strongholds

³For though we walk in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh. ⁴For the weapons of our battles are not carnal, yet still they are powerful with God, unto the destruction of fortifications: tearing down every counsel ⁵and height that extols itself contrary to the wisdom of God, and leading every intellect into the captivity of obedience to Christ,

⁴For the weapons of our battles are not carnal, yet still they are powerful with God, unto the destruction of fortifications: tearing down every counsel

¹³Because of this, take up the armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand the evil day and remain perfect in all things. ¹⁴Therefore, stand firm, having been girded about your waist with truth, and having been clothed with the breastplate of justice, ¹⁵and having feet which have been shod by the preparation of the Gospel of peace. ¹⁶In all things, take up the shield of faith, with which you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. ¹⁷And take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God). ¹⁸Through every kind of prayer and supplication, pray at all times in spirit, and so be vigilant with every kind of earnest supplication, for all the saints,

²And do not choose to be conformed to this age, but instead choose to be reformed in the newness of your mind, so that you may demonstrate what is the will of God: what is good, and what is well-pleasing, and what is perfect.

¹³Temptation should not take hold of you, except what is human. For God is faithful, and he will not permit you to be tempted beyond your ability. Instead, he will effect his Providence, even during temptation, so that you may be able to bear it.

¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the directors of this world of darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in high places.

¹Therefore, concerning other things, brothers, we ask and beg you, in the Lord Jesus, that, just as you have received from us the way in which you ought to walk and to please God, so also may you walk, in order that you may abound all the more. ²For you know what precepts I have given to you through the Lord Jesus. ³For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from fornication, ⁴that each one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵not in passions of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God, ⁶and that no one should overwhelm or circumvent his brother in business. For the Lord is the vindicator of all these things, just as we have preached and testified to you.

¹Most beloved, do not be willing to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

²Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his recompenses. ³He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities. ⁴He redeems your life from destruction. He crowns you with mercy and compassion.

¹⁶Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be saved. For the unremitting prayer of a just person prevails over many things.

¹⁴For if you will forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father also will forgive you your offenses. ¹⁵But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your sins.

¹Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not apparent.

⁹If we confess our sins, then he is faithful and just, so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquity.

¹A Canticle in steps. I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains; from thence help will come to me. ²My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. ³May he not allow your foot to be moved, and may he not slumber, who guards you. ⁴Behold, he who guards Israel will neither sleep, nor slumber. ⁵The Lord is your keeper, the Lord is your protection, above your right hand. ⁶The sun will not burn you by day, nor the moon by night.

¹⁹Or do you not know that your bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰For you have been bought at a great price. Glorify and carry God in your body.

¹⁷No object which has been formed to use against you will succeed. And every tongue that resists you in judgment, you shall judge. This is the inheritance of the servants of the Lord, and this is their justice with me, says the Lord.

⁶Jesus said to him: “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.