The Gathering

  2 Corinthians 10:4  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world . On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

  "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  1Timothy 2: 1 - 4"

  Revelation 19:11: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. 

James 1:2-4 New International Version: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Psalm 51:10-12 NASB   Create in me a clean heart, God, a nd renew a steadfast spirit within me.   Do not cast me away from Your presence a nd do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.   Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, a nd sustain me with a willing spirit.

  "The Calling of Samuel" Sir Joshua Reynolds   1723 - 1792 NIV 1st Samuel 3: 8 - 10:  A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy.  So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel said,  “Speak, for your servant is listening.”