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
Debbie, Los Angeles
Galations 4:16 NIV
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Wendy
Albany, Ga.
Working on memorizing Isaiah 40:28-31
“even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
Is. 40:30. NIV
Deborah Sloan
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:16-18. NIV
Valerie, Central Valley, CA
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2 ESV)
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16 NIV
Lynn
Boynton Beach, FL
Phil 3:16 (ESV) Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Mitzi in Long Beach, CA
Let the favor of The Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NAS
Parrish, FL
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 esv
Lois from Austin, Tx
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28 ESV)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.
Psalm 28:7 NIV
Janet, Kingwood, TX.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the
living.
Psalm 27:13 NKJV
Paige, Lincoln NE
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” Phil 4:13 NKJV
Judith, Orillia, Canada
“You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.”
Ps. 139:4 NLT
Charlsie from Austin, TX
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anythine is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
“…Blessed are those who trust in The Lord and have made The Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)
Sheilah, Albuquerque:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Monica, Nampa Idaho. Give thanks to The Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. Ps 136:3 NLT
Sharon Lititz, PA
1 Peter 3:4 CEV
Be beuatiful in your heart by being
gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last and God considers it very special.
Cheryl, shelby, NC, Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to this fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, throw yourself into the sea and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive what ever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21: 21-22 NIV
Laura, Sabina, Oh
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Romans 8:5 NIV
…Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (NIV)
Kathryn, Oceanside CA, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful”. Colossians 4:2 NIV
Psalm 71:14-15
14. But as for me I will always have hope. I will praise You more and more.
15.My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long, though I know not the measure of it.
Osler, Saskatoon
Sherrie, Newport News, VA
“The vision is yet for an appointed time…”
Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV
Valerie, Clinton ME
“Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.” Psalms 119:73 (NIV)
Kristin, Durban, South Africa
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 NIV
Brittany from Burlington, NC.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 ESV
Carolina from Buford, GA
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 HCSB
Longmont, CO
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take capitve every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5
Beth, London, England. “Lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP)
Donna from Memphis, TN
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” NIV
Beth – Oak Grove, La
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ”
1 John 1:3 – KJV
Mary from Brookfield, CT
Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1Peter 1:13 NCSB Free
Heather, Clemmons, NC
“Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.”
Isaiah 30:15 (The Message)
Rachel, Jackson, TN
John 15:5 NIV, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Michele
Statham, Ga
“And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Phil. 4:8 NLT
Heidi, Columbia, MO
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:2 ESV
Jaclyn, Houston
“All scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Kelly
Idaho
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
Col 2:6-7 NASB
Deborah
Chandler
James 1:22 (NIV). Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (Young’s Literal Translation) Kristin, Clearwater, FL
Sabrina from Hereford, PA
Proverbs 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. NIV
Robin, Springdale Arkansas
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Melissa from West Chester, OH:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9, NIV
Hannah, Alamo TN- John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Teresa, Orange City. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NKJV)
McKenzie
Atlanta, Ga
“Submit yourselves therefor to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 ESV
Tami, DS, LA
Proverbs 18: 21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue,and those who love it will eat its fruit. Hcsb
Or, as my maw-maw Mary used to say, “Lord, let me hush!”
Debi, VA,
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 105:4
Lake Charles, Louisiana
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord , plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)