Today I feel like I have about, oh, a million and one thoughts and feelings running through my mind. It’s a day of grief and sorrow for so many reasons, for events from long ago and some much more recent. And woven throughout all those thoughts and feelings are prayers to and thoughts of my Lord Jesus and of so many of the precious, Holy Spirit-inspired words He’s given us for times such as this.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your Father in heaven'”
Matthew 5:43-44
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
“Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”
Psalm 37:7-9
“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.”
Ephesians 6:10-18
“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
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling the labor pains intensifying for some time now. The enemy knows his time is short and he’s prowling, and besides the obvious destruction we see, he’d love nothing more than to cause destruction in the hearts of believers by using those events to lure us into hatred, then resentment, and then bitterness, ultimately hardening our hearts.
But Jesus warned us: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:12
And that brings me to one particular thought over all else that overwhelms my mind today. May our God and Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by the indwelling of His precious Holy Spirit, bless you and keep you.
“Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Mark 13:13
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.”
1 Cor. 15:58a
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
1 Cor. 16:13
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.”
2 Cor. 1:21
“…because it is by faith you stand firm.”
2 Cor. 1:24b
“Stand firm, then…”
Gal. 5:1b
“Stand firm then…”
Eph 6:14a
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters…stand firm in the Lord”
Phil. 4:1a, c
“…that you may stand firm in all the will of God…”
Col. 4:12b
“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…”
1 Peter 5:8-9a
“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
James 5:8
“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm…”
2 Thessalonians 2:15a
