January 31, 2021 Prayer - Shepherd's guarding against our fears and anxieties

Good Shepherd,

Thank you that you are our Yahweh, our King, robed in power and strength.  Your majesty and glory reign over all the earth; your voice thunders in brilliance!  Thank you that you are the Good Shepherd and the Gateway for us, your flock.  We know that when we listen to you and accept your gifts of grace, we can experience abundant life, freedom, and fullness of joy.   In this world there are many times we feel like troubles are overwhelming, our fears suffocate us, our feet slip on what we thought were firm rocks of relationships, livelihoods, and trusts, and then anxiety rises within us.  Help us to remember that your presence, your consolation, and your support bring us safety and even joy in the midst of trials.  We humble ourselves before you - confessing the times we have not lived life your Way - and asking you to help us cast our anxieties on you and to be alert and sober to the world around us. We pray in the name of Jesus against any spirit of fear that would want to attack us in our physical bodies, mental health, finances, relationships, livelihood, or our future.   We claim the protection of your covenant blood over us as we battle the devouring enemy of our souls.  Help us, Holy Spirit, to resist that enemy, to stand firm in the faith, and to trust that you will lift us up in due time.  We don't want to live in those fear or anxieties; help us to trust your Perfect Love to fill us up so there is no room for fears.  In the strong, powerful, and protecting name of Christ we pray, Amen!

"Look! Yahweh now reigns as King!

He has covered himself with majesty and strength,

wearing them as his splendor-garments.

Regal power surrounds him as he sits securely on his throne.

He’s in charge of it all, the entire world,

and he knows what he’s doing!

Lord, you have reigned as King from the very beginning of time.

Eternity is your home.

Chaos once challenged you.

The raging waves lifted themselves over and over,

high above the ocean’s depths, letting out their mighty roar!

Yet at the sound of your voice they were all stilled by your might.

What a majestic King, filled with power!

Nothing could ever change your royal decrees;

they will last forever!

Holiness is the beauty that fills your house;

you are the one who abides forevermore!" (Psalm 93 TPT)

"The voice of the Lord echoes through the skies and seas. The Glory-God reigns as he thunders in the clouds. So powerful is his voice, so brilliant and bright, how majestic as he thunders over the great waters!" (Psalm 29:3-4 TPT)

"So Jesus went over it again, “I speak to you eternal truth: I am the Gate for the flock.  All those who broke in before me are thieves who came to steal, but the sheep never listened to them. I am the Gateway.  To enter through me is to experience life, freedom, and satisfaction. A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice for the sheep." (John 10:7-11 TPT)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

"There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]." (1 John 4:18 AMP)

"When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,

    your consolation brought me joy." (Psalm 94:18-19 NIV)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV)

January 30, 2021 Prayer - Protected by God

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for making heaven and earth, for creating us in the image of Christ, and for continuing to give us all the beautiful gifts of this life.  Thank you that your Way is perfect and your Word is flawless; you shield all who take refuge in you.  No matter the circumstances we face, thank you that our true help, security, and protection comes from you.  Thank you for guarding and guiding us, never letting us stumble or fall without comforting us with your presence.  Thank you that you never forget or ignore us; you are never asleep.  You are always at our sides to shelter us safely in your presence and protect us from danger.  We ask and pray in Jesus's name that you would protect us from every form of attack, sin, evil or calamity - in body, mind, soul, spirit, immune systems, livelihood, property, or relationships.  Hide our souls in the cleft of you, our Rock, when it seems this dry and thirsty world is overwhelming.  Guard us, protect us, and arm us with strength.  Hide our lives in the depth of your Love, we pray in Christ's name, Amen. 

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27 NIV)

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." (James 1:17-18 NIV)

"I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help.

But then I realize that our true help and protection

come only from the Lord,

our Creator who made the heavens and the earth.

He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall.

God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me.

He will never slumber nor sleep;

he is the Guardian-God for his people, Israel.

Jehovah himself will watch over you;

he’s always at your side to shelter you safely in his presence.

He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night.

He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity

as he continually watches over you.

You will be guarded by God himself.

You will be safe when you leave your home

and safely you will return.

He will protect you now,

and he’ll protect you forevermore!"  (Psalm 121 TPT)

"As for God, his way is perfect:

    The Lord’s word is flawless;

    he shields all who take refuge in him.

For who is God besides the Lord?

    And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength

    and keeps my way secure." (Psalm 18:30-32 NIV)

"He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock

  That shadows a dry, thirsty land;

He hideth my life in the depths of His love,

  And covers me there with His hand,

    And covers me there with His hand." (Fannie J. Crosby)

January 29, 2021 Prayer - Courage for Victory in this Moment of History

Reigning God,

Thank you for being our King of Glory - our Lord Almighty.  You are the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow and nothing surprises you.  We do not know what the future holds, but we do know that we are in a VERY unique moment of history.  While some parts of this present moment are hard, discouraging, and exhausting, we are being given opportunities to hold fast to your Word and your Truth.   Help us to band together with other Christian brothers and sisters who pray, seek You, and press forward with hope for solutions to problems and victory over wickedness and evil.  We thank and praise you that you are not surprised by the days we are living in; your promises are sure and your grace and mercies endure forever. When the battles in our individual lives and in the life of this nation seem overwhelming, help us to remember that you never ignore or forsake your people.  Even when you judged the nation of Judah for her sins and sent her into exile, your grieving prophets lovingly promised the people that their exile would not last forever - that they would return to the Promised Land.  Help us, your praying Church, to shake off defeat, disbelief, and discouragement and have the courage of Joshua and Caleb to slay the spiritual giants in our Promised Land.  Help us to seize this moment in history with prayer, hope, and rejoicing because you are on your throne, you reign, and you will never be defeated.  In Christ's strong name we pray, Amen!


"Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory." (Psalm 24:10 NIV)

"And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 ESV)

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you...The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 NIV)

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!

For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!

For His mercy endures forever:" (Psalm 136:1-3 NIV)

“Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, 'The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.'  But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the Israelites. The Lord said to Moses, 'How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?'”  (Numbers 14:5-11 NIV)

January 28, 2021 Prayer - Time and Spiritual Endurance

Timeless God,

We praise you who are the same yesterday, today, and forever.  We thank you that your love never fails and your compassions are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Thank you that in the midst of this time and season we live in, your Word gives us direction in a world that seems marked by upheaval and even chaos.  Your Word says there is a time for everything - every activity under the heavens.  Things we think are "good" and things we think are "bad" are already anticipated by you; you are not surprised.  Help us to walk closely with you, to be purposeful in seeking your will and your ways and to not settle for mediocrity in our spiritual lives.  By your Spirit, cause us to stop listening to the voices of the world - to fear mongers in places like media, government, education, our families and friends, and the Church.  Help us to have minds focused on your Word so that we attain a level of faith that reduces fear and uncertainty.  Help us to align our values and lifestyle with Jesus's values and to get our time, money, and priorities straight with you.   Holy Spirit, cause us to be strongly disciplined in our spiritual disciplines and to be present in a Church weekly where the Word is preached and you are worshipped in Spirit and in Truth.  When we seek your Kingdom first, God, we know we will see your plans to prosper us, not to harm us, and to give us a hope and a future.  We know it is not an accident that you have birthed us into this era.  When we feel like we are in spiritual exile, remind us that you hear us when we come and pray to you.  Remind us that we will find you when we call to you, when we come and pray to you, and when we seek you with all our hearts.  Remind us that with our eyes focused firmly on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and with good spiritual training, we can run with endurance this race you have set before us.  In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. 

"There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

    a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,

    a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

    a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

    a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

    a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

    a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace." (Eccl. 3:1-8 NIV)

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

"I remember my affliction and my wandering,

    the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them,

    and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind

    and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

    for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

    therefore I will wait for him.”

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

    to the one who seeks him;

it is good to wait quietly

    for the salvation of the Lord." (Lamentations 3:19-26 NIV)

"For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:32-34 NIV)

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18 NIV)

"This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you backto this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:10-14 NIV)

"Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally." (1 Corinthians 9:24 MSG)

"...Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)

January 27, 2021 Prayer - Faith like Daniel

Most High God, Revealer of Mysteries,

Thank you for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Thank you that you have established your laws, your covenants, and your grace to show us what is righteousness and to save us from our sin.  Thank you for the deep wisdom and discernment you offer to us through the work of Holy Spirit.  God, today we ask that you give each of your children the humility, discernment, tact, and courage of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.  When they were abruptly transported to a new world and had to adapt, you gave them grace, wisdom, knowledge and understanding to deal with the new world.  Thank you for their model of consistent faith in your laws and your ways.  Thank you that, like them, when we say no to the pleasures and "good food" of the world, we can be rewarded with health, wholeness, and even wealth.  Thank you that when we refuse to adapt to the worship of other gods, you will be with us in the fires of persecution, keeping us unbound and unharmed from the attacks of the enemy.  Thank you for giving us - like Daniel and his friends - knowledge and understanding so that we can know how to learn and operate according to your principles in this new world.  As we walk through this chapter of life, we pray you would keep our hearts pure so that we are trustworthy and not negligent or corrupt, we are respectful of authority, but we are asking questions that may bring enlightenment and freedom.  Holy Spirit, give us the freedom that comes from living life deeply connected to you, our Wisdom, Courage, and Truth.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV)

"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way." (Daniel 1:8 NIV)

"To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds." (Daniel 1:17 NIV)

"When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel.  At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him." (Daniel 2:14-16 NIV)

"The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”  (Daniel 2:47 NIV)

"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18 NIV)

"He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”  Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”  (Daniel 3:25-26 NIV)

"At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." (Daniel 6:4 NIV)

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Cor. 16:17-18 NIV)

January 26, 2021 Prayer - Speak the Word

Word of God,

Thank you that you spoke the universe into being and said, "It is good."  Thank you that you have spoken with and through your men and women of faith throughout the generations - from Abraham and Moses, to Esther and Mary, to Paul and Peter, to Martin Luther and Billy Graham.  Thank you that your Word is living and powerful, sharp, piercing, and discerning. Thank you that your Word continues to go forth in power, to shine your light in the darkness of this world and to help us to know you and your ways.  God, we know that when we become believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, you begin to renew us from the inside out.  We pray that, as Holy Spirit moves within us, you would purify our hearts from all unrighteousness.  Cleanse our spirits/hearts/souls so that the words of our mouths and meditations of our hearts are pleasing to you, our Rock and our Redeemer.  We cry out to you today asking that you would impart your Truth into our minds, wills, and emotions and then guide us in our purposes. Just as a large ship is steered by a tiny rudder, guide our hearts and our tongues so that our words are not idle, hurtful, or evil, but so that our words build ourselves and others up.  Bring to our minds scripture verses that we can speak aloud to bless others and change the spiritual atmosphere of our world.  We know that our words have power, especially when we are connected to the Spirit of God, so we pray that your Spirit of Life would come out of our mouths.   May your Word go forth from us, accomplishing what you desire and succeeding in the matter for which you sent it.  May your Word transform our hearts, our words, and our world.  In the strong name of Christ we pray, Amen.

"He shall cry to Me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.'" (Psalm 89:26 ESV)

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NIV)

"Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things." (James 3:4-5 NKJV)

"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36-37 NKJV)

"So will My word be which goes out of My mouth;

It will not return to Me void (useless, without result),

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

(Isa. 55:11 AMP)

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight,

O Lord, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer."

(Psalm 19:14 AMP)

"The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart." (Luke 6:45 AMP)

January 25, 2021 Prayer - Light and Lukewarm

Light of the World,

In this day and age we hear the truth of your Word - that darkness covers the earth and thick darkness over the peoples.  We know that your Light and Glory rise brighter than the darkness on the earth. We grieve those who cannot see your goodness - cannot see your Light - whose unbelieving and perishing prevent them from knowing the glory of Christ.  By your Holy Spirit, cause their hearts to be turned toward belief in your Light and Life.  Thank you for shining brightly upon us, your people, and for calling us to be salt and light for this earth. Where we are half-hearted, lukewarm in our faith, and facing the reality of being spit out of your presence, rekindle a strong fire of faith within us.  May we not be spiritually wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked, but may we seek you for the salve we need for our spiritual eyes and be rescued from this self-induced blindness.  Thank you that Holy Spirit has given us everything we need for a godly life - that we may participate in your divine nature and escape the evil desires and corruption of the world.  Help us to grow in our faith, our goodness, our knowledge of you, our self-control, our perseverance, our godliness, our mutual affection, and our love.  We don't want to be nearsighted or blind, but to remember all your goodness in this land of the living.  Embolden us, enlighten us, empower us, and pour out your grace and mercy upon us we pray in Jesus's name, Amen.  

"Arise, shine, for your light has come,

    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth

    and thick darkness is over the peoples,

but the Lord rises upon you

    and his glory appears over you.

Nations will come to your light,

    and kings to the brightness of your dawn." (Isaiah 60: 1-3 NIV)

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." (Matthew 5:13-16 NIV)

"But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing; among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Cor. 4:3-4 AMP)

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." (Psalm 27:13 NIV)

"These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." (Rev. 3:14-18 NIV)

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins." (2 Peter 1:3-9 NIV)

January 24, 2021 Prayer - Discernment of the lies of the wicked

Stronghold and Rock of our Refuge,

We thank you that you created this world as good and that you have defined right and wrong.  We thank you that by the shed blood of Christ and the empowerment of Holy Spirit we can live - truly live - this abundant life in relationship with you.  We thank you that, even when the enemy of our souls seems to be prowling around to ensnare us in half-truths or outright lies, your Spirit guides us into all Truth when we ask.  We know that the wicked, those who permit and encourage injustice, may claim to be aligned with you, but that your Word says you will turn their evil sins back on them if they don't repent.  We thank you that whatever weapons the enemy may form against us will not succeed and every tongue that rises against us in judgement will be condemned because you provide vindication.   We thank you that where your Spirit is, there is freedom, peace, unity, equality, and clarity; and where your Spirit is at work, all the glory goes to Jesus.  Give us cool heads and alert spiritual eyes and ears, and help us to keep a firm grip on faith.  Help us to be strong in your mighty power so we can take our stand against the devil's lies and schemes, the powers of this dark world, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Help us to stand firm in your Truth, your Righteousness, your Peace, your Faith, your Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.   Even in the midst of the confusion and suffering of this world, impart your blessing and favor upon us and complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.  Protect and guide us, we pray in Jesus's name, Amen.

“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed;

And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,

And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord." (Isa. 54:17 AMP)

"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]." (John 10:10 AMP)

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." (Psalm 55:22 NIV)

"Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Tim. 2:25-26 NIV)

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. "  (Eph. 6:10-18 NIV)

"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does."  (1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG)

"Can unjust leaders claim that God is on their side—

leaders whose decrees permit injustice?

They gang up against the righteous

and condemn the innocent to death.

But the Lord is my fortress;

my God is the mighty rock where I hide.

God will turn the sins of evil people back on them.

He will destroy them for their sins.

The Lord our God will destroy them." (Psalm 94:20-24 NLT)

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]." (1 Peter 5:10 AMP)