Thursday Morning Scripture – Isaiah 26

Song of Trust in God’s Protection

1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

“We have a strong city;
He sets up salvation as walls and ramparts.

2 “Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, the one that [a]remains faithful andtrustworthy.

3 “You will keep in [b]perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both [c]inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].

4 “Trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].

5 “For He has thrown down the [arrogant] ones who dwell on high, the lofty and inaccessible city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He hurls it to the dust.

6 “The foot will trample it, even the feet of the suffering, and the steps of the helpless.”

7 The way of the righteous [those in right-standing with God—living in moral and spiritual integrity] is smooth and level;
O Upright One, make a level path for the just and righteous.

8 Indeed, in the path of Your judgments, O Lord, we have waited expectantly for You; Your name, even Your memory, is the desire and deep longing of our souls.

9 In the night my soul longs for You [O Lord], indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; for [only] when Your judgments are experienced on the earth
will the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

10 Though the wicked is shown compassion and favor, he does not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness he deals unjustly, and refuses to see the majesty of the Lord.

11 Though Your hand is lifted up [to strike], O Lord, the wicked do not see it. Let them see Your zeal for Your people and be put to shame; indeed, let the fire reserved for Your enemies consume them.

12 Lord, You will establish peace for us, since You have also performed for us all that we have done.

13 O Lord our God, other masters besides You have ruled over us; but through You alone we confess Your name.

14 The [wicked] dead will not live [again], the spirits of the dead will not rise and return; therefore You have punished and destroyed them, and You have wiped out every memory of them [every trace of them].

15 You have increased the nation, O Lord;
You have increased the nation, You are glorified; You have extended all the borders of the land.

16 O Lord, they sought You in distress; they managed only a prayerful whisper
When Your discipline was upon them.

17 As a woman with child approaches the time to give birth, she is in pain and struggles and cries out in her labor, so we were before You, O Lord.

18 We have been with child, we have twisted and struggled in labor; we gave birth, as it seems, only to wind. We could not accomplish salvation for the earth, nor were inhabitants of the world [d]born.

19 Your dead will live; [e]Their dead bodies will rise. You who lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy! For your dew is a dew of [celestial] light [heavenly, supernatural], and the earth will give birth to the spirits of the dead.

20 Come, my people, enter your chambers
And shut your doors behind you; hide for a little while until the [Lord’s] [f]wrath is past.

21 Listen carefully, the Lord is about to come out of His [heavenly] place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their wickedness [their sin, their injustice, their wrongdoing]; the earth will reveal the [innocent] blood shed upon her and will no longer cover her slain.

Isaiah 28:1-21 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Isaiah 26:2 Lit keeps trustworthiness.

[b] Isaiah 26:3 Lit peace, peace, a Hebrew idiom of emphasis.

[c] Isaiah 26:3 The Hebrew word for inclination became a technical term in Jewish tradition, and the rabbis frequently referred to the “evil inclination” much in the same sense as the sin nature. They also recognized a “good inclination,” which the righteous choose to follow, and urged people to make their good inclination king over the evil inclination.

[d] Isaiah 26:18 Lit fallen.

[e] Isaiah 26:19 So with some ancient versions; MT reads My dead body.

[f] Isaiah 26:20 Lit curse.

Thursday Morning Scripture – Joshua 1:1-9

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 1:1-9 (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 Israelitesusually 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.

Lion Bites – Global Prophetic Alliance – Arise

Arise, arise my child! 

A new season is here, though you may not sense it. 

You have been digging and working and pushing through to overcome those seemingly insurmountable obstacles that the enemy sneakily put in place to try and stop your race. But I have turned it all around for your good and you are stronger, more mature, and full of the spirit. 

Don’t you see who I’ve made you to be? 

Don’t you see that your wings are broader and ready to fly?

Lift up your head. The time has come to acknowledge who you really are and your position in the Kingdom. 

No more looking down, no more focusing on those circumstances and hurdles that you’ve already cleared. Fix your eyes on Me, find again your splendour in Me. Arise, shine, and I will show you the way. Try Me and I won’t disappoint you. Choose to happily leap into My arms My beloved, and I will show you that the best is yet to come. 

Activation: Take some quiet time and ask Holy Spirit to show you everything you’ve conquered with His help. Then look in the spirit and see what God has made you become. Feel your strength, notice your wings. Inhale the pure air of heaven and exhale all that has been a heavy burden. Then thank and praise the Lord for the freedom of the new season you’re stepping into.

The Future Glory of Israel

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

Isaiah 60:1 (ESV)

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

Romans 8:28 (AMP)

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 40:31 (NLT)

#lionbites

Wednesday Morning 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.

Wednesday Morning Scripture – Romans 8:26-39

Our Victory in Christ

26 In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. 

27 And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of [a]God’s people in accordance with God’s will.

28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. 

29 For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. 

30 And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity].

31 What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? 

32 He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 

33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. 

34 Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. 

35 Who shall ever separate us from the love of [b]Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 

36 Just as it is written and forever remains written,

“FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE REGARDED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER.”

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. 

38 For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, 

39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:26-39 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Romans 8:27 Lit the saints.

[b] Romans 8:35 Two early mss read God.

Tuesday Morning Scripture – Philippians 4:10-23

God’s Provision

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. 

11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 

12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] 

14 Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of [a]giving and receiving except you alone; 

16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 

17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you]. 

18 But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 

19 And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

20 To our God and Father be the glory [b]forever and ever. Amen.

21 Remember me to every [c]saint in Christ Jesus. The [d]brothers who are with me greet you. 

22 All [e]God’s people wish to be remembered to you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philippians 4:10-23 (AMP)

Footnotes

[a] Philippians 4:15 The word used here was commonly used in financial transactions referring to payments or installments.

[b] Philippians 4:20 Lit to the ages of the ages.

[c] Philippians 4:21 Every born-again believer (saint) has been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, made holy and set apart for God’s purpose.

[d] Philippians 4:21 Lit brethren.

[e] Philippians 4:22 Lit the saints.

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)

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