Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Above the Noise

My beloved, now is the time to climb the mountain together as I call you to a new level of radical trust. Be still on the inside and experience for yourself that I AM GOD. Allow your heart to be convinced of this truth. There is a secret place where your deepest need meets the deep kindness of My love and fear has no part.

Worry and anxiety are not your portion.  They rumble away in the heart and mind like a distant train, getting louder and louder on tracks the world lays down. Come to where the noise of the world cannot drown out the sweetness of My voice. 

Fasten your thoughts on the finished work of the cross. You have the victory and in Christ you have overcome. Let gratitude, not noise, rise like a song in your heart, as you entrust every care and concern to Me. Take captive those thoughts that cause you to worry and fret and have them bow the knee in obedience to Me. Receive a new level of My peace which silences their clamour for attention.

This is My invitation. Come up higher, My bride, come up higher to Me.

Activation: List situations which cause worry, anxiety or overwhelm.  Bring each one to God in prayer and ask Holy Spirit where or why you are not fully trusting. You may want to respond by repenting, forgiving, releasing disappointment, and allowing God to heal.  As you then entrust those people and situations to God, receive afresh His peace and thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness in all things.

“Now you are ready, my bride, to come with me as we climb the highest peaks together. Come with me through the archway of trust. We will look down from the crest of the glistening mounts and from the summit of our sublime sanctuary, from the lion’s den and the leopard’s lair.”

Song of Songs 4:8 (TPT)

“Come away with me from Lebanon, my [promised] bride, may you come with me from Lebanon. Journey down from the top of Amana, from the summit of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of lions, from the mountains of leopards.

Song of Songs 4:8 (AMP)

6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 

7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP)

#lionbites

Tuesday Morning Scripture – Philippians 4:1-9

Think of Excellence

1 Therefore, my [a]fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. 

3 Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 

5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 

6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 

7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

8 Finally, [b]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 

9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.

Philippians 4:1-9 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Philippians 4:1 Lit brethren.

[b] Philippians 4:8 Lit brethren.

Monday Morning Scripture – Joshua 1

God’s Commission to Joshua

1 Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant (attendant), saying,

2 “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore [a]arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the [b]sons of Israel. 

3 I have given you every place on which the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised to Moses. 

4 From the wilderness [of Arabia in the south] and this Lebanon [in the north], even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates [in the east], all the land of the [c]Hittites (Canaan), and as far as the Great [Mediterranean] Sea toward the west shall be your territory. 

5 No man will [be able to] stand before you [to oppose you] as long as you live. Just as I was [present] with Moses, so will I be with you; I will not fail you or abandon you. 

6 Be strong and confident and courageous, for you will give this people as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers (ancestors) to give them. 

7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do [everything] in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go. 

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be [d]successful. 

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua Assumes Command

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 

11 “Go throughout the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to cross this [river] Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess [as an inheritance].’”

12 To the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 

13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God is giving you rest (peace) and will give you this land [east of the Jordan].’ 

14 Your wives, your [e]children, and your cattle shall [be allowed to] stay in the land which Moses gave you on this [eastern] side of the Jordan, but you shall go across [the river] before your brothers (the other tribes) armed for battle, all your brave warriors, and you shall help them [conquer and take possession of their land], 

15 until the LORD gives your brothers rest, as He has given you, and they also take possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall [be allowed to] return to your own land, and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

16 [f]They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 

17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so will we obey you; only may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses. 

18 Any man who rebels against your [g]command and does not obey everything that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”

Joshua 1:18 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Joshua 1:2 The Hebrew verb “arise” is an instruction to get ready to fulfill a command, somewhat similar to the military command “attention.”

[b] Joshua 1:2 In general, sons (children) of Israel or Israel or Israelites refers to all the people (males and females) of the various tribes descended from the twelve sons (Gen 35:23-26) of Jacob (later renamed Israel by God). In verses concerning things such as warfare or circumcision sons of Israel or Israel or Israelites usually refers only to the males. A tribe of ancient people was identified by the name of its founding ancestor. Therefore, this same general rule applies when referring to individual tribal groups, e.g. sons of Reuben, Reuben, Reubenites and so throughout.

[c] Joshua 1:4 These Hittites are believed to be the descendants of Heth, a son of Canaan who was the youngest son of Ham. Canaan was cursed to a life of servitude by his grandfather Noah because of Ham’s act of disrespect for Noah. Gen 9:22-27.

[d] Joshua 1:8 God’s formula leading to Joshua’s success is clearly outlined in vv 5-9.

[e] Joshua 1:14 Lit little ones and so throughout.

[f] Joshua 1:16 I.e. the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

[g] Joshua 1:18 Lit mouth.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Worship into Victory

12 Then Joshua got up early in the morning [on the second day], and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. 

13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets made of rams’ horns ahead of the ark of the LORD went on continually, blowing the trumpets; and the armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while the priests continued to blow the trumpets. 

14 On the second day they marched around the city once, and returned to the camp; they did this for six days.

15 Then on the seventh day they got up early at daybreak and marched around the city in the same way seven times; only on that day they marched around the city [a]seven times. 

16 And the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city.

Joshua 6:12-16 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Joshua 6:15 In ancient times any walled town was called a “city” and its ruler was called “a king,” but the fact that Joshua’s army could march around Jericho seven times in one day shows that it was a very small place. Though the walls were formidable, the area they enclosed only measured seven acres. The whole circumference of the city was about 650 yards. Jebusite Jerusalem, which David captured, was about the same size. Schliemann, the German archeologist, experienced a similar surprise in 1873 when he excavated the city of Troy, which Homer tells us withstood the Grecian warriors for quite some time. It would almost seem that these ancient cities were more like places of refuge for the area’s population when an enemy approached. During peaceful times a large proportion of the inhabitants would live outside the city’s walls, because they were shepherds and farmers. Generally, only the craftsmen and administrators lived within the walls.

When the Israelites took the Promised Land, the battle strategy I gave them was not traditional or expected. It did not conform to the ‘norms’ of their time. Their expectation was warfare, but their battle cry was worship, Jericho was the enemy. It was big and dominant. But I did not ask the people to rush in, or to attack in stealth during the night – I asked them to boldly encircle the enemy with My presence. 

Not just once, but over and over again. A persistence of praise; a persistence in carrying My name forth in the midst of the enemy’s camp.

I asked the people not to focus on the walls, but to follow My presence. 

For I am enthroned in the praises of My people – I take My rightful place when they step out in obedience for My Kingdom. Because of their trust in Me, I delivered them into victory. As I will for you. As you enthrone Me by your praise, as you carry My presence forth in worship – I will deliver you.

Do not focus on the works of the enemy, focus on praising the One who has overcome. Worship into victory.

Activation: Ask the Spirit to draw your attention to a situation you have been contending for. Now, spend some time in intentional worship – enthroning the Lord in His rightful place above the situation. Boldly ask for breakthrough as you worship into victory.

3 But You are holy, O You who are enthroned in [the holy place where] the praises of Israel [are offered].

4  In You our fathers trusted [leaned on, relied on, and were confident]; They trusted and You rescued them.

5 They cried out to You and were delivered; they trusted in You and were not disappointed or ashamed.

Psalm 22:3-5 (AMP)

#lionbites

Sunday Afternoon Scripture – Isaiah 40

The Greatness of God

1 “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.

2 “Speak [a]tenderly to Jerusalem, and call out to her, that her time of compulsory service in warfare is finished, that her wickedness has been taken away [since her punishment is sufficient], that she has received from the LORD’s hand double [punishment] for all her sins.”

3 A voice of one is calling out, “Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness [remove the obstacles]; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

4 “Every valley shall be raised, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged places a broad valley.

5 “And the glory and majesty and splendor of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it.”

6 A voice says, “Call out [prophesy].”
Then he answered, “What shall I call out?”
[The voice answered:] All humanity is [as frail as] grass, and all that makes it attractive [its charm, its loveliness] is [momentary] like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; most certainly [all] the people are [like] grass.

8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.

9 O Zion, herald of good news, get up on a high mountain. O Jerusalem, herald of good news, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”

10  Listen carefully, the LORD God will come with might, and His arm will rule for Him. Most certainly His reward is with Him, and His restitution accompanies Him.

11 He will protect His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom; He will gently and carefully lead those nursing their young.

12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens with a span [of the hand], and calculated the dust of the earth with a [b]measure, and weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales?

13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or has taught Him as His counselor?

14 With whom did He consult and who enlightened Him? Who taught Him the path of justice and taught Him knowledge
and informed Him of the way of understanding?

15 In fact, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; now look, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.

16 And [the forests of] Lebanon cannot supply sufficient fuel to start a fire, nor are its wild beasts enough for a burnt offering [worthy of the LORD].

17 All the nations are as nothing before Him, they are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.

18 To whom then will you liken God? Or with what likeness will you compare Him?

19 As for the cast image (idol), a metalworker casts it, a goldsmith overlays it with gold and a silversmith casts its silver chains.

20 He who is too impoverished for such an offering [to give to his god] chooses a tree that will not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman to [carve and] set up an idol that will not totter.

21 Do you [who worship idols] not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth [the omnipotence of God and the stupidity of bowing to idols]?

22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; [it is He] who stretches out the heavens like a veil and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

23 It is He who reduces dignitaries to nothing, Who makes the judges (rulers) of the earth meaningless (useless).

24 Scarcely have they been planted, scarcely have they been sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, but He merely blows on them, and they wither, and a strong wind carries them away like stubble.

25 “To whom then will you compare Me
That I would be his equal?” says the Holy One.

26 Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these heavenly bodies, The One who brings out their host by number,
He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one is missing.

27 
Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD,
and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become tired or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.

29 He gives strength to the weary, and to him who has no might He increases power.

30 Even youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly,

31 But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.

Isaiah 40:1-31 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Isaiah 40:2 Lit to the heart of.

[b] Isaiah 40:12 Lit third.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Fashioned

My child, open your eyes and see the way I have made you unique, dressing you in a designer garment fit for royalty. In My Kingdom, one size doesn’t fit all. My clothing is tailor made and furnished so that you are dressed for any occasion. 

Trust in how I have styled you and the accessories I have provided so you will be prepared in any season. 

Wear these well and carry yourself with the knowledge that I will not let you stumble while dancing, be defeated when in battle or look shabby in My presence. 

I will glorify Myself as I embellish My radiance upon you.

Application: Prayerfully ask the Lord to show you why He has designed you the way He has. What are the unique features He has given you? Ask Him to reveal to you how He is dressing you this season. Ask Him questions about the finer details of the style and why it compliments you. Seek out the accessories your Father desires to gift you so that you are radiant and glorious as He adorns you with His covering.

13 For You formed my innermost parts;
You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.

14 I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was being formed in secret,
And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were appointed for me, when as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].

Psalm 139:13-16 (AMP)

To grant to those who mourn in Zion the following: to give them a [a]turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning],
The oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Isaiah 61:3 In the Hebrew there is a kind of wordplay here as “turban” (Heb pe’er) and dust (epher) have the same consonants and similar vowels.

#lionbites

Friday Morning Scripture – Isaiah 61

Exaltation of the Afflicted

1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
Because the LORD has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted, to proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives and freedom to prisoners,

2 To proclaim [a]the favorable year of the LORD,[b]And the day of vengeance and retribution of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

3 To grant to those who mourn in Zion the following: to give them a [c]turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning],
The oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

4 Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins,
They will raise up and restore the former desolations; and they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations (deserted settlements) of many generations.

5 Strangers will stand and feed your flocks,
and foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers.

6 But you shall be called the priests of the LORD; people will speak of you as the ministers of our God. You will eat the wealth of nations, and you will boast of their riches.

7 Instead of your [former] shame you will have a [d]double portion; and instead of humiliation your people will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore in their land they will possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy will be theirs.

8 For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery with [e]a burnt offering. and I will faithfully reward them, and make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 Then their offspring will be known among the nations, and their descendants among the peoples. All who see them [in their prosperity] will recognize and acknowledge them that they are the people whom the LORD has blessed.

10 I will rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has covered me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom puts on a [f]turban, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
And as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will [most certainly] cause righteousness and justice and praise to spring up before all the nations [through the power of His word].

Isaiah 61:1-11 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Isaiah 61:2 The same as a day of salvation(49:8), and the year of my redeemed (63:4).

[b] Isaiah 61:2 See note Ezek 34:28.

[c] Isaiah 61:3 In the Hebrew there is a kind of wordplay here as “turban” (Heb pe’er) and dust (epher) have the same consonants and similar vowels.

[d] Isaiah 61:7 I.e. abundant reward.

[e] Isaiah 61:8 Another reading is wrongdoing or malice, but by itself either would hardly be an improvement. Some prefer to read with as “and,” which requires the assumption of a scribal error that is possible though not found in existing manuscripts. It would also raise the question of why robbery is singled out among other kinds of wrongdoing. In the Talmud the verse is taken to refer literally to the theft of an animal which the thief intends to offer as a sacrifice. The point is that the offering is unacceptable even though everything actually belongs to God and the thief arguably is only returning to God what is His.

[f] Isaiah 61:10 Or head wrap.

Friday Morning Scripture-Psalm 139:1-24

God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David

1 O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do];
You understand my thought from afar.

3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], behold, O Lord, You know it all.

5 You have enclosed me behind and before, and [You have] placed Your hand upon me.

6 Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.

7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead), behold, You are there.

9 If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,

10 Even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will take hold of me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the night will be the only light around me,”

12 Even the darkness is not dark to You and conceals nothing from You, but the
night shines as bright as the day; Darkness and light are alike to You.

13 For You formed my innermost parts;
You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.

14 I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was being formed in secret, and intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were appointed for me, when as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].

17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.

19 [a]O that You would kill the wicked, O God; go away from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.

20 For they speak against You wickedly,
Your enemies take Your name in vain.

21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

22 I hate them with perfect and utmost hatred; they have become my enemies.

23 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts;

24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 139:1-24 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Psalm 139:19 In the first eighteen verses of this psalm, the psalmist acknowledges that God knows everything that the psalmist ever does, no matter when or where he does it. Although God’s vast knowledge of an individual’s deeds can be reassuring for the righteous, it should be frightening for the wicked. In verses 19-24, the psalmist distances himself from the wicked and asks God to help him live in such a way that pleases God.

    Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Heart-to-Heart

    Dear one, yes I have heard your prayers. I have heard your questions. I’ve also seen you strive to reach Me, and even though I am thrilled to see your need to know Me more, I am not a god who is aloof. 

    I am always there by your side, calling you by name. 

    So the answers to your questions all merge in one: as you stay heart-to-heart with Me you will discover new aspects of Me that you’ve never known before. As you stay in My presence you will find yourself reflecting My features. As you celebrate and worship Me you will live on Earth as it is Heaven, shedding our light into the darkness. 

    Remember: whatever the problem, I am the solution; whatever the issue, I give you the strategy. So relax, don’t struggle, just soak in Me and in My living waters and everything will fall into place.

    Activation: As a prophetic act, set aside some quality time for yourself this week to “soak” in the Lord’s presence. This could look like many things such as taking a bath, listening to music, sitting in the sun, or maybe going for a walk in nature. Whatever it looks like, spend some time being aware of God’s love covering and protecting you. As you do so, receive by faith the specific answers to your doubts and remember the intimacy you have attained even in the days to come.

    Israel’s Only Saviour

    But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

    Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)

    For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].

    1 Corinthians 13:12 (AMP)

    #lionbites

    Thursday Morning Scripture – 1 Corinthians 13

    The Excellence of Love

    1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not [a]love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. 

    2 And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. 

    3 If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body [b]to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all.

    4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 

    5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 

    6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 

    7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].

    8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away. 

    9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete]. 

    10 But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away. 

    11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 

    12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. 

    13 And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.

    1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (AMP)

    Footnotes

    [a] 1 Corinthians 13:1 I.e. a profound thoughtfulness and unselfish concern for other believers regardless of their circumstances or station in life.

    [b] 1 Corinthians 13:3 Early mss read so that I may boast, i.e. as a martyr.