Monday Morning Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 5

The Day of the Lord

1 Now as to the [a]times and dates, [b]brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. 

2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night. 

3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord]. 

4 But you, [c]believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief; 

5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness. 

6 So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. 

7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 

8 But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation. 

9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 

10 who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. 

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

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 1 Thessalonians 5:1 The Greek word here for times refers to the length of time (indicating how long one must wait for something), while the word for dates refers to the particular time that a significant event will happen.

[b] 1 Thessalonians 5:1 Lit brethren.

[c] 1 Thessalonians 5:4 Lit brethren.

Sunday Morning Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Be Strong

1 So you, my son, be strong [constantly strengthened] and empowered in the grace that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. 

2 The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teach [a]in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who will also be capable and qualified to teach others. 

3 Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 

4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. 

5 And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules. 

6 The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 

7 Think over the things I am saying [grasp their application], for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ [the ever-living Lord who has] risen from the dead, [as the prophesied King] descended from David [king of Israel], according to my gospel [the good news that I preach], 

9 for that [gospel] I am suffering even to [the point of] wearing chains like a criminal; but the word of God is not chained or imprisoned! 

10 For this reason I [am ready to] patiently endure all things for the sake of those who are the elect (God’s chosen ones), so that they too may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it the reward of eternal glory. 

11 This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we also live with Him;

12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us;

13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful [true to His word and His righteous character], for He cannot deny Himself.

2 Timothy 2:1-13 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 2 Timothy 2:2 Lit through.

Sunday Morning Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:14-26

An Unashamed Workman

14 Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. 

15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 

16 But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness, 

17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, 

18 who have deviated from the truth. They claim that the resurrection has already taken place, and they undermine the faith of some. 

19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God [which He has laid] stands [sure and unshaken despite attacks], bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand apart from wickedness and withdraw from wrongdoing.”

20 Now in a large house there are not only [b]vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common). 

21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 

22 Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 

23 But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels. 

24 The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be], skilled in teaching, patient and tolerant when wronged. 

25 He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it], 

26 and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:14-26 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] 2 Timothy 2:20 Like Rom 9:20-23, the analogy here has its roots in OT poetry (e.g. Ps 31:12; Prov 26:23) and prophecy (e.g. Is 45:9; Jer 18:2-6). Paul speaks of believers and unbelievers in Rom 9, but here he seems to be describing God’s household or family, in which all the vessels (containers, utensils) represent believers. While the objects in Rom 9:21 do not change, the vessels here are capable of changing their status and the use to which God puts them by keeping themselves from sinful behavior and influences (v 21).

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Same God

I walked with Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego in the furnace, shielding them from the all-consuming fire. I parted the Red Sea, making a way of escape for the Israelites. I shut the mouths of lions, saving Daniel from scheming foes. I supplied never-ending flour and oil, providing for Elijah and the widow. I commanded the sun and moon to stand still, allowing victory for My chosen people. I rose Lazarus on the fourth day, making the dead come alive.

Look at all of these astounding miracles! I am a faithful God who saves and delivers My people.

I am the SAME God then and the SAME God now.

Do you believe I will do the same for you? My power has not ceased nor have I stopped demonstrating it. I make the impossible possible for the faithfully obedient!

Righteously pursue My Kingdom, and carry out My plans. Then watch as I shield you from fire, save you from your enemies, provide for you, make time work in your favour, give you victory, and resurrect things you thought were too far gone. These miracles are meant for you, too.

Believe, and you too will be unstoppable!

Activation: Identify any areas in your life the enemy has come up against, no matter how hopeless or impossible the situation seems. Invite God in, and surrender it to Him. Take the posture of righteousness, faith and obedience, and begin to speak life over it. 

 “Then I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, and against those who oppress the laborer in his wages and widows and the fatherless, and against those who turn away the alien [from his right], and those who do not fear Me [with awe-filled reverence],” says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:5 (AMP)

Who does great and unsearchable things,
Marvelous things without number.

Job 5:9 (AMP)

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

Luke 18:2 (AMP)

#lionbites

Friday Morning Scripture – Luke 18

Parables on Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves and were confident that they were righteous [posing outwardly as upright and in right standing with God], and who viewed others with contempt: 

10 “Two men went up into the temple [enclosure] to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 

11 The Pharisee stood[ostentatiously] and began praying to himself [in a self-righteous way, saying]: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men—swindlers, unjust (dishonest), adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 

12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 

13 But the tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even raise his eyes toward heaven, but was striking his chest [in humility and repentance], saying, ‘God, be merciful and gracious to me, the [especially wicked] sinner [that I am]!’ 

14 I tell you, this man went to his home justified [forgiven of the guilt of sin and placed in right standing with God] rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself [forsaking self-righteous pride] will be exalted.”

15 Now they were also bringing their babies to Him, so that He would touch and bless them, and when the disciples noticed it, they began reprimanding them. 

16 But Jesus called them to Himself, saying [to the apostles], “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 

17 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God [with faith and humility] like a child will not enter it at all.”

The Rich Young Ruler

18 A certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher [You who are essentially and morally good], what shall I do to inherit eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?” 

19 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is [essentially and morally] good except God alone. 

20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not testify falsely, Honor your father and your mother.’”

21 He replied, “I have kept all these things from my youth.” 

22 When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “You still lack one thing; sell everything that you have and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have [abundant] treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” 

23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 

24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How difficult it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! 

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth or status] to enter the kingdom of God.” 

26 And those who heard it said, “[b]Then who can be saved?” 

27 But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”

28 Peter said, “Look, we have left all [things—homes, families, businesses] and followed You.” 

29 And He said to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, 

30 who will not receive many times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life.”

31 Then taking the [c]twelve [disciples] aside, He said to them, “Listen carefully: we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that have been written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled and completed. 

32 He will be betrayed and handed over to the Gentiles (Roman authorities), and will be mocked and ridiculed and insulted and abused and spit on, 

33 and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and on the third day He will rise [from the dead].” 

34 But the disciples understood none of these things [about the approaching death and resurrection of Jesus]. This statement was hidden from them, and they did not grasp the [meaning of the] things that were said [by Jesus].

Bartimaeus Receives Sight

35 As He was approaching Jericho [on His way to Jerusalem], it happened that a blind man was sitting beside the road begging. 

36 Now when he heard a crowd going by, he began to ask what this was [about]. 

37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 

38 So he shouted out, saying, “Jesus, [d]Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!” 

39 Those who were leading the way were sternly telling him to keep quiet; but he screamed all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered that the blind man be led to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, 

41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me regain my sight!” 

42 Jesus said to him, “Regain your sight; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.”

43 Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus, glorifying and praising and honoring God. And all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

Luke 18:1-43 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Luke 18:5 Or in the end she will come and give me a black eye.

[b] Luke 18:26 The common opinion was that the wealthy had been blessed by God, and would probably enter the kingdom of God provided that they met all their financial obligations (tithes, offerings) to Him and were charitable to those less fortunate.

[c] Luke 18:31 See note 6:13.

[d] Luke 18:38 A common Messianic title recognizing the Messiah as a descendant of David.

Friday Morning Scripture – Job 5

God is Just

1 “Call now —is there anyone who will answer you? And to which of the holy ones (angels) will you turn?

2 “For anger slays the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple (naive).

3 “I have seen the foolish taking root [and outwardly prospering], but I cursed his dwelling immediately [for his destruction was certain].

4 “His children are far from safety [and included in their father’s ruin],
They are oppressed and crushed in the [court of justice in the city’s] gate, and there is no [a]one to rescue them.

5 “The hungry devour his harvest and take it even [when it grows] among the thorns; the trap opens for [his] wealth.

6 “For affliction does not come forth from the dust, nor does trouble spring forth from the ground.

7 “For man is born for trouble, [as naturally] as sparks fly upward.

8 “As for me, I would seek God and inquire of Him, and I would commit my cause to God;

9 Who does great and unsearchable things,
Marvelous things without number.

10 “He gives rain upon the earth and sends waters upon the fields,

11 So that He sets on high those who are lowly, and He lifts to safety those who mourn.

12 “He frustrates the devices and schemes of the crafty, so that their hands cannot attain success or achieve anything of [lasting] worth.

13 “He catches the [so-called] wise in their own shrewdness, and the advice of the devious is quickly thwarted.

14 “In the daytime they meet in darkness,
and at noon they grope as in the night.

15 “But God saves [the innocent] from the sword of the mouth of the devious, and the poor from the hand of the mighty.

16  “So the helpless have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.

17 “Behold, how happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise or reject the discipline of the Almighty [subjecting you to trial and suffering].

18 “For He inflicts pain, but He binds up andgives relief; He wounds, but His hands also heal.

19 “He will rescue you from six troubles;
Even in seven, evil will not touch you.

20 “In famine He will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword.

21 “You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and you will not be afraid of destruction when it comes.

22 “You will laugh at violence and famine,
And you will not be afraid of the wild beasts of the earth.

23 “For you will be in harmony with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field will be at peace with you.

24 “You will know also that your tent is secure and at peace, and you will visit your dwelling and fear no loss [nor find anything amiss].

25 “You will know also that your descendants will be many, and your offspring as the grass of the earth.

26 “You will come to your grave in old age,
Like the stacking of grain [on the threshing floor] in its season.

27 “Behold this; we have investigated it, and it is true. Hear and heed it, and know for yourself [for your own good].”

Job 5:1-27 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Job 5:4 Lit deliverer.

Friday Morning Scripture – Malachi 3

The Purifier

1 “Behold, I am going to send My [a]messenger, and he will prepare and clear the way before Me. And the Lord [the Messiah], whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; the [b]Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. 

2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s soap [which removes impurities and uncleanness]. 

3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi [the priests], and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord [grain] offerings in righteousness. 

4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in ancient years.

5 “Then I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, and against those who oppress the laborer in his wages and widows and the fatherless, and against those who turn away the alien [from his right], and those who do not fear Me [with awe-filled reverence],” says the Lord of hosts. 

6 “For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.

7 “Yet from the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’

You Have Robbed God

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld]. 

9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, this whole nation! 

10 Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the [c]storehouse, so that there may be [d]food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it. 

11 Then I will rebuke the [e]devourer (insects, plague) for your sake and he will not destroy the fruits of the ground, nor will your vine in the field drop its grapes [before harvest],” says the Lord of hosts. 

12 “All nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight,” says the Lord of hosts.

13 “Your words have been harsh against Me,” says the Lord. “But you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ 

14 You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God. What profit is it if we keep His ordinances, and walk around like mourners before the Lord of hosts? 

15 So now we call the arrogant happy and blessed. Evildoers are exalted and prosper; and when they test God, they escape [unpunished].’”

The Book of Remembrance

16 Then those who feared the Lord [with awe-filled reverence] spoke to one another; and the Lord paid attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who fear the Lord [with an attitude of reverence and respect] and who esteem His name. 

17 “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “on that day when I publicly recognize them and openly declare them to be My own possession [that is, My very special treasure]. And I will have compassion on them and spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” 

18 Then you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve Him.

Malachi 3:1-18 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Malachi 3:1 This is fulfilled in John the Baptist (Matt 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 1:76).

[b] Malachi 3:1 The Messiah as God’s representative will confirm and establish the covenant (see Is 42:6).

[c] Malachi 3:10 In ancient times special storehouses were established in the temple to receive the tithes of the harvest. If the people were not faithful, the priests could not continue to serve and perform their duties.

[d] Malachi 3:10 I.e. support for the priests and their families.

[e] Malachi 3:11 In return for their faithfulness God promised protection for the harvest.