 He who testifies and affirms these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

    21 The grace of the Lord Jesus (the Christ, the Messiah) be with all [the saints—all believers, those set apart for God]. Amen.

    Revelation 22:1-21 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] Revelation 22:7 This is the sixth of the seven promised blessings. See note 1:3.

    [b] Revelation 22:10 While Daniel was instructed to seal his prophecy, John was now told to reveal his (see Dan 12:4).

    [c] Revelation 22:12 I.e. the final judgment for the believer will occur when he stands before Christ to have his fidelity and service judged, and the appropriate reward determined.

    [d] Revelation 22:12 Lit as his work is.

    [e] Revelation 22:14 This is the seventh and last of the promised blessings. See note 1:3.

      Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Above All

      You have answered the call to purity. You have allowed Me to expose and burn away the parts of you that did not honour Me. You have understood what it means to fear Me – to acknowledge My greatness and the weight of My glory. You have counted the cost.

      And now….

      Now is the time for reverence. 

      To put Me in My rightful place above all.

      As we enter a season of uncertainty in the structures that men have built in the nations, I am requiring of you to throw off your old affiliations and to place Me above all.

      For I am above ALL nations, kingdoms, thrones, powers and dominions.

      Elevate Me above your own thinking, elevate Me above your own agenda, elevate Me above generational ties and tradition. Speak My name over your home, your region and your nation. Recognise My authority over all of these things. Revere Me, and Me alone.

      For when I am above all, when I rule and reign from My rightful place, you are removing your own agendas and are creating the space for Me to establish My Kingdom upon the earth in power.

      Activation: Ask the Lord to draw your attention to any areas of your thinking or belief system where He is not above all. Repent, and speak the words of the Lord’s prayer out loud – declaring that the kingdom, power and glory belong to Him. Establish His reign in your life, that He is above all.

      25 So David, with the elders of Israel and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom with joy. 

      26 Because God was helping the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD [to do it carefully and safely], they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 

      27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who carried the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah, director of the music of the singers. David also wore an ephod (a priestly upper garment) of linen. 

      28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the horn, with trumpets, with loud-sounding cymbals, with harps and lyres.

      29 It happened that as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the City of David, Michal [David’s wife] the daughter of Saul, looking down through a window, saw King David leaping and dancing [in celebration]; and [a]she despised him in her heart.

      1 Chronicles 15:25-30 (AMP)

      Footnotes

      [a] 1 Chronicles 15:29 Michal strongly disapproved of David’s undignified entry into the city wearing the ephod instead of his royal robes (see note 2 Sam 6:20).

        9 “Pray, then, [a]in this way:

        ‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
        [b]Hallowed be Your name.

        10 ‘[c]Your kingdom come,
        Your         [d]will be done
        On earth as it is in heaven.

        11 ‘Give us this day our [e]daily bread.

        12 ‘And forgive us our [f]debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].

        13 ‘And do not [g]lead us into temptation, but deliver us from [h]evil. [i][For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’

        Matthew 6:9-13 (AMP)

        Footnotes

        [a] Matthew 6:9 i.e. as a model or pattern.

        [b] Matthew 6:9 i.e. set apart, keep and treat as holy, revere.

        [c] Matthew 6:10 A plea for God’s kingdom to be inaugurated on earth.

        [d] Matthew 6:10 Including what God wishes to be done by the individual believer—His commands and precepts.

        [e] Matthew 6:11 i.e. life’s essentials.

        [f] Matthew 6:12 i.e. sins, moral failures.

        [g] Matthew 6:13 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.

        [h] Matthew 6:13 Or the evil one.

        [i] Matthew 6:13 This clause is not found in early mss.

          #lionbites