How To Study The Bible By Topic ( + FREE Printable Topic Ideas)

How To Study The Bible By Topic ( + FREE Printable Topic Ideas)

The Bible is an amazing book, and there are so many truths and promises in it that we can learn from.

But studying the Bible can be quite daunting.  How do I do it?  Where do I start?

The topical approach to studying can be a great way to get into God’s Word.

You choose the topic you want to study, learn what it means, whether it’s a word, or a phrase, and explore how it is weaved throughout the entire Word of God.  It can be a broad way of studying a particular theme or word, as an overview, or, you can go more deeply into the subject.

For example, if you chose ‘Grace’ as your topic you would learn what God’s grace means and how God extends His grace throughout the Bible.  You would be able to follow the topic through to see how God’s grace was there from the beginning, from the Garden of Eden, through the history of the Children of Israel, through to Christ’s coming, and the birth and early years of the church.

Topical studies are great for Scripture Journaling and also would be a great way to Color Code your Bible!

 

Study God's Word

 

Pray

It’s always a great place to start with prayer.  Firstly, to pray and ask the Lord what topic He would like to teach you, and then before each study spend a little time in prayer asking the Lord to show you His truth and what He wants to reveal to you along the way.  I like to pray Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law”.

 

Choose a Topic

Prayerfully choose your topic.  The Bible is a never ending resource and there are so many topics you can choose.  The topic could be a word, or a phrase, or even a person.  You may want to follow a theme that your pastor is speaking on at church, or in Bible Study, or it may be something more personal, like an issue you are struggling with, such as anxiety or fear.

 

Look Up References

Start looking up, and writing down, references for your topic.  You can use a Bible concordance or Bible dictionary to help you.  There are plenty of online references you can use also, just type your word or phrase into the search engine and see what comes up. 

You will most likely have a very long list by this stage so once you have your list sort through which of the verses you want to use for your study

 

Read and Observe

Now you have your verses it’s time to start your study.

You don’t need to rush through the process.

You may want to complete the study in an allocated time, such as a morning or an afternoon, or, alternatively, you may want to take longer with it, working your way through one verse or one passage at a time, using a different one each day as part of your quiet time or devotional time so you can really allow God’s Word to soak into you over a period of time.

As you read make observations, ask questions, look for principles. 

Ask who, what, when, where and why of the verses.

What is the main point of the passage?

What does the passage tell me about God/myself?

Are there any instructions in the passage?

Write down your answers and observations.

 

Conclude and Apply

James 1:22 instructs us to be doers of the Word not just hearers.

Once you have read the passage of Scripture, asked yourself questions about it, and made some observations it’s then time to make it personal.

We rob ourselves if we approach Scripture from a purely academic level and not make it personal and allow it to transform our lives.

What is God saying to you, what is He teaching you through these verses?  Is there a truth about God that you have learned?  Is there an action He wants you to take?  Is there something He wants you to change? 

This part can take a little time as you reflect, and pray, and ask God to show you the truth of what He wants to teach you.

It’s a good idea to write down your application, it helps to clarify your thoughts and any actions you wish to take, and it also serves as a prompt and a reminder as you reflect back later.

 

Share What You Have Learned

Not everyone is comfortable with this, but it can be a great thing to share with a friend, a partner, or even on social media, the lessons God is teaching you.  It’s not only good for you, to reinforce those lessons, but it can be an encouragement to others.

 

 

Some Suggested Topics for Study

  • Abiding in Christ
  • Names of God
  • Obedience
  • Trust
  • Blessings of God
  • Peace
  • Commandments
  • Power
  • Praise
  • Prayer
  • Evangelism
  • Prayers of Jesus
  • Fear
  • Anger
  • Trials
  • Prophecies about Jesus
  • Forgiveness
  • Fruitfulness
  • Righteousness
  • Giving
  • Sin
  • Grace
  • Thankfulness
  • Holiness
  • The Word
  • Hope
  • Waiting on the Lord
  • Humility
  • Wealth & Possessions
  • Joy
  • Meditation
  • Wisdom & Foolishness
  • Love
  • Husbands
  • Wives
  • Children
  • Worship

 

It’s an exciting journey as you start delving into Scripture, and God never ceases to surprise and amaze me at what He teaches me.

Have you tried Scripture Journaling?  It’s as a great way to study God’s Word and to do a Topical Bible Study. 

The SOAP method is also a good one to use for Bible study and devotional times.

 

DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE BIBLE STUDY TOPIC IDEAS

 

31 Bible Verses on Healing

31 Bible Verses on Healing

Life is not always easy, and we never know what’s around the corner, good or bad.

When life is a struggle, when we are in pain, when we are ill, when we are going through difficult times, when we are grieving, one thing is sure, God is with us in our pain, if we will allow Him to be.

He wants to walk with us on our journey, He wants to heal us and to provide us with strength and comfort.

God promises that His Word will accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:11) and the prayers of the righteous are powerfully effective (James 5:16).

God has given us His promises in Scripture and praying through Scripture is powerful.  You may want to use the verses below as a part of your prayer and devotional times. 

Here are 31 Scriptures to encourage you on your journey.

 

Psalm 147:3

He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

 

Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, O Yahweh, and I will be healed. Save me, and I will be saved; for you are my praise.

 

Isaiah 41:10

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

 

1 Peter 2:24

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.

 

Acts 10:38

Even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

 

Jeremiah 33:6

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them; and I will reveal to them abundance of peace and truth.

 

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

 

Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.

 

Psalm 103:2-4

Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies.

 

Mathew 11:28-29

Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

 

Isaiah 15:26

He said, “If you will diligently listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you.”

 

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

 

Matthew 9:35

Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.

 

Isaiah 58:8

Then your light will break out as the morning, and your healing will appear quickly;
then your righteousness shall go before you, and Yahweh’s glory will be your rear guard.

 

Psalm 41:3

Yahweh will sustain him on his sickbed, and restore him from his bed of illness.

 

James 5:14

Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

 

James 5:15

And the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9

He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

 

Matthew 10:1

He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

 

Philippians 4:19

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

 

Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.

 

Mark 5:34

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.”

 

Isaiah 41:10

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

 

Philippians 4:6-7

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

 

Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.

 

Luke 8:50

But Jesus hearing it, answered him, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be healed.”

 

Psalm 107:20

He sends his word, and heals them, and delivers them from their graves.

 

Psalm 30:2

Yahweh my God, I cried to you, and you have healed me.

 

Matthew 14:14

Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

 

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed,

 

Revelation 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.

 

As you read through these verses, reflect on them, even try Scripture Journaling with them, may you find comfort and strength from the God of the Bible, who loves you with a never ending love.

Yahweh appeared of old to me, saying, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness. – Jeremiah 31:3

 

DOWNLOAD 31 PRINTABLE BIBLE VERSES ON HEALING

 

Advent Bible Reading Plan (With Printable)

Advent Bible Reading Plan (With Printable)

Christmas can be a wonderful and fun time of the year but it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness that goes along with the season.

These advent bible readings is a great way to take some time out to focus on the scriptures and the real meaning of the Christmas season.

It starts on the 1st of December and goes all the way through till Christmas Day on the 25th and includes scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments going through not just the birth of Jesus but the prophecies that led up to it. I have also included the names of Jesus to reflect on during this time as we think about the birth of Jesus and what that means to us.

You can use the reading plan in your daily devotional time, during your family devotional time, or for your Scripture Journaling.  Why not pop it into your Bible Study Basket for easy access!

 

Advent Bible Study

 

PROPHECIES ABOUT JESUS AND HIS BIRTH

 

DECEMBER 1

Isaiah 7:14 – A Virgin Will Conceive – Luke 1:35

DECEMBER 2

Hosea 11:1 – Called Out of Egypt – Matthew 2:14-15

DECEMBER 3

Micah 5:2 – Born in Bethlehem – Matthew 2:4-6

DECEMBER 4

Genesis 3:15 – Born of a Woman – Matthew 1:20

DECEMBER 5

Isaiah 40:3-4 – John the Baptist Will Be the Forerunner – John 1:23

DECEMBER 6

Daniel 7:13-14 – Everlasting Throne – Luke 1:31-33

DECEMBER 7

2 Samuel 7:12-13 – The Family Line – Matthew 1:1

DECEMBER 8

Isaiah 42:1-8 – Simeon Recognizes the Messiah – Luke 2:25-35

 

NAMES AND TITLES OF JESUS

 

DECEMBER 9

Isaiah 7:14 – Immanuel

DECEMBER 10

Isaiah 9:6 – Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

DECEMBER 11

Revelation 22:13 – Alpha and Omega

DECEMBER 12

John 1:41 – Messiah

DECEMBER 13

Luke 2:11 – Savior

DECEMBER 14

Mark 1:10-11 – Son of God

DECEMBER 15

Luke 19:10 – The Son of Man

DECEMBER 16

John 1:1 – The Word

DECEMBER 17

John 11:25 – The Resurrection and the LIfe

 

THE ADVENT

 

DECEMBER 18

Luke 1:5-25 – The Prophecy of John the Baptist’s Birth

DECEMBER 19

Luke 1:26-38 – The Angel Visits Mary

DECEMBER 20

Luke 1:39-56 – Mary and Elizabeth

DECEMBER 21

Luke 1: 57-66 – The Birth of John the Baptist

DECEMBER 22

Luke 1:67-80 – Zechariah’s Song

DECEMBER 23

Matthew 1:18-25 – Jesus is to Be Born

DECEMBER 24

Luke 2:1-7 – The Birth of Jesus

DECEMBER 25

Luke 2:8-20 – The Shepherds Visit

Matthew 2:1-12 – The Magi Visit

 

 

Scripture shows us that God’s plans were in place from the beginning.  He knew our need, our relationship with the Father had been broken through sin, and in His love, grace, and mercy, He provided a way to have that relationship restored.  He sent His own Son, Jesus, to make a way for us.

He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.”

Luke 24:44

 

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE ADVENT READING PLAN

 

FREE Printable Bible Tabs (With Instructions)

FREE Printable Bible Tabs (With Instructions)

Bible divider tabs make a great addition to your bible. They help you keep tabs on where all the books are and divide it up in an easy way to navigate.

They act like the index in the front, except you don’t need to go searching for the index, its right there in front of you!

They can be good not just for those starting out but for long time readers of God’s Word to help you look things up quickly, and well lets be honest they add a little bit of pretty to your bible 😉

You might be wondering how do I put on the bible tabs? Well, I’ve made it nice and easy for you to get started by giving you a free printable you can download and instructions below on how to get your bible set up with them.

 

How to make bible tabs

Step 1 – Print out the bible tabs

Step 2 – Cut them out

Step 3 – Fold them in half

Step 4 – Work out the positioning of the tabs. I like to overlap them slightly, as there is space behind them you can still easily see where the names are.

Step 5 – Paste them in. You can just use regular glue or you can use sticky photo tape.

Step 6 – You’re done!

 

I have made some free bible tab printables for you to download below, enjoy!

 

BIBLE TABS PRINTABLE FREE DOWNLOAD

 

 

 

Praying Through the Fruit of the Spirit

Praying Through the Fruit of the Spirit

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

 

Just as a healthy tree produces good fruit, so, we as spirit filled Christians, can produce good spiritual fruit.

These verses in Galatians speak of the kind of fruit a follower of Jesus should be displaying in their life.

Matthew 7:15-20 says, “every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit”, and “by their fruits you will know them”.

We are known by our actions and our lives reflect our values.

Praying through scripture is a powerful way to claim God’s Word and absorb it into our lives.

As we pray through the Fruit of the Spirit we are inviting God to be at work in our lives, inviting the Holy Spirit to be actively working in us, and allowing God to make us more like Himself.

For those of us who are parents we can pray through these scriptures not just for ourselves, but also for our children, asking God to be at work in their lives as well.

 

LOVE

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 John 3:18

My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

Lord, thank You that You love us and gave Your life for us.  Help us to reflect Your love in our lives, to our family, and to everyone around us.  Help us to be an example of Your lovingkindness in our actions as well as our words.

 

JOY

Psalm 16:11

You will show me the path of life.  In your presence is fullness of joy.  In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

Thank You Lord that we can find fullness of joy in Your presence. Help us to walk Your path for our lives, knowing Your presence with us, even through the tough times. May we be people of prayer, giving thanks to You in all things. We ask You Lord to be our joy and our strength.

 

PEACE

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

Philippians 4:7

 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Thank You Lord that Your peace is so great that it is beyond our understanding. We ask Lord that You would guard our hearts and protect our thoughts with Your peace.  Thank You that we do not need to be afraid, help us to trust You in all circumstances of our lives.

 

PATIENCE

James 5:7-8

Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Thank You Lord for Your patience towards us. Help us Lord to demonstrate Your patience toward others. Help us to trust You with Your perfect plan for our lives, and to know that Your timing is perfect.

 

KINDNESS

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 3:12

Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance.

Lord, we thank You for the kindness You have shown to us.  Thank You for Your love and forgiveness demonstrated to us by Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the dead.  Help us to be kind to one another with our words and our actions, and to  forgive others as You have forgiven us.

 

GOODNESS

Psalm 107:1

Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

Galatians 6:10

 So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Thank You Lord that You are good and that Your loving kindness endures forever! Teach us how to show Your goodness to others through our words and deeds.  Help us to make good choices and to choose to do the right thing and bring glory to Your Name.

 

FAITHFULNESS

Psalm 100:5

For Yahweh is good. His loving kindness endures forever, his faithfulness to all generations.

Matthew 25:23

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Thank You Lord that You are faithful, and that we can count on You and trust in You.  Help us to be faithful to You in our walk with You, and help us also to be faithful with what You have entrusted to us, our families, our relationships, our finances, our time, our jobs, our lives.  May we be found steadfast and faithful in You and a good example to others of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

 

GENTLENESS

Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Lord, help me to be gentle in my interactions with others.  Thank You that You are gentle with me, and that despite my failures, You forgive me and accept me. 

 

SELF-CONTROL

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27

Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore run like that, not aimlessly. I fight like that, not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

Lord, help us to be strong and self-disciplined in all areas of life.  Thank You that You are with us always, to strengthen and support us.  Help us to turn to You during times of temptation and thank You that You have made a way of escape for us.  May we run the race of life in a way that brings honor and glory to You and You holy Name.

 

As we reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit, and pray through each one, may the Holy Spirit be at work in us, molding us and making us more like Jesus, whom we love and serve.  May our lives reflect to all around us the love and power of Jesus, and what it means to be a follower and a disciple of His.

 

Praying on the Armor of God

Praying on the Armor of God

God’s Word tells us that we are involved in a spiritual battle and we are under constant attack from an unseen enemy.

Ephesians 6:10-18 says,

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.”

But we are not alone in this battle, and we do not need to be afraid (Isaiah 41:10).  God has promised to be with us, and He has provided us with our own spiritual armor for our protection.

Just as a soldier would not consider going into battle without their armor, neither should we consider stepping into the day without our spiritual protection.

 

We are called to put on the armor of God each day so we can stand against the devil. Here is a breakdown of each part of the armor and how to use it.

 

The Helmet of Salvation

A helmet is designed to protect the head during combat.  As Christians we have the Helmet of Salvation, given to us as part of our protective armor to fight the battle against the unseen enemy.  We are instructed to put on this Helmet to protect our minds and our thoughts from the enemy’s attacks.  Our thoughts and attitudes can affect our behaviour and our emotions, causing us to doubt God and taking us away from His plans and perspective.  By putting on the Helmet of Salvation we are thanking God for His salvation and asking Him to protect our minds and our thoughts.

Lord, thank You for Your gift of salvation.  I declare on my Helmet of Salvation and I ask Lord that You would protect my mind and my thoughts, and that they will be honoring to You.  I ask that you would bring my thoughts in line with Your thoughts and Your perspective.

 

The Breastplate of Righteousness

In battle the breastplate is designed to cover and protect the heart and other vital organs.  The heart is associated with love and the Breastplate of Righteousness is designed to protect our hearts and our emotions from the enemy. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart (Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:28-31).  God desires, and deserves, first place in our hearts and lives. 

Lord, I ask You to take Your rightful place on the throne of my heart.  I declare on my Breastplate of Righteousness and I ask You to protect my heart and my emotions with Your righteousness.

 

The Belt of Truth

The belt warn in battle is designed to give quick and easy access to critical fighting essentials such as small weapons and first aid gear.  The Belt of Truth equips us in our spiritual battle against the enemy’s lies and deceptions.  John 8:44 says that the enemy is a liar and deceiver and there is no truth in him.  In contrast to this John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the Truth.  John 8:31-32 says that if we remain in Jesus we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free.  The Belt of Truth equips us with truth to counter the enemy’s lies and deceptions.

Lord, thank You that You are Truth, and that You desire to set me free.  I declare on my Belt of Truth and I ask that You would fill me with Your truth and that You would help me to discern truth from deception through this day.

 

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Combat boots are designed to enable a soldier to travel distances over all types of terrain offering stability and protection to their feet as they deliver help and protection to others.  The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace are designed to protect us on our journey through this world as we walk in peace with God and others, and as we bring the good news of salvation to others (Isaiah 52:7).

Lord, thank You for Your peace which passes all understanding.  I declare on the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace and I ask Lord that You would go with me and before me and protect my path with Your peace.  I ask that You would guide, lead, and anoint me with your peace as I carry the good news of Your salvation to others.

 

The Sword of the Spirit

The sword is used in battle as a weapon.  It can be used defensively to protect, or offensively to attack.  The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is the only piece of weaponry we are given with our armor. The Word of God is powerful, and quoting scripture, claiming the promises of scripture, and praying through scripture is a powerful weapon against the enemy. Jesus used the Word of God against the devil when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). God promises that His Word will accomplish His purposes and we can use the Sword of the Spirit in our battle against the enemy. 

Lord, thank You that Your Word is alive and powerful.  I take up my sword and ask that You would anoint it as I use Your Word in my fight against the enemy.  I ask that You would strengthen me in the battle and I claim Your promises given to me in Your Word.

 

The Shield of Faith

Shields are used in battle to intercept attacks.  Our Shield of Faith is our protection from the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16).  Attacks can come at us from all directions, from the enemy, and from others.  By faith we can stand against the enemy and use our Shield of Faith to protect us from attack, declaring that if God is for us who can be against us (Romans 8:31).  With our Shield activated by faith God promises that no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

Lord, I take up my Shield of Faith and I declare, as it is written, that ‘God is for me’ (Romans 8:31).  I claim Your promise in Your Word that ‘no weapon formed against me will prosper’ (Isaiah 54:17) and I declare that I do not sit under any words or curses of any person. I claim Your protection in and throughout my day.

 

Finally, we are encouraged to pray at all times in the Spirit, being watchful, and to persevere.  1 Peter 5:8 tells us that the enemy is on the prowl, like a roaring lion, waiting to devour us.  We need to be aware of the enemy’s subtleties and attacks, and we can be well prepared for these if we put on our armor daily.

Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41