Full Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
¹²For 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.
¹³Therefore 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.
¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸And 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 saints.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV)

¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The Lord is My Fortress

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KJV	NIV
Psalm 61:1-4 1Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 4I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah	Psalm 61:1-4 1Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. 2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. 4I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
Psalm 18:10 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.	Psalm 18:10 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Psalm 32:7 7You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah	Psalm 32:7 7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalm 18:1-3 1I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.	Psalm 18:1-3 1 I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Psalm 28:6-8 6Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. 8The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.	Psalm 28:6-8 6Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. 7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. 8The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.
Psalm 31 1In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. 6I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD. 7I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. 8You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. 9Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. 10My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. 11Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends- those who see me on the street flee from me. 12I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. 14But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. 16Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 17Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. [b] 18Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. 19How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. 20In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. 21Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. 22In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. 23Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.	Psalm 31 1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. 2Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. 3For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. 4Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. 5Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. 6I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD. 7I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; 8And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room. 9Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. 10For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. 11I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me. 12I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. 13For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. 14But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. 15My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. 16Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. 17Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. 18Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. 19Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 20Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 21Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. 22For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. 23O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Basic Prayer Methods

The Hand/Finger Method

The ACTS Method

The PRAY Method

John 3:16-17 KJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Romans 10:9-10 KJV That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 14:6 KJV Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 1:12 KJV But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Romans 3:23 KJV For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23 KJV For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:16 KJV The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Hebrews 9:27 KJV And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

1 John 1:9 KJV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 3:20 KJV Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV (17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Acts 16:31 KJV And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

1 John 3:16-17 KJV Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (17) But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1 John 4:4 KJV Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Philippians 4:13 KJV I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Psalms 55:22 KJV Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Matthew 6:20-21 KJV But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:33 KJV But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Ephesians 4:26 KJV Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

James 1:19 KJV Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

James 1:2 KJV My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Psalms 27:14 KJV Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Isa 40:31 KJV But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Proverbs 15:33 KJV The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.

1 Peter 5:5 KJV God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Matthew 7:1 KJV Judge not, that ye be not judged.

James 4:11 KJV Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV (34) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.

Luke 1:37 KJV For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Psalms 51:11 KJV Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Psalms 18:2 KJV The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalms 32:7 KJV Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Bible Study Tips

Lexio Divina

1. Read: Read a verse or short passage over and over emphasizing each word in turn.
   For example take Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
   Read the scripture emphasizing the word in bold.
   I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me
   I CAN do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me
   I can DO all things through Christ which strengtheneth me
   I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me
   And so on for each word repeating the scripture over and over.
2. Meditate: Ask yourself the questions below to glean as much as possible from the scripture.
3. Pray: Begin and end by praying. In the first, ask God to show you what He has for you today and at the end praise and thank Him for what He has given you.

Remember: We do not read the Scriptures for information but for transformation. Information can puff us up giving us a feeling of mastery over things. Transformation brings our lives and the Scriptures into relationship.

1. How does this passage make you feel? (Thinking not allowed)
2. Who, where, when, why, how? (and the negative of these). i.e.: Who or who isnt found in the passage? What do we know or dont know about them,? Where are they? etc.
3. Is there anything about this passage that puzzles or disturbs you? Does any of it cause you to question?
4. Is this passage dealing with peace, justice and/or solidarity with the poor/marginalized?
5. What in your life needs to concretely change or be bolstered in light of this passage? Determine a concrete measurable response to the passage.
6. What can our community do to respond positively and concretely to the Gospel?
7. What about this passage is good news for you? (Even if other questions are skipped for the sake of time, this question is never skipped.)

It is a good idea to write down in a journal what you get from your reading and conversation with God. You might need it later. The same scripture will probably mean something different later when you read it. God's Word is alive and dynamic, so don't think because you've read a certain passage once you never need to read it again.

The 6 R's Method

Relax - Relax and clear your mind shutting out everything. It's best to do your Bible Study away from everyone and everyting in a quiet room.
Request - Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you in your study.
Read - Read a short passage slowly and repeatedly.
Reflect & Remember - Think about the passage ask yourself questions about it (perhaps those from the Lexio Divina method). Choose a verse from your reading to memorize.
Record - Write down in a journal the insight God gives you and what the passage says to you.
Request - Pray and thank God for meeting with you and teaching you the things He'd have you to know. Praise Him for being God and the things He's done for you. Ask Him to help you apply what you've learned to your life.

Good books to start with might be Psalms, John, or James. After that choose as the Lord directs you.