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)