The Overcomer's Guide: Seven Shields of Protection in Prayer | Replay 08-15-2023
The Power of Seven Shields: Going Beyond the Armor of God for Supernatural Protection | Replay 08-15-2023
Introduction:
Grace and peace to you, fellow overcomers! I'm excited to explore a vital spiritual warfare topic today - moving beyond the armor of God to utilize seven mighty shields of divine protection through fervent prayer.
Through 15 years in ministry, studying Scripture, deliverance training and real-world experience, I've gained insight into facing battles through the Spirit's power. When unseen forces attack, as believers we have unlimited spiritual weapons to resist and walk in victory.
The apostle Paul provided indispensable instruction about the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18 that disciples must use daily. This includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of gospel peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
These spiritual armor pieces are absolutely essential to stand against the wiles of the devil and demonic assaults. Ephesians 6:13 urges us to put on the full armor of God so that we may be able to resist the enemy and stand firm through every attack.
However, Scripture indicates even more protective shields beyond the basics of the armor that we can access through intentional, persistent prayer. Isaiah 59:17 describes the coming Messiah wearing a cloak of zeal beyond His breastplate and helmet, pointing to additional coverings.
By exploring related Scriptures, we can identify seven key shields that create a formidable spiritual bulwark as we pray through them consistently:
Shield #1 - The Shield of Faith:
The first vital piece of the armor and a powerful shield of protection is faith. Ephesians 6:16 urges us to take up the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.
When we lift the shield of faith in prayer, keeping our trust anchored in God's goodness and power, we effectively neutralize the enemy's attacks of lies, accusations, and condemnation.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Though we cannot see the spiritual forces opposing us, we know they are real based on the authoritative testimony of Scripture.
Therefore, we anchor our faith completely in the reality of God's protective presence watching over us, even when we cannot see it with natural eyes.
The Psalms provide incredible encouragement about this shield of supernatural faith in God's watchcare. Psalm 91:4 declares, "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
As we wield this mighty shield of faith through believing prayer, the protective presence of Almighty God Himself surrounds us and destroys every assault planned by the forces of darkness. Trust Him completely as your shield today!
Shield #2 - The Shield of Righteousness:
In addition to the shield of faith, a second form of spiritual protection comes through living a lifestyle of holiness and righteousness. Proverbs 2 instructs that if we receive God's wisdom and hide His commandments within our hearts, this moral discernment will save us from the ways of evil men and deliver us from the forbidden woman - symbols of deception and temptation.
Proverbs 2:7-8 states, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints."
As followers of Jesus Christ, when we earnestly pursue intimacy with Him and high moral conduct through obedience to Scripture, we are shielded from the corruption of the world and the infiltration of the enemy.
1 John 5:18 assures us that if we are born again through faith in Christ, "the evil one does not touch us." As we abide in Christ daily and seek to walk uprightly, we are protected. Righteous living shuts the door to the enemy's access and influence over us. Surround yourself with this shield!
Shield #3 - The Shield of Truth:
In addition to faith and righteousness, the shield of God's revealed truth in Scripture provides mighty spiritual protection when we wield it in prayer.
Psalm 119:114 declares, "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word." Standing firmly on the authoritative, eternal truths of the Word of God provides a bulwark against all deception, false accusation, confusion, and condemnation thrown at us by Satan.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this so powerfully when He was tempted in the wilderness by the devil after fasting for 40 days in Matthew 4:1-11. Each time the enemy came at Him with lies and deception, Jesus responded with "It is written..." and a direct quote of Scripture to counter the attack. God's Word dispensed the darkness instantly.
Follow Christ's example by praying back Scriptures that declare your identity, authority, and spiritual protection in Him. Some key verses: Isaiah 54:17, Psalm 91, Romans 8:31, Luke 10:19, Philippians 1:6. Wield the shield of truth today!
Shield #4 - The Shield of Salvation:
A fourth powerful form of protection we possess in Christ is the assurance and confidence of our eternal salvation. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).
He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). We are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit until the day of our redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Therefore, Paul declares in Romans 8:37, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Because your eternity is secure through faith in Jesus Christ, you can confidently claim victory in every spiritual battle. No weapon formed against you can ultimately prosper! Cling to this shield of salvation.
Shield #5 - The Shield of Preparation:
In addition to standing on our eternal security in Christ, a fifth form of protection comes through spiritual readiness gained by prayer, fasting and watchfulness.
Jesus urged his disciples in Matthew 26:41 to "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Through persistent, alert prayer and periodic fasting, we sharpen our spiritual senses to discern enemy attacks coming before they land. By proactively preparing our hearts and drawing close to Jesus through spiritual disciplines, we shield ourselves against the enemy's schemes. Make time to wait on the Lord and cultivate spiritual readiness.
Shield #6 - The Shield of Angels:
Another incredible shield of divine protection believers can call upon through prayer is the ministry and intervention of God's angelic agents.
Psalm 34:7 promises, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them."
When Elisha and his servant were surrounded by the armies of the king of Aram in 2 Kings 6, Elisha prayed that God would open his servant's eyes to see the far greater angelic forces surrounding them for protection. Immediately, the servant saw the mountains full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
Through faith-filled prayer, call upon God to dispatch His angels to provide spiritual and physical protection. Surround yourself with these minsters of His flaming presence!
Shield #7 - The Shield of Unity:
Finally, a seventh form of mighty spiritual protection comes through unity with other believers. Jesus promised in Matthew 18:19-20, “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
There is exponential increase and power when believers come together to pray and intercede for each other. Surrounding yourself with trusted prayer partners provides community protection from spiritual attacks. Carry each other's burdens. Confess sins one to another. Pray fervent declaration of God's shielding together. The enemy flees from unified prayer!
Raise These Seven Shields in Faith:
I urge you - be diligent and purposeful about continually praying over and proclaiming these seven shields of supernatural protection from the Lord. Raise the shield of faith, righteousness, truth, salvation, preparation, angels and unity! Give the Lord no rest until His shielding presence and angelic agents surround you.
Through raising these shields in unwavering faith-filled prayer, you will walk in new authority, protection and freedom from demonic assaults. As Psalm 3:3 declares, "You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." March forward boldly as His shielded one!
I release the activation and manifestation of these seven shields over your life even now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. You are protected on all sides. You are covered by the blood of the Lamb. You abide under His feathers. No weapon formed against you shall prosper! We declare your spiritual breakthrough and deliverance today! Amen!
Pastor Tomlinson demonstrates principles in action by engaging volunteers:
During our weekly free deliverance service, I had the blessing of ministering to five hurting people seeking healing and freedom in Christ.
Hayden's testimony:
Hayden reached out during the deliverance service seeking freedom from spiritual oppression that was hindering his walk with God. For years, Hayden had been plagued by confusion, depression, and an inability to clearly hear God's voice or sense His presence. Past wounds from childhood and broken relationships had erected walls around Hayden's heart, allowing the enemy to gain footholds through lies, accusations, and condemnation. Hayden expressed feeling stuck in cycles of defeat despite earnestly desiring to live fully in God's will and purposes.
Pastor Timothy compassionately guided Hayden to identify core issues that needed inner healing. Together they brought a painful memory to Jesus involving misunderstanding and conflict with Hayden's mother during a difficult season. Pastor Timothy led Hayden to confess Jesus' authority and choose forgiveness towards his mother. He then prayed for the Lord to reveal any confirming words, visions, or sensations that His healing touch was ministering deeply to Hayden's heart.
Initially, Hayden reported sensing spiritual resistance and hearing condemning thoughts trying to regain access. But Pastor Timothy powerfully rebuked the enemy's schemes in Jesus' victorious name. He shared encouraging visions of the Lord breaking chains around Hayden's mind and washing him clean with living water. A feeling of lightness and peace filled Hayden, giving him renewed hope that Jesus was indeed bringing wholeness, restoration, and freedom.
Before closing in prayer, Pastor Timothy equipped Hayden with counsel on how to continue engaging in this spiritual battle through daily inner healing prayers. He emphasized Hayden's authority as a child of God to withstand demonic oppression as he keeps his eyes fixed on Christ. Pastor Timothy urged Hayden to persevere in deepening intimacy with Jesus, confident that the Good Shepherd would complete this breakthrough work He had begun.
Hayden left the deliverance service with a refreshed spirit and optimism that Jesus would continue leading him into greater spiritual freedom one step at a time. He felt empowered and expectant for new doors to open in his walk with the Lord. Hayden was grateful for Pastor Timothy's guidance in directing him to the Healer who makes all things new.
Melvin's testimony:
Melvin Hooks Jr. reached out to the deliverance service desperately seeking freedom from persistent spiritual oppression. For months, he had been tormented by demonic voices bringing constant accusations, fears, and confusion. Past trauma and addiction had given the enemy access to harass Melvin's mind. Though he had been applying all the spiritual principles Pastor Timothy had shared in previous teachings, Melvin still felt spiritually stuck and unable to gain victory.
Pastor Timothy compassionately guided Melvin through steps of self-deliverance to identify legal rights giving demons access. Together they commanded any spirits without God's authority to leave in Jesus' name. When the name "Jonathan" was discerned, Pastor Timothy led Melvin to bring this specific issue to Christ for inner healing. He instructed Melvin to petition Jesus to reveal and heal the exact wounds or doorways that allowed this spirit to influence him.
After crying out to Jesus, Melvin reported sensing the Lord's presence and hearing the word "healed." Pastor Timothy praised God for touching Melvin's heart and breaking ungodly ties connected to Jonathan. He encouraged Melvin that Jesus could continue revealing past pain in order to fully restore him. The enemy tried to regain grip over Melvin's mind but was firmly rebuked and commanded to flee.
Pastor Timothy urged Melvin to keep engaging in daily inner healing and deliverance prayers, patiently looking to Jesus to bring complete breakthrough. He emphasized Melvin's authority as a child of God to shut every door to the enemy through obedience, repentance, and faith in Christ's finished work. As Melvin persists in pursuit of Jesus, his eyes will keep opening to greater freedom.
Melvin left the service feeling empowered and expectant, with renewed hope that the chains of oppression over his life were being destroyed by the light and truth of Christ within him. Continued perseverance in prayer would open the way for the Lord's final victory.
Ryan's testimony:
Ryan reached out earnestly seeking breakthrough in his spiritual life and prayer connection with God. Though he had been a devout Christian for many years, Ryan had recently felt unable to hear God's voice or sense His presence, despite persistent petition in prayer. He reported feeling an invisible barrier blocking his prayers for inner healing and clarity in discerning God's will.
Pastor Timothy compassionately guided Ryan to identify a possible root source - childhood trauma surrounding a painful medical procedure. Together they brought this brokenhearted issue to Christ, with Ryan confessing Jesus' authority, choosing forgiveness, and requesting healing of any wounds from this experience.
Pastor Timothy then prayed for the Lord to minister confirmation of restoration to Ryan's heart and mind. But Ryan reported still sensing blockage and being unable to recall details from the childhood memory. Pastor Timothy continued appealing to God to send His holy angels to remove any scales or hindrances over Ryan's spiritual senses and connection.
Though immediate breakthrough was not experienced, Pastor Timothy provided Ryan with encouragement and counsel. He urged Ryan to see this as part of the sanctification process, coming to Jesus as friend by shamelessly and persistently knocking, reminding him that God often works slowly and gently to bring deep inner transformation. As Ryan persists in daily spiritual disciplines and prayer, the Lord will continue revealing areas needing healing and empower him to walk in new freedom.
Ryan left the service with fresh expectation and motivation to keep pressing into Jesus. Though the inner healing process was just beginning, he gained new understanding of how to engage in spiritual warfare and partner with the Holy Spirit. Ryan looked forward to the day he would see with clarity and hear God's voice resonating in his inner man. Continued endurance in faith would allow the Healer to finish His good work.
Amy D's testimony:
Amy reached out to the deliverance service seeking freedom from emotional wounds and ungodly soul ties stemming from past relationships. Though now a devoted follower of Christ, Amy continued to feel weighed down by residual anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness towards certain individuals from earlier seasons of life. These unresolved hurts gave the enemy footholds to oppress Amy's mind with accusations, doubts, and feelings of shame regarding her worth and identity in Christ.
Pastor Timothy compassionately guided Amy to bring these brokenhearted issues to the Healer. He led her to identify core negative emotions needing Jesus' touch and choose forgiveness towards those who had hurt her. As Amy confessed Christ's authority and prayed for inner healing, Pastor Timothy petitioned the Lord to minister His loving presence and peace to her heart.
Initially, Amy reported sensing darkness trying to regain its grip over her. But Pastor Timothy powerfully rebuked the enemy's lies in Jesus' victorious name. He shared encouraging words from the Lord about Amy's heart undergoing divine surgery and restoration. A renewed joy rose up within Amy, stirring her faith in God's power and relentless love for her.
Before closing in prayer, Pastor Timothy provided counsel for Amy to continue engaging in spiritual warfare as these wounds surfaced. He reminded Amy of her identity as a new creation in Christ and urged her to boldly wield the sword of Truth against the enemy's schemes. As she draws close to Jesus daily, His strength and freedom will overflow.
Amy left the service with fresh hope and excitement for her journey ahead with the Healer and Restorer. She felt empowered by Pastor Timothy's guidance to actively walk in the process of inner healing through prayer. Amy looked forward to the continued work the Good Shepherd would do in transforming her into His likeness.
Carmen's testimony:
Carmen reached out to the deliverance service hoping to gain spiritual breakthrough in her prayer life and connection with God. Though a longtime Christian, Carmen had recently felt unable to clearly hear God's voice or sense His manifest presence, even in times of desperate seeking. She expressed sensing an invisible barrier between her spirit and the Lord that prevented inner healing from past childhood trauma.
Pastor Timothy gently guided Carmen to bring these core wounds to the surface and identify any ungodly soul ties needing severed. Though extremely difficult, he led Carmen to confess forgiveness and release hurtful memories into Jesus' hands. Pastor Timothy then petitioned the Lord to minister His comfort and restoration to Carmen's weary heart.
Initially, Carmen reported feeling spiritual heaviness and interference trying to discourage her. But Pastor Timothy authoritatively rebuked the enemy's tactics and lies in the authority of Jesus' name. He shared uplifting visions of God's angels removing ungodly cords of trauma from Carmen's heart and ushering her into the Father's presence. Carmen felt stirred with fresh hope that breakthrough was coming.
Before closing in prayer, Pastor Timothy provided Carmen counsel on persevering in daily spiritual warfare despite the challenges she faced. He emphasized her identity as a victorious child of God with full access to His grace, mercy and strength. As Carmen continues seeking Jesus first, He promised to elevate her into new realms of authority.
Carmen left the service feeling revitalized in her spirit and optimistic for her journey ahead with Christ the Healer. Though her difficulties had not disappeared overnight, Carmen gained renewed understanding of partnering with the Holy Spirit to walk out inner healing. She felt confident that ultimately, Jesus would finish the deliverance work He had begun in her.
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