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
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 NIV
Alicia, Houston, TX
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Heather, Memphis, TN
Is. 30:18 KJV “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted that he may have mercy upon you. For the LORD is a God of judgment. Blessed are all they that wait for him.”
Collyn, Broken Arrow OK
Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT) May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you peace.
Leah, St.Thomas, Ontario Canada
“Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of Life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1 NIV
Rachel, Evansville, IN
Is. 54:13 “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” (ESV)
Kristen, Marble, NC
Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.
Col 3:23-24 HCSB
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” NASV
Alison, Clay Center, KS
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
NIV
Jennifer, Mansfield
Psalm 25:10 NIV
“All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.”
Ellen, Sevierville
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Barbara
Midland,Texas
Philippians 2:2-3 (ESV)
Complete my joy by being of the same mind,having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Terry
Washington, IL
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again –my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:11 NLT
Peggy Stewart, Flushing, Michigan
II Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
But thanks be to God, who In Chirst always leads us in triumphul procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.
Megan from Biloxi,MS
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do glows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 – NIV
Mary, Chandler
All your children shall be taught by The Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.
Isaiah 54:13 NIV84
Jennifer, Chattanooga
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Laura Beth
“We have this Hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Heb. 6:19a NIV
Wendy, Plano “The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him.” PS 28:7 AMP
Steph from Ontario, Canada
“I do not trust in my bow;
I do not count on my sword to save me.”
Psalm 44:6
NLT
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)
Jamie, Crossett, AR
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NASB
D’Anna Nowack
Kilgore, Texas
Psalm 91:1-3 (NIV)
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
James 1:19-20 NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Kristi, Westmont, IL, Jonah 2:8 (NIV ’84) Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
Marla-Washington
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
—Psalm 13:5 NIV
Lynn, Lancaster, KY
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress and as a bride adorns herself with jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 ESV
Amy, Jacksonville
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)
Sarah, Russellville, AR
Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (NIV)
Kristy, Rome GA, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thous shall go! I will guide thee with mine eyes. psalm 32:8 KJV
Amy San Antonio, TX
Galatians 6:1
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. NASB
Ronda, Tulsa OK: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 ESV
Kathy, Austin TX,
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3: 22-24 NIV
Lauren, Muskegon, MI Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Rae,Greenwood,AR. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2Tim. 2:2 NAS
Ann Unruh, Denver PA
“Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your truth, we wait eagerly for you, for your name and your renown are the desire of our souls.” Isaiah 26:8
Lindsey Turley
Bowling Green, KY
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)
I therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Susan, Houston
“Therefore,while the promise of entering His rest still stands,let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.” Hebrews 4:1 ESV
Kathy – Leamington – Ontario – Canada
“I will strengthen you
though you have not acknowledged me.”
Isaiah 45:5 (NIV)
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost
Titus 3:4,5 KJV
Cheri
Louisville, KY
Jenny, Houston
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)
Tarsha, FL
Proverbs 23:4 “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom”
Pattie, San Angelo, TX
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Kerry Buell, Fenton, MO
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:1 NIV
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commands that I am giving you today are to be upon your heart. Deut. 6:5&6
Judy Heindl, Cottageville WV
Eph 4:3 KJV “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ann Rastorfer, Lee’s Summit, MO
Isaiah 30:15 New American Bible
“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy one of Israel: by waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength. “
Sherry from Henderson NC
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 1:1 NKJV
Jana, Wilmington, Ohio
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord you are serving.
Meg Ebba
New Hampshire
“Love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12