In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul implores us to, “… put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Of all these items, only the word of God is an offensive weapon. From this we can take a valuable lesson, being rooted in the word of God is the key to being proactive in the battle for our souls. 

Neal Lozano, in his book Unbound, discusses the inner workings of the battle for our souls in the modern world. This is a book that has helped me tremendously in my own personal spiritual life. Lozano points out in this work how bound up we are by our past experiences and sins and then provides keys for breaking free to live in the freedom of Christ. His five keys include: repentance, forgiveness, renouncing, claiming the authority of Christ, and receiving blessing in the name of Jesus. 

Words of Blessing

Continually receiving words of blessing is so important. Most of us have so many experiences that have ingrained feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness deep within us. Each one of us has heard hurtful words, often from somebody whom we love. We have also uttered hurtful words wounding others. These experiences leave us wondering (at least at some level) if we might just be unlovable. 

God wants us to know that nothing could be further from the truth. He has told this over and over again in Scripture. Memorizing scripture allows us to keep the truth ever present in our mind. It also serves as a great proactive strategy against the devil. 

Seven Verses to Memorize

There are so many verses in which God speaks the truth of how he sees us. Admittedly, this list will not be exhaustive. Nor will it contain everyone’s favorite verse. However, I do believe that you will find in these verses an offensive weapon against the devil. 

In our house, we have even made memorizing these verses and others a practice with our children. I know how often I, as a parent, fall short. How often I speak critical words rather than words of blessing. Therefore, I want them to always have words of healing as well. I have explained to my children that these verses are God’s word spoken directly to them. Each child has their own personalized list which was created just for them. All seven verses come from their lists.

However, they are words spoken directly to you and I as well. I encourage you to commit them to memory and hold them always before you so that you can continually hear the words of God’s blessing. 

#1 Psalm 139: 13-14 

You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.

#2 Romans 8:28

… all things work for good for those who love God.

#3 John 3:16 

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

#4 Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you.

#5 Jeremiah 29:11

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you… plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.

#6 Isaiah 42:6

I, the LORD, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you.

#7 Isaiah 43:1

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.