Thursday Morning Scripture – Acts 4:13-31

Threat and Release

13 Now when the men of the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) saw the confidence and boldness of Peter and John, and grasped the fact that they were [a]uneducated and untrained [ordinary] men, they were astounded, and began to recognize that they had been with Jesus. 

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 

15 But after ordering them to step out of the Council [chamber], they began to confer among themselves, 

16 saying, “What are we to do with these men? For the fact that an extraordinary miracle has taken place through them is public knowledge and clearly evident to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 

17 But to keep it from spreading further among the people and the nation, let us [sternly] warn them not to speak again to anyone in this name.” 

18 So they sent for them, and commanded them not to speak [as His representatives] or teach at all in the name of Jesus [using Him as their authority]. 

19 But Peter and John replied to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must judge [for yourselves]; 

20 for we, on our part, cannot stop telling [people] about what we have seen and heard.” 

21 When the rulers and Council members had threatened them further, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because [of their fear] of the people, for they were all praising and glorifying and honoring God for what had happened; 

22 for the man to whom this sign (attesting miracle) of healing had happened was more than forty years old.

23 After Peter and John were released, they returned to their own [people] and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 

24 And when they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “O Sovereign Lord [having complete power and authority], it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything that is in them, 

25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David, Your servant, said,

‘Why did the nations (Gentiles) become arrogant and rage,
And the peoples devise futile things[against the Lord]?

26 ‘The kings of the earth took their stand[to attack],
And the rulers were assembled together
Against the Lord and against His Anointed (the Christ, the Messiah).’

27 For in this city there were gathered together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 

28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined [before the creation of the world] to occur [and so without knowing it, they served Your own purpose]. 

29 And now, Lord, observe their threats [take them into account] and grant that Your bond-servants may declare Your message [of salvation] with great confidence, 

30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders (attesting miracles) take place through the name [and the authority and power] of Your holy Servant and Son Jesus.” 

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken [a sign of God’s presence]; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness and courage.

Acts 4:13-31 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Acts 4:13 They had no formal religious training in the rabbinical schools.

Gospel Song of the Day – Satisfy My Soul

Satisfy My Soul – Donnie McClurkin and Joann Rosario – YouTube

Saciame Senor
Con lo mejor del cielo
Saciame Senor
Con la grosura de Tu amor x2

Mi alma desfallece
Por tu presencia
Mi alma desfallece
Por tu poder
Mi alma desfallece
Por tu gloria

Saciame Senor
Saciame Senor
Saciame Senor
Con tus amor

Satisfy my Soul
With the best of heaven
Satisfy my soul
With the fulness of Your love x2

My soul faints after You
Seeking Your presence
My soul faints after You
Seeking Your power
My soul faints after You
Seeking Your glory

Satisfy my soul
Satisfy my soul
Satisfy my soul
With Your love

Source: Donnie McClurkin – Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Dancing

My child, I am holding your hand, and inviting you to join Me in a dance. The lies that say this dance is only meant for a select few and not for you are being removed. You are included in this dance, and I will teach you the steps. Let the joy within you come out as you express yourself through this dance. It’s time to break through the thoughts and mind-sets that have held you captive and prevented you from fully expressing your joyful dance to Me. 

Today, as we dance together, you will experience My goodness and how the dance can shift things. Express your joy, thankfulness, worship, and freedom through dance. Don’t hold back! Celebrate and serve Me with your entire being, body, soul, and strength.

Dancing for Me is an act of worship, and it holds great power. Through dance, you will experience flashes of beauty and passion, as My righteousness and anointing will flow over you. Keep dancing with Me and let go of the past. Allow the chains to fall and embrace your freedom.

A Psalm of Praise.

1 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.

2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness.

3 Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.

4 Praise Him with tambourine and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute.

5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals;
Praise Him with loud cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)

Psalm 150:1-6 (AMP)

12 “They will come and sing aloud and shout for joy on the height of Zion, and will be radiant [with joy] over the goodness of the LORD—For the grain, for the new wine, for the oil, and for the young of the flock and the herd. And their life will be like a watered garden, and they shall never sorrow or languish again.

13 “Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, and the young men and old, together, for I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and make them rejoice after their sorrow.

14 “I will fully satisfy the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 31:12-14 (AMP)

#lionbites

Wednesday Morning Scripture – Jeremiah 31:1-26

Israel’s Mourning Turned to Joy

1 “At that time,” says the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.”

2 Thus says the LORD,
“The people who survived the sword
Found grace in the wilderness [of exile]—
Israel (the Northern Kingdom), when it went to find its rest.”

3 The LORD appeared to me ([a]Israel) from ages past, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.

4 “Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt,
O Virgin Israel!
You will again be adorned with your tambourines and [b]timbrels
And go out to the dances of those who celebrate.

5 “Again you will plant vineyards
On the mountains of Samaria;
The planters will plant
And enjoy the [abundant] fruit [in peace].

6 “For there will be a day when the watchmen
On the hills of Ephraim cry out,
‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion,
To the LORD our God.’”

7 For thus says the LORD,
“Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
And shout for the first and foremost of the nations [the chosen people, Israel];
Proclaim, give praise and say,
‘O Lord save Your people,
The remnant of Israel!’

8 “Behold, I am bringing them from the north country,
And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth,
Among them [will be] the blind and the lame,
The woman with child and she who labors in childbirth, together;
A great company, they will return here [to Jerusalem].

9 “They will come with weeping [in repentance and for joy],
And by [their] prayer [for the future] I will lead them;
I will make them walk by streams of waters,
On a straight path in which they will not stumble,
For I am a Father to Israel,
And Ephraim (Israel) is My firstborn.”

10 Hear the word of the LORD, O you nations,
And declare it in the isles and coastlands far away,
And say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him
And will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.”

11 For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he.

12 “They will come and sing aloud and shout for joy on the height of Zion,
And will be radiant [with joy] over the goodness of the LORD—
For the grain, for the new wine, for the oil,
And for the young of the flock and the herd.
And their life will be like a watered garden,
And they shall never sorrow or languish again.

13 “Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance,
And the young men and old, together,
For I will turn their mourning into joy
And will comfort them and make them rejoice after their sorrow.

14 “I will fully satisfy the soul of the priests with abundance,
And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” says the LORD.

15 Thus says the LORD,
“A [c]voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamentation (songs of mourning) and bitter weeping.
Rachel (Israel) is weeping for her children;
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are gone.”

16 Thus says the LORD,

“Restrain your voice from weeping
And your eyes from tears,
For your work will be rewarded,” says the LORD;
“And your children will return from the enemy’s land.

17 “There is [confident] hope for your future,” says the LORD;
“Your children will come back to their own country.

18 “I have surely heard Ephraim (Israel) moaning and grieving,
‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised,
Like a bull unaccustomed to the yoke or an untrained calf;
Bring me back that I may be restored,
For You are the LORD my God.

19 ‘After I turned away [from You], I repented;
After I was instructed, I struck my thigh [in remorse];
I was ashamed and even humiliated
Because I carried the disgrace of my youth [as a nation].’

20 “Is Ephraim My dear son?
Is he a darling and beloved child?
For as often as I have spoken against him,
I certainly still remember him.
Therefore My affection is renewed and My heart longs for him;
I will surely have mercy on him,” says the LORD.

21 “Place for yourself road signs [toward Canaan],
Make for yourself guideposts;
Turn your thought and attention to the highway,
To the way by which you went [into exile].
Retrace your steps, O virgin of Israel,
Return to these your cities.

22 “How long will you hesitate [to return],
O you faithless and renegade daughter?
For the LORD has created a [d]new thing in the land [of Israel]:
A woman will encompass (tenderly love) a man.”

23 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Once more they will speak these words in the land of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) and in her cities when I restore their fortunes and release them from exile,

‘The LORD bless you, O habitation of justice and righteousness,
O holy mountain!’

24 And [the people of] Judah and all its cities will live there together—the farmer and they who wander about with flocks. 

25 For I [fully] satisfy the weary soul, and I replenish every languishing and sorrowful person.” 

26 At this I (Jeremiah) awoke and looked, and my [trance like] sleep was sweet [in the assurance it gave] to me.

Jeremiah 31:1-26 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Jeremiah 31:3 Also referred to as Samaria, Ephraim, Jacob, and Rachel in this chapter.

[b] Jeremiah 31:4 Small one-headed drums.

[c] Jeremiah 31:15 The mourning at Ramah is associated with the cry of the mothers of the boy babies and toddlers of Bethlehem who would be killed by Herod the Great during his attempt to destroy young Jesus (Matt 2:17, 18). Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife, was the mother of Joseph (Gen 35:24). The tribes descended from Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were the most powerful in the Northern Kingdom.

[d] Jeremiah 31:22 This passage probably personifies Israel as an erring but deeply penitent wife, who will devote herself to winning back and being worthy of the love of her divine husband and Lord, who had rejected her.

Wednesday Morning Scripture – Jeremiah 31:27-40

A New Covenant

27 “Behold (listen carefully), the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. 

28 It will be that as I have watched over them to uproot and to break down, to overthrow, destroy, and afflict with disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant [with good],” says the LORD.

29 “In those days they will not say again,
‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’

30 But everyone will die [only] for his own wickedness; every man who eats sour grapes—his [own] teeth shall be set on edge.

31 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the [a]house of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and with the house of Judah (the Southern Kingdom), 

32 not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” says the LORD. 

33 “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” says the LORD, “I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. 

34 And each man will no longer teach his neighbor and his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me [through personal experience], from the least of them to the greatest,” says the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness, and I will no longer remember their sin.”

35 Thus says the LORD,
Who gives the sun for light by day
And the fixed order of the moon and of the stars for light by night,
Who stirs up the sea’s roaring billows or stills the waves when they roar;
The LORD of hosts is His name:

36 
“If this fixed order departs
From before Me,” says the LORD,
“Then the descendants of Israel also will cease
From being a nation before Me forever.”

37 Thus says the LORD,

“If the heavens above can be measured
And the foundations of the earth searched out below,
Then I will also cast off and abandon all the descendants of Israel
For all that they have done,” says the LORD.

38 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when the city [of Jerusalem] will be rebuilt for the Lord from the [b]Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. 

39 The measuring line will go out farther straight ahead to the hill Gareb; then it will turn to [c]Goah. 

40 And the whole valley (Hinnom) of the dead bodies and [the hill] of the ashes [long dumped there from the temple sacrifices], and all the fields as far as the brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy to the Lord. It (the city) will not be uprooted or overthrown anymore to the end of the age.”

Jeremiah 31:27-40 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Jeremiah 31:31 The kingdom was united under David and his successor, Solomon, but split after Solomon’s son, Rehoboam became king.

[b] Jeremiah 31:38 Many times after the days of the Old Testament, Jerusalem was destroyed. Travelers in later centuries reported it to be an almost deserted city—its buildings were ruins filled with rubble, its inhabitants were few. Yet not only did God’s word declare that it would be rebuilt, but also drew a detailed word map of the outline the city would follow—from a well-known tower to the gate at a certain corner, then on over a particular hill, coming now outside the walls of the original city and taking in a large area marked by familiar landmarks. Eight recognizable details are given here, and Zechariah adds another (14:10). Also, the city’s expansion was to be toward the northwest. Twenty-five hundred years later, in 1935, the prophecy had been fulfilled, as if indeed with God’s “measuring line” (v 39). So unlikely seemed this prophecy’s fulfillment that some early commentators suggested that it should be interpreted spiritually.

[c] Jeremiah 31:39 The exact location of Goah remains unknown.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – The Saviour’s Gaze

Beloved, how do you react when convicted by sin? Everyone alive today makes mistakes and falls short of My Glory. Sin leads to separation and shame. However, the impact is far greater when you hide your face from Me and delay confessing it. Often the enemy lies in those times, telling you I will not forgive. This is heartbreaking, as the truth is I came to bring you healing, restoration, and breakthrough! 

Consider Zacchaeus, a hated tax collector and thief. Physically height challenged, he could not see Me. Socially challenged, no one would help him reach Me. Yet rather than hide, he chose to arise! Climbing a tree, he positioned himself to meet My gaze. The moment our eyes met, I called him by name into his God-given identity, for Zaccheaus in Hebrew means ‘Pure, Innocent’. Although the crowd muttered ‘sinner’, the act of Zacchaeus inviting Me into his life that day, caused the focus to change from his behaviour to the redemption of his Saviour. Consequently, breakthrough came, not only to Zacchaeus, but his family and an entire community!

So Today, Dear One, do not be afraid to bring your sin and struggles to Me. Do not wait! Instead, position yourself to meet My gaze! 

Activation: Take a moment to rest with Holy Spirit. Ask Him to bring to mind any areas of struggle or sin you need to repent of. Then close your eyes and ask Him to help you meet Jesus’ gaze, the One who is slow to anger and abounding in love, who never grows weary and whose understanding no one can fathom. When you feel ready, spend time with Jesus in repentance. Then rest in His presence as He forgives you, allowing His love to wash over you. 

When Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”

Luke 19:5 (AMP)

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

1 John 1:9 (AMP)

“Let Us Reason”

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD.
“[a]Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be like wool.

Isaiah 1:18 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Isaiah 1:18 There was a legend among the rabbis that on the Day of Atonement a scarlet woolen thread was tied to the door of the temple, and when the scapegoat reached the wilderness (Lev 16:10), if the sins of Israel were forgiven the thread would miraculously turn white.

#lionbites

Tuesday Morning Scripture – Luke 19:1-9

Zaccheus Converted

1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 

2 And there was a man called Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector [a superintendent to whom others reported], and he was rich. 

3 Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, but he could not see [a]because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. 

4 So he ran on ahead [of the crowd] and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. 

5 When Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 

6 So Zaccheus hurried and came down, and welcomed Jesus with joy. 

7 When the people saw it, they all began muttering [in discontent], “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a [notorious] sinner.” 

8 Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “See, Lord, I am [now] giving half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I will give back four times as much.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this household, because he, too, is a [[b]spiritual] son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Footnotes

[a] Luke 19:3 Or from the crowd.

[b] Luke 19:9 By changing both his old way of thinking and his behavior Zaccheus proved that his faith in God was real.

Tuesday Morning Scripture – 1 John 1

Introduction, The Incarnate Word

1 I am writing about] what existed from the beginning, what [a]we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life [the One who existed even before the beginning of the world, Christ]— 

2 and the Life [an aspect of His being] was manifested, and we have seen [it as eyewitnesses] and testify and declare to you [the Life], the eternal Life who was [already existing] with the Father and was [actually] made visible to us [His followers]— 

3 what we have seen and heard we also proclaim to you, so that you too may have fellowship [as partners] with us. And indeed our fellowship [which is a distinguishing mark of born-again believers] is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 

4 We are writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be made complete [by having you share in the joy of salvation].

God is Light

5 This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]. 

6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do not practice the truth; 

7 but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 

8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] 

9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. 

10 If we say that we have not sinned [refusing to admit acts of sin], we make Him [out to be] a liar [by contradicting Him] and His word is not in us.

1 John 1:1-10 (AMP)

Tuesday Morning Scripture – Isaiah 1:18-20

“Let Us Reason”

18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD.
“[a]Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be like wool.

19 “If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the best of the land;

20 But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Isaiah 1:18-20 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Isaiah 1:18 There was a legend among the rabbis that on the Day of Atonement a scarlet woolen thread was tied to the door of the temple, and when the scapegoat reached the wilderness (Lev 16:10), if the sins of Israel were forgiven the thread would miraculously turn white

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – The Power of Encouragement

    Wherever Apostle Paul went, he made it a point to encourage his friends. He understood the weariness that comes from opposition and how powerful encouragement is at reviving people into forward movement again.

    Beloved, I have instilled the same powerful weapon in you. 

    In a world that is amping up opposition, I am calling you to rise up like Apostle Paul and encourage all those around you.

    A simple smile can restore hope. A kind word can melt away offence. A word of affirmation can replace a false label. Belief in someone can demolish fear. Declaring scripture can provide peace. A compliment can motivate a battered leader. Pointing people in the right direction can draw people back to Me.

    Do you see how encouragement counteracts evil? 

    It is such a simple act yet packs a powerful punch. I want to use you to break multitudes out of discouragement.

    Encourage people with your words. Target those who really need it. Then watch as I reward your own life with immeasurable faith, hope, and endurance as you witness the bountiful fruit that comes from your life-giving words

    Activation: If God has your yes, pray this aloud, 

    Father, I know what it is to be discouraged. Life can feel so hopeless at times. I also know how powerful it is when a brother or sister in Christ comes alongside me and encourages me. I want to be that for others. Plant the seed of encouragement within me now. Water it so I may be a mighty encourager for Your Kingdom to help draw people back to you and launch them into forward movement again. I declare that My encouraging words shall be backed by Your great power, and I will make a difference each and every day! In Jesus’s mighty name, Amen.

    Now, challenge yourself to encourage at least one person daily until it becomes a habit!

    24 and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, 

    25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.

    Hebrews 10:24-25 (AMP)

    Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

    1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP)

    #lionbites