Hey, Everybody! Welcome to Verse 3! One month down, only eleven more to go! I say that with a grin because I don’t want it to fly by. There are stressful aspects to what we’re doing here on our team because victory is labor intensive and demands focus and discipline. You can’t really cheat at your memory work. I mean, either we take the time for the constant repetition until it’s embedded underneath that skull of ours or we don’t. But, at the same time, it’s also rejuvenating, don’t you think? And fun? And, admit it, the team aspect of it is glorious.
In fact, I hope God is using this whole process to bring some of you back to life. I’m picturing all of us women like that valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. Scattered in that broad dell of ours are skeletons of dead-tired, depleted girls from all over the United States and in at least a half dozen other countries. Thousands of us. The breath of God’s words falling on us, rattling our bones, wrapping us with new wine skins, filling our lungs, and beginning to raise us to our feet: a mighty army brandishing Swords. (Eph. 6:17) We use these swords to battle darkness and not one another. We are not Peter who, in an impulsive fury, left poor Malchus with one less ear in John 18:10. There they were, in the most critical moment in human history thus far and Jesus had to stop what He was doing and stick the man’s ear back on the side of his head. (Luke 22:51) Enough of this! Jesus commanded. The people around us who we are called to reach and serve in Christ’s name are not drawn to weapons and shredders but they are indeed drawn to courage and valiance and gracious strength. A well-trained soldier knows who his enemy is and who his enemy is not.
I’m looking forward to your verses! I am starting some memory work out of the one-chapter book of Jude today. I find this verse fascinating because the inspired penman really meant to write his audience about one thing when God sidetracked him to another. These dimensions of divine inspiration make my mind spin. I love thinking about it. Here goes mine:
Beth, Houston. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3 (ESV)
Contend for the faith. Lord, show us, teach us, equip us, fill us, and anoint us with holy affection, sound minds and doctrine to contend for the faith. Show us how to fight for our faith without wounding and scarring the people we were called to influence in the process. This can get tricky. Show us how it’s done.
I’m honored to serve you, Sisters, and to draw swords with you in this battle against the blackest darkness. Built up in Christ by the breath of the Spirit, focused and deliberate, we can be a mighty army.
OK, let’s have it. Your names, cities, verses, references, and translations.
Live and love well out there today, you hear?
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Shellie, Modesto
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:8 KJV
Katie Sims, LaGrange, GA;
1 Peter 3:15-16, ESV
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
Stephanie, Abilene, TX
“His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.”
Psalm 112:8-9, NIV
Brenda Adams, Hilton Head, SC
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jer. 29:11 NIV
Jennifer from Florence, AL
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assume about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Erin, Alabaster, AL
Romans 4:20-21 ESV
“No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”
Rebecca in Vancleave: “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
Virginia, Nebraska
Psalm 103:3 (HCSB)
He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases.
Libby- Littleton, CO
Mark 10:27 (ESV) “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
L Diane, Indianapolis
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 NIV
Jenn from Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Holly from Alpharetta, GA
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” James 4: 7-8a NLT
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose Romans 8:28 NIV
Olivia, West Sussex, UK ” Meanwhile I’m sure you’re on my side – no victory shouts yet from the enemy camp! You know me inside and ut, you hold me together, you never fail to stand me tall so I can look you in the eye” (The Message) ” I know you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence for ever” (NIV) Psalm 41 v11-12.
Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 2Peter 3:3
Ashley G., Orlando
The counsel of the Lord stands forever; The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.
Psalm 33:11-12 NASB
Donna, Franklin, TN
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radient, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:8 NIV 84
Sherry Smith from Marietta GA
“And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Phil 4:7 NIV84
Forced retirement from military and reg JOB loss in same week!
Kris Conant – Westbrook, Maine
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Jen, Antioch CA
Matthew 11:28 (AMP)
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and
overburdened and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and
relieve and refresh your souls.)
Caryn, Fort Worth, TX
Then Jesus said, ” Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
John 40:11 (NIV 84)
Correction…John 11:40
Be Joyful in hope patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Pam, Columbus, GA. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3. (ESV)
Lily, Auburn, Al
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
Christie from Plano, Texas…needs to remember 🙂
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Prov 10:19 (NIV)
Flynn: rancho Santa fe
NKJV. Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him (Flynn) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he (Flynn) trusts in You.
Karen, Wildwood, MO
“Make your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands … so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders ..” 1 Thess. 4:11 (NIV)
Micah 7:8 ESV
Rejoice not over me, oh my enemy;
When I fall, I shall rise,
When i sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.
Tracie. Albuquerque, NM
“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Isaiah 7:9 NIV
i just love you ive done a few of your studies and you are so cute
Donalda, Osler, SK
1 Chronicles 16:11-12 NCV
Depend on the Lord and his strength; always go to him for help. Remember the miracles he has done, his wonders, and his decisions.
Kathryn, Tempe
Psalm 119:28 HCS
I am weary from grief; strengthen me through Your word.
Jan McGarvin from Tulsa, OK: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3, NIV.
Annette, Tomball. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
—1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV)
Cait, Hamilton, ON
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Col 3:12-14 ESV
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV)
Melissa, Black Creek, GA
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. (Jude 1:24, 25 NLT)
Kali. Valrico, FL.
James 1:27 NLT “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
Shannon- Bethesda, MD
“Look to The Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” Psalm 105:4 NIV
Hernando Beach, FL
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. NIV John 14:12
Sandy, Simi Valley, CA – Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV) “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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.I will be found by you,” declares the Lord
Jamie from Staunton, IL
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who a persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
-Matthew 5:6-10 (ESV)
Peggy, Jacksonville
Psalms 33:22 NLT
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
Marcie- Scottsdale, AZ
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Cor. 12:10 (NIV)
Romansa 10:8&10 NIV
The Word is near you; It is in your mouth and in your heart. that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming. That if you confess with you mouth ,Jesus is Lord,and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will
be saved.
Sarah from Woodsboro, MD
Matthew 5:14 KJV- You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Shelley, Shalimar, Florida
“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
Lorri, Mi.
II Chronicles 16:9a NIV
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.