Hey, all of you lovely things! It’s nearly Spring and we’re all the way to verse 6! You are doing fabulously, Sisters. We are still THOUSANDS strong on this Scripture memory team. Thousands of Swords drawn and in the hands of women who want to love and not hate, build up and not destroy, rejoice because our God is faithful and not throw ourselves in the nearest ditch because life is hard. And, boy, is it.
I think God has given me something that could be a tad fun to do this time around. Since we started off the week here on the blog talking about clothes, what do you say we end it that way? For those of you who want to come alongside this theme with me, I’m throwing out three different Scriptures about clothing ourselves. You are still welcome to do your own selections as always but, just in case some of you were still in decision-mode and this sounded fitting (pardon the pun), come along with me into the closet of Scripture and let’s come out some well-dressed women of God! I’m offering the first two selections to you in two different versions so you can choose which one resonates most.
Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV) — (As you can see, this one includes two Scriptures. You’d only need to choose one of these for Verse 6 but I thought just maybe somebody could use a fresh, strong exhortation to forgive as you’ve been forgiven. I don’t know about you but that verse is never wasted on me. If you’d like, you could do the first verse for #6 and the second verse for #7.)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
12Â Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13Â bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.
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Now for the second set of verses on clothing ourselves. Sometimes we need to clothe ourselves in humility before we try clothing ourselves to no avail with compassion. Our pride is usually reason #1 that we don’t feel compassionate. At least it has been for me.
1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5 (The NET Bible)
In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
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And you’ve just GOT to love Luke 24:49 in view of our clothing theme this week! Here’s the third selection out of the closet of Scripture, straight from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Luke 24:49 NIV
 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
Luke 24:49 The NET Bible
And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Power from on high! Bless His most holy Name.
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So there you have it! Three gorgeous jackets to wear. Which one do you need to wrap around you most right now? Do you need to be clothed with compassion? Humility? Power?? He’s got you covered. But just like we do each morning, we’ve got to get dressed on purpose.
Here’s what I’ve been thinking about in view of our clothing theme. Remember all those jackets in my 5+ Year Club? Several of them I’d had for ten solid years and I’m still wearing them. When it comes to tangible clothing, that can be good stewardship. But sometimes we can do the same kind of thing spiritually and emotionally and it’s not pretty. We can keep wearing the same old jacket…
…of anger
…or of bitterness
…or of negativity
…or of chronic disappointment
…or of sensuality
…or of desperation
and we’re so used to wearing it that we throw it on automatically, without giving a thought to the fact that we really could have a whole new wardrobe. It might be time we changed the way we dressed. And this whole new incredibly expensive wardrobe of compassion, humility, and anointing has already been paid for. And it’s in your size and mine.
Yep. I’m in the mood for some new clothes.
Beth, Houston. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13 The NET Bible
OK, Sisters! Let’s have it! What are you memorizing this time around???
PS. LifeWay Women’s All Access Blog did the funniest thing. They dug into the Living Proof Live archives and pulled out pictures of every single one of those jackets in Monday’s post. Some of you might get a kick out of it. Here’s the link: The Proof Is In The Jacket.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Lindsay from Tampa, Florida
but from there you will search again for the LORD your God. and if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.
Deuteronomy 4:29, NLT
Libby
Dallas, Texas
Peace i leave with you my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” Colossians 3:23
pattilou from afton, VA
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:24 NIV84
Kim Smith from Littlestown, PA. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 NKVJ
Kim Smith from Littlestown, PA. You shall have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3 NKJV
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13 The NET Bible
Sometimes we need to remove our jacket of hurt, anger, bitterness and unforgiveness. And clothe ourselves with love, compassion, humility, and forgiveness.
Brittany Kay, Gainesville, FL
For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away. -James 1:11, NET
Katie Buer
From Grand Rapids, MI
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
NLT
Elizabeth, Easley, SC
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6 NIV
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 ESV)
Emilie
North Carolina
So do not fear for I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Isiah 41:10 ESV
Nadalin Portland Texas
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deutronomy 31:6
ESV
Nadalin Portland Texas
Shaunthea, Anderson, IN
Above all else guard your heart, for it effects everything you do.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Heather circleville, ohio
Colossians 4:2 NIV.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Vicki from Wilmington , DE
Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV)
Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light”.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2: 8-9 NIV
Albuquerque, NM
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? KJV
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for an assurance about what we do not see.
Heb 11:1 (NIV)
Lauren; Orlando, FL
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
2 Corinthians 3:4, NIV
Ephesians 3:12 NIV
Linda Jewell
In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Vanessa, Johnson City
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. NIV
Isaiah 40:30-31
Ephesians 4:1 ( NLT)
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving The Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
Teresa; Edmond, OK
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6 NIV
Diana, Gallatin, TN
But I will trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5 NIV
Christa, Ambler PA
God alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I am trusting Him. Psalm 91:2 NIV
Shana; Tifton, GA
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. (Psalms 25:1, 2 NKJV)
Christina Acree, Winter Haven
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”
1 Corinthians 6:19, NKJV
Ivy Morrison
Willis, TX
Acts 17:24 NIV
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.”
Kristin, Durban, South Africa
The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a, NKJV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Posting for April 1, 2013
Biloxi, Mississippi
Because of the tender mercy of our God, the rising sun will come to us from Heaven.
Luke 1:78 NIV
Posting for April 1, 2013
I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might,
Acts 2:23 NIV
April 15, 2013
Biloxi, MS
Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.
Proverbs 4:14
NKJV
Lee; Indiana
The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 ESV
I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
Psalms 34:4 NKJV
I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from my fears.
Psalm 34:4 NKJV
Stacey, McKinney, tx
Niv , there is no fear in love but perfect love casts out all fear, because fear has to do with ounishment. The one who fears is not are perfect in love. 1john 4:18
Jay, OK “The righteous one perishes, and no one takes it to heart; faithful men are swept away, with no one realizing that the righteous one is swept away from the presence of evil. He will enter into peace – they will rest on their beds – everyone who lives uprightly.”
Isaiah 57: 1-2 (HCSB)
How great are your works, O Lord,
how profound your thoughts!
Psalm 93:5 NIV
Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. (Acts 13:38, 39 NASB)
Valerie ~ Pflugerville, TX
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NLT
Alisa
Clinton, MS
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5: 15-16
ESV
Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. Psalms 86:17 (NIV)
Peggy, Indianapolis
Ephesians 4:32 NLT. “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ forgave you.”
Darlene from C’ville, VA
“For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Tim. 1:7 KJV
Donna from Angleton, Texas
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 ESV
Ronnie, Ostrander, Ohio
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8 ESV
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Diane Wadsworth, Pleasant Grove, Alabama
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18